Master of the faculties

The Master of the Faculties is a functionary in the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury and has some important powers in English law, in particular the appointment and regulation of public notaries. The position is now always held by the Dean of Arches.

The Master of Faculties has retained his historical responsibility with respect to public notaries in England and Wales. This regulatory function is now subject to the statutory provisions of the Public Notaries Acts 1801 and 1843, and the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990. The Master of Faculties is an approved regulator under the Legal Services Act 2007: it is the sole relevant approved regulator for notaries but is also a relevant approved regulator for certain dealings in land registration and real property, and for probate and the administration of oaths.

The Master of Faculties also has responsibility for the issue of special licences for marriage in England and Wales, and for Lambeth degrees.

Public notaries in some Commonwealth jurisdictions, such as New Zealand and Queensland, Australia, are still appointed through the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, though in all other Australian States and Territories they are appointed by the relevant Supreme Court.

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