Security of places of worship/religious sites and faith communities is one of the main focus areas of EFI’s work.
We carry out a range of activities in this regard:
- Risk assessment of places of worship
- Promoting the concept of ‘Security by Design’ (SBD)
- Developing resources and delivering trainings on protective security
- Conducting research on security threats facing places of worship and religious sites
- Raising awareness of security challenges and contributing to policy debates
Risk Assessment of Places of Worship
Places of worship are by design open to all, but this can also make them vulnerable to attacks. EFI carries out risk assessments of places of worship to identify threats and areas that need to be strengthened from a security perspective, and makes recommendations on how to do so.
SECURITY BY DESIGN
‘Security by Design’ (SBD) is a concept in the protection of public spaces (including places of worship) based on the idea that security is best achieved if addressed from the very beginning of the planning and design of public space.
Protective Security Training
EFI’s Protective Security training for places of worship explains the risks faith-based institutions and congregations may face, how to protect themselves and how to mitigate harm in the event of an attack.
EFI provide significant support to improve the governance and management of faith institutions. This includes aspects of security such as child protection and online safety.
EFI’s activities in relation to the way faith institutions are run include:
- Faith institution management training
- E-safety training and guidance for faith leaders and institutions
- Child protection and safeguarding training for anyone in faith institutions working with children
Faith Institution Management Training
Enhancing Faith Institutions provides a bespoke Faith Institution Management training programme applicable for management of all places of worship in Europe. It covers the essential elements of management and leadership required to run a 21st century faith institution.
E-SAFETY TRAINING FOR FAITH LEADERS & INSTITUTIONS
As Faith Institutions and out-of-school settings across Europe increasingly work online, it is essential that children, staff and volunteers are safeguarded from potentially harmful and inappropriate online materials. EFI’s E-Safety training addresses this topic, and is adaptable to all faiths and denominations.
Child protection and safeguarding training
EFI’s training on Child Protection and Safeguarding is designed for faith leaders, teachers and anyone in a leadership position working with children in a place of worship. It helps them recognise warning signs of abuse and guides them on what action they should take – both to prevent abuse and to protect their institution and staff from legal scrutiny.
Faith institutions across the globe need to ensure they are doing their part in reducing their carbon footprint and ensuring the sacred institutions are sustainable for the future. EFI specialises in advising on eco-friendly building design, and are experts in environmental sustainable development.
Environmental Consulting Workshops
EFI offers bespoke environmental consulting workshops that can help faith institutions or educational facilities to develop and implement environmental practices that can reduce their carbon footprint and maintain Environmentally friendly practices.
EFI provides training focused around Women and Youth, exploring both online and offline safety, helping to increase the knowledge and understanding of potential security threats, and improve personal and common security.
Women and Youth Safety and Security Training
EFI provides intensive targeted work with a focus on the assessed needs of youth and women, focusing on community safety and security training for women and young congregants to address the needs of families and young people, acknowledging and developing the important role of informal leadership within faith communities.