John Bates has been appointed as the General Assembly’s new Honorary Treasurer, as of the April annual meeting. On 15 May 2024, around 25 UK Unitarians got to virtually meet him on a Zoom meeting to hear more about the role of Honorary Treasurer, and John’s perspective on the GA’s financial picture as he takes on the role.

From the official invitation, a short bio John is a graduate of Harvard Business School, and a retired Adjunct Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship at London Business School, with fifty years’ experience in business and education. He joined Cambridge Unitarians in 1991 and later was a member of Islington Unitarians. John became Chair of New Unity when it was formed in 2015, before stepping down in 2022. He joined the GA’s Executive Committee in 2023.

It was a fascinating meeting; John’s comprehensive grasp of our national movement’s finances was much appreciated by all, and gave everyone a reassuring sense of our financial future. Those present took the chance to ask questions about the Match Funding initiative, issues of congregational resources, and what to do if you’re not sure who owns your building. Perhaps there is an opportunity here for more meetings for those tasked with running a congregation! We look forward to hearing more from John.