Insurance is a crucial part of running an amateur theatre group safely and responsibly. Productions usually involve a variety of activities, including rehearsals, set building, handling props, costume creation, and live performance, all of which carry risks of accidents or injuries. From performers to committee members, and even volunteers giving their time; anyone can have an accident and suffer injury as a result.
To provide you with financial protection and valuable peace of mind, NODA Insurance Services (NODA IS) offer an Amateur Theatre Insurance package specially designed for Theatre Groups of all types and sizes. Our comprehensive insurance package has been created and developed in association with the National Operatic and Dramatic Association to address the needs of Groups across the UK.
Call: 01823 250736
Complete our contact form: nodainsurance.co.uk/contact-us/
Included in your Amateur Theatre Insurance arranged by NODA IS are a range of insurances to cover your society and future productions:
- Employers’ Liability Insurance
- Public Liability Insurance
- Personal Accident cover
- Props, Set & Costume cover
- Money cover
- Abandonment cover
Employers’ Liability Insurance is especially important because it protects your Theatre Group if anyone involved in its work is injured or becomes ill because of its activities.
In this blog we explain the importance of Employers’ Liability cover and the difference between this insurance and Public Liability.
Under the Employers’ Liability Act 1969, Employers’ Liability Insurance is a legal requirement in the UK for organisations and businesses that employ people in various capacities. These include:
- Salaried and unpaid employees
- Self-employed employees you may hire in
- Full-time and part-time employees
- Volunteers and temporary staff
If you are, for example, paying a director or musicians (perhaps for a large production); or employ a person to manage bookings, or stewards and front of house, or you enlist the services of a PR and marketing expert to promote the show, you will need Employers’ Liability cover.
What does Employers’ Liability Insurance cover?
This insurance provides financial protection for your society if an employee, volunteer, or contractor is injured or becomes ill as a direct result of their work for your theatre production. This could include accidents during rehearsals, set construction, costume preparation, or while handling props and equipment. The insurance can cover the legal costs and compensation claims that may be brought against you by an injured or ill employee.
For example, if someone trips over stage equipment and sustains an injury or develops a repetitive strain injury from prolonged costume sewing, Employers’ Liability insurance can help cover the legal costs, even if you are not found to be responsible for the claim itself. It also protects against claims arising from occupational illnesses that occur over time, such as hearing loss from exposure to loud sound effects or respiratory issues from stage smoke.
Employers’ Liability vs Public Liability
In short, the main difference is where claims against your society for illness or injury could come from. Employers’ Liability provides cover for claims made against the society by employees and volunteers, while Public Liability covers for claims made by members of the public. Public Liability Insurance protects your Group against claims made by members of the public who are injured or whose property is damaged because of your Group’s activities.
This includes audience members, visitors, or people attending workshops or community events. For example, if a visitor slips on a wet floor backstage or a prop falls and damages someone’s property, Public Liability insurance can cover legal costs and compensation claims.
Both types of insurance complement each other, ensuring your Group is safeguarded against the full range of risks associated with productions, rehearsals, and events.
What does Employers’ Liability not cover?
While Employers’ Liability Insurance provides important protection for injuries or illnesses suffered by employees or volunteers, there are several scenarios it does not cover.
Property damage
It does not cover damage to the theatre’s own property, such as sets, costumes, or equipment.
Employment contract disputes
Employers’ Liability does not cover for employment disputes, such as unfair dismissal. In the context of your society, this cover would not apply should the decision be made to dismiss members of the society or committee.
Criminal activities
Claims arising from deliberate acts or criminal behaviour such as fraudulent and dishonest acts by the employer or staff are excluded, as are injuries that occur outside the scope of the production or in non-work-related activities.
In short, Employers’ Liability insurance is focused on protecting your society in the event of claims being made against you by defined employees following work-related injury or illness, not general accidents, property loss, or intentional wrongdoing. If you are unclear as to how you are protected, please ask one of our insurance advisers who will be able to help.
For a new quotation for your Amateur Theatre Group Insurance, or to discuss an existing policy, please contact our insurance team today.
Call: 01823 250736
Email: noda@lloydwhyte.com
Complete our contact form: nodainsurance.co.uk/contact-us/