BYM Trustees 25-28 November 2025
Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees met over three days in November to discuss business including the operational plan and budget for 2026 and the finalisation of the BYM investment policy. They also considered a new Memorandum of Understanding with Woodbrooke and the latest report from the Reparations Working Group.
What is this committee responsible for?
Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees are responsible for the national organisation of Quakers in Britain, including the stewardship of its properties, finances and staff. They are also responsible for legal compliance. They prepare an annual report on the activities and finances of Quakers in Britain which is submitted to the charity regulator and published on its website.
What did it do at this meeting?
Finance: Trustees approved the annual budget for 2026, as well as finalising and approving a new investment policy statement and the terms of reference for a new Investment Committee.
Prioritisation & work reviews: Trustees agreed the operational plan for 2026 and heard a report from staff in the communications and fundraising department. Trustees are continuing to work towards constituting the new Programmes and Prioritisation Committee continues. Nominees from Quaker Life Central Committee (QLCC) and Quaker, Peace & Social Witness Central Committee (QPSWCC) were appointed. A further name from QLCC and names of 2-3 Friends from outside the Trustee body are still to be found.
Policy: Trustees received the latest report from the Reparations Working Group (RWG) and was pleased to hear that its work continues nationally and regionally around the Yearly Meeting, as well as with other churches and Quaker meetings in the UK, the Americas, and Africa. They agreed to extend the period of the work of the Working Group to the end of 2027. Trustees received a final draft of the Quaker Committee on Christian and Interfaith Relations (QCCIR)'s paper on the Theology of Trans Inclusion ahead of its submission to Meeting for Sufferings for their discernment.
Governance: Trustees reviewed proposed final revisions to a draft of the Britain Yearly Meeting governing document, which will go to Yearly Meeting in May 2026 for approval. Trustees also reviewed the risk register and received the Health & Safety report.
Relationships: Trustees approved a new Memorandum of Understanding with Woodbrooke to support our collaboration.
How can I find out more?
Please visit the Trustees' page of the Quakers in Britain website, where you will find published minutes from Trustees' meetings.