Dudley CVS are working with the team from Morserv to put on information events for the voluntary, community and faith sector groups in our area to learn more about the implications of Martyn's Law for them.

Doors will open at 9 for a prompt 9:30 start and the session will last for 60-90 minutes.

There will be plenty of opportunity to work in groups and ask questions and Chris and Jason from Morserv will be on hand to offer their expert advice.

Martyn’s Law: How prepared are you?

The Government recently announced details for the Protect Duty, now to be known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute of Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in 2017. This legislation is due to come into place in early to mid 2023.

What will Martyn’s Law do

1. It will keep people safe, and reduce the risk to the public from terrorism by the protection of public venues, and    

2. It will place a requirement on those responsible for certain locations to consider the threat from terrorism and implement appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures.  

The legislation will ensure parties are prepared, ready to respond and know what to do in the event of an attack. Better protection will be delivered through enhanced security systems, staff training, and clearer processes.

Who will it affect

The legislation will affect organisations where “qualifying activities” take place. This will include locations for purposes such as entertainment and leisure, retail, food and drink, museums and galleries, sports grounds, public areas of local and central government buildings (e.g. town halls), visitor attractions, temporary events, places of worship, health, and education.

It is proposed that the duty will apply to eligible premises which are either: a building (including collections of buildings used for the same purposes, e.g. a campus); or a location/event (including a temporary event) that has a defined boundary, allowing capacity to be known.

Premises will be affected if they meet the following three tests: 

• That the premises is an eligible one

• That a qualifying activity takes place at the location; and  

• That the maximum occupancy of the premises meets a specified threshold – either 100+ or 800+ 

What does this mean for you?

There are a significant number of things to consider, especially for organisations that are responsible for multiple locations that fit the definition but have never been subject of these requirements before.

The important thing for you is to start assessing your readiness and implementing your response now.

New legislation for gatherings of 100+ people - Martyn's Law are you ready?