Insurer Ecclesiastical has undertaken a thorough risk assessment ahead of the return of its risk management team to field-based work.

While many staff at the Gloucester business have been able to continue working remotely throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the 45-strong risk management team has been unable to visit customer sites.

But with safety measures in place, they have headed back out on the road for the first time.

Risk management director Jo Whyman said: "Our commitment to providing our customers with excellent service is something we have maintained since 1887 and are proud to continue this tradition.

"We know this has been a challenging time for many of our customers and so we are keen to get back to supporting them.

"Site-based risk management support is a fundamental part of what we offer as an insurer, and so it was a priority to get up and running as soon as we could while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our customers and our colleagues.

"The response from the teams has been phenomenal and their passion to return to helping customers on site has really shone through."

The team has continued supporting customers via the company's Risk Line with desktop appraisals and valuations and by publishing guidance documents and insights.

New guidance to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the Ecclesiastical staff and customers, incorporating includes adhering to social distancing and avoiding handshakes, overnight stays and use of public transport.

Other measures include avoiding any sites where there may be customers self-isolating along with any precautions put in place by customers.

Customers can contact Ecclesiastical on 0345 777 3322 or e-mail information@ecclesiastical.com  to request a call back.