Support arrangements for the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), the body that advises parishes wishing to undertake work on the fabric or furnishings of their churches or churchyards, are changing.
Jacqui Carreira-White has been appointed as full-time, in-house DAC Secretary to the diocesan Support Services team, based at Flourish House, Wells. Support has previously been provided on a part-time basis by Sarah Williams, of Stone King Solicitors.
Jenny Hollingsworth, Diocesan Secretary says, “Discussions about increasing the support for the DAC, and bringing it ‘in-house’ have been going on for some time and I am delighted that those discussions have proved fruitful. Jacqui’s appointment will allow us to really strengthen the support we provide our parishes who are looking to make changes to their churches for the benefit of their current communities and future generations. I would like to thank Sarah for all the support she has given us over the last 15 years, I know many of our parishes have benefited from her advice and guidance.”
Jacqui recently moved to Somerset from South Africa, where she had a career as an attorney (solicitor) and also spent time in commercial property management.
She says, “I am relishing taking on this role as it will allow me to use my legal and commercial experience to play a small part in caring for our wonderful church buildings. I am looking forward to supporting incumbents and volunteers who care so passionately. I am aware of the challenges faced by parishes in preserving our magnificent churches whilst adapting these buildings to serve the community in our time. I look forward to navigating these challenges with the parishes.
Jacqui continues, “I am pleased I will be able to continue to work with Sarah Williams, in her ongoing role with the diocesan registry, as well as with Jonathan Foyle, our diocesan church building adviser (maternity cover) who, along with the volunteers who serve on the Diocesan Advisory Committee, has a wealth of knowledge to share for the benefit of all our parishes.”
Jacqui, who has already started in the role, met Churchwardens attending the Churchwardens’ Day on Saturday, 23 September. She will be receiving a handover with Sarah Williams until 15 November 2023. Until that time, all DAC queries should continue to be directed to Sarah (email: sarahwilliams@stoneking.co.uk), copying in Jacqui (email: Jacqui.Carreira-White@bathwells.anglican.org).