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Club Leader Resources

Risk Management

Risk Management Resources & Processes

At RUSU, we want all clubs to run safe, successful, and compliant events. Below are the essential resources, forms, and guidelines to help you manage risk effectively when planning your events. By following these guidelines and using the provided resources, you can ensure your club events are safe, compliant, and enjoyable for everyone! If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Event Risk Management Assessment (ERMA)

What is it?
The ERMA is required for all club events (on or off-campus), except for regular administrative meetings.

  • Events without approval must NOT proceed.
  • No ERMA = No insurance. Without approval, club leaders can be personally liable for damages and costs.

Important Notes:

  • Failure to submit an ERMA or proceeding with a denied event may result in loss of club privileges or student misconduct charges by RMIT.
  • Clubs planning overnight activities (e.g., camps) must also submit the Club Camp Prep Form.

Form: ERMA

If your club opens its events or membership to students under 18 years of age, you must meet the Child Safety requirements outlined in the Child Safety Section.

Certain events may require a Security Event Risk Assessment (SERA). A SERA may be required for events that meet any of the following criteria:

  • Alcohol is served
  • Events occur at night or on weekends
  • Events are open to the public
  • Large crowds or VIPs are expected
  • The topic is controversial and may attract protests

How to Apply:

  • Your booking department (e.g., Venues, RUSU) will advise if a SERA is required.
  • If unsure, contact RMIT Security directly: security@rmit.edu.au (They will provide the form to fill out)

Important Notes:

  • Cost: $60/hr per security guard (minimum 3-hour shift, paid by the club).
  • 1 Security guard is required per 100 attendees (less than 100 attendees requires 1 guard, 100-200 attendees require 2 etc.
  • SERA Form Tip: Clubs do not have an Internal Order Number (ION). Instead, include:
  • Club name
  • Club leader’s personal (Melbourne) home address

  • Reminder: Clubs must state they are booking on behalf of an official RMIT student club to avoid being charged commercial rates.

Food Safety Training

Ensure club leaders and volunteers complete basic food safety training:

Food Event Registration

If you plan to prepare or sell food at an event, clubs must:

  • Where high risk foods are involved but the food is genuinely free of charge to attendees*, notify the Council of the Local Government Area through FoodTrader
  • Where the club will sell* food (even low risk foods), register as a temporary food business via FoodTrader
  • Always ensure hired caterers that come to your event to prepare and serve food are registered with FoodTrader
  • If you are unsure if you need to notify/register, complete an application and FoodTrader will let you know.

*Sales of food encompass any form of financial exchange. This includes situations where the food is free but attendees must purchase a ticket to attend, or where food is free but access is limited to members who have paid a membership fee, such as for exclusive events.

What are “High-Risk” Foods?

High-risk foods include:

  • Meat, chicken, seafood, or dairy products
  • Eggs, salads, processed fruits, and vegetables
  • Curries, casseroles, and cooked rice/pasta dishes
  • Find out more here


Your club Event Risk Management Assessment (ERMA) does not cover clubs for this level of risk management.

Events serving alcohol must follow RSA guidelines and may need a temporary liquor licence – see below resources for more detail:

RSA Resources:


Translations Available for Vic Alcohol Laws:

If your club is organising a camp or high-risk activity, you may need to collect medical consent forms to ensure attendee safety.

Download: Medical Consent Form Template

RUSU Clubs are covered under RMIT Public Liability Insurance, but only for approved events with completed Event Risk Management Approval (ERMA) .

Find out more about RMIT insurance with the following guide.

Download: RUSU Club Insurance Guide

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