Lesson 7: Advanced Security Plan Development

7.1 Purpose and Scope of the Enhanced Security Plan

For Enhanced Tier venues and events the Security Plan is the central document demonstrating compliance with Martyn’s Law. It must bring together your terrorism risk assessment, mitigation measures and operational procedures into one accessible and auditable record.

The plan should:

• Reflect findings from the enhanced risk assessment
• Detail all reasonably practicable mitigation strategies
• Be tailored to your venue’s layout, function and public profile
• Be accessible to authorised personnel and relevant enforcement bodies

7.2 Structure of the Security Plan

While the layout may vary, the following structure is recommended:

• Executive Summary
• Venue/event overview, location, ownership
• Tier classification
• Contact Directory
• Responsible Person
• Safety Leads, Emergency Services, CTSA contacts
• Threat and Risk Assessment Summary
• Key risks identified
• Rationale for risk ratings
• Mitigation Measures
• Security infrastructure and controls
• Operational policies and procedures
• Staff and contractor protocols
• Emergency Procedures
• Lockdown, evacuation, shelter-in-place
• Communication and coordination
• Role cards and responsibilities
• Training and Exercises
• ACT training register
• Record of drills and scenario exercises
• Lessons identified and plan adaptations
• Plan Maintenance and Review
• Version control and review frequency
• Internal sign-off procedures

Use the Enhanced Security Plan Template to streamline this process.

7.3 Ensuring Operational Readiness

A robust plan is only effective if it is:

• Known to key personnel
• Practised and embedded in day-to-day operations
• Flexible enough to adapt to evolving threats

Readiness tips:

• Conduct regular staff refresher briefings
• Test procedures under different scenarios
• Include plan updates as a standing agenda item at team meetings

7.4 Preparing for Inspection or Audit

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) and other designated enforcement bodies may review your plan to assess compliance.

Your plan should:

• Be available in print and digital format
• Clearly indicate review dates and version control
• Include evidence of staff training and procedural drills
• Contain references to national guidance used (e.g. ProtectUK, Toolkits)
• Inspection checklist – use the Compliance Audit Template (see below)

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• RPT 7a Compliance Audit Template

In Lesson 8, we will focus on Inspection and Enforcement Readiness, including how to prepare for a visit from the regulator, respond to compliance concerns and demonstrate a proactive safety culture.