Many organisations have emergency procedures, lockdown arrangements and crisis management plans in place.  Far fewer have genuinely tested whether those plans will work operationally when faced with confusion, time pressure, conflicting information and the emotional impact of a real incident.

Desktop or Tabletop Exercises provide organisations with the opportunity to validate emergency procedures, challenge assumptions and identify operational gaps before a genuine emergency occurs.

Exercises are specifically designed around the organisation, environment and threat profile involved.  Scenarios may include hostile threats, suspicious packages, evacuation and invacuation decisions, safeguarding incidents, severe weather, protest activity, medical emergencies, infrastructure failures or wider crisis situations affecting staff, visitors and public safety.

The course places strong emphasis on realistic operational decision making, communication under pressure and leadership during uncertainty.  Participants are required to assess evolving information, prioritise actions, coordinate responses and manage both operational and reputational considerations as the scenario develops.

This is particularly important within the context of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law, where organisations are expected to demonstrate proportionate preparedness, communication arrangements and practical planning for terrorist related incidents and wider public safety risks.

Unlike generic discussion exercises, these tabletop programmes are designed to feel operationally realistic, helping participants understand how people, communication and leadership directly influence emergency outcomes.