What is Martyn's Law?
Martyn’s Law – officially titled the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025– is landmark UK legislation designed to strengthen how public venues, workplaces, and event spaces prepare for and respond to the threat of terrorism.
Named in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing on 22th May 2017, the law follows tireless campaigning by his mother, Figen Murray, to improve public safety and ensure lessons are learned from past attacks.
The Law received Royal Assent on April 3rd 2025. Martyn’s Law will introduce a tiered framework of security duties for businesses, venue operators, and employers, helping to better protect the public from terror-related incidents. The law will become fully operational by 2027 and regulated by the Security Industry Authority.
Who Does The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill Apply To?
The law applies to premises and events where members of the public have access, divided into two tiers:
- Standard Tier: Applies to venues with a capacity of 200-799 people. These venues must establish public protection procedures, such as evacuation and lockdown plans, and ensure staff are aware of these measures.
- Enhanced Tier: Applies to venues and events with a capacity of 800+ people. These locations must undertake a full risk assessment, develop a security plan, and implement measures such as CCTV, bag searches, and counter-terrorism training for staff.
Businesses affected by the law include nightclubs, sports venues, theatres, hotels, libraries, museums, places of worship, and public events.
Education settings and places of worship will automatically be classified under the standard tier, regardless of capacity.
How can you prepare?
The Importance of First Aid Training and Equipment
Martyn’s Law is fundamentally about preparedness—ensuring organisations have plans and procedures in place to minimise harm in the event of an attack or other emergency. But while security measures such as bag searches and CCTV can help deter threats, the ability to respond quickly to casualties is just as critical.
By ensuring staff are trained in first aid, businesses can improve their emergency response and reduce the risk of casualties in the aftermath of an attack. As part of your Martyn’s Law compliance strategy, consider implementing the following training and equipment recommendations.
Recommended First Aid Training
- First Response Emergency Care Level 3 (FREC3) Course – This informative, hands-on 5 day course fulfills the competencies set out in the Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care (PHEM) skills framework at descriptor level D. It includes administration of emergency oxygen, management of trauma patients, major illnesses and much more. Find out more.
- First Aid at Work (FAW) – A comprehensive course ensuring workplaces have trained personnel capable of responding to everyday medical emergencies. This is vital in any workplace preparing for the requirements of Martyn’s Law. Find out more.
Caring for Employee Mental Health and Wellbeing
Experiencing or responding to a traumatic incident can take a severe toll on employees’ mental health. Employers have a duty of care not just for physical safety but also for mental wellbeing. Providing access to Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace ensures that employees receive support when dealing with stress, anxiety, or trauma after an incident.
- Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training – Equip your staff with the skills to recognise and support colleagues struggling with mental health challenges. Find out more.
- Post-Incident Support Plans – Establish procedures to provide emotional and psychological support following a traumatic event.
- Workplace Wellbeing Initiatives – Implement strategies to reduce long-term impacts of workplace trauma and stress.
Having trained mental health first aiders on-site is a critical part of an employer’s duty of care, ensuring a well-rounded approach to employee wellbeing under Martyn’s Law.
Invest in Lifesaving Equipment
In addition to training, businesses should invest in lifesaving equipment to strengthen their emergency preparedness.
- Public Access Trauma (PAcT) Kits – Designed for mass casualty incidents, these kits contain haemostatic dressings, tourniquets, and other essential equipment to control severe bleeding. Browse our PAcT Kits.
- Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) – Cardiac arrest can occur due to severe trauma or stress. Having a Defibrillator on-site can dramatically improve survival rates. View our AED range.
- AED Cabinets – Storing defibrillators in a visible and accessible location ensures a rapid response when needed. Shop AED cabinets.
- FREC3 First Responder Emergency Care Kit – These Traumafix kits come in a purpose built tactical rucksack, and include a comprehensive array of pre-hospital essential trauma medical supplies, designed for use by trained First Responders in emergency situations. Find out more.
What Employers Need to Do Now
While the government is expected to allow a 24-month grace period for implementation following the law’s enactment, businesses should begin preparing now. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Assess Your Venue’s Tier – Determine whether your premises fall under the standard or enhanced tier and identify your responsibilities under Martyn’s Law.
- Develop a Security and Emergency Plan – Ensure your organisation has procedures in place for evacuation, lockdown, and mass casualty response.
- Train Key Personnel – Enrol staff in appropriate First Aid Training Courses to improve emergency preparedness, such as:
First Response Emergency Care Level 3 (FREC3) First Aid at Work
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) - Invest in Critical Equipment – Equip your venue with PAcT kits, Defibrillators, and other essential First Aid Supplies to enhance your readiness.
- Prioritise Mental Wellbeing – Ensure trained Mental Health First Aiders are available to support employees who experience trauma or stress.
- Stay Informed – Keep up to date with official guidance and ensure ongoing training and drills for staff.
St John Ambulance Public Access Trauma PAcT First Aid Kit with Tourni-key
St John Ambulance Public Access Trauma PAcT First Aid Kit with Tourniquet
St John Ambulance Universal First Aid Kit Grab Bag
TraumaFix FREC 3 (First Responder Emergency Care) Rucksack
St John Ambulance Large Workplace First Aid Kit BS-8599-12019
St John Ambulance Medium Workplace First Aid Kit BS-8599-12019
Conclusions
Martyn’s Law represents a significant shift in how the UK approaches public safety, placing responsibility on businesses and event organisers to protect their staff, customers, and visitors.
By taking proactive steps now— investing in training, mental health support, and lifesaving equipment—your business can not only comply with the law but also create a safer, more resilient environment for everyone.
St John Ambulance is here to support businesses through this transition. Whether you need expert training, mental health first aid courses, or high-quality first aid equipment, we can help you prepare for the introduction of Martyn’s Law and meet your obligations.
