What is Martyn’s Law?
“The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, known as Martyn’s Law, will ensure the public is better protected from terrorism by requiring certain public premises and events to be prepared and ready to keep people safe in the event of an attack.” – GOV.UK
Martyn’s Law, also called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is a new piece of UK legislation designed to strengthen security in public places and events. It is named in memory of Martyn Hett, who lost his life in the Manchester Arena attack in 2017. His mother, Figen Murray, campaigned tirelessly for change, and her efforts were central to this law.
The aim of Martyn’s Law is simple: to make sure organisations have clear and tested procedures in place to protect the public in the event of a terrorist attack.
Get ready: simply, quickly and for free
Student Safety App is the student-built safety platform that helps universities, Students’ Unions and Purpose-Built Student Accommodation put standard duty procedures in place. With real-time local alerts, incident reporting, Track Me and a 24/7 control room that works on and off campus, Student Safety App provides an all-in-one approach to readiness.
Partner with Student Safety App at £0. It works alongside existing systems and extends protection into the local area.
Who’s in scope?
If your premises can host 200+ people (standard duty) or 800+ (enhanced duty), you’ll need clear public protection procedures and communications. Student Safety App helps your teams communicate fast and capture audit evidence.
How Student Safety App supports Martyn’s Law readiness
- Mass communication and real-time alerts for emergency updates and comms cascades
- Incident reporting and Near Me for situational awareness during evacuation, invacuation or lockdown
- 24/7 control room to monitor, escalate and coordinate responses to your in-house control room
- Incident logs to show procedures were in place and used
- Student adoption: built by students, for students
Ideal for: Security and Estates, Student Services, Communications teams, SU venue managers, PBSA operators
Martyn’s Law duties explained
Standard duty premises
Venues where between 200 and 799 people may be present must:
- Notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) of their premises
- Have public protection procedures in place, such as evacuation, lockdown or invacuation
These requirements are simple, low cost and centred around preparedness.
Enhanced duty premises and qualifying events
Venues or events where 800+ people may be present must also:
- Put in place measures to reduce vulnerability and risk of harm
- Document these measures and provide them to the SIA
- Appoint a senior individual responsible for compliance if the duty holder is an organisation
Implementation period – time to prepare
The Government has confirmed that there will be an implementation period of at least 24 months before Martyn’s Law comes into force. This period allows the new function of the Security Industry Authority to be established and ensures that those responsible for premises and events in scope have enough time to understand their new obligations.
For universities, Students’ Unions and PBSA operators, this means there is a clear two-year window to review current safety measures, plan improvements and put compliant procedures in place. Partnering with Student Safety App during this period allows you to prepare efficiently, demonstrate readiness and avoid last-minute costs or disruption.
Who is responsible?
The “responsible person” is the individual or organisation that controls the premises or event. This might be a university estates team, an SU venue manager, or the operator of student accommodation.
Enforcement and compliance
A new regulatory function within the Security Industry Authority will oversee Martyn’s Law. The SIA will support and advise venues but can also issue compliance notices, fines or restrictions. Serious or persistent breaches could lead to criminal penalties.
Why Martyn’s Law matters
Since 2017 there have been 15 terror attacks in the UK and dozens more plots have been disrupted. Attacks can happen in a wide range of places, from music venues and shopping centres to university campuses.
Martyn’s Law ensures consistent standards for preparedness. Just as health and fire safety rules are legally required, counter terrorism planning will now also be a legal responsibility.
For universities, Students’ Unions and student accommodation, this means peace of mind that students and staff are better protected.
Stay ahead with Student Safety App
Student Safety App is the fastest way to meet Martyn’s Law requirements. Built by students for students, it combines communication, monitoring and reporting into one platform that integrates with existing systems.
With Student Safety App your organisation can show evidence of compliance, strengthen community safety and reassure students and parents alike.
For more information go to: Martyn’s Law: the SIA’s new regulatory role – GOV.UK