Assembly Trustees Update – December 2025

The Assembly Trustees meeting of Thursday 11th December included elements of continuation, endings, and new beginnings.

We continued our careful and sensitive governance of the responsibilities entrusted to the Trustees. Financial updates were reviewed, with a deficit still expected for the year, though showing a better-than-budget position for 2025. This is due to recent work on cost savings exercises, reduced expenditure, and ongoing prudent financial management, meaning good progress is being made towards a future balanced budget. The 2026 budget was approved and forecasts for future years were reviewed which the Trustees were content with. Mindful of the ongoing financial challenges in the year ahead and beyond, both Trustees and Senior Leadership Team remain vigilant as they recognise for the Church to move beyond its current challenges it must grow. There is no future in round after round of continual cuts.

The Trustees received a report from the Seeds for Growth Team. Plans are underway to simplify the application process for congregations, and Trustees were encouraged by the progressive mission work being supported. The report further emphasised the need for the monitoring of the long-term sustainability of mission projects receiving funding. Two projects have returned or not drawn their allocated grant monies. One because no suitable candidate for the advertised post was found and another because the local congregation had decided to go in a different direction.

The Faith Action Programme Leadership Team reported on areas under their remit including further developments towards beginning a Resource Church with a vision for serving students and young people.

An update on the new Communications Forum was presented. This work will be further developed when our new Head of Communications begins in January.

Time was also given to continued oversight of Safeguarding, the Israel/Palestine properties and mission, and a report from CrossReach as well as other regular business.

Discussions continued in preparation for the Trustees' report to the General Assembly of 2026.

The Trustees marked the ending of Jenny Simpson's work at 121. Warm tribute was paid to her sterling service as General Treasurer and Interim Chief Officer. Her commitment, passion, and personable nature were gratefully acknowledged, and she was thanked for her ongoing dedication to the mission of the Church.

Norman Smith's time as Trustee and Administrative Trustee also ended. Yet this naturally led to a new beginning, as Norman is not moving far from the work of the Assembly Trustees. By the time you read this update, he will already have begun his role as the Church's new Chief Officer. Norman's many years of experience in a wide variety of roles within the Church will serve him well, and the Trustees expressed their full support and best wishes as he takes up the new responsibilities.

The vacancy for General Treasurer has been filled by Leanne Thompson, who continues her valued service to the Church of Scotland in this new role. She brings financial acumen and experience to this crucial role which will be invaluable in ensuring the Church maintains sound financial stewardship and resilience.

Together with the appointment of a new Head of Communications, these changes represent a significant shift within the Executive Officers leading the team at 121. The Trustees are confident that we have the right people in the right roles to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.

Although no regular meeting was scheduled for January, the Trustees agreed to follow up the strategy day held in late November with a further meeting to build on its outcomes. The four key takeaways from that day - Mission, Growth, Governance, and Financial Sustainability - now form an exciting framework for our future work.

The Trustees extend their heartfelt prayers and warmest wishes to all this Christmas season.