Heritage organisations lack awareness of forthcoming law

New research¹ commissioned by specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical has revealed three in five (61%) heritage organisations 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 heritage venues to consider the threat from terrorism and implement appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures.

The survey of 500 heritage decision-makers found four in five (81%) feel their organisation needs more support to prepare.

The research discovered some heritage organisations are already investing in additional security measures, including installing CCTV, and provided staff training to prepare. Some organisations have also developed security protocols, hired an external security consultant, and set aside budgets to get ready for the forthcoming legislation.

However, heritage decision makers feel they need more financial support, training, advice and guidance to better prepare their organisations.

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

The www.protectuk.police.uk website provides information, tools and guidance to help heritage organisations to familiarise themselves with the concepts and requirements.

Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “As the UK’s leading insurer of Grade I listed buildings, we’re passionate about protecting Britain’s heritage. Our research shows the majority of heritage organisations aren’t aware of the forthcoming Martyn’s Law. Ensuring the safety of heritage venues is paramount. We encourage heritage organisations 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 heritage organisations manage the risks they face. For more information visit Heritage risk management.

¹ The survey was commissioned by specialist heritage insurer Ecclesiastical and conducted by OnePoll with 500 decision makers from UK heritage organisations from 4 – 11 July 2023. The sample included 100 museums, 100 theatres, 100 castles, 100 stately homes and 100 galleries.

² 54% said they were not aware and 7% 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)