With 24/7 security protocols, well-trained staff and ongoing collaboration with local police and security organisations, Worcester Victorian Christmas Faye is committed to keeping its visitors safe.
Our security practices include:
- 24/7 security patrols on site from when the Fayre is instaled in the city centre until it is packed down
- 24/7 monitored CCTV
- security staff, stewards and behaviour detection officers, all trained to Security Industry Authority (SIA) standard, stationed throughout the fayre footprint
- all staff are connected by radio for fast and effective communication
- traffic and pedestrian management systems in place
- regular searches of the event space
- all stalls are screened in advance and inspected by staff throughout the day, and waste bins are regularly checked for contamination
- daily close working with local police and other security officers in the local area, to exchange information and intelligence
- environmental scanning, using social media and a variety of other sources to keep us abreast of current trends
- regular meetings with an independent Security Advisory Group
- risk assessments conducted for all events and emergency planning in place to respond to different threats and incidents.
Training
A big part of what keeps Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre safe is our community of staff, who are both trained and regularly briefed on issues of safety, security and traffic management.
All security and stewarding staff complete Awareness Counters Terrorism Training (ACT) training. They also receive training and current threat information from the local policing team and the Counter Terrorism Unit. Our on-site event security staff are led by a Level 4 qualified Safety Officer who has a wealth of experience in managing large scale events.
The traffic management team consists of National Highway Sector Scheme/Streetworks Qualification Register-accredited traffic management personnel. All traffic management equipment for the event is compliant with TSRGD 2016/Traffic Signs Manuals (inc. Chapter 8) and are deployed in accordance with Safety at Street Works and Road Works, A Code of Practice. All hostile vehicle mitigation barriers have been authorised by the National Protective Security Authority. All traffic management requirements have been planned with the agreement of Worcestershire County Council and the Safety Advisory Group.
Customer-facing staff and security officers are trained in protective security, counter-terrorism and emergency response procedures, and daily briefings are given to all security and stewarding staff including up-to-date security information. All security and stewarding staff are trained in fire evacuation procedures using 24 / 7 monitored equipment, and other emergency evacuation procedures.
Working together with the police
We have an excellent and close relationship with West Mercia Police, including the Counter Terrorism Security Unit. The local policing teams will be on site during the event, including ad-hoc uniformed patrols inside the fayre site. Therefore, when visiting the event, do not be alarmed when if see police officers and security staff on-site – they’re there to keep an eye out to make sure everyone is able to enjoy themselves safely.
As a member of the Security Advisory Group, we receive guidance from local senior police officers and are part of an information exchange facility with police and local businesses.
Safeguarding and lost child / person
Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre staff are keen to make sure everyone enjoys their visit and so we are prepared to ask any visitor who looks in need of help if they are OK. All our staff are trained in safeguarding and will be wearing hi-vis and carry identification.
We have a lost child and vulnerable person procedure in place for the event. In the event of a missing person, attendees should head to the nearest steward. Dedicated stewards are also in place at coach zones to support anyone trying to find their travelling companions or coach home.
In the event of a missing person our Event Control will be notified, and they will communicate to all staff onsite via radio. Event Control will monitor and assess the risk to determine, if the person or parent is not found, at what point the incident needs to be escalated to our local policing team.
Medical incidents
Full medical cover will be provided during the event by St John Ambulance, whilst reduced medical cover will be in place when traders are setting up / breaking down – two hours before and one hour after the event each day. A St John Ambulance team will be operating a medical base in Copenhagen Street with regular foot patrols throughout the fayre.
In the event of a medical incident, attendees should head to the nearest steward, who will alert our Event Control. They will contact St John Ambulance by radio. St Johns Ambulance will then attend and treat the person. If the medical incident is life-threatening, contact 999 in the first instance.
Sale of alcohol / Challenge 25
Cotswold Markets Ltd manage the market at the event and are committed to selling alcohol and other products responsibly through Challenge 25. This is a scheme which means that if you are lucky enough to look under 25 you will be asked to prove that you are aged 18 or over when you buy age-restricted products. Acceptable forms of ID are photographic a driving licence, passport, or cards bearing the PASS hologram.
Remember
If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, report it to security staff or police straight away – don’t wait for someone else to do it. You’ll never be wasting our time as your safety is our priority. In an emergency, call 999.
Trust your instincts and let’s keep each other safe this Christmas.