Lesson 3: Core Preparedness Principles

3.1 Proportionate Planning and Risk-Based Thinking

Preparedness under Martyn’s Law is founded on the principle of proportionality: the security measures taken should reflect the scale, capacity and threat profile of a venue or event. This approach ensures that limited resources are used effectively without burdening smaller venues unnecessarily.

Key principles of proportionate planning:

• Recognise your tier classification and plan accordingly
• Consider threat likelihood and impact rather than hypothetical worst-case scenarios
• Prioritise low-cost, high-impact interventions (e.g: staff awareness, controlled access points)
• Document decisions and rationale to demonstrate reasonableness
• Tools such as the Risk Assessment Proforma (see handouts below) can help Responsible Persons identify key risks and determine appropriate responses

3.2 Public Safety Fundamentals and Crowd Risk Considerations

Even in non-terrorism contexts, public safety should be at the heart of every event or venue operation. Martyn’s Law simply formalises this mindset and incorporates terrorism-specific risks.

Foundations of public safety planning include:

• Clear entry and exit management, especially during peak flow times
• Crowd density awareness: Maintain safe occupancy limits and monitor movement
• Access for emergency services and evacuation routes Consideration for vulnerable individuals (e.g. mobility, age, neurodiversity)
• Hazard recognition (unattended items, disorderly conduct, access breaches)
• Resources such as the Purple Guide, NaCTSO guidance and ProtectUK playbooks can support crowd management planning

3.3 Embedding a Safety-First Culture

Creating a security-conscious environment relies on more than plans and checklists. It depends on people understanding their role in protecting others and being empowered to take action.

Ways to embed a safety-first culture:

• Encourage reporting of suspicious behaviour or items (“See, Check and Notify”) see also: https://www.npsa.gov.uk/see-check-and-notify-scan
• Conduct regular staff briefings, not just one-off training (use the Staff Briefing checklist)
• Use clear, inclusive messaging to explain procedures to visitors
• Ensure senior leadership visibly supports security policies
• Practice scenario-based exercises to improve decision-making confidence (use the DSC Incident Response Playbooks)
• Cultural change takes time, but consistent messaging and reinforcement from leadership will make security awareness second nature

Handouts (will open in a new tab):

• RPT 3a See, Check and Notify poster
• RPT 3b Staff Briefing Checklist

In Lesson 4, we will explore how to deliver terrorism awareness and response training across your team, using freely available tools and methods.