Every five years, your church building must be inspected by a suitably experienced and qualified professional, appointed after consultation with the Diocesan Advisory Committee. They will help you make sure your building is kept in good repair. The guidance attached here will help you with choosing and working with your Inspector, and preparing for and receiving the report.
The Miscellaneous Provisions Measure 2020 (Section 7) came into force on September 1st, which makes some changes to the process for appointing Inspectors, and also who may be thus appointed. A summary of the changes and reasoning can be read here.
The guidance from the Church Buildings Council, and new Diocesan Model Scheme (which can downloaded below), describe the new legal situation. The Diocesan Synod will have to have approved the new Scheme, updating it to make it compliant. Check with your DAC if in any doubt.
Best practice notes are also available for architects and surveyors issued jointly by the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association and the Church Buildings Council, which describe how to integrate environmental matters into Quinquennial Inspections and project work as part of our path to Net Zero Carbon.
Download our Guidance