The following text field filters the results that follow as you type.
Martyn’s Law is one of the most significant pieces of public safety legislation in recent years, ushering in new rules for events and premises hosting more than 200 people.
Published on 2 February, 2026
Officially called the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, it has implications for charities running fundraising events, galas and festivals, and for those operating community centres or places of worship in the third sector.
So, what do charities need to know about Martyn’s Law? Here’s the top questions, answered.
What is Martyn’s Law?
It’s a new law designed to make public venues and events safer by requiring those in control to prepare for and mitigate the risk of a terrorist incident. It was brought forward in the wake of the Manchester Arena bombing and the campaigning of Figen Murray, the mother of one of the victims, Martyn Hett.
When does Martyn’s Law take effect
The Act received Royal Assent in April 2025. The government has confirmed there will be a minimum 24-month implementation period before it comes into force. This means enforcement is expected no earlier than April 2027, but charities should begin preparations in 2026 to avoid noncompliance.
Will Martyn’s Law impact charities?
Yes, if your charity client operates a premises where 200 or more people may reasonably be expected to be present at the same time, or organises events where 800 or more people are expected. These thresholds determine whether they're in scope.
How will Martyn’s Law work?
The Act introduces a tiered system based on the size of premises or events. Each tier has its own requirements and designated responsible persons. These tiers are:
The standard tier: Premises where 200 to 799 individuals may reasonably be expected to be present at the same time.
The enhanced tier: Premises or events where 800 or more individuals may reasonably be expected to be present.
Read the four types of insurance for charity fundraising events.
What will be required under Martyn’s Law’s two tiers?
Under the standard tier, requirements focus on straightforward measures to help staff reduce harm and save lives in the event of an attack. These are primarily procedural rather than physical and may include:
- Knowing how to lock doors or close shutters
- Understanding evacuation or lockdown procedures
- Being able to guide people to safety
Personnel responsible for standard tier premises will need to notify the regulator, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), that they are responsible for their premises and have appropriate public protection procedures in place that could reasonably be expected to reduce the risk of physical harm if an attack were to occur.
Under the enhanced tier, in addition to the above, the responsible person must, as far as is reasonably practicable, put in place public protection measures to reduce their vulnerability to acts of terrorism. This could include, for example, bag search policies, CCTV, or vehicle access control – though these are illustrative rather than prescriptive.
What does Martyn’s Law mean for charity clients’ insurance coverage?
Martyn’s Law brings event and terrorism cover into sharper focus. Employers’ liability and public liability policies may already include terrorism, but insurers may begin to scrutinise what organisations are doing to meet their compliance duties under Martyn’s Law, especially when applying for a new policy.
Insurance providers may also be able to support clients with advice and guidance on preparedness. Our new Charities Combined proposition, for example, offers customers a number of value-add resources that can assist with compliance, including complimentary access to a business hub of insights and a legal helpline.
With many charities likely to fall in scope of Martyn’s Law, helping clients to prepare sooner rather than later will help to deliver safe spaces and events in compliance with the new Act. Check the Government’s fact sheet for more.
A flexible solution for the risks faced by not-for-profits
Charities Combined is a specialist insurance solution built to serve the needs of smaller charities and community groups with up to £2m turnover. Coverage options include cyber and data risks, liabilities, and protection of assets, and it’s available to eTrade on Acturis today.
Discover quick quotes, digital underwriters, and expert support from our charity specialists:
