Lantra launches new rural event training course

A new online ‘rural event’ training course is being launched to support agricultural, sporting, cultural and social event organisers across the UK to prepare for the new ‘normal’.

The course will help this important part of rural life after many events were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, which has had a significant impact on thousands of individuals, businesses and the rural economy.

Delivered by Lantra, in collaboration with the Association of Show and Agricultural Organisations (ASAO), the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society (RWAS) and Welsh Government, the new course has been developed in direct response to the “Agricultural Shows in Wales Resilience Review” carried out in 2020 by Nuffield scholar Aled Rhys Jones, which set out recommendations on how events should be supported in the future.

The new training course will cover every aspect of event organisation and will be of value to all those previously involved who may want to update or refresh their knowledge and skills, as well as individuals getting involved with event management for the first time.

Minister for Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths welcomed the launch of the new training which she said will help organisers run professional, safe and successful rural events and, in turn, give a much-needed boost to rural communities and economies.

The Minister said:

“Our rural shows have a long, proud and prestigious history. The past year and a half has been incredibly challenging for us all, but as we emerge from the pandemic, we want to support the re-introduction of shows across Wales and help show organisers to do so safely.

“The Welsh Government is very pleased to support this important new training course, which will be key in delivering guidance to all those involved with the organisation of agricultural shows, as well as many other rural businesses which may be organising events.”

Kevin Thomas, director of Lantra Wales said it was essential that all event organisers are aware of their responsibilities and legal obligations in terms of event safety, planning, risk assessments and insurance.

“All event organisers hope that nothing goes wrong, but it is every organising team’s responsibility to keep staff, contractors, volunteers and visitors as safe as possible.

“This training course will help ensure that everyone involved knows how to deal with any situation and what actions to take before, during and after the event,” said Mr. Thomas.

This new Lantra training course, delivered through a pre-recorded hour-long webinar and five short e-learning modules, can be undertaken at a time and pace to suit the individual and costs only £30+ VAT per applicant.  Once completed, each participant will receive a Lantra ‘Rural Event Training’ certificate.

The course content will focus on some of the essential issues which should be considered when planning any rural event including Health & Safety, dealing with accidents and emergencies, event administration, site management, livestock and equine management, dealing with animal movement, welfare and biosecurity, marketing and finance.

Mr Thomas said that despite the devastating repercussions of the pandemic, show cancellations had given many organisers the opportunity to reassess delivery of their events.

“This new training course, which is both accessible and affordable, will help professionalise all rural events and the Lantra certificate issued upon completion will be a very valuable, sought-after qualification for both staff and volunteers alike.”