A handy guide on how to manage the risks associated with organising small, community events has been re-launched by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Demand for the first edition of Understanding insurance and risk management has led to it being re-published by the Council’s insurance team.

The easy to read guide has helped a host of community groups to ensure that their events are properly insured and that they have considered all the risks involved.

It provides information on various types of insurance including public liability, how to carry out a risk assessment and gives useful sources for further information.

Gordon Mackenzie, Executive Member for Finance and Resources, the City of Edinburgh Council, explains: “There are always risks and hazards associated with putting on any event and should things go wrong it could cost a community organisation a huge amount of money and distress. The booklet’s initial success clearly shows the demand for guidance on these important issues.

“Community organisations contribute significantly to the colour and vitality of Edinburgh’s festivals and events annual calendar whether they are theatre groups, youth organisations or charities. This booklet provides them with general advice on managing the risks of their event so they can properly protect community members, visitors and themselves.”

The booklet was first published last year in response to the hundreds of queries the Council regularly received from community event organisers from across the city and its guidance has been welcomed by a wide variety of organizations.

The booklet is available free from the Insurance Section on 0131 529 4701 or e-mail: insurance@edinburgh.gov.uk