Posted By Mark Eastbourne
Hi everyone

I have just had the student union in my office wishing to arrange a Christmas party for the students. Rightly or wrongly I have said the venue must supply a risk assessment (it is a pub which often has parties in a large room). However, the venue said it would not supply a risk assessment and that the students should do their own.

Any advice? Is this right? How can I ask young students to do a risk assessment? Should I do it with them? I think time is a factor and in my experience, a risk assessment normally raises issues which need addressing and it is not always possible to eliminate or control those issues immediately.

Historically, there has been little party arrangement by previous student unions, these guys are determined to make an effort and I do not want to dampen their enthusiasm.

I hope I haven't wittered on too much and any advice or help you could give me would be very much appreciated.

Regards

Mark

Posted By Steve Cartwright
Why do you want a risk assessment on having a party?

Is the venue on your campus?

Are the students 18 or over?

Surely what the students do in their own time is up to them. It only becomes your problem once they are on your premises. It may sound harsh but that is a fact.

The Licencee of the premises has the duty of care. So will be responsible for carrying out all necessary risk assessments.

Steve

Posted By Mark Eastbourne
Hi Steve

Thanks for your response.

I understand what you are saying.

Simply just a question, but do you think there would be any serious repercussions to the college if a student fell off a balcony or something or would liability still lie with the venue?

I think the head of the student union is worried which is why she has asked me to get involved.

Descarte has put my mind at ease with his advice, beforehand I didn't know if I should be asking for proof of electrical maintenance, first procedures, emergency evacuation procedures, checking for adequate facilities etc. I certainly did not want to rain on the student unions parade by insisting on these things when I did not need to so will stick to asking for the documentation Descarte mentioned.

Cheers

Mark