The theft of metal is on the rise in the UK so any metal on or around your church needs to be protected!  Increase your surveillance around the church – this might include:

• Cutting back any trees that might screen any criminal activity and introducing a security light to increase visibility in the area.

• Make sure any gates allowing access to the premises are locked when not in use and keep any means of transporting any stolen goods e.g. wheelbarrows safely stored away from the church building.

• Reduce any access to the roof of the building by keeping any ladders stored away, and if scaffolding is erected around the church that there is a 2m fence around the base to deter climbers.

• You could also apply Anti-Climb Paint to drain pipes and guttering to restrict access to roof and Smartwater to invisibly mark any metal or roof tiles for forensic identification should they be stolen.  Please note – Clear signs should be displayed for both Anti-Climb Paint and Smartwater, signs also act as a deterrent.

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks are performed by a government service to see if an individual has a criminal record – you may recall these being called CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checks. You will need one if you intend to work (including volunteer work) with children or vulnerable adults. You should also have a written Safeguarding Policy which should be reviewed annually.  You can find more information on DBS checks at:

https://www.gov.uk/disclosure-barring-service-check

Information can be found on the following websites:

http://www.spow.co.uk/

http://www.hse.gov.uk/

If you plan to hold any form of firework/bonfire display you will need to let us know so we can discuss this with your insurers before you can go ahead. You will need to carry out a fire risk assessment and if you plan to run the display yourself you might need to fill in a short questionnaire. If you plan to hire a contractor to run the display, you should make sure you have confirmation that they have the appropriate Public Liability insurance and that they comply with all of the appropriate relevant bodies. Call us on 01564 730 900 to arrange cover for a firework display and visit http://www.spow.co.uk/ for useful advice on safety during your church’s activities.

If you have a gallery or balcony in your church building, you must have in place a barrier that complies with building regulations (BS5395). This states that a barrier of 800mm must be erected 530mm in front of the front fixed seating. The height of the barrier should be increased to 1100mm at the bottom of any descending stairs on the gallery/balcony. We suggest any galleries or balconies open, should be stewarded at all times and children should only be allowed to sit on the front row when accompanied by a responsible adult.

Are you hiring the Bouncy Castle or is it your own inflatable? If you are hiring a Bouncy Castle you should always ensure that the company fully complies with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Guidance note PM76 – “The Safe Operation of Inflatable Bouncing Devices”. You should also make sure the company employs suitably experienced and trained personnel to set up, operate and supervise the Bouncy Castle and that the company can provide evidence that they have Public Liability insurance of at least £2m. The company should be a member of the PIPA scheme and their equipment should have a current PIPA certificate – you can check this at www.pipa.org.uk where you will also find additional useful safety information. Any inflatables you own should also comply with the PIPA regulations and have a current PIPA certificate. The Bouncy Castle should be suitably supervised by responsible adults at all times and full risk assessments should be carried out prior to the event.

Anyone hiring your church buildings should have their own Public Liability insurance for whatever event they might be holding there. As a third party they are responsible for any damage that may be incurred to the buildings or church property. If third party hirers do not have their own insurance, you could end up having to pay an expensive liability claim on their behalf, which could impact future renewal terms and affect any no claims discounts you may have under your policy. If you do have any hirers that would like us to obtain a quote for Public Liability insurance on their behalf, please call 01564 730 900.

Cover for Contract Works insurance can be arranged if we are advised. This covers any work you may be carrying out to your church e.g. extensions, refurbishments, conversions and the materials used to complete the work. If the church is to undergo any kind of work like this, you should contact our Church Department on 01564 730 900 to discuss whether you require an extension to your existing cover. Please note that if you have scaffolding erected on the outside of the church, theft of external metal is automatically excluded.

Will the night shelter be solely run by your church, or is it a ‘Churches Together’ organised event? We will need to let your insurers know some background information such as: where the guests will be sleeping, how many guests you are expecting and whether they have been assessed by an agency for known drink and drug problems. What facilities will you be providing for your guests? You will also need to let us know how many people will be supervising the shelter during the night and what kind of security precautions will be in place for their safety and provide full risk assessments.

Is your foodbank solely run by the church? If it’s not, you may require a separate policy. You need to let us know where you’ll be storing the food and what kind of food you will be keeping (is it perishable?). We will also need to know that you’ve carried out the appropriate risk assessments and who is providing training for your volunteers. Let us know if your foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust charity (www.trusselltrust.org).

Yes! Trustees Indemnity cover is included within your church policy wording.  The limit of indemnity varies from insurer to insurer, so make sure to check your policy schedule.