Whilst many churches have increasing numbers of people giving through EFT and credit card, plate collections remain an important process for most churches. Plate collections are considered a high risk process, as it involves the collection, counting, storage, and deposit of cash. In order to protect both the persons who have responsibility for handling these collections until they are banked, and to protect the collections themselves, it is necessary to deal with such collections in an orderly and responsible fashion.


Each church is strongly encouraged to develop and apply specific processes consistent with the procedures described below. The Parish Council, as the body responsible to the congregation, is encouraged to ensure people are provided with step-by-step procedures and training for each part of the process.


Processing Collections

Church Wardens should ensure that more than one person is involved in the processing of offerings taken at each service. Rosters are a convenient way to achieve this.


Counting and Recording

Those rostered to count and record offerings should ensure that these processes are completed before they leave the Church premises.


Wardens need to ensure that volunteers are appropriately trained and supported.


Summary sheets should be used to record each category of currency (including cheques) and to record income from planned giving envelopes. The total amount recorded on the summary sheet for each service should be separately recorded in the Vestry Book, or a similar book kept securely for the purpose. Counters and recorders should sign the summary sheets and the book record.


Storage and Banking

Each parish should have an adequate safe for storage of collections and other valuables. The Wardens and a minimum number of others should know the location of the safe and its key or combination.


Weekly Parish collections should be collected from the safe by the person designated by the Parish Council, such as the Treasurer, checked and banked on the first possible occasion after each Sunday.


In parishes without safes, the Parish Council should specify how and where the weekly collection is to be secured prior to banking. Failure to comply with these procedures may jeopardise insurance cover in case of theft. It is high risk and unwise to store parish funds in private homes, cars, and in unsecured Church premises.


Reporting

The Parish Treasurer should report each category of the weekly offerings (open plate, envelopes, special purpose) to the Parish Council monthly and may also publish these figures in the pew sheet.The monthly Treasurer’ report to Parish Council should certify reconciliation between parish recording and bank receipts for that month, or any discrepancy.


Discrepancies

Significant discrepancies must be reported to the Churchwardens as soon as they occur. Most discrepancies are errors, however the possibility of fraud or theft cannot and must not be ignored. If a serious issue develops, discuss the matter with Ministry & Parish Support who may recommend police action.


Audit

The Parish Auditor should be provided with a copy of this document and the Parish Policy that should be developed from it in order to understand the risk management processes that are being complied with.



A sample of a Cash Control Sheet is attached, which may be adapted for use in your Parish.