Hiring out church premises

In addition to helping your church connect with the local community, hiring it out can generate a useful source of income. We’ve seen examples of concerts, keep-fit classes, youth clubs, business meetings - even kick-boxing classes and skateboarder drop-in centres.

Whenever the premises are hired, a formal booking agreement should be agreed and signed. It is a legal document that sets out the conditions of hire and should be drawn up following consultation with the church’s legal advisers.

The church must be safe for the intended use. You will need to understand if it will be used for a one-off concert, a weekly youth club, or a monthly business meeting. This should form part of the church's health and safety arrangements.

The public liability (third party) insurance provides an indemnity to the PCC as property owners if held legally liable for;

• accidental bodily injury to members of the public
• or accidental damage to public property.
• This insurance doesn’t extend to any outside groups hiring the premises.

With this in mind, the PCC should gain written confirmation that hirers have public liability cover for their activities while using the church premises.

Most organisations that operate regularly are likely to have insurance cover. Individuals hiring for private functions should check with their home insurers to ensure public liability cover extends to organising such an event.

Hiring out church premises to children’s groups is a common scenario for many churches. The PCC should refer to the Diocesan Safeguarding Guidelines and/or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser for specific guidance. 

It is good practice for the PCC to get written confirmation that any such group has a safeguarding policy and uses the Disclosure and Barring Service.