Healthcare sector turns its attention to Martyn's Law readiness

Healthcare Management Magazine has published a piece on preparing for Martyn's Law, the everyday name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. It joins a growing number of sectors discussing how to get ready. The Act received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025, but its duties are not yet in force. Commencement is expected in spring 2027, with the exact date still to be confirmed.

Coverage like this shows that preparation is becoming a shared conversation across many kinds of buildings, not just classic event spaces. Hospitals, clinics and care settings often hold large numbers of people, so the same headcount thinking applies to them as to pubs, halls, churches and cinemas. If 200 to 799 people may reasonably be expected at the same time, a venue falls into the standard tier; 800 or more sits in the enhanced tier. The count includes staff.

Articles like this are helpful background reading, but they are not the law itself and not a substitute for professional advice. Nothing about Martyn's Law is enforceable today, and no tool or course can certify a venue or remove risk. The aim now is simple: understand the tiers, estimate your likely numbers, and think calmly about who would do what.

Work out roughly how many people your premises can hold at once, including staff, so you know which tier may apply. Note who makes decisions on a busy day. Keep an eye on the Security Industry Authority, which will be the regulator; its notification process is not yet live. There is no need to rush — use the lead-in time to familiarise and prepare.