In April 2025, a significant milestone in public safety was reached as the Protect Duty—widely known as Martyn’s Law—officially received Royal Assent. Following this shift from proposed legislation to statutory law, Controlled Events and Storm 4 Events hosted a collaborative webinar to unpick what this means for the industry.
Rob Walley (Controlled Events) sat down with security expert Gary Jones (Storm 4 Events) to discuss the practicalities of the new mandate. For those who missed the live session or the subsequent video, here is a reflection on the core themes that will now shape event security in the UK.
From Simulation to Reality: The Need for Readiness Training
Rob opened the session by reflecting on his first meeting with Gary years ago at the Coventry University Simulation Centre. Their collaboration was forged on the shared mission of “getting people ready for emergencies.”
With the legislation now live, Rob emphasised that compliance is not just a paperwork exercise. He advocated for a shift toward readiness training—ensuring that the theoretical plans on a page are translated into the muscle memory of the staff on the ground. Being “ready” means moving beyond standard awareness and into active, simulated preparation.
A Legal Mandate, Not a Suggestion
The atmosphere of the webinar was one of both relief and urgency. Rob noted that as a resilience planner—and as a parent—the formalisation of the legislation provides a much-needed framework to ensure that the legacy of past tragedies results in lasting safety.
A massive thank you was extended during the session to Figen Murray, Nick Aldworth, and the entire team who campaigned tirelessly to make this legacy of safety a reality.
The Evolving Role of the SIA
One of the most critical administrative shifts discussed was the expanding remit of the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Under the new legislation, the SIA is no longer just about licensing and standards; it is becoming the central hub for compliance and notification.
Gary Jones highlighted that it will now be a legally mandated process to notify the SIA of specific details regarding your venue or event, including the designation of senior leads. Gary remarked that “furnishing that for the SIA is a significant ask” for the organisation, acknowledging the massive logistical undertaking involved in managing these notifications across the entire UK events industry.
The Pillars of Assessment: Proportionality is Key
Gary urged organisers to look beyond simple checklists and focus on a framework of assessment where proportionality sits at the heart of every decision. The goal isn’t to create a fortress, but to create a safe environment through:
- Target Attractiveness: Evaluating how “appealing” a venue might be to a potential attacker based on its profile, crowd density, and location.
- Consequences: Moving beyond the “if” and focusing on the “what then?”—understanding the potential impact of an incident and how to manage it.
- Risk Appetite and Tolerance: Determining what level of risk can be mitigated and where resources must be focused to meet legal requirements.
The Golden Rule: Proportionate Mitigation. Gary’s final advice was clear: “Don’t go straight to the top end.” Mitigation must be proportionate to the specific risk profile of the event. The law requires a sensible, balanced approach that joins up with other existing risk assessments like fire and health and safety.
Q&A Highlights: Real-World Concerns
The live session sparked a high level of engagement. Here are a few key questions from the audience:
Q: With the legislation now in place, what is the most immediate administrative change for us regarding the SIA? Gary: “The notification process is the big one. You’ll have to provide details of your designated senior leads. While we can argue about the logistics of the SIA managing that volume of data, it is now a formal part of the law.”
Q: If we are just starting to review our plans following Royal Assent, where should our primary focus be? Gary: “Think about consequences. Don’t just look at the threat; look at the potential impact on your specific site. Once you understand the consequences, you can determine your risk appetite and apply that ‘proportionate’ lens.”
Practical Advice: Exercising and Integration
The discussion highlighted that readiness is a continuous process. A plan is only as good as the people who execute it.
- The Critical Role of Exercising: Simulation is now more vital than ever. Tabletop exercises and live drills are the only way to ensure that staff know exactly how to act when the pressure is on.
- Don’t Forget the “Other” Risks: While the Protect Duty is the focus, Gary reminded the audience that terrorism is one risk among many. Join the mitigation together so that your safety plan is holistic and efficient.
Let’s Explore Best Practice Together
As of February 2026, the Security Industry Association (SIA) are finalising their section 12 guidance for public consultation. As such, there is no formal guidance or standard to apply, and we encourage all organisations to avoid ‘Protect Duty compliance’ offers from suppliers and consultants. However, if you are currently exploring what good practice may require under the new Protect Duty but are struggling to navigate the potential options, costs and requirements internally, we are here to help.
Whether you need expert support and guidance in budget planning, readiness training, or practical implementation, we are on hand for an initial call to discuss how we can support your journey toward compliance and enhanced safety.
Contact the team at Controlled Events today to schedule your consultation.
