Although many instances of community outreach are viewed as a part of your church activity, for some projects we may need to charge an additional premium.
Projects held on church premises
Most of the time, such activities represent little or no additional risk. However, larger events or unusual activities can present more significant ones. These will need to be properly managed to ensure people remain safe.
Community outreach that happens on church premises is included in your church insurance policy. Holding events such as messy church, for example, is already considered to be part of the usual activities run by churches.
Other activities are classed as a higher risk, and we would need to adjust your policy and premium to cover the activity. Night shelters are an example of a type of community outreach we would need to know about.
Events away from the church
With events held away from the church, you also need to be aware of your obligations around health and safety, safeguarding, and personal safety.
Fresh Expressions of church - usually set in cafes, pubs or schools, and in general do not have any additional insurance implications. Visit the Fresh Expressions website.
Street pastors - if taking part in street pastoring, your church insurance policy will cover you as part of your outreach activity. Any activity must be done as part of an organised team, working in conjunction with your local police force, and all those taking part in any activity must have completed the Street Pastor training programme.
Cafes and food preparation
All food should be prepared with due care and attention. Depending on the nature of food preparation at your church, the following may apply:
Cafes
With allergies and a number of different food preferences to contend with, as you would expect there is a series of detailed laws that relate to the preparation and sale of food. Our food safety advice gives details of what you need to know.
Foodbanks
Setting up a foodbank provides resources for those in need within the community. For the foodbank to be successful, you will need to consider where the food will come from and who will run the foodbank. Read our guide to running a successful foodbank.
Occasional food preparation
Even if you only prepare food on occasion, some regulations will still apply. You can find information on everything from hygiene certificates to allergen information on the food standards agency website.