What does and doesn’t require a faculty?

Published on: 7 March 2022

It has now been nearly seven years since The Faculty Jurisdiction Rules (2015) came into force, bringing in one of the most significant changes to the way the faculty system has operated in years.

The new rules introduced List A, List B and List C for the first time, making the permission for work specific to the type of work being planned. In many ways List A replaced the old de minimis list, but whereas these were often based on monetary sums, List A is work specific. Often, given the high listing grades of the majority of the churches within the Diocese, a large proportion of the work parishes would wish to undertake is not possible here because of this high listing. However, there are a few areas that are covered, and therefore it is always worth checking the list just in case.

With such high listed churches this therefore means List B permission has to be sought for most of the items listed. List B is a simplier form of faculty application, and although often the same level of supporting documents is needed as when a faculty was required for the work, there is little paperwork required and no requirement to display public notices. The forms are simple and straightforward, with all applications lodged through the Online Faculty System (OFS). They can also be submitted at any time, and a response and hopefully permission will be granted within days if not hours.

If the work is not listed on List A or B, then it is probable that the work will require a faculty. If, though, you have any doubt as to what the right level of permission might be, please contact a member of the Care of Churches Team as we will be very happy to help you and will also try and make seeking permission as easy as possible for you. Likewise, if you are unable to access a computer, or have any difficulties, please contact a member of the Care of Churches Team. Please do not struggle as we are only too pleased to help you.

If the work does require a faculty, then again applications should be lodged through the OFS. Although the procedure is similar to that used in the past there are some significant differences. More stages have been introduced online, and there is more interaction with the Care of Churches Team, who through the system will guide you through the process. The most significant change though is in the consultations, with the main consultation period extended to 42 days. The consultations can be undertaken by parishes or by the DAC on your behalf, an option most parishes are using. The degree of professionalism in presenting these cases has also increased significantly, especially in the case of major work, reordering or extensions. I know to some this may seem daunting, but the Care of Churches Team are here to help you and will gently guide you through the process to try and make it as painless as possible. The Care of Churches Team can be reached by contacting QNP@qvbprfrbsabejvpu.bet, 01603 882351

A comprehensive list of what items relate to which permissions can be downloaded here: www.DofN.org/faculty.

The Online Faculty System can be found by following this link https://facultyonline.churchofengland.org

A further revision of the list is expected this year and is expected to incorporate more zero carbon initiatives. Details are not yet available but will be posted to all as soon as they come available, as I know this is an area many of you are interested in.

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Issue 24

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