We are pleased to partner with the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers (ACAT), providing free membership for all parishes in the diocese.
ACAT is the charity for treasurers of all Christian churches. It aims to advance the Christian faith across all denominations by providing members with the most appropriate advice, training and information on accounting, financial, legal and other related issues. ACAT supports around 18,500 church treasurers across the UK - and this number is constantly growing.
What ACAT offers
• Clear, practical guidance on church finance and trustee responsibilities
• A comprehensive online Handbook covering topics such as Gift Aid, budgeting, annual accounts, and charity compliance
• Access to a member advice line for finance and governance queries
• Regular email newsletters with updates from ACAT, HMRC, and the Charity Commission
• Training courses and events, many delivered in partnership with dioceses
ACAT works closely with the diocesan team and partners with organisations such as CAF Bank, Benefact, Data Developments, and Parish Giving Scheme.
Accessing your free membership
The Diocese of Salisbury holds a block membership, but each Treasurer must register individually to access the member area and resources.
Create your ACAT account
This is a one-off process and gives you full access to ACAT resources:
1. Go to www.acat.uk.com and click Member log in (top right).
2. Log in using the ‘block’ username Salisbury1 and password Wilton.
3. Click “Click here to enter your account information” at the bottom of the page.
4. On the Membership Checkout page, select the HERE link in the Block Members section.
5. When prompted, enter the block code Salisbury1 to confirm a £0 fee.
6. Create your own username and password and complete your details.
This is a once-only procedure, and your own login credentials will subsequently provide full access to ACAT’s website. Any queries, please get in touch on 01246 767787 or email membership@acat.uk.com
Benefits of ACAT Membership
• Website: Members have access to a password-protected area of the ACAT website, which contains an online edition of our Handbook, exclusive news stories and other essential information.
• Handbook: A comprehensive, up-to-date guide on all matters relating to church finance. Areas covered include: GDPR; Bookkeeping; Preparing the Annual Report; Gift Aid; Independent Examination; Registration as a Charity; Risk Management; Copyright, Licences and Fundraising; VAT; Property Development
• Introductory Guide for New Church Treasurers: A booklet giving an overview of the new treasurer’s role.
• Members' Advice Line: Help whenever it’s required via phone or email.
• E-Newsletters: Providing you with the latest information from ACAT, HMRC and the Charity Commission, among many more.
• Training: ACAT runs a regular programme of training. Courses are delivered by experienced trainers or “partners” with strong backgrounds in church finance as well as experts in accountancy, tax and charity law. Topics covered include: Being a Treasurer—the Basics; Gift Aid & GASDS; Generating Income & Grant Applications; Independent Examination, Trustee Responsibilities; & Budgeting and Planning.
• Annual Conference: ACAT runs this larger event to address the most important issues in church finance. There are keynote speakers who are experts in their fields, and also a wide range of exhibitors from software providers, insurers, solicitors and energy suppliers.