Contract Works Insurance

Contract Works and/or Alteration, Maintenance or Repair

Automatic cover is provided under your Church Scheme policy for contracts up to a value of £150,000; for contracts over this figure, a separate insurance will need to be arranged which we can help you with. Notwithstanding this you should note the following and it is recommended that you contact us prior to the commencement of any works, since:

Existing church premises:

We may need to apply additional terms and/or conditions that reflect any increased insurance risk under the buildings and contents section(s) of the policy.

Volunteers:

We may need to apply additional terms and/or conditions that reflect any increased insurance liability exposure. They are now considered to be "employees" and are entitled to expect the same duty of care from you as if they were full-time employees. That duty of care may vary according to the type(s) of activity that they engage in and you may need to consider all relevant aspects of Health and Safety, including legislation which may apply.

If no contract conditions in place:

You must establish who is responsible for what, and it is recommended that you should always have written evidence of what has been agreed. It is essential that you check the adequacy of third party contractors' public liability insurance arrangements. You should establish, in writing (preferably from their insurer or their insurance broker), that it provides at least a £5m limit of indemnity and will be valid for the whole of the contract period. It is equally important that it does not carry any exclusions that may be relevant, e.g. one that excludes the use of a naked flame if the contract that you are entering into includes "hot work activity" (re-covering a flat roof, for example).

Work undertaken by volunteers or by casual labour:

Due to the increasing complexity and range of Health and Safety legislation, you should carefully consider the use of labour of this type, since the congregational board and its members are now legally responsible for exercising a duty of care towards both employees and members of the public. If you are in any doubt, we may offer some general guidance. The Law Department of the Church of Scotland has provided general Health and Safety guidance for congregations please click here to access. Information can also be found at the Health and Safety Executive web site.

Work undertaken under contract over £150,000 in value:

For contract works over £150,000 in value, a separate contract will need to be arranged. It will normally be your responsibility to arrange this separate “Contract Works" policy in the joint names of the church and the contractor. Your architect should provide you with their professional advice in connection with the contractual arrangements.