Hi Stuart
Firstly, the policy cost nothing to write because I did it myself as they didn’t have anything to use as a template. I expected them to come back on one or two points, but the underwriters accepted it on the first pass!
The important thing is to identify the risk potential, I stated the average number of club members, the type of venue, number of possible outside events and provide a separate list of club equipment (they didn’t seem too interested in that). South West Shadows is run as a formal membership club, so we had a mandate and safety policy and they could see it was pretty well run, at the time Warwick club showed quite a bit of interest and copied quite a few of the documents, but I’m not sure if they adopted anything.
The PAT testing is quite important for both club equipment and anybody using their own, we setup a deal with a local electrical company to do the testing and members could bring their own equipment along for nominal fee. This would come under normal due diligence, if you were unfortunate enough to have an accident its best that only designated people assess and deal with it.
The venue we used didn’t cover performing musicians/equipment, so their insurers required us to have cover, but I think some venues that do it on a regular basis may do so. If you are in situation where it could be open to the public, you may need a Public Performance Licence (our venue did cover this, which I believe is normal if there is entertainment), it’s well to check though!
I resigned about 6 years ago, but I see on their website they still have the the same Performers Liability Policy, if you Contact Adrian he may well be able to help you if that is of interest:
https://www.southwestshadows.org.uk/membershipMy view is that if your members are happy to take out a Musicians Union membership that’s the easiest solution, I think there is a still what they call a student level, it’s based on how much you’re likely to earn performing.
Regards
Gary