Events Risk Management

Local governments play a vital role in facilitating and managing the events that occur within their jurisdictions. Without question, there are a multitude of risks associated with any event, and with local government involvement comes local government ownership and responsibility for a portion of these risks.

LGIS are experts in the fields of risk management, insurance and local government operations. This unique combination of skills allows us to provide a range of Event Risk Management solutions that are specifically designed to assist local government manage their exposure to events based risks.

Clarifying the role of local government in the provision of events
 

For a privately owned event, local government’s role may involve providing advisory services; issuing approvals; preparing and hiring facilities; and performing regulatory/ compliance based functions -including the assessment of risk management plans. If the event is local government owned, the role may expand to include all event management functions such as event funding, promotion, staffing and contractor management.

In addition, the motivation behind providing the various services also varies. Many services represent the core statutory functions of local government, and are undertaken to protect the safety of both the event participants and the broader community. Other services are discretionary in nature and are undertaken by local governments on a voluntary basis and for reasons ranging from commercial benefit through to capacity building within the local community.

It simple terms, a fundamental requirement of managing event risks is knowing what to do, and why you’re doing it. LGIS can assist local government to:

1. Determine statutory services.

The inadequate or non performance of statutory services creates risk and exposes local government to liability. LGIS is able to advise on the core services of local government - including interpretation of the underlying legislation - to ensure that required activities are completed to the appropriate standard

2. Determine discretionary services.

For the purposes of ensuring a safe and successful event, local government often determines to do more than just perform its statutory duties. However, in many instances it may be unaware of the additional risks it creates and accepts through this discretionary activity. LGIS is able to assist in the prioritisation of discretionary services on the basis that resources are allocated to areas offering the greatest potential benefit and lowest associated risk.

3. Understand and undertake legislated ‘Risk Management’ activities

Much myth and confusion surrounds the event risk management obligations placed upon local government through legislation. Yes, there are requirements placed on event managers to produce risk management plans in certain circumstances and yes, in certain circumstances local government is obligated to assess these plans. However, these requirements are not consistent in all circumstances and are not derived from a single source. LGIS is able to both demystify these requirements and to assist local government in the development of robust internal systems to ensure that these obligations are discharged to the required standards.

4. Prepare Risk Management Plans

LGIS consultants have completed and assisted in the completion of many major local government owned and operated events. With a wealth of practical experience and the benefit of a comprehensive technical library we are able quickly identify, and propose suitable treatments for, a vast array of risks that may be applicable to your event. LGIS are also able to develop, facilitate and complete risk management plans on behalf of local government, further ensuring the a safe and successful outcome on the day.

Whatever your event risk management requirements, from training through to consultancy, LGIS will tailor a solution to suit your needs.

For more information please contact Paul Myers, Manager LGIS Risk Services on (08) 9483 8819 or paul.myers@jlta.com.au