Church Buildings - DAC

The Diocese of Salisbury has 584 parish churches, of which 89% are ‘listed’ buildings. They represent the spiritual and social heart of their communities, and they all need to be taken care of. Increasingly, parishes are looking to adapt the buildings to meet the needs of worship, mission and wider community use.

Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC)

A statutory body which plays an important role in advising parishes, the Archdeacons, the Diocesan Chancellor and the Bishop on the care and use of church buildings in the Diocese, including their contents and churchyards. More about the DAC.

• Sue Cannings, DAC Secretary:
  01722 438654, sue.cannings@salisbury.anglican.org
• Richard Wainwright, Administrative Assistant (part-time):
  01722 438654, richard.wainright@salisbury.anglican.org

Faculty Jurisdiction (Ecclesiastical Exemption)

• A system for ensuring all repairs and alterations to churches, their contents and churchyards are planned and carried out with proper consideration being given to the historic fabric and architectural significance of the building and to the archaeological impact on the church or churchyard.
• It also allows for due regard to be given to the role of a church as a local centre of worship and mission. The Archdeacons and Area Offices, the DAC, the Registrar and Chancellor all seek to help parishes achieve their aims by offering advice and support throughout the planning and faculty processes. More here.

Diocesan Scheme for the Inspection of Churches - Quinquennials

• Each PCC is required to appoint an inspecting architect or surveyor and to have the church inspected every five years (quinquennial inspection).
• The DAC is responsible for maintaining the Diocesan List of Architects and Surveyors approved to carry out the inspections. The inspection scheme is administered by the Area Offices on behalf of the Archdeacons. More here.

Routine repairs and maintenance (Minor Works and Extended Minor Works)

• Not all routine work on churches and churchyards requires faculty permission. There is a list of minor work in the Diocesan Chancellor’s Guide to Faculty Procedures which can be carried out without faculty.
• You must approach your Archdeacon if you think the work required falls within this category, and he will advise you about the procedures which have to be followed.
• If the work is not in the list but is genuinely minor and is within the spirit of the list, the Chancellor may be able to make an exception and allow the work to be carried out without faculty. If the work proposed does not fall into the Chancellor’s list of minor works a faculty must be obtained before the work starts.

DAC Informal Advice and Resources (for re-ordering and specialist work)

• Site visits can be arranged
• Draft proposals considered at a DAC meeting
• Specialist advice given
• Early consultation is encouraged
• The Archdeacons may be able to issue a Licence for Temporary Re-ordering
• A range of guidance notes is also available

Faculty permission (DAC formal advice – Form 1 Certificate)

• Before you can petition (apply) for faculty, you will need a Form 1 Certificate from the DAC giving its ‘formal advice’ about proposals. Full details and application papers here.

DAC Awards

• Awards are given annually as a way of recognising and honouring the work and dedication of those responsible for applications.
• More here.

Health and Safety

• General advice on current regulations.
• Contact: dac@salisbury.anglican.org

Useful contacts, including consultees