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. Gravemarkers in a cemetery with a tree in the middle and fallen leaves on the ground

    Human remains

    You will often find Christian and even pre-Christian burials in and around our churches and cathedrals. We can help you understand what to do if you find human remains.

  2. Pressure Gauge

    Hydrogen and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils

    Advice and warnings on the possible use of Hydrogen and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oils as heating fuel sources

  3. Man in a crane lift fells trees

    Insurance, health and safety

    Your church needs to be safe for the protection of worshipers, visitors and employees. We can help you identify the hazards, assess the risks and take action.

  4. Male clergy member painting canvas inside church

    Introducing new art in churches

    Art has been part of church life for centuries, and art in our churches takes many forms. It helps us connect with God and reflect our faith. New art should always be created for a specific place in your church building, and with an understanding of its purpose in supporting people’s faith. We can guide you through the process of commissioning new art for your church.

  5. Close up of a light bulb

    Lighting

    Lighting a church building is challenging and requires the input of specialist advice to achieve a successful scheme.  We can help you make sure your lights have a positive impact on people’s experience of your building.

  6. Interior view of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square

    Local Authority Investment

    Guidance on the National Association of Local Councils and their policy on spending on churches

  7. Close up on the golden ceiling with dome and arches

    Managing conservation projects

    Conserving artworks and historic objects is a complex process. It involves contracting specialised professionals, commissioning surveys, and getting your permissions and funding. We can take you through the steps of a conservation project.

  8. Close up of a processional cross made of metal

    Metalwork

    Many church metalwork and ironworks are of historic and artistic interest such as those made by the local blacksmith or in a regional or national craft workshop.

  9. Monumental Brass

    Monumental brasses

    Monumental brasses are one of the most common forms of memorial surviving from the Middle Ages, and a good number survive in our churches. 

    It is important not to overclean brasses, which can cause irreversible damage to the design. Make sure to inspect them regularly.

  10. Close up of the head of a Medieval soldier's effigy made of white stone

    Monuments

    Identify and understand the signs and causes of damage to sculptures and monuments found throughout church buildings and churchyards.