Teachers lack awareness of forthcoming law

New research¹ commissioned by specialist education insurer Ecclesiastical has revealed three quarters (73%) of teachers lack awareness² of Martyn’s Law, the forthcoming Protect Duty legislation.

In response to the Manchester Arena attack, Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 other victims, is designed to keep people safe by reducing the risk to the public from terrorist attacks at public venues.

Details of the draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill were published in May³. The new legislation will place a requirement on certain education venues to consider the threat from terrorism and implement appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures.

The survey of 500 UK teachers found four in five (79%) feel their school needs more support to prepare.

The research discovered some schools are already providing staff training and carrying out safety drills to prepare. However, teachers feel their schools need more funding and resources to better prepare.

To help prepare for the legislation coming into force, Ecclesiastical is encouraging schools to familiarise themselves with the concepts and requirements.

The www.protectuk.police.uk website provides information, tools and guidance to help schools evaluate and mitigate terrorism risks.

Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “As one of the leading insurers of schools in the UK, Ecclesiastical is passionate about supporting the education sector. Our research shows the majority of teachers aren’t aware of the forthcoming Martyn’s Law. Ensuring the safety of school venues is paramount. We encourage schools to familiarise themselves with the concepts and requirements of the forthcoming legislation.”

Ecclesiastical Insurance offers a range of risk management support and guidance to help schools manage the risks they face. For more information visit Education risk management.

¹ The survey was commissioned by specialist education insurer Ecclesiastical and conducted by OnePoll with 500 UK teachers from 4 – 13 July 2023.

² 59% said they were not aware and 14% weren’t sure if they were aware of the forthcoming Protect Duty Legislation to be introduced next year known as ‘Martyn’s Law’.

³Terrorism (Protection of premises) draft bill: overarching documents - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)