Yes! You must get sign-off before you can get sign-ups.

The Ops team signs off the event, which then allows you to spread the word to get sign ups. As a minimum time frame, non-residential events must be signed-off at least three weeks in advance of the event date. And residential events must be at least six weeks ahead.

STEP 1 - Set proposed date for the event:

• Check the church calendar to ensure your proposed date does not clash with other church activities.

• Check availability at your intended venue (if at Providence Chapel, check the bookings section on Churchsuite)

STEP 2 - Raise your proposed plans:

1. Inform your line-manager of your proposed event

2. Send an email to office@enc.uk.net to flag your date and venue

3. Complete the Essential Event form answering all questions as thoroughly as possible

STEP 3 - Ops team give sign-off:

• The Operations team will check it fits the calendar and will ensure your form is sufficiently completed, that you have covered the necessary bases of safety, finance and team.

• Normally, a sign-off will happen within three days from when you submitted an Event form, although you may be asked for more info before getting the final thumbs up.

#1 - Publicise your event:

• Create your event page on Churchsuite and your flyer on Canva. Do this in advance, so that you can immediately advertise it after it’s been signed-off. IMPORTANT - ask someone to proof-read your publicity before it goes live:

  • Does it contain all necessary info? (check that timings, location are correct)

  • Does it read clearly and concisely? (check for grammar or spelling errors)

  • Does your flyer feel consistent with the message that your event intends to convey?

• Options for publicity include: A slot in the church’s Weekly Email, a post on ENC’s social media, a direct email to invitees, a slot in the announcements at our Sunday Gatherings.

#2 - Create a checklist and plan your comms:

1. Create a checklist of all outstanding tasks to complete. If the Operations team requires further info, then send this at the earliest possible time, don’t leave it to the last minute.

2. Give clear communication to those who are taking part in the event - where, when, expectations. If hosting an event for under 18s - does the activity require a consent form? And did you give parents enough info?

3. Give clear communication to the team who are supporting your event - where, when, responsibilities.

#3 - Pray:

• Don’t forget to ask your heavenly Father for help, guidance, grace and strength, that His favour will be upon you.

Depending on the circumstances of the event it may be worth identifying the takeaways or learnings from the event, including both the successes and weaker aspects.

• Invite your team to give feedback on how they thought the event was delivered.

• Invite participants to give feedback on the event, don’t be afraid to ask what you could do differently next time. They will have some great ideas!

• Record all takeaways and review your planning of the event. Document what you could do differently next time to improve the success.