Working with the DAC
The Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC) is made up of a Chairman and Deputy, the four Archdeacons, one Synod clergy member, one Synod lay member, the Diocesan Archaeological Adviser, nominees for Historic England, the National Amenity Societies and the local authorities, architects experienced in working with historic buildings, experts in heating/lighting, and all aspects of conservation.
There are also fifteen voluntary specialists who, although not members of the Committee, assist them and parishes by advising on artefacts, bells, clocks, organs, sound systems, and textiles, for example.
Click to see a DAC Members and Consultants list.
Our specialist advisers are available to visit parishes to talk through proposed projects, should you wish to request such a visit, please contact the office. There is no cost to parishes for this advice service.
Click this link to see Guidance on requesting a DAC site visit: Site visits 2019 .
The main roles of the DAC are:
(a) to advise parishes wishing to undertake any work to the fabric or furnishings of churches or churchyards;
(b) to advise the Chancellor of the Diocese when the necessary Faculty (legal authorisation) is sought to do such work by issuing its Notification of Advice; and
(c) to educate churchwardens and the churches’ architects/surveyors in the care and maintenance of the buildings for which they are responsible.
For further information see the DAC Mission Statement
DAC Annual Report
Each year, the DAC makes a report of its work to Diocesan Synod. The current and previous reports from the last few years can be accessed below.
The advice offered by the DAC is based on long experience, diverse expertise and careful attention to the particular proposals put forward, whilst taking into account the Mission and Ministry issues raised by proposals.
The DAC also administers the Inspection of Churches Measure, which requires that all church buildings be inspected by an Approved Architect or Surveyor once every five years. See the Maintaining your Building page for more information.
