Protect Duty Legislation
Protect Duty - At a Glance
The Protect Duty is a new piece of legislation that will require qualifying venues and events to implement measures to safeguard visitors in public spaces from the threat of terrorism. It is being introduced following the terrorist attack in 2017 at the Manchester Arena, in which 22 people were killed and over a thousand were injured.
Publicly accessible venues and events expecting a certain number of visitors or attendees will fall within the scope of the legislation. The tier you fall under – Standard or Enhanced – will depend on factors such as the expected attendance and the type of venue or event.
The Standard Tier applies to venues expecting between 200 and 799 people at any given time. Amongst other requirements, these venues must implement specific measures to ensure they have an effective response in the event of an attack at, or in the vicinity of, the venue.
Venues or events expecting over 800 people to be in attendance at any given time will be required to implement Public Protection Procedures and Public Protection Measures. These are designed to help prevent attacks from taking place by making the venue or event more secure, and ensure that there is an effective response if an attack occurs, either within the venue or event, or in its vicinity.
The legislation will be enforced by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Venues and events may be subject to inspection by the SIA and a failure to comply with the requirements could result in business disruptions, fines, or even criminal penalties. It is imperative that venues and events understand what their requirements are and make the required changes.
Protect Duty: Our e-Guide
Our free e-Guide provides all the essential information you need to understand the Protect Duty legislation and the actions required to ensure your venue or event is compliant.
Protect Duty: Key Areas
Venues and Events
This legislation applies to publicly accessible venues and events of a certain size. Venues expecting 200 or more individuals on site at any given time are likely to fall under the scope of the legislation. For events, the qualifying threshold is 800 or more attendees at any one time.
The legislation categorises venues and events into two tiers: Standard and Enhanced.
Responsible Person
The legislation places the responsibility for legal compliance on a “Responsible Person.” This individual, typically the owner or operator of the venue or event, must ensure that the necessary measures are implemented. Failure to do so may result in sanctions and/or criminal charges.
Public Protection
Public Protection Measures refers to the mitigations that must be in place to ensure the venue or event is prepared to respond effectively if an attack occurs.
Public Protection Procedures refers to the measures that need to be implemented to reduce the likelihood of the venue or event being targeted in the first place.
Attendance Figures
The legislation offers guidance on how venues and events can determine their attendance numbers. Examples include existing “safe occupancy for fire safety purposes”, historical attendance data, fixed seating or standing areas, ticket sales or pre-registration, attendance restrictions, and transaction records.
Protected Spaces - Our Support
Protected Spaces offers tailored and personalised support to venues and events seeking to comply with the new Protect Duty legislation. Our unique approach allows us to assist with any or all aspects of the requirements, and the materials we develop are customised to fit the needs of each client.
You can be confident that you’re receiving the most accurate and up-to-date information, while our streamlined processes ensure seamless integration into your venue or event – without unnecessary disruption or high costs.
Let us help you navigate Protect Duty with ease – get in touch today to get your venue or event ready for the Protect Duty legislation.
- Expert Guidance & Compliance Support – We simplify the complexity of Protect Duty, ensuring your venue or event meets all legal requirements with clear, actionable advice.
- Tailored Security Solutions – Our support is customized to suit your venue’s size, type, and operational needs, making implementation practical and effective.
- Staff Confidence & Training – Through specialized training, we ensure your staff are prepared and equipped to respond effectively in an emergency
- Risk Reduction & Preparedness – We help you identify potential threats and put robust protective measures in place to reduce risks and enhance safety.
- Reassurance for Guests & Stakeholders – Demonstrating compliance with Protect Duty enhances public trust, showing your commitment to keeping people safe and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every venue and event have to comply?
No, the venues and events affected will depend on several factors. The venue’s purpose, capacity, and event attendance will determine whether compliance is required. Use our quick and easy eligibility tool to check if your venue or event is likely to be impacted.
How can Protected Spaces help my venue/event with compliance?
We offer personalised, flexible solutions that assist with all aspects of the legislation – from risk assessments, incident response plans and procedure development to staff training and compliance documentation.
What makes Protected Spaces different from other compliance services?
Our approach is unique because we provide customised and tailored materials and solutions specifically for your venue or event, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your operations without unnecessary disruption.
How do I get started with Protected Spaces?
You can contact us to schedule a consultation where we’ll assess your venue or event’s needs and provide a clear plan for compliance.
How much does it cost to use Protected Spaces services?
We offer flexible, tailored solutions designed to meet the specific needs of your venue or event. Contact us for a customised quote based on your requirements.
Do I need to start the compliance process immediately?
It’s advisable to start preparing for compliance as soon as possible, especially with the legislation coming into effect in 2025, – this will allow you to avoid a last-minute rush and ensure sufficient time to implement the required measures.
What should I do now?
We recommend using our eligibility tool to determine if your venue or event is likely to be affected. This easy-to-use tool will outline your responsibilities if you fall under the Protect Duty and offer simple, effective support on how to keep your venue and staff safe (even if you’re outside the scope of the legislation). Once you have used the tool – get in touch with us and we’ll provide you with a quote based on your requirements. If you have any questions, need more information, or would like advice, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
Still got questions or need more information? Contact Us