Gas and electric Expand The Archdiocese of Birmingham has made a commitment to care for creation. Our energy utilities are procured at a national level through Inter-Diocesan Fuel Management Ltd (IFM), who represent a number of Catholic Dioceses in the UK. The majority of Diocesan buidings use IFM for their gas and electricity. IFM is the single largest purchaser of green gas, which is both renewable and largely carbon neutral. The electricity supply is also 100% renewable from wind and hydro. The Archdiocese's target is for 100% of parish buildings to be buying their energy through IFM. Green Gas Certificate IFM
Hall Hire Expand DOC 1 Guidance from the Diocesan Property Team DOC 2 Template charging structure worked example DOC 3 Emergency plan-blank form DOC 4 Emergency plan-worked example DOC 5 Hiring Agreement blank form DOC 6 Hiring Agreement worked example DOC 7 List of information to fill in a licence agreement DOC 8 Blank form licence agreement DOC 9 Licence agreement worked example
Historic Churches Committee / Art & Architecture Committee Expand The Historic Churches Committee is responsible for making decisions on applications for listed building consent for churches in the Archdiocese that are listed buildings in accordance with the Ecclesiastical Exemption. Faculty Approval is required for all works to churches and other buildings used for parish/church purposes (excluding presbyteries) except for the most minor of like-for-like repairs. The committee meets on the third Thursday of January, March, May, July, September and November and encourages those who submit applications to attend. For further advice contact Deacon Paul O'Connor at [email protected] HCC1 Application Form The Art & Architecture Committee is responsible for making decisions on applications from non-listed churches for the same types of works as the HCC for listed churches. All but minor repairs requires approval and the AAC meets on the same days as the HCC. Deacon Paul can advise. AAC1 Application Form Is a Faculty application required? document
Homes for Ukraine Expand Government Homes for Ukraine Scheme in relation to houses owned by the Archdiocese Licence agreement – excluded licence agreement (Homes for Ukraine scheme).doc Excluded tenancy agreement (Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme).doc
Insurance / Vacant Property Expand Vacant Property Inspection Record template Unoccupied Properties - standing instructions (Sept 25)
Major expenditure forms Expand Major expenditure form template and guidance on filling out the form. This form is required for all works costing £10,000 or more (including VAT). MEA Form
Managing Works Expand As part of regular building maintenance, management and compliance tasks there will be the need to bring contractors onto the parish to undertake works. Larger capital projects and schemes of work will be managed by an architect or other specialist but for smaller maintenance tasks or checks it may be the parish that is the main contact for the contractor. In order to ensure the safety of everyone using your parish buildings and site it is important that you share and receive key information with the contractor. The managing contractors guidance below explains about the different steps to take as a parish when commissioning and managing small scale works and maintenance. The exchange of information form and the guidance template are useful tools in sharing key information regarding the parish site. Fill in the form about your parish and send it in advance to any contractor coming to do works. The contractor questionnaire allows the parish to collect key information from contactors before they undertake work at the parish. Keep a copy of all forms sent and documents received as proof that information was shared and contractors were competent to undertake works. Guidance for Parishes - initial questions and considerations when planning building work Guidance for Parishes - capital projects Exchange of information form guidance Exchange of information form template Managing contractors guidance Contractor questionnaire
Parishes with Property let to third parties Expand Residential Lettings Policy, 2025 Commercial Lettings Policy, 2025 Information sheet for Parishes - Renters' Rights Act 2025 Electrical Safety Standards, March 2021 Carbon Monoxide detectors new regulations, Oct 2022
Quinquennial Inspections (QI) Expand Why a parish should undertake Quinquennial Inspections of their buildings. Every parish has an obligation to take care of, and maintain their properties, which are owned, and/or used by the parish for day-to-day purposes. Each parish has a duty of care to keep their building(s) in a good state of repair, as well-cared for buildings are a part of our patrimony, to be passed on to the next generation. Poorly maintained buildings and sites are demoralising for priests, parishioners and members of the visiting public. Neglected buildings can encourage antisocial behaviour within our communities. This can lead to unnecessary expenditure and in some instances, insurances being invalid. QI specification document QI recommended works document QI guidance notes for parishes QI Policy Parish Maintenance Plan Building Maintenance is an important and regular part of parish life. This plan is a useful template to help map out different maintenance tasks throughout the year and who will undertake them. The template is designed as a initial guide to building maintenance requirements and can be adapted as required by a parish. If you require any further assistance with building maintenance then please speak to a member of the Property Team: [email protected]
Value Added Tax (VAT) Expand Value Added Tax, or VAT as it is commonly referred to, is paid on most items and services including those used within the maintenance and repair of parish buildings. There are some instances when particular works or specific buildings may be entitled to a different VAT rate than the current 20%. There is also the opportunity for listed churches to apply for a grant against the VAT cost of certain works. This guidance document seeks to outline when this might be the case and how to go about ensuring your parish can benefit. VAT relating to Building Works