How Gravita helped Spiritus Theological College with an independent examination
At a glance
| Challenges | What improved with Gravita’s involvement |
| Trustees wanted confidence in the college’s finances while reducing unnecessary cost and administration | Independent examination introduced as a more proportionate alternative to a voluntary audit |
| Board needed support understanding the implications of moving away from a voluntary audit | Trustees gained clarity around reporting requirements and financial oversight |
| Financial information needed to be clearly communicated to trustees with varying levels of financial experience | Clear, timely communication and practical support provided throughout the process |
| Organisation was going through a period of change and needed confidence for future decision-making | Reduced time and cost commitment while maintaining confidence in the college’s finances |
About Spiritus Theological College
Spiritus Theological College is a part-time theological college serving the South West of England, offering training for ordained and lay ministry within the Church of England. The college brings together students from a wide range of traditions and backgrounds, combining academic study with spiritual formation and practical ministry experience to support people preparing for ministry and leadership within their communities.
Gravita has been hugely useful to us. Reports are always provided in a timely way. Jade is always on hand to answer questions and is always happy to explain what our responsibilities are and her responsibilities are. The independent examination came at a period of substantial change at our organisation and has made us confident to understand where our finances are, to enable us to make decisions in the future.
The challenges
As a theological college and registered charity, Spiritus Theological College needed financial oversight that gave its board of trustees confidence while remaining proportionate to the organisation’s size and needs. With changing priorities across the organisation, the board wanted to ensure its reporting and assurance processes continued to support effective decision-making without creating unnecessary administrative pressure or cost.
Having recently begun supporting the board with its finances, Morwenna Ludlow and the trustees reviewed whether a voluntary audit remained the most appropriate option for the college. They wanted to understand whether there was an alternative that would still provide reassurance around the charity’s finances, while reducing both the time commitment and overall cost involved for the organisation.
I can’t speak highly enough of Jade. She is very friendly, she fits in with our board of trustees, she is super clear and very organised and very good at asking the right questions from different angles. I have confidence that if I ask her to explain a document in a trustee meeting, she can do that very well, in a way all trustees understand. She is very responsive over the phone and email.
How Gravita helped
Drawing on Gravita’s experience supporting charities and not-for-profit organisations, Audit Director, Jade Quaintance reviewed the college’s reporting requirements and identified that Spiritus Theological College could move from a voluntary audit to an independent examination. Jade worked closely with the board of trustees to explain the differences between the two approaches, outlining what an independent examination would involve in practice and helping trustees understand the implications for the organisation.
Throughout the process, Gravita provided practical support to the trustees and wider leadership team, helping ensure financial reporting remained clear, timely and easy to understand. Jade became a trusted point of contact for the organisation, supporting trustee discussions and helping explain financial information in a straightforward way that worked for people with different levels of financial experience.
By taking the time to guide the board through the options in a clear and practical way, Gravita helped Spiritus Theological College choose an approach that remained appropriate for the charity while reducing both cost and administrative burden. The move to an independent examination gave trustees continued confidence in the organisation’s finances, while allowing the college to focus more of its time and resources on its wider mission and activities.
How Gravita can help
If your charity is reviewing its reporting requirements, Gravita can help you understand whether an audit or independent examination is the right fit. Our charities team provides clear, practical advice that gives trustees confidence while keeping the process proportionate to your organisation’s needs.
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