Businesses and organisations across North Wales are being offered specialist qualifications to help them prepare for new anti-terrorism legislation.
Coleg Cambria’s Northop Business School is offering NEBOSH National Certificates designed to support organisations affected by the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, widely known as Martyn’s Law.
The legislation is named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017. It received Royal Assent last year and aims to strengthen security at public premises and events across the UK.
Coleg Cambria is offering the NEBOSH National Certificate in Protecting Standard Duty Premises from Terrorism, with courses beginning at Northop and online this month.
The National Certificate in Protecting Enhanced Duty Premises and Events from Terrorism will follow in October.
Standard duty applies to qualifying publicly accessible premises where it is reasonable to expect between 200 and 799 people to be present at the same time.
Enhanced duty applies to qualifying premises and events where 800 or more people may be present.
The Act has an implementation period of at least 24 months from Royal Assent, giving businesses and organisations time to understand the legislation and prepare for their new responsibilities before the requirements come into force.
Once the law is in effect, the Security Industry Authority will oversee compliance and will have powers to issue compliance notices and financial penalties where premises fall short.
Jane Keys, Assistant Principal for Employer Engagement at Coleg Cambria, said the new programmes strengthen the range of professional and industry qualifications available through the college.
“Martyn’s Law will have implications for organisations and venues across many different sectors, so it is important businesses understand what the legislation means for them and are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to prepare,” said Jane.
“These qualifications are another example of us responding to changing industry needs and ensuring employers across the region can access high-quality professional development locally.
“This approach is brilliant for CPD. It allows flexibility for people who are already in work, busy, or unable to commit to one full-time course.
“We can even flex further by creating bespoke, tailored programmes for employers, particularly in industry, to support larger groups.”
The new certificates cover the nature of terrorism and the legal framework, UK threat levels, organisational responsibilities, potential threats and vulnerabilities, public protection procedures and developing a strong security culture.
The enhanced qualification also covers protection measures, documenting compliance, and business continuity and recovery.
Under Martyn’s Law, those responsible for qualifying premises and events will be required to take reasonably practicable steps to reduce harm if a terrorist attack occurs.
Enhanced duty premises and qualifying events will face additional requirements aimed at reducing their vulnerability to an attack.
Jane added: “For many organisations this is a new area of responsibility, so now is the time to develop that knowledge, look ahead and be prepared.
“Our focus at Northop Business School is always on providing relevant, practical training that reflects what employers are facing today and what they will need tomorrow.”
