archdeacons’visitation news

Diocese of Durham

If you are new, then thanks for standing and welook forward to working with you for the growth,health and well-being of our parish churches.

None of us would have predicted that whenBishop Justin wrote the welcome last year andled the visitation service in Durham Cathedral,it would be his first and his last. It’s true: God isa God of surprises! So again we go through theprocess of appointing a new bishop. Do pray forthis process and for God’s leading of all thoseinvolved, and special prayers for Bishop Markin this time of vacancy.

In his time with us, Bishop Justin led two keypieces of work: the revision of parish share anda diocesan evangelism programme. In a wayboth of these are related. We need financialresources to support the mission and ministryof the church that we pray will lead to newdisciples and church growth. These directionsvery firmly stay and will continue to be pursued.

As churchwardens, do your best to help build agenerous church with a generous heart,responding to a generous God with a generousheart. Also play your part in seeing where God is

at work in his mission and help your church tojoin him. God is at work sowing the seed in somany ways and so many places – help to preparethe ground and then tend the new shoots,remembering that it is God who gives the growth.

We want to say a particular thank you to thoseof you who are churchwardens in a parish invacancy. We know that for some this has beena long time and you may be feeling rather weary.In some cases we have found it very difficult tomake appointments. This has not been for thewant of trying, but many factors seem to workagainst us. There may be issues over re-organisation and this can take time to sort out.All we can say is hang in there, things willchange!

Once again thanks to Ecclesiastical for VisitationNews and its support of the diocese.

So as you begin another term as churchwarden,always keep before you that this work is donein the service of God and as part of yourdiscipleship in following our Lord Jesus Christ.He is with you, he will guide you and he willbless you.

Dear churchwardensYes, it is that time again, another year has past. Once again, a huge‘thank you’ for all that you have done as a churchwarden of your church.

Spring 2013 - issue 9

www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

The Venerable Nick BarkerArchdeacon of Auckland

The Venerable Ian JaggerArchdeacon of Durham

The Venerable Stuart BainArchdeacon of Sunderland

Contact our officesArchdeacon of SunderlandThe Ven Stuart BainSt Nicholas Vicarage, Hedworth Lane,Boldon Colliery NE35 9JATelephone: 0191 536 2300Email: Archdeacon.of.Sunderland@durham.anglican.org

Personal Secretary: Mrs Linda RichardsonEmail: secretary@archdeacon.eu

Archdeacon of DurhamThe Ven Ian Jagger15 The College, Durham DH1 3EQTelephone: 0191 384 7534Email: Archdeacon.of.Durham@durham.anglican.org

Personal Secretary: Rev Ruth JaggerEmail: ruth.jagger@durham.anglican.org

Archdeacon of AucklandThe Ven Nick BarkerHoly Trinity Vicarage, 45 Milbank Road,Darlington DL3 9NLTelephone: 01325 480444Email: Archdeacon.of.Auckland@durham.anglican.org

Personal Secretary: Mrs C WaltonEmail: Archdeacons.Secretary@durham.anglican.org

Like democracy, we may not feel the facultysystem is good, but it is better than thealternatives. The Church is in a privilegedposition of being able to run its own planningsystems. If we were subject to those of localauthorities, it would be a lot more complicatedand those running it would be much lesssympathetic.

Within the faculty system there are threeavenues which, in certain circumstances, maymake life easier.

Be familiar with de minimismatters. If yougo to the legal matters section of thediocesan website (www.durham.anglican.org/resources/legal-matters.aspx) you will findthe list of items which your archdeacon may beable to authorise. Broadly speaking, theseinvolve items that are minor items or like-for-like repairs costing less than £3,000 excludingVAT. Some may need to cross the desk of theDAC secretary, Bill Heslop, first (those withan*). If they qualify for de minimis, typicallyyour archdeacon will ask for a copy of thespecification and quotation and sometimes acomment from the architect. The archdeaconwill then issue the relevant permission. It canall usually be done very quickly andstraightforwardly.

If work needs to be done in an emergency,the Chancellor may be willing to issue aninterlocutory order. Again this can be donevery quickly.

On Monday17 December, it was discovered atSt Bartholomew’s, Croxdale, that there hadbeen an attack by thieves who stole lead fromthe valley gutter. Water was pouring in. After aprevious attack, some lead had been replacedwith another material. At lunchtime, the parishgot in touch with Bill Heslop and thearchdeacon. The Registry and Chancellor werecontacted. A contractor suggested one optionand, in the end, after a flurry of emails andtelephone calls, a repair – similar to work donebefore – was agreed. By just after lunchtime onTuesday 18 December, a quotation went to theregistry and the Chancellor issued aninterlocutory order for the work to be done.

Holy Trinity Darlington needed new heating.The proposals were supported by the DAC.The Chancellor issued an interlocutory orderbefore the faculty system had run its course sothe parish could order the materials for thework to be done.

When an interlocutory order is issued, therestill needs to be an application for a faculty tocomplete the process. It does not replace afaculty, but is does mean that emergenciescan helpfully be dealt with swiftly.

Archdeacons may also issue temporarylicences for schemes of minor reordering.For example, if a parish wants to experiment bymoving some pews or bringing in a nave altar,this can be done under licence for up to fifteenmonths. The archdeacon needs to be satisfiedthat the proposal does not interfere with the

fabric of the church or involve the disposal ofany fixture or item. The work must be done bysomeone qualified and not in such a way that itcould not be reinstated as it was originally. Theparish has to agree either to reinstate to theoriginal layout or move to faculty applicationbefore the time limit is up. Some parishes havefound this very useful in exploring possibilitieswithout having to go through the full facultysystem first.

We are pleased to report that a working partyof our national Church Buildings Council iscurrently working on systems to simplify theprocesses of faculty application. Their workis not complete and will not remove the processbut hopefully, in various aspects, it will introducea more streamlined application process andpetition form. Watch this space!

For consideration: we may complain aboutthe faculty system, but it is there to help us. Itenables us to make changes. It protects thosewho want to make change by giving a publicprocess. Where processes are fulfilled properly,it shields those involved from subsequentcriticism. People had their opportunity to objectat the appropriate time!

Consultation with the DAC can draw invaluable advice. Early consultation with theDAC means members understand the proposal.The DAC does not like receiving a fully workedout solution out of the blue. It puts the DAC inan unfair position. Any questions it then has arejust seen as obstructive.

Often if processes go wrong it is becauseparishes have not produced, or producedan inadequate, statement of significancewhich explains the church, or a statement ofneed explaining what the problems beingaddressed might be. Just to propose a ‘solution’with no explanation does not help the DACunderstand why the work might be necessary orwhat its consequences might be. You will findadvice in preparing ‘Statements of Significanceand of Need’ on the diocesan website atwww.durham.anglican.org/resources/statement-of-significance-and-need.aspx (clickon the ‘here’ of ‘click here’) or they can be foundon the ChurchCare website.

Finally, archdeacons are there to help. Wecannot do the work for you, but support andadvice have helped many parishes throughprocesses which are not easy to achieve a goodand satisfying outcome.

Is there any easy wayround the faculty process?We all have difficulty with the faculty process. Churchill said:“Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all thoseother forms that have been tried from time to time.”

New figures published by Ecclesiastical showthat lead theft fell by 65%, the biggest year-on-year reduction seen since the crime became amajor issue in 2007. Over 930 insuranceclaims were received from Anglican churchesin 2012 for theft of lead and other metals fromthe exterior of the building, compared with over2,600 in 2011, the worst year on record.

Reasons behind the steep drop in metal theftare a matter of debate, but the decline followsconcerted efforts to deter criminals by theGovernment and a range of affectedindustries, including the utilities and transportsector. Ecclesiastical also launched its ownnational campaign, Hands Off Our ChurchRoofs, in February 2012 to fit sophisticatedelectronic alarm systems to the roofs ofAnglican churches across England, Scotlandand Wales, and believes the campaign hashad an impact on claims. Ecclesiastical’scampaign provided £500,000 to install alarmsfree of charge on some of the UK’s churchesmost badly affected by metal theft.

John Coates, Ecclesiastical’s director ofchurch insurance, said: “These figures arehugely encouraging but it would be prematureto predict the end of the epidemic of metaltheft; 930 claims is still 930 claims too many.Metal theft incidents are still running well abovelevels seen in the 1990s and early 2000s.

“Even though the numbers are pointing in theright direction, it’s going to take a concertedeffort for years to come from businesses,

politicians and law enforcement agencies toensure our heritage is safe from theseheartless, predatory criminals.”

Forensic marker liquids such as SmartWaterremain a vital aid in the fight against the leadthieves. Painting external metals with theliquid and displaying the SmartWater signageso that potential thieves can readily see thatthe church has taken action has been shownto be a key deterrent.

John Coates added: “There’s no doubt in ourminds that the use of SmartWater has a bigimpact on the criminal fraternity and makesthem think twice about targeting a church thatthey can see has been security marked.”

Government moves to ban the payment ofcash for scrap metal have been welcomed byEcclesiastical and the Church of England andthe recent successful passing of the ScrapMetal Dealers Bill through Parliament isexpected to have a further positive impacton tackling the crime.

For the latest advice on theft of metal, visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/tom or call 0845 777 3322 for tailoredadvice for your church.

If you would like to find out more aboutinstalling a roof alarm on your church,call 0845 600 9659 to arrange a free*,no obligation survey for your church.

*UKmainland only – travel expenses may be applicableoffshore.

Big drop in metaltheft but the fightgoes on...Thefts of lead and other metals from Anglican churchesdropped dramatically last year, but experts at insurerEcclesiastical are warning that it’s too early for trustees andfaith communities to let their guard drop.

Lead theft gangjailedThe toughest jail sentence for churchmetal theft has been handed down tosix men who comprised Britain’s mostprolific gang of metal thieves.

The gang of Lithuanians were given acombined jail term of 20 years for causingdamage estimated at £1million to 20churches during a nine-month crime spreeacross the East Midlands.

Lincolnshire police arrested the men whenthey stopped two suspicious vehiclesduring a day of action targeting metal theft.Lead found in the men’s cars was markedwith SmartWater.

The gang is believed to have stolen atotal of 70 tonnes of lead, which theysold to scrap metal dealers for anestimated £70,000.

Using SmartWatereffectivelyA forensic marking system, suchas SmartWater, is one of the mosteffective ways to deter metalthieves from attacking your churchbut, in order to comply with theconditions of your insurance policy,it must be applied correctly to yourexternal metal.� Step one – ensure your kit is

registered with the company. If you’reusing SmartWater, call them on01952 204102 to check.

� Step two – apply the liquid. Everychurch is different, but you shouldapply the liquid to external metalsusing a paintbrush.

� Step three – display the signageprominently so that would-be thieveswill see it. The church gates would beone good place.

Following these three steps maximisesthe deterrent value of your forensicmarking system and ensures you’re notinvalidating your insurance protection.

For SmartWater supplies (at a 40%discount), please call the companyon 01952 204102. Other forensicmarking systems are available, butmust be approved by Ecclesiastical.

PULLOUT

Support for you and your churchWhether you’re new to Ecclesiastical or an old friend, here arejust a few things that Ecclesiastical offer you and your church:

� Expert advice – the Insurance Consultant & Surveyorteam work within each diocese to offer essentialinsurance and risk management advice, while the churchcustomer services team offer a central point of contact.

� Protection – Ecclesiastical’s Parishguard and Hallguardpolicies provide cover for your church and church hall andare specifically designed for Anglican Church customers.Many features, for which some insurers charge anadditional premium, are included as standard.

� Other services – discounted home insurance rates forclergy and church community are available andindependent advice and mortgages are offered throughEcclesiastical Financial Advisory Services.

� Claims service you can trust – expert claims handlersoffer a personal service and provide expertise, empathyand flexibility.

Essential guide toprotecting your church...As experts in church insurance, Ecclesiasticalhas put together this handy guide with essentialadvice on keeping your church safe and secure,as well as protecting staff, volunteers and visitors.

Health andsafetyHow safe are your church, church hall andgrounds? Ecclesiastical has seen severalrecent cases result in prosecution by theenforcement authorities.

Stay safe and operate within the law withthis essential advice:� Carry out regular risk assessments of each activity andpart of the church.

� Write a health and safety policy – it is important to showyou have adequate arrangements in place.

� Record all incidents – under the 1995 Reporting ofInjuries, Diseases andDangerousOccurrences Regulations,you must complete the statutory accident book and reportincidents to the Local Environmental Health Department.

� Write everything down – including statements fromwitnesses, where possible.

� Assign responsibility for health and safety to someonewho will ensure that risk assessments and procedures arefollowed. Make health and safety a regular agenda item atyour PCCmeetings.

How safe is your church?Take the self-assessment atwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/safety. If you answer no to any of thequestions, you could be at risk of an accident andproblems could occur if a claim is made against you.

You can access full health and safety guidance, as wellas downloadable forms to help draw up your health andsafety policy, carry out risk assessments and recordincidents.

For more information visit www.ecclesiastica

Storms andbad weatherWhilst we can’t control the weather, a fewsimple steps can help protect your churchagainst storms, snow and adverse weather.

General maintenance:� Keep an eye on your roof – check regularly and replacecracked, slipped or loose tiles or slates.

� Check your valleys, gutters, hoppers and downpipes– ensure they can carry water away efficiently. If blockagesoccur, these will eventually cause damage or crack orshatter the pipe if it freezes.

� Check external door and window locks and ensurethat windows and frames are firmly fixed. Close and fastendoors and windows, particularly those on the windwardside of the building.

� Keep pathways clear and apply grit to prevent slipping.

� Secure loose objects in the churchyard such asladders, benches or anything that could be blown intowindows.

� Beware of damage – don’t touch cables that have blowndown or are hanging, or walk too close to walls, buildingsand trees which could have been weakened.

Call us on 0845 777 3322 as soon as possible in theevent of any damage.

Full information is provided in guidance notes, visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/weather

Preventing theftand damageEvery year, one in four churches suffers from theft,vandalism or arson. Insurance provides monetarycompensation, but can’t compensate for the lossof a church’s history.

Keep your church safe:� Lock the church after dark – unless there is a service or

someone present.

� Keep keys safe – with an official or in a secure place awayfrom the church. Maintain a current list of keyholders.

� Protect high-value items – chain items to the floor or wallor replace items with cheaper alternatives, when servicesare not taking place.

� Lock away valuables/money – keep money, silver, brassand pewter items in a modern safe or somewhere securesuch as the vestry or a church officer’s home.

� Keep and monitor all receipts for deposits – investigateany discrepancies immediately.

� Divide responsibility for money – appoint differentofficials for collecting, counting and banking. Ensure no oneis left alone to count money.

Theft is a crime. Individuals who steal from the churchshould be reported to the police.

Theft of metal:Since 2007, we’ve received 12,000 claims, at a cost ofaround £30million. Wherever there is metal, there is anincreased risk of theft.

� Apply SmartWater (or an alternative approved byEcclesiastical)

� Register with the supplier and display deterrentsignage (in line with policy requirements)

� Ecclesiastical-approved roof alarms can bepurchased for large external areas.

Full information is provided in guidance notes, visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/security

al.com/churchmatters or call 0845 777 3322

Home insuranceIt is widely acceptedthat endorsementfromWhich?, the UK’sleading consumerrights group, recognises

companies that offer the best productsand services. That is why Ecclesiasticalis particularly proud to have been namedagain as aWhich? ‘RecommendedProvider’ for home insurance.

For church workers and volunteers, thereis even more good news because you cansave over 30% on Ecclesiastical’s homeinsurance when buying a combined buildingand contents policy online (subject tominimum premium terms and conditions).

For your free no-obligation quote, pleasecall 0800 917 3345 and quote ‘AV NEWS’(8pm to 6pmweekdays) or visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchworker

If your renewal date is not due yet, simplycomplete the renewal form online andEcclesiastical will be in touch with aquote nearer the time.

Each year since 1987, Ecclesiastical has givenfinancial support through theMinistry BursaryAwards – a scheme launched in its centenaryyear to help members of the clergy who wish totake sabbaticals and get involved in specialprojects. More than 800 clergy over the last 26years have benefited from the awards and thisyear, 72 grants totalling over £50,000 havebeen distributed. Information on the awards,which are open to all clergy in AnglicanChristian faiths, is available atwww.ecclesiastical.com/mba

The redesign and relaunch of the Archbishops’Council Cathedral and Church Buildings Divisionwebsitewww.churchcare.co.ukwas alsosupported by Ecclesiastical last year. The sitecontains a wide range of resources to helpparishes in England care for their church.

John Coates, Ecclesiastical’s Director of ChurchInsurance, said: “For us, our work is all aboutplaying a positive, active role in the faithcommunity, which means we go beyondinsurance and risk advice.”

Figures released last year by theUK’s FraudPrevention Service showed a 52% increasein employee fraud during the first half of theyear and experts in law enforcement and theinsurance industry stress that this is a riskthat also needs to be addressed in churches.

The prospect of having money stolen by anofficial or volunteer is never an easy one for achurch to contemplate, but the good news isthat Ecclesiastical does offer protection

against the risk of embezzlement. In order tomeet the conditions of your policy and ensurethat Ecclesiastical is able to defend a claim, thechurch needs to provide specific informationand ensure that important checks arecarried out.

Broadly speaking, the key steps a churchshould take are:

� Bank accounts and cash should bereconciled at least monthly by someonenot usually responsible for handling them.

� Any large cheques or cash payments needto be signed or checked by two people.

� Checks should be made on goodsordered and stock, with one personresponsible for ordering and a second forreceiving the goods and paying.

Full information is provided in guidancenotes, visit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/security

Ecclesiastical supportingthe ChurchEcclesiastical has been insuring churches for 125 years, but thecompany’s support for the Anglican community does not end there.

Ensure your church doesn’t fallvictim to internal fraud

Churches urged to reviewsafety for working at heightTwo recent prosecutions have reinforcedthe need for churches to review theirhealth and safety procedures for workconducted high up within the building.

St Paul’s in Onslow Square, Kensington,was fined £5,000 and £4,400 costs byWestminster Magistrate Court when aself-employed joiner fell from a balcony,sustaining serious permanent injuries.Dartford Magistrate’s Court also handedout a £3,000 fine and £685 in costs to StBotolph’s in Northfleet, Kent, after a volunteerinjured his spine in a fall from a bell tower.

Kevin Thomas, Head of FieldOperations atEcclesiastical said: “These two cases highlightthe need for churches and PCCmembers toreview their arrangements to ensure thatanyoneworking at height is as safe as possible.This review needs to be documented so that,if necessary, it can be used to defend a claim.”

Ecclesiastical advises that ladders arechecked regularly, are positioned on stablesurfaces and are suitable for the type ofwork being carried out. The insurer alsostresses that ladders should not be usedas platforms from which to work.

For more information, visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters/safety

DBF fees are calculated from assumptionsabout the costs of ministry and the likelynumber of hours needed to provide a goodministry for the particular service.

PCC fees include a location/building elementbased on national statistics for the overallcosts of repairs and maintenance of churchbuildings and the number of hours in use, andan element for administrative staffing.

For the first time, the order specifies thatparochial fees include any costs and expensesincurred in relation to a service for routineadministration (including arranging dates andtimes and making entries in registers), makingthe church available and lighting it, and routinemaintenance of things like organs or bells. Itwill be unlawful to make any additional charge,besides the parochial fee, for these items.

It is illegal to charge a fee for theadministration of baptism. There is a feepayable for the supply of a certified copy ofthe entry in the register of baptism, in the formprescribed by the Parochial Registers andRecords Measure 1978. No fee is specifiedfor the issuing of ‘souvenir cards’ that haveno status in law.

Under the new arrangements, no fee ispayable for the burial of a stillborn infant or forthe funeral or burial of a person who dieswithin sixteen years after birth.

Parishes should continue to decide whetherthe parish priest or the PCC treasurer willhandle and distribute fees. Parishes are to tellfuneral directors each year (as they do atpresent) what the fees will be in that parish,and whether the cheque should be payable tothe parish priest or the PCC. (Fees listed willinclude those set nationally and show clearlyany extras offered by the parish.)

DBF fees are sent to the diocesan office eachmonth with themonthly fees form, includinga record of payments made for services takenby retired or self-supporting clergy inconnection with that parish. 20% of the DBFfee will go towards the training, developmentand support of ministers. The other 80% willgo into the diocesan stipends fund for thepayment of stipendiary clergy.

The PCC funeral fee belongs to the churchwhere the service took place or, if the servicewas not in a church or churchyard, it belongs tothe PCC where the deceased (1) was on theelectoral roll or (2) had his or her usual placeof residence.

ExtrasThe intention of the new legislation is that thereshould be transparency about fees and thatthere should be a standard fee for a particularservice across the whole Church of England.

Extra fees may be charged, as at present (forexample for organist, bell-ringers, choir etc.)but these must be genuinely optional to thosewho are paying.

Two new charges, where the option lies withthe person who is paying, are for heating anda verger.

Heating can only be charged if it is provided.Some parishes may wish to give funeraldirectors a ‘summer’ season rate during certainmonths when heating will not be providedunless requested.

Most churches need someone offering verger-type support during funerals, but PCCs maythink that the increased PCC fee (from £45 to£72) covers that. If a PCC wants to charge anextra fee for the services of a verger, that mustbe an option which the person paying couldreject. Parishes which pay a verger may wish toquote funeral directors a total fee for a funeral,with a breakdown showing the inclusion of averger’s fee as one of the extras.

It could look something like the table below.

Waiving feesThe parish priest may waive a fee ‘in aparticular case’. There must be consultationwith the churchwardens before waiving a PCCfee. The advice is that fees should only bewaived in cases of financial hardship (not, forexample, for long-standing members of thecongregation), and that DBF and PCC feesshould be treated even-handedly. The DBF willexpect the fact that a DBF fee was waived tobe recorded on the monthly fee form with anindication of the reason.

New parochial feesFor a long time there have been statutory fees payable for weddingsand funerals, some to the PCC and some to the incumbent. These areset each year by General Synod and parliament. From January 2013,the new Fees Measure changed the incumbent’s fee to a fee to theDiocesan Board of Finance (DBF).

DBFStatutory

PCCStatutory

TotalStatutory

OrganExtra

VergerExtra

TotalNo heating

HeatingExtra

Oct / April

Totalwith Extras+ Heating

£114 £72 £186 £40 £30 £256 £30 £286

From 1 July to 30 September 2013, one ofthe world’s greatest books will be exhibitedin Durham. The Lindisfarne Gospels will beat the centre of an exhibition telling thestory of the North’s most famous saint –St Cuthbert. The exhibition will explain how andwhy this masterpiece was created, with some ofBritain’s most significant medieval manuscriptsdisplayed alongside St Cuthbert’s Gospel(Europe’s oldest surviving bound book), stunningAnglo-Saxon treasures and St Cuthbert’sjewelled cross and sapphire ring. See details atwww.lindisfarnegospels.com

The visit is incomplete without a visit to thecathedral, voted ‘Britain’s best loved building’,and the shrine of St Cuthbert. The cathedral willprovide a complementary interpretation of theGospels and tours of the cathedral will beavailable. There will be lots of additional eventsand activities throughout the period, not leastfor schools.

In addition to what is available to individualvisitors, the cathedral intends to offer extrahospitality to church groups, includingsome evening pilgrimages in the cathedral.The contact for information and booking isSamantha Forster at the cathedral:telephone: 0191 374 4050 or emailSamanatha.forster@durhamcathedral.co.uk

Visit of the Lindisfarne Gospels

Church log bookHave you got one?As churchwardens, one of yourresponsibilities is to record in alog book provided by the PCC allalterations, additions, removals orrepairs to the churches in their care.(Canon F13.4). The question is haveyou got one and is it up to date?

What should be in a log book? Youneed to record works done to thechurch, when and who did them, whatthey cost and whether any permission(faculty or de minimis) was receivedand where that is kept. Additions offurniture or plate should be recordedand, of course, cross-referenced withan up-to-date inventory. It is probablyalso good to record when variousservicing was carried out on heating,fire extinguishers etc. This will help youcheck to see whether it is up to date.

When your architect comes to carryout your five-yearly inspection, he orshe will want to look at the log book tosee what has happened since the lastinspection.

So if you don’t know where it is,go and find it and make sure it’s upto date. If you haven’t got one, now isthe time to get a new one. Most goodchurch suppliers should be able tosupply one. Visit. . .www.chpublishing.co.uk/product.asp?id=6316

Fire risk assessment

Recently a number of our churches andchurch halls have been visited by the Fire andRescue Service, looking at the fire safety ofour buildings. Remember they are publicbuildings where people expect to be safe.The first thing they will ask to see is your firerisk assessment. If you need help with thisvisit, take a look atwww.ecclesiastical.com/ChurchMatters/churchguidance/index.aspx. It has some useful notes as wellas a form which will help you carry out a fire

risk assessment. A lot of this is good commonsense but if you need help, do get in touchwith your archdeacon.

You will also need to show that your fireextinguishers are serviced every year, that youknow where they are and that they are thecorrect type and have not lost pressure, andalso that you know how to use them correctly.

If there is a fire, how will you evacuate thebuilding safely and who will be responsiblefor seeing this happens in an orderly fashion?A little prior planning and training here isimportant.

Finally, if you have an emergency lightingsystem, do you check it at least monthlyto see that it works when the power is switchedoff? Some systems are on all the time so theywork when the power is on, but when thepower goes off, are the back-up batteriesworking? Turn the power off and see.

And, of course, if you carry out monthlychecks, record that these checks havebeen carried out.

Whilst Ecclesiastical has used reasonable endeavours to ensure that the information in this newsletter is correct at the time of publication, please note:(a) the information is not intended to constitute a definitive or complete statement of the law on any subject, (b) the information may over the course oftime become incorrect or out of date; and (c) neither Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc. nor its subsidiaries can accept any responsibility or liability foraction taken or losses suffered as a result of reliance placed on the information provided in this newsletter.

© Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc 2013 4/13

For more informationcall 0845 777 3322

email information@ecclesiastical.comvisit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc (EIO) Reg. No. 24869. Ecclesiastical Insurance Group plc (EIG) Reg. No. 1718196. Ecclesiastical Life Ltd (ELL) Reg. No. 243111. Ecclesiastical InvestmentManagement Ltd (EIM) Reg. No. 2519319. Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Services Ltd (EFAS) Reg. No. 2046087. Ecclesiastical Services Ltd (ES) Reg. No. 1811698. E.I.O. Trustee Ltd Reg. No.941199. All companies are registered in England at Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1JZ, UK. EIO, ELL, EIM & EFAS are authorised and regulated by the Financial ServicesAuthority and are members of the Financial Ombudsman Service. EIO & ELL are members of the Association of British Insurers and EIM is a member of the Investment Management Association.