Why is it important for organisations to build capability in counter-terrorism protective security and preparedness?

Terrorist incidents in the UK are relatively infrequent, but their impact is immediate, significant, and far-reaching.

When incidents do occur, it’s often the people on the ground – staff, security, and even members of the public – who make the difference in those early moments.

Building capability isn’t about turning people into specialists. It’s about making sure they understand what to look for, feel confident to act, and know how to respond appropriately.

The Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP) gives learners a clear foundation. It helps them understand how attacks happen, how to think about risk, and what they can do within their role.

In simple terms, it helps organisations move from awareness to action.

Where do organisations often struggle to turn protective security principles into practice?

In most organisations, the challenge isn’t understanding security; it’s applying it in a way that works in real environments.

Guidance can often feel too generic, or processes can be either too complex or too simplistic. As a result, staff aren’t always clear on what “good” looks like in their setting. And that’s where things can drift into paper-based compliance.

The key is to keep it practical – focus on the specific environment, use simple risk thinking, and build awareness into everyday routines.

What’s the biggest misconception about counter-terrorism protective security?

A common misconception is that protective security is mainly about physical measures – barriers, access control, or technology. Those measures are important, but they’re only part of the picture.

In reality, many incidents have exposed gaps in awareness, behaviour, and communication rather than purely physical weaknesses.

People are often the strongest control – staff who understand what “normal” looks like, recognise suspicious behaviour, and feel confident to act or report can significantly reduce risk.

Another misconception is that security sits with one team. In practice, effective protective security is organisation wide.

What should organisations prioritise to strengthen preparedness?

Looking ahead, attacks are becoming simpler and sometimes harder to detect. So the priority should be getting the basics right:

  • Building staff awareness
  • Embedding simple, clear procedures
  • Making sure plans are understood and tested
  • Reinforcing messages such as Run, Hide, Tell

Regular exercises are essential – plans need to be familiar, not just written down.

The organisations that are most effective are those that keep things simple, practical, and well-rehearsed.

How can organisations translate national counter-terrorism guidance into something usable?

National guidance can sometimes feel complex, but it doesn’t need to be. The key is to break it down into something people can apply in their own environment. That might include:

  • Training staff to recognise suspicious behaviour
  • Having clear procedures for responding to incidents
  • Using simple risk assessments based on threat, vulnerability, and impact

The focus should always be on what is proportionate and realistic. If people understand it and can apply it, it works. If they can’t, it won’t matter how well it’s written.

What’s the most important mindset for learners to take away from the CTPSaP qualification?

It’s important that people understand the limits of their role. They’re not expected to be experts in everything – and trying to be can actually create risk.

Good practice is recognising when something doesn’t feel right, using simple tools to assess it, and escalating early.

Seeking specialist support should always be seen as a positive step. Knowing when to ask for help is part of being competent, not a weakness.

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If your organisation is looking to strengthen its approach to counter-terrorism, protective security and preparedness, explore the Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP) and discover how Skills for Justice Training can support your teams.

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Frequently asked questions about the Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness

What is the Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP)?

The SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP) is a qualification designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and understanding of terrorist attack methodologies, how to assess the likelihood of such threats, and the mitigation strategies available to reduce risk.

Following the introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn’s Law), protective security has become an increasingly important professional standard, while organisational preparedness has become a key responsibility. Developed by SFJ Awards in partnership with the National Counter-Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), this is the only policing qualification endorsed by Counter-Terrorism Policing.

What does CTPSaP stand for?

CTPSaP is the acronym for the SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness.

What is the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, received Royal Assent on 3 April 2025.

It introduced new legal duties for certain premises and events across the UK to improve security and preparedness against terrorism.

What is Martyn’s Law?

Martyn’s Law is the common name for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, which requires certain public venues and events in the UK to take proportionate steps to improve security and preparedness for potential terrorist attacks.

Who does Martyn’s Law apply to?

The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn’s Law) applies to publicly accessible premises and events in the UK where 200 or more people may be present. It places legal duties on those responsible for these locations – individuals, organisations and companies – with requirements that increase according to venue size and level of risk.

There are two tiers:

Standard Tier (200-799 people) – Publicly accessible premises such as retail, restaurants, entertainment venues, museums, galleries, and places of worship etc.

Enhanced Tier (800+ people) – Larger venues and events in high-capacity crowds.

Does achievement of the CTPSaP qualification make my business, venue or event compliant with the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn’s Law)?

No qualification or training on its own will make a venue, site or organisation compliant.

Compliance is about more than this. However, this qualification provides an excellent foundation of knowledge from which organisations can develop a counter-terrorism risk assessment and preparedness plan as outlined in the requirements of Martyn’s Law.

Where and how can learners complete this qualification?

As a registered training provider approved to deliver the SFJ Awards Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness (CTPSaP), Skills for Justice Training offers this qualification through scheduled learner cohorts.

You can book onto one of our upcoming cohorts now.

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What should organisations do if the terror threat level in the UK is SEVERE?

As of 30 April 2026, the UK National Threat Level was raised to SEVERE. This means a terrorist attack is highly likely.

When the threat level is SEVERE, organisations should move to a heightened state of security, review contingency plans and ensure staff vigilance.

Find out more about how to review your security plans in response to the increased national threat level.

Does my organisation need counter-terrorism training?

Yes, it is highly recommended and, in many cases, mandatory that organisations in the UK undertake counter-terrorism training, especially with the introduction of new legislation like the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (also known as Martyn’s Law).

For more advice and guidance on counter-terrorism training, please visit Protect UK.

What is the Section 27 statutory guidance?

The Section 27 guidance for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law) was published in April 2026. It provides mandatory, actionable advice to help duty holders understand and comply with their legal obligations relating to security and public safety at qualifying premises and events.

Does Martyn’s Law apply to churches?

For most places of worship, the government has stated that the requirements are not intended to be onerous or require significant physical investment.

A key consideration is whether it is reasonable to expect that 200 or more individuals may be present at the same time, even if only occasionally. Where this threshold is met, the premises is likely to fall within the scope of the Standard Tier under Martyn’s Law.