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Security from threats of terrorism – Toolbox Talk

SECTION GUIDE

Acts of terrorism are rare, but when they do occur, the consequences can be devastating. Many incidents are preceded by warning signs such as suspicious behaviour, unauthorised access or unattended items that go unreported.

The Security from threats of terrorism toolbox talk has been developed to help organisations raise awareness, build confidence and ensure employees understand how to respond calmly and appropriately to potential terrorist threats.

This toolbox talk supports wider preparation for Martyn’s Law (the Protect Duty) by focusing on awareness, vigilance and effective response — without creating fear or alarm.

 

 

Complete the form to unlock the full Toolbox Talk below and access a downloadable PDF version for briefing your managers and employees.

Complete your details to reveal and download the Security from threats of terrorism -Toolbox Talk

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    • What this toolbox talk is for

      This toolbox talk is designed to provide clear, practical awareness guidance for employees and workers who operate in workplaces or environments that may be publicly accessible.

      It helps organisations to:

      • Raise awareness of security risks in a proportionate way
      • Encourage vigilance without creating unnecessary anxiety
      • Reinforce the importance of early reporting
      • Support effective response to suspicious activity or items
      • Align staff understanding with site procedures and emergency plans

      It is suitable for use as a short briefing, team discussion or refresher session and can be delivered by supervisors, managers or health and safety leads.

    • Who should receive this toolbox talk

      The toolbox talk is appropriate for:

      • Employees working in publicly accessible premises
      • Staff involved in front-of-house, reception or customer-facing roles
      • Facilities, operations and site teams
      • Event staff and temporary workers
      • Volunteers working in public settings

      It is particularly relevant for organisations preparing for Martyn’s Law, where staff awareness and preparedness form a core part of compliance.

    • Download the Toolbox Talk PDF

      Security from Threats of Terrorism Toolbox Talk - Toolbox Talk

      Ideal for team briefings, training sessions, or your health & safety records.

      Download Toolbox Talk

    What the toolbox talk covers

    The toolbox talk is structured around realistic, everyday risks and responses that employees may encounter.

    • Why security awareness matters

      The toolbox talk begins by explaining why security awareness is important. While attacks are rare, early recognition and calm, informed responses can save lives. It reinforces that everyone has a role to play in keeping workplaces and public areas safe by remaining alert and reporting concerns promptly.

    • Identifying security vulnerabilities

      Employees are encouraged to recognise common vulnerabilities that could be exploited, such as unsecured doors, poor lighting, unattended delivery areas or unauthorised access. The toolbox talk clearly explains individual responsibilities, including following access controls, never propping open secure doors and reporting concerns immediately.

    • Recognising suspicious activity

      The toolbox talk outlines behaviours that may indicate concern, including repeated visits with no clear purpose, people watching entrances or attempts to access restricted areas. Practical guidance is provided on what to do, including politely challenging where appropriate, trusting instincts and following site reporting procedures.

    • Identifying suspicious items

      Employees are taught how to identify items that may be suspicious or out of place. The widely recognised HOT principle is used to support decision-making:

      • Hidden
      • Obviously suspicious
      • Typical location

      Clear instructions are provided on what to do if an item is suspected, including not touching it, clearing the area if instructed and following evacuation guidance.

    • Responding to bomb threats

      The toolbox talk explains how bomb threats may be received and what employees should do if they receive one. This includes staying calm, recording information, reporting immediately and following instructions. Guidance is also provided on evacuation behaviour if required.

    • Firearms or weapons attacks

      The toolbox talk introduces the RUN – HIDE – TELL principles in a clear, accessible way. Employees are guided on how to escape safely where possible, how to hide if escape is not an option, and how to communicate with emergency services when safe to do so.

    • Discussion points and engagement

      To reinforce learning, the toolbox talk includes discussion prompts, encouraging teams to consider how to report concerns on their site, how they would respond to an unattended item, and whether there are areas that could be made more secure.

    Your Questions Answered

    Everything you need to know about Martyn's Law

    • Who was Martyn Hett?Reveal

      Martyn Hett was one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017. He was attending a concert when the attack took place at the end of the event.

      Martyn’s Law is named in his memory following a sustained and highly influential campaign led by his mother, Figen Murray OBE, who has worked closely with government, security professionals and victims’ groups to improve public protection and preparedness. The legislation reflects a desire to ensure that lessons learned from the attack lead to meaningful, preventative change rather than reactive responses after incidents occur.

    • What is the Protect Duty?Reveal

      The Protect Duty is the legal obligation introduced by Martyn’s Law. It requires those responsible for certain publicly accessible premises and events to take proportionate and reasonably practicable steps to reduce the risk of harm to members of the public from terrorist incidents.

      The duty focuses on planning, preparedness and response, rather than prevention or intelligence gathering. In practice, this means having suitable procedures, trained staff and clear communication arrangements in place, rather than attempting to predict or stop attacks.

    • Is Martyn’s Law currently in force?Reveal

      No. Although Martyn’s Law has received Royal Assent, it is not yet in force. The Government has confirmed a minimum two-year implementation period, during which enforcement will not take place.

      This period is intended to give organisations time to understand their responsibilities, assess scope, and put proportionate measures in place. Enforcement is currently expected to begin in Spring 2027, subject to final guidance and regulatory arrangements.

    • Who will enforce Martyn’s Law?Reveal

      The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has been appointed as the regulator for Martyn’s Law.

      The SIA will be responsible for:

      • Registration of qualifying premises and events
      • Monitoring compliance with the Protect Duty
      • Providing guidance and oversight
      • Taking enforcement action where necessary

      The regulatory approach is expected to be proportionate and supportive, particularly during the early stages of enforcement.

    • Will organisations need security guards or expensive systems?Reveal

      Not necessarily. Martyn’s Law is designed to be proportionate and risk-based. For many organisations, compliance will be achieved through procedures, planning and staff awareness, rather than physical security measures.

      While some enhanced tier premises may introduce additional controls, there is no blanket requirement to employ security guards or install costly infrastructure. The emphasis is on what is reasonable and appropriate for the specific premises or event.

    • Does Martyn’s Law apply to offices and workplaces?Reveal

      Martyn’s Law does not automatically apply to offices and workplaces. It only applies where premises are publicly accessible and meet the 200-person capacity threshold.

      Private workplaces that are not open to the public are generally outside scope. However, offices with publicly accessible reception areas, visitor spaces or large public events should be assessed carefully, as those areas or activities may fall within scope.

    • Is training mandatory under Martyn’s Law?Reveal

      Martyn’s Law does not prescribe specific training courses. However, it does require that staff have appropriate awareness and understanding of procedures and how to respond in the event of a terrorist incident.

      For many organisations, ACT Awareness training will be a suitable and proportionate way to meet this requirement. Training should be relevant to staff roles and refreshed as appropriate to ensure confidence and competence are maintained.

    • Should organisations wait until guidance is finalised?Reveal

      No. While further statutory and sector-specific guidance will be published, waiting until the final stages of the implementation period significantly increases the risk of rushed, fragmented or poorly embedded compliance.

      Early preparation allows organisations to:

      • Integrate Martyn’s Law into existing systems
      • Spread activity and cost over time
      • Test and refine procedures
      • Respond calmly to future guidance rather than react under pressure

      Early, proportionate action is strongly encouraged by Government and regulators alike.

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