What is Martyn’s Law? A guide to compliance | iC2 CCTV

If you are in charge of a school campus, look after a university estate, or run a public venue, the legal situation concerning physical safety is changing.

Formalised under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, Martyn’s Law guidance establishes a legal obligation for public-accessible venues to plan for and address potential safety risks. Honouring Manchester Arena attack victim Martyn Hett, this UK law makes security compliance mandatory.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is regulating the Martyn’s Law guidance, and delaying compliance will cause significant risks. Here is how educational institutions and venue operators can evaluate premises, meet obligations, and strengthen security infrastructure.

The Two-Tier System: Where Does Your Venue Sit?

The Martyn’s Law guidance does not treat a 250-seat school assembly hall the same as an 80,000-capacity university stadium. The Act establishes a tiered compliance model based on maximum public-capacity thresholds.

1. Standard Tier (200 – 799 People)

This tier captures smaller public venues, primary schools, secondary colleges, independent schools, and local community halls. The focus is on low-cost, procedural readiness rather than expensive physical overhauls.

Key Obligations:

• Register premises with the SIA.
• Carry out basic threat evaluations.
• Ensure on-duty staff complete free Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) awareness e-learning.
• Maintain documented plans for the "Big Three" emergency responses:
• Guide: Evacuation routes.
• Shelter: Invacuation and internal lockdown.
• Communicate: Alerting occupants instantly.

2. Enhanced Tier (800+ People)

This tier captures higher education campuses, university union spaces, large auditoriums, sports grounds, and major event arenas. The focus is on rigorous, proactive risk mitigation and verified protective security.

Key Obligations:

• Follow all the standard tier obligations
• Duty holders must appoint a named Senior Individual responsible for compliance.
• Implement practicable physical and technological security measures.
  

How iC2 CCTV Supports Your Compliance Journey

Complying with Martyn's Law requirements involves designing an integrated security architecture tailored to your site's physical layout and operations, rather than simply buying off-the-shelf hardware.

As an NSI Gold-accredited integrator, iC2 CCTV helps school governors, university estate directors, and facility managers navigate compliance requirements:

• Vulnerability & Gap Analysis: We assess physical assets (gates, intercoms, and CCTV) to spot vulnerabilities before safety audits or emergencies.
• System Integration: We integrate CCTV, intruder alarms, access control, and PA systems into one unified interface.
• Ongoing Maintenance & Verification: iC2 offers routine preventive maintenance and 24/7 remote monitoring to keep your lockdown systems operational when needed.

Ensure your premises are fully prepared, compliant, and protected.

Contact the iC2 CCTV technical team today to book your Martyn's Law security assessment.