Frequently Asked Questions

The Journey

1. Why is the NEC moving from Zulla Road?

Zulla Road has served the Conference faithfully for over 100 years, but it no longer meets the needs of a growing organisation. Surveys highlighted health, safety, accessibility, and space limitations that could not be resolved cost-effectively. A new home allows us to better serve our members and advance the mission.

2. Was this move approved by members?

Yes. At the 2024 Conference Session, the Plans Committee recommended that the NEC “continue the search for a replacement of 22 Zulla Road and secure a suitable headquarters.” This decision fulfils that recommendation and has been prayerfully approved through our governance process.

3. What happened with Asher House?

In 2024, the NEC carefully considered Asher House in Ripley. It offered potential space, but after thorough study and the findings from the survey reports (including structural, environmental, and financial considerations), it was determined that Asher House would not be a viable long-term home for the Conference.

Although we did not proceed, the process was invaluable. It highlighted clearly what was needed in a new headquarters and gave us the momentum to pursue a building that truly meets our needs for ministry today and into the future. In many ways, Asher House was the turning point that propelled the NEC into finding the right solution.

4. Who has been involved in this process?

This journey has spanned multiple administrations, each of whom recognised the limitations of Zulla Road and took steps toward a solution. We stand on the foundation they laid with vision, prayer, and perseverance.

In this term, the Building Committee has been especially instrumental. They invested many hours reviewing properties, commissioning surveys, weighing risks, and prayerfully discerning the way forward. Their guidance, alongside the Executive Committee and professional advisors, has been vital in helping the NEC secure this new home.

The Building

5. How will this affect members?

The new headquarters is not just for the office staff — it is a base for the entire family of the North England Conference. From here, ministries will be resourced, leaders supported, and mission strengthened to benefit every local church and community.

In addition, the building will provide dedicated space for training and equipping our members, so that more people across the NEC are empowered to serve in their local churches and communities.

6. What will happen to Zulla Road?

Plans for the future of Zulla Road are being carefully considered so that it can continue to serve the mission of the Church in an appropriate way. More information will be shared in due course.

7. Will members be able to visit?

Yes, the headquarters will be accessible for church leaders, staff, and members when engaging in Conference business or attending programmes. While not everyone can gather there at once, updates, photos, and stories will be regularly shared so all members can feel part of this new chapter.

Finance & Stewardship

8. Will the purchase of the new headquarters affect local church capital projects?

In the short term, there will be limitations and stricter criteria for new capital projects at the local church level. This is to ensure that the NEC manages its financial resources wisely during the transition to the new headquarters.

However, the NEC remains committed to supporting local churches with their building and development needs. Existing policies will continue, and applications will be reviewed with prayerful care. The adjustments are temporary and are intended to safeguard the long-term financial health of the Conference, so that both the new headquarters and local projects can flourish together in the years to come.

One way we can strengthen resources for capital projects is through Gift Aid. Gift Aid is a vital source of non-tithe income for the NEC. When members register for Gift Aid, the Conference is able to reclaim an extra 25p for every £1 donated. These additional funds go directly toward mission and capital support.

9. How is this being funded?

The NEC has followed a careful financial process, balancing good stewardship with mission priorities. This purchase has been planned so that evangelism, ministry, and departmental work remain funded.

10. Is the closing of Dudley House School connected to the purchase of the new headquarters?

No. These are two separate matters.

The decision to close Dudley House School (DHS) was made after careful consultation with the school’s board and the Conference Executive Committee, based on the school’s sustainability, enrolment, and long-term viability.

The decision to secure a new headquarters building comes from a different process, fulfilling the 2024 Conference Session recommendation to replace Zulla Road and ensure the NEC has an office that can effectively serve the field.

While both decisions involve property, they are not financially or strategically linked. The funds allocated for the headquarters do not come from school budgets, and the closure of DHS was not made to finance the new headquarters.

11. How does Gift Aid help with the new headquarters and local projects?

Gift Aid is one of the most important sources of non-tithe income for the North England Conference. When a UK taxpayer registers for Gift Aid, the Conference can reclaim an additional 25p for every £1 donated.

According to NEC policy, 60% of Gift Aid goes to your local congregation, while 40% supports the wider work of the Conference (nec.adventist.uk). This means Gift Aid benefits both your church and the NEC’s mission, including resources for capital support.

If you have not yet registered for Gift Aid, we warmly invite you to do so. By taking this simple step, you can increase the impact of your giving and help strengthen both local churches and the Conference.

12. How can I support this transition?

Most importantly, through prayer. We ask every member to lift this project before God as we move into this new phase.

You can also support financially. In addition to regular tithes and offerings, members who wish may give donations toward the fit-out and renovation of the new headquarters. These contributions will directly help create a facility that equips and strengthens the mission of the NEC.

Mission Impact

13. Will the new headquarters replace local church work?

No. The new headquarters is not a replacement for the ministry that happens in local churches. Its purpose is to serve and support the churches, providing resources, training, and coordination to strengthen the work in every district and community.

14. How will the new headquarters support evangelism?

The building will allow for better coordination of evangelism resources, provide space for media and communication development, and host training programmes to equip members for outreach. Its facilities will help us respond more effectively to the mission challenges of our time.

15. Will the building generate income?

While its primary purpose is mission, opportunities may exist for limited and appropriate income generation (e.g., hiring out meeting rooms when not in use). Any such use will be consistent with our charitable purpose and reinvested into mission.

16. How will this impact Conference staff and operations?

Staff will benefit from a healthier, more functional, and collaborative working environment, enabling them to serve churches more effectively. The building also creates opportunities for joint departmental work, ensuring better support for members and leaders across the NEC.

17. What is the long-term vision for the headquarters?

The vision is that the new headquarters will be a mission hub: a place of prayer, planning, and equipping that helps the NEC grow in discipleship, evangelism, and service. It is not just an office, but a base for advancing God’s work across the North of England for generations to come.