Knowing how to recognise a concern, report it and respond appropriately can make a difference when keeping people safe.
Our counter-terrorism courses help organisations strengthen staff awareness, improve protective security and prepare for potential incidents. Delivered by Watchword, these qualifications offer practical learning for people working in education, public venues, hospitality, retail and other settings.
Whether you want to build your team’s understanding or develop the skills to assess risks and lead preparedness planning, we can help you take the next step.
Martyn’s Law, formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, will place duties on those responsible for certain premises and events to help protect people from terrorist attacks. Its main requirements are expected to come into force in spring 2027. There are two tiers, generally based on the number of people reasonably expected to be present at the same time, including staff.
Standard Tier: Generally applies to qualifying premises expecting 200–799 people. Those responsible must notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and put appropriate procedures in place, so far as reasonably practicable, for evacuation, moving people to a safer location inside, lockdown and communication.
Enhanced Tier: Generally applies to qualifying premises expecting 800 or more people, and qualifying events. Alongside the standard requirements, those responsible must take reasonably practicable measures to reduce vulnerability and harm, document and assess their procedures and measures, and provide this to the SIA. Organisations must also designate a senior individual to oversee compliance.
For education providers:
Qualifying premises used mainly for further education, schools or childcare remain in the standard tier even where 800 or more people are expected. Higher education premises follow the usual thresholds.
Our courses can support your organisation’s preparations by developing staff knowledge and practical skills. Completing a qualification does not, on its own, demonstrate compliance with Martyn’s Law.
These courses are relevant to staff and managers working in colleges, universities, visitor attractions, sports venues, theatres, shopping centres, hotels, conference venues and other public-facing settings.
Choose Level 2 for staff awareness and incident response, or Level 3 for those responsible for assessing risks and developing organisational plans. Your choice should reflect your role and responsibilities, rather than your organisation’s Martyn’s Law tier alone.
Work towards an SFJ Awards qualification in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness.
Understand how counter-terrorism awareness and protective security apply to your workplace.
Develop everyday staff awareness or the deeper knowledge needed to lead preparedness planning.
Learn with Watchword Security, drawing on experience in education security, the military and policing.
Watchword is a specialist consultancy supporting colleges, universities and other education providers with protective security and organisational resilience. Its work spans security strategy, risk assessment, critical incident preparedness, training and governance, with experience supporting more than 80 college and university campuses.
Interested in attending a course or developing the skills of colleagues across your organisation? Enquire about upcoming dates, locations and availability, and we’ll help you identify the most suitable course.
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