Introduction to Martyn’s Law
Video Script
Hello, and welcome to this essential training on Martyn’s Law. I’m here to guide you through what this new legislation means for our school and your role in keeping everyone safe.
[SHOW SLIDE: Photo of Martyn Hett]
First, let me tell you about Martyn Hett. Martyn was 29 years old when he was tragically killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017. He was one of 22 people who lost their lives that night, attending an Ariana Grande concert with friends. Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, campaigned tirelessly for better protection in public spaces, leading to the creation of what we now know as Martyn’s Law.
[SHOW SLIDE: Act title]
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent in April 2025. This law, known as Martyn’s Law, requires those responsible for certain premises – including schools – to take reasonable steps to protect people from terrorist attacks.
[SHOW SLIDE: Key aims]
The law has three main aims: to enhance protective security and preparedness at public premises, to reduce physical harm if a terrorist attack occurs, and to improve the information available to respond effectively to attacks.
[CUT TO EXAMPLE: School building]
Why are schools included? Schools are gathering places where many people come together – students, staff, parents, and visitors. This makes them potentially attractive targets, but more importantly, it means we have a responsibility to be prepared and protect our community.
[SHOW SLIDE: Two tiers]
The Act creates two levels of duty. The Standard Tier applies to premises that regularly have 200-799 people present. The Enhanced Tier applies to larger premises with 800 or more people. Here’s something important to remember: all schools fall into the Standard Tier, regardless of their actual size. This keeps requirements proportionate for educational settings.
[SHOW SLIDE: Legal requirements]
What does this mean legally? If we don’t comply with our duties under the Act, there can be serious consequences. The regulator can issue improvement notices, and in severe cases, there are criminal penalties including fines and even imprisonment for those responsible.
[SHOW SLIDE: Why it matters]
But this isn’t just about avoiding penalties. This is about creating a culture of preparedness that could save lives. The evidence from the Manchester Arena response showed that staff who had participated in emergency exercises felt significantly better prepared when a real incident occurred.
In the next module, we’ll look at exactly what requirements apply to our school. For now, remember that Martyn’s Law is about being prepared, not living in fear. It’s about taking sensible, proportionate steps to protect our school community.
Reading
The Story Behind the Law
Martyn Hett was a 29-year-old PR manager and blogger who loved life, travel, and popular culture. On 22 May 2017, he attended an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena with friends. He was one of 22 people killed when a terrorist detonated a bomb in the arena’s foyer as people were leaving the concert.
Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, channelled her grief into a campaign for better security at public venues. Her tireless advocacy led to the creation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, ensuring Martyn’s legacy would help protect others.
Understanding the Legislation
The Act creates a legal framework requiring those responsible for certain premises to take reasonable steps to protect people from terrorist attacks. The legislation recognises that while terrorist attacks are rare, their impact can be devastating, and preparedness can save lives.
Key Features of the Act:
- Applies to premises that regularly accommodate 200 or more people
- Creates two tiers of duty based on capacity
- Focuses on preparedness rather than prescriptive security measures
- Includes enforcement mechanisms and penalties
Why Schools Are Included
Schools are community hubs that regularly bring together large numbers of people – students, staff, parents, and visitors. Research shows that educational settings can be potential targets, but more importantly, they have a duty of care to their communities.
> Important: All schools fall under the Standard Tier requirements, regardless of their actual size. This approach recognises the unique nature of educational settings and ensures requirements remain proportionate.
The Two-Tier System
Standard Tier (200-799 people)
- Conduct terrorism risk assessments
- Implement appropriate preparedness measures
- Provide terrorism awareness training
- Keep records and report incidents
Enhanced Tier (800+ people)
- All Standard Tier requirements
- Additional security measures
- Designated security personnel
- More detailed reporting requirements
Legal Implications
Non-compliance with Martyn’s Law can result in:
- Improvement notices from the regulator
- Financial penalties
- Criminal prosecution in serious cases
- Reputational damage
- Increased liability in the event of an incident
However, the focus should be on the positive: compliance helps create a safer environment for everyone in your school community.
Evidence of Effectiveness
Research from the Manchester Arena response found that emergency preparedness exercises provided strong evidence of enhanced response to mass casualty incidents. Healthcare staff who had participated in exercises felt significantly better prepared when responding to the actual attack.
This demonstrates that preparedness measures, when properly implemented, can make a real difference in protecting lives and improving response outcomes.
Activity
Reflection: Understanding Your Role
Time Required: 5 minutes
Instructions: Think about your current role in school and complete this brief reflection. Consider your answers carefully – there are no right or wrong responses, just honest thinking about preparedness.
- Your Current Awareness (2 minutes)
- Before this training, how familiar were you with the term ‘Martyn’s Law’?
- What existing safety procedures are you already familiar with in your school?
- Which areas of the school do you work in or visit regularly?
- Your Responsibilities (2 minutes)
- Think about a typical day in your role. When do you interact with students, parents, or visitors?
- What would you do currently if you noticed something suspicious or concerning?
- Who would you report safety concerns to in your school?
- Your Commitment (1 minute)
- Write one sentence about why being prepared for emergencies matters to you personally.
- What questions do you have about Martyn’s Law that you’d like answered in this training?
Expected Outcome: By completing this reflection, you should have a clearer understanding of your current knowledge level and how your role connects to school safety and preparedness. Keep these thoughts in mind as we progress through the training – they’ll help you apply the learning to your specific situation.