As part of the Safer Events - A Framework for Action accreditation, Hire Space and its independent health and safety partners have developed a training course designed to equip event professionals with the knowledge to hold events safely post-COVID.
Here’s all you need to know:
Safer Events - why?
The accreditation and training was first developed for Hire Space clients, who in April 2020 asked for a framework for holding in-person events safely once government guidelines allowed.
They expressed that, while there was scientific guidance floating around and some events guidance, there was nothing that collated it all and gave clear instructions on how to hold events safely.
The white paper was launched and is now actively followed by over 3500 events businesses as a practical guide and gold standard for how to return to events.
How has the guidance been produced?
Hire Space works in consultation and with public health bodies, the government and industry associations to shape the guidelines, which are updated frequently to accommodate new guidance issued. Every organisation and resource used is referenced in the Safer Events - A Framework for Action white paper.
The framework is guided by a Consultation Group of corporate event planners, from companies including Reuters Events, Hearst UK, NAVEX Global and Kennedys, and by agencies, venues and industry bodies from across the sector.
In addition to this, Hire Space has been asked to draft guidance relating to the safe re-opening of venues for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
For all safety guidance, we are working alongside a fully qualified Chartered Member of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), member of the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM), and certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Consultants Register (OSHCR).
What to expect from the training?
The digital training course - which event organisers should complete in order to be accredited as Safer Events Organisers - currently includes the following modules:
- The Science of COVID-19
- Government Guidelines - What You Can and Can’t Do
- Safer Event Measures - What You Need to Know
- Your Responsibilities as an Events Organiser
These modules are updated frequently to accommodate new guidance and new material will be made available to those who have completed the course.
The training takes approximately 2.5 hours, including online tests for each module, which must be passed before accreditation is awarded. You're able to complete the course in your own time but won't be awarded accreditation until all modules are complete.
How much does it cost, and what are the benefits?
The course is designed to give you the confidence to organise events, and to inspire confidence in your clients. You’ll receive:
✔️ Digital certificate with your Unique Assessment Number
✔️ Digital Safer Event Organiser design assets to communicate with your clients
✔️ Safer Event risk assessment template
✔️ CPD certificate, with CPD points towards your continued professional development
✔️ Two event accreditation credits (usually £29+VAT)
✔️ £10 voucher to spend as the Safer Events Supply Shop
✔️ Your name added to a list of accredited Safer Event organisers on hirespace.com with your unique assessment number
Digital training and accreditation costs £95+VAT per person, with a 50% discount available to event professionals who are currently out of work.
What have people said?
“The Safer Events program helped us to design our new business strategy for 2020 and into 2021. We’ve been able to reassure our clients that we'll go above and beyond to get them meeting again” - Lizzy Eaton, Oddity Events (Agency)
“Completing the Hire Space Safer Events Accreditation gives clients even more confidence to return to holding conferences and using our Venues” - Rachel Macauley, Vue Cinemas (Venue)
“We’re delighted to be part of this process, which will help build momentum in our sector, and support venues and the wider supply chain, as well as instilling confidence in our would-be delegates by demonstrating that we are prioritising their safety. It’s great to be actively planning events with fellow professionals and venues” - Natalie Shattock, Morningstar (Corporate Planner)
Next steps - how to sign up
All event professionals are welcome to become accredited. Simply ‘Register Interest’ on this page - Safer Events - Organisers
If you’re currently out of work, claim your 50% discount by registering here.
And make sure to download the Safer Events - A Framework For Action white paper here.
We look forward to working with you on your accreditation and helping you inspire confidence in your clients and the UK events industry.
Author
Edward Poland
Co-founder of Hire Space. Making event planning a joy with the UK’s leading live venue marketplace.
