New Fire Risk Assessment training well received

Posted on 13th March 202513th March 2025 by Sharon Short

Church Growth Trust (CGT) recently held its first-ever Fire Risk Assessment training event, and it was a resounding success! Designed exclusively for leaders of churches occupying CGT buildings, the free online session took place on 5 March 2025 and quickly reached full capacity. 

This training provided invaluable guidance on how to conduct effective fire risk assessments, helping churches ensure their premises are safe and compliant. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the practical insights and clarity offered during the session. 

CGT’s Chief Executive, Giles Arnold commented: “We are delighted by the enthusiastic response to our first Fire Risk Assessment training. It’s encouraging to see church leaders so engaged in making their buildings safer for their congregations and communities.”

Due to the high demand and positive response, CGT is considering running another session later this year. Keep an eye on our website and communications for updates on future training opportunities.

Selecting what you want to receive from us

Posted on 21st March 202421st March 2024 by Sharon Short

You may have noticed that the emails we are sending to you have changed. We want to stay in touch with you, but it is important that we do this in ways that you find helpful. 

We want to give your more choice over the information you receive from us so, we have created a range of emails updates covering different topics:

News update – about legal & charity matters

Available properties – church buildings that we are letting

Tip of the month – advice for managing your church building

Church focus – to encourage and inspire

Update your preferences from your email bulletin

Here is how you can choose which of these emails you would like to receive by updating your preferences in our preferences centre.

Open a recent CGT email bulletin

Scroll to the bottom and click ‘Update your Preferences’ (next to the unsubscribe link). This will take you to our email bulletin webpage

Click the ‘Email me a link’ button

A secure email will then be sent to your inbox containing a link to your details

Click the ‘Update your preferences’ link in the email

Select the information that interests you

Use the ‘Update Preferences’ button to save your settings.

You can update your preferences or unsubscribe at any time using the link at the bottom of every email we send to you. You can also change your preferences as many times as you like!

Christmas countdown – practical tips for church event planning

Posted on 31st October 202331st October 2023 by Sharon Short

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration for Christian communities all around the world. For independent evangelical churches, planning Christmas events is a significant undertaking, and careful consideration is essential to ensure that the festivities run smoothly and safely.

In this guide, we provide you with top tips for planning your Christmas events, focusing on the key considerations around your building.

Reviewing Fire Risk Assessments – If your Christmas event involves hosting larger numbers than usual, reviewing your fire risk assessments is crucial. Double-check that all your certificates and safety measures are in place. Ensure that everyone knows how to exit the building in case of an emergency, especially when using candles in services such as Christingle. Also, arrange for appliances and boilers to be checked in the autumn ready for Christmas.

Provide guidance for newcomers – People who are new to a meeting may feel uncertain about the proceedings, making it essential to provide clear guidance from the start. Information regarding when to stand, sit, toilet locations, and what to do at the end of the meeting all contribute to the seamless flow of the event.

First aid preparation – Check your first aid kit to ensure it is complete and up to date. Identify who your designated first aiders are and evaluate whether you need one on-site for larger events. Safety should always be a top priority.

Health and safety – There are many things that you can and should do to keep people safe. All churches, places of worship and their associated activities are different, and what works well for one will not be the same for all. The Safer Places of Worship website provides a good introduction to the most important parts of health and safety legislation – Health & safety obligations – Safer Places of Worship (spow.co.uk)

Accessibility audit –To welcome all members of your community, conduct an accessibility audit. This ensures that your building is accessible to everyone, including those with mobility challenges. Ensure that entrances and exits are accessible and consider the use of ramps or other accommodations.

Insurance – It is important to contact your insurance provider if you are planning an event that could be classified as safety-critical or hazardous. They will advise whether there is enough liability cover in place.

Food and drink safety – If your event includes serving hot food and drinks, pay close attention to food safety and hygiene. Make sure your team follows proper food handling procedures, and if applicable, obtain the necessary permits Church Growth Trust has recently updated its briefing paper on this subject – click here to download it.

Traffic and parking management – Plan for the flow of traffic and parking, especially for larger gatherings. Ensure there is sufficient access for emergencies and consider overflow parking options to minimise disruptions to your neighbours.

Be prepared for the weather! – It is important to be ready for adverse weather conditions. Have salt available for clearing paths and ensure that outside lights are working to prevent accidents. Double-check that all your certificates and safety measures are in place. Check your entrance and exit paths broken slabs and uneven paths, to minimise the risks of falls.

Don’t delay – make sure your church property title is registered

Posted on 9th February 20269th February 2026 by Sharon Short

Is the title to your church property registered with the Land Registry?

Many churches have never registered the legal title to their property. Often this is because trustees have remained unchanged for many years.

In other cases, trustees are simply unaware that registration is now a legal requirement in certain circumstances.

Since 2009, when a new trustee is appointed to an unincorporated charity that owns land or buildings, the title to that property must be registered with the Land Registry. This requirement does not apply in the same way to charitable companies or CIOs, but it is particularly relevant for churches that operate as trusts.

Why registering your title matters

Beyond the legal requirement, registering your church property title brings several important practical benefits.

It helps to:

protect your property from someone else attempting to register ownership of all or part of it without your knowledge

reduce the risk of boundary disputes or neighbouring land being encroached upon

remove reliance on paper deeds, which can be lost, damaged, or destroyed

Registering the title provides clarity, security and peace of mind — both now and for the future.

How Church Growth Trust’s custodian trusteeship can help

Once a title is registered, it normally needs to be updated every time a new trustee is appointed. This can be time consuming and costly, particularly for churches where trustees change regularly.

Church Growth Trust’s custodian trusteeship service offers a simple and reliable alternative.

Under this arrangement:

Church Growth Trust holds the legal title to the property

decision making responsibility remains with the local church trustees (often called the managing trustees)

no changes to governance or church control are required

This means churches no longer need to complete a transfer of title every time trustees change, avoiding repeated legal work and Land Registry fees. It also removes the risk of a title being left in the names of trustees who have died or moved on.

Who is this service for?

Custodian trusteeship is relevant for:

trustees of unincorporated charities

churches or charities that own buildings or land

The service applies to property ownership only and does not extend to other assets such as investments or shares.

Benefits of appointing Church Growth Trust as custodian trustee

Churches that appoint Church Growth Trust as custodian trustee benefit from:

Continuity and security
The legal title remains safely held, regardless of changes in local trustees.

Reduced costs and administration
No need for repeated title transfers, legal fees, or Land Registry updates.

Secure document storage
Title deeds and related trust documents are stored safely in fire-proof cabinets, with secure digital access through our document storage service.

Access to trusted advice
Churches also gain access to Stewardship’s Consultancy Helpline, offering telephone and email advice on property, trusteeship, insurance and related matters.

Find out more

If you think custodian trusteeship might be helpful for your church, our guide to our Custodian Trusteeship Service explains how the arrangement works, what it costs, and what would be involved.

It answers common questions about:

how Church Growth Trust holds the legal title

how local trustees remain in control

the practical benefits for your church

the steps needed to put the arrangement in place

👉 Read about our Custodian Trusteeship service

If you would prefer to talk things through, we are very happy to help.

Giles Arnold
📞 01536 647164
✉️ giles.arnold@churchgrowth.org.uk

Conversations are always handled with care and in confidence.

Want to understand the registration process in more detail?

Our practical guide, “Church properties – do we need to register the title?”, provides fuller information about why registration matters, the legal background, and the steps trustees may be required to take.

It is a useful reference if you would like to explore the subject more deeply before deciding what to do next.

👉 Read the guide

Cold weather essentials for church buildings

Posted on 8th January 20268th January 2026 by Sharon Short

Use this guide as a prompt to keep your church building safe and prepared during cold weather.

Snow and ice can cause issues for any building, so taking a few precautions now can save time and cost later. Here are some practical steps to help you prepare:

Heating and boiler

Ensure your boiler is serviced and in good working order
Maintain a steady temperature (12–15°C) using a thermostat to prevent frozen pipes
Check fuel levels if using oil or LPG and arrange top-ups early

Pipes and water supply

Check insulation on exposed pipes and water tanks, especially in lofts or external areas
Locate the stopcock (usually under the sink) for quick shut-off in emergencies
Repair dripping taps and drain outside taps to prevent freezing

Access and safety

Clear snow and grit paths at least 1 metre wide to main entrances
Remove snow around outward-opening fire escape doors so they can open freely
Check external lighting for safe access in darker conditions

Communication

Agree a simple plan for volunteers or staff for bad weather days
Keep emergency contacts (plumber, heating engineer) handy for urgent repairs

Driving tips

Fully clear and de-ice your windscreen and remove loose snow from the roof and bonnet before setting off
Drive slowly and gently—stopping distances are up to 10 times longer on snow and ice

Cold weather can be challenging, but a few simple checks can make a big difference in keeping your building safe and accessible. Thank you for taking the time to prepare—your efforts help ensure that your church remains a welcoming and secure space for everyone, whatever the weather.

Shining Christ’s light in your community this Christmas

Posted on 11th December 202511th December 2025 by Sharon Short

For many, Christmas is a season of joy and celebration. But for some, it brings loneliness, financial pressure, or uncertainty. Simple, practical acts of kindness can open doors to deeper relationships and opportunities to share the Gospel. Here are a few ways churches can thoughtfully support their community this Christmas.

Offer warm, welcoming spaces – A church building can become a sanctuary on cold winter days. Opening your doors for a few hours a week as a warm space—offering hot drinks, a listening ear, maybe a simple lunch, can make a huge difference to those experiencing homelessness or struggling to heat their homes.

Partner with local food banks – Many food banks prepare Christmas hampers for families in crisis. Your church could collect items, fundraise, or help with packing and delivery. This is a tangible way to demonstrate Christ’s love to households facing an otherwise bleak festive season.

Create moments of joy for families – Consider hosting a community carol service, a free family craft morning, or a “Christmas kitchen” where people can learn low-cost festive recipes. These events help bring people together and offer companionship to those who may feel isolated.

Support those who are lonely – A simple visit, phone call or invitation to a church event can remind someone they are valued. Encourage your congregation to pray intentionally and reach out to neighbours, colleagues or friends who might be alone at Christmas.

Work with local organisations – Many charities, shelters and community groups run special seasonal projects. Offering volunteers, your building, or resources can have an even greater impact when efforts are shared.

Small steps, big impact – Christmas is a chance to embody the love of Jesus in tangible ways. Even modest acts of kindness — a listening ear, a warm meal, or a welcoming space, can bring hope and joy.

Christmas is a powerful opportunity to embody the welcome of Jesus—practical, compassionate and open to all. As your church considers how to serve this year, may you be encouraged that even small acts of kindness can bring warmth, dignity and hope to those who need it most.

Preparing for Christmas events: Practical planning for a welcoming and safe season

Posted on 4th December 20254th December 2025 by Sharon Short

Christmas is a significant moment in the church calendar and a valuable opportunity to welcome people from the community. Whether you are hosting carol services, a Christingle, a nativity or a community meal, thoughtful preparation helps create events that are safe, warm and well organised. Here are some key points to consider as you plan for this year.

Start with what you already know

Most churches repeat certain Christmas activities each year. Reflect on what worked well previously and where improvements could be made. Keep plans realistic for your volunteers and building—simple, well-run events often have the greatest impact.

Get the building and logistics ready

A well-prepared space sets the tone from the moment people arrive. Review your Fire Risk Assessment, especially if you use candles or expect a larger turnout. Check heating, lighting and equipment, and ensure external areas are well lit and safe, particularly in colder weather. Make accessibility a priority so that everyone can move around the building comfortably. Have first-aid supplies ready and confirm who is responsible for first aid on the day.

Offer a warm and clear welcome

Many attendees will be visiting your church for the first time. Clear signage, confident volunteers and simple communication all help people feel at ease. Brief your team so they understand their roles, know where facilities are located and feel prepared to answer questions. Share event information widely through notices, newsletters, your website and social media.

Keep safeguarding central

Safeguarding responsibilities continue throughout the festive season. Ensure volunteers working with children or adults at risk are appropriately trained and checked. If photos, video or live-streaming are planned, make sure consent procedures are followed, particularly for children and vulnerable adults. Highlight who the safeguarding lead is for the event and remind volunteers how to report concerns. Additional risk assessments may be needed for candles, staging, cables or animals.

Consider recycling and sustainability

Christmas can generate extra waste, but small actions make a difference. Use reusable decorations where possible, encourage minimal or recyclable packaging, and make sure clearly labelled recycling bins are available. Where appropriate, consider sharing information digitally to reduce printing.

Review after the event

Once your events are complete, take time with your team to reflect on what went well and what to adjust for next year. Record any incidents or concerns and store paperwork—such as risk assessments and consent forms—so it can be easily found next Christmas.

To support your planning, we’ve created a simple Christmas event planning checklist covering safety, safeguarding, hospitality and practical steps.

Download the checklist here.

15 years of Church Growth Trust – A personal reflection

Posted on 18th November 202518th November 2025 by Sharon Short

As we mark 15 years of Church Growth Trust, our Chief Executive, Giles Arnold—who established CGT in 2010 to continue the property trusteeship work begun at Stewardship—takes a moment to look back. In this reflection, he shares how the ministry has grown, the challenges and joys along the way, and the many ways the Lord has faithfully provided.

I remember the day my wife and I were married over 36 years ago. It was a joyful day and we were young with our whole lives ahead of us. But when we made that commitment to love each other and stay together we had no idea what the future held. We did not know that we would be moving around the country, that we would be part of different churches, even that I would be called to lead the ministry of Church Growth Trust. We did not know that we were going to have a beautiful daughter and a handsome son that would delight our hearts. I did not know that my wife would grow in her beauty and her character through those years. There was so much that we did not know and yet we trusted that the Lord would provide for us, as He has done so faithfully.

How Church Growth Trust began

It may not be a perfect comparison, but when we came out Stewardship and set up Church Growth Trust in 2010, we had no idea what the Lord had in store for us. Over the last 15 years, we have trusted in His faithfulness, and He has provided for us in every way. The work has grown beyond anything we imagined: from just two part-time staff working in my front room, to nine staff mainly based in our Rutland office, with some spread from North Wales to Devon; from 40 church properties to over 150, either beneficially owned or under our sole trusteeship (and many more where we act as custodian or holding trustee); and from occasional visits to each property to regular, structured support. So much has changed over the years.

Developing our support for churches

We have always tried to be proactive in caring for the properties the Lord has entrusted to us and in supporting the churches that use them. In the early years, our reach was limited by time (there were only so many hours I could give) and finances. Now, we are able to do more. We help churches plan for the future with five-yearly surveys to prioritise repairs and maintenance. We also support them in meeting legal requirements for how their buildings are managed and used—what we call compliance—and help them stay on top of these responsibilities. In addition, we encourage churches to think about building projects that could improve their facilities, and we help them explore ways to fund these projects.

Navigating challenges along the way

There have been strain and stresses over the years and times where we have had to prayerfully work through difficult circumstances. This is the same for our marriage. But these are times when we have learnt lessons and grown in maturity, as the Lord does not waste these times. There are times when we have had legal difficulties with a property that is being gifted to us, where there have been challenges in finding a new church for an empty property and dealing with the perennial problem with having too many things that we would love to do but not enough time or funds to do them.

I cannot thank the Lord enough for the Board of trustees and their wisdom in directing the organisation and for the amazing staff team that is such a joy to work with and are always prepared to go the extra mile and genuinely care about each other. I also thank Him, that after 22 years (seven with Stewardship and 15 with Church Growth Trust) of being involved in this ministry, He has still given me a passion for it and I thank Him for our marriage that we are still together and love each other even more than we did 36 years ago.

Church Growth Trust welcomes Corinne Broughton to the team

Posted on 29th October 202529th October 2025 by Sharon Short

We are delighted to welcome Corinne Broughton as a new Admin Assistant at Church Growth Trust (CGT). Corinne joined the team in October 2025, bringing with her a rich and varied background that includes theology, teaching, church volunteering and administration.

In her role at CGT, Corinne provides general administration support with a particular focus on accounts. She has a particular enthusiasm for systems and organisation, especially when spreadsheets and Microsoft Copilot are involved! She lives in Kettering with her beautiful ragdoll cat, Tizzy, and enjoys a good audiobook playing in the background while she works or relaxes.

Deeply rooted in her faith and local community, Corinne serves as a worship leader, preacher, and member of the PCC at her local church. She is passionate about helping others see that Christianity remains as relevant and life-changing today as it has ever been.

Outside of work, Corinne loves to paint, play the piano, and go paddleboarding—though, as she jokes, not all at the same time! She is currently engaged to Will, and together they are joyfully planning their wedding.

We are thrilled to have Corinne join the CGT family and look forward to the energy, creativity, and heart for ministry she brings to the team.

So many building projects!

Posted on 16th October 202519th November 2025 by Sharon Short

Supporting churches to make their buildings fit for mission

Church Growth Trust (CGT) is passionate about helping churches make their buildings fit for their God-given purpose. Whether or not a church occupies a CGT property, we aim to see buildings across the country that are well-maintained, compliant with current legislation, suitable for modern worship and outreach, and increasingly environmentally sustainable.

Regular visits and condition surveys help identify maintenance and compliance needs, but a more proactive approach is often required to explore how buildings can be better adapted for worship and community use. CGT’s team is committed to working with churches to make their buildings more accessible, welcoming and effective for mission.

At a recent board meeting, CGT’s trustees affirmed their commitment to partnering with churches on 28 different building projects over the next financial year. These projects will be led and funded by the churches themselves, with CGT providing guidance and practical support throughout – from early feasibility studies to advice on compliance, design and potential funding sources. The projects range from installing new front doors and double-glazed windows to providing accessible toilets and lifts, and even larger extensions to increase worship and community space.

“In some cases, churches are already pursuing building projects and we’re helping them to think through the practicalities – sometimes through feasibility studies, and sometimes by helping them to access funding,” explains Jonny Heaney, CGT’s Architect. “In other cases, we’ve encouraged churches to consider smaller projects that could make a big difference to how their buildings serve their mission. It’s always encouraging to see churches respond positively and appreciate this proactive support.”

While Church Growth Trust hopes to see 28 projects completed over the next year, Jonny notes that this is only the beginning. “There are many more opportunities ahead, and we’re excited to continue helping churches unlock their buildings’ full potential for ministry and outreach.”

How Church Growth Trust can help you

If your church is considering a building project – large or small – the Church Growth Trust team can help you think through your ideas and plan the next steps.

Contact Jonny Heaney, Church Growth Trust’s Architect, for advice on where to start and what to consider in the early stages – jonny.heaney@churchgrowth.org.uk.

Extra benefits for churches in CGT properties

If your church occupies a Church Growth Trust (CGT) building, you have access to exclusive resources and free support designed to help your ministry grow and thrive.

Included at no cost:

Free access to the Church Grants website – an easy-to-use tool to help you find suitable grants for your church projects. (Churches not in CGT properties can also subscribe for a small annual fee — click here to find out more.)
Free Fundraising Webinar – Wednesday, 22 October 2025
Learn practical ways to plan and raise funds effectively for your church’s future.
To book your free place, email enquiries@churchgrowth.org.uk

Foundations Magazine – Spring 2025

Posted on 13th October 202513th October 2025 by Garryl Willis

A unique service for Independent Evangelical Churches

Posted on 1st October 20258th October 2025 by Sharon Short

Supporting churches with Trusteeship Services

When some organisations that previously provided trusteeship for evangelical churches felt they could no longer continue this service, Church Growth Trust (CGT) stepped in to help. CGT provides tailored support, helping churches understand their legal position, explore their options and plan for the future.

CGT has recently been appointed as Holding Trustees for Holywell Evangelical Church, following similar appointments from other churches previously supported by the Evangelical Movement of Wales (EMW) and the Fellowship Property Trust. As one of the few organisations still offering trusteeship, CGT is uniquely placed to serve independent evangelical churches across England and Wales.

Holywell Evangelical Church – a new chapter

Holywell Evangelical Church is the first of three churches to appoint CGT as their trustee. Until now, the property was held in trust by the EMW, who historically acted as trustee for a number of evangelical churches.

As the EMW felt they could no longer continue providing this service, CGT’s Chief Executive, Giles Arnold, met with each church to discuss the options available. This allowed churches to make informed decisions about their trusteeship arrangements, with Holywell being the first completed appointment.

Building on wider experience

This is not an isolated example. CGT has also taken on a considerable number of trusteeships from the Fellowship Property Trust, which also decided to step back from providing trusteeship services. These include:

Holding trusteeships
Custodian trusteeships
Sole trusteeships
Properties gifted to CGT

Tailored support for each church

“We tailor our services to suit each church’s needs – helping them understand their current legal position, exploring the options available, and working out what will serve them best in the future. With other trust corporations no longer providing trusteeship, Church Growth Trust is now unique in still being able to offer this service. We are delighted to serve independent evangelical churches in this way.”
— Giles Arnold, Executive Director, Church Growth Trust

Find out more

If your church would like to review its trusteeship arrangements and explore how CGT can help, please get in touch with Giles Arnold:

Email: giles.arnold@churchgrowth.org.uk
Direct line: 01536 647164
Mobile: 07721 666660

Shining for Jesus in Swindon: Welcoming Shine Pinehurst Church

Posted on 24th September 202524th September 2025 by Sharon Short

It was a bright afternoon in Swindon when Giles Arnold, Chief Executive of Church Growth Trust (CGT), stepped out of Pinehurst Gospel Hall after a meeting with the building’s trustees. As he paused outside, a local woman pushing a shopping trolley approached him with a concerned look.

“So, what are you doing with the place then?” she asked. “I hope it is not going to be sold or knocked down. That would be a great shame.”

Giles smiled, reassured by her care for the building. He explained that the trustees had chosen to gift the property to Church Growth Trust precisely because they shared the same desire to see the hall continue to serve the community as a place of worship and hope. Church Growth Trust’s mission is to preserve such buildings for Gospel use and they were already seeking a church to carry that vision forward.

The woman nodded thoughtfully then added, “Well, I hope it is not going to be boring and all religious. It would be good if it was like that Penhill Gospel Hall. The church there has transformed the place and is doing a great job.”

Giles could only smile again. She did not know it but CGT had also been entrusted with Penhill Gospel Hall and had worked closely with Penhill Community Church to breathe new life into the building. Now the same story was unfolding in Pinehurst. The trustees of Pinehurst Gospel Hall have now officially transferred the building to Church Growth Trust and a new church called Shine Pinehurst has been granted a tenancy.

Shine Pinehurst had already been using the space for youth work and were thrilled to have a permanent home for their ministry on the estate. CGT even arranged for the main meeting room to be redecorated ready for this new season of ministry.

This development comes at a time when the Penhill Estate, just a short distance away, has been in the spotlight. A recent BBC News article highlighted some of the challenges faced by the community there, including youth violence and social deprivation. The article featured David Childs-Clarke, Pastor of Penhill Community Church, who shared his hopes for the area and his desire to see transformation through faith and community engagement. You can read the full article here: BBC News – Penhill Estate

Martin Robins, one of the trustees of the Gospel Hall and also a trustee of Penhill Gospel Hall, shared his thoughts, “We were delighted to hand over the property to Church Growth Trust. They have a real passion for keeping these buildings in Gospel use and were already connecting with churches in Swindon. They handled the legal and building matters efficiently and supported the new church as they took on the property. It made perfect sense to ask Church Growth Trust to help again.”

For CGT this work is always more than just property management. It is about preserving places of worship as beacons of hope in their communities. Giles Arnold added, “This is our heart to ensure that buildings like this are not lost for the Kingdom and that they continue to be beacons of hope in their community. We are praying for Shine Pinehurst to truly shine for Jesus in Pinehurst and that the building will be given a new lease of life.”

As Shine Pinehurst begins this new chapter we celebrate with them and look forward to seeing how God will use this space to bless the community in the years to come.

Time for review – Back to church compliance check

Posted on 11th September 202517th September 2025 by Sharon Short

As church life picks up again after the summer, now is the perfect moment to ensure your buildings, policies and procedures are ready for a new season of ministry. With groups restarting, services in full swing and more people using your facilities, it is vital to confirm that everything is safe, compliant and up to date.

Here are some key areas to review as your church gets back into its regular rhythm. You can also download our quick and easy checklist.

Building safety

Gas safety – Make sure your annual certification is current for all gas appliances. Book a Gas Safe approved engineer to carry out your annual certification for all gas appliances.
Electrical safety – Confirm fixed wire testing (every five years) is up to date and that Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) has been carried out in the past year.
Fire safety – Ensure extinguishers, alarms and emergency lighting have been tested and serviced before your building fills up again. Arrange for a qualified engineer to test and service fire extinguishers alarms and emergency lighting annually.

Useful links for qualified engineers:

Gas Safe Register – Gas Safe Register – The Official List of Gas Safe Registered Businesses
NICEIC approved contractors – NICEIC | UK Electrical Certification and Training
HSE Fire Safety – HSE: Information about health and safety at work
Independent register of fire safety organisations – BAFE Registered Organisation Search

Policies and governance

With ministries restarting, it is a good time to check that policies are up to date and reflect your church’s current needs. This includes:

Safeguarding (review annually)
Finance
Data protection
Employment
Media and communications

Trustees should also review safeguarding and other key policies for accountability and best practice. For safeguarding support, see Christian Safeguarding Services.

Risk assessments

Fire Risk Assessment – Review and update annually to ensure your building remains safe. CGT Fire Risk Assessment resources can help – Fire Risk Assessments – Church Growth Trust.

Health & Safety Risk Assessment – Update regularly to reflect new groups, activities, or events planned for the term ahead. Ecclesiastical’s risk assessment tools are useful too – Self Assessment for Churches | Risk Management.

Food safety

If you are planning coffee mornings, youth clubs, or community meals this autumn, remember that food hygiene regulations apply whether or not you charge for refreshments.

For more, see CGT’s Practical Guide – 2023-04-Food-Safety-and-Churches-1.pdf

Copyright

As worship times get back into full swing make sure your church holds the right licences for projecting reproducing, livestreaming and performing music, including pre-recorded music during services and events. You can find guidance on the CCLI website – CCLI® – Licensing and solutions for your church [UK].

First aid

Check your First Aid kit and replace any expired items
If your church employs staff, this is a legal requirement
Confirm whether someone is First Aid trained and ensure their certificate is in date (requalification required every three years).

First aid training is available through St John Ambulance – First Aid Courses | St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross – Book a first aid course with the British Red Cross.

Insurance

Check if your public liability insurance is in date and whether the cover still adequately reflects the needs of your church activities.
Ensure your buildings insurance is current. If you are planning any building works during the year you must notify your insurer.

Rebooting children’s ministry: Building a safe and supportive start

Posted on 6th August 20257th August 2025 by Sharon Short

As churches step into a new ministry season, the restart of children’s ministry offers a great opportunity to renew commitment to safety, connection, and excellence.

Whether you are welcoming back familiar faces or greeting new families, laying a strong foundation is key to creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive and parents feel confident.

Here are essential steps to help your church relaunch children’s ministry with clarity and care or download our checklist

Prioritise safety and compliance

DBS checks: Ensure all staff and volunteers working with children have current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. This is non-negotiable for safeguarding trust.

Safeguarding policy refresh: Review your safeguarding policy annually, especially if your church has grown or added new groups like toddlers or youth. Make sure it reflects your current structure and practices.

Safeguarding training: Equip your team with up-to-date training. Christian Safeguarding Services (CSS) offers excellent resources, including a briefing paper titled “Church and Your Safeguarding Arrangements.”

Strengthen leadership and oversight

Trustee engagement: Make safeguarding a standing agenda item in trustee meetings. Appoint a trustee to support your safeguarding lead and ensure accountability.

Insurance review: Confirm your insurance policies are current and include public liability coverage. This protects both your ministry and the families you serve.

Refresh your facilities

Fire Risk Assessment (FRA): Update your FRA and train staff on emergency procedures. Annual reviews help keep safety top of mind.

Electrical safety: Use the summer break to conduct Portable Appliance Testing (PAT) and address any electrical issues.

Legionella checks: If your building has been unused, test water systems to prevent bacterial growth and ensure water hygiene.

Communicate and connect

Parent communication: Keep families informed about your safety measures, schedules, and ministry goals. Transparency builds trust.

Volunteer briefings: Host a kick off meeting to align your team around expectations, roles, and values.

Assess and adapt

General risk assessment: Walk through your premises and identify any new hazards. A fresh set of eyes can make a big difference.

Food safety awareness: Whether you’re serving snacks or meals, refresh your team’s knowledge on food hygiene and allergen protocols.

A ministry that grows with care

Taking these steps in your preparations not only ensures compliance, it communicates care. When children’s ministry is built on safety, clarity, and connection, it becomes a place where children feel secure, volunteers feel empowered and families feel welcomed.

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