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For journalists and editors.
Wardcote writes practical guidance on Martyn’s Law for the people who run venues, halls, churches and events. This page sets out who we are, what we can talk about, how we check facts, and free resources you are welcome to link to.
Who we are
Wardcote helps UK venues and events with security reviews and readiness for Martyn’s Law, the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. We also make software for venues in the standard tier.
Wardcote is not the regulator and does not certify compliance. The regulator is the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Wardcote is a trading name of RJS & Partners LLP, registered in England and Wales (OC455066). Registered office: 71–75 Shelton Street, Covent Garden, London WC2H 9JQ.
Topics we can comment on
Martyn’s Law tiers
Who is in scope, the standard and enhanced tiers, and why places of worship, schools, childcare and further education stay in the standard tier.
The four public protection procedures
Evacuation, moving people to a safer place inside, lockdown and communication, and what “so far as reasonably practicable” means for a small venue.
Counting people
How the 200 and 800 thresholds work: people present at the same time, staff and volunteers included, and why fire safety capacity is not the test.
Village halls, churches and hirers
What the law asks of volunteer-run halls and places of worship, and why ordinary hiring does not transfer the operator’s responsibility.
Choosing a security supplier
What the law does and does not require venues to buy, and what to ask a supplier. The law does not require anyone to buy software or specialist services.
SIA notification
What venues will need to tell the Security Industry Authority, and when. The portal is not yet live, and commencement is expected in spring 2027.
Our approach to accuracy
Every guidance page cites the official source. We state what the law requires, and no more.
- We cite the Act on legislation.gov.uk, the Home Office statutory guidance and factsheets, the SIA and ProtectUK.
- Where a date is not fixed, we say so. The core duties are expected to start in spring 2027; no exact date has been set.
- We separate what the law requires from what the guidance recommends, and say plainly when something is optional.
- Each guidance page shows when it was last reviewed. If you think something is wrong, please tell us.
- Our guidance is general information, not legal advice.
Free resources to link to
Free to use and link to. The online checks need no email; the printable templates and worksheet ask for one before printing. Councils, dioceses, hall networks and trade bodies are welcome to list them.
Free venue preparation pack
Five printable templates and a one-page standard-tier checklist: attendance log, procedures planner, briefing record, practice record, responsibilities sheet and checklist.
wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/templatesCounting worksheet
A printable worksheet for counting people against the 200 and 800 thresholds.
wardcote.co.uk/how-many-people/worksheetHow many people? The 200-person check
An online calculator for the busiest foreseeable occasion, staff and volunteers included.
wardcote.co.uk/how-many-peopleCheck your tier
A two-minute check of whether the law applies and which tier, with the reasons. No email.
wardcote.co.uk/check-your-tierMartyn’s Law guide
Guidance on the law, the procedures and notification, with official sources on every page.
wardcote.co.uk/martyns-lawMartyn’s Law by sector
Guidance for churches, schools, halls, pubs, venues, shops and more.
wardcote.co.uk/martyns-law/sectors