{"id":8701,"date":"2026-08-19T09:31:25","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T07:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.simons-voss.com\/?page_id=8701"},"modified":"2026-08-19T09:31:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T07:31:26","slug":"martyns-law-readiness-checklist","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/blog.simons-voss.com\/en\/martyns-law-readiness-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Martyn’s Law Readiness Checklist\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Martyn’s Law Readiness Checklist ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/blog.simons-voss.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Stadium-access-control-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Stadium access control” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Martyn’s Law places a legal duty on venues and event organisers to plan for the threat of terrorism. For many organisations that means digital access control, audit trails and lockdown capability are no longer nice to have. Use this readiness checklist to see exactly where your venue stands today and what to prioritise before enforcement begins.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Why This Law Exists<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

In May 2017, 22 people lost their lives in the Manchester Arena bombing, among them\u00a029 year old\u00a0Martyn Hett, who was doing what millions of people do every year: attending a live event without expecting harm. The tragedy exposed how many public venues were unprepared for a terrorist attack, with limited access control, inconsistent\u00a0planning\u00a0and no legal obligation to have security protocols in place. Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, campaigned for years to make sure the lessons of that night were acted on, and that campaign led directly to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, now widely known as Martyn’s Law.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025 and carries a\u00a024 month\u00a0implementation period before it comes into force. It introduces a legal duty for venue operators and event\u00a0organisers\u00a0to consider the risk of terrorism and take proportionate steps to protect the public, turning what used to be voluntary good practice into a formal requirement. The law applies to stadiums, arenas, theatres, concert venues, shopping\u00a0centres, universities, museums and any other premises or events where significant numbers of people gather, and it is expected to affect an estimated 178,000 premises across the UK, spanning both public and private sectors.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Key figures<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • 22 lives lost in the Manchester Arena bombing, the tragedy behind the law<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
      \n
    • 178,000 UK premises estimated to fall within scope<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        \n
      • 24 months\u00a0from Royal Assent to enforcement<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        <\/span><\/p>\n

        What the Law Requires: Two Tiers of Duty<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

        Martyn’s Law sets two tiers of obligation, based on how many\u00a0people\u00a0a venue or event can hold at any one time.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/p>\n

        [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

        Standard Tier: 200 to 799 people<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

        <\/span><\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Conduct a terrorism risk assessment<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
            \n
          • Implement basic protective security measures<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
              \n
            • Ensure relevant staff are trained in response protocols<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

              [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

              Enhanced Tier: 800 or more people (everything above, plus)<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

              <\/span><\/p>\n

                \n
              • Designate\u00a0a Senior Individual responsible for compliance<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                  \n
                • Implement\u00a0additional\u00a0security measures where reasonably\u00a0practicable, including digital access control,\u00a0surveillance\u00a0and perimeter checks<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
                    \n
                  • Maintain written documentation and review procedures<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

                    Who needs to act<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

                    If your venue welcomes the public regularly,\u00a0operates\u00a0in a crowded or high-risk environment, or still relies on legacy or manual security systems, you are likely to fall within scope. That can include stadiums and sports clubs, arenas and entertainment venues, educational campuses, places of worship, leisure and retail\u00a0centres, and civic buildings and council-owned spaces. In every case, the\u00a0responsible person\u00a0or\u00a0organisation\u00a0needs to do more than write a plan: they need to be able to\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0it, through training,\u00a0systems\u00a0and documentation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                    [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”1. Access Control & Physical Security ” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • All non-public zones secured with controlled access<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      Staff-only,\u00a0operational\u00a0and other sensitive areas are protected by digital or physical access control, preventing\u00a0unauthorised\u00a0entry and reducing internal risk.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Ability to restrict access by role,\u00a0time\u00a0and location<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        Permissions are set by job role, approved\u00a0hours\u00a0and specific zones, so only the right people can reach the right places at the right times.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Remote lockdown functionality for emergency response<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          Designated personnel can lock down doors or zones remotely the moment a threat or incident is\u00a0identified, isolating risk and protecting the public.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Individual and zone-based access audit trails<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            The system keeps clear, timestamped logs of who accessed which area and when, supporting investigations and\u00a0demonstrating\u00a0control to regulators.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                            [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”2. Surveillance & Monitoring ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • CCTV in place across critical access points<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              Entrances, exits and sensitive back-of-house areas are covered, supporting threat detection and incident verification.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                \n
                              • Surveillance feeds integrated with access events and logs<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                Footage and access data work together, so any breach or suspicious\u00a0behaviour\u00a0can be reviewed quickly against exactly who came through which door.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                  \n
                                • Alerts triggered for suspicious or\u00a0unauthorised\u00a0behaviour<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                  The system flags abnormal activity, such as tailgating or forced entry, automatically, so your team can respond proactively rather than after the fact.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                    \n
                                  • Evidence can be extracted quickly for investigations<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                    Relevant footage and access logs can be retrieved fast for reporting,\u00a0enforcement\u00a0or media response after an incident.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                      <\/ol>\n

                                      [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”3. Staff Training & Operational Response ” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

                                        \n
                                      • Staff trained in emergency lockdown and evacuation protocols<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                        Everyone from operations to front of\u00a0house\u00a0knows what to do, where to go and how to help lead others during an incident.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                          \n
                                        • Clear, documented procedures for different threat levels<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                          Plans exist for scenarios such as a suspicious package, an armed\u00a0threat\u00a0or a mass evacuation, each with defined roles,\u00a0responsibilities\u00a0and communication flows.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                            \n
                                          • Regular drills conducted across departments<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                            Testing procedures in real time\u00a0builds\u00a0muscle memory,\u00a0exposes\u00a0gaps\u00a0and\u00a0gives\u00a0your team confidence to act under pressure.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                              \n
                                            • Incident logs and response plans reviewed periodically<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                              Security documentation is checked at least annually, or after any incident, so it reflects your current systems,\u00a0threats\u00a0and staffing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                              [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”4. Policy & Compliance Preparedness es Here” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n

                                                \n
                                              • Terrorism risk assessment completed in the past 12 months<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                A Protect Duty aligned assessment\u00a0identifies\u00a0vulnerabilities in infrastructure, access\u00a0control\u00a0and crowd movement, and recommends how to mitigate them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                  \n
                                                • Access control policy covers third party and vendor procedures<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                  Contractors, temporary\u00a0staff\u00a0and other partners are built into your security protocols rather than treated as exceptions to them.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                    \n
                                                  • Compliance lead or team\u00a0identified\u00a0internally<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                    One person or team holds formal responsibility for Martyn’s Law compliance, with the authority to review systems, coordinate\u00a0training\u00a0and prepare documentation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      \n
                                                    • Plans in place for Protect Duty alignment ahead of enforcement<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                                                      Work toward compliance, an action plan, sourcing solutions, closing known gaps, is already under way rather than waiting for the law to take effect.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

                                                      \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      \u201cAs we wait for Martyn’s Law to come fully into force,\u00a0organisations\u00a0responsible for public safety face one question: are we truly prepared? For stadiums,\u00a0arenas\u00a0and other high footfall venues, this is a shift from guidance to obligation, and that shift calls for action, not just awareness.\u201d<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      – Bruce Donald, UK Sales Manager, SimonsVoss Technologies<\/em><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      <\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      <\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      SimonsVoss\u00a0already supports venues including Northampton Saints and Trinity College, Cambridge, as they strengthen their security, prepare for audits and take firmer control over who can access their sites. These examples show that readiness is achievable, and that it makes a real difference.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Case Studies” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”How Northampton Saints Boosts Security with SimonsVoss Digital Locks” image=”https:\/\/blog.simons-voss.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/1.png” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” custom_padding=”|0px||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”1″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

                                                      Northampton Saints Rugby Football Club, with roots dating back to 1880, has clinched seven major trophies, including the prestigious English Premiership (2014 and 2024), European Champions Cup (2000) and European Challenge Cup (2009 and 2014) titles. Operating from cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, they needed a modern and reliable solution to streamline their access control and enhance security across their sprawling facilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.simons-voss.com\/en\/case-studies\/northampton-saints.html” button_text=”Read More” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”How Trinity Hall Boosts Security” image=”https:\/\/blog.simons-voss.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/3.png” image_icon_width=”170%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”3″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n

                                                      Trinity Hall, one of the Colleges of Cambridge University, sought a robust solution to enhance security and streamline its access management processes. Their quest led them to partner with SimonsVoss, resulting in modernised, efficient locking solutions that have transformed the College’s day-to-day operations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.simons-voss.com\/en\/case-studies\/trinity-hall.html” button_text=”Read More” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Cheadle Parish Church \u2013 Unlocking Community Access with SimonsVoss” url=”http:\/\/Read%20more” image=”https:\/\/blog.simons-voss.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2.png” image_icon_width=”104%” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”708.3px” custom_margin=”|46px||||” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”2″ sticky_enabled=”0″ width=”100%”]<\/p>\n

                                                      Nestled in the heart of Cheadle, Cheadle Parish Church serves as a multi-use community building that is primarily used by the church but also accommodates various groups throughout the week. From local clubs and social gatherings to one-off meetings, the building is a hub of activity, requiring flexible yet secure access control.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

                                                      [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.simons-voss.com\/en\/case-studies\/cheadle-parish-church.html” button_text=”Read More” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” button_alignment=”left” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]