BYM Trustees 7 February 2026

What is this committee responsible for?

Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees are responsible for legal and regulatory compliance, and for the stewardship of the properties, finances and staff of the national organisation of Quakers in Britain.

What did Trustees do at this meeting?

Finance: Trustees were informed that it is likely that the year ending 31 December 2025 will show a deficit, in line with what was planned for. Unfortunately, donations decreased. You can give money to Quakers in Britain any time via the website: https://www.quaker.org.uk/giving

Compliance: Trustees were pleased to note a reduction in accidents in 2025 compared to 2024 (16 in 2025; 21 in 2024), with an increase in the reporting of incidents/near misses (57 in 2025; 20 in 2024). This data suggests that health & safety awareness is improving.

Annual reporting cycle: Trustees received the annual Employment Committee report, the annual equity, diversity and inclusion report, and the annual whistleblowing report from the Recording Clerk. They also received the annual plan from the Internal Audit and Risk Committee.

Planning & prioritisation: Trustees reviewed the operational plan for 2025 and were pleased to note that 87% of tasks are on target. They celebrated the hard work of all the staff and Friends who have contributed to this achievement, even in spite of the usual difficulties of absence and unexpected events.

The Trustees' review of strategic priorities is almost complete and the updated document will be shared with Meeting for Sufferings in March.

Policy: Trustees approved a new Library & Archives Collections Development Policy. Under the new policy, the priority will be to ensure the continuing preservation of our Quakers in Britain archive, by developing our ability to manage digital records, and preserving and showcasing our existing historic collections. Trustees recognised that this change will require a shift away from a more traditional library service. They acknowledged that this will be a significant change, but approved the policy as being in the best interests of the longevity of our unique archive.

Learning: Trustees received a positive report on the Climate Crisis: Spiritual Nurture and Learning Project run by Woodbrooke over the past five years. An external evaluation will be shared in due course.

Trustees spent time in worship sharing their reflections on the new Quakers in Britain resource Challenging Antisemitism: Reflections for Quakers on recognising and responding to anti-Jewish prejudice. While it can be a challenging read, it is highly commended for Friends and meetings. The resource sits alongside and in no way tries to subvert the Yearly Meeting's stated policies and commitments, particularly in respect to Israel and Palestine.

How can I find out more?

Please visit the Trustees page, where you will find published minutes from Trustees' meetings.