Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty)

Clear, proportionate guidance for duty holders

Martyn’s Law, formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, places a legal duty on those responsible for certain publicly accessible premises and qualifying events to take reasonable and proportionate steps to reduce vulnerability to terrorism and protect people in those spaces.

The legislation is intentionally risk-based, recognising that protective measures must be appropriate to the size, nature, and use of each premises or event.

How Protect Duty Compliance Works

Compliance with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law) is a legal responsibility placed on organisations and their designated Responsible Persons.

Compliance is not a product that can be purchased, is not transferable to a third party, and cannot be guaranteed by an external adviser. It is achieved through the organisation’s ongoing actions, decisions, governance arrangements, staff training, and review.

Aegis Risk Advisory supports organisations by providing independent advice, proportionate risk assessments, and practical guidance to help Responsible Persons understand their duties and make informed, defensible decisions. Ultimate responsibility for implementation and ongoing compliance always remains with the organisation.

Who the Duty Applies To

Martyn’s Law applies to organisations and individuals responsible for publicly accessible premises and qualifying events where people may reasonably be expected to be present.

This includes:

  • Local authorities and public bodies

  • Sports, leisure, and entertainment venues

  • Places of worship and community buildings

  • Education and healthcare settings

  • Retail, hospitality, and visitor attractions

The duty applies to the responsible person or duty holder—the individual or organisation with control over the premises or event.

Standard and Enhanced Duties

Standard Duty

Applies where 200–799 people may be present.

Focuses on:

  • Understanding relevant terrorism risk

  • Implementing simple, proportionate procedures

  • Improving staff awareness and preparedness

What Martyn’s Law Requires in Practice

Martyn’s Law does not mandate specific security equipment or intrusive measures.

Instead, duty holders are expected to demonstrate that they have:

  • Considered relevant terrorism risks

  • Implemented reasonable and proportionate mitigations

  • Prepared staff to respond effectively

  • Established governance and documentation to show defensible decision-making

The emphasis is on good judgement, not over-securitisation.

How This Aligns With AR Advisory’s Services

AR Advisory provides independent security risk and governance advice aligned directly to Martyn’s Law requirements.

We support organisations to:

Understand Applicability

  • Clarify whether Martyn’s Law applies

  • Identify whether the Standard or Enhanced Duty

    is likely to apply

Plan Proportionate Measures

  • Protective security planning for public-facing settings

  • Advice on physical security, layout, access, deterrence,

    and resilience

Prepare People

  • Executive, management, and staff awareness training

  • Clear roles, responsibilities, and escalation arrangements

Our approach is lawful, proportionate, and practical—protecting people while preserving openness and public trust.

Why Independent Advice Matters

Martyn’s Law places responsibility on decision-making, not just security measures.

Independent advice helps duty holders:

  • Avoid unnecessary or disproportionate controls

  • Demonstrate reasoned, auditable decisions

  • Stand up to regulatory, legal, and post-incident scrutiny

This is particularly important for councils, churches, community venues, and organisations operating publicly accessible premises.

Official Legislation

The full legislation is available via the UK Government:
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/10/contents

Need Clarity on Your Responsibilities?

Unsure whether Martyn’s Law applies to your organisation?
Need confidence that your measures are proportionate and defensible?

➡️ Request a Martyn’s Law Readiness Assessment

➡️ Arrange a confidential advisory discussion

The Act introduces a tiered framework based on expected occupancy.

Enhanced Duty

Applies where 800 or more people may be present.

Requires:

  • More formal risk assessment and security planning

  • Documented protective measures

  • Clear governance and senior-level accountability

The Enhanced Duty reflects the increased risk and potential impact associated with larger or more complex premises and events.

Assess Risk & Threat

  • Site-specific security risk and threat assessment

  • Consideration of people, place, activity, and environment

Strengthen Governance

  • Policies, procedures, and governance documentation

  • Senior accountability and defensible decision-making