An exciting opportunity has arisen to become an Adviser to the Lichfield Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), which role is appointed by the Diocesan Bishop.
The Diocese of Lichfield of the Church of England would like to hear from specialists in building services – specifically lighting, electrics, audio-visual, and CCTV – or turret clocks, with the skills and time to offer advice, in a voluntary capacity, to our statutory committee on church buildings, the Lichfield DAC.
About us
The Lichfield DAC advises on works to parish churches at a regional level. Rolling countryside and vibrant inner city life nestle together in a diocese that takes in Staffordshire, the Potteries of Stoke-on-Trent, most of Shropshire, and bustling Black Country centres including Walsall and Wolverhampton.
There are 544 open church buildings in the diocese, 68% of which are listed as buildings of national significance, including 61 Grade I and 144 Grade II* churches. These church buildings are part of the nation's heritage. It is our duty and privilege to work with local communities to care for them and make sure that they are fit for purpose.
Changes to church buildings, their settings and their contents are managed by a statutory planning system – the faculty jurisdiction – of which our committee is an integral part.
Role
The Church of England's General Synod has approved new legislation to help churches meet carbon-reduction targets. The updated Faculty Jurisdiction (Amendment) Rules 2022 came into effect in July 2022.
The revised Rules have been designed to ensure that they work in step with churches trying to reach net zero carbon. Nearly all the changes will make it easier for churches to make environmentally-friendly adaptations.
The function of the DAC is to advise the Diocesan Chancellor on proposals relating to the conservation, alteration and appropriate development of churches. The role of DAC Advisers is to give advice to the DAC on matters requiring particular specialist knowledge, including works to churches specifically relating to net zero carbon.
Expressions of interest are invited from individuals in the following separate areas:
- Lighting
- Electrics
- Audio-visual
- CCTV
- Turret clocks
We welcome applications for the role of DAC Adviser from competent and experienced professionals (in practice or retired) who can commit to giving written advice on casework on a rolling programme as well as undertaking site visits.
The role will involve close working with the two DAC officers, who allocate casework to DAC Advisers and co-ordinate site visits when necessary. Applications are submitted by parishes through the Church of England's Online Faculty System (OFS), to which DAC Advisers have access (training will be provided).
There is no requirement to attend DAC meetings (held 6 times a year), either in person in Lichfield or online via Zoom, though advisers are welcome to do so.
For more background information about the role, please see:
- A Brief Guide to the Role of DAC Advisers
- A Note for DAC Members and Advisers Regarding Conflicts of Interest
Benefits
Being a DAC Adviser offers a unique opportunity to help to ensure the long-term protection and sustainability of our churches. The role provides prospects for professional development and personal networking (non-commercial), and will allow engagement with unique situations in special buildings.
You will be part of a wider team of expert DAC members and advisers, who have extensive knowledge in a variety of specialist fields, including archaeology, bells, clocks, organs, heating, telecoms and trees.
Travel expenses will be paid when undertaking the role.
About you
We are looking for applicants who will bring knowledge and practical expertise but also imagination, insight, and new and diverse perspectives. An important criterion for an adviser is a familiarity with and understanding of heritage buildings.
Whilst there is no requirement to be a Christian, DAC Advisers must act in sympathy with the mission of the Church of England. All advisers work from the understanding that churches are primarily centres of Christian worship and mission.
As an advisory body, the DAC is keen for its advisers to reflect the diversity of the diocese, particularly in relation to gender, ethnic and geographic location, and to broaden the experience and perspective of the Committee.
Expressing your interest
To express your interest, please send your CV (or equivalent) and a covering note to Giles Standing, Lichfield DAC Secretary giles.standing@lichfield.anglican.org
Your covering note should briefly say which position/s you are interested in and why, what skills you would bring, and indicate something about your approach to proposals for works in heritage buildings. Responses will only be used internally by the diocese.
For further information, please see:
Giles Standing, DAC Secretary
giles.standing@lichfield.anglican.org