In aviation, a black box is indispensable. It records every detail—conversations, data, timings, and decisions—offering the only reliable way to learn from an incident. Without one, a flight would never leave the ground.
Yet across the UK, thousands of venues—from stadiums and transport hubs to shopping centers and campuses—operate daily without their equivalent of a black box.
When incidents occur, operators often rely on fragmented data scattered across spreadsheets, emails, WhatsApp groups and radio logs. The lack of a centralized, tamper-proof record makes it difficult to reconstruct what happened or demonstrate accountability.
Lloyd Major, CEO of Halo Solutions, believes this must change. “A digital black box for venues is becoming both a moral and operational necessity,” he said.
A Changing Risk Landscape
Ten years ago, public safety planning was dominated by terrorism prevention. Today, the threat profile has expanded. Alongside terrorism, there are new risks: lone actors, drone disruptions, climate-related events, and flash gatherings driven by social media.
This shifting landscape has prompted greater regulatory scrutiny. The upcoming Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025—known as Martyn’s Law—requires venues to undertake risk assessments, develop response plans and maintain detailed records of their safety actions.
Failure to comply could result in enforcement action, fines or criminal charges. However, research indicates that over 60% of UK venues still rely on analogue tools such as radios and spreadsheets, creating gaps in evidence and coordination.
The Consequences of Uncertainty
Many operators believe their current systems are “good enough.” Halo’s own data shows that over 70% of safety leaders rate their confidence in their recordkeeping at three out of five or higher. Yet most admit challenges with data accuracy and audit trails.
When an incident occurs, it’s not just about responding in real time—it’s about proving what happened afterwards. Control rooms, insurers, and public inquiries all require verifiable, timestamped records of decisions and actions.
The financial and reputational costs of failure are high. Public liability claims already cost UK organizations billions each year, and inquiry costs often reach tens of millions. Beyond the figures, there’s a human impact: lives disrupted, careers damaged, and trust eroded.
The Manchester Arena Inquiry underscored how poor operational documentation undermines public confidence. Once trust is lost, rebuilding it takes years.
Building a Digital Record of Truth
To meet both regulatory and ethical obligations, venues will need to move towards a unified, digital “record of truth.” This transition involves three key stages:
1. Assessment:
Begin with a detailed evaluation of existing incident management procedures. Tools like the Incident Response Curve Calculator can identify weaknesses and guide investment in resilience and preparedness.
2. Technology Integration:
Select a comprehensive incident management platform capable of centralized communication, secure logging, analytics and legal-grade data protection. The aim is to create a single, auditable source of truth that aligns teams and improves real-time coordination.
3. Training and Culture:
Technology alone isn’t enough. Teams need consistent training and a culture that values transparency. Regular reviews ensure that critical moments are captured and lessons are integrated into future planning.
The Way Forward
Just as aircraft cannot operate without a black box, public venues should not operate without one either. The future of safety management lies in traceability and accountability.
By adopting digital systems that create a clear operational record, venues can meet new compliance standards, strengthen public trust and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
In a time when safety expectations are rising, having a “black box” for public venues is no longer optional—it’s essential.