Wee; NIGN Christian care for families
SHEFFIELD DIOCESE MOTHERS’ UNION
Registered Charity No 1063619 Report & Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023
Sheffield Diocese Mothers’ Union Annual Report
| Trustees’ Annual Report | Page 2 |
|---|---|
| Unit Reports | Page 5 |
| Financial Review | Page 8 |
| Summary of accounts | Page 9 |
| Independent Examiners Report | Page 11 |
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SHEFFIELD DIOCESE MOTHERS’ UNION Trustees Annual Report Year ended 31 Dec 2023
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 December 2023
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 2023 Trustees met five times. All the meetings were hybrid, in person and on Zoom. 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 members of the charities Council tri-annually elect the Trustees, 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 Diocesan Bishop appoint the Chaplain.
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 Elizabeth Paver Archdeaconry of Sheffield & Rotherham Jo-Anne Van Levesley Honorary Vice-President Norma Priest
Honorary Vice-President
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
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.
Michael David Fenton BA(Hons) FCA BFP PG DIP
25 Church Lane, Darley Abbey, Derby DE22 1EX
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 2023 Sheffield MU consisted of 3 ~~2 B~~ ranches with Darfield and Firvale closing at the end of 2022 and
712 members of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese. Some members, not belonging to a specific branch, are Diocesan Individual members or Diocesan Indoor members and the deanery and IMPC Rep looks after these. 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 2023
Our focus for 2023 was ‘Read Aloud’ following a talk at our Spring Council by the South Yorkshire Children & young people’s Lead, Nicola Ennis who was concerned about the lack of Literacy skills in children in South Yorkshire . She asked for help from Sheffield Mothers’ Union and of course we responded. We have close links with the refuges, and we provided books for the children when they leave the refuge as well as a library of books in one refuge complete with bookcases to keep them in. This is an ongoing project.
A group from Bondo were visiting Sheffield Diocese including the Bishop of Bondo and his wife Janepher who is the President of Mothers’ Union in Bondo, so we hosted a Service of Thanks for Mothers’ Union in Wath All Saints. It was well attended by MU members from across the Diocese . We also held a Mary Sumner Day Service in Sheffield Cathedral when new members were enrolled. Fifty members attended the Annual Gathering in York. And took part in the Rise Up march.
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 was delivered to all members. Following the death of our Diocesan correspondent in December 2002 the trustees decided that Diocesan members would have their Newsline delivered by post and all Diocesan members would receive a letter with the Newsline
Branches continue to work hard supporting Sheffield MU projects, raising money for our AFIA holidays, donating items for the five refuges we support, as well as supporting projects such as Make a Mother’s Day, Summer of Hope and the Christmas Appeal all run by Mary Sumner House.
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Unit Reports
Action & Outreach
AFIA.(Away from It All Holidays) During 2023 we have organised and paid for thirteen caravan holidays, which included a food hamper, for those who have not had a holiday for 4 years or more. There were twenty-two adults and twenty-four children who benefitted from these holidays.
BABY BASICS 6 bags of baby clothes, numerous jumpers and cot blankets have been delivered. Many branches deliver without informing us.
CART (Christian African Relief Trust) The shop continues to fund containers to Malawi and the container is now used as a school.
Sewing machines have been donated by members.
CLEWER. Our contact with South Yorkshire Police Trafficking Dept has changed and now they contact us with urgent needs. We are up to date with the Clewer Initiative and members have been encouraged to use the online resources regarding Trafficking and the County Lines online sessions.
OVERSEAS. We continue to write to our Overseas links in Diocese of Central Zimbabwe, Lango in Uganda, Kebbi in Nigeria, Tamale in Ghana, and Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands sending Easter & Christmas cards with a letter.
PRISON. We once again have written and delivered Christmas cards to each inmate at HMP Moorlands. READ ALOUD PROJECT. We were asked to help by a hospital Doctor who was concerned that children’s literacy was very poor, and many were starting school without the confidence and fluency in reading that they need. After discussion we are providing Women’s Refuges with books and in Doncaster a
bookcase, books and any child moving on is given a book to take with them. It is an ongoing project, and we are endeavouring to pass new or used books on to places where we know families and children will use them.
REFUGES. We have continued to support the Women’s Refuges in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and two in Sheffield. We have supplied items for their food cupboard and dry foods as requested. We have delivered numerous bags of toiletries, moving on baskets and Easter eggs.
WARM SPACES. Three branches have organised areas providing tea, coffee, and cake and one branch cooked lunches to help as the cost of fuel rose. Members and non-members were given warmth, company, and food.
Pauline Reynolds: Action & Outreach Coordinator.
Fundraising and Communications
The Unit met twice during 2023 together with the Action and Outreach Unit. The main topics of discussion were the planning of events to raise the profile of the Mother’s Union and to raise funds for both national and local projects and communications via Facebook, the website, Newsline Magazine and the Directory of Members.
Although no large Diocesan Event was held this year Branches, Deaneries and individual members held twenty-three fundraising events to support Away from it All (AFIA) holidays, Make a Mothers’ Day Appeal, Summer of Hope Appeal, and local and overseas projects. As well as cream teas, garden parties, fayres and coffee mornings, there was a Sponsored Silence, Sponsored Steps, pea and pie suppers, bingo, raffles, and collections at special services to name just some of the events.
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A donation of £10,000 which was match funded was sent directly from Diocesan funds to MSH for the Christmas Appeal. Sales of items from the Mothers’ Union Shop of cards, gifts and stationery were also good fundraisers as well as 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 three editions of Newsline which was distributed to members to keep people informed.
The Directory of members was kept up to date for accuracy and ensured members received correct communications from MSH.
Faith and Policy
Our annual Day Apart took place at Sheffield Cathedral where Rev Captain Mike Reeder, Senior Chaplain St Luke’s Hospice , Sheffield briefly described his work at the hospice and invited us to reflect on some end-of-life decisions using a series of discussion cards entitled Grave Talk. The F&P team led the intercessions at the Mary Sumner Day Service at Sheffield Cathedral. Members visited Winthrop Gardens for afternoon tea/lunch in September organised by the F&P team. Rev Ann Walton gave an illustrated talk on Richard Rolle, South Yorkshire’s very own mystic and hermit. As a translator, author and linguist, Richard was a man who deserves greater prominence . On Global Day, in November members assembled outside the Cathedral, Doncaster Minster, and Rotherham Minster from 12:30-13:00. in support of victims of abuse and to raise awareness. A oneminute silence was held at 1:03. Placards were held, scarves. and badges worn and prayers were said. Tables were set up on the Cathedral forecourt containing shoes, representative of victims of abuse again to raise awareness.
Mary Williams Faith and Policy Coordinator
Finance & Central Services
The Finance and Central Services Committee (F&C Committee) met two times in 2023. The financial outcome for 2022 was reported to the Trustees at their February Meeting. The following issues were addressed: -
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Audited Accounts for 2022 included cash held at branches for the first time in line with Charity Commission requirements with the following exceptions: Hexthorpe, Penistone and Wombwell.
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A new auditor was proposed and approved by trustees following the resignation of Paul Wakefield. The new auditor is Michael Fenton.
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Costs per member for running costs of Sheffield MU were worked out to be: - £5 to cover the costs of the Secretary, £6.85 which includes Secretary Costs and the cost of room hire for meetings and £18 which covers all non-funds raising costs. The 2024 budget proposed a 10% increase for the Full-time secretary to £238.34 which was subsequently approved by trustees.
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It was identified that the costs of running AFIA were not being met by the current level of fundraising and that reserves were being used to support the initiative. Members were to be
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advised that the central aim of MU was to raise funds for the charity and renewed effort was to be encouraged at all branches. The AFIA fund at the year-end was zero.
- The historic central reserves held in the MU Diocesan Account were now felt to be at a reasonable level following 2 years of £10k donations to the Mothers Union Big Give campaign. The budget for 2024 was thus proposed to return to a “balanced budget” basis
At the end of the Financial Year 2023 the Finances of the MU in the Sheffield Diocese were reported to still be in a very positive position.
Phill Jackson Honorary Treasurer
Indoor Members Prayer Circle IMPC
At the beginning of the year 2023 the membership was eighty-five. During the year a few passed away and regrettably some decided not to extend their subscriptions due to illness or moving out of the area. It was explained that members could stay as Sheffield Diocese members or join a branch where they were moving to and were delighted that some decided to stay with Sheffield. There are five members who have moved to other areas, but still receive letters and cards together with a copy of Newsline and a phone call on their birthdays.
Following the awful 'Covid year' quite a few of IMPC members have become 'internet savvy' and regularly go onto Sheffield Diocese Website and Facebook. One member reported that she finds it all consuming. She reads the news items and future events and has not time now for jigsaws! She is 91 years of age!
Sheffield is very lucky to have Deanery Leaders and Reps staying connected, caring for the Indoor members, and supporting them.
Lesley Harpham: IMPC Correspondent.
Safeguarding
Following on from the safeguarding report for 2022 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 can report that all Trustees have completed their DBS checks in 2022, and these are valid for three years.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and in Churches as well as local communities it would be good if everyone were 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. Some Trustees as well as two branch co-ordinators have also attended a 'County Lines' zoom session from the Clewer Initiative. We are relieved that as the Mothers’ Union in our branches we have not had any incidents to report in 2023 but we must stay vigilant.
Moira Leach – Safeguarding Officer for the MU in Sheffield Diocese
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Treasurers Report 2023
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 €25,654 which 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 E5,545 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 E12,045.
The Charity relies on contributions from members and their support to ensure the charitable work can continue and various worthy causes can be met from resources at the disposal of the charity, during 2023 all the key objectives of the charity have been met. Notes on accounts for the year ending 31 December 2023
These accounts have been prepared:
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a) On a receipts and payments basis.
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b) Under the historical convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
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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
Phill Jackson Honorary Treasurer
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Receipts & Payments For Year Ended 31st December 2023
| sai W- nmin Sheffield Reg Charity No 1063619 |
Sheffield | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME | Notes | |||
| Member Subscriptions | 16,968.50 | 707 Members | ||
| A.F.I.A. Donations | 6,857.50 | |||
| I.M.P.C Donations | 270.00 | |||
| Work Overseas Donations | 2,353.61 | |||
| Coffee & Produce Sales | 1,273.85 | |||
| Sale of Cards etc. | 3,908.65 | |||
| Bank Interest | 423.04 | Interest from Deposit A/c | ||
| General Donations | 867.70 | |||
| Specific Donations | 100.00 | |||
| Enterprise Grant | ||||
| Mary Sumner Day Collection | 525.05 | |||
| Commissioning Service | ||||
| Branch Closures | 52.48 | |||
| Donations for Retiring Officials | ||||
| Prison Play Area | ||||
| Gift Aid | 1,456.74 | Gift aid claimed for 2022 | ||
| Sundries | 1,825.50 | |||
| Restricted income | 1,545.50 | |||
| TOTAL | 38,428.12 | |||
| EXPENDITURE | ||||
| Member Subscriptions | 16,238.00 | |||
| A.F.I.A. Holidays | 10,905.76 | Supported | with payments |
from |
| General/ | ||||
| Purchase of Cards etc | 3,358.80 | |||
| Newsline | 3,845.00 | 3 Issues | ||
| Room Hire | 891.30 | |||
| Bank Charges | ||||
| Postage, Stationary etc. | 137.10 | |||
| Travel | 568.20 | |||
| Conference | 1,050.00 | |||
| Mary Sumner Day | 504.62 | |||
| Commissioning Service | ||||
| Salaries | 2,834.88 | Secretarial services | ||
| Gifts for Retiring Officials | 90.40 | |||
| Insurance | 449.50 | |||
| Training Materials | 240.56 | |||
| Internet | 254.72 | |||
| Postage I.M.P.C. | 150.00 | |||
| Sundries | 1,420.20 | |||
| Restricted Appeal | 1,878.90 | Summer of Hope + Family projects | Summer of Hope + Family projects | |
| MU Work Overseas | 10,000.00 | Match Funding to MU Christmas Appeal | ||
| TOTAL | 54,817.94 | |||
| Income Over Expenses | 16,389.82 | |||
| Total Account Balance 2022 | 47,789.59 | |||
| Total Account Balance 2023 | 31,399.77 | |||
| Change in Funds | - 16,389.82 |
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Balance Sheet For The Year ended 31 December 2023
| Summary Of Accounts | Dec-2023 | Dec-2022 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Current Account | 12,620.37 | 9,433.23 | 3,187.14 |
| Deposit Account | 18,779.40 | 38,356.36 | 19,576.96 |
| Petty Cash | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| TOTAL | 31,399.77 | 47,789.59 | - 16,389.82 |
| Change in Year | 16,389.82 15,039.82 |
15,039.82 | |
| Restricted Funds: | |||
| AFIA | 0.00 | 2,697.61 | |
| MSH Overseas Work | 4,977.70 | 12,624.09 | |
| MU Family Projects | 567.61 | 1,013.01 | |
| 5,545.31 | 16,334.71 | ||
| Unrestricted Funds: | |||
| General Fund | 22,971.09 | 28,623.99 | |
| Virtual Babies | 506.00 | 506.00 | |
| Prison Play Area | 636.00 | 636.00 | |
| Branch Closures (5 years) | 1,541.37 | 1,488.89 | |
| 25,654.46 | 31,245.88 | ||
| TOTAL Funds: | 31,199.77 | 47,589.59 | |
| Change in Year 16,389.82 |
16,389.82 | -15,039.82 | |
| Total Cash Held in Diocese Branches | |||
| Cash At Bank | Total | ||
| Dec-22 | 11,345.11 | 12,889.66 | |
| Dec-23 | 9,961.14 | 12,045.48 | |
| Change | 1,383.97 | 844.18 |
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SHEFFIELD DIOCESE
MOTHERS UNION
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The Charities trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. The Charities trustees considers that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the financial statements (under section 145 of the 2011 Act).
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follow the procedures laid down the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by tie charity and a comparison of tie accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.
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❖ to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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❖ to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records am comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met or
2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn order to enable a proper understanding of tie accounts to be reached.
MICHAEL DAVID FENTON
8 APRIL 2024
BA (Hons) FCA BFP DIP
25 Church Lane
Darley Abbey
Derby
DE22 1 EX
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This financial statement was approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 11[th ] May 2023 and signed on behalf of the board by:
President:
Gillian Fellows
Date: