However, trustees must take steps to manage risk and potential liability. Historically, that has meant just putting an insurance policy in place. Often little concern was given to the precise wording of the policy and assumptions were made as to the breadth of coverage. For example, the public liability section of the church insurance package may be assumed to cover that ‘special event’ or the bouncy castle that the church brings in for a special celebration. But does it?

In an increasingly litigious society where insurers have taken more than a few ‘big hits’ in recent years, trustees need to know how they can best help themselves. None more so than ‘public liability’ issues. In the last two years, somewhere around 60 – 70% of voluntary sector insurers have withdrawn from the market. With huge premium increases in the last couple of years, voluntary sector insurance is becoming increasingly inaccessible.

Stewardship Services, a Christian Charity specialising in church related insurance, is looking to dialogue with insurers to secure cover where it may otherwise be refused. As a Faithworks partner, we are also seeking to provide resources for community project leaders to help them optimise their chances of obtaining cover at good rates.

So what should trustees and church leaders be doing? The key is showing that you are on the ball. In advance of approaching an insurer (and before each renewal), trustees should have assessed the risks and taken steps to address (limit) them. This will include having appropriate policies and procedures in place (such as child protection, health and safety etc.), which are effectively communicated to and actioned by those that need to know.

An aerobics class at an independent venue may be an excellent way of engaging with the community. But will there be adequate qualified first aiders on site? Does the instructor have adequate knowledge to not put attendees’ health at risk? Is the venue safe? How do the organisers control who attends? Have all health and safety aspects been scrutinised?

If you can show that you have considered all material risk aspects in advance, insurers are more likely to be prepared to do business on reasonable terms.

By Kevin Russell,  Technical & Professional Services Director at Stewardship Services (www.stewardshipservices.org)