INTRODUCTION

This is a new fixed-term role, which uses partnership funding generously awarded by the Church Commissioners through the ‘Buildings for Mission’ grant scheme to provide support and advice on building fabric matters as part of Local Building Plans.

The funding is for an initial period of approximately two years, ending in March 2026 although it is hoped that the funding may be extended.

The Church Buildings Support Officer will support the Church Buildings Officer (DAC Secretary), with a remit to offer more proactive support to Mission Communities in caring for their church buildings and planning repairs and improvement projects.

There are 325 Anglican churches in the Diocese of Carlisle – roughly the county of Cumbria. Each church represents the lives of countless people who have worshipped, celebrated and mourned within its walls. Each is a visible sign of the place of the Church of England in our communities. Most are historic buildings, many are listed, and their ongoing care, maintenance and sensitive development is a significant challenge for their congregations.

Work on church buildings largely falls outside the secular planning system and is governed by faculty jurisdiction which his overseen by the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC). In addition to offering advice to parishes on church buildings and works to them, the DAC has an important statutory role in the faculty process, considering and advising whether applications for work to churches should be approved. The care of churches is also key to the Church of England achieving its goal of being Net Zeron Carbon by 2030.

The work of the DAC, the Church Buildings Officer (DAC Secretary) and the Church Buildings Support Officer is supported by committee members who have experience relating to various aspects of church buildings, including architects, clergy and other specialists.