In the world of security and crowd management, one thing remains constant: the risk

landscape is always evolving.

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As professionals responsible for protecting people, places, and communities, we cannot

afford to treat risk assessments as static documents. They are not something to

complete once, file away, and revisit annually. They are live, operational tools, and one

of the most critical triggers for review is a change in the UK Terrorism Threat Level.

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Understanding the Threat Level – And Why It Matters

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The UK Terrorism Threat Level, set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC),

provides a clear indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack. Levels range from Low

to Critical, with each step representing a significant shift in risk.

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When that level changes, it’s not just a headline, it’s a direct signal to security providers,

event organisers, venue operators, and businesses that their current controls may no

longer be proportionate to the threat.

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Failing to respond appropriately is not just poor practice, it can expose organisations to

serious safety, legal, and reputational consequences.

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Risk Assessments Must Reflect Reality

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A risk assessment should always answer one fundamental question:

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“Are our current control measures sufficient for the risks we face today?”

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When the threat level increases, the answer often changes.

For example:

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A move from Substantial to Severe indicates an attack is highly likely.

This may require enhanced screening, increased staff vigilance, or revised emergency

response plans.

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If your risk assessment still reflects yesterday’s environment, then it is no longer fit for

purpose.

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What Should Be Reviewed?

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When the threat level changes, a structured and immediate review should take place. At

Active Security, we focus on five key areas:

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1. Vulnerability of the Site or Event

Entry points, crowd density, and access control measures

Public accessibility and exposure to vehicle or hostile threats

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2. Existing Control Measures

Are search procedures robust enough?

Is CCTV coverage sufficient and actively monitored?

Are hostile vehicle mitigation measures required or adequate?

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3. Staff Readiness and Awareness

Are teams briefed on the current threat level?

Have they received ACT Awareness or SCaN training?

Do they know what suspicious behaviour looks like, and how to respond?

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4. Emergency and Incident Response Plans

Are evacuation or invacuation procedures still appropriate?

Is there a clear command structure aligned with JESIP principles?

Are communication protocols tested and reliable?

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5. Coordination with Partners

Engagement with local police, counter-terrorism advisors, and stakeholders

Alignment with current guidance and intelligence

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Proportionate, Not Reactive

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It’s important to be clear, reviewing a risk assessment doesn’t mean overreacting. It

means being proportionate, informed, and prepared.

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There’s a balance to strike:

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Too little action creates vulnerability

Too much can disrupt operations unnecessarily

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The key is professional judgement backed by structured assessment.

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The Role of Leadership

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As Managing Director, I see risk assessment reviews not just as a compliance exercise,

but as a leadership responsibility.

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Our clients trust us to anticipate risk, not react to it after the fact. That means:

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Embedding a culture of vigilance

Empowering teams with the right training

Ensuring our processes are agile and responsive

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When the threat level changes, leadership must set the tone:

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We review. We adapt. We act.

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Looking Ahead: Martyn’s Law and the Future

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With the introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly

known as Martyn’s Law, the expectation around risk assessment and preparedness is

only increasing.

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Organisations will be required to:

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Regularly assess terrorism risk

Implement proportionate mitigation measures

Demonstrate clear planning and preparedness

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Reviewing risk assessments in response to threat level changes will not just be best

practice, it will be a legal expectation.

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Final Thoughts

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Security is not about standing still. It’s about staying ahead.

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A change in the UK Terrorism Threat Level is a clear and actionable warning. It gives us

the opportunity to reassess, strengthen, and ensure we are doing everything reasonably

practicable to keep people safe.

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At Active, we take that responsibility seriously.

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Because when it comes to protecting lives

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“good enough” is never enough.