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St Peter's, Colchester

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Policies & Documents

This page brings together key policies, governance information and public documents for St Peter’s, Colchester.

We are currently carrying out our annual policy review, so some documents are being checked, updated and approved before being uploaded. We expect to add further updated documents over the next couple of months, once that review is complete.

We publish these documents for three reasons.

  • First, we want them to be accessible to those who are part of St Peter’s, or who worship with us, serve with us, hire our buildings, attend our groups, or entrust children, young people or vulnerable adults to our care.
  • Secondly, we are glad to make them available to others who may find them useful. If our work helps another church, charity or organisation, we are thankful.
  • Thirdly, we want to be open and transparent. Policies and documents are never perfect, and we expect to keep learning. If you notice something that is unclear, out of date, inaccurate or could be improved, please contact the Church Office. We will be grateful for constructive comments and corrections.

Some operational documents, detailed risk assessments, safeguarding records, trustee papers and security-sensitive documents are not published online. Relevant documents may be available on request where appropriate.

Safeguarding

St Peter’s is committed to the safeguarding, care and nurture of everyone within our church community, especially children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Governance & Charity Information

St Peter’s is governed by the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Peter, Colchester.

Registered charity number: 1163262

Annual Report & Financial Statements

The PCC prepares an Annual Report and Accounts each year, setting out our activities, finances, governance and charitable work.

Privacy, Data Protection & IT

We are committed to handling personal data lawfully, fairly and securely. Our Privacy Notice explains what information we collect, how we use it, and the rights individuals have in relation to their data.

  • IT Acceptable Use Policy [awaiting review]
  • Read our Privacy Notice
  • Read our Cookie Notice
  • Data Protection Policy [awaiting review]
  • Data Retention and Records Management Policy [awaiting review]
  • IT Security Policy [awaiting review]
  • Data Protection Policy [awaiting review]

Welcome, Conduct & Concerns

We want St Peter’s to be a church where people are welcomed, treated with dignity, protected from harm, and able to raise concerns appropriately.

Some concerns may need to be dealt with under safeguarding procedures, employment procedures, charity governance procedures, or Church of England processes. If your concern relates to the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person or vulnerable adult, please use our safeguarding contacts immediately.

For other complaints or concerns, please contact the Church Office in the first instance.

  • Welcome, Dignity and Fair Treatment Policy [awaiting review]
  • Code of Conduct [awaiting review]
  • Complaints Policy [awaiting review]
  • Whistleblowing Policy [awaiting review]
  • Equal Opportunities Policy [awaiting review]
  • Conflict of Interest Policy [awaiting review]

Health, Safety, Food & Risk

The PCC has overall responsibility for health and safety at St Peter’s. We aim to provide safe and healthy conditions for employees, volunteers, worshippers, visitors, hirers and all users of our buildings.

  • Health and Safety Policy [awaiting review]
  • Food Hygiene Policy [awaiting review]
  • Manual Handling Policy [awaiting review]
  • Lone Worker Policy [awaiting review]
  • Governance and Risk Management Policy [awaiting review]
  • Risk Assessment Procedure [awaiting review]
  • Emergency Information for Church and Hall Users [awaiting review]
  • Fire Evacuation Information [awaiting review]

Church & Hall Hire

Hirers are expected to follow our booking terms and conditions, safeguarding expectations, health and safety requirements, and emergency procedures.

  • Church and Hall Hire Terms & Conditions [awaiting review]
  • Booking Form [awaiting review]
  • Safeguarding Expectations for Hirers [awaiting review]
  • Emergency Information for Hirers [awaiting review]

Accessibility

We want St Peter’s to be as welcoming and accessible as possible. The church is a historic Grade II* listed building, and some aspects of access are currently limited.

Please contact the Church Office before your visit if you would like to discuss access, mobility, seating, toilets or any other practical needs.

  • Accessibility Information [awaiting review]

Further Documents

Some documents are not published online because they contain personal, confidential, operational, safeguarding, employment, trustee, legal, insurance, financial or security-sensitive information.

Relevant documents may be shared where appropriate.

Please contact the Church Office if you need a particular document.

Contact

For questions about any of the policies or documents on this page, or to suggest a correction or improvement, please contact the Church Office.

Email: office@stpeterscolchester.org
Phone: 07947 136048
Address: St Peter’s Church, c/o The Vicarage, Balkerne Close, Colchester CO1 1NZ

Last updated: July 2026