All churches and many licensed places of worship are legally required to be inspected by a suitably qualified architect or building surveyor every five years. This is known as a “quinquennial inspection” (QI) and is an important part of caring for you church fabric. This section is a short introduction to QIs. Further guidance is also available below to download as a PDF.
Why do you need a Quinquennial Inspection?
By law, all parish churches, consecrated churches and chapels and buildings licensed for public worship must be inspected at least once in any five-year period. The resulting report is known as the Quinquennial Inspection Report (QIR).
It is the responsibility of the PCC to make contact with the Quinquennial Inspector (architect or surveyor) and arrange a date for the inspection. The PCC is also responsible for any fees charged by the Quinquennial Inspector, so it is wise to plan ahead by putting aside money each year.
But a QI is more than a just a legal responsibility. It is an opportunity for you to understand more about your church and its condition, and a chance to think about what you might like to change or how you might use your building differently.
The QIR is also a useful document for maintenance planning, record keeping, project work and grant applications.
Before an Inspection
It is best to get your QI booked in well in advance, as Quinquennial Inspectors have busy diaries particulary in the spring and summer, when days are longer and weather is fairer. If you are not sure when your next QI is due, your most recent report should tell you the date that your building was last inspected, and you can use this to calculate the due date for your next inspection.
Your Quinquennial Inspector may ask for additional information before their visit. This is a good opportunity to make sure that your log book is up to date and that other safety inspections have taken place. Please note that electrics need to be tested every five years by an electrician who is a member of an accredited certification scheme (such as NAPIT, NICEIC or ECA) and certified to full competence.
It is a good idea for someone from the PCC to accompany the Quinquennial Inspector on the day, to learn more about your church, ask your Quinquennial Inspector any questions, and make note of any urgent issues.
After an Inspection
Your Quinquennial Inspector should provide a written report to the PCC within three months of the inspection. They should also send a copy of this report to the DAC and your Archdeacon.
When you receive your QIR, make sure that you read over it carefully to identify any mistakes which require corrections. Don’t be afraid to ask follow up questions. Some Quinquennial Inspectors offer support for PCCs to interpret their report, such as a phone call, site visit, or presentation.
The QIR should highlight urgent and optional work to help you prioritise what needs to be done sooner rather than later. Be aware that a QIR does not constitute permission to carry out any work, and you should check what permissions may be required before implementing any recommendations (see permissions).
Downloads and Resources
Quinquennial Inspections: Guidance for PCCs
Quinquennial inspections | The Church of England
Quinquennial and other inspections | National Churches Trust