Strengthening Safety at Temporary Events: Upcoming CQC Regulation Changes & What They Mean for Organisers

As temporary events become a cornerstone of UK culture, ensuring safe and effective medical cover is more critical than ever.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has issued a significant update on the safety risks posed by unregulated medical services at these events. Alongside this, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced proposed regulatory changes that will directly impact event organisers and medical providers from 2025 onward (subject to change and/or legislation).

This article explains what’s changing, why it matters, and what steps event organisers should be taking right now.

CQC's Concerns: Why Change is Needed

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has raised serious concerns about the safety of medical services at temporary events. In the regulated ambulance sector, 70% of inspections have identified breaches of care standards, suggesting similar, if not greater, risks may exist in settings with no regulatory oversight.

Currently, certain types of medical care at events fall outside the CQC’s remit. This includes:

• Treatment provided on-site at sporting or cultural events

• Care delivered within sports grounds or gymnasiums, even in high-risk settings

These exemptions mean some providers operate without the checks and standards required elsewhere in the healthcare system. As events continue to grow in size and complexity, this has created serious safety risks.

Reported concerns include:

• Inadequate vetting and safeguarding of staff

• Unsafe storage or use of medicines, including controlled drugs

• Failure to escalate emergency cases to hospitals

• Cases of patient harm due to poor care or mismanagement

  
  

In some instances, the CQC has had to escalate cases to local safeguarding boards due to the level of risk involved.

What's Changing: The 2025 Regulation Reforms

The government, following the Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations, has confirmed its intention to close these loopholes.

Key Regulatory Changes Include:

• Removing exemptions that currently allow some medical providers at temporary sporting and cultural events to operate outside of CQC regulation.

• Requiring registration with CQC for any provider delivering treatment for disease, disorder or injury (TDDI) at event sites or gyms, ensuring they meet fundamental care standards.

• Maintaining the first aid exemption – providers delivering basic first aid only (as defined under Schedule 2 of the 2014 regulations) will remain outside CQC scope.

  
  

Implementation is expected during the 2025–2026 financial year, with a lead-in period to allow providers time to prepare (subject to change and/or legislation).

What This Means for Event Organisers

As an event organiser, you play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of your attendees. These upcoming changes will shift the legal and practical landscape significantly.

Here’s what you need to do:

• Review Your Medical Provider’s Status

  • Ask if they are registered with the CQC (or intend to register under the new rules).

  • Confirm they are not relying on now-defunct exemptions under 4(3)(f) and 4(3)(g).

  • If they only provide first aid, verify they meet the narrow criteria for exemption under Schedule 2.

• Update Your Licensing Applications

  • Licensing authorities are being asked to actively consider the quality of medical provision when reviewing Temporary Event Notices.

  • Include details of your chosen medical provider’s registration status, governance, staffing qualifications, and safeguarding arrangements in your event plan.

• Prioritise Quality Over Cost

  • The cheapest provider may no longer be legally compliant from 2025.

  • Choose providers with robust policies around medicines management, safeguarding, and emergency response.

  • Ensure event risk assessments account for crowd size, activity risk, alcohol/drug use, and site access for emergency services.

• Monitor Policy Updates

  • The DHSC will issue further guidance before implementation. Keep an eye on announcements and review your procedures at least six months in advance of your event.

EMFS's Commitment to Safer Events

At EMFS, we fully support the tightening of regulatory oversight to safeguard the public. We already operate within the highest standards of clinical governance, including:

• Full CQC registration

• Experienced and DBS-checked personnel

• Strong medicine protocols and on-site escalation plans

• Continuous professional training and incident learning

  
  

If you're planning an event in 2025 or beyond, we’re here to help you navigate these changes smoothly and safely.

Stay Informed

These regulatory changes represent a shift towards more accountability and professionalism in event medical cover. Whether you’re an event organiser, local authority, or community group, preparation is key.

Need help reviewing your event medical plan?

Contact EMFS today to ensure your team is aligned with the upcoming CQC regulations.

Get in Touch

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