Martyn’s Law, formally known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, represents a significant shift in how public venues including schools, government buildings, and other spaces where people gather must approach security and emergency preparedness. Here’s what you need to know, and how modern telephony systems can play a vital role in compliance.

What Is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law was enacted in response to the tragic Manchester Arena attack in 2017, aiming to ensure that public venues take reasonable steps to protect people from potential terrorist threats. The law requires those responsible for qualifying premises and events to assess risks, implement protective measures, and ensure preparedness for emergencies.

(see more at https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2025/04/03/martyns-law-factsheet)

Key requirements include:

• Conducting regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate threats
• Developing and maintaining emergency response plans
• Training staff to respond effectively in crisis situations
• Ensuring robust communication systems are in place for real-time alerts and instructions.

Who Must Comply?

The law applies to a wide range of public spaces, including:

• Town halls, community centres, and markets
• Parks, sports grounds, and leisure facilities
• Libraries and public squares
• Government buildings
• Educational institutions (with specific exemptions and requirements).

Premises are categorised by capacity:

Note: Schools are generally exempt from the Enhanced Tier, regardless of capacity, due to existing safeguarding measures, but must still meet Standard Tier requirements if applicable.

How Will Martyn’s Law Be Enforced?

A new regulatory function within the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will oversee compliance, offering guidance and support but also be able to issue compliance notices, monetary penalties, and even pursue criminal prosecution in cases of serious or persistent non-compliance. There is a 24-month implementation period for organisations to prepare.

Why Communication Systems Are Essential

A critical component of Martyn’s Law is the ability to communicate rapidly and clearly during an emergency. Traditional alarms and loudhailers often fall short in complex, crowded, or noisy environments. Modern telephony and notification systems bridge this gap:

• Instant Alerts: VoIP and integrated notification platforms can send real-time alerts to 
• staff and key personnel, ensuring everyone receives clear instructions no matter their location.
• Reliability: VoIP systems can remain operational during power outages or network failures, ensuring communication lines stay open in a crisis.
• Integration: Digital telephony integrates with other safety technologies alarms, access control, and mass notification systems enabling a coordinated response.
• Flexibility: Easily update contact lists, emergency plans, or dial plans as your organisation evolves, ensuring your system always matches your risk profile

How HM Network Can Help

At HM Network, we provide telephony systems and solutions designed to support compliance with Martyn’s Law. We can provide:

• Mass notification capabilities for instant lockdown or evacuation alerts
• Seamless connectivity across devices and locations
• Customisable features to match your venue’s unique needs

By investing in robust communication infrastructure  you not only meet the requirements of Martyn’s Law, but also create a safer environment for your staff, students, and visitors.

Martyn’s Law is about more than compliance,  it’s about saving lives through preparedness, training, and effective communication. As public spaces adapt to these new legal obligations, upgrading telephony and emergency notification systems is a practical, proactive step toward building safer communities. If you’re responsible for a public venue or event, now could well be the time to review your emergency plans and ensure your communication systems are up to the challenge.  

Contact us to have a chat about how we can help you prepare, protect, and comply with invacuation, evacuation & lockdown.