Define social event, If attendance is totally voluntary I don’t think it’s a legal requirement under management regs as not a work activity, However there is always the risk of civil liability – plus there may be work activities going on around the event – as an inspector I once investigated an accident where a piece of purpose built “scenery” for want of a better description fell on someone due to poor construction. But this was an awards ceremony so a little more than just a “staff party”. It can be a very fine line.

Is Mr Brightside asking the question:” if we do a risk assessment for this social event in works time and something goes wrong will that make us liable?” I am not sure if  “ignorance is bliss”  works in English courts!  I am with Brian on this one, why not do a risk assessment?

You want to make sure that the venue is basically safe and any catering that has been laid won’t give all of your staff  gastroenteritis.  Basically what we call a risk assessment is what most people call proper planning.