Covid-19 restrictions have now lifted in England and Wales, though UK Government advice highlights a need to remain cautious. The following guidance explores the steps needed to re-open church halls. Some of the information has been updated recently and may differ from previous advice offered.

1) Parishes are required to complete a risk  assessment for re-opening the Hall (Checklist for re-opening of Parish Halls – 21.07.2021). Please contact the Property Team or call T: 01273 859705 for the most recent checklist. The risk assessment will need to be sent into the Diocese for approval - please do note that all statutory Health & Safety tasks for the hall need to be up to date.

2) The hirer is required to provide a copy of their Public Liability Insurance document and their risk assessment (ensure that you are satisfied that all points of concern are included). We acknowledge that most insurers are withdrawing Covid cover, so just public liability is required if they cannot arrange Covid cover.

3) One-off private hires for events such as birthday parties rely on our own indemnity insurance, as we do not require private third parties to obtain liability insurance.  Where parishes agree to these hires it is necessary for a detailed discussion to take place to assess the way the premises will be used. It is a parish decision whether to agree to any hire, and a judgement call must be made based on the size of the group, the activity planned and the prevalence of the virus in your local area. Please contact the Property Team if you require advice or support.

4) Each hirer is required to read and sign the ‘Special Conditions of Hire’ form – contact the Property Team for the most recent version.

5) Each hirer is required to read the ‘Secure Information for Hall Users’ form – contact the Property Team for the most recent version.

6) In line with government guidance, please continue to encourage the use of face masks, sanitising, social distancing, ventilation and test and trace. These are not legal requirements, but we can encourage people to keep themselves and others safe on our premises.

7) You may also want to set a maximum capacity for your hall as before, to allow for social distancing for those who choose to do so.

8) Hirers should be asked to clean down all common touchpoints, plus chairs etc as used (this should be included in their risk assessment)

9) The parish must take responsibility for cleaning the hall daily (as opposed to the lockdown requirement of cleaning after every hire).

10) Kitchens may be opened for parish events and for hirers, but please proceed with caution. Consider the cleaning requirements carefully, as everything will need to be included in your cleaning plan - cutlery, crockery, surfaces etc.

11) Keep your first aid box(es) up to date with Covid requirements (masks, gloves, sanitiser, disposable aprons)

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The Property Team wishes to thank all those working to keep our parishes Covid-19 secure, if you need advice or help please contact our team.