The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff and visitors is a priority across all our Colleges and sites. Security and Facilities teams are present during building opening times. They are supported by the University’s Head of Security.
In the event of a hostile attack, our Security and Facilities teams work closely with emergency services, local partners and University of the Arts (UAL)’s central response teams.
Working across our Colleges and locations
Across all our sites, we have shared procedures and communication systems in place so that information about incidents can be quickly assessed and acted on.
These arrangements are strengthened by new legislative requirement under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, known as Martyn’s Law, which places greater emphasis on preparedness and protective security.
Evacuation procedures
In the event of a hostile attack, evacuation is used to move people away from danger by leaving a building or site and reaching a safe location outside.
In some situations, such as a security threat, the usual fire evacuation routes may not be safe. You may be directed to use alternative routes to avoid danger.
During a major incident, Security and Facilities staff or emergency services will guide you. Always follow their instructions.
During an evacuation
If there is a threat inside or near the building, you may be asked to evacuate. You may not hear the fire alarm.
Facilities and Security staff will guide you to the safest available exit. This may be different from the routes you usually use. Follow directions and move away from the incident.
Leave large belongings behind so you can move quickly. Take essential items only, such as what you need to get home.
Once outside, continue moving away from the building. Police or emergency services may direct you where to go.
If you have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) and cannot safely leave the building — invacuate:
- move to a lockable room
- stay out of sight
- turn your phone on silent
- switch off vibrate
- wait for further instructions.
Invacuation procedures
An invacuation is the opposite of an evacuation. Instead of leaving a building, you may be asked to move inside to a safe area and stay there. This may include locking down parts of the building.
This procedure applies to anyone already inside, as well as people nearby who may be brought indoors for safety.
During an invacuation
You will not hear a fire alarm. Facilities and Security staff will inform you that there is an incident nearby. They will provide instructions on what to do.
Entrances and exits may be closed, and you may not be able to leave or enter the building.
- Follow the instructions of security and facilities staff.
- Move away from entrances and windows.
- Move up the building from the ground floor. Use the internal staircases where possible for fast action. Leave the lifts for those who need them.
- Find a safe place and lock doors behind you; barricade yourself in if you can. You may choose to hide under a desk out of direct view.
Facilities and Security staff will keep you updated and let you know when it is safe to leave. You may be asked to follow a specific route out of the building, guided by the Police.
When leaving, only take essential belongings with you to ensure you have the means to get home. Follow instructions from staff and emergency services.
If you have a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP), this will still apply.
Advice to stay safe
The chances of being caught up in a terrorist incident remain slim. However, it is important to be prepared and know how to protect yourself if the need arises. If you are caught up in an incident, the advice is to Run, Hide, Tell.
Run, Hide, Tell guidance
In the event of a serious incident involving a weapon, national guidance is summarised using the Run, Hide, Tell approach. This provides a simple and memorable framework to help people make safer decisions under pressure.
The guidance is about:
- prioritising personal safety
- following instructions from emergency services
- responding appropriately to the situation.
Run
Escape away from the danger if you can.
Consider your safest option: running away from the building or staying inside and running to a safe location.
Insist others leave with you.
Take only the belongings you need to get home, such as keys.
Hide
If you cannot run, then hide.
It’s better to hide than to confront.
Move away from glass and windows and lock doors if you can.
Find cover and lock any doors behind you. Barricade yourself in if you can.
If you can see the attacker, they may be able to see you.
Be aware of your exits.
Tell
Only when it’s safe:
- tell the police on 999
- inform site security or facilities teams.
What do the police need to know?
Listen to the instructions given to you by the call taker:
- Location – where are the suspects?
- Direction – where did you last see the suspects?
- Descriptions – describe the attacker, numbers, features,
clothing, weapons etc. - Further information – casualties, type of injury, building information, entrances, exits, hostages, etc.
Emergency response support
UAL has 24/7 emergency response teams who work closely with emergency services to help keep students, staff and visitors safe.
During an incident, you may be asked to move, stay where you are, remain quiet, or take a different route than usual. These instructions may feel unfamiliar, but they are designed to protect you.
Staying calm, aware of your surroundings, and ready to respond will help emergency teams manage the situation effectively.
During the incident, you may encounter armed Police Officers who will treat you firmly. Ensure you follow their instructions, move slowly and avoid sudden movements and keep your hands visible at all times.
University staff will support Security and Emergency Services by helping guide and assist students and by following all instructions given.
Suspicious items
Being aware of your surroundings helps keep our buildings safe. Not every unattended item is suspicious, students often carry bags, materials and equipment, which may sometimes be left behind.
If you notice something unusual or concerning, report it to Security or Facilities staff and follow their instructions.
The HOT protocol
The HOT protocol is a simple way to assess whether an item may be suspicious. It helps you decide when to report something without causing unnecessary alarm.
- H – Hidden: Has the item been deliberately concealed?
- O – Obviously suspicious: Are there visible wires, batteries or unusual materials? Can you smell chemicals, gas or vapours?
- T – Typical: Does the item look out of place for this environment?
If an item is hidden, obviously suspicious, and not typical for the area, treat it as suspicious and report it.
What to do if you find a suspicious item
- Do not touch the item.
- If it feels safe, check whether it may belong to someone nearby.
- If you are unsure, report it — do not assume someone else will.
Tell a staff member who will inform Security and Facilities Team. Avoid using your mobile phone very close to the item.
Once reported, Security and Facilities staff will assess the situation, secure the area, and contact emergency services if needed.