Protecting places of worship
Places of worship strive to remain open, welcoming spaces for their communities, while also ensuring the safety and wellbeing of those who visit. The following guidance provides an overview of how faith communities can strengthen their security arrangements and work effectively with emergency services, without compromising the atmosphere of openness that is central to worship.
Emergency Planning
Effective emergency planning helps faith communities prepare for a wide range of incidents and ensures that people know how to respond calmly and safely. Every place of worship should have clear plans in place for fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and any potential security threats. These plans should be easy to understand and accessible to those responsible for implementing them.
Training plays a vital role in emergency preparedness. Staff and volunteers should be familiar with the procedures set out in your plans and have a basic understanding of first aid, including how to support someone until professional help arrives. Simple, regular training sessions can greatly improve confidence and ensure that everyone understands their responsibilities.
Some situations call for additional consideration. Safeguarding measures are essential for protecting children and vulnerable adults, while people with mobility needs may require tailored support during evacuations or emergency responses. Places of worship may also need to increase security or adapt their plans during major events where attendance is higher than usual.
Working with Emergency Services
Strong relationships with local emergency services help places of worship respond quickly and effectively when incidents occur. Engaging with these services in advance ensures they understand your site, your community, and any specific needs you may have.
Local police can provide valuable support by carrying out security assessments and offering training on topics such as the “Run, Hide, Tell” guidance for responding to hostile threats. They can also provide advice on reporting concerning behaviour and help you establish clear communication channels for when you need to raise concerns quickly.
Fire and Rescue Services play a key role in ensuring your building meets safety standards. Routine fire safety inspections help identify risks early, while their guidance can ensure evacuation routes and assembly areas are appropriate and well maintained.
Ambulance services can also support your planning by advising you on the installation and registration of defibrillators, as well as helping identify members of your congregation with medical training who could offer immediate assistance during emergencies.
Additional Information and External Resources
A wide range of guidance is available to support places of worship in strengthening their safety and security. These resources offer practical advice on topics including risk assessment, protective security, crisis management, and personnel security.
Security Culture and Awareness
- Health and Safety risk assessment guidance
- Protective security risk management
- Passport to Good Security
- Ongoing personnel security guidance
- Employment screening standards
- Leadership and governance guidance
- Security considerations assessment
ProtectUK Resources
- Free counter‑terrorism e-learning
- Guidance on hazardous substances and suspicious items
- HOT Protocols for identifying suspicious items
Terrorism Mitigation
- Recognising terrorist threats
- Publicly Accessible Locations Guidance
- Personal security advice
- Additional personal safety guidance