Welcome
These pages give advice to parishes and clergy on church buildings, churchyards and clergy housing.
Church buildings and churchyards
Before undertaking work to their church or churchyard, parishes must understand and comply with the legal framework (called the Faculty System) for controlling such works. You'll find advice on these pages about all aspects of the faculty system, along with a wide range of technical advice about particular property-related issues. Place your cursor over the Property button (top right of this web page) to find your way to the information you need. If you can't find what you need, try the Church of England Churchcare website or contact the DAC Office.
Quick links to popular items:
Faculties:
Minor Works - details of work not requiring a faculty
Faculty procedure
Application Forms
Statements of Significance and Need - essential documentation for most faculty applications
Other:
Quick overview - a summary of building-related issues designed to help new clergy and churchwardens
Funding - grants, VAT, sale of church assets
Community use of churches and church halls - support mission, generate income
Make your church welcoming - practical guidance from the Diocese of Coventry
Easy access to historic buildings - practical advice from English Heritage
New work in historic places of worship - practical advice from English Heritage
Saving energy - reduce carbon emissions and/or save money
Memorial safety testing in churchyards
Insuring your church - guidance from English Heritage on the levels and nature of insurance cover
The Gatekeeper - a useful publication on church building matters from the Diocese of Coventry
Timely topics:
Commissioning New Art for Churches - Guidance from the Church Buildings Council
Lead theft
Guide to flying flags - New Government guidance issued in December 2012
Diocesan Swap Shop - a new facility introduced in January 2013 to help keep redundant church items in active use
Clergy housing
These web pages provide advice on who is responsible for different types of works to clergy housing, as well as contact numbers for use by parishes in emergencies.