Caring for the Buildings
Notes to accompany a talk given by the DAC Secretary at a training session for Churchwardens, May 2009. More
Introduction
The
Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (the DAC) is a statutory body set up under The Faculty Jurisdiction Measures
of 1938 & 1992. It offers advice to Parochial Church Councils
(PCCs) and to the Chancellor of the Diocese about proposed works.
It calls upon a range of experts and consultants who offer their
skills on a voluntary basis.
What
does the DAC do?
The
DAC responds to requests for advice on the care of church buildings
from Parochial Church Councils, individuals and the Chancellor of the Diocese. One of its main roles is in advising the Chancellor of the Diocese in connection with applications for a Faculty to authorise works to churches and churchyards.
Quinnquenial
Inspections
It
is a legal requirement that Quinquennial Inspections should only
be undertaken by architects (and certain other qualified persons)
formally approved by the DAC. The
DAC keeps the Approved List of Architects and Surveyors which is available on request.
Guidance
Notes
The DAC issue Guidance
Notes on a wide range
of relevant subjects, including health and safety, churchyards,
WC and kitchen facilities etc. Many of these are available to download direct from the DAC page of the Peterborough Diocesan Registry website (scroll down the page to find the relevant section).
Applications for a Faculty
Churchwardens or Parochial Church Councils wishing to apply for a Faculty to authorise the carrying out of works to churches and churchyards should send full details of their proposals to the DAC. A note of the deadlines by which such proposals should be received is on the Peterborough Diocesan Registry website.
Advice
and Information
Contact the DAC Office for further advice and information on matters concerning church building works or alterations to the fabric of church buildings. A great deal of information on the subject, including faculty juristiction, memorials and chancel repairs is also available from the Peterborough
Diocesan Registry website.
Various guidance notes on security and safety issues are available on the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group website.
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