Preparing for Protest: The Responsibility of Event Organisers in Today’s Environment

In recent years, protests and public demonstrations have become a more common backdrop to major events from music festivals and conferences to sporting fixtures and shareholder meetings. While peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democratic society, it also introduces unique safety, security, and reputational risks that event organisers must be prepared to manage.

A Legal and Moral Duty of Care

Every event organiser carries a duty of care to safeguard attendees, staff, participants, and the surrounding community. This duty extends to any foreseeable risks and protest activity, particularly when an event touches on social, political, or environmental issues, is increasingly one of them.

Failing to plan for protest-related risks can have serious consequences: injuries, disruption, reputational damage, or even legal liability. Regulators and licensing bodies now expect organisers to demonstrate that they have identified, assessed, and mitigated the potential impacts of protest activity as part of their safety management plans.

Understanding Protest-Related Risks

Protest risks are multifaceted. They can include:

• Crowd management challenges, especially if protesters and attendees come into close contact.

• Access and egress disruption, including blockades, lock-on devices, climbing structures or traffic interference.

• Security threats, such as vandalism, unauthorised entry, or confrontation.

• Reputational implications, where an organiser’s perceived handling of protestors affects public or media perception.

These are not abstract risks, they are practical realities that demand planning, communication, and coordination with police, local authorities, and community stakeholders.

A Proactive and Balanced Approach

Effective management begins with early identification and realistic assessment. Organisers should ask:

• Is the event likely to attract opposition or controversy?

• What form could protest activity take and where might it occur?

• How can we design responses that maintain safety while respecting lawful protest rights?

This balanced approach not only reduces disruption but also demonstrates a commitment to transparency, community engagement and good governance.

How Harbourstone Helps

At Harbourstone, we have extensive experience helping event organisers navigate the complex landscape of protest-related risk. Our specialists work with clients to:

• Identify potential sources of protest activity through intelligence-led analysis.

• Assess and evaluate the likelihood and impact of protest scenarios as part of broader risk frameworks.

• Develop and test proportionate response plans, including communication, security, liaison protocols and removal where absolutely necessary.

• Coordinate with local authorities, police, and other agencies to ensure readiness and compliance.

• Review and improve post-event processes to strengthen resilience over time.

Whether it’s a large-scale public event or a private corporate function, Harbourstone’s approach combines strategic foresight, practical planning, and calm professionalism, helping organisers meet their obligations and maintain safety, even in dynamic public environments.

In today’s social climate, protest-related risks can no longer be treated as exceptional or unpredictable. Responsible event organisers recognise that preparation is both a legal obligation and a mark of professionalism.

Harbourstone stands ready to support that responsibility, ensuring events remain safe, compliant and respectful of the democratic right to be heard.