Risk Management

1. Purpose

This policy sets out our approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks that could impact the safe and successful delivery of the Lichfield Festival of Music. It supports informed decision-making and ensures we meet our duty of care to participants, volunteers, audience members, and other stakeholders.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all aspects of the Festival, including event planning, performances, venues, volunteer activity, finances, and communication.

3. Responsibilities

Festival Committee: Overall responsibility for risk management, including policy oversight and review.
Event Co-ordinator: Day-to-day identification and mitigation of operational risks.
Volunteers & Adjudicators: Responsible for following risk controls and reporting concerns.

4. Process

Proactively identify potential risks.
Put in place proportionate control measures (e.g. first aiders, insurance, DBS checks, fire exits).
Review and update risks regularly.
Promote a culture of awareness and responsibility. Any incident or near-miss must be logged and reviewed after the event.

5. Risk Categories

We assess risks across the following areas:

Health & Safety: Injury, illness, fire, venue hazards.
Safeguarding: Protection of children and vulnerable adults.
Reputation: Public complaints, adjudicator conduct, fairness.
Operational: Venue access, equipment failure, scheduling delays.
Financial: Budget overspend, fraud, loss of funding.
Data Protection: Breach of personal data or unauthorised access.

6. Documentation and Review

A Risk Register will be maintained by the Event Co-ordinator.
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Festival Committee, or after any significant incident.

7. Communication

Volunteers and adjudicators will receive a briefing that includes key risks and controls.
Emergency procedures will be shared with all venues.

8. Insurance

The Festival will ensure appropriate public liability insurance is in place and covers all activities and venues used.

Last updated: April 2025