Care of Churches > Downloads
All DAC documents that are currently available to download.
Most of the documents are in PDF format - if you do not have one installed on your computer, a free reader can be downloaded from
www.adobe.com
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Access Audit template (126 KB)
A simple template adapted from the CCC publication 'Widening the Eye of the Needle' for parishes to print out and fill in.
Application for DAC Certificate / Informal Advice (34 KB)
2 page form to be used when applying for either the DAC Certificate or seeking pre-application comments / Informal Advice from the Committee.
You will need the DAC's Certificate before you can apply for a faculty.
This is a PDF file which you can download, print out and fill in to apply for either Informal Advice or a DAC Certificate. When printing, 'Page Scaling' should be set to 'None'.
Information required to accompany applications (34 KB)
The attached document should be read when completing an application form for a DAC Certificate or Informal Advice.
It details the information that needs to be submitted with an application.
Revised March 2009
Appointing an Architect or Surveyor / Church Inspector (102 KB)
Guidance on how to appoint an architect/surveyor to carry out the quinquennial inspection of your church and / or other works.
The up-to-date list of those architects and surveyors approved to carry out quinquennial inspections is available to parishes on request. Contact the DAC office on
dac@exeter.anglican.org or 01392 294945
Archaeological implications of works (111 KB)
Most parish churches have evidence of changes in design, structure and fabric that reflect the development of Christianity in the community. The church and its churchyard will often represent a unique source of information about the history of the architecture, craftsmanship, social change and worship in the parish. In a sense, archaeological remains are a kind of local document not yet fully understood, and which should therefore be preserved for further study wherever possible.
This document from the DAC outlines some of the necessary considerations.
Asbestos (101 KB)
Guidance for parishes on their responsibilities regarding asbestos.
Bats in Churches (84 KB)
Natural England's guidance on the management of bats in churches.
Carpeting in Churches (105 KB)
TO CARPET OR NOT TO CARPET?
Carpets are becoming increasingly common in parish churches. To some they provide a friendly warm atmosphere, to others they make the church more like a hotel or domestic interior, and strike a discordant note. Whilst carpeting may be used for social and children’s play areas, deaden the sound of footsteps, and can easily be vacuum-cleaned, there are factors which need to be considered.
Churchyards (822 KB)
Guidance on all aspects of caring for the churchyard.
Churchyard Regulations (123 KB)
The Churchyard Regulations (1992) show what memorials clergy are permitted to authorise without applicants having to apply for a faculty.
Church Buildings 'Route Map' (37 KB)
This Route Map was designed for a CME day held in June 2007 entitled 'Moving on with your Church Buildings'. It is intended to assist parishes in identifying the key issues with their buildings, the questions that need to be asked, and how to proceed.
The Map is in the form of a speadsheet and is best printed on A3 paper.
CCTV (102 KB)
Guidance for parishes considering the installation of CCTV
DAC Site visits (122 KB)
Guidance for parishes explaining the process for DAC site visits to churches and churchyards.
Fire Precautions for Church Buildings (105 KB)
These guidelines provide general advice and set out some of the steps you can take to protect your church. The guidelines are not exhaustive and professional help should be sought from the local fire service.
Funding for Churches (195 KB)
Details of sources of funding and advice for repair works, installing new facilities, community projects, and renewable energy projects.
Last updated 9 November 2009
Gift Horses (97 KB)
Guidance on being prepared for offers and donations, some of which might be just what you want, others might cause a great deal of soul-searching.
How to obtain a faculty (112 KB)
The main work in obtaining a Faculty is in the preparation - the thinking through, consultation, and preparation of plans and specifications to achieve the parish's desired target. If this is done thoroughly and appropriate consultations are made at an early date, there is not usually any delay in obtaining the DAC Certificate recommending the work, and in due course a Faculty. It is lack of such preparation that leads to delay and frustration.
The accompanying flow chart details the steps a PCC needs to take to obtain a faculty.
Memorials in Churches (104 KB)
Grieving families may sometimes wish to remember a loved one through some sort of memorial in the church. This may take the form of
• A gift of furniture or other item for use in the church
• A memorial plaque/tablet (in which case the DAC must be consulted for 'in principle' agreement before any plans are put in hand).
These guidelines outline some of the considerations you will need to make in such instances.
Minor Works List (replaces Schedules A and B as from 1/9/06) (43 KB)
The Chancellor's guidance on matters which for the time being may be undertaken without a faculty, but with consultation as indicated in the list.
This list came into effect on 1 September 2006 and gives parishes more responsibility for the appropriate maintenance of their churches.
Petition for Faculty (341 KB)
A pdf version of the Petition for Faculty form, which you will need to complete once you have received your DAC Certificate.
Redecorating (121 KB)
Guidance on issues to consider, and permissions that may be needed, for redecorating your church.
Reordering your Church - A practical guide (130 KB)
A hard copy of this very useful guide, for which we thank Christine Dunford, the lay representative from Deanery Synod on the DAC, has been sent to all incumbents with the November 2005 mailing to clergy, and is now available to download and circulate.
Resources for Church Buildings (57 KB)
The attached resource list was produced for a CME day held in June 2007 entitled 'Moving on with your Church Buildings'. It contains contact details, website links, and publications available on various topics relating to church buildings.
Safety and church buildings (106 KB)
Churches are not exempt from Health and Safety legislation. This guidance note should be read in conjunction with Health and Safety information provided by your church insurers.
Statements of Significance and of Need (246 KB)
Guidance on drawing up these Statements, which are vital when considering changes to your church building. The Statement of Significance needs to show that the congrgation understands what is special about its church - the historic fabric, as well as its importance spiritually and in the community. The Statement of Need is the PCC's opportunity to 'make its case' for the proposed changes. Exeter DAC also asks that an 'Options Appraisal' is included to show what alternatives the parish may have considered.
VAT and Churches (96 KB)
Guidance on VAT and how it affects listed church buildings.
