Address Showsec failings identified in Volume 1
Improvements, to the extent that they have not already been made, should be made by Showsec to address the failings identified in Volume 1. Specific consideration should be given to how to address my concerns in relation to complacency.
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Home Secretary made a written statement to Parliament on 3 November 2022 following publication of Volume 2, acknowledging the findings on emergency response failures and stating the government would work with emergency services to implement improvements. The response committed to reviewing interoperability arrangements between emergency services and strengthening joint training and exercising protocols for major incidents.
Progress Timeline
All Showsec staff must now undertake ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) Security training before working for Showsec, and must undergo annual refresher training. They must also undertake e-learning modules, and face to face training. Specifically on the Manchester Arena, new members of Showsec staff undertaking their first shift at the Arena must undertake an in-person venue familiarisation session. Showsec has engaged, and will continue to engage going forward, in exercising with emergency services, with SMG at a range of venues throughout the UK. Showsec also continue to engage with emergency services via a range of forums. Showsec staff all attend a briefing, cascaded from the Head of Security, before each event, which covers counter-terrorism and reporting procedures. To address the Chair's concerns regarding complacency, Showsec have implemented a proactive system whereby staff and supervisors are asked at each shift whether they observed any hostile reconnaissance. At the Manchester Arena, Showsec make use of SMG's digital system to log information on any suspicious individuals. Showsec has focused its attention on ensuring that its training is delivered to staff in an optimal and effective manner and, arguably even more importantly, that it is understood and retained. Showsec has also invested heavily in providing training in regards to risk assessments, including those relating to Counter Terrorism. Showsec has improved its cooperation with the Police and ASM Global (formerly SMG), Showsec is involved with CTSA engagement, police briefings and sharing of relevant information as well as further cooperation with ASM. In addressing the risk of complacency Showsec has committed itself to ensuring that there are measures, policies and procedures in place at Showsec to encourage staff to remain live to the ongoing threat presented by terrorism at venues/events. This includes the systems for reporting and escalating hostile reconnaissance, improved supervisor training and refresher trainings.
All Showsec staff must now undertake ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) Security training before working for Showsec, and must undergo annual refresher training. They must also undertake e-learning modules, and face to face training. Specifically on the Manchester Arena, new members of Showsec staff undertaking their first shift at the Arena must undertake an in-person venue familiarisation session. Showsec has engaged, and will continue to engage going forward, in exercising with emergency services, with SMG at a range of venues throughout the UK. Showsec also continue to engage with emergency services via a range of forums. Showsec staff all attend a briefing, cascaded from the Head of Security, before each event, which covers counter-terrorism and reporting procedures. To address the Chair's concerns regarding complacency, Showsec have implemented a proactive system whereby staff and supervisors are asked at each shift whether they observed any hostile reconnaissance. At the Manchester Arena, Showsec make use of SMG's digital system to log information on any suspicious individuals. Showsec has focused its attention on ensuring that its training is delivered to staff in an optimal and effective manner and, arguably even more importantly, that it is understood and retained. Showsec has also invested heavily in providing training in regards to risk assessments, including those relating to Counter Terrorism. Showsec has improved its cooperation with the Police and ASM Global (formerly SMG), Showsec is involved with CTSA engagement, police briefings and sharing of relevant information as well as further cooperation with ASM. In addressing the risk of complacency Showsec has committed itself to ensuring that there are measures, policies and procedures in place at Showsec to encourage staff to remain live to the ongoing threat presented by terrorism at venues/events. This includes the systems for reporting and escalating hostile reconnaissance, improved supervisor training and refresher trainings.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Government published formal Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations dashboard on GOV.UK (14 November 2025) tracking all 149 recommendations with implementation progress updates.
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent 3 April 2025. Creates two tiers: Standard Duty (200-799 capacity) and Enhanced Duty (800+). SIA will be regulator. Not yet in force -- at least 24 months before enforcement (expected April 2027).
NPCC, Counter Terrorism Policing and College of Policing provided comprehensive updates to Sir John Saunders demonstrating "continued drive to improve collective response to terrorist incidents."
View detailed findings
Representatives working with UK Intelligence Community to address closed Volume Three recommendations. Cross-government monitoring ongoing.