To assist each employer in reviewing your risks, we have included a self- audit form that is not considered all inclusive but will give you a general review.  Please add other items that you feel are risks that your organization is faced with today. This material must only be used as suggestions with the understanding, that we are not engaged in rendering legal or accounting services. If legal or accounting services are required, you should engage a competent professional for your consulting and review of materials.

   Today school officials and staff have items they own which are used in their work, that appreciate in value, are unique, or are items that are moved from place to place. These items do not fit the coverage benefits of the normal home insurance policy, leaving them covered improperly, or not at all. Many of these items are excluded from the normal policy specifically. Examples are antiques, collectibles, fine art, religious items, libraries, tools, portable computers, outside equipment, cell phones, etc. It is therefore critical to have an inventory to establish proper values and to provide schedule of item for coverage.

   If an employee lives in a provided residence and should die, where and when will you move their spouse and family to make room for the new employee? This important need can be met in a very affordable way with this unique plan.

   An important new training tool in reducting the risk of child sexual abuse in your mnistry - ideal for both paid and volunteer workers. Affordable Certificate progams are available for as low as $5  To reveiw click here  You will find this an easy way to help your staff both paid and volunteer to understand the necessary safeguards for todays's cultural to properly safeguard themselves today and provide a safe ministry program.

  

This material must be used with the understanding that we are not engaged in rendering legal advive.  If legal services are required, you should engage a competent professional for your consulting and review of materials. The management of this type of risk demands safeguards which are consistantly followed.

   According to the insurance industry and the medical establishment, persons that work in a religious organizational environment are more prone to depression and related illnesses than most. It is important, today, that an employer encourages their employees and volunteers to get proper exercise, rest, nutrition, relaxation, and variety in their work. It is just as important to review the work environment  and provided space for health considerations. Healthy employees and volunteers will yield a generous return of higher productivity, with greater efficiency and better attitudes.

   It is critical today that employers understand the importance of proper applications, forms and handbooks. There should be a a provided signature and date space on forms and handbooks, stating that the employee and volunteer have read and understand them. Timely updates and sign-offs should be done as changes are made, or yearly, to remind them of their expectations and responsibilities. Each should be reviewed by your legal counsel before use. Some suggestions follow on the next page.

   We offer foreign travel medical insurance that provides coverage for emergency medical flights and other medical care that may be necessary when traveling abroad. Over-looking this could cost you your assets since most U.S. medical plans do not cover this important area. We also cover visitors from other countries to the U.S. for business or pleasure. For link, click here  http://www.phelpsfinancial.com/summary/p/269

   Group life, disability, health, dental, vision, retirement plans, consumer/personal products, reimbursed education expenses, etc. Benefits can yield a great return for employee retention, attitudes, work quality and efficiency. A review of your benefit practices and offerings is best reviewed with your legal  and accounting professionals. Suggestions follow along  with the products we can offer your organization to review click here. Today's culture and ministries can develop a serious hostile but often overlooked and misunderstood work environment for the average ministry employee.  Their daily duties can require them to balance over 16 different responsibilities two to three times what the average person deals with that they minister to.  Burnout can be high, the benefits you provide can lessen this risk. 

   It is critical that your organization has written binding arbitration procedures noted in your handbook and applicastions that have been reviewed by your legal counsel. This can provide a great vehicle for assisting your organization through the litigation minefields of today's culture. To often today, litigation has been thought of as the first option, and for some, the only option for resolving issues when there are others that are less expensive and less harmful to the organization, employee, and/or volunteer.

  

Proper understanding and procedures with your payroll forms is critical today; many enities are reviewing your forms and practices. We suggest that you review your practices with your legal counsel and accountant. If a referral is needed for those professional persons, please contact us. Some suggestions and forms follow.

   It is critical that you have written termination and discipline procedures for both employees and volunteers in place which treat all equally, and which have been reviewed and approved by your legal counsel. These should be included in your employee and volunteer handbook and must be signed off as being read and understood. Any action taken must be noted and signed off by the employee or volunteer and employer, and then kept in the confidential personal file of the person.

   In today's culture, with all its change and litigations, it is important that employers take the proper time for employees and volunteers to have proper training and orientation for the position and expectations they are applying for. A good match is vital today for an on-going and successful organization. Just as important is the on-going training and orientation, which should include annual required continuing education, including workshops and seminars, with noted certificates and notes and/or sign-offs in the employee or volunteer file. A review by your legal counsel is recommended. Suggestions follow.

  

Work space and conditions can affect your employee's attitude, health and physical condition. You should make sure that work areas meet government standards for safety measures, are clean, pleasent places, are environmentally healthy, and have enough room for the required work activities. Review your training programs to see if proper training has been provided  for employees and volunteers having to work with your equipment and facilities. Is the equipment well maintained and service kept up-to-date and on file?  Suggestions follow on the next page.