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Hi Guest,
The autumn term is now upon us, and we are gearing up for the conference and autumn training programme. Coming up in the next two weeks, we have three courses covering computer security, being a church trustee and being a treasurer. Please see below for more information on these courses; bookings for our computer security course close at 10.30 am Monday morning.
We’re delighted to say that we can now confirm most of our speakers and workshops for this year’s conference. Alongside our keynote speaker, Gavin Smith, we’ll be joined by Paul Bailey, Gerald Oppenheim (Chief Executive, Fundraising Regulator), Rev Dr Andrew Harper, Helen Armstrong, Margaret Birse and Jenny Jones, with more speakers still to be announced. Workshops confirmed so far include sessions on fundraising safely and effectively, AI and real accountability, rethinking church finances, Independent Examination top tips, giving campaigns, using AI to fill the gaps, and getting ready for grant funding, alongside the Charities SORP 2026 update, a bookstall from 10ofThose and the ACAT AGM.
The conference is being held on Saturday 17 October, and more details can be found on the conference page of our website. With only a month to go, make sure you book your space to join us for what is going to be a brilliant day.
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With thanks to our sponsors, CAF Bank and Epworth IM, for making this event possible.
The next SORP 2026 training will be offered in January and May 2027 and will incorporate any updates from the courses already delivered. Bookings for the January course will open in the next couple of months. In the meantime, there will be a shorter session on SORP 2026 at the Conference in October in Bristol. This will only be available for those attending in person, as this session will not be livestreamed.
For all the training available this term, please check out the website and below.
I hope your autumn gets off to a good start, and see you at the conference.
God bless,
Cath Fox
Administration Officer (Training)
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Introduction to Computer Security for churches
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Date: Monday 14 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.
This course was previously called ‘Computer Security for Churches – Protecting Your Digital Ministry‘.
To allow time for questions, the course can occasionally run over the advertised 1-hour length.
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.
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Introduction to being a Church Trustee: Some things to think about
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Date: Tuesday 22 September
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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.
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Being a Treasurer: The Basics (in-person event)
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Date: Saturday 26 September
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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 course covering legal duties, financial processes, budgeting, gift aid, and more – all presented by experienced trainers.
When booking please do advise of any dietary requirements.
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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Date: Saturday 17 October
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This year’s ACAT Conference and AGM will take place on Saturday 17 October 2026 at St Michael’s Centre, The Green, Stoke Gifford, Bristol, BS34 8PD.
Speaker and workshop details can be found on the conference page of our website by clicking the links below.
Tickets this year are £25 and, as ever, we encourage you to invite others from your church and those around you to come along together. I have no doubt that anyone engaged in finance, administration or governance within the church will benefit.
If travelling isn’t an option for you, we also have a live stream option. Those attending online can only follow the main sessions, and only those attending in person can vote at the 2026 ACAT AGM.
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Gift Aid: Maximising the benefits and reducing the pitfalls (Provisional)
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Date: Thursday 5 November
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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.
This course is still to be confirmed; please keep checking the website for further details.
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Budgets and Planning: Principles, Purpose and Practicalities
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Date: Thursday 12 November
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If your church had to make a major financial decision, would your budget help or hold you back?
This two-hour session introduces the principles, purpose, and practical structure of an effective church budget. It is designed to help treasurers and finance teams move from “budget as paperwork” to budget as a guide to shape decisions and priorities.
Who is it for?
This course is designed for church treasurers (new and experienced), Church administrators, PCC/Trustees finance leads, Clergy involved in financial oversight. Anyone else supporting budgeting or financial planning within a church context.
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How to account for church receipts and payments: Problems and Pitfalls
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Date: Wednesday 25 November
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How confident are you that your accounting records are accurate and ready for the Independent Examiner?
Understanding the type of activity that is generating church receipts and how the church funds are being spent, can assist the church trustees to accurately record and report where its funds are coming from and how the church is using those funds to further its charitable purposes, this course will give confidence in this understanding.
Who is it for?
For all those involved in preparing Receipts and Payments accounts for their churches, and Independent Examiners reviewing church Receipts and Payments accounts.
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How to account for church income and expenditure: Problems and Pitfalls
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Date: Thursday 3 December
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How confident are you that your accounting records are accurate and ready for the Independent Examiner?
Understanding the type of activity that is generating church income and how the church funds are being spent can assist the church trustees to accurately record and report where its funds are coming from and how the church is using those funds to further its charitable purposes, this course will give confidence in this understanding.
Who is it for?
For all those involved in preparing accruals accounts (under Charities SORP (FRS102)) for their church and Independent Examiners reviewing Fully Accrued church accounts.
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Dates for more courses coming soon – please keep checking the website for details and bookings.
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Charity Commission Webinars: September, October and November courses from the Charities Engagement Team are now open for booking. See events →
Feedback wanted: Taken one of our courses? A spare 5 minutes helps us keep improving. Leave feedback →
Booking deadlines: bookings close 24 hours before online sessions begin. To help with this, please do get your bookings in in good time.
Did you know? You can manage your newsletter subscription and update your details from your profile page. Just click your name (top right) after logging in.
Any questions? Email Cath – training@acat.uk.com
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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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