Useful guides.
A curated set of official, free-to-use resources from ProtectUK, Counter Terrorism Policing, NPSA and the SIA — to support your Martyn's Law preparedness and everyday protective security.
Summer Campaign Digital Toolkit →
Free, ready-to-use campaign assets — social media images and videos, printable posters, tannoy announcements, website copy and staff guidance — to embed vigilance messaging across your venue or event. Used by Glastonbury, Wimbledon, The O2, Wembley and Tottenham Hotspur.
protectuk.police.ukWho must be licensed at an event
SIA licensing turns on the activity being carried out, not the job title. Use this as a starting point when checking your stewarding, search and security arrangements — and confirm the position with the SIA for your specific event.
- —Screening suitability to enter, and searching people or bags
- —Responding to incidents in crowds, queues or the audience
- —Protecting a pitch, track or restricted area from spectators
- —Guarding property during set-up and break-down
- —Patrolling the event perimeter against unauthorised entry
- —Close protection of performers, VIPs and guests
- —Unpaid volunteers (no reward, benefit or payment in kind)
- —Checking tickets or invitations — without refusing entry or ejecting
- —Stewarding: directing people to seats, toilets or first aid
- —In-house staff at a certified sports ground in England or Wales
- —Reporting damage or defects to a supervisor or safety officer
Due diligence: verify licences for every sub-contracted operative, keep signing-in sheets for each event, and comply with all premises-licence conditions. These records also support your insurance position if a claim or investigation follows an incident.
How to get an SIA licence →
Official guidance on applying for, renewing and checking SIA individual licences for security staff.
SIA Approved Contractor Scheme →
How security providers become SIA approved and what to look for when appointing contractors.
Security at events →
Official SIA guidance on security planning, licensing and supervision at events and public venues.
Martyn’s Law and the SIA’s role →
The regulator’s collection of guidance, updates and statutory guidance for the Protect Duty.
More official resources
Summer Vigilance — Sporting Events Toolkit →
Bespoke campaign assets tailored for stadiums, sporting fixtures and match-day operations.
#BeSafeBeSound — Live Music Industry Toolkit →
Campaign materials designed specifically for music venues, festivals and touring events.
Summer Vigilance — Pride Events Toolkit →
Tailored vigilance assets for Pride organisers, parades and community celebrations.
ACT Awareness eLearning →
Free counter-terrorism awareness e-learning for staff — a strong evidence baseline for competence records under Martyn's Law.
Security-Minded Communications Guidance →
How organisations can use communications as an additional layer of protective security and deterrence.
UK National Terrorism Threat Level →
The current UK national threat level and what each level means for operators of publicly accessible premises.
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 →
The full text of Martyn's Law as enacted. The authoritative source for duties, tier thresholds and enforcement powers.
SIA — Martyn’s Law and the regulator’s role →
The regulator’s guidance, updates and statutory guidance collection for the Protect Duty.
Links are provided for information only. GMG EventLiability is not affiliated with ProtectUK, Counter Terrorism Policing, NPSA, MI5 or the Security Industry Authority. External content is the responsibility of the publishing organisation.