Welcoming Visitors to your Place of Worship
A Toolkit for Self-Audit and Assessment
Achieving a high quality visitor experience is seldom achieved by chance, but will almost certainly be the outcome of careful planning and
anticipation of visitor needs at all levels – not just age levels but interest and intellectual levels. To achieve high quality there needs to be a
genuine concern for the convenience and enjoyment of the visitor. To ensure a memorable visit often takes creativity and imagination rather
than financial resources.
Think of possible personal impressions on entering a faith site for the first time – am I welcome and wanted here, or do they just want my
money? Is it a ‘special place’ which engages me in a spiritual way, if only fleetingly? Does it say something comprehensible about faith to
someone who is largely ignorant of the religion practised there? Is it a place in which I could pause to reflect (or pray), and to which I would
happily return? Is it just a holy museum reflecting a dead past, or does it speak of a living faith community relevantly engaged with the local
community and the wider world?
To undertake the audit for your site, place a tick in the appropriate column, against each of the criteria that apply to the site and in the
‘Examples’ column try to describe how your site can demonstrate this. However it should be remembered that excellence is a relative term
and it is recognised that all sites are unique and that there will be many constraints in terms of the nature of each individual site as to just
what is possible to achieve.
The self-audit process should not only enable a site to highlight what it is currently doing well, but also those aspects where it may be
possible to make significant improvements. The criteria are not exhaustive or definitive but are meant to act as a guide to good practice in
welcoming visitors. Many sites might find it impossible to meet certain criteria but still offer a high standard of visitor welcome.
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Examples
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Examples
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Examples
1. Opening Times
1.1 The site is open for 4-6 hrs daily throughout the year
1.2 The site is open for 4-6 hrs daily from March to October
1.3 The site has limited opening with times clearly displayed at the entrance and
on all promotional literature
2. Pre Arrival Information
2.1 The site has a Website that is regularly updated
2.2 There is an entry about the site on the Tourist Board visitor website
2.3 There is an information leaflet about the site that is widely available
2.4 There is a clear indication of opening times, accessibility and available facilities, map
and directions
3. Accessibility
NB: faith sites must comply with the minimum requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005
3.1 There is a current Accessibility Statement available, outlining arrangements
for visitors with a disability (on website)
3.2 The staff have undertaken Disability Awareness Training
3.3 There is wheelchair access to all or most areas of the building (either with
ramps or, if appropriate, a lift or stair-lift)
3.4 There is a Hearing Loop installed
3.5 Information is available in Braille and large print
3.6There is a good level of lighting for safety purposes (although it is acknowledged that
varied and subdued lighting can contribute to creating ‘spiritual’ atmosphere)
© North West Multi Faith Tourism Association 2009
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Examples
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Examples
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Examples
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Examples
4. Visitor Welcome
4.1 The outside area / churchyard is well maintained and cared for
4.2 There is a ‘Welcome’ sign outside inviting everyone to step inside, including non
believers and people from different faith backgrounds
4.3 The site is attractively presented to the visitor and is clean, bright, tidy and well
maintained
4.4 There are fresh floral displays
4.5 There is soft background music creating an appropriately ‘spiritual’ atmosphere
4.6 There is a Visitor Guide / ‘Welcomer’ on duty all or most of the time when the site is
open
4.7 Visitor Guides have received formal training e.g. Welcome Host
4.8 Guided tours are available on request
4.9 There is a Visitors Book for comments
5. Written Information
5.1 There is a notice-board with times of services, information about clergy and Parish
activities
5.2 A detailed Guidebook is available
5.3 The literature is professionally produced
5.4 There is a range of free general information leaflets on points of interest in relation to the
building, its history and the social history of the community
5.5 There is a plan of the building with points of interest/significance clearly marked
5.6 Independent ‘Trail’ sheets are available for self-guided tours
5.7 Visitor information is available in different languages
5.8 There is clear labelling / signage around the building using a consistent ‘corporate’ style
6. IT, Display and Interpretation
6.1 There is an interactive multi-media display, Audio Guide or Listening Point, or Touch
Screen IT display
6.2 There are exhibitions (temporary or permanent), interpreting different aspects of the site
6.3 There are displays of artefacts (either relating to aspects of worship or the heritage of the
site) and these are clearly described
6.4 There is information interpreting the building, its fixtures and fittings in terms
of the beliefs and pattern of worship of the faith community
6.5 There is information / display in respect of the social history of the local community
7. Community Links
7.1 There are displays and exhibitions relating to the local and wider community
7.2 There is information about events in the local and wider community
7.2 The site facilitates educational and school visits
7.3 The site is a venue for community events such as recitals, concerts, plays etc
7.4 Community information is provided on a range of topics, signposting people to access a
range of available services and voluntary support groups
© North West Multi Faith Tourism Association 2009
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Examples
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Examples
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Examples
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Examples
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Examples
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Examples
8. Spiritual Engagement
8.1 There is a quiet area reserved for reflection and private prayer
8.2 Holy Books / Sacred Texts are displayed and available for use
8.3 There are aids to support meditation, reflection and prayer (music, beads, candles,
prayer cards, prayer request boards)
9. Opportunities to Deepen Knowledge and Understanding
9.2 There is a bookstall with books for sale
9.3 There is a range of information, booklets and literature available on aspects of faith
and related topics
9.4 There are books and activities for children
10. Refreshments
10.1 There is a permanent café facility open to the public
10.2 Refreshments are available on site when open
10.3 There are café facilities within walking distance
10.4 Food and drink can be pre-booked for particular occasions
11. Retail
11.1 There is a shop or retail facility selling cards, books, gifts etc
12. Toilet Facilities
12.1 There are toilets on site
12.2 If there are toilets on site, a disabled toilet is provided
12.3 There are baby changing facilities
12.4 Toilets are available close to the site and are clearly signed
12.5 The toilets are clean, well stocked and well maintained
13. Car Parking
13.1 There is a Car Park at the site
13.2 There is disabled parking / a drop off point for disabled visitors
13.3 Car parking is available within walking distance
14. Health & Safety
14.1 There is a written Health and Safety Policy that considers staff, volunteers and visitors
and that everyone is familiar with
14.1 The site has Public Liability Insurance (or other Government indemnity)
14.2 Fire Exits are clearly marked
14.3 A Risk Assessment has been undertaken and is available on request
14.4 There is a complaints procedure in place
© North West Multi Faith Tourism Association 2009
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Other features
Note down all the additional things that are particular to your site, that make it stand out and that make it special. Does it have a Unique Selling Point? Is there a
‘Wow!’ factor? Is the site child-friendly?
Additional Notes
© North West Multi Faith Tourism Association 2009
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