Address Showsec failings identified in Volume 1

Source — verbatim from the inquiry

Published evidence summary

Response — verbatim from government

Evidence trail — what's actually happened since

• 27 Feb 2026 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. Source →
• 14 Nov 2025 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. Source →
• 14 Nov 2025 · Cabinet Office Government published formal Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations dashboard on GOV.UK (14 November 2025) tracking all 149 recommendations with implementation progress updates. View source → Reasonable Progress
• 3 Apr 2025 · UK Parliament 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). View source → Reasonable Progress
• 5 Jun 2023 · National Police Chiefs Council 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 source → Reasonable Progress

Each entry above links to a primary source — gov.uk written statement, consultation response document, or inspection report. The Index does not characterise government intent; it tracks what has been published.