GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Charity Number: 1056064
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
INDEX
| Page | |
|---|---|
| 1 - 14 | Trustees' Report |
| 15 - 16 | Auditors' Report |
| 17 | Statement of Financial Activities |
| 18 | Balance Sheet |
| 19 | Cash Flow Statement |
| 20 – 23 | Principal Accounting Policies |
| 24– 34 | Notes to the Financial Statements |
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
TRUSTEES Kathryn Yeeles Carmel Murtagh Paula Tharasanthiras Jaya Susai Thaya Moses
The Trustees who served during the year and since the year end are listed above. Trustees are appointed by the Prioress General and her General Council.
PRIORESS GENERAL Kathryn Yeeles GENERAL BURSAR Jaya Susai PRINCIPAL OFFICE Grace and Compassion Convent 38/39 Preston Park Avenue Brighton BN1 6HG CHARITY REGISTRATION NO 1056064 GOVERNING INSTRUMENT Trust Deed dated 20 January 1996 AUDITORS HaysMac LLP 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG SOLICITORS Stone King Upper Borough Court 3 Upper Borough Walls Bath BA1 1RG BANKERS National Westminster Bank Plc NatWest Brighton Town Centre Unit 40, 56 Churchill Square Brighton BN1 2ES INVESTMENT MANAGERS Charles Stanley & Co. Limited 55 Bishopsgate London EC2N 3AS
INVESTMENT POWERS Under the Congregation’s Trust Deed there are no limitations in the Trustees' powers of investment.
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Grace and Compassion Benedictines is a registered Charity (1056064) administered by the Benedictine Sisters of Our Lady of Grace and Compassion, an international religious Congregation with headquarters in England, providing services in England, Kenya, Uganda, India and Sri Lanka.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Constitution
The trust is governed by a Trust Deed dated 20 January 1996 and is registered with the Charity Commission, Charity Registration number 1056064. The accounts accompanying this report are those of the English charitable trust and its activities carried out in England and overseas.
Trustees and Organisational Structure
The Congregation is administered by the General Council which consists of the Prioress General and her four Councillors. These Sisters are elected by the General Chapter for a term of six years. Three of the Councillors live in England, and are currently the Charity’s Trustees together with two other Sisters who are appointed by the Prioress General after consulting her General Council. They are widely experienced in senior management of the Charity's Care Homes and other activities, closely monitoring all aspects of its work, and meeting frequently. They are assisted by an Advisory Body consisting of priests and lay members experienced in social justice and finance, law and property, and a small committee meets throughout the year to advise the trustees with their professional expertise.
Professional and other advisors attend Trustees’ meetings as needed, including the Trustees’ annual financial meeting, providing an independent perspective on the topics being discussed.
Prospective trustees are provided with full information on the charity’s constitution, objects and finances. Training and guidance material, and appropriate external seminars, are made available as necessary.
Care Managers and those responsible for other activities refer to the Prioress General any urgent matters outside the scope of their authority for day-to-day management.
Risk Management
The Trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:
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An annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity faces;
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The establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual review.
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The implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.
This work has identified that employment matters such as health and safety issues, claims for injury, stress, adequate staff training and vulnerable person protection issues are a key risk for the charity. A key element in the management of the risk is having up to date procedures that are regularly reviewed. Intensive staff training takes place on a regular basis and specialist consultants advise the charity on health and safety and all staffing issues.
The work has also identified other key risks to the charity due to fraud and error giving rise to financial loss, reputational risk and regulatory action. The charity has in place financial control procedures with appropriate segregation of duties. The trustees are closely involved in the day to day operations with all major risks covered by insurance. Appropriate advice is taken annually from insurers and as, and when, the need arises.
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
KEY MANAGEMENT
The Trustees consider that the key management of the Charity consists of themselves and in particular the Prioress General and General Bursar to whom much of the running of the day-to-day running operation devolves. As religious Sisters, under a vow of poverty, the Trustees do not receive remuneration.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and Policy
The Charity’s Trust Deed states its principal objective as “the promotion of religion and education and the relief of poverty and sickness in accordance with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church and for any other charitable purpose which shall advance the religious, educational and other charitable work for the time being carried on, directed or supported by the Society”.
The policy of the Charity is to provide comfort and security in a loving family atmosphere for those in need, e.g. the elderly in the UK. Each person is valued, independence and privacy respected; there is maximum freedom, opportunity for development, interests and spiritual care; plenty of activity, yet opportunity for space.
Strategy
The Charity’s strategy is as follows:
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To continue to maintain and improve our service to the elderly and frail in the UK, having in mind, also, the expected growth in the U.K's elderly population; to support our overseas communities in their activities and service.
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To respond to newly encountered needs within our scope. Development is demand-led.
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Providing financial support to back up the overseas Sisters' own income-generating and fund-raising efforts.
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To review houses and activities in order to concentrate our human and financial resources where most needed.
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• To foster our international Congregation's development and multi-cultural unity, including the training of Sisters in diverse roles to fulfil the Charity's work and develop their religious lives which underpin it.
The outcome of this strategy is evaluated through a long-established review structure comprised of frequent Trustees’ meetings and regular meetings of Trustees with Care Managers/Sister Superiors and their Advisory Council. This structure is mirrored overseas. The six-yearly General Chapter (with universal representation) considers all aspects of the strategy.
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on Public Benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to their aims and objectives, as described elsewhere in this report.
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
UK - Care Homes
The Charity operates four Care Homes for the elderly, registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The Sisters are committed to loving service, respect for human dignity and the development of each person, valuing their uniqueness.
Over the years, the age of residents coming to live in our residential accommodation has increased and the majority are well over 90 years of age. The standard of care is excellent and all residents have the privacy of a single room with en-suite facilities although there are a few double rooms available if requested. Some residents pay privately while others receive funding from their local authority.
St Mary’s House, Brighton (From 1954)
Our work of providing accommodation and care for the elderly has grown steadily from 1954, when the Charity was founded at St Mary's House in Brighton. Today the home is registered for 12 residents and also accommodates a community of 11 sisters which includes two members of the Generalate, the Manager and the Care team.
St Mary’s House, Brighton
More Hall Convent, Stroud, Gloucester (From 1968)
More Hall is registered for 10 residents and is managed by a Sister and her team of sisters and lay staff. The building is over 400 years old and a new wing was added in the 1980s to provide accommodation more suitable for those who need care.
Montana, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk (From 1969)
Montana is registered for 19 residents and is rated as Outstanding by CQC. The ground floor layout and beautiful gardens make it a very attractive home and the residents are well-cared for by the Manager, a Sister, and her team of sisters and lay staff.
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
Holy Cross Care Home, Heathfield, East Sussex (From 1964 with major refurbishment in 2012)
This is our newest and largest Care Home with 60 beds. There is a Registered Manager and a dedicated team of lay staff and sisters who provide 24 hour nursing care for the frail and dying in a loving family atmosphere. The current building replaced the original nursing unit and residential home in buildings which were no longer fit for purpose.
UK - Retirement Accommodation
We have a number of flats suitable for the active elderly, where residents cater for themselves and have maximum independence. Discreet help is available according to the location and circumstances.
Holy Cross Priory, St Benedict’s and St Mary’s, Heathfield, East Sussex
In close proximity to Holy Cross Care Home are St Mary’s and St Benedict’s comprising a total of 40 flats. Within the same grounds the main building and former convent have been transformed into 21 flats and a new convent and chapel were completed in 2013. Although independence is encouraged there is a warden-call facility 24 hours a day should there be an emergency.
Oakampton House, Bury St Edmunds
There are 22 flats, with one or two bedrooms, situated in the grounds of Montana care home and the sisters provide help where needed.
Harrington Villas, Brighton
A house in Harrington Villas, near St Mary’s House, consists of three flats.
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
OVERSEAS MISSIONS
The Congregation’s work in the Missions is a response to various needs such as destitution, sickness and lack of employment and education. A number of our houses run farms to provide food and income. Strenuous efforts are made towards self-support, but some shortfall is inevitable as the work is for the poor. Grants are made by the Grace and Compassion Benedictines’ UK charity to its partners administered by the Sisters overseas. Capital expenditure is met through applications to grant making charities made by the overseas Communities and by legacies from benefactors wishing to support our Missions.
INDIA
Since 1975 the sisters have been working in Tiruvannamalai and charitable activities are being carried out at 9 locations in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
Home for the Aged at Tiruvannamalai
New plaque at Our Lady of Light Bangalore
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
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Grace and Compassion Priory, Tiruvannamalai is the main house with the largest community where they currently run a home for destitute elderly, a small hospital and village clinics.
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Grace and Compassion Bhavan in Pondicherry is the Priory Administrative Centre which was blessed and opened in September 2018.
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St. Benedict’s, Adaiyur, a short distance from Tiruvannamalai where the sisters run a Nursing School for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The School of Nursing, Adaiyur
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At Our Lady of Light, Bangalore, Karnataka, we have a home for frail elderly people and this is also the Novitiate House. An extensive refurbishment programme has been carried out over the past 2 years and this was formally opened and blessed on 10th January 2024.
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House of Peace, Yercaud is a Retreat and Conference Centre and a Guest House at a hill station near Salem.
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Emmaus House, Pondicherry is a home for retired priests.
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In Vetoornimadam, Nagercoil a few sisters care for retired priests at Clergy House.
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At St. Scholastica’s, Makkiyad in Kerala the sisters run a small clinic and hospital plus a residential home for the elderly. An extensive renovation programme is underway at this location and is due to finish at the end of 2026.
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There is a second foundation in Kerala at Piravom called St. Joseph’s, which was built and opened in 2018 to care for the elderly.
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
St Joseph’s Home, Piravom
SRI LANKA
There are five houses in Sri Lanka and at four of them the sisters care for the elderly:
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Melville Priory, Moratuwa since 1981 and refurbished and extended in 2019 to accommodate up to 60 residents.
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St. Joan’s, Ja-Ela accommodates 24 residents. In 2021 it was agreed to demolish and rebuild the structure because of serious defects, mainly drainage. This work is now complete and the new house was blessed and opened in November 2022.
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Villa Maria, Mugunuatawan, Chilaw accommodates 24 residents.
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St Benedict’s Millewa, Horana, can accommodate 24 residents and was officially opened in September 2019.
Some residents are unable to pay and others have family abroad so we try to cater for the needs of everyone. The sisters also do some parish work.
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
At Mattakelle a small group of Sisters are working in a rural parish. The Montessori School was refurbished in 2020.
Children at Mattakelle
EAST AFRICA
The first foundation in Kenya was made in 1990 at Mundika, Busia, near the border with Uganda. By 2020 there were three more houses in Kenya and two in Uganda.
1. Grace and Compassion Convent, Mundika, Busia
We have a home for destitute old people, and the Sisters support a number of elderly in the local villages. We do parish work, tailoring, candle-making, host baking and run a small shop which generates some income. The sisters run a nursery and primary school and in March 2022 work started to provide some dormitory space plus extra classrooms in line with new government regulations for schools. This was completed in 2023. The guest house provides a source of income and a valuable facility for both local and overseas visitors. During the Coronavirus pandemic the residents moved to buildings nearer the convent and a new building, St Catherine’s was completed for them in July 2021.
- There is a small house in Nairobi which provides a base for Sisters who are studying at local institutions.
3. Grace and Compassion Convent, Chebukaka
A small community moved into a former diocesan retreat centre where the sisters run a vocational training school. They also help in the local school and parish and have a small farm.
4. Kibabii
Following a donation of land near Bungoma we built a guest house and hostel to provide accommodation for female religious and students as required who are attending the local universities. This was opened in July 2020 and in recent months the sisters have responded to requests to cater for retreats, seminars and wedding receptions.
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
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Dormitory Block at Mundika
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- Grace and Compassion Convent, Irundu, Uganda
We run a nursery and primary school and do parish work. During the Coronavirus pandemic the school was redecorated and a small library was built. A small convent was built in 2021 so that sisters working in the school could live close by.
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New Convent at Irundu
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6. St. Mary’s House, Jinja, Uganda
This house is used as a base for studies and some parish work. The Sisters have a convent and chapel and in 2021 a new guest house was built to generate some income. They grow maize, vegetables and fruit. There is also a small nursery school.
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
The following table gives details of our overseas mission expenditure.
| LOCATION | DATE | REASON | AMOUNT in £s |
|---|---|---|---|
| UGANDA | 03/10/2024 | Allowance for October & November 2024 | 10,000 |
| 03/12/2024 | Allowance for December 2024 & January 2025 | 10,000 | |
| 20/01/2025 | Formation Course for Sisters | 4,000 | |
| 20/01/2025 | Allowance for February & March 2025 | 10,000 | |
| 26/03/2025 | Allowance for April & May 2025 | 10,000 | |
| 26/03/2025 | Holiday money 2025 | 3,000 | |
| 28/05/2025 | Allowance for June & July 2025 | 10,000 | |
| 30/07/2025 | Allowance for Aug & Sept; 2025 | 10,000 | |
| 30/07/2025 | Studies and vehicle repair | 2,000 | |
| 24/09/2025 | Allowance for Oct and Nov 2025 | 10,000 | |
| TOTAL SENT | 79,000 | ||
| KENYA | 03/10/2024 | Allowance for October & November 2024 | 25,000 |
| 03/10/2024 | Sisters’studies, solar, painting and CCTV | 15,000 | |
| 21/11/2024 | School bus Mundika | 40,000 | |
| 02/12/2024 | Allowance for December 2024 & January 2025 | 25,000 | |
| 20/01/2025 | Allowance for February & March 2025 | 25,000 | |
| 26/03/2025 | Allowance for April and May 2025 | 25,000 | |
| 26/03/2025 | Sisters’studies | 7,500 | |
| 28/05/2025 | Allowance for June & July 2025 | 25,000 | |
| 30/07/2025 | Allowance for Aug & Sept 2025 | 25,000 | |
| 30/07/2025 | School fees | 8,000 | |
| 30/07/2025 | Preparation for Final Vows & Sisters’Expenses | 5,000 | |
| 24/09/2025 | Allowance for Oct and Nov, Fees and Funeral | 30,000 | |
| TOTAL SENT | 255,500 | ||
| SRI LANKA | 07/10/2024 | Building works and travel expenses | 30,000 |
| 04/11/2024 | S’s expenses | 2,500 | |
| 22/05/2025 | Roof repairs Dehiwela house | 30,000 | |
| 28/08/2025 | Visa and travel expenses | 3,500 | |
| TOTAL SENT | 66,000 | ||
| INDIA | 12/12/2024 | Hospital Project TVMalai | 250,000 |
| 12/12/2024 | Second Payment for Makkiyad Building Fund | 120,000 | |
| 12/12/2024 | New Vehicle-Makkiyad | 30,000 | |
| 30/04/2025 | Nursing students and mass stipends | 7,000 | |
| 09/06/2025 | Third Payment for Makkiyad Building Fund | 110,000 | |
| 15/09/2025 | Repairs to Staff and guest quarters TVMalai | 200,000 | |
| TOTAL SENT | 717,000 | ||
| GRAND TOTAL | 1,117,500 |
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Care Village at Holy Cross Priory, Heathfield is well-established with a 60-bed care home for residents requiring personal and nursing care. This is run to a very high standard.
The 20 retirement flats in the separately accessed top floor named St Benedict’s and a further 20 apartments in a new block called St Mary’s provide one and two-bedroomed apartments and offer independent living with a range of community facilities available. The conversion of Holy Cross Priory, a grade II listed building resulted in 18 extracare leasehold apartments, with a restaurant, lounge and function room.
The new chapel is available for the whole care village and Parish community. Other facilities include guest accommodation and a convent for the Sisters.
In transforming what we offer at Holy Cross Priory, we are enabling our work for older people to continue there and flourish. There have been considerable legal costs involved in trying to address serious snagging issues over the years but the dispute with the Contractors has now been settled.
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Holy Cross Priory, Convent and Chapel at Heathfield
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FUNDRAISING
The Charity does not undertake any formal or organised fundraising activities, either directly or through a professional fundraiser or commercial participator or any person acting on its behalf. We do not engage in cold-calling, door to door or street fundraising. Therefore, we do not target any vulnerable people.
The Charity appeals for financial assistance for its work in the following ways:
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A donation facility on the Charity website.
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Advertisements in a number of professional journals (e.g. Charity Choice, Law Society Gazette)
No complaints about fundraising activities have been received in either the year or the preceding year. However, if a complaint were to be received, we would undertake to resolve it promptly and would envisage that there would never be any need for any complaint to escalate to the stage of referral to the regulator.
The trustees have decided that given the low-key nature of fundraising efforts, there is no need for the charity to be registered with the Fundraising Regulator. However, we endeavour to adhere to the standards of the Fundraising Code of Practice.
The trustees are of the opinion that the Charity’s overall fundraising performance was good and was conducted in full accordance with the above principles. We are extremely grateful for the generosity of all those who have given to the work of the charity over the years.
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The charity’s principal source of income continues to be the fees received in respect of its care facilities. For the year ended 30 September 2025, total income amounted to £6.92m (2024: £8.43m). The prior year included a gain of £1.83m on the sale of assets, primarily the sale of Padua House Flats and land owned at Burwash. These related entirely to Restricted Funds. Underlying income has remained stable, supported by strong residential and investment income.
Expenditure for the year totalled £7.93m (2024: £7.39m), most of the rise being due to an increase in the level of support paid to overseas missions in the current year. There was also an increase in staffing costs and administrative costs. These were partially offset by a decrease in Direct Home and Community costs.
The resulting net expenditure before investment gains was £1.01m (2024: net income of £1.05m), with investment gains of £524k (2024: £853k), resulting in a total net decrease in funds for the year of £485.2k (2024: net increase of £1.9m). The overall movement reflects a stable year-on-year financial position, discounting the effect of exceptional items.
Within the balance sheet, tangible fixed assets significantly increased due to the addition of apartments at Holy Cross Priory at a cost of almost £1.7m. This was partially offset by the annual depreciation charge. Investments rose from £8.72m to £9.45m, reflecting market growth over the year. Debtors totalled £2.09m (2024: £1.87m), of which £160k (2024: £630k) is receivable after more than one year from the balance sheet date. Cash at bank decreased from £4.77m to £2.87m, driven by operational deficits.
Investment Powers and Policy
The trustees are empowered within the Trust Deed to invest any monies as authorised by law for the investment of trust monies in a manner they think fit. The trustees have decided, considering the charity’s long-term commitments to support the work in England and elsewhere, that the establishment of an investment portfolio would be appropriate.
The total return (that is income plus/minus capital gains/losses) on the portfolio in the year was approximately +8.90% (2024: +14.43%). The Trustees are satisfied with the performance of the investment portfolio, which broadly aligned with relevant charity benchmarks. The portfolio is monitored regularly with the support of professional advisors.
Reserves Policy
As at 30 September 2025, the Charity held total funds of £23.30m (2024: £23.8m).
It has been the Trustee’s policy to maintain reserves sufficient to cover between one and three years’ charitable expenditure. The current level is within this range. The Trustees are reviewing future expenditure and reserve planning in light of ongoing operational and strategic commitments, particularly across the Charity’s care provision, retirement housing and overseas mission work. All reserves were transferred to the CIO with effect from one minute past midnight on 1 October 2025.
PLANS FOR THE FUTURE
In January 2020 the Prioress General and her Council established a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) to take advantage of the benefits of this new form of legal entity that was created by the Charity Commission. The trustees intention was to transfer the assets and undertaking of this Charity to this new entity and this transfer was effected at one minute past midnight on 1 October 2025. Details of this transfer are included in Note 21 of the financial statements. The Trustees confirm that there will be no change in the activities and management of the undertaking.
The Charity has no long-term plans to create new care homes and retirement villages, but will continue to improve its existing portfolio of properties in order to provide an up to date and comfortable environment for its elderly residents and tenants.
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GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 (continued)
STATEMENT OF 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 & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
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adopt the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue on that basis.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that 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 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees on 27 July 2026 and signed as authorised on their behalf by:
K Yeeles Trustee
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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Grace and Compassion Benedictines for the year ended 30 September 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 30 September 2025 and of the charity’s net movement in funds for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;
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and have been properly prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Emphasis of matter - going concern
In forming our opinion on the financial statements, which is not modified, we have considered the adequacy of the disclosure in the principal accounting policies of the financial statements, which explains that the Charity's financial statements have been prepared on a basis other than the going concern basis because the Trustees have taken the decision to transfer the assets and liabilities to a CIO.
We draw attention to the accounting policy note on page 20 regarding going concern, which states that at one minute past midnight on 1 October 2025, the net assets of the charity were transferred to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which had been established to take over the affairs of the charity. It is the intention of the Trustees that no further activity will take place in the charity, and to close the charity once all legal and administrative matters are settled.
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees’ Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept by the charity; or
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sufficient and proper accounting records have not been kept; or
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the charity financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees for the financial statements
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 14, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES (continued)
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Based on our understanding of the charity and the environment in which it operates, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to health and safety regulations, employment law, safeguarding regulations and care quality commission compliance, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities SORP.
We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to depreciation charges. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:
-
Inspecting minutes of Trustees’ meetings;
-
Reviewing calculations for depreciation including reviewing estimated useful economic lives;
-
Reviewing the latest Care Quality Commission (CQC) reports;
-
Inspecting correspondence with regulators and tax authorities;
-
Discussions with management including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulation and fraud;
-
Evaluating management’s controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities;
-
Identifying and testing journals;
-
Reviewing valuations of investments; and
-
Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their critical accounting estimates. These relate to depreciation.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity’s trustees as a body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG
HaysMac LLP Statutory Auditor
2026 HaysMac is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 28 July 2026.
16
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Total | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Notes | |||||
| INCOME from | |||||
| Donations and Legacies | 1 | 398,175 | - | 398,175 | 462,509 |
| Charitable activities | 2 | 6,270,995 | - | 6,270,995 | 5,891,918 |
| Investments | 3 | 252,371 | - | 252,371 | 251,123 |
| Other | |||||
| - Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets | 4 | 1,749 | - | 1,749 | 1,828,002 |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ||
| Total income | 6,923,290 | - | 6,923,290 | 8,433,552 | |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ||
| EXPENDITURE on | |||||
| Cost of raising funds | |||||
| - Investment management fees | 50,611 | - | 50,611 | 46,693 | |
| Charitable activities | 5 | 7,732,609 | 149,258 | 7,881,867 | 7,340,794 |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ||
| Total expenditure | 7,783,220 | 149,258 | 7,932,478 | 7,387,487 | |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ||
| Net income/(expenditure) before gains | |||||
| on investments | (859,930) | (149,258) | (1,009,188) | 1,046,065 | |
| Net gains on investments | 523,990 | - | 523,990 | 853,263 | |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ||
| Net income/(expenditure) and | |||||
| movement in funds | (335,940) | (149,258) | (485,198) | 1,899,328 | |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ||
| Brought forward at start of year | 23,456,103 | 334,525 | 23,790,628 | 21,891,300 | |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | -------------------------- | ||
| Carried forward at end of year | £23,120,163 | £185,267 | £23,305,430 | £23,790,628 | |
| ============ | =========== | ============ | ============ |
All operations are continuing and there are no discontinued operations in either year. There are no other gains or losses other than those stated above.
The notes form part of these financial statements.
17
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
BALANCE SHEET
AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| FIXED ASSETS | |||||
| Tangible Assets | 14 | 10,496,052 | 9,235,831 | ||
| Investments | 15 | 9,453,427 | 8,719,390 | ||
| --------------------- | --------------------- | ||||
| 19,949,479 | 17,955,221 | ||||
| Debtors- sums receivable after more than | |||||
| one year | 16a | 160,000 | 630,000 | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Debtors | 16b | 1,931,720 | 1,244,203 | ||
| Cash at bank & in hand | 2,868,645 | 4,767,740 | |||
| --------------------- | --------------------- | ||||
| 4,800,365 | 6,011,943 | ||||
| CREDITORS: Amounts falling | |||||
| due within one year | 17 | (1,604,414) | (806,536) | ||
| --------------------- | --------------------- | ||||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 3,195,951 | 5,205,407 | |||
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | ||||
| NET ASSETS | £23,305,430 | £23,790,628 | |||
| =========== | =========== | ||||
| FUNDS | |||||
| Unrestricted Funds | 23,120,163 | 23,456,103 | |||
| Restricted Funds | 18 | 185,267 | 334,525 | ||
| ------------------------ | ------------------------ | ||||
| 19 | £23,305,430 | £23,790,628 | |||
| ============ | ============ |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 27 July 2026 and were signed below on its behalf by:
K Yeeles Trustee
C Murtagh Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements.
18
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
CASH FLOW STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Cash flows from Operating Activities | |||
| Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities | (249,277) | 166,299 | |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ||
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||
| Dividends and interest from investments | 252,371 | 251,123 | |
| Receipts from sales of investments | 607,743 | 258,101 | |
| Payments to acquire investments | (817,790) | (468,528) | |
| Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets | (1,700,142) | (324,068) | |
| Receipts from sales of tangible fixed assets | 8,000 | 1,876,459 | |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ||
| Net cash provided by investing activities | (1,649,818) | 1,593,087 | |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ||
| Change in cash and cash equivalents in year | (1,899,095) | 1,759,386 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 1 October 2024 | 4,767,740 | 3,008,354 | |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents at 30 September 2025 | £2,868,645 | £4,767,740 | |
| =========== | =========== | ||
| Notes to the Cash Flow Statement | |||
| A. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating | activities | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Net movement in funds (as per the Statement of Financial Activities) | (485,198) | 1,899,328 | |
| Adjustments for | |||
| Dividends and interest from investments | (252,371) | (251,123) | |
| Depreciation | 433,670 | 393,901 | |
| (Gains) on disposal of tangible fixed assets | (1,749) | (1,828,002) | |
| (Gains) on investments assets | (523,990) | (853,263) | |
| (Increase)/Decrease in debtors | (217,517) | 1,214,200 | |
| (Decrease)/Increase in creditors | 797,878 | (408,742) | |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ||
| Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities | (249,277) | 166,299 | |
| =========== | =========== | ||
| B. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 2,868,645 | 4,767,740 | |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ||
| Total cash and cash equivalents | £2,868,645 | £4,767,740 | |
| =========== | =========== | ||
| C. Analysis of changes in net cash funds | |||
| 1 October | 30 September | ||
| 2024 | Cashflows | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 4,767,740 | (1,899,095) | 2,868,645 |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | |
| Total cash and cash equivalents | £4,767,740 | £(1,899,095) | £2,868,645 |
| =========== | =========== | =========== |
19
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the accounts are laid out below.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with all statutory requirements and the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP) (Second Edition, effective 1 January 2019) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). Figures are presented in sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.
Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
Preparation of the accounts requires the Trustees to make significant judgements and estimates. The items in the accounts where these judgements and estimates have been made include:
- estimating the economic useful life of tangible fixed assets.
Assessment of going concern
At one minute past midnight on 1 October 2025, the net assets of the charity were transferred to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which had been established to take over the affairs of the charity. The CIO was registered with the Charity Commission on 8 January 2020 under Charity Registration Number 1187262. Details of the financial impact of the transfer are shown in note 21.
It is the intention of the Trustees that no further activity will take place in the charity, and to close the charity once all legal and administrative matters are settled. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a basis other than the going concern basis. There have been no adjustments required to the measurement of assets or liabilities as a result of this.
General Information
The Charity is registered in England and Wales (charity no: 1056064). The Charity’s principal office address is Grace and Compassion Convent, St Mary’s House, 38/39 Preston Park Avenue, Brighton, BN1 6HG.
20
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Income recognition
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is a treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.
Income received in advance of the provision of care services service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.
In accordance with the Charities SORP, volunteer time is not recognised.
Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been paid. Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
Expenditure recognition and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:
-
Costs of raising funds comprise fees paid in respect of fund management advice in relation to the charity’s portfolio of quoted investments, which is managed under a discretionary management agreement.
-
Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of running the charity’s Nursing and Care Homes and its Retirement Accommodation as well as all other costs associated with furthering the charitable purposes of the charity through the provision of its charitable activities. These costs comprise charitable grants and donations and direct and support costs in respect to the support of members of the Congregation and their ministry. It also includes governance costs.
-
Employment benefits, including holiday pay, are recognised in the period in which they are earned. Termination benefits are recognised in the period in which the decision is made and communicated to the relevant employee(s).
Charitable grants and donations are made where the Trustees consider there is real need following a review of the details of each particular case and comprise single year payments rather than multi-year grants. Grants and donations are included in the statement of financial activities when approved for payment. Provision is made for grants and donations approved but unpaid at the period end.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
Allocation of support and governance costs
Support costs represent indirect charitable expenditure. In order to carry out the primary purposes of the charity it is necessary to provide support in the form of personnel development, financial procedures, provision of office services and equipment and a suitable working environment.
21
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £5,000 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight-line basis as follows:
| Annual rate | |
|---|---|
| Freehold land | Nil |
| Freehold buildings | 2% to 2.5% |
| Furniture, fittings and equipment | 0% to 20 % |
| Motor vehicles | 25% |
Financial Instruments and investments
The charity only holds financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
Quoted investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at cost and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price. Gains or losses on investments are disclosed in the statement of financial activities as a combined figure for realised gains or losses from investment sales in the year (sale proceeds less market value last year) and unrealised gains or losses arising from the increase/decrease in value during the year of investments still held.
As noted above, the main form of financial risk to which the charity is exposed is that of the volatility in investment markets.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. Deposits for more than three months and up to one year have been disclosed as short-term deposits. Cash placed on deposit for more than one year is disclosed as a fixed asset investment.
22
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Creditors and provisions for liabilities and charges
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
Services provided by members of the Congregation
For the purposes of these accounts, no value has been placed on administrative and other services provided by the members of the Congregation.
Foreign currencies
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the net movement in funds.
Pension contributions
Contributions in respect of the charity’s defined contribution pension scheme are charged to the statement of financial activities when they are payable to the scheme. The charity’s contributions are restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 9. There were no outstanding contributions at the year end. The charity has no liability beyond making its contributions and paying across the deductions for the employees’ contributions.
23
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Donations | 194,212 | - | 194,212 | 207,019 | |
| Income donated by Sisters | 1,802 | - | 1,802 | - | |
| Legacies | 202,161 | - | 202,161 | 255,490 | |
| --------------------- | ---------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | ||
| £398,175 | £- | £398,175 | £462,509 | ||
| =========== | ========== | ========== | ============ | ||
| Year ended 30 September 2024 | |||||
| Donations | 205,885 | 1,134 | 207,019 | ||
| Legacies | 255,490 | - | 255,490 | ||
| --------------------- | ---------------------- | --------------------- | |||
| £461,375 | £1,134 | £462,509 | |||
| =========== | ========== | =========== |
2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Residential Accommodation and Nursing Homes | 5,710,622 | 5,401,193 |
| Retirement Accommodation | 560,373 | 490,725 |
| -------------------- | -------------------- | |
| £6,270,995 | £5,891,918 | |
| =========== | ============ |
3. INVESTMENT INCOME
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| From portfolio of investments | 239,998 | - | 239,998 | 243,542 |
| Bank Interest | 12,373 | - | 12,373 | 7,581 |
| --------------------- | ---------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | |
| £252,371 | £- | £252,371 | £251,123 | |
| =========== | ========== | ========== | ============ | |
| Year ended 30 September 2024 | ||||
| From portfolio of investments | 243,542 | - | 243,542 | |
| Bank Interest | 7,581 | - | 7,581 | |
| --------------------- | ---------------------- | --------------------- | ||
| £251,123 | £- | £251,123 | ||
| =========== | ========== | ========== |
24
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
4. OTHER INCOME
Gain on disposal of Tangible Fixed Assets
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Properties | ||||
| Proceeds (net of costs) | - | - | - | 1,875,259 |
| Net book value | - | - | - | (48,456) |
| Motor vehicles | ||||
| Proceeds (net of costs) | 8,000 | - | 8,000 | 1,200 |
| Net book value | (6,251) | - | (6,251) | (1) |
| --------------------- | --------------------- | -------------------- | -------------------- | |
| Net Gain on Disposal | £1,749 | £- | £1,749 | £1,828,002 |
| =========== | ========== | ========== | ============ | |
| Year ended 30 September 2024 | ||||
| Properties | ||||
| Proceeds (net of costs) | - | 1,875,259 | 1,875,259 | |
| Net book value | - | (48,456) | (48,456) | |
| Motor vehicles | ||||
| Proceeds (net of costs) | 1,200 | - | 1,200 | |
| Net book value | (1) | - | (1) | |
| --------------------- | --------------------- | -------------------- | ||
| Net Gain on Disposal | £1,199 | £1,826,803 | £1,828,002 | |
| =========== | ========== | ========== |
25
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
5. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Residential | Support of | Mission | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Retirement | Sisters / | Support and | |||
| and Nursing | Accomm- | Pastoral | Donations | 2025 | 2024 | |
| Homes | odation | Ministry | Total | Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Staff costs | 3,545,565 | 18,780 | - | - | 3,564,345 | 3,234,134 |
| Deprecation | 99,992 | 79,122 | - | - | 179,114 | 181,606 |
| Other operational | ||||||
| costs | 1,290,408 | 309,243 | 210,055 | - | 1,809,706 | 1,761,397 |
| Administrative | ||||||
| expenses | 354,224 | 324,901 | - | - | 679,125 | 412,804 |
| Missions support & | ||||||
| donations (note 7) | - | - | - | 1,117,500 | 1,117,500 | 644,000 |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------- | ----------------------- | --------------------- | --------------------- | |
| 5,290,189 | 732,046 | 210,055 | 1,117,500 | 7,349,790 | 6,233,941 | |
| Support costs | 290,747 | 96,915 | 72,687 | 24,229 | 484,578 | 1,071,163 |
| Governance costs | 28,499 | 9,500 | 7,125 | 2,375 | 47,499 | 35,690 |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------ | --------------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------ | ------------------------ | |
| £5,609,435 | £838,461 | £289,867 | £1,144,104 | £7,881,867 | £7,340,794 | |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== |
Year ended 30 September 2024
| Residential | Support of | Mission | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Retirement | Sisters / | Support and | ||
| and Nursing | Accomm- | Pastoral | Donations | 2024 | |
| Homes | odation | Ministry | Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Staff costs | 3,218,220 | 15,914 | - | - | 3,234,134 |
| Deprecation | 102,484 | 79,122 | - | - | 181,606 |
| Other operational | |||||
| costs | 1,243,184 | 471,116 | 47,097 | - | 1,761,397 |
| Administrative | |||||
| expenses | 351,494 | 61,310 | - | - | 412,804 |
| Missions support & | |||||
| donations (note 7) | - | - | - | 644,000 | 644,000 |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------- | ----------------------- | --------------------- | |
| 4,915,382 | 627,462 | 47,097 | 644,000 | 6,233,941 | |
| Support costs | 642,698 | 214,233 | 160,674 | 53,558 | 1,071,163 |
| Governance costs | 21,413 | 7,138 | 5,354 | 1,785 | 35,690 |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------ | --------------------- | ------------------------ | ------------------------ | |
| £5,579,493 | £848,833 | £213,125 | £699,343 | £7,340,794 | |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== |
26
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
6. ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE AND SUPPORT COSTS
| 6. | ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE AND SUPPORT COSTS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Support costs | |||
| Establishment expenses | 17,622 | 712,794 | |
| Administrative costs | 212,400 | 146,074 | |
| Reduction in provision for liabilities and charges | - | - | |
| Depreciation | 254,556 | 212,295 | |
| -------------------- | -------------------- | ||
| 484,578 | 1,071,163 | ||
| -------------------- | -------------------- | ||
| Governance costs | |||
| Audit fees | 34,300 | 24,470 | |
| Other | 43,199 | 11,220 | |
| -------------------- | -------------------- | ||
| 47,499 | 35,690 | ||
| -------------------- | -------------------- | ||
| £532,077 | £1,106,853 | ||
| ========== | ========== | ||
| Allocation of Governance & Support Costs | |||
| Residential Accommodation and Nursing Homes | 319,246 | 664,111 | |
| Retirement Accommodation | 106,415 | 221,371 | |
| Support of Sisters and their ministry | 79,812 | 166,028 | |
| Mission Support and Donations | 26,604 | 55,343 | |
| -------------------- | -------------------- | ||
| £532,077 | £1,106,853 | ||
| =========== | =========== | ||
| 7. | MISSION SUPPORT AND DONATIONS | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| The direct costs of Overseas Outreach include the payment of grants as follows: | |||
| Support of the Congregation’s mission in: | |||
| Uganda | 79,000 | 136,000 | |
| Kenya | 255,500 | 210,000 | |
| Sri Lanka | 66,000 | 8,000 | |
| India | 717,000 | 290,000 | |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ||
| £1,117,500 | £644,000 | ||
| =========== | =========== |
27
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 8. | NET EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| This is stated after charging: | £ | £ | |
| Depreciation | 433,670 | 393,901 | |
| Accountancy services | 13,200 | 11,220 | |
| Auditors remuneration | |||
| - Audit fees (net of VAT) | 34,300 | 27,250 | |
| =========== | =========== | ||
| 9. | STAFF COSTS | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Staff costs during the year were as follows: | |||
| Wages and salaries | 2,999,428 | 2,632,620 | |
| Social security costs | 319,879 | 251,955 | |
| Other pension costs | 124,966 | 75,987 | |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ||
| 3,444,273 | 2,960,562 | ||
| Other costs | |||
| (including temporary staff, staff training, subscriptions & uniforms) | 120,072 | 273,572 | |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ||
| £3,564,345 | £3,234,134 | ||
| =========== | =========== | ||
| Five employees (2024: One) earned between £60,000 and £70,000 during the year. | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| No. | No. | ||
| The number of employees whose emoluments exceeded £60,000 were: | |||
| £60,001 - £70,000 | 5 | 1 | |
| ======== | ======== |
The key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing, controlling and operating the charity on a day to day basis comprise the Trustees.
The charity's Trustees are all members of the Congregation and consequently their living and personal expenses, all of which are consistent with amounts paid in respect of other members of the Congregation, are borne by the charity. No Trustee received any remuneration or reimbursement of expenses in connection with their duties as Trustees.
| 10. | STAFF NUMBERS | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. | No. | ||
| The average monthly head count of employees during the year was: | 104 | 108 | |
| === | === |
28
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
11. PENSIONS
The charity operates a defined contribution Group Personal Pension Plan for its employees. The charity is not liable to finance any shortfall of funding and cannot benefit from over funding. Employer contributions payable into the scheme during the year were at a rate of 3% of pensionable salary and members contributed 5% of pensionable salary.
Employer contributions of £124,966 (2024: £75,987) were paid during the year.
12. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
The Trustees of the Charity are also members of the Congregation and as such have taken vows of poverty under which they have renounced all personal rights to income and capital. The Charity provides for the essential needs of all members of the Congregation within the Province.
The living costs of the five Trustees are therefore borne by the Charity.
There were no other related party transactions during the year.
13. TAXATION
As a registered charity the Grace and Compassion Benedictines is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income or gains derived from its charitable activities, as they fall within the various exemptions available to registered charities.
29
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 14. | FIXED ASSETS | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture, | |||||
| Freehold | Fittings & | Motor | |||
| Properties | Equipment | Vehicles | Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| COST | |||||
| At 1 October 2024 | 15,012,806 | 867,123 | 54,185 | 15,934,114 | |
| Additions | 1,690,454 | - | 9,688 | 1,700,142 | |
| Disposals | - | - | (7,999) | (7,999) | |
| --------------------- | -------------------- | -------------------- | --------------------- | ||
| At 30 September 2025 | 16,703,260 | 867,123 | 55,874 | 17,626,257 | |
| --------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------- | --------------------- | ||
| DEPRECIATION | |||||
| At 1 October 2024 | 5,837,267 | 813,709 | 47,307 | 6,698,283 | |
| Charge for the year | 417,272 | 13,353 | 3,045 | 433,670 | |
| Disposals | - | - | (1,748) | (1,748) | |
| --------------------- | -------------------- | -------------------- | --------------------- | ||
| At 30 September 2025 | 6,254,539 | 827,062 | 48,604 | 7,130,205 | |
| --------------------- | -------------------- | -------------------- | --------------------- | ||
| NET BOOK VALUE | |||||
| 30 September 2025 | £10,448,721 | £40,061 | £7,270 | £10,496,052 | |
| =========== | =========== | ========== | =========== | ||
| NET BOOK VALUE | |||||
| 30 September 2024 | £9,175,539 | £53,414 | £6,878 | £9,235,831 | |
| =========== | =========== | ========== | =========== | ||
| 15. | INVESTMENTS | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| At 1 October | 8,719,390 | 7,655,700 | |||
| Additions at cost | 817,790 | 468,528 | |||
| Disposals (at book value) | |||||
| Proceeds | (607,743) | (258,101) | |||
| (Losses)/Gains by reference to opening value | (27,734) | 63,259 | |||
| --------------------- | --------------------- | ||||
| (635,477) | (194,842) | ||||
| Net revaluation gains | 551,724 | 790,004 | |||
| --------------------- | --------------------- | ||||
| At 30 September | £9,453,427 | £8,719,390 | |||
| =========== | =========== | ||||
| Listed on UK Stock exchange | |||||
| Equities | 7,390,760 | 6,960,166 | |||
| Fixed-interest stocks | 1,278,178 | 1,140,252 | |||
| --------------------- | --------------------- | ||||
| 8,668,938 | 8,100,418 | ||||
| Portfolio bank deposits | 784,489 | 618,972 | |||
| --------------------- | --------------------- | ||||
| At 30 September | £9,453,427 | £8,719,390 | |||
| =========== | =========== | ||||
| At Cost | £7,785,474 | £7,503,369 | |||
| =========== | =========== |
30
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 16. | DEBTORS | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| (a) Sums receivable after more than one year | 160,000 | 630,000 | |
| ========== | ========== | ||
| (b) Sums receivable within one year | |||
| Fees receivable | 236,609 | 199,092 | |
| Prepayments and other debtors | 1,039,056 | 481,254 | |
| Litigation settlement due | 470,000 | 350,000 | |
| Other debtors | 8,000 | - | |
| Legacies receivable | 178,055 | 213,857 | |
| --------------------- | --------------------- | ||
| 1,931,720 | 1,244,203 | ||
| --------------------- | --------------------- | ||
| £2,091,720 | £1,874,203 | ||
| ========== | ========== | ||
| 17. | CREDITORS: | 2025 | 2024 |
| £ | £ | ||
| Amounts falling due within one year | |||
| Trade creditors | 416,828 | 124,243 | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 1,187,586 | 682,293 | |
| --------------------- | --------------------- | ||
| £1,604,414 | £806,536 | ||
| =========== | =========== |
31
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| 18. | RESTRICTED FUNDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movement in year | ||||
| Beginning | Net Income / | End of | ||
| of year | (Expenditure) | year | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Benedictine Sisters Fund | 56,855 | (56,855) | - | |
| Friends of Montana Fund | 958 | (958) | - | |
| Third Party Sisters' Care | 276,712 | (91,445) | 185,267 | |
| ---------------------- | --------------------- | -------------------- | ||
| £334,525 | £(149,258) | £185,267 | ||
| ========== | ========== | ========== | ||
| Movements in prior year | ||||
| Benedictine Sisters Fund | 423,031 | (366,176) | 56,855 | |
| Friends of Montana Fund | 1,118 | (160) | 958 | |
| Third Party Sisters' Care | 399,071 | (122,359) | 276,712 | |
| ---------------------- | --------------------- | ---------------------- | ||
| £823,220 | £(488,695) | £334,525 | ||
| ========== | ========== | =========== |
The House of Hospitality and Benedictine Sisters Funds represent the net assets transferred from these charities under a Charity Commission scheme dated 1 October 1996. These assets are applied in accordance with their respective original purposes which were set out in the terms of the Trusts under which these assets were held in the original charities. These restrictions continue to apply and the residue of the funds taken over from these charities are shown as restricted funds.
The House of Hospitality Fund now only comprises the net book value of fixed assets transferred under the 1996 scheme; the working capital of the Fund having been fully utilised, in the period since 1996, on the stated restricted purposes. As and when any of these fixed assets are disposed of, the proceeds generated will be credited to the Fund and applied against accumulated net expenditure, represented by its current net liabilities in the form of an inter-fund account, or to finance expenditure in accordance with the restrictions of the Fund.
Friends of Montana Fund represent funds to be spent on outings, entertainment and treats for the residents of Montana.
Third Party Sisters' Care
A sum of £450,000 was originally received from a third party Religious Organisation. The charity has undertaken to provide care for two Sisters of that Congregation and to meet the cost of this care from this Fund.
32
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
19. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Long-term Debtors, | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible | Net Current Assets/ | |||
| Assets | Investments | (Liabilities) & | Total | |
| Creditors due after | ||||
| more than one year | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Restricted Funds | ||||
| House of Hospitality Fund | 2,011,494 | - | (2,011,494) | - |
| Benedictine Sisters Fund | - | - | - | - |
| Friends of Montana Fund | - | - | - | - |
| Third Party Sisters' Care | - | - | 185,267 | 185,267 |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | |
| 2,011,494 | - | (1,826,227) | 185,267 | |
| Unrestricted Funds | 8,484,558 | 9,453,427 | 5,182,178 | 23,120,163 |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | |
| £10,496,052 | £9,453,427 | £3,355,951 | £23,305,430 | |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== | |
| Prior year | ||||
| Restricted Funds | ||||
| House of Hospitality Fund | 2,137,908 | - | (2,137,908) | - |
| Benedictine Sisters Fund | - | - | 56,855 | 56,855 |
| Friends of Montana Fund | - | - | 958 | 958 |
| Third Party Sisters' Care | - | - | 276,712 | 276,712 |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | |
| 2,137,908 | - | (1,803,383) | 334,525 | |
| Unrestricted Funds | 7,097,923 | 8,719,390 | 7,638,790 | 23,456,103 |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | ---------------------- | |
| £9,235,831 | £8,719,390 | £5,835,407 | £23,790,628 | |
| =========== | =========== | =========== | =========== |
33
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
20. PRIOR YEAR STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| INCOME from | |||
| Donations and Legacies | 461,375 | 1,134 | 462,509 |
| Charitable activities | 5,891,918 | - | 5,891,918 |
| Investments | 251,123 | - | 251,123 |
| Other | |||
| - Litigation Settlement | - | - | - |
| - Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets | 1,199 | 1,826,803 | 1,828,002 |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | |
| Total income | 6,605,615 | 1,827,937 | 8,433,552 |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | |
| EXPENDITURE on | |||
| Cost of raising funds | |||
| - Investment management fees | 46,693 | - | 46,693 |
| Charitable activities | 5,024,162 | 2,316,632 | 7,340,794 |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | |
| Total expenditure | 5,070,855 | 2,316,632 | 7,387,487 |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | |
| Net income/(expenditure) and | |||
| movement in funds for the year | 1,534,760 | (488,695) | 1,046,065 |
| Net gains on investments | 853,263 | - | 853,263 |
| Net income/(expenditure) and | ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- |
| net movement in funds for the year | |||
| Accumulated Funds | 2,388,023 | (488,695) | 1,899,328 |
| Brought forward at start of year | 21,068,080 | 823,220 | 21,891,300 |
| ----------------------- | ----------------------- | -------------------------- | |
| Carried forward at end of year | 23,456,103 | 344,525 | 23,790,628 |
| ============ | =========== | ============ |
34
GRACE AND COMPASSION BENEDICTINES
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
21. TRANSFER OF ACTIVITIES, ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
At one minute past midnight on 1 October 2025, the net assets of the charity were transferred to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which had been established to take over the affairs of the charity.
The CIO was registered with the Charity Commission on 8 January 2020 under Charity Registration Number 1187262
The net assets transferred at that date comprised the following:
| £ | £ | |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Assets at Net Book Value | ||
| Cost | 17,626,257 | |
| Accumulated depreciation | (7,130,205) | |
| --------------------- | ||
| 10,496,052 | ||
| Quoted investments at market value | 9,453,427 | |
| Debtors - sums receivable after more than one year | 160,000 | |
| Debtors and prepayments | 1,931,720 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 2,868,645 | |
| --------------------- | ||
| 4,800,365 | ||
| Creditors | ||
| Due within one year | (1,604,414) | |
| --------------------- | ||
| 3,195,951 | ||
| --------------------- | ||
| £23,305,430 | ||
| ========== | ||
| The net assets were represented by | ||
| Funds | ||
| - Unrestricted Funds | 23,120,163 | |
| - Restricted Funds | 185,267 | |
| --------------------- | ||
| £23,305,430 | ||
| ========== |
The net assets/reserves shown above will be reflected in the financial statements of the CIO as received on 1 October 2025.
35