Contemplation and prayer facilities

As part of our commitment to employee wellbeing and diversity, we have a Contemplation and Prayer Rooms at County Hall and Great Moor House. We are considering rooms at other locations.

What can the room be used for?

The room can be used for prayer, contemplation or meditation.

Where is the room and what is it like?

County Hall

The space is located in Room 271, on the second floor of the main building. A security pass is required. From main reception, take the stairs on the left through the doors, or the lift. The room is to the left of the glass enclosed meeting room (‘the goldfish bowl’). The room is clearly marked with signage. Please ask main reception for directions or assistance if needed. Visitors will need to ensure their pass will give them access to the area.

The room is simply furnished and decorated. The room is accessible to wheelchair users, however the door is not automated.

The room needs to be booked in advance (see instructions for use below). Please check it is available before use.

Toilet facilities are located along the corridor. There are plans for washing and wudu facilities to be created. In the meantime, washing facilities are located in the main building on the ground floor (beside the entrance to the archway leading to the Committee Suites), the Annexe Basement, and Lucombe House.

Great Moor House

A temporary small room has been allocated (formerly HR Meeting Room 2), please ask reception staff for availability and directions. The room can be accessed by lifts or stairs close by. The room is accessible to wheelchair users, however the door is not automated.

There are washing facilities in the building for staff and visitors.

A more permanent location for the room is under consideration.

Instructions for use

This space provides a place for staff, Members, contractors and visitors to go when they need time to meditate, worship or contemplate.

This space is NOT available as a quiet or confidential meeting room. People wishing to discuss problems / private issues with another should seek alternative accommodation. ‘The Bistro’ is designated as a quiet space at Great Moor House.

Please observe these instructions for use:

  • Remove your shoes on entry (a shoe rack is available at County Hall).
  • Users can adjust the furniture but must return the room to its original state after use.
  • Do not remove any furniture or items from the room.
  • Unless booked for collective prayer or meditation, the room will be a silent area. Please switch off mobile phones, pagers and personal stereos etc.
  • Keep the room clean and tidy.
  • Ensure that any personal religious artefacts are removed or placed in the locker following use.
  • Please only use the designated space for any leaflets that are relevant to users.
  • Do not take food or drink into the space.
  • Respect those who may be praying (for example, don’t walk across someone in an act of worship).

Staff can observe daily prayer in DCC buildings as part of their working hours and do not need to obtain permission from their line manager.

How to book the room at County Hall

Room booking should be done online through your Outlook – as you would make a normal appointment and book a room. The room is called: ‘Exeter, County Hall – Room Quietspace’. Visitors to County Hall may ask Main Reception to make a booking on their behalf.

The room booking is for exclusive use. However if you do not mind other people using the room at the same time or you wish to hold collective prayer, then please state in your room booking subject line ‘Shared Use Welcome’. Please also specify the religion, belief or activity in the subject line.

A sign outside the room will indicate whether it’s vacant, part vacant (occupied by 5 people or fewer), or full. Users should adjust the sign when they enter or exit the room.

The room at Great Moor House is not bookable in advance, please ask reception if it is available.

How will we know if the room is being used and how can users make their views known?

A visitors book has been placed in the room to enable people to leave comments, anonymously if desired, with an option to describe the reason for the visit and to suggest improvements. Bookings will also be monitored.

If you have questions or comments about the room please contact the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team.