There are many different types of public events that take place in North East Lincolnshire every year.
These can range from sporting events to musical concerts; some taking place indoors; some outdoors; some are large and some small.
It is important to remember that when large groups of people gather together a wide range of dangerous situations can occur. There are also many different factors that can influence crowds.
As an event organiser you are responsible for and have a legal duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the people attending your event, as well as that of the employees, contractors and sub-contractors working there.
Many public events are not covered by the strict controls that govern sporting events and often take place without consultation with the local authority or emergency services where safety expertise could have been obtained. North East Lincolnshire Council and the emergency services have combined their resources to address this issue.
The North East Lincolnshire Public Event Group (NELPEG) provides a forum for local authorities and the emergency services to discuss ways in which those events not covered by existing legal arrangements for registration or licensing, can take place in a safe manner. The group also encourages event organisers to take advantage of the safety advice available and ensure that public safety at their event is always a major priority.
The aims and objectives of NELPEG are to provide the above information to event organisers and to foster good working relationships with them; to compile a comprehensive list of events occurring within North East Lincolnshire and to promote best practice and encourage co-operation between members and to make sure that public safety is always in the minds of event organisers.
The information given by NELPEG is free and is often in addition to any legal requirements or statutory guidance that may apply.
If the membership of NELPEG identifies public events that are likely to take place with the potential to compromise the safety of the people attending them, then clearly the appropriate member organisation may have to take action to prevent such events from taking place, unless the necessary safety improvements are implemented.
As well as offering guidance to anyone organising a public event, NELPEG will endeavour to ensure that such assistance is consistent and will encourage a minimum standard of safety at all events held throughout North East Lincolnshire.