Martyn’s Law: What It Means for Schools and Education Settings

As discussions around Martyn’s Law, also known as the Terrorism(Protection of Premises) Bill, continue, many are wondering how this new security law will impact schools. Named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the tragic 2017 Manchester Arena terrorist attack, the law aims to improve security preparedness across the UK. Although the Bill is still under review ,its implications for educational institutions are significant.

Schools are being given special consideration under the legislation, ensuring that they face less stringent requirements compared to other public venues. Here’s what schools need to know about Martyn’s Law and what it will mean for them.

What Is Martyn’s Law?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, commonly known as Martyn's Law, aims to ensure that public premises are prepared for and protected from terrorist attacks. The legislation would make it a legal requirement for certain venues to assess their terrorism risk and have measures in place to respond to those threats.

While the law applies to all publicly accessible venues, schools are treated differently under the Bill due to their unique environments. Schools already have safety and safeguarding policies in place, such as lockdown and evacuation procedures, which are independently decided.

‍What Would Schools Need to Do?

Under Martyn’s Law, schools would need to take reasonable steps to improve their preparedness for potential threats. The measures include:

• Risk Assessments: Schools need carry out regular assessments to identify potential risks from terrorism and take action to mitigate these risks.
• Evacuation, Invacuation, and Lockdown Procedures: Schools will need to have plans in place for safely evacuating or locking down the premises in case of an attack. These procedures should outline how to secure doors, move students to safe areas, and limit access to vulnerable parts of the building.
• Communication Plans: Schools must ensure they have systems in place to alert staff and students during an emergency. This could involve the use of public address systems, alarms, or other technology that enables swift communication during a crisis.

Something to note, there is no requirement for schools to undergo specific terrorism training or complete a detailed Standard Terrorism Evaluation. Instead, staff just need to be aware of the procedures in place and receive any necessary instructions or training relevant to their roles.

How Can Schools Prepare?

While Martyn’s Law is still in its draft stages, schools should begin considering how they can enhance their security measures now. Modern solutions are available to help schools meet the needs of the Bill, without overwhelming them with costs or complexity.

1. Access Control Systems: Introducing tech like InVentry can help schools monitor who enters and exits the building, ensuring that only authorised people can access certain areas. This system could also help in locking down specific parts of the school in an emergency.
2. Lockdown Alert Systems: Schools should consider installing a lockdown alert system, such as LOCAS, which allows for rapid communication with staff and students during a threat. Wireless auditory alerts can be used to instruct individuals on how to act and where to move in the event of an attack.

By using these kinds of technologies, schools can make surethey are prepared for any threats while complying with Martyn’s Law.

Non-Compliance

Although penalties for non-compliance exist, the primary aimof the legislation is to give support to schools and help them meet therequired standards. The Regulator’s role will be to guide and advise schools,ensuring they can put in place the measures without punishing action unlesscompliance is ignored.

Next Steps for Schools

Although Martyn’s Law is still under review, it’s important for schools to start preparing now. By introducing risk assessments, reviewing emergency plans, and considering new security technologies, schools can ensure they are ready to comply with the law when it comes into effect.

If you’d like to learn more about how your school can improve its security measures, feel free to fill in our contact form, and we’d be happy to offer advice and guidance.