Understanding Martyn's Law: New Duties for Service Contractors

Martyn's Law, formally known as the Protect Duty, will soon require operators of public venues and large events to take stronger steps to prepare for and mitigate terrorist threats. The detailed guidance now published explains how premises will be categorised by capacity, what training and planning are required, and how contractors who work on or manage those sites must demonstrate compliance. For FM and service businesses, this means new responsibilities around site access, staff awareness and emergency procedures.

Many facilities management and engineering contractors already work in schools, hospitals, stadiums, shopping centres and transport hubs—all likely to fall within scope of the new law. That means your mobile workforce may need additional training, revised lone-working procedures and updated toolbox talks. It also means that when bidding for contracts, you will be expected to show how your operating model supports the client's Protect Duty obligations.

Fleet and operational managers should work with compliance and H&S leads to map which client sites will be in scope, review vehicle signage and access protocols, and ensure driver induction covers new security expectations. If your engineers carry high-value tools or equipment, consider whether vehicle security and tracking measures need upgrading. Documentation will be key: maintain clear records of training, site risk assessments and contractor sign-in processes.

Bluepoppy helps service fleets stay compliant and competitive by ensuring vehicles, telematics and driver policies are fit for purpose. If new security obligations mean you need better vehicle tracking, pool-car management or driver ID systems, our Fleet Cost Review can identify solutions that integrate with your existing setup. Let's make sure your fleet supports your compliance, not complicates it.

Bluepoppy view: Martyn's Law adds compliance burden—your fleet and driver policies need to keep pace.

Source: i-FM — summarised and written from a Bluepoppy perspective. We don’t reproduce the original article.