New DAC Secretary arrives

Sarah, along with her husband and two young boys, moved to Salisbury from Oxfordshire where she was the Heritage and Design Officer for South Oxfordshire Council.

Sarah has a wealth of knowledge and experience of historic buildings, having worked as a conservation officer at Oxford City Council and for Historic England in Cambridge, and is a full member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation and three degrees in history and heritage. She said:

"I am really delighted to be working here at the Salisbury Diocese.

"One of my first jobs will be to get the Faculty application process online, so watch this space!"

Diocesan Secretary David Pain said:

“This is a time of change and opportunity as the church seeks to respond creatively to change in our culture, and in the needs and expectations of communities across Wiltshire and Dorset. Fresh ideas and new energy are needed.

“Sarah will lead our work in supporting parishes as they plan changes to our buildings. We are blessed with many fantastic buildings, but we need to make sure that they are developed appropriately and sensitively, to be useful to the communities we serve now and in the future, and as places of worship accessible to all in their communities.”

The DAC Office supports the work of the Diocesan Advisory Committee and can also advise parishes on a wide range of matters relating to the care and use of church buildings and the nature of permission required for work to be carried out.

Sarah and Catherine also administer Parish applications for the Archdeacon’s Written Approval under List B provisions, and the operation of the quinquennial inspection scheme, on behalf of the Archdeacons.

Our new DAC Secretary will be in Church House initially on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, but will be increasing this to four days per week from September and she is keen to meet as many people as possible:

"My door is always open. Please come and say hello."

Sarah has taken over in the role from Sue Cannings, who retired earlier this year.

Sarah can be contacted on 01722 438654, or email dac@salisbury.anglican.org.