ACAT’s Training Newsletter

Is your church prepared for the digital risks that come with modern ministry?

As churches increasingly rely on online tools for communication, finance, and data management, it’s vital to understand how to protect your church from cyber threats. This course provides practical, easy-to-understand guidance on how to safeguard your church’s digital assets—from websites and emails to sensitive financial and personal information.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for church trustees, PCC members, administrators managing digital records, and any staff or volunteers involved in church finance, communication, or IT.

3 session course

Are you looking for a guide through the minefield that is being a church treasurer?

Navigate the complexities of being a church treasurer with confidence through our comprehensive three-session course covering legal duties, financial processes, budgeting, gift aid, and more – all presented by experienced trainers in a live Zoom webinar setting tailored for both new and seasoned treasurers.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for all those who are church treasurers whether new to the role or just needing a refresher. It is also for those who support church treasurers and would like to know what is involved.

Looking for a straightforward introduction to keeping simple church accounts?

Learn the essentials of Receipts and Payments accounting, legal requirements, and internal reporting to grow your confidence in managing church finances.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for church/charity treasurers operating simple Receipts and Payments accounting as well as anyone involved in bookkeeping these accounts. Interested trustees and finance managers are also welcome.

3 session course

How safe is your church? How confident are you that you are meeting your health and safety legal duties? Do you need help working out how safe is safe enough?

The online course is split into 3 sessions, each 2 hours long and is run as a zoom webinar or meeting depending on numbers.

Who is it for?

This course is for all those with responsibility for risk, health and safety in their church context, and is particularly recommended for all trustees, leaders and those in operations or administrative roles.

So you’ve been asked to be treasurer – where do you go to get a real insight into the role, what are you saying yes to?

Gain essential insights and confidence for your role as a church treasurer with practical tips from experienced trainer Robert Scott-Biggs.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for church treasurers new to the job, trustees looking for a new treasurer and those who have been asked to take on the role of church treasurer.

Are you adding to your church income by making the most of the tax relief from the donations your church receives?

This course provides a clear understanding of Gift Aid and the small donations scheme (GASDS), covering legal requirements, donor definitions, and essential record-keeping.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for church treasurers, trustees, finance managers, and anyone involved in gift aid management and submissions.

So you’ve been asked to be part of your church governing body – what do you need to know before saying yes?

This course provides insight for those considering joining their church’s governing body, exploring the role’s responsibilities, eligibility, and its biblical context.

Who is it for?

This course is designed for anyone who has been asked, or is considering offering, to be part of the governing body of your church, PCC etc. Also those who are looking for potential future trustees for their church governing body.

We’re pleased to share that this year’s ACAT Conference and AGM will take place on Saturday 1st November 2025 at Diocese of Manchester, St John’s House, 155–163 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0ND.

Our aim is simple: to gather, learn, and be encouraged in the ministry of church finance and governance. Whether you’re a seasoned treasurer, newly appointed trustee, or someone who quietly ensures the books balance each month—this day is for you.

Who is it for?

If you’re involved in your church in any way with finance, operations or governance, this is for you. Whether you’re part of a small chapel or a city centre church, you’ll find something here for you.

The Charity Commission for England and Wales registers and regulates charities to ensure that the public can support charities with confidence. Through regular events, the Charities Engagement Team supports trustees and charity leaders to manage their charities effectively.

Charities and Social Media
Tuesday, 20 May 12pm – 1pm

Trustee Duties
Tuesday, 3 June 12pm – 1pm

Safeguarding in a Faith Charity Context – Charity Commission Expectations
Tuesday, 10 June 9am – 12:30pm
In-person – waiting list only

Charity Commission’s expectations and the role of mediation
Thursday, 26 June 12pm – 1pm

To ensure our courses start promptly, bookings close 24 hours before online sessions begin. To help with this please do get your bookings in in good time.

If you have any trouble booking please do get in touch with Cath on training@acat.uk.com.

If you have previously taken one of our courses, and you have a spare 5 minutes, we would greatly appreciate you leaving us your feedback; any feedback helps us to continue to develop and enhance the training we currently offer as well as new courses in the future.

Charity no. 1072733 Registered address: Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers, C/O KM Accountants, 1st Floor, Block C, The Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG.