Martyn's Law - Enhanced Tier Settings

Higher Education Institutions do not fall within the 'special consideration' for the education sector and will, where maximum capacity dictates, fall within the Enhanced Tier of the Duty.  Many of these complex sites will have a significant security infrastructure and will already be considering the impact of future legislation.  For many, security risk assessment will form part of business as usual, although others will have more work to do to meet their obligations under Martyn's Law.

It is proposed that Enhanced Tier settings will, under Martyn's Law,  need to identify a 'Senior Individual' who is ultimately accountable.   A 'Relevant Individual' will also be appointed to ensure the setting meets its obligations under the Duty which include:  Preparing a document  which includes the procedures implemented,  an assessment as to how those measures may be expected to reduce (so far as is reasonably practicable) the risk mentioned in relation to both PREPARE and PROTECT.   This is not simply about physical security measures.  It is about the culture of your organisation, your policies, your plans and your people.  Reviewing your infrastructure now will help you understand any gaps before the draft bill is enacted.

Reviewing your security posture in advance of legislation so you can start to prepare now through:

• Conducting a comprehensive site vulnerability assessment
• Reviewing your existing incident response policies and plans to ensure they are effective
• Helping you test and assure these plans
• Developing a security culture at your setting that does not contradict the ethos of an open campus

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 part of a diverse team of consultants at Nuparadigm Security Consulting who will happily provide a holistic review of your security posture; with a focus on student mental health and well being,  as well as more traditional security considerations including counter-terrorism and incident response.