The four public protection procedures.

The procedures aim to reduce physical harm on the premises and in the immediate vicinity. There is no fixed distance for that vicinity, and the duty is limited to what you control. Consider entrances, nearby routes and associated outside areas when thinking through practical arrangements.

Your layout, opening patterns and available people matter. A church service with volunteer stewards differs from a pub evening shift or a school assembly. Count staff and volunteers when checking your tier, then consider who is actually available to carry out the procedures.

Reasonably practicable means weighing benefit against cost, time and difficulty. No one has to put themselves at risk. These prompts help you discuss your options; they do not require every venue to use identical arrangements.

Evacuation means moving people out of the premises. The guidance says protection evacuation arrangements should differ from fire plans. Do not assume that an alarm always means fire or that everyone should gather at one familiar assembly point.

Consider which routes are available and how a decision about leaving would reach staff and visitors. Discuss alternatives if a usual route cannot be used. For a hall booking, check that the visiting organiser understands how instructions will be given.

The practical aim is a procedure people can follow in the circumstances. Reusing a fire plan without considering these differences leaves important decisions unexplored.

• Consider available exit routes and alternatives.
• Avoid relying on a single assembly point.
• Explain who gives instructions and how they reach people.

Invacuation means moving people to a safer place on the premises. It can be relevant where leaving would not be the appropriate option. Consider whether your layout provides a suitable place and how people could reach it.

Walk the route with someone who knows the building. A room used for storage during one booking may be used differently during another. For schools or larger visitor venues, discuss movement between the spaces people already occupy and the places you are considering.

If a procedure is not adopted, the guidance recommends recording the reasons. Standard tier does not require a written plan, but a short explanation can help the next manager or volunteer understand the decision.

• Consider possible safer places on the premises.
• Check how people would be directed there.
• Discuss whether the arrangements work across different activities.

Lockdown covers preventing people from entering or leaving the premises. Consider how the controls you already have work and who would operate them. Discuss doors, shutters or other available controls with the people who use them.

At a pub, different entrances may be used by customers and staff. At a church or village hall, volunteers may hold keys or manage opening. These everyday arrangements are useful starting points for understanding what is possible.

Standard tier has no statutory requirement to buy equipment or alter the building. Small changes may nevertheless be reasonably practicable. Any proposed arrangement should reflect what people can actually carry out without putting themselves at risk.

• Identify existing controls and who can operate them.
• Consider the entrances and exits used during different activities.
• Check that instructions are understood by the people on duty.

Communication means providing information to people. Decide how staff receive instructions and how those instructions reach visitors, volunteers, contractors and hirers. Consider different spaces, noise levels and times when the usual manager is absent.

A school assembly, a crowded bar and a quiet museum gallery may need different ways of reaching people. Discuss how your team would avoid unclear or conflicting instructions. People with roles must know the procedures and have the tools to act.

There is no statutory training requirement. Free awareness learning can support preparation, and practice and periodic review are recommended. Include people who work occasional shifts or support events as volunteers.

Standard-tier checklist

Documenting standard-tier procedures is recommended, rather than required by law. Enhanced premises and qualifying events have a separate requirement for a compliance document covering procedures and measures.

Software and specialist services are optional. Wardcote’s standard-tier software offers support for writing procedures, briefings and records. Start with the people who know your venue and the official guidance.

Standard-tier requirementsWardcote’s standard-tier software