Bev Griffiths, one of our Resilience Capability Leads, has been working with leading trainer, safety advisor and national subject matter expert, Vanessa Mawer, to bring this practical guidance right up to date.
Today we launch the publication of the revised 'UK Guide to Working in Safety Advisory Groups'. First published in 2015, the guide has been extensively updated to reflect current risks and challenges in the events industry.
Commenting on the guidance, Bev says; "Balancing today's risks with diminishing resources, never has it been more important for all types and size of events to engage and be supported by a Safety Advisory Group.
There's pressure to deliver 'best in show' events, using ever more complex technologies, incorporating increased risk-taking activities and competing for the most impressive and biggest wow factor. We simply can't emphasis enough how vital it is for event organisers and those involved in staging events to work closely in partnership with local authorities and the emergency services to address all the security and safety risks that could so easily derail and cause major disruption. Take a look at this new guidance - it could really make the difference between and enjoyable success or mitigated disaster. You'll be glad you did."
Don't just take our word for it
The new guidance has backing from the industry:
"I welcome the publication of this guidance by the Emergency Planning College (EPC). Safety Advisory Groups are critical in assuring that public safety issues are central to the work of the events industry. They have an excellent track record and I have every confidence that the guidance contained here is a strong foundation for future practice. The fact that the Emergency Planning College has worked closely with partners in the entertainment and events industry and in government reflects its commitment to be at the heart of the public safety and resilience community, encouraging debate and reflection where it is needed, and leading the way for practitioners and policy makers in establishing and promoting good practice. I commend it to you and thank my colleagues at the Emergency Planning College for bringing it to you."
Dr Campbell McCafferty, Director, Civil Contingencies Secretariat, Cabinet Office
"It is important that everyone involved in delivering spectator events understands the roles, responsibilities and liabilities. I hope you will find this guide interesting and useful, and wish you every success in the delivery of safe, secure and enjoyable events.
Ruth Shaw, Chief Executive, Sports Grounds Safety Authority
"The College of Policing is pleased to endorse the content of this, the first piece of national guidance on Safety Advisory Groups.
Clive Brooks, Head of Joint Operations, The College of Policing
"I believe this excellent guidance will bring about changes that will lead to consistently positive and beneficial experiences for organisers and safer events for everybody. It has my full support."
Andy Grove, Chair, Local Authority Events Organisers’ Group (LAEOG)
"We are delighted that the Emergency Planning College consulted widely with the industry to produce this guidance which we believe will be of benefit not only to the users but also to the wider events industry."
Steve Heap, General Secretary, Association of Festival Organisers.
FREE to Download: The UK Good Practice Guide to Working in Safety Advisory Groups
