The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham covers Nottinghamshire with around 240 parishes. Unusually, the diocesan cathedral is Southwell Minster (a parish church-cathedral hybrid) rather than a building in the principal city of Nottingham. Active Eco-Diocese programme with strong parish-level engagement.
The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham at a glance
- Bishop
- Bishop Paul Williams
- Coverage
- Nottinghamshire
- Parishes
- ~240 CofE parishes
- Net zero target
- 2030
- Chancellor (faculty)
- Charles Mynors
- Capital programme
- Southwell and Nottingham Diocese Eco-Diocese Programme
- Maximum diocesan grant
- £18,000
Notable historic churches in the diocese
- Southwell Minster (Cathedral and Parish Church)
- St Barnabas Cathedral RC (designed by Pugin)
- St Mary's Nottingham (Lace Market)
- St Peter's Nottingham
- All Saints Newark
Funding stack for Southwell and Nottingham parish solar
A typical parish solar project in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham combines multiple funding routes to achieve 80-100% capex cover:
| Grant source | Value range | Typical share of capex |
|---|---|---|
| Southwell and Nottingham Eco-Diocese Programme | Up to £18,000 | 30-50% |
| Buildings for Mission (CofE national) | £10,000-£50,000 | 40-60% |
| 0% VAT on the installation (energy-saving materials relief) | Zero-rated to 31 Mar 2027 | 0% VAT |
| Nottingham Carbon Neutral 2028 capital grants | Variable | 5-10% |
Faculty jurisdiction in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham
For Church of England parishes in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, any works to a consecrated building — including solar PV — require a faculty granted by the Chancellor, Charles Mynors, 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 Southwell and Nottingham 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 Southwell and Nottingham
We deliver across the Nottinghamshire footprint, with particular activity in:
How we work with Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham parishes
- Free desk feasibility — system size, capex, grant routes specific to Southwell and Nottingham, 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 — Southwell and Nottingham Diocese Eco-Diocese Programme, 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 Southwell and Nottingham parish solar
How many CofE parishes does the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham have?
Approximately 240 parishes across Nottinghamshire.
Who is the Chancellor of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham?
Charles Mynors grants faculties for solar installations on consecrated parish buildings.
What is the diocese's net zero target?
The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham 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 Southwell and Nottingham parish solar?
The principal route is the Southwell and Nottingham Diocese Eco-Diocese Programme, with awards up to £18,000. 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 Southwell and Nottingham?
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