Running an event safely

For many events all that is required is to follow a basic series of steps and produce an Event Management Plan (EMP) that helps to ensure that everyone knows what they are responsible for and all necessary contingencies are in place.

A good starting point is the Health and Safety Executive's event safety website, which is aimed at helping organisers and others run events safely.

Contacting your area Safety Advisory Group

Organisers planning larger events should consult with their area Safety Advisory Group (SAG) at an early stage. The purpose of the Safety Advisory Group is to enable the relevant regulatory and response agencies to review events that have implications for public safety.

Membership of the SAG can vary according to the event being considered but the core members of any SAG will be local authority representatives, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Suffolk Constabulary and the East of England Ambulance Service. Event organisers may be invited to the advisory group meetings to discuss their proposals.

Organisers will be advised if any aspects cause the group concern however the SAG has no statutory powers although some members of the group may have powers to restrict the event under primary legislation.  

To contact the East Suffolk Safety Advisory Group please email foodandsafety@eastsuffolk.gov.uk.