Management Solutions & Training Ltd

Understanding Situational Awareness: The Key to Personal Security. In an unpredictable world, personal security begins with awareness of your surroundings. This is where situational awareness plays a pivotal role. Often regarded as a cornerstone of self-defence and safety, situational awareness is the ability to observe, assess, and respond effectively to your environment. But it’s not just for professionals like police officers or security personnel—it’s a critical skill that can benefit everyone in their daily lives. In this blog, we’ll unpack the concept of situational awareness, delve into its importance, and share practical tips to help you develop this valuable skill. What is Situational Awareness? Situational awareness is the practice of being constantly alert to what is happening around you, understanding how it might affect your safety, and making decisions to avoid potential threats or hazards. It involves: Observation : Noticing people, behaviours, and envir...

Event Management Under Martyn’s Law: Transforming Security Protocols The introduction of Martyn’s Law, also referred to as the Protect Duty, is reshaping the way event organisers approach safety and security. It calls for a significant shift in focus, demanding proactive measures to mitigate risks and protect attendees in publicly accessible spaces. While compliance may pose challenges, the legislation represents an opportunity to create safer environments and instil confidence in the public. By embedding security into the very fabric of event planning, organisers can ensure that their events are not only successful but also secure. The Origins of Martyn's Law Martyn’s Law stems from the devastating events of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, which tragically highlighted critical vulnerabilities in venue security. The legislation honours the memory of Martyn Hett and others who lost their lives, with its primary aim being to prevent future tragedies through better planning, tra...

  Adapting to Change: The Security Industry's Response to Martyn's Law The introduction of Martyn’s Law, or the Protect Duty, heralds a new era in public safety and security across the United Kingdom. Prompted by the devastating events of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, this legislation has been developed to ensure that publicly accessible spaces adopt comprehensive security measures to protect people from harm. As businesses and organisations face new responsibilities under the proposed law, the security industry has risen to the challenge, evolving its strategies, services, and technologies to align with these requirements. Martyn’s Law is not just a regulatory change; it is a call to action for a more robust and proactive approach to public safety. Security providers are at the heart of this transformation, leading the way in ensuring that businesses and communities are equipped to meet their obligations while safeguarding lives. A Proactive Approach to Risk Assessment...

  Educating the Public: Citizens’ Role in Safety Under Martyn's Law Martyn’s Law, also referred to as the Protect Duty, is a visionary piece of legislation designed to enhance public safety across the United Kingdom. While it places a direct responsibility on businesses, event organisers, and venue operators to strengthen their security protocols, the law also aims to inspire and engage the general public. By raising awareness and fostering collective responsibility, Martyn’s Law highlights that the security of communal spaces is not just a professional obligation but a shared effort. This transformative approach empowers individuals to actively contribute to their safety and the well-being of others. Through education campaigns, practical training, and public engagement, Martyn’s Law seeks to create an informed and vigilant society where every citizen understands their role in fostering secure public spaces. The Public’s Pivotal Role in Safety Under Martyn’s Law, citizens ...

  Preparing for and Preventing a Marauding Terrorist Attack (MTA): Taking Action In an increasingly unpredictable world, marauding terrorist attacks (MTAs), whether involving knives, firearms, vehicles, or emerging technologies, remain a pressing issue. These incidents are deliberately fast-moving and violent, aiming to create chaos and inflict harm in a short period. While it is uncomfortable to address these scenarios, learning how to respond effectively could save lives. As the UK continues to grapple with such threats, understanding the safest course of action during an MTA is vital, especially when traditional self-defence measures such as firearms are not an option. Does "Run, Hide, Tell" Work? "Run, Hide, Tell" is the widely recommended procedure for civilians to follow during terrorist attacks. It provides a structured response to keep people as safe as possible: Run : The first and safest course of action is to escape the immediate vicinity ...

  Understanding Martyn's Law: Enhancing Public Safety Martyn’s Law, or the Protect Duty, is a legislative proposal designed to improve security measures in publicly accessible places across the United Kingdom. Rooted in the tragic events of the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, the law is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the attack. Martyn’s mother, Figen Murray, has been the driving force behind the campaign for this legislation. Her dedication to ensuring that lessons are learned and implemented to prevent such tragedies in the future has resonated widely, making Martyn’s Law a symbol of resilience, hope, and proactive change. The Origins of Martyn’s Law The Manchester Arena bombing was a harrowing reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in public spaces. It exposed the need for stronger, more consistent security protocols, especially in venues hosting large gatherings. Figen Murray’s advocacy highlighted the absence of a legal obligation for venues ...

Martyn's Law: More Than Just a Tick-Box Exercise – It's About Embedding a Security Ethos Right then, let's have a proper chinwag about Martyn's Law, shall we? It's been a fair bit of a talking point since it received Royal Assent just the other day (Thursday, 3rd April 2025, for those keeping score). And rightly so. It's a significant step towards bolstering the security of our public spaces, something driven with incredible strength and dignity by Figen Murray OBE in memory of her son Martyn Hett. But here's the thing that's really struck me – and what should be on all our minds as this legislation beds in over the next couple of years: Martyn's Law can't just be about jumping through hoops. It's not about a one-off assessment and then letting things slide. To truly honour its purpose and make a real difference to our safety, it needs to be about weaving a culture of security into the very fabric of how our venues operate. Think about ...