MACS Response to the National Events Strategy Review - June 2023

Questionnaire

Question 1

• strongly support

Question 2

• Boosting the economy 5
• Enhancing well-being and community engagement 5
• Contributing to the drive towards net zero and environmental sustainability 5
• Making the event sector a better place to work 5
• Showcasing and promoting Scotland’s assets 5

Question 3

The events sector should be accessible and inclusive to all – irrespective of age, ability, gender, or circumstance.

The events sector should also ensure alignment with the Just Transition Commissions Second Report, Making the Future, published 2022, including aligning with the guiding principles and recommendations, which were accepted by the Scottish Government.

Question 4

An event that is accessible from accessible booking and ticketing across all platforms, accessible transport links including accessible drop off areas, accessible routes, a range and choice of accessible viewing areas, British Sign Language interpretation as standard, accessible toilets including Changing Places toilets.

The infrastructure (mainly of outdoor events) should also be accessible including for people with reduced mobility and those using mobility aids (including wheelchairs and powered mobility aids such as mobility scooters).

Question 5

• Accessible - disagree
• Affordable - disagree
• Inclusive - disagree
• Welcoming - agree

Question 6

If the public transport links are not available until late a night, this can prevent some people from attending.  In rural areas, if the public transport is by coach rather than bus, this is inaccessible for many wheelchair users.  

If the route from the accessible transport to the venue is excessive, this can prevent some people from attending.  Some people have difficulty booking tickets on inaccessible booking platforms and some have difficulty in not being able to book accessible seating.  

Often, British Sign Language interpretation is not offered as standard.

Many events are often unaffordable to people on low or restricted income and concessions should be common practice for these groups including concessions for those on low incomes, disabled people and free tickets for carers and personal assistants.

Question 7

• strongly support

Question 8

• strongly support

Question 9

By offering (accessible) paid and volunteering opportunities to members of the community who may not be able to afford to travel to the event or afford the event itself.

Local communities are more aware of their needs and often anxious about the impact some events may have on their local neighbourhood (disruption, litter, anti-social behaviour etcetera) and involving local communities is an opportunity to ensure events meet there needs where appropriate, to address any negative unintended consequences and to reassure communities on the impact the event with have in their local area.

Question 10

• Range of size 5
• Spread of location 5
• Variety of type 5

Question 11

Rurality is an issue in Scotland in relation to the provision of public transport including accessible public transport or hire of mobility aids for outdoor events.

Although picked up later in the strategy we feel this section should also consider legacy benefits from events (not just mega events) that would benefit the community by addressing some of the existing barriers i.e., when Glasgow City Council hosted Cop26, free, accessible, and frequent bus service were provided into the city and along the River Clyde corridor. This only happened for the duration of the event and for event delegates but acted as a proof of concept that the service was used and reduced car usage in the area during the event. Many local people expressed their views that this was the type of public transport system that they required and that would encourage behavioural change.

Question 12

• Don't Know

Question 13

No knowledge of the sector

Question 14

N/A – not relevant to MACS remit.

Question 15

N/A - not relevant to MACS remit.

Question 16

• learn about what it is like to work in the sector
• gain the skills and experiences you need to work in the sector
• further a career in the sector
• learn from the lessons and good practice of others in the sector

Question 17

Not relevant to MACS remit.

Question 18

Transport is a key factor. Public transport to events needs to be Available, Accessible and Affordable. There should also be the opportunity to hire mobility aids from active travel/transport hubs that connect with venues.

Question 19

Not relevant to MACS remit.

Question 20

The number of accessible tickets available and sold for the event and the number of concessions used.

Question 21

• Local business
• Job opportunities
• Opportunities for participants to develop skills
• Environment
• Health and wellbeing of individuals or groups
• Community connections and cohesion
• Promoting diversity
• Profile and promotion of your area

Question 22

Improve accessibility (from planning, booking tickets, getting to the venue, in and around the event, getting home) and ease of getting to the venues by sustainable travel modes.

Question 23

To be as accessible and inclusive as possible.

To delivery legacy benefits that benefit the local communities.

Question 24

• Agree
• Strongly agree

Question 25

• Delivering events that have a positive impact on wellbeing
• Meeting the needs of local people
• Being more environmentally sustainable
• Supporting local business
• Attracting people to work in events
• Developing the event workforce

Question 26

If the event is being delivered by a public body an Equality Impact Assessment should be carried out and assurance of compliance with the Public Sector Equality Duty.

For events undertaken in the areas of our National Parks (currently Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and Cairngorms National Park, with a third in the planning – these events should be seen as exemplars of best practice given the organisations public body status.

Question 27

A stronger focus on participation for large or mega events that ensure engagement and involvement with local communities.