UK Terror Threat Level: Guidance for Charities

6th May 2026

On 30 April 2026, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) raised the UK National Threat Level from SUBSTANTIAL (an attack is likely) to SEVERE (an attack is highly likely).

For many organisations across the voluntary sector, lone working in local communities is a normal part of service delivery. A heightened threat level can make this work feel more challenging – particularly for staff already supporting vulnerable individuals or groups.

How this may affect your staff

You may notice increased anxiety among your team, especially those working in public-facing or community-based roles. This could include:

• Concerns about lone working or travelling alone
• Feeling unsafe using public transport
• Worries about working in open-access buildings such as libraries or community centres
• Reluctance to carry out tasks that previously felt routine
• Anxiety linked to supporting communities perceived to be at higher risk

There may be a general increase in feelings of anxiety. Staff could feel worried about friends or family, or experience a general sense of unease due to ongoing news and social media coverage. This can affect morale, confidence, and overall wellbeing.

Practical steps you can take

If your staff have concerns about their safety at work, there are several practical measures you can consider:

• Review building security: Can doors be locked safely without affecting fire evacuation procedures?
• Adjust your workspace: If locking doors isn’t appropriate, consider reconfiguring layouts so staff are not working alone near entrances
• Provide personal safety tools: Low-cost panic alarms can offer reassurance both in the office and out in the community
• Strengthen lone working procedures: Ensure clear check-in processes are in place. If this isn’t feasible, introduce buddy systems for regular contact
• Stagger breaks: Reduce the likelihood of staff being alone in public-facing spaces
• Assess community venues: Are rooms located near main areas? Can staff easily call for help if needed?

It’s important to document any decisions or changes you make. This helps demonstrate a clear and considered approach to identifying and managing risk.

Supporting emotional and mental wellbeing

Alongside physical safety, emotional wellbeing should remain a priority.

It’s important to create space for open conversations. Encourage staff to share concerns and take these seriously. Work collaboratively to find a balance between maintaining services and ensuring individuals feel safe and supported.

In some cases, an individual risk assessment may be appropriate to formally capture concerns and agree on adjustments.

You may also want to signpost staff to additional support, such as:

👉 Free NHS programmes focused on mental health and wellbeing support

👉 Anxiety management tools and self-help resources from COPE Scotland

How we can help

The GCVS People and Safety Service is here to support you. We can help you review risk assessments, strengthen lone working procedures, and provide guidance on supporting staff wellbeing during this time.

If you would like tailored advice, please get in touch with our team. Call us on 0141 354 6515 or email peopleservices@gcvs.org.uk.

Learn more about our HR and health & safety advice services, and read more blog updates from the team.

This content was written by our team, with AI tools used only to support review and refinement.