The premises exist to provide a base for ELT Baptist Church and all its activities, and to act as a resource for the local community.

 

We aim to provide an environment that encourages Christians to work in the community in a practical way, and encourages members of the community to discover the hope of the Christian faith.

 

1.      Although the premises are primarily for the use of ELT Baptist Church for the purposes of Christian worship, prayer and Bible teaching, they may also be used for community and recreational purposes.

 

2.      Hirers are asked to respect the fact that the building is used by a community of Christians (ELT Baptist Church). The premises must not be used for promoting or in connection with any other religion or any activities or teachings that are in conflict with the teaching of the Bible, as ELT Baptist Church understands it. Publicity for the Hirer’s event must be approved by the Church leaders.

 

3.      Hirers are responsible for the building and its security during their booking, and the Church reserves the right to charge for damages and breakages, if necessary. Rooms should be left clean and tidy, and set up as they are found. Hirers should inform a member of staff of any breakages or of anything that doesn’t work properly.

 

4.      Members of the Church leadership and staff teams have right of access to the activities of the Hirer at all reasonable times. Where possible the Hirer should offer opportunities to Church members to work as volunteers on community projects.

 

5.      Smoking and the sale or drinking of alcohol are not permitted on the premises.

 

6.      If the booking involves work with children or young people under the age of 18, the Hirer must provide a copy of an acceptable Child Protection Policy and act in accordance with the Home Office Code of Practice, “Safe from Harm”.

 

7.      Hirers are responsible for all aspects of the Health & Safety and conduct of their staff, volunteers and visitors to the building. This includes arranging adequate insurance, having an acceptable Health & Safety Policy, the administration of First Aid (there are First Aid boxes in all the kitchens), and familiarising themselves and their visitors with emergency exits and procedures. Copies of the Church’s Emergency Procedure are available on request. Hirers will be given the telephone number of a church key holder whom they can contact should there be any problems with the Intruder Alarm or Fire Alarm systems.

 

8.      Hirers must operate an “open to all” ethos which builds a cohesive local community, in line with the church’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

 

9.      Although the Church does not aim to profit from hiring rooms, it requires hirers to cover the costs of using rooms and invites them to make a donation to Church funds.