The Borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed Events Safety Advisory Group
The Borough of Berwick-upon-Tweed Safety Advisory Group (SAG) was formed in 2002 with the aim of looking at safety issues for any public events happening within the area and providing the organisers with help and guidance. The idea is not to discourage events in any way but to ensure that any events are carried out safely and successfully. Should any member of the group have any questions about an event, the event organiser might be asked to come along to meet the group. In that way any issues can be discussed and the organiser can ask advice from the members - there is such a wide range of skills and experience available within the Safety Advisory Group.
Who is on the group
Members include the Borough Council, Police, Fire Service and County Council. The Council's representatives are from Environmental Health, Licensing, Tourism, and the SAG is chaired by David Cook, Borough Secretary : Tel : 01289 301716, email : dc@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk.
How SAG works
- We act as the first point of contact for anyone organising an event to which the public are invited.
- We ask that you have an event organiser to fill in an event safety plan form (Appendix A to the Guide) and risk assessment (Appendix C to the Guide) (see details below for the downloadable Guide for Event Organisers)
- Completed forms will be circulated to members for assessment and possible action.
- Members of SAG provide advice and guidance on their specific areas of responsibility to the organiser and other agencies involved.
- If necessary members of SAG meet with the organiser.
- The chair of SAG keeps written records of meetings and ensures actions arising are clearly documented.
- In some circumstances some members of SAG will monitor events to ensure standards are maintained.
SAG meet quarterly to discuss events held in the previous quarter and monitor how effective the group's work has been.
Planning and Organising an event
If you are organising an event in the Borough, there are a number of responsibilities placed upon you as organiser. If you are holding an event you need to understand that you are legally responsible for the safety of anyone attending.
The following pointers should help you in your event planning.
- Create a planning timetable including key dates
- Identify a team of people to help plan, organise and run the event, who can take responsibility for public safety
- Be clear about what you can achieve on your budget
- Carry out a risk assessment to ensure public safety
- Consider whether your event will cause disruption to traffic.
- Consider whether your event will require a licence.
The SAG has published a Guide For Event Organisers which you can download here.
Downloadable documents include :
To help you plan your event there are a number of publications available. You can also get advice from the Health and Safety Executive but you need to purchase the guides they produce. Two guides may be particularly relevant:
- Managing crowds safely - HSG154
- The event safety guide - HSG195
You should also look at the Health and Safety Executive's website for their publications www.hse.gov.uk and in particular the 5 Steps to Risk Assessment.
For further information on booking Council Land contact – Rob Marriner, Director of Environment
01289 301820 or email ram@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
For further information on Licensing issues contact – David Wilson in the Licensing Section on: 01289 301804 or e-mail dbw@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
Additional Information :
Home Office Guide to Events - Good practice guide (pdf)
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