Insurance for local groups

Friends of the Earth local groups are covered by insurance provided by Friends of the Earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any queries, firstly please read the questions and answers below. If you would like a copy of the insurance schedule please contact us on 020 7566 1677 or email localgroups@foe.co.uk.

What are we covered for?

A summary of cover is sent to Local Group Co-ordinators each year or is available from Friends of the Earth on request from localgroups@foe.co.uk or 020 7566 1677.

When is the renewal date?

Annually on 24 November.

What is the policy number?

For this information, please contact the Facilities Manager on 020 7490 1555 or email us.

Who is the insurer?

Norwich Union, PO Box 6, Surrey Street, Norwich NR1 3NS.

What is the Limit of Indemnity for Employers’ Liability?

£10,000,000. The inner limit for Terrorism is £5,000,000.

What is the Limit of Indemnity for Public Liability?

£5,000,000. The inner limit for Terrorism is £2,000,000.

What is the status of volunteers in respect of the insurance?

If working directly on behalf of the local group (e.g. on a stall, on a demo, in an office) they are regarded as employees.

Are we covered for hiring halls?

The Public Liability policy covers any damage caused as a result of our negligence while occupying the premises, up to a limit of £5m. It does not cover any damage to premises while occupied by us that was not caused by our negligence.
For instance, if we used faulty electrical equipment of our own and this caused a fire, our policy would cover our negligence. However, if the ceiling suddenly fell in and this could not be regarded as due to our occupancy, our policy would not apply and the building insurance for the premises should cover it. For this reason, it is good practice to ask to see documentation regarding building insurance cover for any premises that we hire.

Anything not covered that we should know about?

• Anything to do with a vehicle – the insurance covering the vehicle or its hire would apply;
• Libel and slander;
• Hazardous events – like a sponsored parachute jump;
• £250 Third Party Property Damage Excess

What about property or contents belonging to the Local Group – like computers?

The Commercial and Industrial Combined Insurance Policy and Engineering Policy, held nationally on behalf of Friends of the Earth, covers property belonging to Friends of the Earth, including offices for Bristol, Birmingham and Manchester local groups, and computers or other contents or equipment purchased with local group or national funds.
Personal property is not covered, even if being used on behalf of Friends of the Earth – house insurance policies should be checked where relevant.
If you have a particular query about property, contents or computer cover, contact the Facilities Manager - contact details below.

What if we have a query about whether an activity or event that we are planning is covered?

Do not hesitate to contact the Facilities Manager – contact details below.
Any uncertainties are checked out with our broker in the first instance, or with the insurer if necessary. As much detail as possible about your event or activity is useful (e.g. description, date, location, duration, number of people involved etc): a risk assessment is helpful (e.g. identified hazards of the activity; risks posed by those hazards; who may be harmed as a result of those risks; control measures instituted to reduce the risks - for instance having stewards available at a meeting or demo). Please give us as much notice as possible.

Who do I contact with any questions?

If you would like to talk to someone about insurance cover, please contact the Facilities Manager on 020 7490 1555 or email us.