Guidance for Church Groups Meeting Onsite

We recognise that meeting together is important for people's well-being and fellowship, and therefore have established the following guidelines for all adult-based church groups meeting in the church or centre, whether they are primarily for social reasons or for prayer or Bible Study. 

We ask that all Group Members and Group Leaders are aware of these guidelines and are regularly reminded of them. They have now been updated to reflect the current Rule of 6

The key things from the new rules:

-Remain in Self-contained Groups of 6 (or less)

-Do not mix individually with other Groups of 6

-Do not merge Groups of 6 together

Group Members:

Hand sanitise when arriving and leaving

Face Masks are the norm and should be worn in the following situations: 

       -when moving through the corridors and communal areas, 

       -when you are with the group in the allocated room. 

However, Face masks can be removed

       - if food and drink are being served as part of the meeting/group, or

       - while you are speaking to the whole of the group e.g. contributing to a

         discussion, reading from the Bible or praying aloud, or

       - if you are doing physical exercise (but you must remain 2m apart), or

       -if personal circumstances permits exemption.

Remain in your Groups-of-6 for the duration of the session (unless you need the toilet). You cannot merge your group with another. You cannot individually mix with another group.

If possible, bring your own resources eg Bibles & pens

Avoid passing items to one another and singing, shouting or whispering.

Refreshments (when provided as part of the Group)

Only a dedicated Hospitality Team should serve and clear away refreshments directly to the group member

Waitress service is the best method of service

Group members should not pass refreshments to each other.

Only food prepared according to Food Hygiene standards should be served

Group Leaders

Plan your session so that Group-of-6 (or less) can be self-contained with activities and discussion. To help your planning process, complete this form before your group meets. 

Be aware of your room capacity - you can accommodate the total of your room capacity, however they must be split into self-contained Groups-of-6

       (12 in the Meeting Room, 6 in the Garden Room, 30 in the Hall, and for the 

        Church please use one or both of the aisles so your group can be socially-

       distanced)

Position chairs and tables so that people can gather in Groups-of-6 or less (and be 2m apart (or 1m plus if not viable - but then open windows and avoid chairs being face to face)

If giving resources, ensure they are clean and give to individuals, no sharing between group members

Clean furniture and equipment before and after use with appropriate cleaning materials (Use the Hospitality Box)

Gloves can be used for setting up equipment and furniture. (In the Hospitality Box)

Make sure the Track n Trace record is completed and stored according to GDPR.

Note: These Guidelines are based on the Risk Assessment: Church Groups Gathering on Site and it available for review here.