The Editor
The Ringing World
By E-mail

18 February 2004

Dear Sir

Insurance for Ringing Outings

It has been brought to my attention that the Ecclesiastical Insurance Office (EIO) have guidance notes on their website for churches they insure. These include Fact Sheet 2, frequently asked questions for liability insurance. Question 4 relates to ringing and the answer addresses cover for the church's own ringers then goes on to include the following:

"There would be no indemnity to [ie insurance for] other bell ringing groups/bodies that may use your church and it is important that these groups/bodies hold their own insurance cover."

I understand that some outing organisers have had these words quoted to them when seeking permission to ring on outings. If your outing party comprises ringers from one church only and that church is insured by EIO and you believe that your ringing is "authorised by the PCC and under its management and control", it is likely that you will be covered by your home church's insurance. Otherwise it is unlikely to be.

On behalf of the Central Council I have discussed this matter with EIO to see if they are able to provide the insurance needed by outing organisers. Sadly they are not. Readers will know, if they have carefully studied the Central Council guidance for insurance, as I am sure many have as it is easily available on the web, that ordinary house contents insurance provides personal liability cover for all permanent members of the household for nearly all normal private activities in the UK. This would include ringing. I have therefore devised a form that outing organisers can use to demonstrate, when requested, to towers visited that insurance cover is in place. Organisers obviously will need to check with all those on the outing that they have house contents insurance. If they do not they should either (1) arrange some fairly rapidly, as it provides valuable cover, or (2) take note that they will not be able to take part in the ringing at the church in question.

EIO have seen this form and have confirmed to me that its completion would meet the requirements of their guidance note. This letter and the form itself will shortly be available on the Council's website - www.cccbr.org.uk - and I attach it here as well so it can be copied and used if desired.

Yours faithfully

Mrs Kate Flavell FCII
Chartered Insurance Practitioner