Safety Advisory Group

The Safety Advisory Group (SAG) working in Oxford deals with the issue of Public Events. The aim of the SAG is to contribute to ensuring that the City Council meets the requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. To represent the authority, and act as a resource in relation to Emergency Planning matters.

The core members of the SAG comprises senior officers from all the emergency services (Police, Fire and Rescue Service and the Ambulance NHS Trust) and Council Services (Highways, Traffic Management, Building Control, Environmental Health and Licensing) working in Oxford. The Group is chaired by the Emergency Planning Officer.

When dealing with operational issues the Chair of the Group may also invite people who can contribute to the discussion e.g. event organiser, licence holder, public transport providers, City Centre Manager, Primary Care Trust.

What Sort of Events does the SAG Consider?

Usually an event held outdoors, possibly with marquees or other temporary buildings.

Typical examples of events would include:

• Fetes, fairs etc.
• Open air concerts and music festivals.
• Trade shows.
• Sporting events.
• Horse shows, agricultural shows, dog shows car, caravan shows and similar.
• Open air entertainment including theatre, opera and historic re-enactments.
• Firework displays.
• Large scale company parties.
• Processions, marches and carnivals.
• Street parties.
• Religious events.

In exceptional circumstances the SAG may consider an event with unusual hazards or risks held inside a building. If you need further information about the work of SAG please telephone: 01865 252062 to speak to an officer. Alternatively you can write to Tony Payne, SAG Chair, Oxford City Council, St Aldate's Chambers, 109-113 St Aldate's Chambers, Oxford OX1 1DS; or, send an email to tpayne@oxford.gov.uk.

Visit our Events pages for information on events in Oxford, and information about organising an event.

Main Objectives of the SAG

• To promote high levels of safety and welfare at events by giving advice;
• To promote good practice in safety and welfare planning for event;
• To ensure events cause minimal adverse impact;
• To ensure that any licensable activities have been granted the necessary permissions;
• To provide advice to Event Organisers with regard to event controls and risk assessments.

The Group meets regularly to jointly consider forthcoming events and to give advice to organisers. In this way, all the agencies can consider the implications and ensure that there are sufficient resources available should there be an incident for which they are required. 

SPECIAL NOTE: The SAG is not responsible for giving permission to use Council land or granting licenses for events.

In order for any organisation or community group to obtain permission to use Council land for the purposes of staging an event, they should make a request to the  Events Officer, Oxford City Council, Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate's, Oxford,  OX1 1BX. You can email events@oxford.gov.uk or telephone 01865 252407.

Where a licence is required an application must be submitted separately to the licensing authority licensing@oxford.gov.uk.

Page last reviewed 9 May 2012