Social media policy

Use of Social Media

Social media sites enable users to create and share content and keep in touch with other users. They include maintaining a profile on a networking site such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat; YouTube, TikTok, WhatsApp, etc. writing or commenting on a blog, whether it is your own or the blog of another person; and taking part in discussions on web forums or message boards.

For many, especially young people, using social media is an extension of physical face-to-face relationships. It Is therefore important that churches also engage with their community and worshippers through these platforms. However, this must be done safely to avoid the risk of:

● Forming inappropriate relationships.

● Saying things you should not, such as offensive, sexual or suggestive comments.

● Blurring the boundaries between public work/ministry and your private life.

● Grooming and impersonation.

● Bullying and harassment.

The role of the PCC

The PCC must approve the use of social media and mobile phones by the church. Where there are Facebook or similar online groups set up on the church’s behalf, the PCC must ensure there is a named person to whom all workers are accountable.

The named person must be a church officer, and should be aware of the account name and password so that they can at any time log on to the account to monitor the communications. The named person should be proactive in fulfilling this role.

Communications must be shared with the named person. Church officers remain bound by professional rules of confidentiality. Where there is concern that a young person or adult is at risk of abuse, or they themselves pose a risk of abuse to others, safeguarding procedures must always be followed.

Risk Management Policy

Introduction

This document provides details of the approach to risk management adopted by the PCC of St. Andrew’s Church.

It is intended to provide part of the governance required by the PCC to ensure that the PCC, as Trustees of the charity, identify and evaluate possible risks and regularly assess how those risks are being managed.

Principles

·         We maintain risk assessments on all activities. Risk Assessment forms are kept in the Parish Office.

·         ‘Risk’ to be included on PCC agendas during the year.

·         Concerning Risk Assessment, PCC members can ask questions, or request that is discussed, at any time.

·         We have appointed a member of the PCC to be the responsible person on Risk Management. They will work closely with the person responsible for completing church risk assessments.

·         However, risk (like health & safety) is a responsibility of all PCC, staff and volunteers. 

·         We encourage all members of the church to raise potential risks (as well as items of health & safety), relevant to the operation of church activities, with the PCC.

Reporting

The PCC will include a statement on risk management in its annual report. This will identify the major risks to which the church is exposed and will confirm that the PCC is satisfied that adequate systems are in place to manage those risks.

The PCC is responsible for the system of risk management and internal control.

 Policy approved by PCC, September 2023.

To be reviewed every three years.

Lone Worker Policy

Introduction

The Lone Worker Policy, which is set within the Health and Safety Policy, outlines the actions being taken by the PCC in relation to our staff, volunteers and visitors who may at any time work alone on church activity, together with the actions we expect such workers to take themselves to minimise risks.

The purpose of this Lone Worker Policy is to ensure all staff and volunteers are aware of the specific risks in working alone and to set out the respective responsibilities of the PCC and staff/volunteers to minimise such risks. The PCC commit to carrying out their responsibilities in a thorough and disciplined way.

People who work alone in our church:-

• Church Administrator/secretary working in the church office when no one else is in the building or even in that part of the building;

• Other staff or volunteers working alone within the church buildings including:- Members of the church opening/locking up. Cleaners. Flower arrangers. People practising on the organ. Caterers.

• Anyone working on maintenance or in the grounds of the church on their own.

• Anyone acting alone with one or more teenagers whether in a public place, in a school or on private property;

• A solo pastoral visitor going to people’s homes;

• One volunteer taking cash to the bank;

• Members of staff and volunteers who work from home, alone;

• Members of staff travelling by car or public transport on their own in the course of

their work.

The risks

Risks include the following:

• Physical accident (from injury, such as when using kitchen or maintenance equipment, using a ladder or moving heavy items, when there is no one available to fetch help if necessary);

• Fire;

• Sudden illness, when there is no one to raise the alarm;

• Physical violence or threat of abuse in any form from a visitor;

• Accusations by a visitor of inappropriate behaviour by staff/volunteers when there

are no witnesses; Sexual behaviour or advances deemed to be inappropriate or

threatening;

• Stress caused by working in isolation or from abusive phone calls or digital media or

fear that they may not be safe.

The responsibilities of the PCC

1 To show that ‘reasonably foreseeable risks’ have been identified (by a risk assessment) and updated regularly with appropriate action taken to minimise them.

2 To ensure that there is adequate insurance cover for all lone working.

3 To install and maintain reasonable security equipment and systems, a door entry camera, suitable outdoor lighting; secure doors & windows; offices/rooms with clear glass.

4 To equip staff in vulnerable positions with communication tools to ensure they can summon help when needed, including checking that staff have access to a mobile phone; that signal reception is adequate; that staff know emergency contact numbers.

5 To ensure that each member of staff feels that the PCC has taken all reasonable steps to ensure their safety

6 To offer appropriate training in personal safety to, and inspection of, those who work alone.

7 To issue guidelines and insist that staff follow those guidelines laid down on safe solo working and. if they are at all unsure, to err on the side of caution and not put themselves in a potentially vulnerable situation.

The responsibilities of staff and volunteers

There needs to be an understanding that the PCC can only do so much. The behaviour and actions of the employees and volunteers can make a significant difference to the level of their own safety.

1 To avoid placing themselves in unnecessarily dangerous situations.

2 To be alert to possible dangers and to minimise risk by their own behaviour.

3 To inform others of their movements especially if the visit may be potentially difficult,

4 To inform a warden and other staff of any suspicious behaviour noted or any threats made to them.

5 To avail themselves of all training opportunities provided by the church, which might include fire safety; personal safety; first aid; lone-working best practice.

6 To drive responsibly and to keep their vehicle properly insured, tested and maintained.

7 Where possible no one to lock the building upon their own.

Particular factors to be taken into account

All of these will affect the level of risk to lone workers.

1 the health of the worker, physically, mentally and emotionally;

2 the location and remoteness of the workplace;

4 the maintenance and safety of all equipment and premises;

5 the need to lift heavy objects (including boxes of stationery) when alone [should be avoided];

6 the provision of first aid cover and help that can be summoned easily and quickly;

7 For staff living alone, checking in (e.g. by calling another member of staff) when they have set off for home and when they have arrived home).

This policy was last updated and authorised by PCC, September 2023 and will be reviewed every three years by the PCC.

It forms one part of our wider Health and Safety at Work Policy.

Health & Safety Policy

Introduction

This document has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and the regulations made under it.

The success of this policy will depend on the co-operation of everyone. It is therefore important that this document is read carefully and understood.  

A - General statement of Policy

Our policy, so far as is reasonably practicable, is to provide and maintain safe and healthy working conditions, equipment and systems of work for all our employees, casual labour and voluntary helpers, and to provide such information, training and supervision as they need for this purpose.

We shall also endeavour, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all members of the congregation, contractors, visitors and others who may visit the church, church hall and any associated buildings.

The allocation of duties for safety matters and the particular arrangements that we will make to implement the policy are set out separately.

The policy will be kept up to date, particularly in the light of any changes to our buildings or activities. The policy and the way in which it is operated will be reviewed regularly and the appropriate changes made.

In order to ensure that Health & Safety matters are kept constantly under review, an item on Health & Safety will be on the agenda for all meetings of the Parochial Church Council. Relevant sub committees, employees and voluntary workers will be consulted on a regular basis in order to seek their views on Health & Safety matters.

B - Organisation and responsibilities

Overall responsibility for Health & Safety rests with the Churchwardens on behalf of the PCC, being the legal entity responsible. The Churchwardens will ensure that arrangements are in place to satisfy Health & Safety Regulations and appropriate Codes of Practice. Specific responsibilities may be delegated to church personnel.

Thus, the responsibility for the day-to-day implementation of the arrangements outlined in this policy rests with the Churchwardens, who will act as joint/co safety officers, unless a specific Health & Safety Officer is appointed by the PCC.

In addition to or instead of appointing a Health & Safety Officer, the PCC may choose to delegate responsibility for certain aspects of Health & Safety, for example food hygiene regulations.

The responsibility of the Churchwardens, or Health & Safety Officer if one is appointed, shall be to:

1 be familiar with general Health & Safety Regulations and guidance (for example, as published by the Health & Safety Executive) as far as they concern the use of church premises and the safety of all participants in church activities.

2 be familiar with the PCC's Health & Safety policy and arrangements and ensure they are observed.

3 ensure so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe systems of work are in place.

4 ensure that the church and halls are clean and tidy, such that their condition is not a hazard to anyone in or using the premises.

5 ensure the car park and church grounds are properly maintained.

6 ensure that any safety equipment and clothing that is required is provided and used by all personnel where this is required.

7 ensure that any equipment and tools are properly maintained and in good condition and that all operators have received the appropriate training.

8 ensure that adequate access and egress is maintained.

9 ensure adequate firefighting equipment is available and maintained.

10 ensure that food hygiene regulations and procedures are observed.

Responsibility of the Parochial Church Council

The Parochial Church Council has general responsibility to ensure that the Health & Safety Policy is implemented and made known to all staff and volunteers, as appropriate.

Responsibility of employees and voluntary workers

All employees and voluntary workers have a responsibility to co-operate in the implementation of this Health & Safety policy and to take reasonable care of themselves and others whilst on church business or premises.

Employees and voluntary workers must therefore:

1 comply with safety rules, operating instructions and working procedures.

2 use protective clothing and equipment when it is required.

3 report any fault or defect in equipment immediately to the appropriate person.

4 report all accidents (however minor), injuries, near misses or other potential

safety hazards as soon as possible to an appropriate person.

5 not misuse anything provided, in the interests of health and safety.

General responsibility of all participants in church activities

All users of church premises and all participants in church activities have a personal responsibility to ensure that they; do not put themselves or others at risk of harm; adhere to this policy; satisfy themselves, to the best of their knowledge, that activities are safe for themselves and others; always look out for possible risks; bring to the attention of someone in authority any risks of which they become aware.

C  - Arrangements (implementation of the policy)

This section sets out our arrangements to minimise as far as is reasonably practicable risks to the health and safety of employees, voluntary workers, members of the congregation, visitors and contractors.

Accidents and First Aid

First Aid boxes are located:

·         In the church kitchen, in the cupboard

·         An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is positioned on the wall in the lobby.

·         All accidents and incidents are entered in a Accident Book and kept in the parish office.
Fire safety

Our policy is to fulfil our obligations under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. In order to achieve this, we undertake the following:

• An assessment of the fire risks in the church and associated buildings and the risks to our neighbours. This is carried out either as a specific exercise or as part of our general Health & Safety risk assessments.

• A check that a fire can be detected in a reasonable time and that people can be warned

• A check that people who may be in the building can get out safely including if necessary the provision of emergency lighting and fire exit signage

• To provide reasonable firefighting equipment

• A check that those in the building know what to do if there is a fire

• A regular check that our firefighting equipment is in place and is serviceable

Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are kept in the following locations:

·         Parish Office

·         Lobby

·         Kitchen

·         West porch of church

The extinguishers noted above are checked every twelve months to ensure that they are still in place and have not been discharged. There is a maintenance contract in place.
Smoke alarms There smoke alarms fitted in the church lobby.
Other fire protection equipment There is a fire blanket in the Church kitchen.
Evacuation procedures

When the building is in use and people are inside, fire doors must be unlocked. All employees and voluntary workers should ensure they are familiar with escape routes and ensure these are kept clear and unobstructed. All users of premises should be made aware of fire safety and evacuation procedures.

If you discover a fire (no matter how small)

1 Immediately raise the alarm – break the glass (Lobby).

2 Telephone the emergency services

3 Check the building for occupants

4 Attack the fire if possible, but only if it has not taken hold and you can do it safely within your capability using the appliances provided, as long as you know how to use them

5 If not possible to attack the fire or if you are unsure which fire extinguisher to use, assist in the evacuation of the building, ensuring that all doors are closed behind you. 6 The general rule is people before property.

7 Evacuate to the designated assembly point, which is the grass area at the front (Church Lane side).

8 Ensure clear access for the emergency vehicles.

Electrical safety

1 Testing of electrical equipment is undertaken by a competent contractor (who is a member of the NICEIC (National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting), ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) or other approved body) to ensure that all appliances are safe. Any unsafe equipment will be safely disposed of.

2 Misuse and abuse of electricity is a significant cause of fires and injury and death.

All employees and voluntary workers must observe the following: 

(i) Visually check all electrical equipment before use

(ii) Report all faults immediately to the Churchwardens

(iii) Do not attempt to use or repair faulty equipment

(v) Electrical equipment should be switched off and disconnected when not in use for long periods

(vi) Flexible cables should be so positioned and so protected that they do not constitute a tripping hazard and are not subject to mechanical damage

Gas equipment safety

Our gas boilers and any other gas equipment are maintained and checked annually by a competent contractor who is Gas Safe registered.

Any necessary work required for safety is implemented immediately.

These arrangements are checked by the responsible person.

Hazardous substances

Where possible, we have eliminated the use of hazardous substances. Where this is not possible, they are stored safely in locked storage facilities in the vestry.

For all hazardous substances, which include substances marked as ‘harmful, irritant, corrosive, toxic, very toxic, flammable, highly flammable, extremely flammable, explosive, oxidising or dangerous for the environment’, data sheets or product information provided by the manufacturers are used to determine the correct method of use, protective clothing needed, method of storage, and action to take in the event of an accident.

Safety of equipment and machinery

1 Employees and voluntary workers must not operate equipment or machinery that they are not trained and authorised to use.

2 The appropriate personal protective equipment detailed below must be worn

when operating any item of equipment or machinery.

3 Persons under the age of 18 and are not permitted to operate any power-driven item of equipment or machinery.

4 Ladders may only be used when other equipment such as tower scaffolds or mobile elevated work platforms cannot be used and for work of short duration provided they can be safely secured. This may necessitate the use of ladder ties.

5 Any defect and damage found to any item of plant or machinery must be reported to the Churchwardens

6 The Churchwardens will ensure that all equipment and machinery is regularly maintained and a schedule kept of maintenance requirements.

Kitchen : use of the church kitchen 

Only authorised users are allowed to use the kitchen.

Unsupervised children are not allowed into the kitchen at any time.

The kitchen is subject to Environmental Health inspection, undertaken every 3 years by Warwick District Council.

Use of equipment

There is a dishwasher in the kitchen, which requires the use of chemicals. Only trained volunteers/staff are allowed to use the dishwasher and to handle the chemicals required.

Users are requested to leave the kitchen clean and tidy after use.

Preparation of food

1 For formal church events we shall follow the food hygiene regulations governing the preparation and storage of foodstuffs.

2 We shall ensure that all food handlers for these formal events have received adequate supervision, instruction and training.

3 We ensure that the appropriate assessment of risks is carried out for the foods to be prepared and stored including storage at the correct temperatures.

4 Before any preparation commences, all surfaces coming into contact with food must be washed down and disinfected.

5 Foodstuffs may only be prepared in the kitchen area.

6 We expect that all hirers who wish to use the kitchen facilities are advised of the conditions of use and that they make their own arrangements for adequately trained staff to undertake food preparation and handling.

Manual handling – lifting, carrying and moving heavy loads.

1 Our policy is to eliminate the need for manual handling as far as is reasonably practicable.

2 Where it is not possible to avoid the need to move loads, we will carry out risk assessments and make use of appropriate equipment.

4 It should be noted that moving chairs in the church represents a manual handling hazard.

Personal safety

Risk assessments will be undertaken regularly to assess the risks to persons working alone in the church, travelling to and from church, accepting persons into their homes and handling cash and other valuables.

Risk assessments/activities

Risk assessments will be carried out on all areas of the church premises and all activities that carry a significant risk at regular intervals by a competent person in order to meet our obligations under The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999, amended 2003 and 2006. The person appointed by the PCC (Risk assessment management) will ensure risk assessments are carried out.

Contractors

The Churchwardens will ensure that:

1 Anyone entering church premises for the purposes of carrying out work, other than an employee or voluntary worker of the church, will be regarded as a contractor. All contractors, including the self-employed, must abide by the following:

2 Have their own Health & Safety policy (where required by law) and be able to provide a copy of the same.

3 Produce evidence that they have appropriate public and employers’ liability insurance in place.

4 Comply with all the requirements of this Health & Safety policy and co-operate with the church officials in providing a safe place of work and a safe system of operation.

5 Where plant and machinery is brought onto the church premises by contractors, they must be able to show where necessary that the equipment has been inspected and tested to ensure its safe operation.

6 Contractors may only use sub-contractors or persons other than their own direct employees with the express permission of the church officials. However, responsibility will remain with the contractors.

7 All contractors will be given detailed instructions regarding the areas where they are permitted to work and the extent of the work they are authorised to carry out. 

The policy will be reviewed every three years, or earlier if there are any substantial changes to buildings or activities.

This document was approved by PCC,  Sept 2023.

Complaints Policy

Introduction

A complaint is a written or verbal expression of dissatisfaction or disquiet about an action, or lack of action by a person acting on behalf of the church, or about the policies and procedures of the church. We shall do all we can to avoid the need for anyone to complain, but we offer the opportunity to express dissatisfaction so that we can improve our service.

When a complaint is made by someone who is either paid staff or voluntary office holders, it is referred to as a grievance. The policy for dealing with grievances is part of St. Andrew’s HR Policy.

A complaint or a grievance may include an allegation that a person has behaved in an unacceptable way.

The procedure for dealing with a complaint or grievance is;

1. Receipt of complaint and initial assessment

2. Informal resolution 

3. Formal procedure

Receipt of complaint and initial assessment

Specific categories of complaint/grievance must be handled according to the appropriate procedure:

1. If a complaint or grievance relates to or includes an allegation that a child, adult or vulnerable adult has been harmed or is at risk of harm, or that an adult or another child may have caused harm to a child or adult who may be vulnerable, it must be responded to according to the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy.

2. Complaints and grievances against clergy are handled through the Clergy Discipline Measure. Complaints or grievances against clergy should be addressed to the archdeacon or the area bishop.

3. Complaints and grievances against licensed or commissioned ministers (such as Readers) are handled through a separate Diocesan procedure. These complaints or grievances should be addressed to the Vicar.

Other types of complaint

If any church office holder or staff member receives any other type of complaint, however trivial, they are to listen carefully and show empathy, and decide the appropriate action. If details of the complaint are to be noted, then a record should be kept in the church office where a log of complaints will be kept.

St. Andrew’s church - Informal resolution 

The aim, when responding to complaints and grievances, is as far as possible to enable them to be resolved informally, speedily and fairly by discussion, problem solving, mediation and negotiation. Problems should therefore be brought direct to the person(s) deemed responsible for the area of dissatisfaction or disquiet and will hopefully be resolved in this way.

If this is unsuccessful, then the complainant may invoke the formal procedure as outlined below.

The formal procedure for complaints

Stage 1

An unresolved complaint should be submitted in writing to a churchwarden or deputy churchwarden (who is not the subject of the complaint). The churchwarden will then meet with the complainant ( and their supporter ), to note the facts of the complaint and pass these to the person who is the subject of the complaint and arrange a meeting. At the meeting the subject of the complaint, may also be represented by a friend or other supporter if they wish, to give their response to the complaint. The churchwarden may then interview any other relevant parties.

The churchwarden then draws conclusions and informs the complainant and the subject of the complaint, of the outcome, ideally within a week of the complaint being made.

Stage 2

If the outcome of stage 1 does not satisfactorily resolve the complaint, or the subject of the complaint appeals against the outcome of stage 1, the churchwarden, will take the complaint to the PCC. The PCC will authorise a panel of three to hear the appeal on its behalf.

The panel will establish why the complainant continues to feel aggrieved, and receive all the documentation from the previous investigation at Stage 1. The panel will then meet with both parties and the churchwarden who investigated the complaint at the first stage and witnesses, if any.

The panel members will then form a judgement and make a decision about the complaint. Their conclusion will be brought to PCC for ratification. The panel will then inform the complainant and the subject of the complaint of the outcome, within a month of the complaint being made.

Agreed by PCC September 2023. To be reviewed every three years.

Access and Inclusion Policy

Introduction

This policy is intended to set out our approach to ensuring that the church buildings, worship, activities and congregations are as welcoming and inclusive to all in the local community, and in particular to people with disabilities.

Under the Equality Act 2010, churches are ‘service providers’ and therefore all activities that take place in the church buildings need to be considered in terms of the risk people face when interacting with that environment – either as visitors, members of the congregation or ministers and other leaders.

This policy should be read in conjunction with the Fire Risk Assessment Policy and the Social Media and Website Policy as there are a number of overlaps.

Access and inclusion policy statement

St. Andrew’s policy is to welcome all without discrimination. In particular, we aim to make access as straight forward and safe for people with disabilities. We also want to ensure all people have opportunity to grow spiritually and to be able to use their gifts to enrich the lives of us all.

What is a disability?

In the Equality Act, disability is defined as “a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities”. The Act protects anyone who has or has had a disability, or who is associated with a disabled person, or who is mistakenly perceived as being disabled. It includes those with physical mobility or co-ordination difficulties, those with poor strength or dexterity, those with impairments of their memory, learning disabilities, impaired speech, vision or hearing, autism, and those with illness which give rise to a disability or a temporary disability, and those with more hidden disabilities such as epilepsy, diabetes, arthritis or mental health issues, for example.

In addition to those directly included in the legislation, churches should be aware that a difficulty in accessing certain facilities or services may also be experienced by people such as pregnant women; those large or small in stature (including children); parents or others in charge of small children; or those emotionally distressed.

The Equality Act 2010

The Equality Act came into effect in 2010, replacing the Disability Discrimination Act (1995). Its aim is to ban unfair treatment and discrimination based on age, race, sexuality, gender, disability etc. in the workplace, in the provision of goods, services and facilities and in the management of premises. It stipulates that all service providers should make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to their buildings and services so that disabled people can use them. It is a civil law, so fines cannot be levied for non-compliance however legal action can be taken by anyone – including bodies such as the Equality and Human Rights Commission – if discrimination is evident. It is therefore very important that churches engage with the Equality Act and consider how their buildings are used by others.

Process

A disability access audit will be performed every 3 years across all church sites. This audit shall identify the required improvements that are needed to be an inclusive “service provider”. The disability access audit will follow audit guidelines (see references, Annex 2) set out by the diocese and consider, but not limited to, the following areas;

● How do people find your church?

● How do people get here?

● Car parking

● Signs and notice boards are clear

● Entrance

● Lighting

● Use of hearing loops

● Moving around inside the church

● Ease of being able to access facilities including toilets and refreshments

● Being able to access the content of services

● Seating

● Printed and on-screen materials

● Toilets

● Welcoming for people with learning disabilities, autism and Asperger Syndrome.

● Welcoming for people with mental health needs

● Ensuring the website is compliant with current accessibility legislation and guidelines.

What is St. Andrew’s doing to meet the Equality Act?

There are wheelchair ramps directly from the car park to the entrance for ease of access.

Designated disabled parking places are provided in the car park adjacent to the ramps.

There are no steps to negotiate on entering the building.

Suitable spaces are provided to provide easy wheelchair access.

Signs are provided showing the procedures in the case of a fire

A hearing loop is provided in the main building for the hard of hearing

A Disabled toilet is provided in the main building.

On screen slides use a pale font with dark background to assist those with dyslexia.
The website is kept up to date to make it as accessible for all.

Procedures for ensuring people with disabilities can be safely evacuated from the building in an emergency are given at Annex 1 and these will be reviewed every three years at the same time as the audit.

Annex 1: Policy for Safe Evacuation of Persons with Disabilities

St Andrew’s Church is committed to promoting access for people who have a disability or long-term medical condition. This includes consideration of the requirements to enable safe and effective evacuation from our buildings in a fire or other emergency, taking into account that some disabilities may mean that they are unable to self-evacuate.

We will comply with relevant legal requirements and guidelines where it is reasonable to do so with the aim of facilitating safe access for all users of the site.

In the event of a fire, an alarm will be raised. The service leader or group leader will clearly explain to the group what is happening and what people will need to do next.

Fire exits are clearly marked, and care will be taken not to block access to these exits.

The congregation will move to the grass area in front of the church in the event of a fire where a check will be made on people’s welfare and a check made of children and young people. Any children with special needs should be escorted to the assembly point by a designated adult.

A fire drill is carried out regularly at least once per year.

Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP)

A Personal Emergency Evacuation Procedure (known as a PEEP), is a procedure designed to outline the emergency requirements of a member of staff or member of the congregation who may require assistance in an emergency. To ensure that persons who require assistance can safely leave the church buildings in an emergency, a PEEP must be completed. This process ensures that members of staff/members of the congregation discuss and take into account specific needs and produce a plan to ensure that their safety is provided for in the event of an emergency.

In the event of having a regular visitor or member of staff or volunteer with a disability, a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) will be set up for them.

The responsibility for identifying the need for and setting up PEEP's for staff will lie with the Wardens. For regular visitors and volunteers, it will be the responsibility of the leadership team. For regular activities in the church or church building, leaders of groups will be responsible for having PEEP’s in place for any who may have difficulty exiting the building in an emergency.

The leader of church groups will need to identify any individuals who may need a PEEP and a copy of the PEEP will need to be kept in the church office. Staff and regular visitors for whom a PEEP has been completed are responsible for ensuring that they follow the agreed emergency arrangements, as long as doing so does not put them at risk due to the nature of the emergency.

Leaders of church groups and activities will seek to identify people who they think may require assistance in the event of an emergency.

A note in the monthly newsletter will invite those who might require assistance in the case of an emergency to identify themselves to the leaders of their respective church group or activity they regularly attend. This message will be voiced from the front during services from time to time.

In order to identify someone with this need, the following will be carried out:-

a) The PEEP will take into account the needs of the disabled person and their ideas for how they could leave the building.

b) The PEEP will take into account the resources (people and equipment) that can reasonably be expected to be available.

c) The PEEP will be reviewed annually to ensure that both parties are happy with the plan.

Plans will be written and held on file in the office.

The PCC will ensure that:

The Fire Risk Assessment is in place and is kept up to date.

That leaders of activities are aware of the need to evacuate the building safely and make sure that procedures are in place to ensure this happens and that enough people have been trained in evacuation procedures and people to help with the safe evacuation of the building are available at all events in the church and church hall.

A procedure for actions in the event of a fire are clearly visible both in the main building as well as the hall.

This policy was last updated and authorised by PCC in 2023

and will be reviewed triennially by the PCC.