DAC: Diocesan Advisory Committee
The Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC) is made up of volunteers appointed by the Bishop of Lincoln.
The DAC advise the Chancellor of the Diocese about each faculty application to help him come to a decision. It is the Chancellor who grants the faculty, not the DAC.
There are also advisers to the DAC, who are specialists in various areas, including organs, heating, lighting, textiles and monuments.
The work of the DAC is administered by the DAC Secretary, Steven Sleight (01522 504069) and the Assistant DAC Secretary Peter Duff (01522 504045).
They are here to help you, and would rather you ask a question early on than carry on to only discover that permissions may be needed.
Site visits
The DAC can carry out site visits, free-of-charge, to discuss with you the works you wish to carry out.
These are best carried out early in the process to avoid costly changes or delays.
Faculties
A faculty is the permission needed to do certain works in and around churches and to introduce or dispose of certain items.
Quinquennial inspections
These inspections must be carried out every five years. The inspection report gives an overview of what repairs need to take place and their prioritisation.
Meeting dates
Please note that the DAC Agenda closes a fortnight before the meeting. This is to allow the advisers time to review the casework before the meeting and to ask any questions.
The dates of the agenda closing and the meetings for the next year can be found below.
| Meeting date | Agenda closes |
|---|---|
| Wednesday 5 November 2025 | Wednesday 22 October 2025 |
| Wednesday 10 December 2025 | Wednesday 26 November 2025 |
| Thursday 29 January 2026 | Thursday 15 January 2026 |
| Wednesday 11 March 2026 | Wednesday 25 February 2026 |
| Tuesday 5 May 2026 | Tuesday 21 April 2026 |
| Thursday 4 June 2026 | Thursday 21 May 2026 |
| Wednesday 1 July 2026 | Wednesday 17 June 2026 |
| Wednesday 2 September 2026 | Wednesday 19 August 2026 |
| Thursday 1 October 2026 | Thursday 17 September 2026 |
| Thursday 5 November 2026 | Thursday 22 October 2026 |
| Tuesday 8 December 2026 | Tuesday 24 November 2026 |
DAC Members and Advisors
The DAC comprises a chair, the archdeacons of the diocese and not less than 12 other members who are experts in their own fields – and who offer their skills on an entirely voluntary basis.
These advisors are also available to assist parishes and give their time and advice free of charge. The members and advisors are willing to visit churches to meet with the PCC and discuss requirements and ideas prior to detailed schemes being drawn up.
This initial contact is important to ensure that PCCs have the best advice possible and that time and resources are used to best advantage in the faculty process. There is no charge for such visits.
Mrs Susan Leadbetter – Chair and Laity
The Venerable Gavin J Kirk – Archdeacon – ex officio
The Venerable Alyson Buxton – Archdeacon – ex officio
Mr Carl Andrews – Architect
Ms Rhiannon Clarricoates – Conservator
Mr Ruben Lopez – Archaeology
Ms Sarah Harrison – Vice Chair / Conservation Officers Nominee
Mr Lee Holmes – Historic Buildings Consultant
The Revd Lorna Brabin-Smith – Clergy
Mr Richard Taylor – Heating and Electrical
Mr Mark Goodwill-Hodgson – Architect
The Revd Kevin Dyke – Clergy
Mr Adam Kelk – Laity
Professor David Stocker – Joint Amenity Society Nominee
In addition, the committee has advisors to assist in areas of specialist knowledge:
Dr Ed Swain – Clocks
Dr Nicholas Bennett – Books and Manuscripts
PC John Manuel – Security
Mr Paul Hale – Organs
Mr Tom Küpper – Stained Glass
Ms Susan Lee – Paint
Mrs Mary Sleigh – Textiles
Mr Christopher Woodcock – Bells
Amenity societies
In certain circumstances, parishes may be asked to consult one or more of the Amenity Societies.
Generally, the DAC will inform you if this is applicable. Please consult the list below for further information about each society.
Historic England
The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings
Historic Buildings and Places
The Council for British Archaeology
The Georgian Group
The Victorian Society
The Twentieth Century Society
Natural England
Church Buildings Council
Here are some links to further information. If there is anything else you would like to see, let the team know and we will try and add it in.