Screen Reader Mode Icon
Open call for evidence 

Throughout history people have gathered together to mark occasions of significance, perform or to compete. Today, sporting, cultural and community events are occasions that bring people from all walks of life together.  As well as the pleasure these events bring, such moments can act as a catalyst that leads to social, environmental and economic changes, some of which may be realised years after event has ended. The legacies of events can include new sporting or cultural facilities, local regeneration, a larger visitor economy, new jobs and increased inward investment. Volunteering at an event can be a route to more forms of regular volunteering. The long-term social impacts of events may includes greater civic pride, stronger communities and increased social connection.  

While cultural, sporting, and community events can leave lasting positive impacts, such legacies have not always been achieved. But a consideration of the social, environmental and economic impacts of events is now more important than ever. The next three years will see us celebrate the Platinum Jubilee, the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the Rugby League World Cup, the 75th anniversaries of the NHS and the arrival of the Empire Windrush, and the 2025 City of Culture. It because of these events that Spirit of 2012 is holding an Inquiry that will look at how events can help build happy, thriving and more connected communities.

The Inquiry will:

- Gather evidence to enable a better understanding of the impact of events.

- Develop workable ideas and recommendations to maximise the positive impacts that events can bring to individuals, communities and wider society.

- Inform and influence policymakers as well as those involved in the planning and deliver of future events. 

- Over the next 12 months, the Inquiry will meet people involved in running events across the UK. It will also undertake focus groups and a series of nationally-representative surveys. We would like to hear your views on the questions that the Inquiry is examining. In particular, we would like to hear how events can help to create legacies.

Please send in your evidence by answering some or all of the questions below. We don’t want to take you away from your essential work, so feel free to make your answers short. You can also film what you want to say on your camera, transferring the file by WeTransfer to external.affairs@spiritof2012.org.uk

Question Title

* 1. Please tell us about memorable events in which you have taken part or been involved in organising and running, either in a paid capacity or as a volunteer? These might include anniversaries, community events, commemorative events, or events that bring people together who have common interests. 

Question Title

* 2.  What positive social, environmental or economic impacts or legacies have you seen from the events in which you have participated or helped to run? What has worked well and what has not worked so well in the past?

Question Title

* 3. How can events help to improve people’s mental and physical sense of health/wellbeing?

Question Title

* 4. How can events help improve how participants’ feel about themselves and the people around them?

Question Title

* 5. How can events help to increase levels of physical activity?

Question Title

* 6. How might events help to increase the numbers of people who volunteer, or volunteer on a regular basis?

Question Title

* 7. How can events help to strengthen relationships in communities, bridge social divides and bring people together?

Question Title

* 8. How can community, cultural or sporting events increase their reach to groups of people who might be less likely to take part in these activities?

Question Title

* 9. How should the success of community, cultural and sporting events be measured?

Question Title

* 10. What do you want from the major cultural and sporting events taking place in 2022? How far is this being reflected in the planning of these events?

Question Title

* 11. How can the positive social and economic events be maximised, and any negative impacts be minimised? You might want to suggest policy changes that you would like the Government to make, or actions that need to be considered by those who organise events.

Question Title

* 12. Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

Before you go, we need to ask you for a few personal details.  We will not share your contact details with any other organisations. In answering these questions, you’re giving Spirit of 2012 your consent to collect this information. To find out how we’re protecting your data, we recommend you read our Privacy Statement . Are you happy to proceed?

Question Title

* 13. Your name

Question Title

* 14. The organisation you work for (if any).

Question Title

* 15. Where do you live within in the UK? 

Question Title

* 16. Your email address if you would like to receive further information about the Spirit of 2012 Inquiry

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to the Spirit of 2012 Inquiry.
0 of 16 answered
 

T