Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC)
What is the DAC?
Each diocese has a Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, known as the DAC. Its main functions are to give advice on the architecture, archaeology, art and history of places of worship to the Diocesan chancellor, the Archdeacons and parishes.
The DAC is a statutory committee whose members (apart from the Archdeacons) are volunteers appointed by the Bishop's Council. They include specialists, clerics and lay members and they advise the Chancellor of the Diocese about the issue of faculties, but the DAC is also there to serve the parishes.
The DAC also advises churchwardens, parishes and clergy who are planning work to their churches. This advice is given on a voluntary basis by members of the Committee, who have between them knowledge of the history, development and use of church buildings; liturgy and worship of the Church of England; architecture, archaeology, art and history and experience in the care of historic buildings and their contents. The committee members are supported by a team of consultants and specialist advisers.
Parish approaches to the DAC
Before a parish takes any action to a church involving alteration, repair, extension or demolition, or the addition or removal of contents it must submit a Faculty Petition for the Chancellor's approval.
Before approaching the DAC, it may be useful to read "Why a Faculty?" which we have produced to give more information including details of the process step-by-step,
Your application
The initial part of the process is to seek informal advice, ultimately leading to formal approval, from the DAC.
Get the advice of the DAC as early as possible! The Committee meets 11 times a year - check the 2009/2010 dates. For more information, including closing dates for agendas from Sarah Davis at the Diocesan Registry
You'll need to submit a DAC application form with a completed form of questions. We've produced guidance to assist you with your application.
If you want input from organistions such as English Heritage, SPAB, the Georgian Group and the Victorian Society, again you must approach them at an early stage.
Contacts
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Sarah Davis
Assistant Secretary
Diocesan Registry
(Harris & Harris Solicitors)
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Ph: 01749 674747
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Sarah is able to advise on the procedure for obtaining advice from the DAC and faculty approval. She should be able to help on a variety of matters including the appointment of new church architects, the names of conservators, archaeologists or point you in the direction of someone who does!
Further guidance
There are a range of guidance notes and policy papers which can help parishes formulate proposals for approval by the DAC. View the full list of papers available and download those of interest.
Another useful source of information is the Churchcare website which is intended to help you, the people involved in caring for such buildings, through offering practical advice, guidance, and links to other useful sources of advice.
