The Responsibility to Protect: Life Safety, Security and Compliance in 2026

ICC Belfast to host public safety conference supporting delivery of Martyn’s Law

With the introduction of Martyn’s Law, organisations responsible for publicly accessible buildings and spaces across the UK are facing new and heightened responsibilities around security, preparedness and public protection.

In March 2026, ICC Belfast will host national safety experts, policy leaders and industry specialists for a landmark conference focused on how organisations can meet these responsibilities and protect people effectively in public spaces.

The Responsibility to Protect conference, taking place on 25 March 2026, will address the evolving security, safety, compliance and preparedness responsibilities facing organisations responsible for publicly accessible buildings and spaces across the UK and Ireland. A keynote address will be delivered by Figen Murray OBE, the campaigner whose work following the Manchester Arena attack led directly to the introduction of Martyn’s Law and who is now one of the UK’s most respected voices on public protection and preparedness. The conference will also explore how organisations can take a proportionate, forward-looking approach to public safety beyond legislative compliance.

The conference is convened and sponsored by Diamond Systems, one of Northern Ireland’s leading independent life safety and security specialists, in partnership with ICC Belfast.

The programme will explore the practical implementation of Martyn’s Law alongside wider life safety and security considerations, including emergency and evacuation planning, innovation in public safety technology, effective communication systems, and the growing importance of sustainable and proportionate life safety solutions aligned with ESG commitments.

Sessions will also address competence, accreditation and legal accountability for those with responsibility for public-facing environments.

The conference is aimed at professionals with responsibility for safety and security across publicly accessible environments, including venues and events, education campuses, transport hubs, local authorities, estates and facilities teams, healthcare, hospitality, retail, faith settings and outdoor events.

The conference will be hosted by Donna Traynor, one of Northern Ireland’s most respected broadcasters and event hosts. Other confirmed speakers include senior emergency services leaders, safety specialists and campaigners whose work has helped shape national thinking on evacuation, preparedness and public safety.

Contributions will come from public authorities, regulators and emergency services, including the PSNI and the Security Industry Authority, alongside industry bodies and life safety and security specialists such as the Fire Industry Association, the National Security Inspectorate, Fire Aware, AXIS Communications, Ambient Systems, The Emergency Group, Nimbus Fire, Uptick and Britannia Fire, with one session delivered as a panel discussion featuring multiple speakers.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Rob McConnell, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, said:

“Public safety is a shared responsibility, and venues like ICC Belfast have a vital role to play in leading best practice."

This conference brings together the people shaping policy, technology and standards to ensure our public spaces are safer, more inclusive and better prepared for the future.

Angela Bennett, CEO of Diamond Systems, said:

“Martyn’s Law represents a significant step forward in how we approach safety in publicly accessible environments. This conference is about turning legislation into practical action, while also looking ahead to how innovation, competence and sustainability support better safety outcomes."

By bringing together policy leaders, safety professionals and technology experts, we aim to support those with responsibility for public spaces to understand their obligations, share best practice and implement proportionate, robust safety measures.

The programme will run from 8.30am to 1.30pm, with registration from 8.30am and networking opportunities and an exhibition taking place during the mid-morning break.

Tickets are available via the Diamond Systems Eventbrite page, with discounted rates available for a limited period.