Advice and guidance for church buildings

We offer guidance and advice on the day-to-day maintenance of your church and on how to go about making changes to your building.

If you’re interested in the support available to help church in rural areas, we also recommending visiting the Arthur Rank Centre.

  1. Clergy in wheelchair, administering communion to blind woman with guide dog

    Accessibility

    Churches have a responsibility to make sure that, as far as is reasonably possible, their buildings and activities are accessible to everyone. We can help you understand the Equality Act and what it means for your church.

  2. A small modern extension to a church building

    Alterations and extensions

    A successful alteration or extension to a church can be a great enhancement to parish life. We can help you follow a proper process and avoid pitfalls.

  3. Flowers are shown next to graves in a church yard a church tower is also shown on the left hand side

    Anti-social behaviour in churchyards and church premises

    Find helpful advice on how to deal with anti-social behaviour in churchyards and Church Premises

  4. Archaeological remains of a well within the churchyard of a church

    Archaeology

    You should always look at the impact on archaeology when you want to do repairs or make changes to your building. We can help you choose the right level of archaeological recording for your project, and sort out what permissions you might need.

  5. Close up of the ends of a black, yellow and blue electrical wire on black background

    Audio visual and electrical wiring

    Looking to use audio visual equipment as part of your regular services? We can help you choose the one that is right for you and understand how to keep all your electrical systems and equipment safe to use.

  6. Close up of the back of a bat with its wings spread out

    Bats in churches

    Bats are a vital part of our native wildlife and part of God’s creation. However, in large numbers, and in the wrong places, they can sometimes restrict our mission and worship. We can help you plan your building works, and the daily use of your church building, around bats.

  7. Church bells being run

    Bells and bell ringing

    Church bells are the most historic sound many of us ever hear. We can help you make sure your church bells keep ringing for a long time into the future.

  8. Biodiversity

    Plants and animals are essential for sustaining the ecosystems that give us food, fuel, health and wealth. As Christians we are called to care for our God-given creation. Churches and their churchyards are an important part of the diverse natural habitat of England. We can help you care for and promote yours.

  9. Close up of old bound books in a bookshelf

    Books and manuscripts

    Your church may own collections of historic books including old Bibles and prayer books, as well as more general works forming part of a parish (parochial) library.
     

    We can help you identify the signs of damage to historic books and manuscripts and understand the causes of damage. 

  10. Six men wearing hard hats at the entrance of a church

    Building maintenance and repair

    Just as prevention is always better than cure, maintenance is preferable to major repairs. But, such repairs may not always be avoidable. We can help you understand the common problems and areas that need your special attention, and give you tips for regular maintenance schemes.