Updated: Updated guidance and bid form published.
About the scheme
The scheme is part of the hate crime action plan. It will provide protective security measures to places of worship that need increased protection.
You can bid for funding from 26 July 2016.
The scheme is open for 8 weeks and closes at 5pm on 20 September 2016. A second round of bids will open in spring 2017.
Eligibility
We will consider bids from places of worship in England and Wales. Schools and educational institutions are not eligible to apply.
The Jewish community will be exempt from this scheme as a similar commitment was made to fund Jewish community sites through a grant administered by the Community Security Trust.
How to bid
Provide supporting documents to show that you need increased security. These can include police reports, records of incidents, photographic evidence or insurance claims. You must demonstrate that either your place of worship or one from your local community (within 2 miles) has been subject to a hate based attack.
Arrange a site survey with the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) or your local Crime Prevention Design Adviser (CPDA) and get them to complete an
assessment form
(ODT, 25.6KB)
Provide 3 quotes from approved security installers.
Fill in your
bid application form
(ODT, 102KB)
Email all of the above documents to SecurityfundingCED@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
We will only process documents submitted by email.
Security equipment
You can only bid for security equipment and not for the cost of recruiting security personnel. Below are some examples of security equipment you can bid for, but this is not an exhaustive list:
CCTV
perimeter fencing
access control gates
bollards
door locks
window locks
intruder alarm
external lighting
security doors
Funding would also include the appropriate labour cost to install the security equipment.
However, there is no financial contribution towards:
any annual service charges
maintenance charges
one-off fees such as connection or monitoring charges
Site survey
You should arrange a site survey and discuss your security requirements with the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) in the first instance or your local Crime Prevention Design Adviser (CPDA) who can provide advice and assist with an assessment of the security of your building.
If you are already engaged with a Counter Terrorism Security Advisor (CTSA), the survey should be completed by them.
MLA licensed locksmith companies have all met the strict vetted, inspected and licensing criteria and are able to provide advice, based on knowledge and experience.
Find your local MLA licensed locksmith
All CPDAs are qualified to the national standards and most have completed a City and Guilds advanced certificate in Crime Prevention and Environmental Design.
Find your local Crime Prevention Design Adviser
Approved security installation companies
Companies must have Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), National Security Inspectorate (NSI), Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) or equivalent accreditation. This provides reassurance that they are a reputable and trusted contractor that has been independently verified as meeting industry standards.
SSAIB only certify companies that can demonstrate technical and managerial competence through an inspection of the processes and procedures they operate.
Find an SSAIB certified company or verify if a company is SSAIB certificated
NSI has provides certification services and reassurance that their chosen contractors will work to the highest industry standards.
Read the NSI Directory of companies who have successfully achieved NSI certification
MLA licensed locksmith companies are regularly inspected to ensure quality and are able to provide advice, recommend products that are fit for purpose as well as provide professional installation.
All security equipment must be installed to the relevant standards. The Surveillance Camera Commissioner has published recommended standards for the CCTV industry.
Independent advisory panel
An independent advisory panel will consider:
your supporting documents
your bid application form
the CPDA and Home Office assessment
The advisory panel is made up of representatives from the Sikh, Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities who have expertise on security issues in relation to places of worship.
The panel will also include a representative from the police and a charitable foundation with experience in assessing charitable bids.
Funding requirements
Places of worship need to contribute 20% of the total costs.
Approved bids
We will issue a funding agreement to places of worship. You would need to have sufficient funds to pay for the full cost of the security equipment to be installed using one of the approved installation companies that satisfy the Home Office requirements.
Work must be completed by 31 March 2017. Once completed projects have been signed off by the Home Office security adviser to ensure that installation is in line with the description in the application and to their satisfaction, we will reimburse places of worship (80%) within 30 days of receipt of invoice.
Timetable
Bid opens
26 July 2016
Bid closes
5pm on 20 September 2016
Home Office assessment period
21 September to 19 October 2016
Panel consideration meeting
By 2 November 2016
Outcome communicated
By 9 November 2016
Contact us
securityfundingCED@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk