Amazingly, we are almost at the end of April, the fourth month of our Gregorian calendar.

Traditionally, in the Northern Hemisphere, it signals the beginning of spring, and in the Southern Hemisphere, Autumn. April represents growth, new beginnings, and green shoots on their journeys to becoming established plants.

This month has been marked by both notable achievements and significant challenges across the world. Artemis II launched on 1 April. The crew became the first humans to travel beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972, reaching a maximum distance of roughly 252,756 miles from Earth

Sadly, however, the conflict in the Middle East shows no sign of abating with serious global economic consequences.

All of which is a reminder that whatever is happening on the world’s stage, our work and responsibilities providing essential financial management and governance in our churches continue.

The ACAT Training Programme for the summer and into the early autumn is now available. Do take time to have a look and perhaps invest in acquiring some additional knowledge.

Table of Contents:

• What’s new
  • Farewell Peter
  • Reminder – All churches that employ staff, Employment law changes from April 2026
  • How secure is your church?
  • The Quiet Revival? Is the Church really growing?
  • ACAT Conference 2026 – Keynote speaker announcement
  • Regulator emphasises that religiously motivated giving must adhere to its code
  • Faith organisations among the lowest referring sectors to DBS – Training available
  • Good financial health starts with good financial habits
  • Enjoying this month’s highlights?
• Points to Ponder
  • Charities achieve £5bn increase in impact spending amidst ongoing financial squeeze
  • A Rocha UK’s Eco Church programme equips churches in England and Wales to care for creation
  • An ecumenical gathering urges the need to listen to Gen Z concerns
  • Senior churchman steps back during financial audit of church funds
• Partners in Ministry
  • Mind the Gap Conference
  • Leading supermarkets offering £100s a year in free funding!
  • It’s Take Five Week – 5 ways to protect your church or charity
• ACAT Training Programme
• Charities Engagement Team – Upcoming webinars
• Final Thought

God bless,

Ashley Ellis
ACAT Executive Officer

P.S. To make sure you don’t miss important updates, please add @acat.uk.com to your safe senders list. Some members have found our emails ending up in spam folders. We’ve put together a simple guide for Outlook, Gmail and other email providers at: https://www.acat.uk.com/make-sure-you-get-acat-emails/

Farewell Peter

For those of you who don’t know, Peter has run our helpline here at ACAT for the past 5 years. He has been integral in helping our members get answers to their specific questions, often going above and beyond to provide the most detailed and specific advice he can.

I’m sure you would like to join us in thanking him for his years of service and wish him a happy retirement. Please pray for Peter as he starts this new chapter in his life. Although Peter has retired from his role running the helpline, he will still be helping to lead some of our courses, so you may see him there.

As Peter departs, we are delighted to welcome Alice, who takes over the helpline. If you have a question, please do get in touch with her via our website.

Reminder – All churches that employ staff, Employment law changes from April 2026

#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, #Encouraged Action

A gentle reminder of the Employment Law changes coming into force from April. Those likely to affect churches are summarised as follows:

• Increase in the National Minimum Wage:
  Workers aged 21 & over – £12.71 per hour
  Workers aged 18 to 20 – £10.85 per hour
• Statutory Sick Pay: More employees will qualify, with no earnings threshold and no three-day waiting period. The weekly rate for statutory sick pay rises to £123.25 (£24.65 per day Monday to Friday) from 6 April 2026 (and 80% of weekly pay for those who do not earn this much each week).
• Day-one family leave: Employees are entitled to Paternity Leave and Unpaid Parental Leave from the first day in a new job. 
• Weekly rates of statutory maternity, adoption, paternity, shared parental, neonatal care and parental bereavement pay: An increase to £194.32, up from £187.18. The increases take effect on the first Sunday in April, which in 2026 is 5 April. There are also new rights to time off following the death of a child’s mother or primary carer.
• Collective redundancy protections: Increase in the protective award for non-compliance. The cap on weekly pay for statutory redundancy pay is likely to rise from £719 per week to an anticipated £751 per week.

• Whistleblowing protections: Stronger protections for workers who report sexual harassment.
• Simpler enforcement through the Fair Work Agency: A new body to uphold workers’ rights and support businesses with compliance.

Suggested actions

• Review Contracts of Employment to ensure that they reflect the policy changes in the absence due to sickness, paternity, or bereavement, etc.
• Ensure payroll is aware of rate changes.
• Communicate the policy and financial changes to staff.
• Verify that staff currently absent are being paid the correct rates from April.

How secure is your church? 

#Church Life & Community, #News, #Encouraged Action

It has been reported that in 2025, approximately 4,000 churches across the country were subjected to theft and vandalism. More than 700 related crimes were committed in churches and other religious buildings across Yorkshire, the majority of which involved theft and criminal damage.

These figures were revealed by freedom of information requests (FOL) by the Countryside Alliance, which said that criminals are treating churches as “easy targets”.

For many, particularly in rural areas, churches remain the heart of a community and the cost, not just financially but also in terms of the personal and psychological effect on church members, can be devastating.

So, the question arises: How secure is your church? When did you last review your building alarm systems? Are you adequately insured, particularly in respect of any historic valuables, silverware, etc? Where are these items stored? Is it secure?

The Church of England has produced comprehensive guidance on all aspects of security and crime prevention, including cyber-crime. Guidance which is readily available to all.

Ecclesiastical insurance also provides comprehensive guidance, particularly for those churches that are open during the week, either for general visitors or because of various events which take place regularly.

The message here is clear. Don’t take security issues for granted. Ignoring the potential risks is likely to be costly. The current economic situation only increases the possibility of theft. This, however, does not mean our churches should be locked fortresses, but measures can be put in place to make sure the building is safe, while still accessible to all.

The Quiet Revival? Is the Church really growing?

#Church Life & Community, #News, #Information Only

At the end of March, YouGov, which carried out The Bible Society’s ‘Quiet Revival’ report, announced that some of the underlying data in the report was faulty. YouGov found during an investigation that some responses were fraudulent. The Bible Society has responded, saying that although this news may feel disappointing, there are countless stories of spiritual awakening among Gen Z, an increase in Bible studies, a growing number of adults being baptised or confirmed, and increased attendance at evangelism courses. While the national data is now uncertain, they suggest that there are still signs of spiritual curiosity in many places.

However, the Quiet Revival report was questioned soon after publication by academics who argued that its findings did not align with other data sources, such as the British Social Attitudes survey and the Church of England figures.

It is also important that, as churches, we are careful not to overstate growth or rely too heavily on uncertain data. Honest reflection and integrity matter, especially when we are talking about something as significant as spiritual renewal.

What is the evidence in your church that you are seeing your church grow? Is there a greater interest from your community?

ACAT Conference 2026 – Keynote speaker announcement

We’re delighted to say that Gavin Smith, the founder of The Church Office, is going to be joining us at the ACAT Conference 2026 as our keynote speaker.

Gavin brings over 22 years of experience in church management and administration. He has a real passion for the gospel that’s all about helping churches flourish, especially by supporting the people who do all the important stuff behind the scenes. His keynote will be all about mission and ministry, and the vital role that treasurers and trustees play in getting churches on their feet.

Before working in the church world, Gavin worked for the local council’s Youth and Community department, got a degree in Youth and Community and was then seconded to the Welsh Assembly Government to work on youth policy. All that experience has given him a practical, mission-focused approach to church leadership and administration.

Outside work, Gavin is a great fan of paddle boarding, barbecues and football, and he even used to play for Cardiff City back in the day, still managing to nutmeg the odd player (especially anyone who thinks he’s getting a bit old now!). He is also a director of UCAN (UK Church Administrators Network).

Gavin lives in Newport, South Wales, with his wife Emma, their four children, and a fluffy dog called Max.

As Gavin often says (and we’ve got a feeling he’ll be saying it loud and clear at the ACAT Conference 2026) the work that gets done behind the scenes is what makes mission happen. He knows that treasurers and trustees play a rock-solid, mission-critical role in church life.

We’re absolutely thrilled to have Gavin on board with us at ACAT Conference 2026. It’s going to be an uplifting start to the conference.

Regulator emphasises that religiously motivated giving must adhere to its code

#Finance & Fundraising, #News, #Encouraged Action

The regulator, responsible for policing the fundraising code of practice, has provided a timely reminder to faith-based charities that care is needed in respect of certain categories of donation.

Issues during the past year, in which the Fundraising Regulator has become involved, have demonstrated the risks which can arise when fundraising activity is carried out as part of worship, in a faith-based organisation. 

The distinction is between general fundraising and donations made as offerings as an expression of faith. On some occasions, the latter are made and even suggested in the hope of receiving some “divine intervention” to cure a health or other related issue.

However, the Code of Fundraising Practice defines a donation as a voluntary gift of money or property that is voluntarily given and accepted without expecting or receiving something in return. In the cases investigated by the regulator, all such donations received as part of “worship” met the code of practice definition of a charitable donation.

When considering any form of fundraising, be it for a substantial project or as a challenge to church members’ personal giving, it is always good practice to consult either the Fundraising Regulator or the Charity Commission guidance on the subject (CC20). 

Faith organisations among the lowest referring sectors to DBS – Training available

Did you know that churches have a legal duty to refer individuals who have been or would have been dismissed for harming or posing a risk of harm to vulnerable people? The Disclosure and Barring Service has said that faith organisations are among the sectors making the fewest referrals, despite having a large number of volunteers and workers. This, they say, could suggest that faith organisations, including churches, may not be meeting their legal obligations under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006.

To help these organisations understand their legal responsibilities, the service has expanded its campaign and has released new dates for pop-up clinics.

It is vital that all trustees and leaders understand their legal duties and responsibilities; a lack of understanding can put those who are meant to be cared for at risk. Please check the pop-up clinics and attend where possible. If you are at all unsure about your responsibilities, do seek advice and read more below.

• guidance on the legal duty to refer to DBS 
• leaflets such as Barring Referrals – How and when to make one 
• a step-by-step flowchart explaining the referral process 

Good financial health starts with good financial habits

#Finance & Fundraising, #News, #Encouraged Action

As the new financial year gets underway, the Charity Commission has issued a timely reminder to charities, and therefore churches, that now is a good time to take stock of finances and realistically question the resilience of church financial health.

Many local communities are dependent on the direct and indirect support provided by our churches in so many ways, including:

• Food banks
• Drop-in centres for senior members
• Parent & Toddlers groups
• Bereavement support 
• Lunch clubs
• Regular acts of worship

The general view is that the current economic challenges are unlikely to abate any time soon. Pressures, in the form of reduced giving on the one hand and increased costs on the other, will squeeze church finances. 

The Commission has also provided a link to guidance for charity trustees originally published in 2017, which suggests fifteen key finance-related questions which members of governing bodies should periodically ask of their organisation. These are summarised below with appropriate church-related amendments. 

• What effect is the current economic climate having on our church and its activities?
• Are we financially strong enough to continue to provide services for those we seek to serve?
• Do we know what impact the social and/or economic climate is having on our members who give regularly?
• What is our policy on reserves? Is it adequate?
• Are we satisfied with our banking arrangements and our current and future investment policy?
• Have we reviewed our contractual commitments?
• Have we reviewed any contracts we have to provide local community services?
• If we have a pension scheme, have we reviewed it recently?
• How can we make the best use of any permanent endowment investments we hold?
• Are we an effective trustee body in respect of all aspects of governance & safeguarding?
• Do we have adequate safeguards in place to prevent fraud?
• Are we making the best use of the financial benefits we have as a church (e.g. Gift Aid)?
• Are we making the best use of our staff and volunteers?
• Have we considered collaborating with other churches?
• Are we making the best use we can of our property?

Food for thought and issues which we ignore at our cost. 

However, the one dimension that should underpin all our financial planning and reflection is prayer. Not as an afterthought, but at the beginning, throughout our deliberations and when consensus has hopefully been reached. 

Charities achieve £5bn increase in impact spending amidst ongoing financial squeeze

#Finance & Fundraising, #News, #Information Only.

The Charity Commission reported recently that for the 2024 financial year, charities increased their spending by £5 billion despite the economic challenges. The message appears to be that, despite the continuing financial situation, charities are continuing to make a significant impact on local communities through their work.

There is also a reminder of the Commission’s Finance Toolkit available to all charities, which aims to provide advice on building resilience into financial planning to combat economic challenges.

Against this background, the current questions for all church treasurers and trustees are:

• Are church members aware of the issues and responding with increased giving?
• To what extent are budgets being stretched?
• Does the financial planning provide any resilience to combat increased costs?
• Is the work of the church being adversely impacted?

A Rocha UK’s Eco Church programme equips churches in England and Wales to care for creation

#Church Life & Community, #News, #Encouraged Action

Many of our members may be aware of the A Rocha UK programme to protect and restore the natural world, and as part of that, encourage and equip Christians and churches in the UK to care for the environment in very practical ways.

It is reported that more than 1,000 Methodist churches are now enrolled in the Eco Church scheme by A Rocha UK, with over 700 of them having received an award, reflecting the Church’s deepening commitment to creation care and its Action for Hope net zero ambitions.

The Eco Church programme is provided free of charge to assist as many churches as possible in celebrating what they’re doing to care for the environment and deciding on their environmental priorities.

The fact that 1,000 Methodist churches have signed up to the A Rocha programme raises the question, How many of our members have an active environmental policy?

The principle of stewardship extends beyond finance to the created world, specifically to how we manage the environment in which our churches are situated and the resources we use.

From a purely financial investment perspective, the returns may be difficult to quantify. However, a proactive environmental policy is a demonstration that our churches are taking the challenge of managing their small piece of the created world seriously.

An ecumenical gathering urges the need to listen to Gen Z concerns

#Church Life & Community, #News, #Information Only

The extent of the Quiet Revival may be open to question, but the consequences surrounding it are being felt among a significant number of churches. 

A recent ecumenical event hosted by the United Reformed Church in London and organised by Youth Ministry Roundtable – a network of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland – identified a number of issues that churches are grappling with as they look to welcome those born between 1997 and 2012.

In summary, these issues are as follows:

• A general sense of purposelessness and loneliness
• Polarised views of society and confrontational language, which is alien to church life
• Lives dominated by social media, where fake news can be difficult to identify
• A generation wrestling with many questions
• A general search for spiritual enlightenment wherever it may be found
• People looking for forums where their views can be heard

The church has traditionally been viewed as a place where the stranger is welcome, whoever they are and whatever they bring with them, because of the transformation which Christ can bring about in their lives.

The challenge for the 21st century church is to be a community where this particular group of articulate adults feel able to express all that they are searching for and are concerned about in an open environment. This should be a community which, whilst not condemnatory or condescending, listens and engages in a sensitive Holy Spirit-led way without compromise.

For those of us whose life experiences have had to contend with similar challenges, finding that faith overcomes them is a real opportunity, provided those seeking answers are respected and encouraged in their search.

It would be helpful to hear of members’ experiences in ministering to this generation’s needs and what that ministry looks like.

Senior churchman steps back during financial audit of church funds

#Charity Governance & Regulation, #News, #Encouraged Action.

The Bishop of Salisbury has voluntarily stepped back from his role as Diocesan Bishop whilst a financial audit is being undertaken following allegations of potential financial irregularities in relation to two separate funds. 

These funds relate to the bishop’s office and are separate from the Parish Share contributions and other funds for which the Diocesan Board of Finance is directly responsible.

Whatever the circumstances which have brought about this investigation, they serve to remind all members of church governing bodies of the importance of transparent, accountable financial management. 

Potential conflicts of interest where financial decision-making is concerned are easily overlooked, as is the need for appropriate documentation supporting any substantial payments, transfers or withdrawals of funds.

Mind the Gap Conference

Our partners over at The Church Office are running a conference for church leaders, operations managers, trustees, PCC members, and key team members leading in that space.

Much of church leadership doesn’t happen on the platform; it happens in the GAP.

The space between vision and delivery. Between responsibility and authority. Between senior leaders and the wider team.

Through practical teaching and honest conversation, they will explore:

• What life in the GAP really feels like and how to navigate it well.
• The skills needed to lead with clarity in complexity.
• How to work effectively with senior leaders and teams.
• How to lead with influence

The conference will be running once in the north and once in the south:

The South Conference: 16 September

The North Conference: 29 September

Gavin Smith, founder of The Church Office, will be our keynote speaker at the ACAT Conference 2026, and we encourage you to learn more about the Mind the Gap Conference as well as ACAT’s.

Leading supermarkets offering £100s a year in free funding!

All the leading supermarkets, including Tesco, Morrisons, ASDA, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Iceland, and Ocado will give free donations to your church. Whenever you and other members of your network order online from them via easyfundraising, an average of £1 – £2 is raised per order (more for new customers). Each member of your congregation could easily generate over £100 of unrestricted funding in a year, as many will already be getting their groceries delivered. A huge help in funding your running costs, maintenance, events and more – year round!

If you’re not already benefitting, register your church with easyfundraising today and ask your congregation to join in support.

It’s Take Five Week – 5 ways to protect your church or charity

#TakeFiveWeek #StopChallengeProtect

Richard Hunt, Chief Commercial Officer, CAF Bank, has provided this item to raise awareness of the Take Five Week.

Fraud takes time, money and energy away from the communities that churches and charities exist to serve. It’s Take Five Week, which is a good moment to remind ourselves of some simple, effective ways to reduce fraud risks.

Here are five practical steps to help protect you and your church:

1. Never share security details
Do not share PINs, one‑time passcodes (OTPs) or full passwords for telephone or online banking. A legitimate bank will never ask for these details.

2. Pause before you act
Always check unexpected messages, before acting on them – even if they appear to come from a colleague, supplier or someone else you know. 

3. Understand how your bank makes contact
Banks may use phone calls, emails, text messages, letters or secure in-app or online banking messages to contact customers – for example, to check a payment. They do not normally use messenger services, such as WhatsApp, or ask you to join a video call.

4. Challenge authority‑based requests
Fraudsters often impersonate banks, the police or other authority figures. Always verify requests using known, trusted contact details before responding.

5. Take care when buying online
Be cautious when using online marketplaces. Check the seller before paying for goods or services. Warning signs include pressure to act quickly, unusual payment requests or offers that seem too good to be true.

If you spot any suspicious activity on your account, contact your bank immediately. You should also report the incident to the relevant authorities – for example, via Report Fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or Police Scotland (101) in Scotland.

• The Church Treasurer: Insights into the role and responsibilities
  • Date: Wednesday 27 May
  • Time: 7 – 8 PM

• Introduction to being a Church Trustee: Some things to think about
  • Date: Tuesday 2 June
  • Time: 10 AM – 4 PM

• Generating Income and Grant Applications (In-person)
  • Date: Saturday 6 June
  • Time: 7 – 8 PM
  • Location: Cambridge

• Being a Treasurer: The Basics (3-session course)
  • Date: Thursday 11, 18, 25 June
  • Time: 7 – 9 PM

• Charities SORP 2026: an Introduction
  • Date: Monday 15 June
  • Time: 7 – 8 PM

• Trustee Training for Churches (2-session course)
  • Date: Saturday 4, 11 July
  • Time: 10 AM – 12 Noon

• Gift Aid: Maximising the benefits and reducing the pitfalls
  • Date: Monday 6 July
  • Time: 7 – 9 PM

• Introduction to Computer Security for churches
  • Date: Tuesday 14 July
  • Time: 7.30 – 8.30 PM

• ACAT Conference 2026
  • Date: Saturday 17 October
  • Time: 9.30 AM
  • Location: Bristol

• ACAT Conference 2026 – Livestream
  • Date: Saturday 17 October
  • Time: 9.30 AM

If you have any questions about our training, please contact Cath Fox.

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.

Courses for May are open for bookings.

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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.