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2023-03-31-accounts

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST FINANCIAL STATEMENts FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Charlty Number 1051643

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Members of the board and professional advisers Page 1
Trustees' annual report Pages 2 to 5
Independent examiners' report Page 6
Statement of financial activities Page 7
Balance sheet Page 8
Notes to the financial statements Pages 9 to 13

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 1

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS

The Board of Trustees P Firth
Major General J S Kerr CBE
Rt Rev Bishop P. Mason (Ex Officio)
Colonel D Morgan OBE
Father P Smith
Father I Stevenson (Ex-Officio)
Wing Commander C P Thorpe - Chairman
Principal Address St. Michael and St. George Parish Office
Queens Avenue
Aldershot
Hampshire
GU11 2BY
Independent Examiner Mark Dickinson FCA
Shaw Gibbs (Audit) Limited
Wey Court West
Union Road
Farnham
Surrey
GU9 7PT
Bankers Royal Bank of Scotland
Holts Farnborough Branch
200 Fowler Avenue
Farnborough Business Park
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 7JP
Investment Managers BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited
PO Box 9036
Chelmsford
Essex
CM99 2XD

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 2

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

The trustees have the pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Legal Status

The Army Roman Catholic Trust was created by a Declaration of Trust dated 17th May 1954, as varied or affected by Schemes of Arrangement of the Charity Commissioners dated 20th June 1994 and 14th April 2000.

The Army Roman Catholic Trust is a Registered Charity, charity number 1051643.

Trustees Appointments and New Trustee Proceedings

The ex-officio trustees are appointed by virtue of their respective offices. Co-optative trustees are appointed by a resolution of the trustees passed at a special meeting.

The chairman of trustees contacts new ex-officio trustees and potential new lay trustees prior to attendance at their first trustees meeting, to tell them about the background and activities of the trust. All new trustees are also provided with a copy of the Charity Commission guide "The Essential Trustee: what you need to know".

Objects of the Trust

The objects of the trust are the advancement of the Roman Catholic Religion among members of His Majesty's Army and the welfare of Roman Catholics of His Majesty's Army.

Connected Charities

The following Charities are connected to The Army Roman Catholic Trust.

Vicariate Headquarters Trust Royal Air Force Roman Catholic
26 The Crescent Church Purposes Fund
Farnborough The Chaplaincy Centre
Hampshire RAF Odiham
GU14 7AS Hook
Hampshire
RG29 1QT
Royal Navy (Roman Catholic) Trust The Roman Catholic Bishopric of the Forces (GB)
Royal Navy Catholic Chaplaincy Wellington House
The Chaplaincy St Omer Barracks
HMS Collingwood Aldershot
Newgate Lane Hampshire
Fareham GU11 2BG
Hampshire
PO14 1AS

Investment Powers

Under the Trust Deed, the charity has the power to make any investment which the trustees see fit. BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited invest all of the funds into the Armed Forces Charities Growth and Income Fund.

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 3

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Risks

The major risks to which the charity is exposed, as identified by the trustees, have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate those risks.

Reserves

The trustees are resolved to ensure that income is expended upon the objects of the charity, taking one year with another. Reserves, which principally arise from the appreciation over time of the portfolio of investments, are resolved to be invested to procure a steady and rising income so as to ensure that the expenditure upon charitable objectives may be increased.

Achievements and Performance

The Trust has continued to support the Bishopric.

Financial Review

The Trust accounts show a deficit of £165,750 on unrestricted funds for the year before losses on investments.

There was some expenditure out of the Cathedral Maintenance restricted fund this year as well as significant expenditure on the Bishop's residence. The Army RC Trust's contribution in the year was £166,500, with a further £2,056 paid after the year end. The Trust continued to support the Bishopric of the Forces.

The Trust's investments are managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited and have been invested in the Armed Forces Charities Growth and Income Fund. Investment income has increased over the previous period and the market value of investments has decreased.

The Army RC Trust made a payment of £32,270 for the outstanding payment for the band payment for the International Military Pilgrimage 2022. The Trust has not yet been reimbursed. The Principal RC Chaplain (Army) has raised it with the Vicar General and Episcopal Council.

Plans for Future Periods

The Trust will support the Campion Dinner and develop ways to further support the original objects of the Trust, namely the advancement of the Roman Catholic Religion among members of His Majesty’s Army and also support Catholic Chaplains in their ongoing formation.

It is envisaged that Army Veteran Chaplains be invited to the International Military Pilgrimage 2024 and every 10 years thereafter.

General

`

The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Statement of Recommended Practice and the Charities Act 2011.

Funds

A legacy previously received from the estate of Angela Curran for the Community at The Cathedral Church of St Michael and St George, is included in restricted funds. Other restricted funds relate to Cathedral Maintenance.

Other funds held are unrestricted and are held to further the objects of the trust. These funds are available and are adequate to fulfil the obligations of the trust.

Unrestricted funds include a designated fund for Chaplains' Welfare.

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 4

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Trustees Decision Making Process

Major decisions are made by a majority of trustees either at bi-annual trustees' meetings or by telephone or email discussion.

Grant Making Policies

Budgets are produced annually including proposed grants, and agreed in advance by the Trustees. The Principal Roman Catholic Chaplain has discretion for grants below £2,000.

Public Benefit

The Trust facilitates the faith practice of Roman Catholic members of the British Army, their families and those other Service personnel who wish to associate with them by providing for their participation in events which foster and develop their spiritual lives, enhance their sense of humanity and improve their sense of belonging and citizenship. It enables Chaplains to provide the best pastoral care and resources, and to engage people more deeply with the moral component of their military responsibilities. In addition, it supports the pastoral ministry of the Bishop of the Forces to those same people.

Recruiting to the Service – and thereby to benefiting from the Trust - is based on competence and character alone, and not determined by the Trust but by the Ministry of Defence. The Trust makes a point of supporting servicemen and women affected by Operations. The Trust supports all Service personnel, Roman Catholic or not, who wish to be part of the outreach of the Roman Catholic community in the British Army. Particular care is taken that those on lower incomes, typically those under training, are given additional financial support.

No private benefits are received by anyone.

Investment Performance Against Objectives Set

Given the volatility of the markets, investments have performed adequately in the year under the management of the investment manager.

The Trustees

The trustees who served the charity during the period were as follows:

P Firth Major General J S Kerr CBE Rt Rev Bishop P. Mason (Ex Officio) Colonel D Morgan OBE Father P Smith (Appointed 31 May 2022) Father I Stevenson (Ex-Officio) Wing Commander C P Thorpe - Chairman

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 5

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Trustees' Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. The trustees are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Signed on behalf of the trustees

Father I. Stevenson Trustee

Approved by the trustees on 27 July 2023

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 6

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER UNDER SECTION 145 OF THE CHARITIES ACT 2011 TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

I report on the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2023 as set out on pages 7 to 13.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirement:

  2. ꞏ to keep proper accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and

  3. ꞏ to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply

  4. with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

  5. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Mark Dickinson FCA Shaw Gibbs (Audit) Limited Wey Court West Union Road Farnham Surrey GU9 7PT

Dated : 27 July 2023

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 7

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
General donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Investment income
2
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Charitable Activities
Grants paid
3
Other charitable activities
3
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE AND NET
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS BEFORE GAINS
AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS
Net gains/(losses) on investments
6
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS BEFORE
TRANSFERS
Transfers
General unrestricted
Designated unrestricted
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
FUNDS AT 1 APRIL 2022
FUNDS AT 31 MARCH 2023		 2023
2023
2023
2022
Restricted
Unrestricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
-
13,869
13,869
11,124
-
-
-
-
-
144,742
144,742
139,034
-
158,611
158,611
150,158
-
237,915
237,915
72,436
862
86,446
87,309
38,409
862
324,361
325,224
110,845
862
324,361
325,224
110,845
(862)
(165,750)
(166,613)
39,313
-
(453,046)
(453,046)
235,192
(862)
(618,796)
(619,659)
274,506
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(862)
(618,796)
(619,659)
274,506
16,483
4,506,940
4,523,423
4,248,917
15,621
3,888,144
3,903,764
4,523,423

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 8

BALANCE SHEET

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Investments
6
CURRENT ASSETS
7
Debtors
Cash at bank
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within
one year
8
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
REPRESENTED BY:
FUNDS
Restricted
11/12
Unrestricted:
11
Designated
General
TOTAL FUNDS
FOR THE YEAR		 £
£
3,795,042
3,795,042
37,554
75,454
113,008
(4,286)
(4,286)
108,722
3,903,764
15,621
50,000
3,838,144
3,903,764
2023
ENDED 31 MARCH 2023		 £
£
3,795,042
3,795,042
37,554
75,454
113,008
(4,286)
(4,286)
108,722
3,903,764
15,621
50,000
3,838,144
3,903,764
2023
ENDED 31 MARCH 2023		 £
£
4,248,088
4,248,088
9,182
270,421
279,603
(4,268)
(4,268)
275,335
4,523,423
16,483
50,000
4,456,940
4,523,423
2022		 £
£
4,248,088
4,248,088
9,182
270,421
279,603
(4,268)
(4,268)
275,335
4,523,423
16,483
50,000
4,456,940
4,523,423
2022
3,903,764 4,523,423
15,621
50,000
3,838,144		 16,483
50,000
4,456,940
3,903,764 4,523,423

These financial statements were approved by the trustees on 27 July 2023 and are signed on their behalf by:

Wing Commander C. P. Thorpe Chairman

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 9

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of accounting

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The accounts have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

Incoming Resources

General donations, collections and bank interest are accounted for on a receivable basis.

Investments

Investments are managed under discretionary agreements by Blackrock Investment Management (UK) Limited.

Investments are accounted for by reference to the bargain date shown by the contract note issued in respect of their purchase or disposal.

Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recorded at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the bid price. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year.

The Trust does not acquire put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments.

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 10

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

1 Accounting Policies

Investment income

Income arising from investments is included by reference to the normal date of payment of dividends or interest on that investment. Provision is not made in the accounts for dividends to be received in the next accounting period on investments declared ex-dividend prior to 31st March 2023.

Taxation

As a qualifying charity, the trust is not liable to UK taxation.

Resources Expended

Charitable activities costs include grants made and governance costs as shown in note 3.

Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment.

Creditors

Short term creditors are measured at the transaction date.

2

Investment Income
UK quoted investments
Bank interest receivable
Expenditure : Charitable activities
Grants Paid-Unrestricted Funds
Bishopric of the Forces
Vicariate HQ Trust		 2023
2022
£
£
144,254
139,009
488
25
144,742
139,034
2023
2022
£
£
71,415
72,436
166,500
-
237,915
72,436

Expenditure : Charitable activities

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 11

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

3
Expenditure : Charitable activities
Unrestricted:
Lourdes Military Pilgrimage
Camino Pilgrimage
Hosanna House and Children's Pilgrimage Trust Pilgrimage
Holden Benevolence Donation
Other Grants and Donations
Pastoral Administrative Assistant Salary and expenses
Chaplains' Conferences and Retreats
PRCC Expenses
Falklands Anniversary Event
Refurbishment of St Joan of Arc's Catholic Garrison Church, Catterick
Campion Dinner
Sundry
Church Banners
Organist
Deacon's Dalmatics
HCPT Travel
Travel
Accountancy (see note 4)
Restricted:
Cathedral Seats Refurbishment		 2023
2022
£
£
49,094
-
3,613
-
-
1,000
-
1,000
750
590
6,864
6,656
5,898
5,407
4,403
3,819
-
3,198
-
4,508
3,876
3,736
2,419
519
-
387
-
315
-
386
850
-
1,467
-
7,212
6,888
86,446
38,409
862
-
862
-

There was no restricted expenditure in 2022.

4

Accountancy
Accountancy, payroll and secretarial
Independent examination fees		 2023
2022
£
£
4,612
4,288
2,600
2,600
7,212
6,888

During the year there was 1 employee on average (2022 - 1). No employee earned £60,000 per annum or more (2022- none).

There was no remuneration payable to the trustees in the current or previous years. During the year three trustees were reimbursed £2,026 (2022: £3,458)

travel & subsistence expenses incurred for services provided to the charity. In addition the charity paid expenses of £1,581 (2022: £1,072 on behalf of two trustees) on behalf of one trustee.

5 Staff Remuneration & Trustees' Emoluments

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 12

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

6

Investments
Listed investments
Armed Forces Charities Growth and Income Fund
Movement in Market Value
Market value at 1 April 2022
Acquisitions at cost
Disposals at open book value
Net (losses)/gains on revaluations in the year ended 31 March 2023
Market value at 31 March 2023
Historical cost at 31 March 2023		 2023
2022
£
£
3,795,042
4,248,088
2023
2022
£
£
4,248,088
4,012,896
-
-
-
-
(453,046)
235,192
3,795,042
4,248,088
2,847,489
2,847,489

All investments are carried at their fair value. Holdings in growth and income funds are at the bid price.

7 Analysis of current assets

alysis of current assets
Other debtors
IMP band costs 2022 recoverable from the MOD
Prepayments - Camino Pilgrimage		 2023
2022
£
£
5,284
5,569
32,270
-
-
3,613
37,554
9,182

All debtors relate to unrestricted funds

Cash at bank balances were as follows: unrestricted funds (including designated) £59,833 (2022: £253,938), restricted income funds £15,621 (2022: £16,483).

Analysis of current liabilities
Accruals
Net wages
Other creditors		 2023
2022
£
£
2,791
2,790
572
555
923
923
4,286
4,268

All creditors relate to unrestricted funds.

8

THE ARMY ROMAN CATHOLIC TRUST

Page 13

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

9 Vicariate Headquarters Trust

The Army Roman Catholic Trust has contributed funds to the Vicariate Headquarters Trust for the purchase of property and the subsequent refurbishment of the property. The trustees of the Vicariate Headquarters Trust have confirmed that in the event of the Trust being wound up, they would return surplus funds to the contributing parties. In the eventuality 49.33% of any surplus would be returned to the Army Roman Catholic Trust.

10 Related Party Transactions

A grant was paid during the year to the Roman Catholic Bishopric of the Forces (GB) of £71,415 (2022: £72,436). The charities are connected by virtue of having some Trustees in common.

11 Analysis of net assets between funds

Fund balances at 31 March are represented by:
Investments
Net Current Assets
Split of unrestricted funds
Designated
General		 Restricted
Funds
2023
-
15,621		 Unrestricted
Funds
Total Funds
Total Funds
2023
2023
2022
3,795,042
3,795,042
4,248,088
93,102
108,722
275,335
15,621 3,888,144
3,903,764
4,523,423
50,000
3,838,144
3,888,144

A designated fund was set up for Chaplains' Welfare, the balance on this fund at the year end was £50,000.

12 Restricted Funds

As at 1 April 2023
Incoming Resources
Resources Expended
Transfer from unrestricted funds
As at 31 March 2023		 Cathedral
Cathedral
Community
Maintenance
Total Funds
Total Funds
Fund
Fund
2023
2022
6,751
9,732
16,483
16,483
-
-
-
-
6,751
9,732
16,483
16,483
-
862
862
6,751
8,870
15,621
16,483
-
-
-
-
6,751
8,870
15,621
16,483

Previously a legacy of £10,000 was received from the estate of Colonel Angela Curran for the Community at the Cathedral Church of St Michael and St George.

A separate fund arising from a bequest originally amounting to £22,520 was maintained by the trust during the year. The fund was established to contribute to the maintenance of the Aldershot Cathedral.