VenuePlan · Martyn's Law guides · Churches
Martyn's Law for churches and places of worship
Places of worship that can hold 200 or more people at once are covered, but they always stay in the standard tier, however big they are. That means procedures and briefed volunteers, not new equipment.
Does Martyn's Law apply to you?
- Count the most people reasonably expected at once: your biggest services (Christmas, Easter, festivals, weddings and funerals), plus clergy, staff and volunteers.
- If your hall or grounds are used at the same time, count those people too.
- 200 or more puts you in the standard tier. Places of worship stay standard tier even at 800+, so the extra enhanced tier duties don't apply.
Think of your busiest realistic time: a match day, live music, Christmas or a sunny Saturday.
Add your numbers to see whether Martyn's Law is likely to apply.
A quick guide, not legal advice. The law counts everyone reasonably expected to be there at the same time, including staff and outside areas like beer gardens.
What a standard tier venue has to do
- Tell the SIA about the premises and who's responsible for them. It's free, and you tell them again if the responsible person changes.
- Have four procedures, as far as reasonably practicable: evacuation (getting people out), invacuation (bringing people inside, away from a threat), lockdown (stopping an attacker getting in) and communication (warning people and calling for help).
- Make sure the people working there know them.
No new equipment is required for the standard tier. The duties are expected to start in spring 2027, and the regulator is the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Who's responsible?
The responsible person is whoever controls the building for worship, usually the church council, trustees or managing body rather than one individual. Your diocese, circuit or national body may also publish guidance, so check with them.
Things to watch for
Volunteers and stewards
Sidespeople, stewards and welcomers change from week to week. Everyone on duty needs to know the plan, so keep a simple record of who's been briefed.
Big festival services
Plan for your busiest services, not a typical Sunday. Extra stewards and a clear meeting point help on the day.
Halls and room hire
If your church hall is hired out, you stay responsible. Brief each hirer on your plan.
Calm, not fear
Good procedures are about looking after people. Keep briefings calm and practical, so they reassure rather than worry.
How VenuePlan gets you ready
- Tier check using your real festival service numbers, saved as evidence
- Procedures with suggested answers written for places of worship, which you edit to fit
- Volunteer sign-off by QR code in the vestry or a text link
- A dashboard for dioceses and circuits showing every church's readiness
See exactly what you get
A sample plan for an example venue, with all four procedures and the staff quick card.
Download sample plan (PDF)Questions
Do we have to install anything?
No. Places of worship stay standard tier, which needs procedures, notifying the SIA and making sure people on duty know what to do.
Is there a charity or church price?
Get in touch. We offer group pricing for dioceses and circuits, so individual churches can be covered together.
Who on our church council should lead this?
Agree one person, often a churchwarden or secretary, and record any change of responsible person, because the SIA must be told.
More guides: Pubs · Village halls · Sports clubs · Wedding venues · Hotels
Get it done in an afternoon
£119 a year, or £69 for your first year as a founding venue. Every plan starts with a 14-day free trial.
Join the waiting list