73 per cent of teachers lack awareness of Martyn’s Law

New research has revealed three quarters (73%) of teachers lack awareness of Martyn’s Law, the forthcoming Protect Duty legislation.

In response to the Manchester Arena attack, Martyn’s Law, named after Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 other victims, is designed to keep people safe by reducing the risk to the public from terrorist attacks at public venues.
 
Details of the draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill were published in May. The new legislation will place a requirement on certain education venues to consider the threat from terrorism and implement appropriate and proportionate mitigation measures.
 
The survey of 500 UK teachers, commissioned by education insurer Ecclesiastical, found four in five (79%) feel their school needs more support to prepare.
 
The research discovered some schools are already providing staff training and carrying out safety drills to prepare. However, teachers feel their schools need more funding and resources to better prepare.
 
To help prepare for the legislation coming into force, Ecclesiastical is encouraging schools to familiarise themselves with the concepts and requirements.
 
The www.protectuk.police.uk website provides information, tools and guidance to help schools evaluate and mitigate terrorism risks.
 
Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “Our research shows the majority of teachers aren’t aware of the forthcoming Martyn’s Law. Ensuring the safety of school venues is paramount. We encourage schools to familiarise themselves with the concepts and requirements of the forthcoming legislation.”
 
Ecclesiastical Insurance has a partnership with specialist risk management start-up, Key Risk Ltd, which provides expert counter terrorism advice. Ecclesiastical’s education customers benefit from discounted assessment, training and assurance packages. For more information click here.