THE DIOCESE OF SHEFFIELD

APPROVAL OF ARCHITECTS AND SURVEYORS TO UNDERTAKE

QUINQUENNIAL INSPECTIONS

1. Policy

1.1 The appointment of an architect or surveyor, either to undertake a Quinquennial Inspection (QI) or to plan and direct works, is an important part of the responsibility of every Parochial Church Council (PCC). A good relationship between the PCC and the person appointed is crucial to the building up of a successful partnership whose concern is the mutual respect and care of the church fabric.

The Inspection of Churches Measure 1955, amended by the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991, requires every Diocese to operate a Scheme to enable the terms of the Measure to be fulfilled. The Scheme provides for: -

  • The maintenance by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) of a list of architects and surveyors whom the DAC has approved as capable of undertaking inspections and preparing a report on different types of church building.
  • Two copies of the Inspection Report to be sent to the PCC (including one for the incumbent) and 2 to the DAC Secretary (including one for the Archdeacon). One copy to be sent to the DAC in electronic format. All reports are noted by the DAC.

1.2 Each Diocese is responsible for its own list under the Measures. Every PCC must seek the approval of the DAC in its choice of architect or surveyor. All those undertaking inspections are required to be on the DAC list of approved architects and surveyors.

1.3 The purpose of this guidance note is to explain to PCCs and architects/surveyors how the DAC manages its Approved Lists.

2. Assessment of architects and surveyors seeking entry to the approved list

2.1 The architect or surveyor appointed to undertake the Quinquennial Inspection must be on the Diocesan Advisory Committee’s Approved List of Architects and Surveyors. A copy of this can be obtained from the DAC office. Individuals (not practices) can apply to be included on this list but only those who meet the necessary criteria in terms of training and experience are admitted. The List is a legal requirement under the Inspection of Churches Measure 1955.

2.2 When an Inspecting Architect or Surveyor is appointed the PCC must inform the DAC in writing so that the DAC’s records can be kept up to date. A form is available for this purpose from the DAC office or as a download from the diocesan website.

2.3 All applicants will be carefully considered by the DAC who will look for evidence that the applicant is:

1. A qualified architect or building surveyor and be registered with the appropriate professional body.

2. Have Professional Indemnity Insurance.

3. An active members of the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association (EASA) and attend training events/courses organised by EASA.

4. An active members of Amenity Societies and conservation groups, e.g. Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Ancient Monuments Society, Georgian Group, Victorian Society, Twentieth Century Society, Regional Historic Churches Trusts.

5. Can demonstrate having worked on listed buildings and liaising with English Heritage or Local Authorities.

6. Can demonstrate a strong commitment to conservation-based CPD on recognised courses and institutions.

7. Is willing to work towards conservation accredited status/qualification and be aware of the requirements of English Heritage for accreditation in cases where works are to be grant-aided.

8. Able to produce QI reports that can be clearly read and understood by people who are not trained in building management or conservation.

Evidence of their work and three references,one from a client (ideally a PCC member) who has recently employed the architect or surveyor on a project, and two from those who can provide information on training and experience is also sought.

2.4Once the assessment has taken place the DAC discusses the individual’s situation and makes a decision on whether to invite him/her to join the appropriate Approved List.

There are four possible outcomes:

  1. The application is accepted and the person is invited to join the current All Churches list. This is the list that is circulated to PCCs making enquiries about appointing an inspecting architect or surveyor. Anyone on this list is considered to be an appropriate person to undertake an inspection of any church building in the Diocese.
  2. The application is accepted and the person is invited to join the Grade II and UnlistedChurch list. The DAC does not, in any sense, regard the Grade II and UnlistedChurch list as in any way inferior but sees It is as a means of fostering new interest in ecclesiastical architecture.
  3. The application is accepted and the person is invited to join the NominatedChurch list. This is especially useful for maintaining relationships with respected individuals who are reducing their work loads and giving those who wish to contribute only to particular parishes the opportunity to do so. Please note that architects and surveyors appointed to the Nominated Churches Only list should not consider it as part of an automatic graduation to the All Churches list.
  1. The application is not accepted. The DAC does not consider that the person has yet demonstrated the appropriate experience and/or training to enable them to undertake inspections. The applicant is welcome to re-apply for consideration on future lists when more appropriate experience has been gained.

All lists are valid for five years. At the end of the fifth year, those currently on the lists will be notified that they are about to close and that a new list is to be prepared for the next quinquennium.

Individuals who are currently on either list may re-apply but previous listing cannot guarantee acceptance for those who cannot demonstrate continued professional development or whose work has declined in quality.

Individuals on the All Churches list who are intending to semi-retire or move into consultancy are strongly encouraged to seek a transfer to the Nominated Churches Only list (there is no limit on the number of named buildings for which an individual can be listed).

The Diocese of Sheffield October 2012

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