Standard duty
Focuses on notification, public protection procedures and proportionate preparedness.
AT A GLANCE
The essentials
The duties are intended to be proportionate to the premises or event. The key distinction is between the standard and enhanced tiers.
Enhanced duty
Adds documented public protection measures and additional governance requirements.
Regulator
The Security Industry Authority is the regulator identified under the Act.
This page provides general information only. Exact definitions, exemptions, commencement dates and duties should always be checked against official guidance.
WHO MAY BE IN SCOPE?
Publicly accessible premises and events
The Act applies to certain premises and qualifying public events. A premises is generally considered against three core tests.
01
It is a building with a use listed in Schedule 1.
02
It can reasonably expect 200 or more people at the same time from time to time.
03
It is not excluded by Schedule 2.
EXAMPLES MAY INCLUDE
Stadia & arenas
Town squares
Markets & festivals
Retail & hospitality
Leisure venues
Public-facing event spaces
Education settings and other specific premises may be subject to different treatment under the Act. Check the legislation and statutory guidance for the exact position.
DUTIES BY TIER
What changes between standard and enhanced?
Both tiers focus on proportionate public protection. Enhanced premises and qualifying events carry additional requirements.
STANDARD DUTY
200–799 people
- Notify the SIA that you are responsible for the premises.
- Have appropriate public protection procedures in place.
- Ensure relevant people understand what to do if an attack occurs.
- Keep proportionate evidence of decisions, briefings and reviews.
The source material notes that this tier does not itself require physical security upgrades.
ENHANCED DUTY
800+ people
- Implement appropriate public protection measures where reasonably practicable.
- Document procedures and measures for the SIA.
- Explain how measures reduce vulnerability and risk of harm.
- Where required, appoint a Designated Senior Individual.
Qualifying public events may also fall within the enhanced regime.
PRACTICAL READINESS
Four questions worth asking now
Even during the implementation period, organisations can review how well their current procedures, evidence and site planning are structured.
01
Understand your site
Review public access, crowd movement, vulnerabilities and relevant threats.
02
Define procedures
Consider evacuation, invacuation, lockdown and communication arrangements.
03
Keep evidence
Maintain proportionate records of decisions, briefings, exercises and reviews.
04
Review when things change
Revisit plans when the site, event, operations or threat picture changes.
SITE PLANNING
Book a demo
Need to review vehicle access and mitigation options?
See how Sentinel can support site assessment, hostile vehicle scenario testing and mitigation planning.