Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025

Martyn's Law for synagogues

High Holy Days, bar and bat mitzvahs and community events can take a synagogue well over the standard-tier threshold. Martyn's Law gives you a framework for the protective planning many congregations already take seriously.

Does Martyn's Law apply to your synagogue?

Martyn's Law applies to premises that can hold 200 people or more. The figure that matters is your maximum capacity — the most people who could be on site at once — not a typical day.

For a synagogue, that usually means thinking about:

  • Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur services with attendance far above a normal Shabbat.
  • Lifecycle events and shared community functions that bring in visitors unfamiliar with the building.
  • A volunteer-led community that needs one clear, written procedure everyone can follow.

Not sure which side of the line you're on? The free checker gives you a straight answer in about a minute — no account needed.

What you'll need to do

If your synagogue is standard tier (200–799 capacity), the good news is the requirements are practical and low-cost. The Home Office has confirmed you don't need to buy specialist security services. It comes down to:

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A Public Protection Procedure

A written plan for what your team would do in an emergency — evacuation, moving people to safety inside, lockdown, and how you'd communicate.

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Staff and volunteer awareness

Everyone working at your synagogue should understand the procedure and their part in it. No security background needed.

Records that prove you're ready

Keep your procedure, training logs and drill records together, so you can show a regulator you've done what's required.

How Verith helps your synagogue

Verith is built specifically for standard-tier venues like yours. You walk your synagogue with your phone, photographing your exits, assembly points and key areas. Verith turns that into a complete Public Protection Procedure you can download, share with your team and hand to an inspector.

From there you log staff training and drills in the same place — so everything you need to prove compliance lives in one tidy record. Most venues are ready in about a week.

Frequently asked questions

Does Martyn's Law apply to my synagogue?

Martyn's Law applies to premises that can hold 200 or more people. Because it's based on your maximum capacity — including busy periods, functions and events — many synagogues are in scope even if a typical day is quieter. You can check in about a minute with the free Verith eligibility checker.

What does a standard-tier synagogue have to do?

Standard-tier venues need a written Public Protection Procedure, staff who understand it, and records showing they're prepared. The Home Office has confirmed standard-tier venues can comply without buying specialist security services.

Do I need to hire a consultant?

No. Standard-tier compliance is designed to be achievable without consultants. Verith guides you through your procedure, staff training and drills step by step — most venues are ready within a week.

When does Martyn's Law come into force?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent in April 2025, and enforcement is expected to begin no earlier than spring 2027 — so there's time to prepare now.

Get your synagogue ready for Martyn's Law

Check if it applies, then build your Public Protection Procedure with a guided photo walkaround. No consultants, no jargon — most venues are compliant within a week.

No card needed · 14-day free trial · Made for standard-tier venues

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