The Diocese of Leeds has published new guidance on Quinquennial Inspections, which has been created as part of the work of the Church Buildings Team, drawing on feedback from parishes across the diocese.
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 and is an important part of caring for your church fabric.
Alena-Rose Douglas, Church Buildings Support Officer, said: “PCCs are often nervous about their Quinquennial Inspection.
“Some of this nervousness is due to uncertainty around what happens on the day of the inspection, how to action or fund necessary works and what you can expect from your Quinquennial Inspector.
“This new guidance will, I hope, help PCCs feel more confident about all areas of the QI process.”
The guidance has been divided into three sections:
Alongside the new guidance documents, the diocesan register of quinquennial inspectors has been updated.
The diocese cannot recommend any professional over another and must remain impartial, but for peace of mind and ease of process many PCCs may choose to make their appointments from the diocesan register.
Alena-Rose said: “Choosing a new Quinquennial Inspector can be a daunting task for a PCC.
“To help PCCs make an informed choice we surveyed all Quinquennial Inspectors working in the diocese and have distilled this information into the diocesan list.
“We have also created a guidance note to be read alongside the list, giving more information about types of accreditations and experience".
An online training session for PCC members, clergy, churchwardens and anyone involved the care of church buildings is being hosted by the Church Buildings Team on Wednesday, May 27 at 7pm.
Topics covered will include working with Quinquennial Inspectors, interpreting inspection reports and permissions processes.
Please click here to register for the training session.