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ACAT’s Training Newsletter
October 2025
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Hi Guest,
Like many churches, mine is hosting its harvest festival this month, a time to pause, give thanks for God’s provision, and remember those who have less. It’s always great to see how these celebrations bring people together.
This month also brings some key opportunities for us at ACAT. Two in particular stand out: our free webinar, ACAT is Becoming a CIO, and our annual ACAT Conference and AGM.
The webinar on Wednesday 15 October is your chance to ask questions and hear directly why ACAT is becoming a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. We want every member to feel informed about this step in our journey. Do join us for an hour of Q&A.
But most of all we’re looking forward to seeing you at the ACAT Conference and AGM on Saturday 1 November in Manchester. This is the highlight of the year: a chance to learn from experts, connect with others and be reminded you’re not alone in the ministry of church finance and governance. Places are going fast, and with only a couple of weeks left to book, we are already close to fully booked, so don’t delay. Whether you’re a long-serving treasurer or just starting out, there will be something to equip and encourage you. If you can’t be there in person, do use the livestream option and invite others from your church who might benefit.
Alongside these main events our autumn training programme continues with courses on the treasurer’s role, accruals accounting, trustee responsibilities, Gift Aid and preparing for an independent examination. If you see something that could help you or your church, don’t wait to book.
Thanks for the faithful work you do in your churches. We look forward to learning and growing with you in the weeks ahead.
God bless,
Cath Fox
Administration Officer (Training)
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/
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Autumn Training Programme
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Being a Treasurer: The Basics
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3 session course – Session one has already happened
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Date: Thursday 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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Accruals Accounting – Accounts for Larger Churches
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Two session course
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Date: Saturday 22 November and 6 December
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Confused or overwhelmed by the complexities of accruals accounting or simply looking for assurance that you are doing things correctly?
Why not join our two-session course on accruals accounting and understand more about the concept of accruals basis accounting?
This is a two-session course, and we highly recommend that you attend both sessions if at all possible.
Who is it for?
This course is designed for church treasurers, trustees, finance managers, and anyone involved in managing church finances, where your church is required, or has chosen, to use accruals accounting.
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Trustee Training for Churches
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Two session course
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Date: Saturday 22 November and 6 December
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Trustees are those who care, control and manage your church as a charity – what does that mean?
ACAT’s Trustee Training for Churches course has been designed to equip trustees with the skills they need to meet their legal and moral obligations to manage their churches well.
This is a two-session course, and we highly recommend that you attend both sessions if at all possible.
Who is it for?
This course is designed for all those who are involved in the care, control and management of your church as a charity including PCC members, elders, treasurers etc. Any and all trustees and potential trustees.
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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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Preparing for an Independent Examination
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How confident are you that you are prepared for your next Independent Examination?
Preparing for an Independent Examination of your church’s accounts can feel daunting, especially if you’re unsure of what’s required or how best to get ready. This course is designed to give you clear, practical guidance so you can approach the process with confidence, understand what examiners are looking for, and ensure your church’s records are in good order.
Who is it for?
For all those involved in preparing for the independent examination of their church’s accounts.
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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 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 October 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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