Keep it safe and legal

We’ve put together a list below to help make sure there is nothing you have missed and give you confidence that your event will be safe, successful and fun for everyone involved.

The venue

  • Do not exceed the safety capacity of the venue.
  • Make sure fire exits are free from obstructions at all times.
  • Are there adequate and suitable facilities for disabled people?
  • Will there be adequate parking and will you need car parking stewards?
  • Make sure that your event is adequately supervised or marshalled by people that have been appropriately briefed with the relevant information and instructions.

  • Ensure all portable electrical equipment has been tested and is safe to use.
  • Ensure all equipment is in good repair and is operated only by people who are competent to use it.
  • Check the stability and strength of trestle tables before piling them up!
  • Avoid lifting heavy loads – provide trolleys where appropriate.
  • If using an external supplier make sure you use a reputable company.

  • If your event is public please make sure that you have adequate insurance (eg public liability insurance). Check with your venue as they will most likely have this covered. 
  • It is the responsibility of those joining in activities to ensure that they are fit enough to take part.

  • Everyone involved in the preparation and serving of food to the public must have a basic understanding of food hygiene.
  • Make sure if you use nuts in your food that this is made obvious.
  • Keep small food away from children.
  • If you plan to sell alcohol, you need to have an alcohol license from your local council but it could be that the venue you are using already has the necessary licence.

  • Children under the age of 16 must have permission from a parent or guardian before taking part in a fundraising activity.
  • Any adults supervising children should have had the appropriate checks. See the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for more information and guidance.
  • Any money collected has to be handled by an adult.

Please take a look at St John Ambulance or British Red Cross for advice about first aid at your event. Here are a few points to consider:

  • What type of event are you holding?
  • Where is your event taking place?
  • Does the venue have any first aid facilities?
  • How many people are involved?
  • Is anyone attending / helping out at the event first aid trained?

  • If you are holding a collection in the street, you will need to obtain a license from your local authority
  • To collect on private property, such as a supermarket or shopping centre, you need to get permission from the proprietor.
  • Where possible have two people to handle and count the money.
  • When travelling with money, be careful. Make sure someone you trust is with you, use a safe route in daylight where possible and conceal the money appropriately.
  • Pay money in to your account as soon as possible.
  • If you would like to use our collection boxes and/or buckets please email fundraising@victimsupport.org.uk

To ensure you have considered anything that could potentially cause harm to anyone involved in your event, please use our Event risk assessment template.

To help you complete the assessment we have put together a Hazards checklist. These tools will help you to make sure your event is safe and everyone has a great time!