The Archdeacon carries out a visitation to every parish (and usually to all the church buildings within the parish) on a three-yearly cycle. (This is not the same as the Archdeacon's Annual Visitation at which Churchwardens are admitted). The purpose of the visitation is to check that the parish is complying with the requirements of various Measures; in particular, the Inspection of Churches Measures 1955, the Parochial Registers and Records Measure 1978 and the Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 1991.
Visitations will entail inspection of parochial registers and records, inventory and log book; examination of minute and account books; review of progress on quinquennial works; and inspection of specific matters of concern in the buildings and curtilage, and in relation to diocesan requirements and parish policies. There may also be an opportunity for discussion with the incumbent and key lay officers or the whole PCC. A report by the Archdeacon will be made after each visitation has been completed.
Area Deans may at the request of the Archdeacon undertake a visitation on behalf
of the Archdeacon.
