Event safety
Guidance for event organisers
Legal responsibility for public safety at events rests with the organisers of the event and the owners of the land upon which it takes place.
The police have no general duty to preserve public safety at any public event except where there are imminent or likely threats to life. This means officers will not be used to police events and organisers need to plan for a safe event which does not rely on a police presence.
You will need to notify the Event Safety Advisory Group* using the notification form below, complete an assessment checklist, notify the ambulance service and nominate an event safety officer:
You will also need to notify the ambulance service. For events in the Forest of Dean District you can do this on the South Western Ambulance Service website: https://www.swast.nhs.uk/p/notify-us-of-your-event
*Event Safety Advisory Group (ESAG)
ESAG brings together all the agencies that have an interest in the safety and environmental impact of public events to do the following:
Advise organisers of licensed and unlicensed events on matters relating to:
- the prevention of crime and disorder
- the prevention of public nuisance
- public safety
- the protection of children from harm
Advise the Licensing Authority (Forest of Dean District Council) on appropriate conditions for large licensed events.
The group is made up of representatives from:
- Local authorities (licensing, neighbourhood services, trading standards and highways)
- South West Ambulance Service
- Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service
- Gloucestershire Police
- Emergency Planning
For more information email [email protected]
You may also find it useful to read the information on the GOV.UK website about organising a voluntary event.
Event safety during Coronavirus
Whilst there are no longer any legal limits on the number of people who can attend public events, a requirement to wear face coverings, nor a requirement to check the Covid status of customers, all event organisers should continue to follow any relevant government guidance to ensure the safety of the public: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
