View the report of last year’s conference
ACAT is grateful to CCLA which returned as headline sponsor for the event. CCLA is one of the UK’s leading fund managers for Christian churches and charities with 60 years’ experience providing competitive and attractive investment management services.
ACAT welcomed a range of expert speakers on a diverse range of topics with universal relevance to church treasurers drawn from all denominations. These speakers included:
Janie is executive director of The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR), which works to promote economic justice, human rights and environmental sustainability. Through shareholder activism and advocacy, ECCR encourages companies to meet the highest standards of corporate responsibility and transparency while also working with faith communities to uphold the same high standards through the responsible use and investment of their money.
Matthew is a partner in the employment team at Anthony Collins Solicitors, which exists “to improve lives, communities and society”. The firm has worked with charities and other not-for-profit bodies since 1973 and is are independently ranked in the top five national law firms for such work. Anthony Collins works with churches and faith-based groups of all kinds and sizes to help them achieve their mission, whether that’s to share their faith or transform society.
Jeff is senior accountant with the Charity Commission’s accountancy services team. He has worked in accounts and finance for nearly forty years in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. He joined the Commission in 2008 and has advised on finance and compliance issues and helps lead proactive monitoring and project work.
The Reverend Dr Hayley Matthews is formerly chaplain to MediaCityUK and is currently the director of lay training for the Diocese of Leeds. Hayley will be bringing her insight into the best way churches can harness the power of digital.
Chris is Christian Aid’s digital engagement lead and has substantial experience in running marketing, digital and social media programmes. Chris, who previously worked on the government’s “Act on CO2” campaign, will be discussing how Christian Aid utilises social media to engage with the public.
ACAT invites several companies and organisations to our annual conference – some of whom generously choose to sponsor the event. This year, these included:
Independent Utility Consultant, Andrew SilleyIndependent utility consultant, Andrew Silley, provides clients with a winning formula for energy procurement, energy management and reducing consumption.
SimpleTaxTAX return software company GoSimpleTax uses the information church treasurers upload to calculate – in real time – their income and expenditure before pointing out any savings to be made. It submits this information directly to HMRC and includes bespoke “Minister of Religion” pages.
For further information go to http://l.gosimpletax.com/acat/
Liberty AccountsLiberty Accounts produces powerful and versatile cloud accounting and payroll software, designed for UK businesses and charities with specialist support for Anglican churches.
For details, log onto www.libertyaccounts.com/not-
Kingdom BankKingdom Bank is a Christian Bank with a mission to ‘Grow God’s Kingdom and Change People’s lives for good’. We work with many Churches offering a range of savings, lending and insurance products.
To explain more about what we do and how we can help your Church, please come and see us in the exhibition or visit https://www.kingdom.bank/
Data DevelopmentsData Developments has been specialising in the design of software for churches since 1985. The company’s range of software covers accounting, membership, donations and gift aid – and all are tailored for the requirements of churches. Data Development’s software is available as both desktop & cloud-based applications.
More information is available at http://www.datadevelopments.co.uk/
MCA Funding for Churches provides loans to churches and associated organisations at the lowest possible rate of interest. These loans are primarily intended to enable churches to acquire, develop or repair church buildings for the benefit and inspiration of the church and community. www.mcafundingforchurches.co.uk
The Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR) works to promote economic justice, human rights and environmental sustainability. Through shareholder activism and advocacy, ECCR encourages companies to meet the highest standards of corporate responsibility and transparency while also working with faith communities to uphold the same high standards through the responsible use and investment of their money. https://www.eccr.org.uk/
Christian Aid is a UK-headquartered charity that works in 37 countries helping people, regardless of religion or race. It works tirelessly to fight global poverty. As the official relief, development and advocacy agency of 41 sponsoring churches in Britain and Ireland, Christian Aid works as part of a worldwide church community. https://www.christianaid.org.uk/
National law firm Stone King works extensively with faith organisations in the charity sector. It has significant experience in the issues that affect churches of all denominations as they seek to fulfil their mission within the constraints of civil charity law and regulation. http://www.stoneking.co.uk/
ACIE works for those who carry out independent examination (IE). The association provides support and information for its members, charities and other interested parties. https://acie.org.uk/
Business Energy Team is an independent consultancy that specialises in helping churches and charities source cheaper energy prices. Its free reminder service ensures churches and charities can avoid paying higher out-of-contract prices. http://www.businessenergyteam.com/
Anthony Collins Solicitorsis a social purpose law firm which works across the country and is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals, communities and society. https://www.anthonycollins.com/
