A recent survey of Lichfield DAC Advisers included the following responses when asked what they most enjoyed:
"It is an opportunity to make a positive contribution to the care and future conservation of many different churches."
"It's satisfying because it allows me to check the proposals and offer advice as an independent person."
"Visiting new churches and being able to help people realise their goals."
"Ensuring that the correct advice and guidance is given so that the right decisions are made."
Volunteer with us
An opportunity has arisen to become an Adviser to the Lichfield Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), our expert committee on church buildings.
- Do you love church buildings and want to see their communities flourish?
- Do you share the goal for churches to become carbon net zero by 2030?
- Have you got the insight and enthusiasm to help drive this mission forward?
The Diocese of Lichfield (Church of England) would like to hear from specialists in building services – specifically lighting, electrics, audio-visual, or CCTV – with the skills and time to offer advice, in a voluntary capacity, to the DAC.
About us
We are one of the most diverse dioceses in the country. Rolling countryside and vibrant inner city life nestle together in a region that takes in Staffordshire, the Potteries of Stoke-on-Trent, most of Shropshire, and bustling Black Country centres including Walsall and Wolverhampton. The only thing we don't have is the sea!
Our heritage
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.
Net zero carbon
In 2020 the national Church of England recognised the climate emergency and set a target to reach net zero carbon by 2030.
This commitment requires churches to take action to reduce their carbon footprint. This will involve making material changes to buildings and adopting new behaviours that both reduce energy use and switch usage to renewable sources.
The Lichfield DAC supports the goal for all church buildings in the diocese to achieve net zero by 2030.
Adviser role
All DAC Advisers are expert volunteers for the diocese.
The function of the DAC is to advise the Diocesan Chancellor (decision-maker) on proposals relating to the conservation, alteration and appropriate development of churches. The primary role of DAC Advisers is to give advice to the DAC on matters requiring particular specialist knowledge, including works to churches that specifically relate to net zero carbon.
Applications are invited from individuals in the following separate areas:
- Lighting
- Electrics
- Audio-visual
- CCTV
We are seeking competent and experienced professionals or experts (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.
DAC Advisers are insured for errors and omissions under the provisions of the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance (LDBF).
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.
To apply
If you would like to apply, 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.
This opportunity is being advertised September–October 2024. Early applications are welcomed.
For further information, please see:
Giles Standing, DAC Secretary
giles.standing@lichfield.anglican.org