3 min read
Why Counter-Terrorism Training Should Be Part of Every Organisation’s Risk Strategy
Recent terrorist related events including those in Manchester and Sydney are evidence that the threat landscape continues to evolve, and organisations cannot therefore afford to treat terrorism risk as an abstract concept or a distant possibility. Across sectors, from education and retail to aviation and corporate workplaces, the threat of terrorism — whether ideologically motivated, cyber-enabled, or lone-actor — has real implications for people, assets, reputation and organisational resilience.
Despite this, many organisations are waiting for formal guidance under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 before acting. The reason is understandable: businesses want certainty before investing time and money. However, it’s important to recognise that current statutory requirements already place an obligation on organisations to properly assess and address terrorism risks — even in the absence of that specific guidance.
Regulatory Context: Don’t Wait for Tomorrow’s Guidance to Comply Today
Although the detailed guidance to support the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 has not yet been published, organisations are already bound by existing legislative frameworks — including health and safety law and broader duty-of-care obligations — to consider terrorism as a risk. Waiting for the future guidance may leave organisations vulnerable, both in terms of preparedness and legal compliance.
A proactive approach to threat preparedness does not just reduce risk; it demonstrates duty of care and effective governance to staff, customers and stakeholders.
NaCTSO Guidance Sets the Benchmark for Best Practice
The UK Government’s National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) has long provided practical, risk-based guidance for organisations of all sizes. NaCTSO’s materials — covering topics such as protective security measures, suspicious activity reporting and resilience planning — remain the authoritative reference point while Act guidance is finalised.
NaCTSO guidance emphasises:
- Understanding your threat profile — terrorism is not a one-size-fits-all risk.
- Physical and procedural protective measures — from access control to incident response planning.
- Training and awareness — ensuring that staff at all levels know how to spot and respond to indicators of concern.
This risk-based, proportionate approach should be the foundation of every organisation’s counter-terrorism readiness.
Training Translates Policy Into Practical Capability
High-quality training is essential to bring guidance to life. This is where Premier Partnership’s NEBOSH Counter Terrorism Courses make a tangible difference.
NEBOSH counter-terrorism courses deliver:
- Structured, recognised training aligned with industry best practice.
- Practical skills that help organisations assess threats, implement mitigations and build resilience.
- Knowledge for decision-makers and front-line staff — from risk assessment techniques to behavioural awareness.
Rather than leaving preparedness to chance, investing in training builds competence and confidence across an organisation. It equips people to understand their role in prevention, protection and response — whether they are security managers, site leaders or employees.
Organisations Should Act Now — Not Later
Waiting for forthcoming statutory guidance is understandable, but waiting carries risk.
Organisations should:
✔ Acknowledge that current legal duties already require terrorism risk to be addressed
✔ Use authoritative resources such as NaCTSO guidance as a foundation
✔ Invest in recognised training such as NEBOSH counter-terrorism courses with Premier Partnership
✔ Build capability now to avoid crisis-driven responses later
In an unpredictable world, preparedness is a strategic advantage. Counter-terrorism training is not just a compliance exercise — it’s a demonstration of leadership, care for people and a commitment to organisational resilience.
Our Counter Terrorism Courses
All Premier Partnership Martyn’s Law training courses are NEBOSH Qualifications, the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health—one of the world’s leading bodies for health, safety, and risk management qualifications.
View the courses HERE
Jon Knight
Posted 23rd Jun 2025 
