Church Architects and Surveyors Conference 2026

This day conference is organised by the Diocese of Worcester, with the Dioceses of Gloucester, Hereford and Oxford and will bring together quinquennial inspectors and buildings conservation professionals assisting Anglican parishes in caring for their church buildings. For our 2026 conference, we also want to welcome those buildings professionals who are new to working with churches, or are considering church work.

Presentations and discussions on a range of topics will take place across the day at St Helen's Church in Worcester, which has recently been through a major and successful reordering project.

Peter Preston, President, Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association.

Why be a Church Architect or Surveyor?

Introducing the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association

Wendy Coombey, author of the 'Crossing the Threshold' toolkit:.

Working with the Parochial Church Council (PCC): Understanding constraints and building positive working relationships.

Andrew Caskie, Managing Director, Nicholson & Co.

Necessary considerations for pipe organs when planning or executing building and repair projects.

Janet Berry, Head of Conservation and Collections Policy, Church Buildings Council.

Heating for comfort of the people, building, and historic interiors. Janet will provide an overview on the relationship between heating, the building fabric, and historic interiors. She will talk about the range of conservation advice available, and how best to integrate conservation into church projects.

Lee Westcott, Net Zero Programme Manager at Gloucester, Hererford & Worcester Dioceses.

Giving 'due regard' to Net Zero.

Adrian Fox, Environmental Sustainability Officer, Church Buildings Council.

Why technology is the last decision. A heating system is the output of a chain of reasoning. If we choose technology first, the strategy becomes distorted. If we choose a strategy first, the technology becomes clearer. Let’s explore what heating technologies are available and why the meet or fall short of expectations.

Lunch

A buffet lunch will be provided, please send any dietary requirements to us at [email protected] when you make your booking.

Venue

Worcester, St Helen's was re-ordered in 2023 and now provides an accessible venue with kitchenette and WC facilities. Prior to and certainly following its reordering, St Helen's has been growing as a community, offering Alpha Course, a women's group, parent and toddler group, and other activities (along with venue hire!).

Travel & parking

Worcester St Helen's is in the heart of the city, with the following access options:

By train (closest station Worcester Foregate Street, approx. 10 mins away)

By bus (closest main terminal Worcester Crowngate, approx. 10 mins away)

By car (closest car parks are NCP Worcester Cathedral Square, which has more even access and is the closest car park at 2 mins away; or Copenhagen Street Car Park approx. 5 mins away (please note there is a significant incline to this car park)).

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Diocese of Worcester Church Buildings Team