Diocesan Advisory Committee and Historic Churches

The Diocesan Advisory Committee (the DAC) is a statutory diocesan committee appointed by the Bishop. It offers advice to Parochial Church Councils (PCCs) and the Chancellor of the Diocese and Archdeacons, in relation to proposed works and matters affecting church buildings, their contents and churchyards, having due regard to the role of a church as a local centre of worship and mission. It also advises on the care and development of church buildings more generally.

One of its main roles is in advising the Chancellor of the Diocese and Archdeacons in relation to applications for Faculties and List B permissions to authorise works and matters affecting church buildings, their contents and churchyards. The final decision in relation to faculty applications lies with the Diocesan Chancellor.

The DAC is made up of members from a range of backgrounds, appointed for their knowledge and expertise in the care and use of church buildings. These include architects/surveyors, priests and laity, conservation, archaeology and architectural history professionals and those with knowledge in relation to organs, building works and project management. They also include nominees from Historic England, the National Amenity Societies and Local Authorities.

The work of the DAC is also supported by a number of specialist advisors. Members and advisors undertake their work for the DAC on a voluntary basis.

The work of the DAC is facilitated by the DAC Secretary who can be contacted for information and advice in relation to church buildings works, alterations to the fabric of the church building, the permissions processes and obtaining advice from the DAC. Contact details are at the bottom of this page. 

Please be aware that the process for appointing a Quinquennial Inspector has changed, information on the changes can be found here: Appointing a Quinquennial Inspector 

DAC Meeting Dates 2024

DAC meetings can only be attended by those on the DAC Board.

Agenda Deadline    

Meeting

19 November 2024 3 December 2024
14 January 2025 28 January 2025
25 February 2025 11 March 2025
15 April 2025 29 April 2025
3 June 2025 17 June 2025
8 July 2025 22 July 2025
19 August 2025 2 or 9 September TBC 2025
7 October 2025 21 October 2025
25 November 2025 9 December 2025
13 January 2026 27 January 2025

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAC Site Visit Dates

If you are considering undertaking a develop project within your church, such as the installation of a toilet, servery, or other invasive works, please contact the DAC Secretary, Emily Elliott Emily.Elliott@peterborough-diocese.org.uk to book a DAC visit for one of the dates provided below. Please note that each date relates to an Archdeaconry, you can only book for your Archdeaconry date. The Churchwarden and Incumbent should be in attendance for DAC visits. 

  • 7 January 2025 Oakham Archdeaconry
  • 4 March 2025 Northampton Archdeaconry
  • 6 May 2025 Oakham Archdeaconry
  • 23 September 2025 Northampton Archdeaconry


 

Diocesan Advisory Committee

Churches, Churchyards, the DAC and Permissions Processes

Find out more about the management of churches and churchyards, and the work of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) and Faculty Jurisdiction and the permissions process.

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Online Faculty System

The Diocese is moving to an online faculty system to simplfy and improve how faculties are obtained. 

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Faculty Jurisdictions

A list of current Faculty applications relating to Grade I and II* listed churches.

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The Diocesan Registry

Each Diocese of the Church of England has two Legal Officers, the Chancellor and the Registrar, who may have deputies.

Contact the Registrar

 

 

Environmental Issues

There is a good deal of national information in relation to the environment and working towards Net Zero Carbon here.

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and local diocesan information can be found here

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Quinquennial Inspection

The diocese offers a grant of £650 as a contribution towards the cost of the quinquennial inspection of its churches.

To apply, please send a copy of the quinquennial inspector’s invoice, with a covering email requesting the grant, to:

Emily Elliott

Church Major Works Fund

The Church Major Works Fund exists to help parishes undertaking major church building projects, by providing loans to assist with cashflow over the project lifetime. Funds are limited, and so parishes applying for support must be able to demonstrate an urgent need, and also that steps are being taken to raise the necessary funding for the project. 

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Historic Churches

Grants & Fundraising

Grants are one of the key means of funding church building projects. They are available for a great variety of purposes, including repairs to the fabric of the building, specialist conservation work for bells or wall paintings, developing cultural, social and educational projects, or for alterations that will open up a church building for wider use.

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Maintenance & Metal Theft

Regular maintenance is a key part of caring for a church building. It can help you to save money and headaches through spotting potential problems early before they become serious issues.

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Case Studies & Resources

To include a small selection of case studies, prepared by the Historic Churches Support Officer, highlighting good examples of repair projects, reordering or community projects; photos before and after; serveries; wc’s; churchyard ecology

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Contact the Team 

DAC Secretary 
Emily Elliott

emily.elliott@peterborough-diocese.org.uk

01733 887038

Historic Churches Support
Jon Breckon

jon.breckon@peterborough-diocese.org.uk

07732 894457

Complaints

For information about how to make a complaint about a Chancellor, please see the Ecclesiastical Judges Complaints Procedure

 

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