Crowd Safety Management
Protect Duty Aligned. Risk-Led.
Operationally Credible.
Crowd safety is no longer a discretionary consideration. With the introduction of Martyn’s Law (the Protect Duty), organisations responsible for publicly accessible locations and events are now expected to demonstrate proportionate, evidence-based measures to reduce the risk of harm from both accidental and hostile threats.
We are Crowd Safety Management Specialists, providing Protect Duty–aligned advice and operational support to venues, event organisers, local authorities, and duty holders across the UK.
Our team includes Level 4 and Level 5 qualified Crowd Safety Management practitioners, ensuring strategic oversight alongside practical, on-the-ground delivery.
Our Role Under Martyn’s Law (Protect Duty)
Martyn’s Law places a legal duty on responsible persons to:
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Assess risks associated with large crowds and publicly accessible locations
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Implement proportionate mitigation measures
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Maintain clear plans, training, and governance arrangements
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Demonstrate due diligence and continuous improvement
We support organisations in meeting these obligations by embedding crowd safety into wider security, resilience, and counter-terrorism planning, rather than treating it as a standalone or tick-box exercise.
Our work ensures crowd safety controls are defensible, auditable, and operationally effective, supporting compliance while maintaining a positive experience for the public.
What We Do
We provide specialist crowd safety consultancy across the full planning and operational lifecycle, from early design and licensing through to live delivery and post-event assurance.
Our approach integrates:
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Crowd science and movement dynamics
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Behavioural analysis
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Security risk management
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Protect Duty principles
This enables organisations to manage both foreseeable crowd risks and emerging hostile threat scenarios in a structured, proportionate way.
Core Crowd Safety Services
Protect Duty–Aligned Crowd Risk Assessments
We deliver crowd-specific risk assessments addressing both accidental hazards and hostile threats, aligned with HSE guidance and the intent of Martyn’s Law. Assessments consider crowd density, flow, behaviour, environmental constraints, and mitigation measures.
Crowd Safety Strategies & Management Plans
Development of Crowd Safety Management Plans (CSMPs) and Event Management Plans (EMPs) that clearly demonstrate how risks are identified, controlled, monitored, and escalated. Documentation is written to satisfy regulators while remaining usable by operational teams.
Capacity, Density & Flow Modelling
Assessment of safe capacities and movement dynamics for venues and events, including phased, dynamic, and emergency capacities. This evidences proactive management of crowd pressures under Protect Duty expectations.
Hostile Threat & Vulnerability Integration
Alignment of crowd management measures with wider security controls, including access control, search regimes, hostile vehicle mitigation interfaces, staff positioning, and communication protocols.
Licensing & Safety Advisory Group (SAG) Support
Preparation of Protect Duty–ready documentation for licensing applications, variations, and SAG review. We attend meetings where required and provide independent professional assurance and challenge.
Operational Readiness & Staff Competence
Advice on staffing models, supervision, training, and command structures to ensure those managing crowds are competent, briefed, and supported. This includes integration with door supervision, stewarding, and control room functions.
Our Expertise
We support crowd safety and Protect Duty compliance across:
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Licensed venues and the night-time economy
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Public events, festivals, and cultural celebrations
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Heritage sites and sensitive locations
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Temporary and outdoor event spaces
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High-footfall publicly accessible locations
Each environment presents unique challenges. Our solutions are proportionate, site-specific, and grounded in real-world operations.
Where We Operate
Licensed venues and the night-time economy
Public events, festivals, and cultural celebrations
Heritage sites and sensitive locations
Temporary and outdoor event spaces
High-footfall publicly accessible locations
Each environment presents unique challenges. Our solutions are proportionate, site-specific, and grounded in real-world operations.
Why Crowd Safety and Protect Duty Matter
Crowd incidents and security failures are rarely caused by a single error. They arise from gaps in planning, unclear responsibilities, poor situational awareness, and inadequate escalation.
Effective crowd safety management under Martyn’s Law:
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Protects life and public confidence
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Demonstrates reasonable and proportionate risk reduction
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Provides legal, reputational, and operational protection for duty holders
Working With Us
We work collaboratively with venue operators, event organisers, security providers, local authorities, and emergency services.
Whether you require:
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Early-stage Protect Duty advice
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Independent review and assurance
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Full crowd safety documentation and operational support
We bring clarity, structure, and professional credibility to complex public environments.
Gatehouse Security Services Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crowd Safety Management under Martyn’s Law?
Crowd Safety Management under Martyn’s Law (the Protect Duty) involves identifying, assessing, and managing risks associated with large crowds and publicly accessible locations. This includes accidental crowd hazards as well as hostile threats, supported by proportionate mitigation measures, planning, and governance.
Who is responsible for complying with the Protect Duty?
The Protect Duty applies to responsible persons and duty holders, including venue operators, event organisers, local authorities, and organisations responsible for publicly accessible locations and qualifying events.
Do all venues and events need Crowd Safety Management Plans?
Not all venues and events require the same level of documentation. Martyn’s Law is risk-led and proportionate, meaning requirements vary depending on size, footfall, complexity, and threat profile. We tailor Crowd Safety Management Plans accordingly.
What qualifications should Crowd Safety Management consultants have?
Competent consultants should hold recognised qualifications such as Level 4 or Level 5 Crowd Safety Management, alongside operational experience. Our team includes practitioners qualified at both levels.
How does crowd safety link to security and counter-terrorism?
Crowd safety and security are closely linked. Effective Protect Duty compliance integrates crowd management with security measures such as access control, search regimes, hostile vehicle mitigation, staff positioning, and communication protocols.
Can you support licensing and Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meetings?
Yes. We prepare Protect Duty, aligned documentation for licensing applications and variations and can attend SAG meetings to provide expert advice, assurance, and professional challenge where required.
Speak to Our Crowd Safety Team
If you are preparing for Martyn’s Law, reviewing your crowd safety arrangements, or planning a high-footfall event or venue operation, we are available to support you.
Contact us to discuss Protect Duty–aligned crowd safety management.