Martyn's Law - Enhanced Tier Settings

Higher Education Institutions do not fall within the special consideration applied to childcare, primary education, secondary education and further education settings. As a result, higher education premises may fall within the Enhanced Tier where it is reasonable to expect that 800 or more individuals will be present at the same time, from time to time. Many of these complex sites already have established security arrangements and will be considering the impact of the legislation. For many, security risk assessment and emergency planning will form part of business as usual, although others may need to undertake additional work to meet their obligations under Martyn's Law.

Enhanced Tier organisations must prepare and maintain a compliance document which sets out the public protection procedures and public protection measures in place, together with an assessment of how those procedures and measures are expected to reduce the risk of physical harm and, where relevant, reduce vulnerabilities to acts of terrorism. Compliance is not simply about physical security measures. It also involves security culture, governance, policies, procedures, training, awareness and the effective management of people and information. Reviewing existing arrangements now can help identify any gaps and support progress towards compliance with Martyn's Law.

Reviewing your security posture to prepare for Martyn's Law by:

• Conducting a comprehensive vulnerability assessment of your premises to inform your counter-terrorism risk assessment.
• Developing a full counter-terrorism risk assessment.
• Reviewing existing public protection procedures, emergency plans and incident response arrangements
• Testing and exercising procedures to ensure they can be implemented effectively
• Supporting the development of a positive security culture across your organisation
  Identifying appropriate and reasonably practicable improvements to reduce vulnerabilities and improve preparedness

As you know, considering the risk from terrorism is just one part of the complex role of security teams at modern HEIs.  The role of security teams is transforming, as the needs of the communities they serve has changed significantly. 

I am delighted to be the Counter-terrorism Associate for Nuparadigm Security Consulting who will happily provide a holistic review of your security posture; with a focus on student mental health and wellbeing,  as well as more traditional security considerations.