AUCSO launches practical framework to support Martyn’s Law preparations

The framework has been developed by AUCSO members Oliver Curran BSc (Hons) from University College London and Dale Murphy MSc CSyP of the University of Hertfordshire with input and consultation from AUCSO’s CONTEST Special Interest Group.

The TO PROTECT Model: A Practical Approach for Implementing Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law) Responsibilities (AUCSO-TO-PROTECT-Model-2026.pdf) outlines a structured approach towards implementing Protect Duty responsibilities within the complex, open and highly accessible environments that define modern university and college campuses.

In essence, this document translates the legislative intent of Martyn’s Law into a clear operational model built around nine core pillars including governance, risk assessment, protective security measures, training, emergency preparedness and partnership co-ordination.

The higher and further education sector faces a unique challenge in balancing openness and accessibility with robust protective security. With large populations, diverse estates and frequent public-facing activity, many institutions are expected to fall within the Enhanced Tier of the legislation.

The TO PROTECT Model: A Practical Approach for Implementing Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law) Responsibilities has been developed to help institutions respond to this challenge in a proportionate, practical and structured way, in turn supporting both compliance and the development of a strong and embedded security culture across the university community. 

Sector-led response

The publication of the framework arrives ahead of formal statutory guidance from central Government, thereby positioning AUCSO and its members at the forefront of sector readiness.

The document is designed as a living framework, enabling institutions to begin early planning, strengthen organisational awareness and develop capability in advance of full regulatory implementation.

At its core, the TO PROTECT Model: A Practical Approach for Implementing Protect Duty (Martyn’s Law) Responsibilities recognises that effective protective security in the higher education sector cannot sit in isolation. Instead, it must be embedded across governance structures, operational planning and institutional culture.

Evolving threat landscape

The framework supports universities in:

*understanding evolving threat landscapes

*conducting structured Risk Assessments for Security and Vulnerability (RASV) and Terrorism Vulnerability Risk Assessments (TVRA)

*implementing proportionate and layered security measures

*strengthening staff awareness, training and preparedness

*enhancing co-ordination with partners and the Emergency Services

*demonstrating compliance and assurance to regulators

The development and publication of the framework is also closely aligned with the intent behind Martyn’s Law, which seeks to ensure that organisations take appropriate and proportionate steps to protect the public from terrorist threats.

AUCSO continues to engage with key stakeholders across the sector, including those closely connected to the development and advocacy of the legislation, among them Figen Murray OBE (Patron of AUCSO Patron) whose work has been hugely instrumental in driving awareness and change.

 Complex environments

Geoff Brown, chair of AUCSO, said: “Universities are among the most open and complex environments in the UK and that openness is fundamental to who we are as a sector. However, it also brings responsibility.”

Brown continued: “The introduction of Martyn’s Law represents a significant step forward in strengthening public safety. It’s vital that higher education sector institutions are equipped to respond in a structured, proportionate and practical way.”

Further, Brown observed: “The TO PROTECT Model is a sector-led framework that has been developed ‘by practitioners, for practitioners’. It provides a clear and operational approach that universities can begin using now to build readiness, strengthen resilience and embed protective security into the fabric of their organisations.”

Brown concluded: “As a community, we have an opportunity not just to comply with this legislation, but also to lead in terms of how it’s implemented. This new framework is an important step forward on that journey.”

Practical and actionable support

Julie Barker, chief operating officer at AUCSO, explained: “This framework represents a significant member benefit for the sector, developed to provide practical and actionable support at a critical time.”

Barker went on to state: “In my recent discussions with partner associations across the higher education landscape, there has been a clear and very positive response. There’s a strong appetite for shared approaches and practical guidance, as well as a real willingness to support and endorse initiatives that help the sector prepare effectively for Martyn’s Law.”

In addition, Barker said: “We look forward to continuing that collaboration as the framework is adopted more widely across the sector.”