Mansefield Building
Located in the Mansefield building, directly across from the Students’ Association, the University Chaplaincy provides a welcoming space for multi-faith events, whether they involve worship or social gatherings.
The ethos of Chaplaincy offers a peaceful setting, offering both individuals and groups the opportunity to:
- Feel welcomed and respected
- Meet, relax, and enjoy each other’s company
- Find a quiet space for prayer, meditation, and spiritual development
When using the building or garden, it is essential to show respect for fellow individuals and other groups. No one should ever feel coerced into any activity within a group setting.
Additionally, there are two dedicated prayer rooms available for Muslim students.
-
Worship and Faith Events
Worship and Faith Events are given the highest priority for booking.- Faith societies can submit booking requests for both semester of the forthcoming academic year starting in June.
Social Events
Social events organised by both Faith societies and Value and Culture societies.- Faith societies can submit booking requests for both semesters of the forthcoming academic year, in June.
- Value and Culture societies can submit booking request for each semester as follows;
Martinmas Semester: Reservations requests can be submitted from August.
Candlemas Semester: Reservations requests can be submitted from December.
Other Bookings
All other bookings are accepted on a week-by-week basis and can be submitted up to ten days before the event date. -
Prior to making a Book
Prior to hosting any event, the following individuals must arrange an in-person Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) and Building Rules meeting: Current society President, Vice-president, Event organiser(s) and any other relevant committee members.All committee members, event organisers, should acquaint themselves with the building rules and guidelines provided in the section below. It is their responsibility to ensure that events adhere to these guidelines, and they will be held accountable for any rule violations.
Booking Process
To make a booking, complete the booking request form available from the chaplaincy office or via email at chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Event Cancellations
We reserve the right to cancel any social event booking if the reserved space is subsequently needed for a worship event.
Priority Allocation and Event Bookings
Worship and Faith Events
Worship and Faith Events are given the highest priority for booking.
Social Events
Social events organised by both Faith societies and Value and Culture societies.Other Bookings
All other bookings are accepted on a week-by-week basis and can be booking up to ten days before the event date. -
The Chaplaincy kitchen is part of the University's communal cooking facilities. It allows groups of students to:
- come together when cooking
- batch cook food
- learn new skills
- enjoy eating with others.
The kitchen is available to book, up to ten days in advance, from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, subject to availability.
Please email chaplaincy@st-andrews.ac.uk with:
- your details
- your preferred date and time
- the number of people attending, including names and contact emails.
All building users must be aware of the ethos of the Chaplaincy. They must also follow the building's rules and guidelines.
Building Guidelines and Rules
Before submitting a room booking request, please make sure you have completed all the steps detailed in the ‘Booking Process’ section above. Additionally, adhere to the permitted booking schedule outlined in the ‘When can I book’ section.
Room Cleanliness
- Rooms must be left clean and tidy, without exception.
- If food or drink is consumed during the event, please sweep the floors and wipe down all tables before putting them away.
- For more detailed cleaning requirements, please refer to the ‘Waste and Recycling’ and ‘Kitchen Use Information’ sections.
Furniture Management
- All furniture must be tidied away at the end of the event. Specific details can be found in the ‘Furniture’ section below.
Under no circumstances should furniture, kitchen supplies (such as pots and dishes), or any other items belonging to the Chaplaincy be removed from the building.
-
Booking Information
- Bookings are accepted between 8 am and 10 pm.
- The building must be vacated no later than 10:30 pm.
Room Capacities
Lounge: Accommodates 20 people when seated.
Lochnagar: Seating capacity: 40 people. Standing capacity: 50 people for events.
Kitchen: Accommodates 6 people for food preparation.
- It must be booked in conjunction with either the Lounge or Lochnagar room(s) for all food-related events.
Chaplaincy Garden
The garden is a bookable space and should be reserved in conjunction with the Lounge or Lochnagar room(s).
Parking Bay
The parking bay at the front of the chaplaincy can be booked for stall events on weekdays (Monday to Friday) during the day, subject to the nature of the event.
-
If you plan to invite an external speaker to participate in your event, please follow the mandatory steps outlined below. This is in line with the University External Speaker and Event Protocal.
Seek Approval: Obtain written approval from the Chaplain, at least 4 weeks before the event. This request must be submitted through the chaplaincy office. Bookings will not be confirmed until approval has been provided.
Please provide the following information
Speaker Details
- Provide the name(s) of the speaker(s) you wish to invite.
- Include contact details (such as email addresses or phone numbers) for the speaker(s).
Organisation Links
- Share any relevant webpages associated with the organisation to which the speaker(s) belong.
- Provide links to any social media channels where the speaker(s) regularly publish content.
Talk/Discussion Details
- Describe the proposed topic of the talk or discussion.
- Include any other required information that will help us evaluate the suitability of the speaker(s) for your event.
Once we have all the necessary details, they request will be reviewed and confirm approval accordingly.
-
Respect for individuals and groups is of utmost importance. No one should feel compelled to participate in any group activity.
The following activities are strictly prohibited within the building: smoking (including shisha or hookah smoking), any form of pornography or nudity, gambling, or games of chance.
The consumption of alcohol is not permitted in the building, except for religious reasons. Prior permission must be sought from the Chaplain, Revd Dr Donald MacEwan.
If you plan to collect money, please inform the office at the time of booking. Please specify the amount and the purpose of the collection. Please note that the selling of items, whether for profit or non-profit, is prohibited. However, the collection of donations is permitted, but it must be discussed with the Chaplaincy office in advance. Individuals must be free to donate an unspecified amount.
The Chaplaincy is a space for quiet reflection and contemplation. Therefore, the playing of music at events is discouraged as it may disturb other building users who may be using the space for prayer, meditation or to receive counselling. If you would like to play quiet music at an event, please discuss with the Chaplaincy office.
-
Lochnagar, Lounge and Kitchen Bins
- After using the Lochnagar, Lounge and Kitchen facilities, it is the responsibility of the society (room users) to empty the bins.
- Take the waste to the external bins located at the rear of the building.
Spare bin bags will be placed at the bottom of the bins in the Lounge and Lochnagar and beside the bin in the Kitchen. - Always ensure a new bag is in place before reusing.
- Additional, spare bags are available under the kitchen sink or from the chaplaincy office.
Bin Locations
- General waste bins are situated at the front of the car park behind the chaplaincy.
- Plastic/paper/cardboard bins are located at the rear of the car park.
- Food waste bins will be provided soon, but for now, please dispose of food waste in the general waste bins.
Environmental Responsibility
- Please continue to contribute to environmental conservation by disposing of plastic, paper, and cardboard waste responsibly.
- Small quantities of these items can be placed in the multi-use corridor bins.
Centralised Multi-Waste Bin System
- The centralised multi-waste bin system on the ground floor (outside the Lounge) and the first-floor landing is intended for day-to-day waste disposal only.
- Avoid using it for waste from large events.
Specific Disposal
For items like pizza boxes, chip shop boxes, and curries, please use the bins located at the rear of the building.
-
Furniture should not be moved between rooms or used outdoors. Outdoor furniture is available upon request for outside events.
Lounge
- At the end of an event, please clean and tidy away both tables and chairs.
- Tables: Please return the tables to an upright position against the wall between the window and the entrance door. Avoid placing them at the far end of the room, as this could obstruct the Fire Exit.
- Chairs: Ensure that chairs are stacked neatly, 2 high against the walls
Lochnagar
- At the end of an event, please clean and tidy away both tables and chairs.
- Tables: Return the tables to an upright position behind the screens.
- Chairs: Stack the chairs behind the screen on the opposite wall from the tables.
-
The Chaplaincy does not hold a ‘Film Copyright License’. Consequently, screening films at events is not permitted unless you have obtained necessary permissions from the film maker. Evidence of these permissions must be provided.
Streaming Platforms: Streaming platforms like YouTube and Amazon have content intended for personal, non-commercial use only. Therefore, permission to show streamed films or documentaries is not allowed.
Equipment: Please be aware that we do not have in-house equipment for showing films or slide shows. If you bring external equipment into the building, it must be PAT tested.
-
Kitchen Usage
The kitchen in the Chaplaincy is exclusively reserved for food preparation related to events held within the Chaplaincy premises.- Potluck events are not permitted.
- Any food to be served at an event in the chaplaincy must be prepared in the chaplaincy kitchen, adhering to 'Food Handling and Storage guidelines' provided on this webpage, below.
- Food purchased from licensed establishments such as central catering, restaurants, or supermarkets is allowed.
Barbecue Events
A summery of the booking process for barbecue events are detailed below however, you must obtain a copy of the barbaque safety guidelines from the Chaplaincy office before submitting a request.- Submit applications and completed University Risk Assessment paperwork at least 4 weeks before the planned event to allow time for review and approval. Inadequately completed paperwork may cause delays in the process.
- Risk Assessment: As per University Health and Safety policies, you must submit a Risk Assessment Form with any booking request. Hazard Prioritisation: Rate hazards in order of significance, including fire, burns, slips, trips, and falls. Form available here Risk Assessment Form.
- A qualified First Aider must be in attendance. Evidence of qualification will be required as part of the booking Risk Assessment process.
- When booking the rear garden, also reserve the kitchen and downstairs rooms (both Lounge and Lochnagar) for the event. The booking can only be accommodates if all downstairs rooms are available.
- The booking will not be confirmed until the Risk Assessment paperwork has been submitted and approved.
-
Personal Emergency Evacuation (PEEP) Meeting
- All new society users and building visitors must arrange a Personal Emergency Evacuation (PEEP) meeting with the Safety Coordinator before any bookings can be made.
Smoking Policy
- Shisha, hookah smoking, and all other forms of smoking are strictly prohibited within both the building and the garden at the Chaplaincy.
Candles and Incense
- Candles and Incense are not permitted.
- We recommend using LED candles as an alternative.
Decorations
- In accordance with the University Fire Safety policy, flammable paper and material decorations are not allowed unless they have been treated with fire retardant.
- If you have exceptional requests please discuss with the chaplaincy safety coordinator, Tracy Niven.
Electrical devices powered by mains electricity may not be used in the Chaplaincy unless they have been PAT tested by the University. We kindly request that you do not bring any equipment from home or halls into the building. The only acceptable electrical devices are those already belonging to the building.
Emergency procedures are on display on notice boards throughout the buildings (notices coloured blue and marked ‘Fire Action’)
Fire Alarm
- Fire evacuation notices are displayed on each floor of the building. You must familiarise yourself with the nearest exit route before and event takes place.
- When the fire alarm sounds, immediately evacuate the building.
- Proceed to the Fire Assembly Point located at the Student Union car park, or as close as possible in a safe position on the pavement.
- During working hours, a Chaplaincy staff member will act as a Fire Marshal and provide guidance.
- At all other times, ensure that everyone leaves the building promptly.
- In case of an emergency, call the university Security and Response team at 01334 (46)8999—DO NOT call 999.
Protected Fire Escape Routes:
Equipped with fire check doors:
- Two on the ground floor separate the kitchen from the main staircase.
- Two on the first floor separate each part of the building from the protected escape route.
- Two additional doors lead to the main reception and chaplain’s office.
- Corridors and all exits must remain unobstructed at all times.
Fire Doors
- Do not wedge open any fire doors or main entrance/exit doors under any circumstances.
- Wedging open fire doors is illegal and jeopardizes lives.
- Fire doors are designed to prevent fire and smoke spread, ensuring safe evacuation and protecting the building.
- Lochnagar has an electric mechanism to switch the door from closed to open temporarily for event entry. Please close the door as the event proceeds.
Windows and Doors Protocol
- Closing Windows and Doors: After any event, it is crucial to close all windows and doors. This helps maintain security and prevents unauthorized access.
- Main Exit Closure: As you exit the building, ensure that the main exit door is securely closed behind you. This step is essential for safety and to prevent any potential security breaches.
- Electric Door Mechanism Failure: In the rare event that the electric mechanism fails to close a door and it remains open, promptly notify the university Security and Response team at 01334 (46)8999. They will address the issue promptly.
Security Concerns: If you have concerns about non-University members entering the building or suspect misuse by anyone, please contact the University Security and Response Team. Internal 8999 or 01334 468999.
-
Fridges
- There is a small fridge in the kitchen for use during a booked event. ALL FOOD, including milk, butter, cooking oil, salt etc., must be taken away. We reserve the right to dispose of any food left in this fridge, due to health and safety regulations.
- All other fridges in the kitchen marked 'private' are for use by those societies only.
KEEP IT CLEAN AND TIDY
- No food, drink or other supplies must be left on the kitchen counter tops or in the general fridge after an event. You must bring all necessary supplies at the start of the event and take away to dispose of at the end.
- Waste disposal - please refer to the 'waste and recycling' section above.
- Dishes must be washed, dried, and put away and the sink area and all surfaces, including the kitchen table, left clean after EVERY meal/use. Covid Guidelines state that dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils etc., should be steeped for a minimum of 5 minutes in hot soapy water before being cleaned.
- The cooker including the oven (if used) must be cleaned and all surfaces wiped and sanitised. The cooker and fan must be switched off. Please use only the specially supplied pots and pans provided.
- Chopping boards: separate chopping boards have been provided for raw meat, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods. You must wash the chopping boards thoroughly with hot water and washing-up liquid after each use.
- Tea towels & dish cloths: these should be deposited in the washing bin provided after each use. Do not use tea towels to wipe hands please only use the disposable handtowels provided – thus eliminating the possibility of cross contamination of bacteria being spread to plates.
- Kitchen floor and carpets must always be left clean - sweep up all food. A brush and mop are provided in the kitchen and hoover is stored in the disabled toilet.
- Food processor/blender: please take care when using and cleaning the processor. An instruction folder has been placed in the kitchen to give guidelines on its use and cleaning.
- Under no circumstances should the top of the kitchen cupboards or fridges be used to store addition items of food or boxes - we reserve the right to remove and dispose of anything left in these locations.
-
Food Handling
- All purchased raw or pre-cooked chilled foods must be stored in refrigerated conditions at 5°C or lower.
- These foods should be consumed by the “use by” or “best before” date indicated on the packaging.
Defrosting
Freezing prevents bacterial growth, but as food thaws, bacteria can multiply. Therefore, all frozen foods must be thoroughly defrosted before cooking, unless packaging directions state otherwise (e.g., for frozen vegetables or cook-freeze products).
The safest method is gradual defrosting under temperature-controlled conditions, typically in a refrigerator. Care should be taken with defrosting liquids to prevent contamination.
Raw Materials and Ingredients
Raw materials used in food preparation must meet specific criteria:
- Freshness: Ingredients should be fresh and free from spoilage.
- Proper Packaging: Ingredients should be appropriately sealed or packaged.
- Correct Temperature: Ensure ingredients are stored at the right temperature.
- No Physical Contamination: Inspect ingredients for signs of damage or physical contamination.
Factors in Food Preparation
Time, Temperature, and Moisture
- These are essential factors during food preparation.
- In favorable conditions, food poisoning bacteria can double in number every 10 to 20 minutes.
The Danger Zone
- The temperature range between 8°C and 63°C is considered the danger zone.
- During this stage, the potential for cross-contamination of foods must be carefully considered:
- Cross-contamination can occur from other food products and from direct sources such as insects, knives, chopping boards, and hands can also contribute to cross-contamination.
Handwashing
- A dedicated handwashing sink is provided and should be used exclusively for handwashing. It should not be used for food cleaning/preparation or dishwashing.
- Proper handwashing is crucial for all food handlers in a kitchen.
- Harmful bacteria (such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureus) and viruses (e.g., norovirus) present on food workers’ hands can be removed through thorough handwashing.
Foods Not Ready for Cooking/Service
Occasionally, pre-frozen ingredients may not be fully ready for cooking or service. Ensure they are properly thawed and meet safety guidelines before use.
Food Storage- Store individual foods in clean, sealed containers to prevent objects, bacteria, and chemicals from getting into the food.
- Follow packet instructions on how to store specific foods, whether in the fridge or freezer.
Food Allergies
In the event that a guest attending your event has a food allergy, it is essential to communicate clearly before the event that the food on offer may include ingredients that could affect those with allegies e.g. eggs, nuts, milk, soy, fish, seseme and that the possibility cross-contamination cannot be rules out.