SHEFFIELD DIOCESE MOTHERS’ UNION
Registered Charity No 1063619
Report & Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2022
Sheffield Diocese Mothers’ Union Annual Report
| Trustees’ Annual Report | Page 2 |
|---|---|
| Unit Reports | Page 5 |
| Independent Examiners Report | Page 8 |
| Financial Review | Page 9 |
| Summary of accounts | Page 10 |
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SHEFFIELD DIOCESE MOTHERS’ UNION Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31 Dec 2022
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 December 2022
The affairs of the charity are governed by the terms of the central Mothers’ Union Royal Charter, granted in 1926 and which is registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales (240531).
The Board of Trustees manages the charity and during 2022 Trustees met five times. All the meetings were hybrid, in person and on Zoom. It was decided due to the closure of several branches to amalgamate Ecclesall Deanery and Attercliffe Deanery. They became Ecclesall & Attercliffe Deanery under one Deanery Leader. We also held a Spring Council and an Autumn Council when all members were invited to attend, as well as a Mary Sumner Day Service in Sheffield Cathedral.
The Trustees are elected tri-annually by the members of the charities Council, consisting of the Diocesan President, members of the Trustees Board, Deanery Leaders, and Branch Coordinators. They debate, consider, and determine all matters of policy and strategy to be affected on behalf of Sheffield Diocese Mothers’ Union. The Chaplain is appointed by the Diocesan Bishop.
Trustees manage and supervise the finances of the Society and review and evaluate the work of the charity.
They receive, consider, and respond to all resolutions received from the Diocesan Council. Procedures are in place for the regular training of Trustees to ensure good practice and awareness of their responsibilities. Training is also given to Deanery and Branch officials at regular intervals. The Charity has a Treasurer who prepares the financial statements. Expenditure must be authorised, and cheques require two signatories. All expenditure must be supported with an invoice or receipt.
The Trustees were elected in January 2022
Trustees
Diocesan President
Gillian Fellows
Vice –Presidents:
Archdeaconry of Doncaster Archdeaconry of Sheffield & Rotherham Honorary Vice-President
Elizabeth Paver JoAnne Van Levesley Norma Priest
Unit Co-ordinators:
Finance and Central Services Elizabeth Paver Action and Outreach Pauline Reynolds Data and Media Elizabeth Dean Faith and Policy , Social Policy Mary Williams Fundraising and Communication Susan Sayles Safeguarding Contact Moira Leach Training & Membership Development Jo-Anne Van Levesley
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Deanery Leaders:
Doncaster, Adwick, Snaith & Hatfield Tanis Cockerham Ecclesall & Attercliffe Sally Wood Ecclesfield Margaret Vivian Rotherham & Laughton Moira Leach Tankersley Susan Rivett Wath Mary Carr
Diocesan Officers (Not Trustees)
Treasurer Phill Jackson Secretary Steve Bisby Chaplain Rev Hilda Isaacson Webmaster Elizabeth Dean Mothers’ Union Enterprises Margaret Culloden Indoor Members Representative Lesley Harpham AFIA representative Angela Parker Diocesan Correspondent Maureen Moore
Bankers
The charities bankers are the Cooperative Bank PO Box250 Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT. The CBF Church of England Deposit Fund
Independent Examiner
This role was undertaken by.
Paul Wakefield, 11 Shackleton Road, Doncaster South Yorkshire DN2 4RS
The Charity does not hold any property and for administrative purposes the contact address is the home address of the Secretary, Steve Bisby, 71 Earlesmere Avenue, Balby, Doncaster DN4 0QD.
Membership
Membership is open to all who:
a) Have been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity
- b) Declare their support for the aims and objects of the Society.
In 2022 Sheffield MU consisted of 34 Branches and 754 members of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese. Some members, not belonging to a specific branch, are Diocesan members. The organisation, whether at Diocesan, Deanery or Branch levels, aims to reach out to those in need of all ages. Four units: Action and Outreach, Faith and Policy, Fundraising and Communications and Finance and Central services all help to facilitate the work. All the work is underpinned by prayer.
To enable all members to be well informed a magazine, Newsline is produced, printed, and distributed three times a year.
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Restrictions imposed by the Governing Document concerning the way in which the charity may operate.
Branches of the charity have the power to support the needs of their parishes, subject to the aim, purpose, and objects of Mothers' Union. However, branches are not permitted to be used as a channel for charitable money permitted to be allocated to such organisations from branch funds.
Risk management
The Trustees have throughout their term of service recognised their responsibility to identify the key risks to which the charity was exposed and to ensure that measures were in place and monitored to mitigate against these risks. Adequate insurance cover has been in place to protect the charity against monetary loss.
Objectives and Activities
The purpose of the Mothers’ Union is to be especially concerned with all that strengthens marriage and Christian family life.
The Aim of the Charity is the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life.
To carry out this Aim the Objects of the Mothers’ Union are:
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To uphold Christ’s teaching on the nature of marriage and to promote its wider understanding.
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To encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the Church.
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To maintain a world-wide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship, and service.
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To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children.
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To help those whose family life has met with adversity.
Activities during 2022
The theme for the year was Transformation Now. We held a service, at the beginning of April, in Rotherham Minster, when the new board of Trustees was Commissioned, and the preacher was the Rt Rev Pete Wilcox, Bishop of Sheffield.
On Mary Sumner Day we held our service in Sheffield Cathedral when new members, including the new Dean of Sheffield, were enrolled.
We were invited to take part in the Upcycling Garden Party at the home of Bishop Pete. Our members not only created items to sell, but also had craft materials for children to create their own items to take away.
Trustee meetings continued to be held in person and via zoom and although some members still attended on Zoom, there were an increasing number attending in person. This also was the same for some Units. The Newsline magazine, which is produced three times a year resumed and was delivered to all members. Sheffield MU projects continued to be supported as ‘normal’ activities resumed.
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Unit Reports- Action & Outreach
AFIA. During 2022 we have organised and paid for 6 family holidays which included a food hamper. We also booked a break at a retreat for a troubled young lady. These are always valued by all who go as they have not had a holiday for at least 4 years.
Refuges. Throughout the year we have helped refuges in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield. We have supplied toiletries, food and home-made scones, clothes, Easter eggs, Advent calendars, craft bags and moving on baskets. We have also donated knitted pram covers and matinee coats to Baby Basics.
Clewer. We continue to help Sheffield Police Trafficking dept. We have donated clothes, underwear and toiletries when needed, often at quite short notice. We have joined in online training courses on understanding County Lines for grandparents, parents, and guardians.
Prison. We have once again written and delivered Christmas cards to each inmate.
Overseas. We still contact our overseas links sending Christmas and Easter cards with a letter inside. CART. Christian African Relief Trust. Items are donated to their shop in Huddersfield. All money they raised went to fund a container full of goods to Malawi.
Pauline Reynolds A&0 Co-ordinator.
Fundraising and Communications
The Unit met four times in 2022, the December meeting being a joint one with the Action and Outreach Unit. The main topics of discussion were planning of events to raise the profile of the Mothers Union and to raise funds for both national and local projects and communication via Facebook, the website, Newsline Magazine and the Directory of Members.
The Bishop of Sheffield ‘s Garden Party Event with the theme Upcycling, Eco Church and Creation Care took place in June. Mothers’ Union members made upcycled items to sell which raised £200. The stall was also a good outreach opportunity for the Mothers’ Union. A Jubilee Raffle which took place throughout the Diocese during the Summer months with donated prizes raised £1,178. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee events, afternoon and cream teas, sponsored steps, fayres, markets and special services organised by branches, deaneries and individual members, added to the total to support Away from it All Holidays (AFIA), Make a Mother’s Day, Summer of Hope Appeal and overseas projects. A donation of £10,000 was sent directly from Diocesan Funds to Mary Sumner House for the Southern
Sales of items from the Mothers’ Union Shop of cards, gifts and stationery items were good fundraisers as well as sales of cakes and preserves sold at the monthly Coffee Mornings at Sheffield Cathedral. Posts on Facebook were seen across the world and were shared and liked by many. Members also contributed news and photographs to the website and to the magazine Newsline to keep people informed and inspired. The Directory of Members was kept up to date for accuracy and ensured members received correct communication.
Susan Sayles Fundraising and Communications Coordinator.
Faith and Policy
The Faith and Policy Team first organised a ‘Day Apart’ at Sheffield Cathedral in May. It was a day of quiet reflection based on passages from St John’s Gospel and entitled ‘In the Light of Eternity.’ The event was well supported by members of the Sheffield Diocese Mothers’ Union.
In September, on Holy Cross Day, the F&P coordinator, Mary Williams, gave a talk on ‘The Holy Cross ‘at Winthrop Gardens in Rotherham, a scene of peace and quiet reflection, away from the humdrum of modern life. Members enjoyed an afternoon tea, sang a hymn, ‘When I survey the Wondrous Cross’ and enjoyed the tranquillity of the gardens. Again, this event was well attended.
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In late November vigils in support of the 16 days of activism drawing attention to victims of domestic abuse, sexual exploitation and trafficking were held at Doncaster and Rotherham Minsters, the Harley Mission Church and Sheffield Cathedral. Purple scarves and 3in1 badges were worn, prayers were said and placards itemising various forms of abuse were held. These events again were well supported and drew the attention of several passers-by.
In addition to these events the Faith and Policy Committee lead the intercessions at the Diocesan Commissioning service held in Rotherham Minster and the Mary Sumner Day service held in Sheffield Cathedral where they also provided end of service refreshments.
Mary Williams Faith and Policy Coordinator
Finance & Central Services
The Finance and Central Services Committee (F&C Committee) met four times in 2022. The expected financial outcomes for 2022 were reported to the Trustees at their November Meeting. The following issues were addressed: -
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The closing of the CCLA Account was discussed and then agreed by the Trustees.
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The cost of printing the final edition of a collection of “Thoughts and Words of Encouragement” written by a Deanery Leader who had penned 100 weekly letters of encouragement during the two years of Covid, was agreed by the Trustees. It was to be a celebration of Queen Elizabeth II ‘s Platinum Jubilee. Bev Jullien M.U. CEO had agreed to write the forward. It was hoped that a small profit would be made from the sales.
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A review of the forms sent to Branch Treasurers were reviewed and streamlined. These were then to be despatched to Branches in early January each year.
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The historic central reserves held in the MU Diocesan Account were felt to be excessive. A new initiative was set up to encourage Branches to seek to provide Warm Places and other support for their communities during this time of real need. A sum of up to £200 per Branch was made available and a comprehensive Application Form produced. The President would receive the Forms and after consulting the Treasurer and the Chair of F & C Committee would agree to have the funds released if appropriate. Subsequently the Branch would submit an Impact Report.
At the end of the Financial Year 2022 the Finances of the MU in the Sheffield Diocese were reported to be in a very positive position.
Elizabeth Paver Finance & Central Services Coordinator
Indoor Members Prayer Circle IMPC
Several new Indoor Members were welcomed and with members deaths there has been a steady number of between 80 and 90 members.
As all the United Kingdom are experiencing Branches are closing which leads to the loss of members, though several have become Indoor Members and are enjoying being kept up to date with all the activities that are happening in the Diocese. They receive birthday cards and a phone call on the day, and it is lovely to chat to them. Indoor members also receive the Newsline, delivered with a letter and can see how the work of the Mothers' Union is happening in our Diocese, and they often see photographs of their old friends from the various Deaneries.
All members are grateful for all the work that goes into these visits from their Deanery Leader and IMPC Representatives.
What a wonderful idea Edith Mosse had when she began the Invalid Prayer Circle all those years ago and now known as IMPC as the word Invalid was changed to Indoor and thus kept the same initials.
Lesley Harpham: IMPC Correspondent.
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Safeguarding
Following on from the safeguarding report for 2021 I should re-iterate that as a registered charity, the Mothers’ Union must have its own safeguarding policies in place and Trustees of the MU have a particular responsibility to ensure that these policies are adhered to.
We started the year (2022) by registering with Thirtyone:eight who are an organisation who administer DBS checks and provide training and advice when needed. As a result, all the Sheffield MU Trustees have completed DBS checks either through their own church if appropriate and then signed up within 30 days to the update service which the Mothers’ Union will accept. However, the Church of England will not accept an update from a DBS check done through Thirtyone:eight. We can report that all Trustees have completed their DBS checks, and these will be valid for three years.
Trustees have also had the opportunity to receive basic safeguarding training from one of the safeguarding team in the Diocese. We are encouraging branch members to think about participating in safeguarding training themselves rather than leave everything to the Leader.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and in Churches as well as local communities it would be good if everyone was made aware of the importance of Child abuse, Domestic violence, County lines awareness, Modern day slavery and Dementia training to name a few areas where safeguarding is essential. We are relieved that as the Mothers’ Union in our branches we have not had any incidents to report in 2022 but we must stay vigilant.
Moira Leach – Safeguarding Officer for the MU in Sheffield Diocese
Treasurer’s Report 2022
The results are reported in the financial statement accompanying this report. The Trustees received no remuneration for their services although they were eligible to claim reasonable expenses for incurred during their trusteeship.
Reserves Policy
The Charity maintains unrestricted cash reserves of £31,255 are more than adequate to support the current level of activity. The Trustees are of the opinion that this amount is reasonable. Restricted funds of £16,335 are for AFIA and Overseas and the Family Project Fund.
Funds are held at branch level to facilitate the running of individual branches. Funds have been audited by the diocese and currently stand at £11,382.
The Charity relies on contributions from members and their support to ensure the charitable work can continue and various good causes can be met from resources at the disposal of the charity, during 2022 all the key objectives of the charity have been met.
Notes on accounts for the year ending 31 December 2022
These accounts have been prepared:
a) On an accruals basis.
b) Under the historical convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
c) In accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom (FRS 102) and with the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity is a going concern.
All income is recognised when the Charity becomes legally entitled and the amount quantifiable with reasonable accuracy.
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Independent Examiners Report CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner s Report m•mb•rn of On accounts for the year Charlty no 111 any) 31st D¢¢¢mber 2022 I report to the truste88 my examwwkn of ts accounts of the above dwnty Tft fortho year ernlwj 31112r2022. RMpon•lblllO•• •nd As Iho (banty tru8tee8 of thg Tnt, you are reSpts1O for pr¢par8tion bMl• ol r•port of the aOuntr in acc<Ydonco with the r•quirnments of tt churt Act 2011 ntr Acr). I report In crf my •x8mination olthe Tru• acco7 camed oul urthr 88ckn 145 of th8 2011 Ad and in c4ffying out my examinats'on, I have folloYd the applKoblg Dir¢(knA gNen by Charity Cm)mM8ion undèr sethon 145(5}Ibl of the Act I hav• WnF4•ted my oxwnwNtion. l Lnfimi that no mat•rt•l rnattern ha comè to my attentn (other than that di8do8ed bel¢yw ') kn connocts'on V4ith the examinatson which gN88 me ¢aiMe to believe tho1 In. any material Ind•p•nd•nt •x•mln•e• •l•t•m•nt the Acl c I hove no the ex nd o)m• •c%o•8 no dher mattern in connedlon min iory to ¥thKh attentn slK)uld b• dro order to •nabk• rsikndin of tho accourts lo r••¢ ele the Ihe brncket8 rfthey (k) not a. 8l9n•d: D•t•: 22103r2023 aulw R•l•v•nt prol•••lon•l qlI1c0nI1) or body (ff any): Addr•M: 11 Shacklèton Road Doncaster South Ythhire . DN2 4RS
Financial Review: Summary of Accounts
Sheffield Diocese Mothers’ Union
Charity Number 1063619
Receipts & Payments for Year Ended 31st December 2022
| INCOME | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Member Subscriptions | 17,331.00 | 754 Members |
| A.F.I.A. Donations | 9,504.98 | |
| I.M.P.C Donations | 458.80 | |
| Work Overseas Donations | 1,770.39 | |
| Coffee & Produce Sales | 1,206.20 | |
| Sale of Cards etc. | 3,367.63 | |
| 108.27 | Interest from CCLA & | |
| Bank Interest | Deposit A/c | |
| General Donations | 3,564.40 | |
| Specific Donations | - | |
| Enterprise Grant | - | |
| Mary Sumner Day Collection | 489.00 | |
| Commissioning Service | 233.19 | |
| Branch Closures | 566.37 | |
| Donations for Retiring | ||
| Officials | - | |
| Prison Play Area | - | |
| Gift Aid | 1,386.69_Gift aid claimed for 2021_ | |
| Sundries | 916.60 | |
| Restricted income | 1,474.00 | |
| TOTAL | 42,377.52 | |
| EXPENDITURE | ||
| Member Subscriptions | 14,920.00 | |
| A.F.I.A. Holidays | 12,200.44 | |
| Purchase of Cards etc | 5,596.79 | |
| Newsline | 3,226.00 | |
| Room Hire | 1,467.80 | |
| Bank Charges | - | |
| Postage, Stationary etc. | 189.56 | |
| Travel | 247.45 | |
| Conference | 50.00 | |
| Mary Sumner Day | 974.06 | |
| Commissioning Service | 496.75 | |
| Salaries | 2,799.52 | |
| Gifts for Retiring Officials | - | |
| Insurance | 713.25 | |
| Training Materials | 196.76 | |
| Internet | 140.40 | |
| Postage I.M.P.C. | 390.00 | |
| Sundries | 1,947.06 | |
| Restricted Appeal | 1,861.50 | |
| MU Work Overseas | 10,000.00_Match Funding to MU Christmas Appeal_ | |
| TOTAL | 57,417.34 |
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| Income Over Expenses | -15,039.82 |
|---|---|
| Total Account Balance 2021 | 62,629.41 |
| Total Account Balance 2022 | 47,589.59 |
| Change in Funds | -15,039.82 |
| Difference | - |
| Balance Sheet For Year | |
| Ended 31st December 2022 |
Balance Sheet For Year Ended 31st December 2022
| Summary Of Accounts | Dec-2022 | Dec-2021 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Account | 9,233.23 | 14,345.87 | - 5,112.64 | |
| Deposit Account | 38,356.36 | 36,308.54 | 2,047.82 | |
| CBF Account | 0.00 | 11,975.00 | -11,975.00 | |
| Petty Cash | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||
| TOTAL | 62,629.41 | 62,629.41 | - 15,039.82 | |
| Change in Year | - 15,039.82 | - 38,366.22 | ||
| Restricted Funds: | ||||
| A.F.I.A. | 2,697.61 | 5,393.07 | ||
| MSH Overseas Work | 12,624.09 | 20,223.70 | ||
| MU Family Projects | 1,013.01 | 1,013.01 | ||
| 16,334.71 | 27,629.78 | |||
| Unrestricted Funds: | ||||
| General Fund | 28,623.99 | 33,935.11 | ||
| Virtual Babies | 506.00 | 506.00 | ||
| Prison Play Area | 636.00 | 636.00 | ||
| Historical funds restricted to | ||||
| Branch Closures | 1,488.89 | 922.52 | 5 years | |
| 31,254.88 | 35,999.63 | |||
| TOTAL Funds: | 47,589.59 | 62,629.41 | ||
| -15.039.82 | ||||
| Difference | - 0.00 | |||
| Total Cash Held in Diocese | ||||
| Branches | 11,345.11 | 1,544.55 | 12,889.66 |
This financial statement was approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 20 May 2023 and signed on behalf of the board by:
President Gillian Fellows
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