Asbestos is often known as the hidden killer. The Government brought in The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 and these apply to all Church Premises.
Every Premises must have an written Asbestos Survey which must be kept available for inspection by anyone, especially tradesmen, who may do work in the premises.
Website: more information on asbestos regulations
A free guide is available from 01787 881165. “A short guide to Managing Asbestos in Premises”.
The Disability Discrimination Act 2002 requires equal opportunities be given to all people. For churches the following are probably most relevant:-
It may also be appropriate to consider the types of teaching materials used and whether provision should be made for those with special needs.
Grants to assist in the cost of provision of such facilities may be available. For further information or advice.
Download: Church Building Fund Guidance Notes.
Many of our Churches have a burial ground either adjacent to or detached from the Church. When there is no more space within the Burial Ground it is usual to close it. In time such Burial Grounds become disused. Special rules then apply to the Burial Ground. These are contained within the Disused Burial Grounds Act.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires all Churches and associated premises to undertake a fire risk assessment and develop an evacuation plan.
This will:
Website: Fire Safety from communities.gov
"A Short Guide to Making your Premises Safe from Fire" is available from 0300 1231124
Please ensure that hirers of your premises are aware of the assessment and carry out their own assessment for their activities.
The Trustees remind those churches that are Listed that a Quinquennial Survey is required by law. Other churches may also wish to have periodic surveys as a positive way of managing their buildings.
The form of the survey report shall include all those items included in the Synod Buildings Report Form and shall end with the recommendations of the Surveyor with regard to any necessary remedial work and the timescale for it to be carried out.
Download: Buildings Report Form
Further advice on the choice of surveyor is available from the Property Officer.
Listed Churches may be eligible for a grant of 50% of the cost of the Survey.
The recommendations of the Surveyor should be carried out and a grant may be available for this using Project Heritage.
Download: Project Heritage
Churches' Legislation Advisory Service, the ecumenical body that communicates with the government on proposals for legislation. It produces regular updates which includes employment, planning law and tax etc.
View: Notes of the Meeting of CLAS on 1st March 2012
This is a new feature. The aim is to improve communication across the Synod, which will require your input and feedback to help in offering worthwhile information.
The Purpose and Mission of the Synod; the Synod Meeting; our Area Partnerships; each of our Committees and the calendar of meeting dates.
Find out who's who on the Synod Office Team. If you are unsure who to get in touch with, use the Contact Us form and your query will be routed to the right person!
