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ACAT’s Training Newsletter
September 2025
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Hi Guest,
Did you know that September 1 is the beginning of the ecumenical Season of Creation? During this season, Christians from around the world come together in prayer and action for our common home. First introduced by Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios I in 1989, the season runs until October 4 and brings together Eastern and Western traditions in a shared focus on God and the world he created.
In a similar spirit of preparation and stewardship, our autumn programme offers opportunities to build confidence and skills for your ministry. Whether it’s digital security, exploring new funding opportunities, gaining clarity in the role of treasurer or getting to understand Gift Aid better, these sessions are here to support you and your church.
Just to encourage you, some of our most popular courses have been nearly cancelled in the past because people waited too long to book. If you see something useful that would help you or your church, do book early. It helps us to know the session can go ahead, and you won’t miss out.
We also hope to offer trustee training and accruals accounting training before Christmas. Watch this space for details.
We’re looking forward to seeing you in November at the ACAT Conference and AGM — a day to connect and learn together in church finance and leadership.
Lastly, ACAT is becoming a CIO and is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, 15 October, for all those who want to find out more.
Take a look at the programme below and book your place. Thanks as always for all you do in your churches. I pray this season we rejoice in the goodness of God’s creation and our place within it.
God bless,
Cath Fox
Administration Officer (Training)
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Autumn Training Programme
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Introduction to Computer Security for churches
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Date: Tuesday 23 September
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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.
This course was previously called ‘Computer Security for Churches – Protecting Your Digital Ministry‘.
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Meet the Funder: easyfundraising. Free unrestricted funding for your church
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Date: Thursday 25 September
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We are offering a FREE webinar in conjunction with easyfundraising.
Wanting to access a new funding stream for your church?
easyfundraising is a free to use fundraising platform which your church can use to receive unrestricted funding on an ongoing basis. We want to help your church access this exciting opportunity to grow your churches finances.
easyfundraising’s Church Fundraising Manager Becky Coleman will:
- Explain and demonstrate how it works
- Show you how to get started
- Show you how to make the most of it
- Answer all your questions
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The Church Treasurer: Insights into the role and responsibilities
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Date: Tuesday 30 September
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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.
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Being a Treasurer: The Basics
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3 session course
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Date: Thursday 2, 9, 16 October
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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.
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ACAT is becoming a CIO – your opportunity to find out more.
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Date: Wednesday 15 October
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ACAT is simplifying its corporate structure and becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
We are offering a Question-and-Answer session to explain why ACAT is doing this, how it will differ from our existing corporate structure, and what the benefits to ACAT are.
Please join us if you have any questions about the process ACAT will be going through.
Who is it for?
All are welcome. This event aims to inform ACAT members about the reasons behind ACAT’s transition to a CIO and the benefits it will bring.
Please book your free place so that we can send you the link to join.
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Date: Saturday 1 November
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The ACAT Conference and AGM will take place on Saturday 1 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.
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Gift Aid: Maximising the benefits and reducing the pitfalls
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Are you adding to your church income by making the most of the tax relief from the donations your church receives?
This course is a guide for churches on how to correctly reclaim as much Gift Aid as possible, including what donations can (and cannot) be Gift Aided, and the records that need to be kept.
Who is it for?
This course is designed for church treasurers, trustees, finance managers, and anyone involved in Gift Aid management and submissions.
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Charities Engagement Team – Upcoming webinars
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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 September, October and November are available for booking.
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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.
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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.
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Thank you for your support.
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That’s it for our September training newsletter. As a brief reminder, the bookings for our online courses generally close 24 hours prior to their start date, and several days before our in-person events. Don’t forget to visit our website and follow us on social media to keep up to date with ACAT’s latest news, events and courses.
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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.
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