Information about a Celebrant’s role in planning a ceremony and considering risk assessment during this time:
Covid 19 Response and Risk Assessment Document:
Please note Celebrants only have responsibility for what happens during the ceremony itself.
The Venue:
The venue staff should be responsible for undertaking a risk assessment of the location but I will check and request a copy. This will include the provision of effective facilities for personal hygiene e.g. hand wash facilities and sanitising, seating arrangements and physical barriers, cleaning and disinfection etc. That provided by the British Institute of Innkeeping from the Shield Safe Group provides a good example.
The venue should be responsible for any Track and Trace but I will check and request a copy. Please note there is no legal requirement for a venue to do this and it is only being done at the request of the government. There may be exceptions to the above such as when the ceremony is to be held in a private location or when there is no venue e.g. a private garden, beach etc. In this case a fuller risk assessment needs to be undertaken to cover all eventualities as it would when ceremonies were performed in this type of location in non-Covid situations.
Risk Assessment Planning in response to Covid 19
The aim of any risk assessment should be to:
1. Outline all aspects of the ceremony
2. Identify any special risk that Covid-19 presents
3. Identify the level of risk as high, moderate or low
4. Propose action to be taken to reduce or mitigate the risk.
*Please see Individual Risk Assessment for your ceremony.
Please Note:
‘It is against the law for gatherings of more than 30 people to take place in private homes (including gardens and other outdoor spaces). Businesses and venues following COVID-19 Secure guidelines can host larger groups provided they comply with the law. This can include weddings and funerals (which we advise should be limited to no more than 30 people), religious ceremonies and services, community activities and support groups.’
General Guidance:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-52811509
Face Coverings
https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/ppe-face-masks/face-coverings-and-face-masks.htm
Weddings, Civil Partnerships etc.
which refers to the following specifically about private venues and large groups in other venues https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cantdo/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
Music and Entertainment
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/performing-arts
Iris Rose Ceremonies - Celebrant Services 