Non-statutory supplementary document C: Further resources and learning
Updated 18 May 2026
This non-statutory supplementary document is intended to provide supporting information in relation to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 Statutory Guidance. [footnote 1] The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 is subsequently referred to as ‘the Act’.
1. As part of implementing public protection procedures and public protection measures, the responsible person should ensure that staff at qualifying premises orÌýevents are aware of the procedures and measures and are competent in their roleÌýto deliver them effectively, achieving the desired public protection outcomes.
2. Training, learning, instruction or overall counter-terrorism awareness will usually be necessary to ensure that staff are informed and competent to implement public protection procedures andÌýmeasures.
3. The following sections outline existing training and awareness products that could be useful to responsible persons in implementing their statutory obligations under the Act. ThisÌýincludes:
- guidance, training and learning thatÌýcan help those responsible and their management chain to identify, develop and implement appropriate public protection procedures and measures.
- basic counter-terrorism awareness products (such as e-learning and campaign materials). This is for public facing staff or for those specifically in security roles.
4. It is worth noting that some of these products are free of charge and widely available, whereas others may be capacity limited (for example, Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs) need to be available to deliver some training) or come at some cost. There is no obligation under the Act to purchase these products. However, the responsible person could decide that it isÌýappropriate and reasonably practicable to purchase products for their premises orÌýevent.
Existing counter-terrorism awareness products
Action Counters Terrorism (ACT)
5. This counter-terrorism initiative has been developed by Counter Terrorism Policing to raise awareness and increase the understanding of counter‑terrorism, identifying suspicious activity and responding to terrorist incidents. Under this banner, the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has created a suite of awareness products that can be used by businesses and organisations in training their staff.
6. The desired impact across all ACT products is to:
- improve security culture within venues and public spaces across a hierarchy ofÌýrolesÌýand business areas
- help organisations to be as ready asÌýthey can be for the consequences ofÌýaÌýterroristÌýattack
- support local areas to be as ready as they can be for the consequences ofÌýaÌýterroristÌýattack
- align with, and support the objectives of, the Prepare strand of CONTEST, theÌýUK’sÌýcounter‑terrorism strategy
7. The following table outlines the key digital e-learning products offered by the ACTÌýsuite of products, which are freely available on . [footnote 2]
Figure 1: ACT suite of digital products
| Title | Information and outcomes | Relevant roles |
|---|---|---|
| ACT awareness e-learning | A free online course consisting of short modules that can be started and paused toÌýsuit business needs. Modules include: - introduction to counter‑terrorism - identifying and responding to suspiciousÌýactivity - identifying and responding to suspicious items - responding to a bomb threat - responding to a marauding attacker The outcomes for this course are as follows: - increased understanding of security vulnerabilities and suspicious activities - increased understanding of what hostile reconnaissance looks like - increased understanding of actions to beÌýtaken in response to a terrorist attack |
Suitable for staff at all levels. The general public can also complete this course. |
| ACT security e‑learning | A free online course that provides up‑to‑dateÌýand specialised training forÌýfront‑line security operatives. This course provides up-to-date counter‑terrorism knowledge to help operatives prevent, prepare for and respondÌýto terrorist incidents and terrorist attacks while on duty. It is not, however, a substitute for premises‑specificÌýor event-specific training, learningÌýor instruction onÌýlocal security procedures andÌýmeasures. |
Suitable for security operatives. |
| ACT e‑learning forÌýeducation | This free course has been developed by the Department for Education in collaboration with NaCTSO using core principles such as RUN HIDE TELL, the HOT Protocol and the Power ofÌýHello. | Suitable for all staff working in education settings. |
8. The following table outlines the key products offered by the ACT suite, which are delivered by Counter Terrorism Security Advisors (CTSAs) to qualifying businesses. The delivery of theseÌýproducts depends on the availability of CTSAs.
Figure 2: ACT suite of products delivered by CTSAs
| Title | Information and outcomes | Relevant roles |
|---|---|---|
| ACT Awareness | A two-hour introduction to counter‑terrorism, delivered in person by CTSAs. Modules include: - identifying and responding to suspiciousÌýactivity -dealing with suspicious items and bombÌýthreats - responding to a marauding attacker - postal threats The outcomes for this course are as follows: - increased understanding of what suspicious activity looks like and why it should be responded to - increased understanding of the role staff playÌýin responding - sustained motivation of staff to think more about looking out for suspicious activity orÌýitems - sustained confidence of staff to report andÌýdeal with threats |
Suitable for staff at all levels. |
| ACT Operational | A facilitated and interactive three-hour scenario-based session delivered by CTSAs forÌýoperational supervisors and staff. It aims to: - raise awareness of the ongoing threat fromÌýterrorism - improve the security culture within anÌýorganisation - increase staff confidence in how to respond to a situation or incident effectively The outcomes for this course are as follows: - increased awareness of counter-terrorism guidance and the resources available for businesses and organisations to disrupt hostile activity - increased understanding of the role staff have to play in deterring, disrupting and responding to an attack, and understanding why this isÌýimportant - increased understanding of the benefits of a top-down security culture and well-tested communication plans - increased knowledge of how to report hostile activity and suspicious items in theirÌýorganisational and local context - increased knowledge of how to make decisions and act during a terrorist incident toÌýprotect themselves and others |
Suitable for operational supervisors andÌýstaff. |
| ACT Strategic | A facilitated, interactive workshop delivered by CTSAs to policy writers and strategic decision makers from businesses and organisations in aÌýgeographic area. This session will help organisations to: - exchange good practice - review strategies to prepare, manage andÌýrecover from a terrorist attack |
Suitable for policy writers and / or decision makers. |
9. The following table outlines the ACT Corporate product, which is delivered either byÌýCTSAs or by a representative of NaCTSO to qualifying businesses andÌýorganisations.
Figure 3: ACT suite of products delivered by CTSAs
| Title | Information and outcomes | Relevant roles |
|---|---|---|
| ACT Corporate (also known as ACT engagement days) | An engagement day co-ordinated by CTSAs and / or NaCTSO consisting of briefings by subject‑matter experts. Events are delivered regionally to decision makers from small and medium local businesses, or nationally to decision makers from businesses or associations within targeted sectors, such asÌýretail, sport orÌýhospitality. The sessions aim to gain support from senior managers to firmly embed counter-terrorism awareness training and guidance within organisational plans and policies. The sessions are delivered on an annual basis toÌýregional and sector groups. For national / sector-based events, NaCTSO willÌýengage directly with professional bodies. |
Suitable for seniorÌýmanagers. |
See, Check and Notify (SCaN)
10. This counter-terrorism initiative was developed by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), in partnership with the National Disruptive Effects Unit (NDEU) atÌýthe City of London Police. It aims to help businesses and organisations maximise safety and security using their existing resources.
11. The desired impact across the SCaN initiative is:
- potential hostile reconnaissance is detected, information useful in the planning ofÌýaÌýhostile act is denied, and ultimately the hostile is deterred
- improved and sustained security culture across job roles within venues and publicÌýspaces, including premises and events in and out of scope of the legislation
- organisational level preparedness inÌýdisrupting hostile reconnaissance, the planningÌýstage of a hostile event
- to align with, and support, the objectives of the Prepare strand of CONTEST, the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, and to ensure national-level protection against a terrorist attack is strengthened through increased resilience of the UK’sÌýinfrastructure and improved protective security for crowded places
12. SCaN helps organisations maximise safety and security from their existing resources. People are anÌýorganisation’s biggest asset inÌýpreventing and tackling aÌýrange of threats, including criminal activity, unlawful protest and terrorism.
13. SCaN training empowers an organisation’s workforce to correctlyÌýidentify hostile reconnaissance and know what to do when they encounter it. The skills they will learn will also help them provide an enhanced customer experience. SCaN helps ensure that those seeking to harm their organisation are unable to get the information they need to plan theirÌýactions.
See: Recognise what is normal andÌýwhat is not to be vigilant for suspicious activity
Check: Use friendly conversation (theÌýPower of Hello) to discern if activity is suspicious orÌýnot.
Notify: Know how and when to report suspicious activity andÌýwhat to do if it is reported toÌýthem by someone else.
14. Figure 4 below outlines the key products offered by SCaN. It is worth noting that delivery of the face-to-face sessions will be dependent on resource availability.
Figure 4: Key products offered within the SCaN suite of products
| Title | Information and outcomes | Relevant roles |
|---|---|---|
| SCaN for All (free product) | The SCaN for All staff module is designed to increase the awareness of hostile reconnaissance and how all members of staff can help to counterÌýit. The module is best completed in-person with a 30 to 60 minute session facilitated by an individual in their own organisation using facilitator notes, which are provided. Alternatively, this module can be completed individually online or embedded into an organisation’s own e-learning managementÌýsystem. The outcomes for this course are as follows: - increased understanding of the role staff have toÌýplay in disrupting the planning of an attack - increased understanding of why vigilance fromÌýallÌýstaff is important - increased knowledge of how to remain vigilantÌýand report suspicious activity withinÌýthe organisation |
Suitable for staff atÌýall levels. |
| SCaN for CCTV Operators (paid for) | Face-to-face three-hour interactive course forÌýlive‑monitored control room operators. The outcomes for this course are as follows: - increased understanding of where suspicious activity is likely to occur - increased understanding of common observational and judgement errors - increased understanding of why identifying suspicious activity and avoiding common errors is important<br- increased knowledge of how to effectively communicate about suspicious activity with other staff and the police - increased knowledge of how to remain vigilantÌýand report suspicious activity withinÌýthe organisation |
Suitable for control room operators. |
| SCaN for Comms Professionals (paid for) | Face-to-face or virtual session with staff working in communication roles, including internal comms, marketing, media liaison and digital. ThisÌýincludes a two-hour briefing. The outcomes for this course are as follows: - increased understanding of what security‑minded and deterrence communications are - increased understanding of why communications need to be designed usingÌýsecurity-minded principles - knowledge of how to use communications toÌýdeter hostiles - knowledge of how to develop a security‑minded communications plan |
Suitable for comms professionals. |
| SCaN for LineÌýManagers (paid for) | An enhanced training course designed for those in supervisory or management roles to increase their understanding of how somebody within their organisation could conduct hostile reconnaissance in preparation for an insiderÌýevent. As a result of this course, staff will be able to identify this activity and know how they can help to counter it. |
Suitable for those in supervisory orÌýmanagement roles. |
| SCaN for Customer Facing (paid for) | Face-to-face three-hour interactive course for customer-facing staff covering suspicious activity, vigilance, the Power of Hello and reporting. The outcomes for this course are as follows: - increased understanding of how good customer service impacts criminality - increased understanding of why a conversation could deter a potential hostile - increased knowledge of how to undertake aÌýconversation to deter hostiles - increased knowledge of how to remain vigilantÌýand report suspicious activity withinÌýthe organisation |
Suitable for customer facingÌýstaff. |
| SCaN for Decision Makers (paid for) | A short face-to-face briefing with senior executives which contains case studies and provides an overview of the SCaN programme. This module seeks to get buy-in from senior members of staff, which is vital to the successful deployment of SCaN at an organisation. The outcomes for this course are as follows: - increased awareness of the wider suite of SCaN packages available to the organisation - increased understanding of why the organisation needs to bolster efforts againstÌýhostile reconnaissance |
Suitable for senior executives, managers and policy makers. |
| SCaN for Security Managers (free product) | A security toolkit whereby the SCaN trainer spends time face-to-face and shares knowledge with the site security manager. This could be in the form of one meeting, several meetings and / or site visits. This could also include the SCaN trainer and security manager creating Hostile Information Plans, conducting Security Posture Assessments and utilising self‑delivery tools. The outcomes for this course are as follows: - increased awareness of the wider suite of SCaN packages available to the organisation - increased understanding of why the organisation needs to bolster efforts against hostile reconnaissance - increased understanding of site-specific vulnerabilities to hostile reconnaissance and the role they have to play in addressing them - increased understanding of why they should address the physical and online vulnerabilities identified - increased knowledge of how to adapt existing resources (online and offline) to bolster efforts against hostile reconnaissance |
Suitable for security managers. |
Further resources
ProtectUK
15. ProtectUK is an online platform that provides information and guidance to support users with counter-terrorism, security and business resilience to better protect organisations, their staff and their visitors. The platform was developed by the Counter Terrorism Alliance, a focused collaboration of NaCTSO, the Homeland Security Group within the Home Office, andÌýPool Reinsurance.
16. ProtectUK has a dedicated legislation section, which will continue to be regularly updated to reflect the most recent advice. Additional features include videos by industry professionals giving advice on securing businesses, and further information and explainers on the standard and enhanced tier requirements within the legislation. Further details canÌýbe found on . [footnote 3]
NPSA
17. NPSA is the UK government’s National Technical Authority for Physical and Personnel Protective Security. It develops and publishes free-to-use protective security guidance and other resources forÌýaÌýwide range of users.
18. The NPSA website includes guidance intended to help those responsible for security at public premises and events to understand terrorist attack methodologies, threat and risk, and to identify and implement effective security mitigations, including evacuation, invacuation and lockdown procedures, and incident responseÌýplanning. [footnote 4]
19. In addition to guidance, the NPSA website also includes a wide variety of introductory videos and animations, and suites of campaign materials that premises and events may use to raise public and staff awareness and promote good security practices. NPSA are also responsible for the SCaN suite of awareness products outlined within this document.
NPSA’s Café Lockdown Drama
20. NPSA produced ‘Cafe Lockdown Drama’, a short film to introduce the quick actions that a member of staff within a small business can take to lockdown the premises during a terrorist attack. [footnote 5] The video demonstrates the purpose of lockdown, when to lockdown, who should lockdown (and who decides to do so), howÌýto lockdown and how to maintain it.
HOT Principles
21. These are principles designed to inform your judgement in responding to unattendedÌýitems.
H:ÌýIs it hidden?
Has the item beenÌýdeliberately concealed or isÌýitÌýobviously hidden from view?
O:ÌýIs it obviously suspicious?
Does it have wires, circuit boards, batteries, tape, liquids or putty-like substances visible? Do you think the item poses an immediate threat toÌýlife?
T:ÌýIs the item typical of what you would expect to find at thisÌýlocation?
22. Further information can be found at . [footnote 6]
RUN HIDE TELL
23. RUN HIDE TELL is an initiative that was issued by Counter Terrorism Policing to members of the public about what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. The was designed to provide three simple and clear actions which can be applied to many situations and places in the unlikely event of a terrorist attack. [footnote 7] It is aimed at individual members of the public and is not a substitute for premises or events having appropriate public protection procedures in place or as an instruction for staff.
Recognise, Assess, Reach (RAR) and Remove. Remove. Remove. campaigns
24. The for chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) incidents campaign involves a three-stage process to support an effective response by security control room staff to a CBR incident. [footnote 8] These can be summarised under the following headings: Recognise, Assess, React.
Recognise: understanding the indicators of a CBR incident to be able to recognise them before attack initiation or as soon as possible during an attack. TheseÌýinclude physical symptoms and other signs.
Assess: undertaking a rapid incident assessment to ensure that the response strategy in place, for example, evacuation, is appropriate and minimises further harm to people on the site.
React: communicating and acting rapidly to reduce harm to yourself and others.
25. is a guidance initiative that was issued by Counter Terrorism Policing to members of the public about what to do in the event of exposure to a hazardous substance. [footnote 9] This protocol has been endorsed by the ambulance, police and fire services.
26. The guidance from this initiative is closely aligned to that for the emergency services and provides simple, consistent advice on early actions following:
- suspected deliberate or accidental exposure to a hazardous substance (vapour, powder or liquid)
- an acid attack
27. The guidance emphasises that ifÌýyou have been affected:
Remove yourself from the hazard to avoid further exposure. Find a water source if the skin is itchy orÌýpainful.
Remove outer clothing if affected by the substance. Avoid pulling clothing over the head if possible. Do not pull off clothing stuck toÌýskin.
Remove the substance from skin if affected. Rinse continually with water if the skin is itchy or painful.
Security on Your Side
28. This initiative was developed by NPSA and further information can be found at . [footnote 10] It is a security minded communications campaign designed to amplify the deterrent effect of hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) and other security measures, and to disrupt hostiles during the reconnaissance stage of their planning. The rationale is based around the principle that if a hostile believes your venue is secure, they are less likely to progress their attack planning.
29. Designed with the everyday site user in mind, Security on Your Side is a toolkit of communication assets, layered across a range of communication channels, that amplifies the HVM and other security assets that could be in place at the venue.
30. As part of the campaign, there are six key infographics for venues such as a train station, an airport, a stadium/arena, a street market, a bridge and a high street. Each scene depicts the venue on a normal day, specifically highlighting a variety ofÌýsecurity measures that are in place.
31. The Security on Your Side campaign is also designed to enhance customer service by making customers and visitors feel safe, while creating the opportunity to exploit and exacerbate a hostile’s feeling of paranoia and anxiety that they may be caught orÌýdisrupted during their attack planning.
The Green Guide to Safety at SportsÌýGrounds
32. The Green Guide, which is published by the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA) and can be purchased, is a key piece of existing guidance designed to achieve safety at sports grounds by establishing a balance between good management and good design.[footnote 11] ItsÌýmain focus is about crowd safety (especially managing a crowd-crush risk at sports grounds). Therefore, it will not be relevant to many other premises in scope of the legislation.
33. The Green Guide’s fundamental principle is that responsibility for all people present in a sports ground always lies with the ground management. It provides details on the assessment of a ground’s safe capacity and outlines how to calculate the entry, holding, exit and emergency exit capacities.
34. The Green Guide details the requirements for the safe movement of people in, outÌýand around the ground including:
- circulation, including ingress, egress, vertical circulation andÌýconcourses
- structures and installations, including barriers and separating elements, and spectator accommodation that is both seatedÌýand standing
- the importance of effective systems, including communications and control issues, and mechanical and electrical installations
- specific issues, including fire safety, medical and first aid provision, and media provision
35. It is considered the best practice guide for the development and refurbishment of stadiums, and its usefulness in assessing a ground’s vulnerabilities and securityÌýisÌýevident.
The Purple Guide
36. The Purple Guide, is published by The Events Industry Forum and can be purchased, is designed to provide guidance for event organisers, suppliers, local authorities and others involved in the outdoor events industry. [footnote 12] It may therefore act as a useful resource for those working in events to determine how they meet their new statutory obligations under the Act.
Footnotes
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Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 Statutory Guidance is available at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/terrorism-protection-of-premises-bill-2024Ìý↩
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ProtectUK, www.protectuk.police.uk/Ìý↩
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ProtectUK, www.protectuk.police.uk/Ìý↩
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ÌýNPSA, www.npsa.gov.uk/Ìý↩
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ÌýÌýNPSA, ‘Cafe Lockdown Drama’, available at: Ìý↩
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ÌýÌýProtectUK, ‘Election security for polling stations and counting venues, Incident procedures’, 26ÌýMarch 2024, availableÌýat: www.protectuk.police.uk/advice-and-guidance/security/incident-proceduresÌý↩
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ÌýProtectUK, ‘RUN HIDE TELL’, available at: www.protectuk.police.uk/advice-and-guidance/response/run-hide‑tellÌý↩
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ÌýNPSA, ‘Recognise, Assess, React (RAR) for Chemical, Biological and Radiological (CBR) Incidents’, 14 August 2024, available at: Ìý↩
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ÌýProtectUK, ‘REMOVE. REMOVE. REMOVE: Guidance on hazardous substance exposure’, available at: www.protectuk.police.uk/advice-and-guidance/response/remove-remove-remove-guidance-hazardous-substance-exposureÌý↩
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ÌýNPSA, ‘Security on Your Side’, 4 March 2024, available at: Ìý↩
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Sports Grounds Safety Authority, ‘Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide)’, available at: Ìý↩
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ÌýThe Purple Guide, ‘The Purple Guide to health, safety and welfare at outdoor events’, available at: www.thepurpleguide.co.uk/Ìý↩