Liability Issues Remain Main Worry for UK’s Charity Sector

GLOUCESTER, England, June 15, 2011 -

Despite continued pressure on funding, caused by much publicised
grant cuts and reduced donations public liability remains the major
area of concern for UK charities.

In a survey released by href="www.ecclesiastical.com/charityinsurance">charity
insurance specialists, Ecclesiastical, over a third of
charities said they were interested in receiving risk management
advice to help reduce liability risks. This figure rose to 43%
among smaller charities.

Managing the risks created by using volunteers was a key factor
in this with over a third of charities taking some action in this
area. Potential damage to their reputation is also high on charity
managers’ agenda.

The survey of 190 UK charities was conducted by telephone during
October-November 2010 by independent research company FWD.

To help, Ecclesiastical have produced a practical guide for
charities on reducing liability risk in these challenging times,
visit href="www.ecclesiastical.com/charity">www.ecclesiastical.com/charity
to download a copy.

With more than 120 years experience insuring not for profit
organisations, Ecclesiastical offers a range of charity insurance
solutions that are flexible enough to meet the needs of a wide
variety of charitable organisations of all sizes.  

Commenting on the study’s findings, Paul Bloxham,
Ecclesiastical’s Underwriting Director, said:  ”I think what
we’re seeing here is a snapshot of the charitable sector digging in
during what they perceive to be some fairly tough times. They’re
keeping their insurance spend stable but are sensitive to price,
hence a growing interest in online sales, however the ties to
brokers remain strong for the sector as a whole.”

Notes to editors:

• Ecclesiastical is a specialist insurer of charities, the
  education, care and faith sectors, heritage buildings and fine
  art
• Founded in 1887 to provide insurance for the Anglican Church,
  we now offer a wide range of commercial insurances, as well as
  home, travel and wedding insurance, selling through brokers and
  direct
• Ecclesiastical also offers a range of ethically screened
  investment funds and has a team of Independent Financial
  Advisers
• Ecclesiastical is supporting Christian Aid Week 2011
• The survey of 190 UK charities was conducted by telephone
  during October-November 2010 by independent research company
  FWD
• Visit href="www.ecclesiastical.com/">www.ecclesiastical.com

For further information, please contact: Katri Link, Press Officer, Ecclesiastical Insurance, Tel: +44(0)1452-873162, Email: katri.link at ecclesiastical.com , Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1JZ. ; Or, Lucy Freeborn on +44(0)1273-322-849 or lucy.freeborn at leapfrogg.co.uk