In view of their extensive responsibilities, if any accident should occur in a churchyard (including damage because of paths and memorials that have fallen into disrepair) it is essential for the Incumbent and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) to be covered by an adequate insurance policy. Useful guidance is contained in Chapter 5 (and Appendix 2) of The Churchyards Handbook.
Whatever the amount of insurance cover, it will be appropriate for all PCCs at least once a year to receive a report on the present state of any churchyard for which they are responsible, and to ensure that where any monuments become dangerous appropriate measures are taken (with the benefit of faculties where appropriate).
The integrity of existing memorials should be tested on a regular basis, preferably using devices (such as ToppleTesters) which provide a more accurate test of stability than manual testing.
