Live Risk Assessments for Martyn’s Law Compliance

Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, is now in place to help make public spaces in the UK safer. Named after Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, this law is about making sure venues are better prepared to prevent and respond to terror threats.

One of the key ways to meet these new requirements and strengthen your team’s ability to act quickly is by using a live digital risk assessment. In this post, we’ll break down what Martyn’s Law means, why digital risk assessments are important, and how they can help you stay compliant and prepared.

What Does Martyn’s Law Require?

The law sets out clear security responsibilities based on the size and nature of your premises:

For Venues That Host 200+ People:

You’ll need to have a basic security plan in place. That includes carrying out risk assessments, creating evacuation procedures, and ensuring staff are trained in what to do during an emergency.

For Venues That Host 800+ People:

Larger venues have more detailed requirements. You might need things like CCTV, bag searches, or even vehicle checks depending on your setup.

This law was pushed forward by Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, and it aims to prevent future tragedies by making security a shared responsibility.

Why Risk Assessments Are More Important Than Ever

Risk assessments have always played a role in event and venue planning, but Martyn’s Law makes them a legal requirement. More importantly, it’s not just about doing a risk assessment once and filing it away. The risks we face are constantly changing, so your response plans need to change with them.

That’s where live digital risk assessments come in.

Static vs. Live Digital Risk Assessments

Traditional risk assessments are often printed documents that end up sitting in a folder. The problem? They’re easy to forget and hard to update. In contrast, digital assessments can be updated in real time, and everyone on your team can access the latest version instantly.

Here’s what that means in practice:

• Real-time updates: If guidance changes or a new threat emerges, your plan can reflect that immediately.

• Instant access: Everyone from managers to on-site staff can see the same information at the same time.

• Single source of truth: No confusion about which version is the most current.

5 Ways a Live Digital Risk Assessment Helps Your Team

1. Better Communication Across Teams

When all your staff from security officers to event managers can view and update the same digital document, everyone stays on the same page. That’s especially helpful for large venues where multiple teams are working across different areas.

2. Faster, More Effective Response

If there’s an incident, speed matters. A digital risk assessment can include:

• Instant alerts to notify staff of threats or changes.

• Step-by-step action plans so staff know what to do, without scrambling for instructions.

This helps your team respond calmly and consistently when it matters most.

3. Easier Compliance with Martyn’s Law

The law requires you to demonstrate that you’re actively managing risks. A digital tool makes that easier by offering:

• Audit trails that show when changes were made and by whom.

• Proof of staff training and policy updates.

• Space to store relevant documents like certificates and inspection reports.

This can save time during inspections and gives you peace of mind that everything is properly documented.

4. Access for External Partners

Often, your venue works with outside partners security contractors, local authorities, emergency services. A cloud-based platform lets you share parts of your risk assessment securely and selectively.

That means:

• Improved coordination during planning and emergencies.

• Clear communication across all stakeholders.

• Greater transparency for regulators and partners.

5. Greater Confidence for Everyone

When you’re actively managing risk in a visible way, your team and your guests feel it. Staff are more confident in their roles. Visitors notice the professionalism and care. And your venue builds a stronger reputation for putting safety first.

How to Get Started with Digital Risk Assessments

Moving from paper to digital may seem like a big shift, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s what to look for in a digital platform:

• A simple, user-friendly dashboard so staff can get started easily.

• Real-time notifications for fast updates.

• Secure data storage that complies with privacy regulations.

• Customisable templates that fit your venue’s needs.

Start small if needed focus on making the platform part of your team’s daily routine. Over time, it becomes second nature.

Keeping Staff Training Up to Date

Security procedures are only effective if your team knows how to follow them. With a live digital risk assessment, training materials can be kept current and shared instantly. This helps new staff get up to speed quickly and ensures everyone knows their role in case of an emergency. It also allows managers to track who has completed training, helping you stay ready and compliant.

Learning from Past Incidents

Live risk assessments can also include lessons learned from previous incidents, both in your own venue and across the industry. By keeping this information updated and visible to staff, you create a more informed team. Reviewing past mistakes or successes helps improve future planning and builds a stronger security culture over time.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of the new UK safety law?

It ensures public venues and events take steps to protect people from potential terror threats through proper planning and response.

2. Who needs to follow the new safety requirements?

Any venue or event space that holds 200 or more people must meet the planning and training duties set out by the law.

3. Why are live safety plans better than printed ones?

Live plans can be updated in real time and shared instantly, helping teams stay aligned and ready to act quickly.

4. Can staff access the safety plan from anywhere?

Yes, if the plan is stored online, team members can view updates or instructions from any location with internet access.

5. How does this help during an emergency?

Live plans give staff clear steps and alerts when action is needed, reducing confusion and speeding up response.

Conclusion

Martyn’s Law marks a turning point in how venues approach safety. It’s no longer enough to have a dusty binder of emergency plans. Today’s world requires live, flexible tools that adapt as risks evolve.

By moving to a live digital risk assessment, you’re not just ticking a legal box. You’re building a stronger safety culture one that gives your team the tools they need to protect your visitors and themselves.

Looking to Upgrade Your Risk Assessment Process?

Now is the time to move forward with digital tools that keep your venue secure, compliant, and prepared. A live risk assessment system is more than a safety measure it’s a smarter way to work.