The diocese maintains a list of professionals working as Quinquennial Inspectors.
Professionals must agree to work under the terms of the diocesan scheme, complete a standard questionnaire and provide a copy of their CV to the church buildings team before they are included on the list.
The DAC cannot recommend any professional over another and must remain impartial. However, for peace of mind and ease of process many PCCs may choose to make their appointments usuing this list.
Who can be a Quinquennial Inspector?
A Quinquennial Inspector must be a registered architect or building surveyor who has appropriate qualifications and experience. A PCC may appoint any qualified professional after seeking the approval of the DAC.
For listed churches, it is recommended that the PCC appoints a Quinquennial Inspector with a conservation accreditation. This is likely to be a condition of any grant funded project work.
Experience, Qualifications & Professional Memberships
As a minimum, architects should be registered with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and surveyors registered with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Both RIBA and RICS maintain a register of conservation-accredited professionals.
There are also additional qualifications and memberships that may demonstrate a professional’s skills or experience, these are explored in more detail in the guidance note below.
When registering for the diocesan list, professionals are asked to self-categorise their experience level using the categories published by the church buildings council (see below). The diocese has not undertaken additional steps to guage experience.
Downloads and Resources
Diocesan List (excel sheet)
The Diocesan List: Guidance for PCCs
Quinquennial inspections | The Church of England
Quinquennial and other inspections | National Churches Trust