MARTYN’S LAW · PRACTICAL GUIDE
Bring services, community activities and external bookings into the preparation conversation. Check the relevant use first, then help the people supporting each activity understand their local roles.
Reviewed 14 October 2026 · Free to use · No account needed
Qualifying premises with the relevant Schedule 1 worship use receive standard-tier treatment even when expected attendance reaches 800 or more. The building, use, attendance and exclusion conditions still matter. Mixed uses, separate halls or independently operated areas can require further review. The Home Office principal-use guidance includes a worship venue hosting concerts.
Optional preparation prompts. Agree the local arrangements with the responsible organisation.
Ask the responsible organisation to review worship, concerts, teaching, community use and hires, including which activities belong to the same premises.
Agree how stewards, faith leaders and volunteers identify the lead and deputy for each activity.
Review how the existing local arrangements account for visitors and people with access or communication needs. Keep personal details in the appropriate local system.
Agree who explains relevant procedures, who is available for questions and how changes are communicated.
Moving people out of the premises or relevant area, away from danger.
Moving people to a place within the premises where the risk of harm is lower.
Securing the premises against entry or exit as the circumstances require.
Giving people at the premises the information they need.
After commencement, the responsible person must ensure appropriate procedures are in place so far as reasonably practicable. Local circumstances determine which actions are suitable. Relevant people need to understand their roles.
A new volunteer joins an evening activity with a different lead from the morning service. Ask how they find the current instructions, learn their role and contact the agreed person if they are unsure.
Choose a proportionate format and timing. Keep the outcome focused on questions, agreed actions and who will follow them up. This is an optional exercise.
The relevant use and premises facts decide the result. The official principal-use guidance explains a worship venue with concerts retaining standard-tier treatment. Confirm how that rule applies to the actual premises.
Schedule 2 excludes events at premises wholly or mainly used for the specified worship use. The host premises can still have standard-tier duties. Confirm the exact host use and the assessed boundaries.
Source review: 14 October 2026. OnSiren publishes these guides independently, based on the official sources listed here. The linked organisations retain their official roles, and OnSiren makes no claim of endorsement by the Home Office or the SIA.