By Andrew Edwards, Fire & Security Director, Trail Group
For decades, fire safety and security have often been treated as separate responsibilities. Different teams, different assessments, different procedures and, frequently, different contractors.
But when an emergency occurs, those distinctions become far less important. What matters is whether people know what to do, whether systems work together and whether an organisation is genuinely prepared to protect those within its buildings.
As the UK prepares for the implementation of Martyn’s Law, now is the time for organisations to reconsider how they approach safety, security and emergency preparedness.
A significant shift in responsibility
The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, widely known as Martyn’s Law, was introduced following the Manchester Arena attack in 2017, which claimed 22 lives, including that of Martyn Hett.
Driven by the tireless campaigning of Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray OBE, the legislation aims to improve preparedness and protective security at publicly accessible premises and events.
The Act received Royal Assent in April 2025, with implementation expected in 2027. Its requirements will vary depending on the nature and expected occupancy of premises, with a proportionate approach to managing risks.
For organisations responsible for schools, healthcare facilities, public buildings, museums, entertainment venues and other public spaces, the message is clear: understanding potential threats and preparing people to respond effectively must become an integral part of operational planning.
However, the real opportunity goes beyond preparing for another piece of legislation.
The challenge of disconnected safety systems
Consider a busy public building during an emergency.
A fire alarm may signal the need to evacuate, while a security incident could require occupants to remain inside, move away from a particular area or follow an alternative escape route.
If procedures have been developed independently, how confident can an organisation be that staff will make the right decisions under pressure?
Fire detection, access control, CCTV, emergency lighting, communication systems and evacuation procedures all have important roles to play. Yet technology alone cannot provide a complete solution.
The critical factor is how these systems, procedures and the people responsible for them work together.
An effective emergency response requires clear responsibilities, appropriate communication, regular training and an understanding of how different risks may demand different actions.
Preparedness must extend beyond compliance
One of the most important conversations surrounding Martyn’s Law is the difference between meeting regulatory requirements and developing a genuine culture of preparedness.
Having documented procedures is one thing. Ensuring employees understand them, can recognise potential threats and know how to respond is another.
Organisations should be asking themselves some fundamental questions:
- Do our fire safety and security teams understand each other’s emergency procedures?
- Have we considered situations where evacuation may not be the safest immediate response?
- Are responsibilities and communication arrangements clear?
- How regularly are procedures reviewed, tested and communicated?
- Are we confident that our arrangements reflect the way our buildings are actually used?
These questions are particularly relevant to organisations managing multiple properties, complex estates or buildings with high numbers of visitors.
A more joined-up approach to protecting people
At Trail Group, our experience across fire safety, security and building compliance reinforces the importance of looking at the bigger picture.
Protecting a building is not simply about installing equipment or completing individual assessments. It is about understanding how that building operates, who uses it and how risks can be managed effectively.
Martyn’s Law provides an important opportunity for organisations to bring together the people responsible for security, fire safety, facilities management and operational leadership.
This does not mean that fire safety and counter-terrorism arrangements should be identical. Different threats require different responses, and existing statutory fire safety duties remain essential.
Instead, it means ensuring that emergency plans are coordinated, potential conflicts are understood and everyone knows their responsibilities.
The most effective safety strategies are those that work in practice, not simply on paper.
Starting the conversation now
Although the substantive requirements of Martyn’s Law have not yet come into force, organisations have an opportunity to use this implementation period constructively.
Understanding whether premises fall within scope, reviewing existing arrangements, identifying responsibilities and engaging staff are all sensible starting points.
Importantly, preparedness should be proportionate. The aim is not to create unnecessary complexity or encourage organisations to invest in systems they may not need. It is to develop practical, informed approaches that help protect people.
Ultimately, Martyn’s Law should encourage a wider conversation about how we approach safety in the places where people work, learn, receive care and spend their leisure time.
Because when an emergency happens, people do not think in terms of departmental responsibilities.
They simply expect to be safe.
Join the conversation: Trail Group’s Martyn’s Law event
To help organisations explore these challenges, Trail Group is hosting a dedicated Martyn’s Law educational event on Wednesday 4th November 2026, from 3pm to 6pm, at RSA House, John Adam Street, London.
Bringing together perspectives from fire safety, security, policing and the wider built environment, the afternoon will explore what the legislation means in practice and how organisations can begin preparing.
The event is particularly relevant to local authorities, schools and academies, NHS trusts, museums, public venues and those responsible for managing publicly accessible buildings.
Places are limited. To register your interest, email sroots@trailgroup.co.uk