The Diocese of Gloucester covers Gloucestershire and parts of South Gloucestershire with around 300 parishes. Bishop Rachel Treweek was the first female bishop to sit in the House of Lords (2015). Gloucester Cathedral is notable as one of the few places with nave-roof solar PV (150 panels installed 2016, faculty granted by Bishop Rachel Treweek herself).
The Diocese of Gloucester at a glance
- Bishop
- Bishop Rachel Treweek
- Coverage
- Gloucestershire, parts of South Gloucestershire
- Parishes
- ~300 CofE parishes
- Net zero target
- 2030
- Chancellor (faculty)
- June Rodgers
- Capital programme
- Gloucester Diocese Environment Fund
- Maximum diocesan grant
- £20,000
Notable historic churches in the diocese
- Gloucester Cathedral (150-panel nave-roof PV installed 2016)
- Tewkesbury Abbey
- Cirencester St John Baptist
- Cheltenham Minster (St Mary)
- Stroud St Laurence
Funding stack for Gloucester parish solar
A typical parish solar project in the Diocese of Gloucester combines multiple funding routes to achieve 80-100% capex cover:
| Grant source | Value range | Typical share of capex |
|---|---|---|
| Gloucester Diocese Environment Fund | Up to £20,000 | 35-55% |
| Buildings for Mission (CofE national) | £10,000-£50,000 | 40-60% |
| Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme | 20% of capex | 20% |
| Gloucestershire County Council climate emergency funds | Variable | 5-10% |
Faculty jurisdiction in the Diocese of Gloucester
For Church of England parishes in the Diocese of Gloucester, any works to a consecrated building — including solar PV — require a faculty granted by the Chancellor, June Rodgers, on the advice of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). For a well-prepared solar application, the typical timescale from PCC resolution to faculty grant is 10-18 weeks for non-listed and Grade II buildings, extending to 18-26 weeks for Grade II* and Grade I where Historic England consultation is required.
We have prepared faculty applications across the Diocese of Gloucester and know the DAC office, diocesan architect, and Net Zero Officer personally. See our 2026 PCC guide to faculty jurisdiction for the full process, or our faculty application service page for our delivery approach.
Cities and towns covered in the Diocese of Gloucester
We deliver across the Gloucestershire, parts of South Gloucestershire footprint, with particular activity in:
How we work with Diocese of Gloucester parishes
- Free desk feasibility — system size, capex, grant routes specific to Gloucester, PCC-ready report inside 7 working days
- On-site survey — structural and electrical engineers; engagement with diocesan architect
- Faculty application — Statement of Significance, Statement of Needs, DAC consultation, representation at chancery
- Grant applications — Gloucester Diocese Environment Fund, Buildings for Mission, Listed Places of Worship VAT scheme
- Install and commission — typically 1-3 weeks on site, with full PCC training and monitoring active
- Post-commissioning — Eco Church credit logged, parish magazine feature, annual carbon report
Common questions — Diocese of Gloucester parish solar
How many CofE parishes does the Diocese of Gloucester have?
Approximately 300 parishes across Gloucestershire, parts of South Gloucestershire.
Who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Gloucester?
June Rodgers grants faculties for solar installations on consecrated parish buildings.
What is the diocese's net zero target?
The Diocese of Gloucester has committed to net zero by 2030, in line with (or ahead of) the Church of England's national 2030 General Synod commitment.
What grant funding is available for Gloucester parish solar?
The principal route is the Gloucester Diocese Environment Fund, with awards up to £20,000. This combines with national Buildings for Mission grants, the Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme, and charitable trust funding to typically cover 50-100% of capex.
How long does a faculty application take in the Diocese of Gloucester?
For a well-prepared solar faculty application, 10-18 weeks for non-listed and Grade II buildings; longer for Grade II* and Grade I where Historic England consultation is required.
Related dioceses and resources
RELATED DIOCESES