Heating oil theft – an escalating trend


The cost of heating oil has increased significantly recently and this has resulted in more thefts of heating oil from churches.


Arson is a big problem –


don’t let your church be next! Following an arson attack in March 2010, St Mary’s Church in Westry, Cambridgeshire, was seriously damaged.


Adequate cover levels are essential


Fortunately, St Mary’s Church in Westry was adequately insured by Ecclesiastical which will enable the building to be fully restored. This highlights how important it is to review your church insurance cover on a regular basis to ensure your cover meets your current and future needs.


What can you do to reduce the risk of an arson attack on your church?


Improved church security is the key and for the latest advice, please visit the guidance section at www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters for details.


You can also contact your local Risk Control Surveyor for advice tailored to your church.


Impact of revised building regulations upon sums insured


The effect of the recent revision during May 2011 to the Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations is now starting to become clear. Due to the higher standards required when rebuilding or substantially altering a building, rebuilding costs can now be expected to increase by anything from 5% to 50%. The greatest effect of the revised regulations will probably be on those buildings which are likely to be ‘totally destroyed in a fire and whose current construction is comparatively ‘lightweight’ with poor insulation (like some church halls).


Under an insurance policy, the limit of an insurer’s liability is the sum insured. It is therefore very important to ensure that you have the right building sum insured to avoid a shortfall in funds, in the unfortunate event of a serious fire.


Churches that suspect their church hall may fall within this category are advised


to contact their local Ecclesiastical Risk Control Surveyor for advice regarding the adequacy of their current sum insured. Alternatively call 0845 777 3322.


More information can also be found at www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters


Health & Safety


Ecclesiastical continues to receive claims from visitors to church premises mainly as a result of a slip, trip or fall. The presence of current risk assessments and other documentation are crucial as evidence so that a defence of these sometimes ‘spurious’ claims can be marshalled. The following steps are key:


• appoint someone with specific Health & Safety responsibility from within or


outside the Vestry


• read through Ecclesiastical’s Health & Safety guidance notes, including the


self assessment form “How safe is your church and church hall?” pages 5 to13


• complete risk assessment forms as recommended


• complete a church standard Health & Safety policy


• review the risk assessments and policy on an annual basis. Ensure Health


& Safety is a regular agenda item at your Vestry meetings.


More information (including guidance notes) can be found at www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters


For the latest advice, please visit the guidance section at


www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters


Please contact your Risk Control Surveyor if you need further assistance.


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