Frequently Asked Questions about SJtL Centre
Here you will find answers to common questions about booking the St. James the Less Centre. These answers are based on the Legal Terms and Conditions and the numbers and letters after each question direct you to the relevant part of those for full details.
MAKING A BOOKING
How much does it cost to hire the Centre?
Each of the three available rooms and the kitchen can be booked for £40 per hour per room. We offer a discount rate for 4 hours and 8 hours and bookings by registered charities have a special rate.
If out of hours use (on weekends, or on weekdays before 9AM or after 5PM) is required then there are additional fees for opening (£12) and closing (£12).
How do I make a booking?
Bookings are made through the Church Administrator, who can be contacted on 020 7630 6282 or by emailing her on churchadmin@sjtl.org.
What should I include in my booking time and can I extend it? (b)
You need to include setting up and clearing up time and can only extend your booking time with prior permission in writing as other users may have booked to follow you. If you extend beyond the booked times you are liable to a charge.
How late can I book the Centre? (f)
All events must finish by 10.30pm and the building must be vacated by 11pm.
What areas of the Centre can we use? (n)
You can use the room or rooms you have hired and the common areas (toilets, circulation areas and entrances). You cannot use the kitchen unless you have specifically hired it.
Are there limits on what I can hire the Centre for? (11, a, c)
We hope the Centre will be widely used but there are some restrictions. As well as not being used for anything unlawful, the Centre should not be used for acts of worship other than Christian worship or for activities inconsistent with the church’s ethos. The Church reserves the right to refuse bookings without the need to give reasons.
When do I pay? (5, d)
You need to pay the 20% deposit within 5 working days of confirming the booking. The full amount (plus, if requested, an additional deposit which will be returned minus the cost of any cleaning/damage which the church has to pay for) must be paid 1 week prior to the booking and on booking if the booking is made less than a week before the date booked. If you have a regular, recurring booking we will agree a payment schedule.
What if I don’t pay on time? (5)
If you don’t pay the full amount on time then you will lose your deposit and the church may book in someone else instead. The church is also entitled to claim interest and debt recovery costs. If you are unable to pay as requested for any reasons then you must inform us at the time of booking.
What if I cancel after making a booking? (6)
You should notify us as soon as possible and any refund is at our discretion.
Might the church cancel my booking? (7)
We will do everything we can to prevent this happening but we reserve the right to cancel in exceptional unforeseen circumstances and will refund all fees and deposits if this happens.
PREPARING FOR A BOOKING
What licenses do I need? (8, 10)
You must obtain any local authority or other licence you need for your event but we do not permit the sale of alcohol
Can I sub-let or allow someone else to use my booking? (11)
No. The hiring agreement you have with us is for your use and cannot be transferred.
Can I run an event with children? (12)
Yes, we welcome children, but in order to protect them and ensure their safety you need to follow the London Diocesan Child Protection Guidelines. You will need to sign and follow our Child Protection Policy. Children must be closely supervised if in the kitchen.
Is there parking available? (o)
There is limited parking on-site which may be available, unfortunately we are unable to reserve spaces at the moment. There is nearby free street parking at weekends and in evenings and some paid-for bays.
Are there any rules about advertising my event? (e)
Please ensure any advertising clearly states who is responsible for the event and does not portray itself as a St James the Less event. Please submit any public advertising material to the Church Administrator for approval before distribution and do not display it at the Centre or Church without permission.
What is the situation with insurance? (3)
You are responsible for making adequate arrangements to insure against third-party claims while using the premises and St James the Less will not accept responsibility for loss or damage to your effects during the period of hire.
DURING AND AFTER A BOOKING
What am I responsible for during the hire? (9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 19, g, h, i, j, m, q)
You are responsible for compliance with general rules, safeguarding and any agreements specific to your booking, including for:
the building’s supervision and security
protection of fabric and contents (you must not use nails, sellotape, blu tack or other fixings)
not interfering with electrical equipment and not using fire appliances except in genuine emergency
leaving the hired area in a clean and tidy state, returning the room(s) to the state in which you found them, and removing all rubbish, including the patio if you used it
the behaviour of those using the Centre including avoidance of noise which disturbs our neighbours
observing all relevant regulations (eg fire, sale of goods, food health and hygiene if preparing, serving or selling food)
Can I bring in and use my own electrical equipment or use that in the Centre? (j)
Yes, as long as it is has a valid PAT test, is effectively earthed and fitted with a 3-pin, 13 amp plug. The Centre’s equipment should not be switched on or plugged in without prior written consent.
What if I cause damage? (2, i)
You are liable for all damage to fabric or equipment and should report this to the Church Administrator. Money will be deducted from any deposit requested on booking or further payment required to cover the costs of repair of any damage.
What do I do with any rubbish? (m)
Please remove all your rubbish and place it in either the re-cycling bins on the service road behind the church and general rubbish in the large bins on Tachbrook Street by Pimlico Tube station
What do I do when I leave? (k)
Before you leave please liaise with the Administrator or person who arrives to lock-up and ensure all fire doors and windows are closed, external doors locked and lights turned off in the rooms (the lights in the toilet area and stairwell are on a timer and so cannot be turned off manually). Extra costs or damage resulting from failure to do this may lead to further charges.
What do I do with Centre keys? (17, k)
If you are given any keys you must return them to the Church Office before you leave and not make copies or hand them to anyone else.
Is smoking or alcohol permitted? (l, s)
Smoking is not permitted in any part of the building including toilets. Smoke will set off the fire alarms. Alcohol is permitted but cannot be sold in the building.
What do I do if there is a fire? (q, r, t, w)
Call the Fire Brigade out to any fire, however slight, and report the incident to the Church Administrator. Please ensure fire exits are never obstructed and never tamper with the activation points that set off the alarm unless there is a genuine emergency requiring evacuation. To reduce the risk of fire, highly flammable substances are not permitted.
What do I do if there is an accident? (u, v)
There are 3 First Aid Boxes – beside the entrance from the Centre to the Church, in the kitchen and in the Parish Office. Any personal injury must be recorded in the Accident Book which is in the Office. If a serious injury happens then please report it also to the Church Administrator as soon as possible.
Is there a public phone? (x)
No, so please ensure you have a mobile for emergencies.
