If you are holding an event in aid of Sands, you are responsible for ensuring that it complies with the law and is safe for all concerned. Sands cannot accept liability for your event or responsibility for accidents or theft/loss of personal belongings or equipment. 

Please do take the time to read through and consider the following: 

• Public Safety: Have a copy of the venue's health and safety policy and fire evacuation plan. Make sure the fire exits are clearly marked and there is equipment for putting out fire e.g. fire extinguishers. Liaise with the venue manager and ensure risk assessments are done prior to the event so there is time to enforce any measures needed.  You can use our Risk Assessment Template, or the venue may have their own template you can use.  

• Accessibility: Consider access and escape exits for wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility, impaired vision, or hearing. Be considerate of these needs in all areas of your event.  

• First Aid: Ensure you have suitable first aid in place and clear understanding of who is responsible. You can always contact your local St. John’s/St Andrew’s Ambulance or British Red Cross for advice or assistance relating to your specific event.  

• Equipment: If you are planning on hiring or using equipment at your event, make sure that it has the relevant accreditation and is compliant with the relevant health and safety guidance. In addition, make sure anyone using the equipment has the relevant experience and comply with insurance and health and safety standards. 

• Cash: Always encourage the use of online fundraising pages and QR codes where possible to minimise cash handling. Prior to the event make arrangements to store cash securely during the event. Ensure you have made appropriate plans to transport monies from the event for safekeeping. We would recommend for large amounts of money, traveling with a companion. Please use a cash counting form and ensure that two people are present when counting the money, regardless of the amount.  

• Clothing: Make sure those involved in helping you run the event have the right clothing, especially of organising an activity outdoors. For the external conditions such as rainwear, a sun hat or high visibility jacket. 

• Food hygiene: If you plan to sell food at your event, food safety laws apply. Contact your local environmental health department for relevant food hygiene information.  

• Alcohol: Sale of alcohol requires a personal licence holder and a venue licence. Talk to your venue about their licencing, if they don’t have the relevant permissions you will need to contact the Licensing Department at your local council. This will need to be done well in advance to your event.  

• Insurance and legal requirements: Check with your local authority if you are considering holding a public event or organising a public street collection to find out what licences you may need.  

• Raffles: Please be aware theses are subject to guidelines and licences. We have further guidance on raffles and lotteries but in short, we would recommend that you draw and sell tickets at your venue, on the day.  

• Under 18’s: We love it when young people fundraise for Sands but we want you to do it safely. So if you are under 18 you should always involve a responsible adult in your planning and ask your parents/guardians' permission. A parent or guardian will also need to authorise any Sands fundraising registration forms.  

Useful websites 

www.hse.gov.uk  Health and safety advice for England, Scotland and Wales. 

www.hseni.gov.uk Health and safety advice for Northern Ireland. 

www.firekills.gov.uk Fire safety advice. 

www.rospa.org Advice on accident prevention. 

www.sja.org.uk First aid tips. 

www.redcross.org.uk First aid help. 

www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Search tool to help you find your nearest treatment centres.  

www.foodlink.org.uk Advice on food safety. 

www.suzylamplugh.org Provides personal safety advice. 

www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk Advice on lotteries and fundraising including raffles.