Proposed Tier system
The Standard Tier: premises with a capacity of 100-799 individuals, e.g. many retail stores, village halls, bars, restaurants and theatres.
The Enhanced Tier: premises with a capacity of 800 or more individuals, e.g. large shopping centres, concert halls and sports stadia. The Enhanced Tier also includes certain events with equivalent capacity.
It is proposed that Places of Worship will be classed generally as Standard Tier premises, irrespective of their maximum capacity, unless they charge a fee for admission.
How do we demonstrate Standard Tier compliance?
Further guidance and information will follow from the UK Government and its security partners prior to the legislation changes.
In addition to the current ongoing measures taken by the local congregations to secure our buildings and keep them safe, there will be a responsibility for local duty holder(s) to consider and demonstrate the control measures taken for the protection of church property, assets, and occupants within a building from intruders, violence, and unsafe situations that could cause harm or damage. The primary goals for the duty holder(s) are to deter, prevent, detect and respond effectively to physical security violations including acts of terrorism.
Should we start preparing now?
Although no date has yet been set for the introduction of the legislation, we strongly advise that as soon as possible you should:
- see the counter terrorism pages on GOV.UK
- find out more about training and resources available from the Protect UK website
- The Kirk Session and their nominated premises duty holder(s) should take the necessary steps to start the localised preparations by ensuring that the Standard Terrorism evaluation (Risk Assessment) is an added consideration when compiling or reviewing the risk assessments for your properties. (See example attached Appendix 1).