Help and advice is just an email away

- details of the Synod Property Committee can be found here!!

Information is available from a wide range of resources. For basic information on various items of legislation and advice on matters that affect churches generally, ranging from food safety to the Children Act, Disability Discrimination to insurance, burial grounds to fund-raising then try the  PLATO Property Handbook prepared and updated by Synod Trust and Property Officers throughout the country and available online by clicking here A range of Guidance Notes and the YOR01 Application forms are available and your friendly Synod Trust and Property Secretary will try to help whenever she can!

From 1st October 2011 the adult minimum wage rate will increase from £5.93 to £6.08 per hour and the accommodation offset from £4.61 to £4.73 per day. Further information is available on the HM Revenue & Customs or DirectGov websites, including information about calculating the minimum wage when an employee such as a caretaker lives in accommodation as part of their employment. However, churches should be aware of the campaign - endorsed by General Assembly in 2008 - to ensure workers are paid a Living Wage and consider whether you should be meeting this, if you do not already do so. For more information go to the Church Action on Poverty website.

Recent quinquennial inspection reports would suggest that many churches are still not meeting their responsibilities with respect to legislation in two key areas which came into force a few years ago.  Failure to act on these could leave Elders personally liable in the event of a problem or complaint.

Fire Safety 
These regulations, which came into effect in October 2006, affect every church! If they have not already done so, it is esssential that your Elders Meeting considers this. A copy of the Health and Safety Executive's leaflet was sent to all churches or is available from the government's website  click here while an online search revealed a number of helpful websites including those of some fire brigades with a down-loadable pro-forma to assist those who manage buildings to carry out their assessments. 

Asbestos
Churches also have duties under the Asbestos Regulations 2004 and which came into effect in May of that year. Whether you think there is asbestos in your building or not, again it is essential that your Elders' Meeting considers this.  Information was sent out to all Church Secretaries in 2004 and again in 2006. For further information from the Health and Safety Executive's website click here

No Smoking
The regulations on smoking in public places in England apply to churches. Although your buildings are probably smoke-free zones already churches are required to display notices in the regulation format at entrances. Guidance, including details of the required signs which can be downloaded for use by building owners, can be viewed on the Smokefree England website. click here.


Lighting
There are now Regulations that apply to disposal of electrical and electronic equipment into landfill or incineration, particularly lighting. Non-domestic users are encouraged to buy or specify lighting from appropriately registered suppliers. For churches this is probably mostly relevant if you are altering your lighting, refurbishing or altering your premises. If that is then case the it is suggested that you ensure your professional advisers include the relevant requirements in their specification. More information is available from the Synod Office if you think this may be relevant.

Longcauseway, Dewsbury

Hall Gate, Doncaster

St Andrew's, Roundhay