Keep it safe and legal
It’s important that your event is safe and that you’re aware of any legal issues. You will then be able to relax on the day and enjoy yourself.
What you can include
If you are organising your own event, carrying out a risk assessment is the best way to make sure your event is safe and secure. It doesn’t have to be complicated – it just means checking practical, common-sense things. You will need to check the venue/location and make yourself aware of any potential hazards and put things in place to minimise any risk.
First aid
If you are having more than 50 guests you may need a trained first aider at your event – the ratio depends on what type of event you are organising. Please check with your local authority what the requirements are or you can get advice from a professional medical company like St John’s Ambulance or the Red Cross.
Consider:
- the number of people attending
- what the weather is likely to be like
- type of event and risk involved
- type of people, including their ages
- how long the event lasts
- location and type of venue
- how near is it to local medical facilities
If you are hiring a staffed venue for your event, they may already have this covered so please check this with them.
Insurance
You will need to take out Public Liability Insurance cover for your event if it involves the public. If you are holding your event at a venue, check with them if they already have insurance that covers your event.
Should you wish to be covered for personal injury insurance, we would strongly recommend that you consider taking out your own personal insurance cover for personal accident benefits.
Selling and handling food
Food safety laws apply when food is available at an event whether it is for sale or not. Check out references and/or qualifications of suppliers – e.g. if caterers or food suppliers have the relevant food hygiene and environmental health certificates and Public Liability Insurance. If you are preparing food yourself The Food Standards Agency has the latest advice for individuals, charities, and community groups who want to prepare and sell foods to fundraise here.
Alcohol
Some venues will already have a licence to sell or supply alcohol. However, if you are using an unlicensed venue and plan to serve alcoholic drinks, you may need a temporary events notice. Please ask your local authority about how to apply for one.
Raffles
Public collections
Holding a collection in a public place can be a great way to raise funds. However, you will need to ensure you get the appropriate permission/licence before you collect. Always ask/apply well in advance as it can sometimes take a long time to get a date confirmed.
Here are some guidelines to help you fundraise responsibly:
- Street collections – If you are holding a collection in a public street, you will need to obtain a licence from your local authority (or Metropolitan Police if in London).
- Private collections – If your collection is open to the public but being held on private property such as within a shopping centre, pub or rail station, you must obtain permission from the landowner or manager.
- House-to-house collections – Collecting door-to-door is a little more complicated to organise. To make sure you are all above board and legal, you will need to obtain a licence from the relevant local authority. However, with this kind of fundraising, there are also extra regulations that will need to be put in place, such as having an identification badge, a letter of authority etc. For more information please contact us on enquiries@homestartbfw.org.uk or call 0253 728 615
- Collecting tins – If you would like to place one of our collecting tins somewhere, perhaps in a shop or at work, please contact us for more information.
Promotion
Please include our charity logo and registration number on all promotional materials you produce for events and provide letters to authenticate your fundraising approaches if, for example, you are asking a local business for donated items towards a raffle, or your local supermarket for a bag packing slot.
Charity information
Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre. A charitable company limited by guarantee. Charity no. in England and Wales 1124915 Company no. 6591166. Home-Start Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre is a company limited by guarantee.
Registered office: Home-Start, Fylde & Wyre, Blackpool Stadium, First Floor West Stand, Seasiders Way, Blackpool FY1 6JJ
Further information and guidance is available on the Institute of Fundraising’s Code of Fundraising Practice which highlights the law and best practice for a range of fundraising techniques.
The “handling of cash donations” section of the code and guidance may be particularly relevant, providing guidance on how best to collect and process the donations you collect.
Different types of raffles have different rules. The easiest way to avoid running into any problems is to follow these basic rules:
- Only sell tickets to guests at your event.
- Do not spend more than £250 on raffle prizes. If they are donated, you do not have to include their value.
- Do not offer any cash prizes.
- Draw the raffle at the event, with the top prize being the first one you draw
If, however, you are planning to sell tickets prior to your event, then please contact us, or visit www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk for guidance, as different rules will apply.
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