visitation news

The Euro was on the edge of collapse.Most people have experienced a financialreverse, though some have benefitedsubstantially from low mortgage interestrates. Some have lost their jobs andothers are worried that they might.Many young people have not been ableto get on the bottom rung of a career orhousing ladder. Most readers of thisArchdeacons’ Visitation News will haveentered adult life expecting to be betteroff than their parents. Young peopletoday do not think that. They wonder ifthey start a family, how and when theywill find the deposit to buy a house.

For churches, as for families and indeednational governments there are financialchallenges in a period of higher inflationand falling disposable incomes. Manychurchwardens and parish treasurers haveexpressed concerns about finances in 2012.In response there have been resolute effortsto make savings in diocesan and nationalchurch expenditure while seeking to protectgood-quality clergy education and training.This is vital for the future.

Clergy, churchwardens and PCCs have newopportunities to work out how to reach outto those becoming aware that the glitz,glamour and easy money of recent yearssecure neither a happy nor a fulfilled life.

Secure, loving and supportive relationships infamily, church and community are much moreimportant. People are still attracted tochurches where God’s kingly rule can beseen in the lives of his people.

This year’s Living Faith initiative is emphasising“Making a Difference in theWorld” and it is achallenge to find practical ways of doing that.It certainly means that our churches need to beoutward facing, not inward looking. Someinitiatives such as street pastors and townchaplains are making a difference, but thereare other outward looking ways to make Christreal in our towns and villages.

In a recent address celebrating the 400thanniversary of the King James Bible in ChristChurch Cathedral, the Prime Minister said:“We are a Christian country.” In no way was hesaying that there is no place for those of otherfaiths or none. Quite the contrary. “What I amsaying is that the Bible has helped give Britaina set of values and morals which make Britainwhat it is today.” Of course, it is important toget the economy in good order, but ourwellbeing depends more fundamentally on therediscovery of those virtues and values whichare formed in us as we seek to live asfollowers of Christ.

We would like to thank churchwardens fortheir help in looking after our heritage.

We are very grateful to Ecclesiastical for itshelp in producing this newsletter at no cost tothe Diocese.

A challenging year...Towards the end of last year, the German Chancellor said thatWestern Europe was facing its greatest challenge since theSecondWorldWar.

The VenerableNorman RussellArchdeacon of Berkshire

archdber@oxford.anglican.orgTel: 01635 552820

The VenerableKaren GorhamArchdeacon of Buckingham

archdbuc@oxford.anglican.orgTel: 01865 208264

The VenerableHedley RingroseInterim Archdeacon of Oxford

archdoxf@oxford.anglican.orgTel: 01865 208245

www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

Spring 2012 - issue 11www.oxford.anglican.org

We have begun by asking ordinary Christiansacross the diocese to tell us how you are makinga difference. Here’s what some of you said:

‘I know that my mum gets upset sometimeslooking after Granny, and finds it quite a strain.So sometimes I just go and give her a hug.’

‘I work in the international coal industry which putsmore carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than anyother industry, so I take every opportunity topersuade everyone involved in the industry toreduce its carbon emissions. This is part of caringfor all of God’s creation and everyone on our planet.’

‘I am privileged to work as a church governor at mylocal primary school and have the opportunity ofsharing my faith with young children.’

‘I visit the elderly, some of whom have dementia.I hope my regular visits help them retain the senseof their own unique value.’

It’s not too late for YOU to send me asentence about how YOU make adifference (email alison.webster@oxford.anglican.org). I would love tohear from you.

Christians offer phenomenal gifts to the world,through activities that are local, national andinternational, involving individuals (in theirfamilies and workplaces, paid and voluntary),parish-based projects, church and communityschools, ecumenical networks and interfaithco-operation. Sometimes we aim to meetparticular needs (support for asylum seekers,homeless people, families, older people);sometimes we choose to join campaigns andto speak out (against poverty, debt, and modernday forms of slavery). And there are manyChristians who act as mentors to, andadvocates for, those who are vulnerable

or at risk (e.g. those with learning disabilities,prisoners, those with mental health needs).

In a world of vast inequalities within and betweennations, and in a country where many are livingpressured and isolated lives with little sense ofpurpose or meaning, there is much that we cando to encourage reflection, learning and actionabout making the world a better place. But it’simportant to remember that ‘Making aDifference in theWorld’ isn’t simply about beinga social activist. Prayer and worship are equallyimportant and in everything we do, we shall befocusing on those too. Contemplation and actiongo hand in hand.

2012 is an opportunity to celebratewhat weare currently doing, inspire one another toembrace new things and remember that we arejoining in God’s mission, so will find God there.

Here’s how you can bepart of it

Reflect and pray together using thevarious written publications and resourcesthat will be produced throughout the year,including a six-session resource for personaland group reflection, ‘BE the Difference’(due outMarch 2012), and ‘Passion for RealLife’, a resource for Holy Week.

Celebrate ‘Make A Difference Sunday’during the ‘Month of Sundays’, that isOctober 2012. We will be producingresources later in the year to enableparishes to celebrate the activities of thosein the congregation. Set aside an OctoberSunday NOW and begin thinking aboutwho and what you would like to celebrateand how you can thank God and inspireone another.

Attend the arts-based Making aDifference diocesan festival that willbe held on Saturday 27 October 2012.Parishes will be invited to come along,bringing something with them that issymbolic of how they make a difference,so that we can gather these together andmake a big celebratory work of art! Keynotespeakers include AnnMorisy (author ofmany books on mission and social action)and Janice Price (Archbishop’s CouncilAdviser onWorld Mission).

Partner with your local school: theDiocesan Board of Education is focusingon Making a Difference too, especially inthe academic year beginning inSeptember 2012.

Revamp your church noticeboardto make sure you are communicatingwith the world about how you are makinga difference in your local community and/or nationally/globally. We will be invitingphotographs and running a competitionfor the best one!

Keep your eyes on the Door and thediocesan website for further informationabout all these activities.

Alison WebsterDiocesan Social Responsibility Adviser

2012: Celebrate Makinga Difference2012 is to be the diocesan Living Faith year of ‘Making a Difference’.We embark upon it knowing that ordinary Christians are busy transformingthe lives of others, often in quiet and unsung ways. The aim in 2012 is toshare what we do, inspiring one another in new and different ways.

Last year was the worst on record for thenumber of claims for the theft of metalfrom churches, with claims exceeding2,500 by the end of the year. In fact, overthe past four years, metal theft claims fromchurches Ecclesiastical insure have nowexceeded £25m, with over 9,000 claims.

More than seven churches a day are fallingvictim to the attacks† and, unless action istaken now, the wave of metal theft raids canonly continue throughout 2012 causinguntold distress to our parish communities.

This is why Ecclesiastical has recentlylaunched the ‘Hands Off Our Church Roofs’anti-metal theft campaign, to deter criminalsand protect places of worship from this crime.

What is the ‘Hands Off Our ChurchRoofs’ campaign?

Ecclesiastical is determined to do all it can toreduce metal theft. Over the last two years,Ecclesiastical has been piloting the use ofelectronic roof security systems on churchesin metal theft hot spots. The systems haveproven to be very effective at preventingfurther losses and the insurer is now takingthis initiative to the next stage. To demonstrate

the effectiveness of roof alarms on awidespread basis, at a local level, and toencourage more churches to install alarms,Ecclesiastical is currently investing £500,000to install systems on selected ‘at risk’churches across dioceses in England,Wales and Scotland.

Once Ecclesiastical has protected theselected churches in a diocese by installingthe alarm systems, they will let all the otherchurches in the diocese know by sendingthem an information pack. The pack willcontain information about the alarm system,including details of where parishes can goto see a system in operation near them(Ecclesiastical recommends that you seefor yourself how effective the system is).It is expected that this will encourage manymore parishes to install alarms as a solutionto the church metal theft problem.

To help deter thieves further, the informationpacks will include two weather-resistant,glow-in-the-dark campaign posters (see pictureabove), which Ecclesiastical is encouraging allparishes to display prominently. You can alsodownload a copy of the poster atwww.ecclesiastical.com/handsoff

Roof alarms – key benefits

� Highly effective at deterring metal theftas demonstrated in recent trials in thefthot-spot areas.

� The system is specifically designed todetect and deter intruders before anydamage is caused.

� The technology used is virtually invisibleand reversible.

� Passive infrared (PIR) motion detectorsprevent false alarms.

� The system requires no userintervention and works for years.

� Large roof areas can be covered costeffectively.

� If the security system is activated, aplanned response based on yourspecific instructions is carried out – perfectfor buildings in remote or rural locations.

If you install an Ecclesiastical-approved roofsecurity system and have also complied withthe theft of external metal policy condition,Ecclesiastical may be able to increase yourmetal theft cover, depending on your individualcircumstances. The roof alarm FAQsmentionedbelow include more information about this.

More information

If you would like to arrange a free*no-obligation alarm survey for your church,or if you have any queries about the alarmsystem, please contact us on 0845 600 9659(9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday excludingbank holidays) or by email atroofalarms@ecclesiastical.com

For more information about the campaignincluding a video, roof alarm FAQs and a toolwhich will help you understand how at riskyour church is from metal theft, please visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/handsoff

Other ways toprotect your churchTop tips include:

� Applying a forensically basedsecurity marking product, such asSmartWater** to external metal,prominently displaying associatedsignage and registering the kit withthe supplier. For SmartWatersupplies (at a 40% discount),please call 01952 204 102.

� Engaging with your community –join the local Neighbourhood Watchscheme and urge the church’sneighbours to keep a watchful eyeout for anything suspicious aroundthe church.

� Make theft more difficult by removingany easy access onto building roofs,such as water butts, waste bins andtall trees located near to the building.Remember to get any necessaryapproval for tree cutting e.g. from thelocal authority, before work starts.

More advice and detailedguidance notes can be found atwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

† In 2011, according to claims figures available up to theend of December. *UK mainland only – travel expensesmay be applicable offshore. **The registration and use ofSmartWater, or an alternative forensic marking systemapproved by us, is a policy condition on both ourParishguard and Hallguard policies.

Hands OffOur Church Roofs!Ecclesiastical launches a new campaignto fight metal theft...

Ecclesiastical is proud to reachits 125-year milestone in 2012.The anniversary is a greatopportunity to celebrate, butalso a time to look back andplan for the future.

During this important year,Ecclesiastical will be providing evengreater support to the Church,charities and the not-for-profit sector,both nationally and locally. For example,one of the initiatives the insurer isundertaking is to provide funds toenable the Church of England toproduce a new and improvedChurchcare website. The websiteis designed to help everyone involvedin caring for church buildings throughoffering practical advice, guidanceand links to other useful sourcesof information.

In a world that seems increasingly totake the short term view, 125 yearsis a long time in anyone’s book.Ecclesiastical is proud to have playeda part for such a long time in helpingchurches to make a difference in localcommunities and looks forward tocontinuing to do so for many yearsto come.

To visit the Churchcare website,please visit www.churchcare.co.uk

For more information aboutEcclesiastical’s 125 celebrations,please visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/125

Both the Church of England and theChurch in Wales aim to reduce carbonemissions by 80% by 2050 (in line withgovernment targets) to help meet theglobal challenge set by climate change.To that end, both Churches are runningenvironmental campaigns – in EnglandShrinking the Footprint and in Wales

CHASE (Church Action on Sustaining theEnvironment).

Churches nationwide are looking at ways theycan reduce their carbon impact and greentechnologies are being considered to save,or even generate, energy. One approach toenergy generation is to install a photovoltaic(PV) system. For any church consideringinstalling such a system, Ecclesiastical hasproduced a brief guide which is available atwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

Ian Giles thoroughly enjoys visitingchurches – so much so that he chosea career which allows him to visit mostchurches within 100 miles or soof Bristol!

Ian is an InsuranceConsultant andSurveyor (IC&S),part of a team ofhighly respectedprofessionals whowork for Ecclesiasticaladvising PCCs on

health & safety risk management andthe insurance of their church premises.

With over 30 years in the insuranceindustry, Ian, like his colleagues acrossthe country, is qualified to tackle most riskmanagement issues churches raise with

them. “People usually want to know howI value their church and what impact it willhave on their premium. Rebuilding worksand repairs are other major issues.”

Ian and his colleagues have a rollingprogramme of church visits, howeverteam members are often called out morefrequently to inspect damage, the aftermathof a metal theft or building modifications.IC&S teams also deliver tailoredpresentations on topics including fire andsecurity, health & safety, metal theft andinsurance protection to supplementpublished guidance notes and are happyto undertake presentations on otherrelated topics.

To find out who your local IC&S is, visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmattersand enter your postcode.

Like any other organisation, churches aresubject to health and safety legislation,risk assessments are required for a widerange of activities and there is always thegeneral issue of security to be addressed.

As part of its service to the Church,Ecclesiastical has set up a dedicated websitecalled ‘Church Matters’ where you can find awealth of advice and practical assistance onthese issues.

With spring now here, many churches will beturning their attention to essential buildingwork whether that involves carrying outgeneral repairs or undertaking majoralterations. If you are contemplating anysuch work, it is essential that you adviseEcclesiastical before any works start. This iseasy to do by using the on-line CommercialBuilding Works questionnaire that you willfind on the Church Matters website.

Church Matters also includes a range ofdownloadable guidance notes on topics suchas, security, health & safety and fire safety,together with a range of useful interactiveforms that you can personalise for yourchurch and save for your records.

To find out more, visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

Support for you at‘Church Matters’...As well as addressing spiritual matters, today’s churches are facedwith what can seem like a maze of administrative and legislative issues.

New technologies –new challenges

A passion for churches

Interactiveforms

NEW

Are you headingfor a fall?It may have been just a small set ofsteps, but it was tall enough to sendEcclesiastical Insurance Consultantand Surveyor Peter Halden crashingto the concrete floor of a church,smacking his head on a radiatoras he fell.

“The steps Peter was given were tooweak for the job,” said Bob Johnson,Ecclesiastical’s Technical Risk ServicesManager. “He’s lucky not to have beenseriously injured.We recommend thatPCCs check our guidance notes onworking from heights. If the stepsPeter climbed had been of commercialstrength, they would have supported himproperly. If you need to use a ladder, forexample to change light bulbs high in theroof, these need attaching to an anchorpoint to ensure they are safe for use.”

Further advice is included in theHealth & Safety guidance notes atwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

Chancel RepairLiability – a trusteeresponsibilityParishes have until October 2013 toinvestigate the position of their churchrelating to chancel repair liability and,if appropriate, note their interest withthe Land Registry.

Because of a well-publicised court case,Aston Cantlow PCC vWallbank (2001),the Government included provisions relatingto this liability under the Land RegistrationAct 2002. Under this order chancel repairliability needs to be registered as a notice(or caution in respect of unregistered land)before 13 October 2013. Failure to do thiscould risk losing the benefit of a traditionaland valuable gift.

Where a PCC is a charity, its trustees have aduty to safeguard its assets, which wouldinclude registering the chancel repair liability.Failure to register could render trusteespersonally liable for any shortfall in the costof repairs that would have otherwise beencovered by chancel repair liability.

To find out more about the insuranceimplications of chancel repair liability,please call 0845 777 3322.

The first requirement for electrical safety is toensure that wiring is up to date and thereafterthat it is inspected and tested at minimumintervals of five years. For additional safety,routine checks should be carried out on anannual basis.

While routine checks can be carried out bysomeone who is competent to understandthe electrical system, this person need not beelectrically skilled. For the five-year inspectionand test, however, the services of a suitablyqualified professional are required.Ecclesiastical recommends that this should bean NICEIC (National Inspection Council forElectrical Installation Contracting) registeredcontractor, a member of the ElectricalContractors Association (ECA) or a memberof The National Association of ProfessionalInspectors and Testers (NAPIT). Registrationor membership must be on a full scope basis.

For more information, please downloadthe Health & Safety policy with guidancedocument atwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

Don’t trip up onhealth and safety...

Electrical safety matters...Faulty electrical wiring is the second biggest cause of fires in churchesafter arson and, according to Ecclesiastical, the full scale of theproblem is difficult to measure because in some cases the damage isso severe that the fire authorities are unable to pinpoint the specificcause of the fire.

Minor accidents can happen in any buildingto which the general public has access –and the older the building, the greater therisk of what the insurance industry terms‘slips, trips and falls’. In a litigious society,minor, sometimes spurious, accidents canexpose churches to potentially significantpublic liability claims.

With this in mind, the importance of havingup-to-date health & safety records becomesevident, as Bob Johnson of Ecclesiastical

explains: “It is vital to have a specificindividual responsible for health & safetywithin the PCC. It is their responsibility toensure the completion of the necessary riskassessment forms which will be the mainform of defence against any spuriousinsurance claim.”

Health & safety risk should be a regularagenda item at PCCmeetings and furtherguidance on this topic can be found atwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

Do you have a charity linked to your church?If so, is it insured with Ecclesiastical? Youmight not know, but Ecclesiastical has been insuringchurch-related charities and voluntary organisations for many years. With a dedicated charitypolicy Ecclesiastical protects you, your property, your activities, your volunteers and your trustees.

For more information, please call 0845 777 3322 and quote ‘AV news’.

Home insurancefrom one of the best

It is widely acceptedthat endorsementfrom Which?, the UK’sleading consumerrights group,

recognises companies that offer thebest products and services. That iswhy Ecclesiastical is particularly proudto have been named again in January2012 as a Which? ‘RecommendedProvider’ for home insurance.

For members of the church communitythere is even more good news becauseyou can save over 30% on Ecclesiastical’sHome Insurance when buying a combinedbuilding and contents policy online(subject to minimum premiums and termsand conditions).

For your free no-obligation quote, pleasecall 0800 917 3345 and quote ‘AV news’(8.00am to 6.00pm weekdays) or visitwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchworker

Renewal date not due yet?Simply go towww.ecclesiastical.com/avnews and enter your details.Ecclesiastical will be in touch with aquote nearer the time.

Each PCC is the custodian of parish funds andmembers are charity trustees with a duty tomanage and use their financial resources toachieve their greatest potential. Part of atrustee’s role – indeed a legal obligation – is toperiodically review investments to ensure theyremain suitable according to the Council’sinvestment policy statement. Responsibilitiesalso include exercise of skill and care whenmaking investment decisions, deciding on theright investments, their suitability and diversity– and deciding when to take expert advice.

Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Services (EFAS),part of Ecclesiastical, is a national company of

Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) whospecialise in financial advice for the clergy andchurch people. EFAS advice takes into accountthe Church of England Ethical InvestmentAdvisory Group and the Church in Wales EthicalPolicy Statements and any key ethical criteriaset by individual investors.

For parishes with funds typically of £25,000 ormore available, EFAS can help review investmentpolicy and advise whether it may be possible toachieve better returns than existing depositarrangements. The aim is to help parishes buildan ethical investment approach, generatingincome while avoiding excessive or unnecessaryrisk. Because of its unique understanding,EFAS can also advise individuals on the legalresponsibilities of being a warden and treasurer inrelation to church finances. The aim is to build apartnership supporting treasurers in their financialstewardship responsibilities and help maximiseparish income. Please remember the value ofinvestments can fall as well as rise and you maynot get back the amount originally invested.

To find out more about EFAS, please call0800 107 0190 and quote ‘AV news’ orvisit www.ecclesiastical.com/getadvice

Ecclesiastical is continuing to provide ‘bagsfor life’ for use by collectors and volunteersduring the UK’s biggest house-to-housecharity collection. In addition to that, thecompany has introduced a scheme that couldsee Christian Aid benefiting from thousandsof pounds in additional donations.

The idea is very simple: Ecclesiastical isasking Christian Aid supporters to let themknow the month in which their householdinsurance policy is due for renewal. For everydate they receive, the company will donate50p to Christian Aid.

You too can get involved in supportingChristian Aid by letting Ecclesiastical knowyour home insurance renewal date and

encouraging your friends and family to dothe same.

Just call Ecclesiastical on 0800 917 4154 orvisit www.ecclesiastical.com/caw for moreinformation or to leave a renewal date.

Her Majesty QueenElizabeth ll DiamondJubileeGas beacons insurance cover

In June 2012, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth IIwill become only the second monarch in Britishhistory to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee. As partof the celebrations, 2,012 beacons will be litacross the country on 4th June, including somegas beacons on church and cathedral towers.The beacons are fuelled by liquid petroleum gas(LPG), which is extremely flammable and readilycombines with air to form an explosive mix.

Ecclesiastical would like to offer churchesassurance that insurance cover is in place butasks that if you are intending to use gasbeacons on your church building, please call0845 777 3322. Ecclesiastical can then talk toyou about your cover and offer you tailoredadvice in addition to the dedicated riskmanagement advice which can be found atwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

Is it time to give yourparish funds a makeover?With interest rates remaining at record lows and costs rising, the needfor careful stewardship of parish funds has never been more critical.

Ecclesiastical supports Christian AidEcclesiastical is again working with Christian Aid in 2012 to support itswork in the fight against global poverty and has introduced a newmoney-raising initiative.

The quinquennial report is a key documentwhich assists the Parochial Church Councilin the care and repair of a church buildingfor which it is legally responsible. It gives asnapshot of the repair needs of the buildingand lists the repairs required according totheir priority. It is also read by the DACSecretary, the Archdeacon and any grant-giving bodies which the PCC approaches.The legal framework for the quinquennialinspection system can be found in theInspection of Churches Measure 1955.The inspection is an important part ofchurch life and should be given thehighest priority when due.

The appointment of a professional adviser ismade by each PCC. It is important that aprofessional adviser's training and experience inbuilding conservation matches the problemspresented in looking after the church in question,and it is worthwhile for PCCs to take soundingsfrom other churches to discover their experienceof local architects and surveyors.

When the inspection is due, a certain amount ofpreparation is necessary by the churchwardenor whoever the PCC appoints to deal with thisissue. The adviser and PCC representativeshould agree what special access arrangementsare necessary, such as ladders to inspect theroof, additional labour and so on. Access to roofsfor the inspection also gives a good opportunityfor the gutters to be cleaned. Keys should bereadily available for all parts of the buildingnormally kept locked. Bells should be down onthe day of the inspection and ringers asked toreport on any problems with the ring.

It is normal practice for the electrical system to betested every five years by an electrician who is amember of NICEIC or ECA, and also for anylightning conductors to be tested by a suitablespecialist. An energy review every few years canassist parishes with their carbon management.An arboricultural report prior to the quinquennialinspection may be sensible. It is a good idea forthese tests to be done before the professionaladviser's inspection, so the results can be

included in the main report. The professionaladviser will need to see the terrier and inventory,the log book and any other paperwork relevant tothe building.

The survey will cover the repair of the buildingand associated matters such as the maintenance,sustainability and safety of the structure, unsafefloors and access. It will recommend furtherspecialist reports, such as a test of lightningconductors and a report on trees in thechurchyard, where necessary. The inspectionreport is written according to a standard templateand copies sent to the incumbent, PCC secretary,Archdeacon and DAC Secretary.

When the report is received, it is important for theincumbent, churchwardens and PCC to read thereport and understand its recommendations.The report is designed to be a thorough andcomplete assessment of the condition of thebuilding and can therefore be a lengthy document.It is very useful for the PCC to walk round thebuilding going through the recommendations.The professional adviser should be willing tomeet to go through the recommendations initially.Each part of the building is described and anassessment given of the repair needs. Whereaction is needed, the report gives this on a scalefrom A to E according to the urgency of the repair:

A – urgent, requiring immediate attention

B – requires attention within 12 months

C – requires attention within the next18 – 24 months

D – requires attention within thequinquennial period

E – a desirable improvement with notimescale

Items that require maintenance are identified inthe following category:

M – routine items of maintenance

Any items under category A cover urgent repairneeds of the building or the safety of its users.The professional adviser is likely to mention theseat the time of the inspection and give guidance onhow the problems can be addressed.

The report is not a specification of work and mostrepair items will require professional advice fromeither the professional adviser or an architect/surveyor of comparable experience. Once thePCC is able to put the works in hand, therefore,it is normal practice to instruct the professionaladviser, through a separate contract, to preparea specification and seek tenders from buildersof suitable experience.

The implementation of all items within the reportwill require a faculty, except items of maintenanceor those that are included on the diocesan list ofmatters that can be implemented without a faculty.The DAC Secretary will be able to advise on this.

Professional advisers should be seen as the‘family GP’ as far as the care of the church isconcerned. Where any problem arises with thefabric, parishes should not hesitate to get in touch.

Choosing theright architectThe foundation of a successfulbuilding project – whether it is aprogramme of repairs, a reorderingor even an extension – is selectinga design professional with theright skills.

Some architects and surveyors specialisein conservation work, making them wellqualified for appointment as yourquinquennial inspector or to lead grant-aided works of repair. Others specialise inthe design of new work such as parishrooms, extensions and refurbishments.Design work and conservation workrequire different skills and experience,and it is the case that most professionalswill be better at one or the other. Yourquinquennial inspector may be well suitedto inspection work, but that does notmake him or her necessarily the bestchoice for a development project.When appointing a professional for adevelopment project, start by approachingparishes which have completed a projectsimilar to yours and discussing theirexperience. The DAC can provide a list ofsuch parishes, a list of suggestedarchitects for your consideration andadvice on the appointment process.

If you want to appoint a new quinquennialinspector for your church, the best placeto start is the approved list of inspectorswhich is available from the DAC office.This is a list of architects and surveyorswho have applied to the DAC for inclusionand who have been accepted on the basisof their qualifications and experience.You should note, however, that justbecause a professional is included onthe list does not automatically make himor her the right appointment for yourchurch. It is important to find someonewith whom the PCC can have a goodworking relationship and who hasexperience with buildings of your style,material and grade. You can contact theDAC office or your Archdeacon forsuggestions and it may also be useful toask fellow churchwardens in your area.

For further information and thelists referred to above, contactthe DAC Secretary atnatalie.merry@oxford.anglican.orgor phone 01865 208229.

Quinquennial inspectionsThe Church of England’s quinquennial inspection system provides for theinspection of church buildings every five years by an architect or charteredbuilding surveyor approved by the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC).

Our churches are full of art that inspires ustoday but which was new in its day. So wetoo can be inspired by new art which in turnwill assist the worship of future generations.Why not step back and see your churchwith new eyes? What about the clutter inthat aisle? Would a piece of art transformthat area and inspire your worship?

Whatever you do, don’t just reach for thatold catalogue and don’t accept that tablejust because it is the gift of a member ofthe congregation. Your church maydeserve better than that.

First ask the DAC who will give expertadvice. There may also be a local craftsmanor woman living in your area. Similarly yourlocal art college may have ideas.

Approach the whole enterprise from a freshperspective. Look at some of the new artwithin the Diocese, for example BrianCatling’s processional cross in DorchesterAbbey and Nicholas Mynheer’s aumbry inIffley church. You will also find invaluablehelp from the Church Buildings Council’spamphletCommissioning New Art forChurches: A Guide for Parishes and Artistson its website and that ofcommission4mission.

Lastly you may be surprised and receivesome financial help. You never know!(Oh, and don’t forget the faculty.)

New art for churchesWhen did you last introduce a new item into your church?Was it a gift? And was it chosen from a church catalogueor from an individual artist? Of course money is tight buteven so churches receive unexpected bequests.

This advice and information is given in good faith and is based on our understanding of current law and practice. Neither Ecclesiastical Insurance Officeplc nor its subsidiaries accept any liability whatsoever for any errors or omissions which may result in injury, loss or damage, including consequential orfinancial loss. It is the responsibility of the insured or any other person to ensure that they comply with their statutory obligations. The interpretation orimplementation of the notes contained in this newsletter is at the sole discretion of the insured or any other party who may read these notes.

© Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc 2012 4/12

For more informationcall 0845 777 3322

email information@ecclesiastical.comvisit www.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters

Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc (EIO) Reg. No. 24869. Ecclesiastical Insurance Group plc (EIG) Reg. No. 1718196. Ecclesiastical Life Ltd (ELL) Reg. No. 243111. Ecclesiastical InvestmentManagement Ltd (EIM) Reg. No. 2519319. Ecclesiastical Financial Advisory Services Ltd (EFAS) Reg. No. 2046087. Ecclesiastical Services Ltd (ES) Reg. No. 1811698. E.I.O. Trustee Ltd Reg. No.941199. All companies are registered in England at Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester, GL1 1JZ, UK. EIO, ELL, EIM & EFAS are authorised and regulated by the Financial ServicesAuthority and are members of the Financial Ombudsman Service. EIO & ELL are members of the Association of British Insurers and EIM is a member of the Investment Management Association.

Iffley Aumbry by Nicholas Mynheer

Processional cross in Dorchester Abbeyby Brian Catling

Church burglariesIn the light of the recent spate ofburglaries on church premises, allincumbents and churchwardens arereminded of the need to protect theirchurch’s valuables. As a first step youare advised to contact your insurersas to the adequacy of your churchsafe and its anchoring, if any, into thefabric of the church. Many safes arenow woefully out of date and yourArchdeacon and/or insurer can adviseyou as to an adequate replacement.

If your church does not have an adequatesafe the practice may well be that thechurch silver and other valuable items arebeing kept away from the church. Howeverthis has recently caused difficulties withinthe diocese, since over the years it has beenfound that valuable silver and items have asa result been overlooked and ultimatelymislaid. You are therefore reminded that anyremoval of church silver or other valuables(other than for temporary purposes, suchas cleaning) requires a faculty. Beforesubmitting any such faculty applicationparishes should discuss insurancearrangements for these items with theirinsurer and confirm that these are in placeas part of the application. Not only does thisprotect the incumbent, churchwardens andthose individually concerned, but it alsoensures that a central record is kept as tothe location of such items and thus preventstheir accidental loss to the church.

Please see Ecclesiastical’s security guidancenotes atwww.ecclesiastical.com/churchmatters for more information aboutsafes and keeping your building secure.