Decision details

Event Governance Framework and SAG Terms of Reference

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism

Decision status: Recommendations Approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decision:

Agreed that:-

(1) The Cabinet Member to formally adopt the Event Governance Framework (Appendix A – A Guide to Organising Events in Sandwell).

(2) Delegations of authority for the approval of events be given to designated officer roles, as detailed in Appendix A.

(3) Formally adopt the terms of reference for the Safety Advisory Group, for Sandwell events.

(4) Formally approve for the following health and safety reviews to be conducted on event applications:

a. Internal events, events with under 100 attendees, or repeat events with no prior health and safety issues to be assessed by an Events Officer with Certificate level health and safety qualification (this will still be required to attend Safety Advisory Group).

b. Events over 100 attendees, those that are new to the borough, or those with prior health and safety issues at events to be assessed by the Council’s health and safety team, or an independent health and safety professional commissioned by the events team qualified to Diploma level in Health and Safety.

Reasons for the decision:

The Council Established an Event Governance Framework as a part of the single improvement plan following the Grant Thornton Report (February 2022).

The Events Governance Framework has been in place for over a year and now seeking adoption, and this report formally establishes the framework now it has been thoroughly tested across events. This also meets the assurance requirement for the Grant Thornton Report action.

As a borough wide approach and governance framework, this is now seeking formal Cabinet approval for the Events Governance Framework (Appendix A) and the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) Terms of Reference (Appendix B).

Approval is being sought for an interim decision to be made by the Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, to allow for the adoption of the Event Governance Framework and SAG Terms of Reference to cover the period between 20th March 2023 and June Cabinet (Date to be confirmed).

This decision is required to formally adopt the Event Governance Framework and SAG Terms of Reference in the interim period, as a Cabinet decision is not possible until June 2024.

Alternative options considered:

There are no alternative options proposed to the Events Governance Framework. This mirrors best practice in other local authorities and empowers the Council to ensure safe and well run events come to the borough for the benefit of residents and visitors.

Publication date: 21/03/2024

Date of decision: 20/03/2024

Effective from: 29/03/2024