Adam Atkins, group chief executive, Coat Facilities Group, argues that facilities management professionals will need to move beyond traditional maintenance responsibilities to become strategic partners in managing security risks, compliance and building resilience in the era of Martyn’s Law
Maintenance, cleaning and enabling smooth day-to-day operations are all crucial facets of facilities management (FM). But in a progressively more complex technological and regulatory world, FM teams are increasingly relied upon as strategic partners – and this will be ever more important after the introduction of Martyn’s Law in spring 2027.
Officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, the enhanced need for security, resilience, compliance, and risk management will require FM partners equipped to effectively support the anticipation, monitoring, and mitigation of security threats.
Operational preparedness – more than just a paper exercise
Named in memory of Martyn Hett, one of the 22 people killed in the Manchester Arena attack, Martyn’s Law means organisations must demonstrate operational preparedness and protective security measures. This is much more than just a paper exercise. FM teams will be expected to show compliance with the Act by improving preparedness and security, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and implementing procedures to mitigate any risks found.
They will also be expected to demonstrate how security procedures, including evacuation plans, access management and incident response protocols, will be incorporated into everyday tasks and responsibilities. And it’s worth remembering that as the people closest to the day-to-day building operation, FM professionals can often identify risks before they’re picked up by an audit.
Facilities management as a critical security enabler
Security extends beyond the merely physical apparatus, such as static guards and CCTV. It encompasses access control systems, visitor management and perimeter security, alongside mail screening, contractor management and co-ordination with security consultants and emergency services.
FM professionals are uniquely positioned to meet compliance obligations in these areas, as they can see how each of the above elements interact with the building’s fabric and the people who use it. For security to be truly effective, it must be integrated into everyday operations rather than being viewed as a standalone function – and FM professionals can act as the conduit through which safe and secure practices become embedded in business-as-usual activities.
Smart buildings: new opportunities and new vulnerabilities
The growth of smart buildings has strengthened the importance of treating physical security and cybersecurity as an integrated issue. FM professionals must consider how they can effectively manage and protect Building Management Systems (BMS), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, smart access systems and environmental monitoring technologies. Training may well be required for any FM staff unfamiliar with these new and emerging technologies. However, any time and expense incurred will prove good value in the long term, as it will produce FM professionals with wide-ranging capabilities around the systems and tools needed to maintain a safe and productive environment.
And that familiarity with the technology will be critically important. Should any of the individual security-aligned elements become compromised, it can lead to operational disruption and exposure to physical threats – meaning FM professionals will increasingly need high levels of awareness around managing and protecting these digital assets.
Governance and auditing are security tools too
Often, security breaches originate from neglected systems, poor records or inconsistent processes. In this new era, FM professionals will need to ensure accurate, timely records are maintained. They will need to conduct compliance audits and maintain asset registers to enable transparency around organisational readiness. Similarly, inspection regimes and ongoing contractor oversight will be required, alongside robust risk assessment activities and clear digital reporting to illustrate compliance with the Act’s obligations.
Although all of this may appear on paper an onerous task, this kind of comprehensive governance adds value to FM activities. It can also help identify opportunities for preventative maintenance and reduce the risk of important systems and processes failing in an emergency. It’s also worth pointing out that the most resilient buildings aren’t those that react competently to incidents, but those with preventative measures in place to prevent vulnerabilities from causing problems.
Don’t mistake low cost for best value
Successfully preparing for Martyn’s Law will need FM professionals with a deep understanding of buildings, their infrastructure, users and risk profile. Providers chosen purely on the lowest cost are unlikely to have this knowledge and may lack the insight, strategic support capabilities and long-term resilience of incumbent or more experienced FM professionals. Building owners need to carefully consider how FM providers can help create value, reduce risk and complement operational expertise when estimating the value providers bring to the table.
FM providers as a strategic partner
The introduction of Martyn’s Law will shift FM activities further away from the traditional concept of being maintenance providers, towards being an even more essential element of a strategic partnership. Providers will be expected to incorporate security, compliance, technology, resilience planning and occupant safety into their traditional roles. As we prepare for the law’s introduction in 2027, those willing to adapt, develop new skills and competencies, and play a deeper role in operational activities will be ready to step up to the plate.
