starting a friends' group

Setting up a Friends’ Group need not be onerous. At the heart of the group will be a small board of Trustees, which should be representative, and ensure that the work of the group does not conflict with the needs of the worshipping community.

Think about who would be suitable as a patron and as trustees.  Think about the people who live locally and any notable people that may live in the community or be associated with the building.  The make up of your trustees will be important as they will inspire as well as drive the group forward.  You should also consider including the incumbent and some members of the congregation.  This will help with communication, enable ideas to flow both ways and help to make people feel that the Friends' Group is for the benefit of all and not a potential source of conflict.

The majority of Friends' Groups are divided into two types both with their own advantages and disadvantages. Whichever model you adopt you will need to define clear Terms of Reference which clearly articulate the role of the group and to prevent potential confusion going forward. Terms of Reference could include the following:

• To help towards the cost of preservation of the fabric of the building;
• To help towards the cost of repairs;
• To help towards the cost of the replacement of major items e.g. heating installation, rewiring of circuits, organs etc.;
• To help towards the maintenance costs of ornaments and furnishings;
• To help with the maintenance and upkeep of the churchyard;
• To promote the facilities and events in the building.

What type of Friends' Scheme should we adopt?

There are two distinct types of groups you may want to consider:

Option 1:

Establish a sub-committee under the authority of the PCC, or equivalent local managing body. This is a straightforward process as the group will fall under the larger body’s own charitable status. The group will report to the managing body but organise its own membership and events. A group of this kind may struggle to attract wider membership as it may be seen to be just another body already associated with the established worshipping community.

Option 2:

You can establish a new, and independent, organisation with its own charitable status. This type of group is independent from the local managing body and may find it much easier to attract a wider membership. Drawing members from outside the worshipping community has the potential to increase the number of people actively involved in caring for the building and increasing funds for fabric repairs.

The advantages and disadvantages of both options are clearly listed, along with some further guidance, on The Parish Resources Website. 

Option 2 has the greatest potential in successfully attracting people within the wider community to support the needs of your building. By being independent an independent body you will be able to clearly illustrate that you are an organisation dedicated to the conservation and community value of the building.