Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs) are meetings set up by local councils to help ensure public events are safe and well-organised. These groups bring together event planners and representatives from key agencies, like emergency services, to offer advice and support on managing risks and keeping people safe.

The main purpose of SAGs is to:

• Make sure events are planned with safety as a top priority.
• Help event organisers meet legal requirements.
• Offer expert advice on health, safety, and emergency planning.
• Coordinate efforts between organisers and emergency services.

SAGs usually include:

• Establishment responsibility
• Council
• Resilience
• Events
• Licencing
• Health and Safety
• Road
• To organise and chair the meeting.
• Provide advice on land rentals and event organisation
• Advise and process licencing
• Ensure noise levels are legal and paperwork for stalls and catering are up to date.
• Process temporary traffic regulation orders and advice on road management.
• Ambulance Service Advise on the correct medical onsite provision.
• National Health Service Advise on medical processes and ensure hospitals are made aware of the event.
• Scottish Fire and Rescue Advice on fire safety legislation and emergency vehicle access.
• Police Scotland Advice on public safety.
• Event organisers present event plans

SAGs don't enforce rules - they provide advice and recommendations. They focus on events that might be more challenging or risky because of their size or complexity. This is especially important with Martyn's Law soon to become a legal requirement. Some key areas they review include:

• Crowd Safety: Making sure people can get in and out of the event safely.
• Health and Safety: Checking plans for first aid, fire safety, and general risk management.
• Emergency Plans: Ensuring organisers know what to do in bad weather, or if there's an incident.
• Traffic: Looking at parking, road closures, and how to avoid traffic jams.
• Local Impact: Reducing problems like noise, waste, or disruption to neighbours.

SAGs help:

• Keep events safe and enjoyable.
• Ensure everyone involved knows what's expected.
• Reduce the chance of accidents or non-compliance with the law.
• Build trust between event planners, local services, and the community.

Safety Advisory Groups are there to make sure public events run smoothly and safely. By offering advice and encouraging collaboration, they help event organizers prepare for every possible scenario while minimizing risks to the public

The following pages offer Falkirk specific information:

• Events needing a TTRO (Temporary Traffic Regulation Order)
• Events involving alcohol
• Licensing advice
• Environmental Health advice

Event Management Planning

A majority of events may need various licences to be applied for. We have created a timeline to ensure that applications are completed in a timely manner. Please note failure to complete applications on time may result in applications being denied.

Useful links to assist all event organisers:

• Purple Guide: The Event Safety Guide
• Sports Grounds Safety Authority: Guide to Safety at Sports Grounds (Green Guide)
• Health & Safety Executive: Guidance on running events safely
• Health & Safety Executive: Managing risks and risk assessment at work
• Health & Safety Executive: Managing crowds safely
• Health & Safety Executive: Organising fireworks displays
• HM Government - Fire Safety: Open air events and venues
• HM Government - Fire Safety: Small and medium places of assembly
• HM Government - Fire Safety: Large places of assembly

• Be on time: Arrive a few minutes early to show respect for others' time.
• Be prepared: Review the agenda and bring necessary materials.
• Stay focused: Avoid distractions like phones or side conversations: If you need to answer a phone call or have a private conversation please do so out with the meeting. If the meeting is in person, please leave the room to answer any calls.
• Speak clearly and concisely: Share your points briefly and stay on topic.
• Listen actively: Give full attention when others are speaking.
• Respect others: Let everyone have their turn to speak; avoid interrupting and please do not use profanities.
• Follow up: Take notes and complete any assigned tasks promptly.