Qudos Guide – Protecting Mosques, Synagogues & Other Places of Worship
Faith buildings are more than bricks and mortar – they are community hubs and safe spaces.
In recent years, religious institutions have faced rising threats including hate crime, arson, vandalism and physical attacks.
This guide provides practical risk-management, security and insurance advice to help protect your faith community.
Who This Guide Is For
This Qudos guide supports trustees, imams, rabbis, priests, committee members and volunteers at:
- Mosques
- Synagogues
- Churches
- Temples & gurdwaras
- Multi-faith centres
- Community worship buildings
Whether the building is owned or leased, these principles apply.
Key Risks Facing Places of Worship
Hate Crime & Malicious Damage
- Graffiti and smashed windows
- Arson attempts
- Damage to doors, signs and vehicles
- Intimidation of worshippers
Terrorism & Violent Attack
- Low-sophistication attacks
- Targeting busy times: Friday prayers, Shabbat, Sunday services, festivals
Fire & Property Damage
- Arson
- Electric faults
- Candles and cooking hazards
Theft & Fraud
- Cash theft
- Burglary
- Misuse of funds
Safeguarding & Public Safety
- Slips and trips
- Overcrowding
- Vulnerable adults and children
Cyber Risks
- Hacking
- Phishing
- Data loss
Practical Risk-Management Checklist
Governance & Responsibility
- Assign a security lead
- Keep a risk register
- Maintain an incident log
- Annual security review
People, Events & Safeguarding
- Opening/closing procedures
- Trained stewards
- Safeguarding policy
- Event management for Eid, Diwali, Vaisakhi, Passover, Christmas
Working with Police
- Establish a named officer contact
- Report all hate incidents
- Request counter-terrorism security advice
Physical Security Improvements
Access Control
- Secure doors/locks
- Controlled entry at busy times
Perimeter & Lighting
- Bright lighting
- Clear sightlines
CCTV & Alarms
- Cameras at entrances & car parks
- Regular maintenance
Fire Safety
- Updated fire risk assessments
- Trained fire marshals
Funding & Government Grants for Protective Security
Government Scheme – Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme
The UK Government provides funding to help protect places of worship from hate crime and targeted attacks.
Purpose
Funds security measures such as:
- CCTV
- Intruder alarms
- Reinforced doors
- Access control
- Perimeter protection
Eligibility
Must show:
- A hate crime incident, or
- Clear evidence of vulnerability
How to Apply
Applications via GOV.UK. Applicants must provide:
- Incident history
- Police reference numbers
- Current security measures
- Equipment requested
Repeat Funding
Places that received funding in the last two years may reapply with strong evidence of ongoing vulnerability.
Qudos can support you in preparing a strong application.
Insurance Considerations for Faith Buildings
Property & Contents
- Buildings
- Contents & equipment
- Malicious damage
- Glass & signage
Liability
- Public liability
- Employers’ liability
- Trustee/management liability
Specialist Covers
- Establish a named officer contact
- Report all hate incidents
- Request counter-terrorism security advice
Qudos (a trading style of Secure Risk Solutions Ltd) provides:
- Full risk and security reviews
- Advice on protective funding and grants
- Tailored insurance programmes
- Claims support and incident management
We work with mosques, synagogues, churches, temples and gurdwaras across the UK.
How Qudos Supports Faith Organisations
Next Steps – Protect Your Community
Speak to Qudos for a confidential review of your faith building’s security and insurance.
We will:
- Assess current security
- Identify risks and vulnerabilities
- Develop a practical action plan
Protecting your community starts with a conversation.
Important Information
This guide provides general risk-management information and does not replace tailored professional advice.
Insurance arranged by Qdos Insurance, a trading style of Secure Risk Solutions Ltd, authorised and regulated by the FCA.