Welcoming our Governors to the Annual Assembly

Clergy Support Trust's Annual Assembly took place on Thursday 10 October 2024, at St. Mellitus College, the largest theological college in the Church of England.

Our Trustee, The Revd Nancy Goodrich, Vicar of Bollington in the Diocese of Chester, led a Eucharist in the morning.

Our Senior Treasurer, Richard Farmbrough and Chief Executive, The Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls then presented the Treasurers' Report and the Chief Executive's Report, before we caught up properly with our closest circle of supporters and enjoyed a two-course lunch with wine together.

We've been holding our Annual Assembly for over 340 years. It gives us the chance to reflect on our achievements in the past year, and to welcome Governors from across the UK and Ireland under one roof. Officially, it's also an opportunity for our Governors to approve our annual report, elect our Trustees and we take a moment to remember the Governors who have sadly passed away in the preceding months.

Senior Treasurer, Richard Farmbrough, and Chief Executive, The Revd Ben Cahill-Nicholls

One man, dressed in a suit and delivering a speech behind a podium, and another, sat behind a table.

Our keynote speaker

Thank you to Dr Liz Graveling (pictured right), a Senior Researcher for the Church of England, for taking the time to speak to us.

Liz is a colleague of the Trust, who recently collaborated with us on research into the wellbeing of UKME/GMH clergy and we were privileged to help fund her research, 'How Clergy Thrive'.

She shared insights from her long term study into clergy wellbeing at various stages of their ministry, from their curacy to those approaching retirement.

Launching a new service

As well as reflecting on the past year, we also looked to the year ahead, and were excited to launch our new Will Writing Service.

Through the service, our applicants and supporters can write their Will for free, getting an important, yet often daunting task out of the way with ease.

There is no pressure or expectation for anyone using the service to leave a gift to Clergy Support Trust. Gifts of all sizes, big and small, would be very much appreciated - but this is not a requirement when you write your Will. The service is open to all.

Dr Liz Graveling, standing behind a podium and delivering a speech.

A group of people, dressed formally, standing and talking with hot drinks.

Become a Governor

If you'd like to join us at next year's Annual Assembly, and to donate to the Trust as one of our closest circle of supporters, why not become a Governor?

While day-to-day responsibility for the charity rests with our Trustees, the Governors are our ultimate governing body, as laid down in our 1678 Royal Charter from King Charles II.

Officially, our Governors are "elected" at the Annual Assembly. Once elected, a Governor remains a Governor for life – although further financial support is always welcome!

For a one-time donation of £100, our Governors:

Attend our Annual Assembly
Elect our Court of Assistants
Act as ambassadors and advocates for clergy wellbeing
Approve our Annual Reports and hold the charity to account
Help to support thousands of Anglican clergy and their families, across the UK and Ireland.

Find out more

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Photo credit: Clergy Support Trust.

Clergy Support Trust is the largest and oldest charity focussed on the wellbeing of clergy and their families.

The Trust, originally founded in 1655, provides confidential help for Anglican clergy and their families across the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and Diocese in Europe. The Trust are independent, inclusive, and impartial, and we support clergy from training through to retirement.

In 2023, we provided over 6,800 grants, supporting clergy households in the Church of England with over £5.5m in grants, Church in Wales with £172,000, Church of Ireland with £141,000 and the Scottish Episcopal Church with £36,000.