Martyn's Law
Martyn’s Law (the Protect Duty) focuses on readiness, clear procedures, and effective communication during serious incidents. PopAlert helps organisations deliver calm, immediate on-screen instructions when it matters most.
Martyn’s Law is UK legislation designed to improve protective security and emergency preparedness in publicly accessible locations. It encourages organisations to take proportionate steps to reduce risk and respond effectively to serious incidents, including acts of terrorism.
Rather than prescribing specific products, Martyn’s Law focuses on outcomes — ensuring people know what to do and receive clear guidance during an emergency.
Understanding
Martyn’s Law
Who Martyn’s Law Applies To
Martyn’s Law applies to a wide range of organisations responsible for the safety of people on site, including:
Schools, colleges, and universities
Offices and corporate workplaces
Public venues and event spaces
Local authority buildings
Healthcare and leisure facilities
Transport hubs & operational facilities
Identify Responsibility
Confirm whether you are responsible for a qualifying public venue or event
Assess Risk
Conduct a terrorism risk assessment relevant to your premises and activities.
Put Proportionate Measures in Place
Implement appropriate security measures proportionate to your risk level.
Prepare Emergency Procedures
Create clear emergency response plans and evacuation procedures.
Train Staff
Ensure staff are trained to respond effectively in an emergency situation.
Review and Maintain
Regularly review procedures and update them as risks or guidance change.
What Martyn’s Law Expects
- 1 Identify Responsibility
- 2 Assess Terrorism Risk
- 3 Put Proportionate Measures in Place
- 4 Prepare Emergency Procedures
- 5 Train Staff
- 6 Review and Maintain
Where Many Organisations Fall Short
Many emergency plans rely on methods that are difficult to use during high-stress situations, such as emails, phone trees, or messaging apps. These methods can be missed, delayed, or inconsistently delivered.
Martyn’s Law places emphasis on what works in practice — not just what exists on paper.
What is PopAlert?
PopAlert is a local emergency alert system that displays full-screen instructions across connected devices. It allows alerts to be activated on-site and helps ensure staff and occupants receive clear, immediate guidance during serious incidents.
How PopAlert Supports Compliance
Instant Alerts
Alerts are triggered instantly and displayed full-screen across connected computers
Clear On-Screen Instructions
Instructions such as lockdown, evacuation, or invacuation are shown clearly and consistently
Recognisable Alert Signals
Distinct visual and audible cues help staff quickly recognise an emergency situation
On-Site Control Unit
A dedicated control unit allows alerts to be activated locally when needed
Designed With Schools in Mind
PopAlert is built to be calm, clear, and age-appropriate. Schools can use simple, predefined wording that aligns with safeguarding and lockdown guidance, without relying on staff to manually compose messages under pressure.
The system supports consistency, reassurance, and clarity — key factors for protecting pupils and staff.
Suitable for Corporate and Office Environments
In offices and shared workplaces, PopAlert ensures everyone receives the same instruction at the same time, regardless of department or location.
This supports business continuity, duty of care, and health & safety responsibilities in larger or multi-site organisations.
Supporting Inspections and Audits
PopAlert helps organisations demonstrate that emergency communication is practical, repeatable, and aligned with documented procedures.
This can support discussions with:
- Governors and trustees
- Health & safety auditors
- Local authorities
- Insurers