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. There are also advisers to the DAC, who are specialists in various matters, including organs, heating and lighting, textiles and monuments.
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.
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 carried on when permissions might be needed.
This video explains more about working with the DAC, using their skills and knowledge to help with your project, when to contact them and how they can help:
Related resources
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. Contact Steven or Peter to request a visit.
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 |
| Thursday 2nd May | Thursday 18th April |
| Wednesday 5th June | Wednesday 22nd May |
| Thursday 4th July | Thursday 20th June |
| Wednesday 4th September | Wednesday 21st August |
| Wednesday 2nd October | Wednesday 18th September |
| Thursday 14th November | Thursday 31st October |
| Wednesday 18th December | Wednesday 4th December |
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:
The Revd Elaine Turner – Chair
The Venerable Gavin J Kirk – Archdeacon – ex officio
The Venerable Dr Justine Allain Chapman – Archdeacon – ex officio
The Venerable Alyson Buxton- Archdeacon – ex officio
Mr Carl Andrews – Architect
Ms Rhiannon Clarricoates – Conservator
Mr Graham Cook – Architect
Ms Sarah Harrison – Conservation Officers Nominee
Mr Lee Holmes – Historic Buildings Consultant
Mrs Susan Leadbetter – Laity and Vice Chair
Mr Chris Mackintosh-Smith – Architect
The Revd Lorna Brabin-Smith – Clergy
Mr Richard Taylor – Heating and Electrical
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
Dr John Lord – Monuments
Mrs Mary Sleigh – Textiles
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.
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.
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.
