Churches across the Birmingham diocese often face complex challenges when it comes to maintaining their historic buildings. To support local Parochial Church Councils (PCCs), the Diocese offers a dedicated team of parish building surveyors. These experts work closely with churches to ensure that their buildings are well-maintained, compliant with legal requirements, and able to support the mission and ministry of the Church.
“The parish building surveyors support PCCs with all manner of building-related issues,” explains the project lead. “Our services include everything from designing, procuring, and administering contracts for large projects, to arranging routine maintenance such as gutter clearances. We also offer advice and assistance for statutory servicing and inspections.” - Andy Schofield (Parish Building Surveyor)
Here’s how the parish building surveyors are helping PCCs with everything from urgent repairs to long-term planning:
Organising and Managing Church Property Repairs
The team coordinates reactive repairs and maintenance for church properties, overseeing suppliers and contractors while managing communications. They ensure repairs stay within the approved scope and budget, consulting the PCC for any significant changes.
Implementing Planned and Cyclical Maintenance
Church buildings need planned maintenance alongside reactive repairs. Parish building surveyors assist PCCs with maintenance programs based on five-yearly Quinquennial Inspection (QI) reports and statutory compliance, keeping churches safe and functional.
Technical Inspections and Compliance
Surveyors support PCCs with technical inspections and statutory testing of church facilities. They collaborate with staff and external consultants to ensure effective inspections and maintain accurate records for informed decision-making.
Identifying and Addressing Maintenance Liabilities
By analysing maintenance records, surveyors identify emerging issues and prioritize addressing high-risk defects, preventing small problems from escalating.
Forward Maintenance Planning
The team aids churches in creating forward maintenance plans based on identified liabilities and budget availability, promoting proactive and sustainable maintenance for future generations.
Managing External Contractors and Capital Projects
For larger projects up to £100,000, surveyors manage contractors to ensure safe, timely completion. They develop risk registers and coordinate with the Diocesan Advisory Committee and PCCs for procurement and consents.
Navigating the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules
Surveyors help PCCs navigate the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015, securing necessary consents to ensure compliance with Church and state regulations, thus avoiding legal issues.
“Our team can assist with interpreting and managing all issues highlighted in your QI report,” adds the project lead. “We create maintenance plans, organise repairs in line with the recommendations of the report, and ensure that all works have the required approvals, are completed on time, to agreed costs, and within the original scope.” - Andy Schofield (Parish Building Surveyor)
By offering such a comprehensive range of services, the parish building surveyors are making it easier for churches to manage their properties and ensure that their buildings remain safe, functional, and fit for purpose. Whether addressing urgent repairs or planning for the long-term future of a church building, their support is invaluable to the mission and ministry of churches across the Diocese of Birmingham.
