The Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC) is a statutory body which plays an important role in advising parishes, the Archdeacons, the Bishop and the Chancellor of the Diocese on matters relating to the care and use of church buildings in the Diocese, including their contents and churchyards. For more information about the DAC click here.

Faculty Jurisdiction (Ecclesiastical Exemption)
Faculty jurisdiction is the process which ensures that all repairs and alterations to churches, their contents and churchyards are planned and carried out with proper consideration to the historic fabric and architectural significance of the building and to the archaeological impact on the churchyard, whilst balancing the needs and mission of a parish. For more information about faculties click here.

Before you can petition (apply) for faculty, you will need to send in details to the DAC, and the DAC will need to issue a Form 1 Certificate giving its formal recommendation about the proposal. The Certificate will be sent to you together with the Petition for Faculty Form and guidance about the next steps you need to take. Contact the DAC Secretary for details on how to proceed. For more information about how to petition for faculty click here.

Routine Repairs and Maintenance – Minor Works
Not all routine work on churches and churchyards requires faculty permission. Some works can be approved by the Archdeacon, although the DAC may still need to see the details. Contact your Archdeacon or the DAC Secretary if you think the work might be considered a minor matter, and they can advise you about the procedures that have to be followed.

DAC Informal Advice (for re-ordering and some specialist work)
The DAC often provides informal advice to parishes before the formal application is submitted:

- Site visits can be arranged

- Draft proposals can be considered at a DAC meeting before full drawings are prepared by an architect

- Early consultation is encouraged

- The Archdeacons may be able to issue a Licence for Temporary Reordering (eg for temporary removal of pews)

- A range of guidance notes is available

Contact

DAC Secretary Sarah Anderson Tel: 01634 560000 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Secretary to DAC Secretary and Legal Liaison Officer Beryl Mayes Tel: 01634 560000 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it