Contactless Devices: 3G Network Switch Off

3G – the ‘third generation’ of mobile technology – is being phased out across 2024 and 2025. If your contactless donation device connects to the internet using a SIM card, you may be affected by this change. This is because some older devices are not capable of connecting to 4G or 5G networks.





• Any CollecTin purchased after November 2021, will not be affected
• Any Payaz GivingStation purchased after January 2022, will not be affected
• Goodbox, GWD & PayaCharity will not be affected

Read more detailed guidance below, or get in touch with us at resourcingparishes@leeds.anglican.org if you are concerned.

Parish Giving Scheme Information Sessions

We are holding PGS Information sessions on Tuesday 19th March. Book in a 1-to-1 session with Stewardship Officer, Beth, to discuss any questions you have about the Parish Giving Scheme. If you are interested in joining the PGS, want to find out how it works, or would like advice on how to relaunch and promote the PGS in your church then do email resourcingparishes@leeds.anglican.org to book a session. In-person or Zoom sessions are available.

Treasurer Support Sessions

Alongside the PGS Information Sessions, on Tuesday 19th March, we will also be hosting Treasurer Support Sessions both online and at Church House in Leeds. Whether you're new to the treasurer role and seeking guidance, experienced but navigating unique challenges or even representing a parish without a designated treasurer, secure your spot now by emailing jennifer.robinson@leeds.anglican.org.

Get Involved: PGS Promotion

The Stewardship team are aiming to put together some new promotional material for the PGS, including video testimonials of those using the scheme across the diocese.

If you would be interested in getting involved, or would like to find out more then get in touch with Stewardship Officer, Beth at resourcingparishes@leeds.anglican.org.

Also, do be in touch if you have borrowed one of our PGS banners and we can book in a time for you to drop them back at Church House.

Warning: 'Know Your Customer (KYC)' Requests

Some banks issue out 'Know Your Customer' requests to ensure bank account details remain verified and up to date. Bank accounts may be frozen if this remains incomplete. Do keep an eye out for these requests, and respond to them promptly.

For PGS churches, if your account was frozen, the PGS team will hold onto any bounced monies and inform you of what has happened.

Practical Tips for Choosing New Energy Suppliers

With a rising number of parishes facing challenges with energy contracts, here are some practical tips to help you avoid subpar suppliers:

• Clear Pricing.

Select a supplier offering clear and transparent pricing, especially when working with brokers. This helps to avoid any unexpected surprises on your bill.

• Reputation Matters.

Research supplier reviews on platforms like Trustpilot to gauge their track record in reliability and customer service. Take note of any recurring issues mentioned in negative reviews. Seeking recommendations from other parishes can also provide valuable insight.

• Green Options

Explore energy suppliers with a strong commitment to renewable energy, like Green Journey, to align with our Saving Creation strategy. This choice also supports the Church of England's ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero Carbon across parish, cathedral and school estates by 2030.

For more tips and advice do look at the 10 Top Tips for Purchasing Church Energy, linked below.

Green Journey Energy Basket Renewals

Parishes who use this energy basket are being contacted by Craig Hogg, the Green Journey Ecclesiastical Account Manager, to invite them to renew their contracts now. The GJ team carefully monitor the energy market to try to gain the best price point for our parishes to purchase renewable energy. They are recommending a 24-month contract duration now energy prices have fallen, to provide protection from potential volatility in wholesale markets throughout late 2024/25. Find out more about the reasons for re-contracting now here. Not currently using the Green Journey? Find out more about the package of services it can offer you below. Always remember to compare prices offered by any energy provider to others on the market to ensure you are getting a good deal.

Cost Changes to Electricity Supply Upgrades

For parishes looking to connect to an electricity supply, or upgrade from single phase to three phase, the cost changes brought into force on 1st April 2023 through Ofgem’s significant code review can make a huge difference.

The changes mean that while you still pay to connect to the electricity network, you no longer pay for improvements to the network (e.g. upgrading substations).

If a quote for connection looks extremely high, it is a good idea to check that the you are working from a quote obtained after 1st April 2023.

For more details look below.

Free Training Sessions For Treasurers

The West Yorkshire Community Accounting Service (WYCAS) is offering free training in Basic Bookkeeping and Budget Setting & Forecasting in March. Places are very limited but you can also put your name down on a waiting list. The Bookkeeping sessions use the accounts cashbook template, a copy of which is available on the Diocesan website for download at the link below. To view all the training dates, and register a place for WYCAS training please use the link below.

Parish Share Reports

Parish share receipts of £658k in January were £26k/4% ahead of the same month in 2023. The detailed report can be found on our website along with the complete 2023 parish share report.

Free Training for Treasurers & Gift Aid Secretaries

Data Developments are running training courses for Treasurers and Gift Aid Secretaries over the month of March.

The Treasurer training takes place over 4 weeks, starting on Thursday 7th March from 5-6pm.

The Gift Aid Secretaries training takes place over 3 weeks, starting on Friday 8th March from 1-2pm.

Follow the link below for more information and to register.

Diocesan Grants and Loans Scheme for Church Buildings in 2024

The first deadline for applications for the Diocesan Grants and Loans scheme for Church Buildings is approaching. Please email all applications to resourcingparishes@leeds.anglican.org by March 17th.

The application form has been revised to accommodate additional funding received from the Church of England Buildings for Mission fund. You can find the updated application form and guidelines on the Diocesan website (at the link below).

Please get in touch if you have any queries: Email: resourcingparishes@leeds.anglican.org Telephone: Janet Edmond (Senior Stewardship Officer) on 07376 525684 or Alena-Rose Douglas (Church Buildings Support Officer) on 07933 509860.

Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust Grants

The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT) are actively encouraging churches to put in applications for grant funding this year. The trust fund repair, restoration and maintenance work for churches across the county.

For a more detailed list of the type of work that could be funded, do follow the link below.

On the website, you can find a downloadable FAQ file which is especially helpful in determining your eligibility.

Register in time for easyfundraising's donation day in May!

Congratulations to all the churches in our area that have just received a share of £81k in easyfundraising donations! To be a part of easyfundraising’s next #donationday in May, register your church with easyfundraising for free today using the link below.