The Diocese of Southwark covers Greater London south of the Thames and north-east Surrey — an estate of around 300 parishes with a strong mix of inner-city, suburban and outer-borough congregations. The Environmental Initiatives Fund supports parish renewable energy projects with Buildings for Mission integration.
The Diocese of Southwark at a glance
- Bishop
- Bishop Christopher Chessun
- Coverage
- Greater London south of the Thames, north-east Surrey
- Parishes
- ~300 CofE parishes
- Net zero target
- 2030
- Chancellor (faculty)
- Philip Petchey KC
- Capital programme
- Southwark Diocese Environmental Initiatives Fund
- Maximum diocesan grant
- £25,000
Notable historic churches in the diocese
- Southwark Cathedral
- St George's Cathedral RC
- St Mary's Battersea
- St John the Divine Kennington
- Christ Church Streatham
Funding stack for Southwark parish solar
A typical parish solar project in the Diocese of Southwark combines multiple funding routes to achieve 80-100% capex cover:
| Grant source | Value range | Typical share of capex |
|---|---|---|
| Southwark Diocese Environmental Initiatives Fund | Up to £25,000 | 40-60% |
| Buildings for Mission (CofE national) | £10,000-£50,000 | 40-60% |
| Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme | 20% of capex | 20% |
| GLA London Environment Strategy support | Variable | 5-10% |
Faculty jurisdiction in the Diocese of Southwark
For Church of England parishes in the Diocese of Southwark, any works to a consecrated building — including solar PV — require a faculty granted by the Chancellor, Philip Petchey KC, 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 Southwark 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 Southwark
We deliver across the Greater London south of the Thames, north-east Surrey footprint, with particular activity in:
How we work with Diocese of Southwark parishes
- Free desk feasibility — system size, capex, grant routes specific to Southwark, 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 — Southwark Diocese Environmental Initiatives 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 Southwark parish solar
How many CofE parishes does the Diocese of Southwark have?
Approximately 300 parishes across Greater London south of the Thames, north-east Surrey.
Who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Southwark?
Philip Petchey KC grants faculties for solar installations on consecrated parish buildings.
What is the diocese's net zero target?
The Diocese of Southwark 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 Southwark parish solar?
The principal route is the Southwark Diocese Environmental Initiatives Fund, with awards up to £25,000. 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 Southwark?
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.