Click on a link below to jump straight to the content you require.
Treasurer Forum Sessions 2026 ACAT training for Treasurers – 2025 ACAT Conference ACAT membership Data Developments Return of Parish Finance Preparing the Financial Statements Church of England Webinars Exploring Cashbook Systems
Treasurer training and support is available from the Generous Giving Team. If you require support or would like to suggest a training topic please contact our Finance Resources Co-ordinator Samantha.amsden@durham.anglican.org
Treasurer Forum Sessions 2026
- Fraud Awareness (with Natwest) – 10 September 12:30pm (75 mins run time) – Virtual via Zoom
Fraud Webinar – The Giving Team have partnered with the NatWest Fraud Awareness Team to walk us through the latest online‑safety threats facing churches and charities. This practical cyber‑safety session looks at realistic emails, messages, and requests from colleagues, suppliers, and trusted organisations, covering password security, digital footprints, payment requests, malware, smishing, bank‑impersonation calls, and how fraudsters use AI. You’ll learn the simple steps that help keep you and your church safe, and you don’t need to bank with NatWest to attend.
- MyFundAccounting – 24 September and MyGivingOnline 25 September 2026 | 10am - 4pm
In house training with the Data Developments Team for My Fund Accounting (MFA) and My Giving Online (MGO) to help parishes manage their finances and manage their giving and gift aid. Each session covers the essentials you need — from everyday transactions and reporting through My Fund Accounting plus recording donations and making gift aid claims through My Giving Online. There will be plenty of opportunity ask questions.
- Venue - Cuthbert House. Lunch will be provided.
- Please bring a laptop or tablet that can use Wifi. If you have any queries, please contact the team at giving@durham.anglican.org. You can register here to attend one or both sessions.
- Data Development Clinc 25 September 2026
This clinic is for new and existing users of MFA or MGO who have bespoke queries or need help resolving specific issues. It’s a chance to visit the experts in person, get clear answers, and feel more confident with your parish systems. You can book your clinic slot here to secure a time that suits you.
- Venue - Cuthbert House.
- Introduction to Fundraising – 20th October 2026 – 1pm till 3pm
Do you have a church project in mind but don’t know where to start with fundraising? Ecclesiastical have developed a Church Fundraising Hub to help churches with this. Heather Ford, Church Support Manager with Ecclesiastical will lead the session and take us through their easy-to-follow resources to help you build a successful campaign. The Generous Giving Team will also walk us through the NEW Cornerstone Grants Database and how we can make the most of this latest tool.
- Venue - Cuthbert House.
ACAT training for treasurers
2026 training courses are available via the ACAT website. These sessions are not recorded so to fully benefit you will need to attend each live webinar. https://www.acat.uk.com/
ACAT Conference - 17 October 2026
The ACAT 2026 Conference will be in Bristol this year. It was a wonderful gathering and an opportunity for learning, inspiration, and discussion. If travelling isn't an option for you, there is also 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.)
Please book in for the in person or via livestream via the ACAT training pages here https://www.acat.uk.com/training-events/
If you are new to the role of Treasurer or feel it helpful for other members of your PCC to understand your role, the Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers (ACAT) provide an introductory Guide for New Church Treasurers available here.
The Diocese of Durham provides block membership to ACAT for all parish treasurers. ACAT, the charity for Treasurers of Christian churches, provide members with advice, training and information on accounting, financial, legal and other related issues. Treasures will need a ‘block member’ code to access to log in the ACAT. Please contact Samantha.amsden@durham.anglican.org for your block member code.
Data Developments hold regular training webinars aimed at helping treasurers and Gift Aid Secretaries understand their role, the different types of fund, SORP, financial controls and Gift Aid. You can sign up to individual weeks or to all the sessions; the course is entirely free.
The course explains the requirements with practical examples and give useful hints and tips for both new and existing treasurers. Time is left at the end of each session for live Q&A.
If you are unable to join the webinars, please register anyway and you will receive recorded versions to view at your own convenience. The courses are regularly repeated, so don’t worry if you miss one. To view the latest schedule and register for a webinar visit the Data Developments Training Page here.
Accounting Software Training
Many parishes are using the Data Developments software (My Fund Accounting & Finance Co-ordinator) for both accounts and gift aid claims. There are training opportunities on the Data Developments website for £12 per module. Visit the Data Developments training pages to access. Scroll down the page to select the appropriate module for your software.
This session, recorded September 2025 looked at how to set up a cashbook system that meets Church of England and Charity Commission standards, exploring both spreadsheet-based and specialist software options.
Here is a recorded training session on making an annual Return of Parish Finance (RPF) . The RPF is a summary report of each parish’s financial position and is used to monitor and inform national, diocese and denary plans. Each parish in the Church of England is required to complete this return via the Online Parish Returns System once the parish financial statements have been approved by the PCC.
Preparing the Financial Statements
Treasurer Forum (Diocese of Durham) - Preparing the Financial Statements (Meeting over Zoom) - Tuesday 4th February 12:30am
If this is your first year preparing the financial statements then this session is a must! Seasoned treasurers are also welcome if you would like a refresher. We will discuss fund accounting, records and the type of financial statements you need to prepare. We will also look at the approval process and annual returns. Please register using the link below, this is a free lunch time session. https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/E6uXeiphTmSSBdWFYgWFdw
Here is a recording of the 2024 session:
The Church of England offer a range of webinars to resource you and your church. You can sign up to upcoming webinars and access previous recordings from the Church of England website here.