What is Standard Tier?
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Standard Tier (Standard Duty) applies to premises where it is reasonable to expect between 200 and 799 people to be present at the same time, at least occasionally.
The focus is on procedures and preparedness — ensuring that people working at the venue know how to respond if a terrorist incident occurs nearby or on site. There is no requirement to install physical security measures such as CCTV, barriers, or scanners.
Responsible persons must:
- Notify the Security Industry Authority (SIA) when the requirements come into force
- Have appropriate public protection procedures in place (evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, communication)
- Ensure staff are aware of and able to follow those procedures, so far as is reasonably practicable
Key Points for Standard Tier
- Applies to premises with 200-799 people present, at least occasionally
- No requirement to hire additional security staff solely for compliance
- NO physical security measures mandated
- No CCTV is mandated under Standard Tier
- Simple written procedures needed
- Staff must be aware of and able to follow procedures
- Procedures should be kept appropriate and updated when circumstances change
- Notify the SIA when the requirements come into force
Standard vs Enhanced Tier Comparison
| Requirement | Standard (200-799) | Enhanced (800+) |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Security Measures | Not mandated | May be required where appropriate |
| CCTV / Monitoring | Not mandated | May be required where appropriate |
| Plans to SIA | No routine submission required | Maintain and provide on request |
| Security Role | Responsible Person sufficient | Responsible person with defined security responsibilities |
| Written Procedures | Yes (Simple) | Yes (Detailed) |
| Staff Training | Basic awareness of procedures | Structured and proportionate |
Green indicates lower burden/cost for Standard Tier venues
Who Does Standard Tier Apply To?
Standard Tier applies to premises where it is reasonable to expect between 200 and 799 people to be present at the same time, at least occasionally. This includes a wide range of venues:
Community & Village Halls
Common questions:
- Volunteer-run
- Limited budget
- Infrequent gatherings
Places of Worship
Always Standard Tier, even if capacity exceeds 800
Common questions:
- Open-door policy
- Volunteers
- Multiple services
Hospitality
Common questions:
- Staff turnover
- Busy periods
- Multiple areas
Retail Premises
Common questions:
- Customer flow
- Part-time staff
- Opening hours
Leisure & Sports Venues
Common questions:
- Member safety
- Equipment areas
- Changing rooms
Not sure about your capacity?
Check your fire risk assessment, premises license, or building regulations certificate. If you're still unsure, use our free calculator.
Use Compliance CalculatorWhat Standard Tier Requires
What You MUST Do
- Have appropriate public protection procedures in place (evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, communication)
- Ensure staff are aware of and able to follow those procedures, so far as is reasonably practicable
- Appoint a Responsible Person — the duty holder who ensures procedures are in place and notifies the SIA
- Keep procedures appropriate and update when circumstances change
- Notify the SIA when the requirements come into force
What is Not Mandated Under Standard Tier
- Physical security measures are not mandated
- CCTV is not mandated under Standard Tier
- No requirement to hire additional security staff solely for compliance
- Barriers or bollards are not mandated
- Access control systems are not mandated
- No routine plan submission required (Enhanced Tier must maintain records)
- No designated security officer role required — a Responsible Person is sufficient
The Four Required Procedures
Standard Tier requires you to have procedures for four scenarios. Procedures should be simple, clear, and proportionate to the premises — the key is that everyone knows what to do.
Evacuation
Get OUT
When staying inside is more dangerous than leaving
- Threat inside the building
- Fire, explosion, or structural danger
- Police instruct evacuation
Invacuation
Stay IN
When leaving would be more dangerous than staying
- Threat outside the building
- Armed person in area
- Police instruct to stay inside
Lockdown
Secure
Prevent entry and exit to protect people inside
- Threat present or approaching
- Need to contain situation
- Police instruct lockdown
Communication
Alert All
How you will alert staff and public in each scenario
- PA system, fire alarm, or verbal
- Clear and appropriate signals for each procedure (where practicable)
- Clear all-clear message
Already have fire evacuation procedures?
Great news - you're already partway there! Your existing fire procedures will cover evacuation. You just need to add procedures for invacuation, lockdown, and communication. Our templates help you build on what you already have.
Staff Training Requirements
There's no formal training qualification required for Standard Tier. You simply need to ensure your staff and volunteers are aware of the procedures and know what to do. This can be as simple as:
Initial Training
30-60 mins
One session covering all four procedures with a venue walkthrough
New Starters
15-30 mins
Brief induction within first week, covering key points
Annual Refresher
15-30 mins
Quick refresher covering any changes and reminding of key procedures
Want structured training with a certificate?
Our online course provides video walkthroughs, quizzes, and a completion certificate for your records.
Standard Tier Compliance is Mostly About Time, Not Money
Standard Tier compliance focuses on simple, low-cost preparedness. Costs relate primarily to staff time, not the purchase of security equipment.
What You May Need to Invest
- Staff time to develop and review procedures
- Time to brief staff and volunteers on what to do
- Printing or sharing written guidance (if required)
Protect UK guidance: Standard Tier costs are "simple, low-cost activities with costs relating primarily to time spent."
What is Not Mandated Under Standard Tier
- Physical security measures (e.g. CCTV, barriers, access control)
- Security staff or consultants hired solely for compliance
- Submission of plans for approval
Protect UK does not publish cost estimates for Standard Tier and expects measures to be proportionate to the premises.
Step-by-Step Compliance Timeline
Follow this timeline to achieve compliance in about 5 weeks, spending just 10-15 hours total.
UNDERSTAND
- Calculate venue capacity
- Confirm Standard Tier applies
- Identify responsible person
- Review existing procedures
DEVELOP PROCEDURES
- Map venue layout and exits
- Write evacuation procedure
- Write invacuation procedure
- Write lockdown procedure
- Write communication procedure
TRAIN STAFF
- Schedule training session
- Walk through venue with staff
- Explain all four procedures
- Create reference cards
- Record training in log
IMPLEMENT
- Post procedures in staff areas
- Distribute reference cards
- Test communication systems
- Conduct practice drill
NOTIFY
- Notify the SIA when the requirements come into force
- Provide required information
MAINTAIN
- Keep procedures appropriate and update when circumstances change
- Brief new staff within first week
- Update when venue layout or use changes
- Keep training log updated
Downloadable Templates
Get started with our free compliance checklist. Purchase our training course to unlock all procedure templates, training logs, and staff reference cards.
Free Resource
Compliance Checklist
FREETrack your progress through all 6 phases of compliance. Perfect starting point for any venue.
Included with Training Course
Evacuation Procedure
Complete template for your evacuation procedure
PDF/DOCX • 312 KBInvacuation Procedure
Template for moving people to safety inside
PDF/DOCX • 298 KBLockdown Procedure
Securing your venue against external threats
PDF/DOCX • 285 KBCommunication Procedure
How to alert staff and public in emergencies
PDF/DOCX • 276 KBTraining Log
Record staff training and maintain compliance
PDF/Excel • 198 KBStaff Reference Card
Pocket-sized quick reference for all procedures
PDF • 156 KBUnlock All Templates with Training
Get instant access to all 6 procedure templates, training logs, and staff reference cards when you complete our Standard Tier training course.
- All 4 procedure templates (evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, communication)
- Staff training log and reference cards
- Editable Word/Excel formats included
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Help Getting Started?
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