2025-05-31-accounts - Third Order, Society of Saint Francis

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

“Francis used the TAU in his writings, painted in on the walls and doors of the places where he stayed, and used it as his only signature on his writings.”

Registered charity with the Charity Commission, number 1064356

Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store, Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester West Sussex PO20 7EG

TSSF

	THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS
	CONTENTS
Page 3	Legal and Administrative Information
Pages 4 to 15	Trustees' Report
Page 16	Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees
Page 17	Statement of Financial Activities
Page 18	Balance Sheet
Pages 19 to 28	Notes to the Financial Statements

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

TRUSTEES

|TRUSTEES
~~duiabret|~~
~~O™—~—SOCCOSY SCC~~|TRUSTEES
~~duiabret|~~
~~O™—~—SOCCOSY SCC~~|TRUSTEES
~~duiabret|~~
~~O™—~—SOCCOSY SCC~~| |---|---|---| |Provincial Novice Guardian
Appointed 18 October 2025
~~duiabret|~~
~~O™—~—SOCCOSY SCC~~||| |Millicent Dews
Appointed 15 June 2025
~~duiabret |~~
~~O™—~—SOCCOSY SCC~~
~~|~~ tinkTertiary-Wales, Severn, West ~~|~~||| |Robert Dimmick
Provincial Treasurer||| |Denise Easteal
England and Channel Islands||| |AndyHarris
Appointed 19 February2026
~~PoLinkTertiary-SouthWestEngland~~
~~Retired18October2025~~||| |Chris Jenkins
~~PoLinkTertiary-SouthWestEngland~~
~~Retired18October2025~~||| |Elaine Jenkinson
West England
Appointed 19 February 2026
~~Po Link Tertiary - South West England~~
~~Retired 18 October 2025~~||| |Anne Lindley
England||| |Robin Minney
West England
Link Tertiary - North East and North
Retired 14 June 2025
~~AngelaMorfett-Jones|LinkTertiary-EastMidlandsandBe~~||| |Yorkshire
Appointed 18 June 2023
Resigned 1 July2024
~~AngelaMorfett-Jones|LinkTertiary-EastMidlandsandBe~~||| |Patrick Mossop
Minister Provincial (Chair)
~~Angela Morfett-Jones | Link Tertiary - East Midlands and Be~~
~~PoLinkTertiary-ScotlandandIreland~~
~~Retired14June2025~~||| |Carol Robertson
~~PoLinkTertiary-ScotlandandIreland~~
~~Retired14June2025~~||| |Peter Thompson
Provincial Secretary
~~Po Link Tertiary - Scotland and Ireland~~
~~Retired 14 June 2025~~
~~PoLinkTertiary-LondonandSouthEast|Retired22June2024~~||| |Alison Tyler
~~PoLinkTertiary-LondonandSouthEast|Retired22June2024~~||| |Alan Williams
Appointed 15 February2025
~~Po Link Tertiary - London and South East | Retired 22 June 2024~~||| |Christopher Wren
Appointed 18 October 2025||| |Sian Yates|||

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS

Independent Examiners Ltd

The Grain Store, Hills Barns, Appledram Lane South, Chichester, PO20 7EG

CONTACT DETAILS

Mr Peter Thompson Provincial Secretary TSSF Deepdale, 22 Stanstead Crescent, Woodingdean Brighton BN2 6TQ

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

PRIMARY BANKER

PO Box 250

Delf House, Southway Skelmersdale WN8 6WT

INVESTMENT BANKER

CCLA Investment Management Limited One Angel Lane London EC4R 3AB

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The object of the Society of Saint Francis is to build a Community of those who accept Christ as their Lord and Master and are dedicated to Him in body and spirit, with a desire to fulfil the three aims of the Order:

To make our Lord known and loved everywhere.

To spread a spirit of love and harmony, and

To live simply.

The Third Order of the Society consists of those who, while following the ordinary professions of life, feel called to dedicate their lives under a definite discipline and vows. They may be female or male, married or single, ordained or lay.

The European Province of the Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis (TSSF), as part of

spirituality within contemporary society.

The Order looks to create a sense of Franciscan Community throughout the European Province while encouraging individual members to remain faithful to their local churches.

the oversight of a more experienced member in Franciscan history and spirituality. On

their helper.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Status and History

The Third Order, Society of Saint Francis is a worldwide Order within the Anglican Communion, organised in five Provinces.

The charity is the European Province of this Order.

1989 was amended 1993 by the inter-Provincial Chapter and amended by scheme dated 12 October 1998 and contained within the Rule of the Third Order (Comprising The Principles,

the Inter-Provincial Chapter in 2005 and 2011, as amended on 14 Oct 2018.

On 15 August 2025 the Charity Commission registered the Statutes of European Province as amended on 16 March 2012 as the Charity’s Governing Document..

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

Franciscan spirituality.

Polynesia and the Solomon Islands) to enable lay or ordained individuals to increase their

through our support of Franciscan Aid.

of opinions to come together and share points of view, maintaining unity in diversity.

The 800[th] anniversary of the death of Saint Francis falls on 3 October 2026. During the

details are given in the Review of the Order below.

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

Governance

The trustees of the Society are those who are elected to serve on the Provincial Chapter[1] ,

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who represent a designated geographical area within the United Kingdom and are elected

Order.

Structure

are provided by contracted suppliers, and professional advice is obtained on legal and other topics as required.

Sources of Finance

1 The Provincial Chapter is the Provincial governing body of the Order, which is here defined as the body of Tertiaries who have taken a vow to follow the Rule and Principles of the Order in the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi.

2 The members of the Third Order (called ‘Tertiaries’) who have taken a vow to Follow the Rule and Principles of the Third Order in the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi.

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

members do not do so in a way that is recorded centrally. Most of those who do contribute pay between £50 and £120 a year. The Order also receives some investment income on its reserves, and small amounts from sale of literature.

Year to 31/05 During the year At year end	Year to 31/05 During the year At year end	Year to 31/05 During the year At year end	Year to 31/05 During the year At year end	Year to 31/05 During the year At year end	Year to 31/05 During the year At year end	Year to 31/05 During the year At year end	Year to 31/05 During the year At year end
Noviced Elected to Profession Released from Vows Deaths Novices Professed Total
2018 105 1718 1823
2019 45 16 17 30 132 1671 1803
2020 70 25 28 50 151 1623 1773
2021 69 35 19 51 117 1642 1759
2022 54 34 13 52 *
2023 19 41 29 39 193 1486 1679
2024 41 41 19 47 159 1447 1606
2025	41	26	8	44	146	1451	1597

Totals at 31 May 2022 were not available.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Order administers its funds both through its General Fund and the Area Funds which are incorporated into the whole. Provincial Chapter undertakes to meet local requirements

Unrestricted Fund

The General Fund includes all the income and expenditure of the Provincial General Fund and the Area accounts, as described above.

Designated Funds

a) The General Chapter Fund was set up to build up provision for the General

General Chapter Fund was closed in October 2025.

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

c) The Development Fund was set up to provide funds for areas of our

website and the provision of training courses for Spiritual Directors.

d) The Study Group Fund arranges Study weekends (similar to a retreat weekend) and historically each member paid the weekend cost privately. e) The Young Franciscans Fund holds money collected for a former Young Franciscans group and is being used for work with younger people interested in

Aid or other Franciscan causes.

g) In October 2025, the Francis 800 Fund was created in order to set aside funds for the commemoration of the 800 th anniversary on 3 October 2026 of the death of Saint Francis. We will use this to publish relevant materials and conduct

Community of Saint Francis).

Restricted Fund

that the capital of this fund must not be spent, but income generated from it (including unspent income from past years) is available.

At 31 May 2025, the endowment of the fund was held in shares valued at £84,516, and the accumulated income available for expenditure and held in a current account was £6,837. The income in the year was £2,392 and expenditure £3,074.

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

Reserves Policy

The policy is to keep as reserves an amount equal to six months of income (about £74,000). The balances of the funds as at January 2026 are:

9,848 ~~MaryWhittamBequestFund~~ ~~po~~	9,848 ~~MaryWhittamBequestFund~~ ~~po~~
Development Fund 4,612 ~~Mary Whittam Bequest Fund~~ ~~po~~
Study Group Fund 253
YoungFranciscans Fund 4,471
Francis 800 Fund 9,161
Area Funds 19,764
TOTAL	48,109

At 31 May 2025 the total unrestricted funds other than designated funds amount to £279K,

expenditure.

address this surplus. This is being used, for example, for grants to our associated charity Franciscan Aid, and for plans that would spread awareness of Franciscan ideals and increase our impact on the Church and society.

Our reserves policy is regularly reviewed by Chapter to ensure our reserves are properly maintained and invested.

Policy on Investment

We try to constantly be aware of ethical issues surrounding investments and so try to invest

Investment Fund, who take care to ensure their investments are ethical. Most of our funds

Fund so that it can be realised quickly if necessary, even when investment values are low.

Risk Management

believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

Giving

Recipient From Provincial funds From Areas Total In 2025-25 we made the following donations:	Recipient From Provincial funds From Areas Total In 2025-25 we made the following donations:	Recipient From Provincial funds From Areas Total In 2025-25 we made the following donations:	Recipient From Provincial funds From Areas Total In 2025-25 we made the following donations:
Communityof St Clare £3,000 £716 £3.716
Franciscan Aid £3,000 £1,819 £4,819
Societyof St Francis £1,250 £0 £1,250
£1,015 £0 £1,015
The Central Fund of The Third Order, Society of Saint Francis £10,672 £0 £10,672
Archbishop Janani Luwum Theological College, Uganda £4,015 £0 £4,015
Finland Area, TSSF £1,015 £0 £1,015
Other £850 £335 £1,185
Total	£24,767	£2,870	£27,637

to Franciscan houses local to those Areas.

During the year reported on, £21,908 was spent on legal advice connected with a data subject access request, where a large volume of data had to be inspected and redacted.

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE ORDER

year. Further changes will be taking place which will be reported on in future reviews.

vision was set out back in early 2023. For far too long, the Order was thought of as ‘the

Simply Francis. A call to simplicity and sharing the story of Francis and our own stories. Working with the wider community . Collaborating with and joining in with church and

community projects.

. Exploring Franciscan Charism and Praxis with children, young

people and families Online networking .

by members internally across the Order. Increasingly reaching out to the wider church and public beyond our Order.

Francis 800

Anniversary of the death of St Francis in October 2026, jointly with the First Order Brothers and Sisters, and a range of resources are being developed, including:.

Advent Resources for individuals and groups, including an Advent Book – ‘Making Space’
a Lent book – ‘Lent Scapes’ and Course,
Training for Evangelism,
A Peace Pilgrimage from Alnmouth, the First Order Brothers’ house near Newcastle,

Transitus when Francis passed into heaven; resources will be provided for actual and virtual following the Pilgrimage ‘On New Roads’ over 70 days.

Chapter has earmarked a provisional budget overview, £35,000 towards which the First

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

developed and is running a Spiritual Directors’ Training Course, based on Franciscan Spirituality. The programme involves brothers and sisters from the First Order as well as

of running this programme.

Safeguarding

safeguarding within the Order. . The work involved a large amount of human resources work which, together with the safeguarding role, was strenuous.

dioceses to provide a Service Level Agreement for both roles, Chapter agreed to contract in

pleased to have been able to recruit Becca Faal of Styles & Faal Safeguarding as the interim Designated Safeguarding Person and Judith Knight of Judith Knight HR as the interim Human

can be obtained.

The role of Area Safeguarding Advocate for each Area within the Province has been

Review of Chapter Life

Legal Status of the Order

THE THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF SAINT FRANCIS TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 MAY 2025

the end of the next.

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

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TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 315T MAY 2025

TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RESPECT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Acknowledging the guidance of the Charity Commisston’s ‘Interna! financial controls for Charities'{cc8-July 2012) and especially the very helpful checkllst, as Trustees we are required to prepare financial statements for each financlal year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the TSSF and of the incoming resources or application of resources of the Order for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accaunting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

It is Gur duty as charity trustees to ensure that the charity's resources are protected in order that the charity can fulfil its aims. We recognise it is Important that all those working in the charity, whether trustees or tertiaries, take the issue of internal financial controls seriously. Making controls work should not be seen as just the responsibility of one or two trustees or senior office holders, or as applying to some but not others.

The aims of our internal financial controls are:

: to protect the charity's assets; : to identify and manage the risk of conflicts of interest, loss, waste, bribery, theft or fraud; : to ensure that financial reporting is robust and of sufficient quality; and ' to ensure that we comply with the charity law and any regulations relating to finance.

It is our belief that we live our lives and conduct ourselves as trustees that we do indeed keep ourselves informed about the relevant factors of managing a modern and well run charity; not just our financial responsibilities but also that we keep to the spirit and principle of our charitable objectives and keeping ourselves aware of the developing role for charities in the world in which we find ourselves.

The trustees are responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which are sufficient to show and exolain the charity's transactions and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports} Regulations 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 irregutarities.

Signature and Dedaration

Declaration:

1 declare, in my capacity of Charity Trustee that the Trustees have approved the report above, and have authorised me to sign it

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on their behalf,
Signature: Cro Dronazk Fullname: Robert Stephen Dimmick
Dated: 26 Pebvwore 22
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TSSF

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS

I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 May 2025 which are set out on pages 17 to 28.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

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

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention

Basis of Independent Examiner's statement

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 the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act, and
· to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

have not been met; or

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

fhiu G W Schulz FCMA

Independent Examiners Ltd The Grain Store, Hills Barns Appledram Lane South Chichester West Sussex PO20 7EG

Dated: 20 February 2026

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

		Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	TOTAL	TOTAL
	Notes	Funds	Funds	Funds	2025/24	2024/23
		£	£	£	£	£
CHARITY INCOME
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and Legacies	3a	106,423	38,130	-	144,553	115,189
Charitable Activities	3b	1,753	-	-	1,753	1,056
Investments	3c	9,022	10	2,391	11,423	11,775
TOTAL INCOME		117,198	38,140	2,391	157,729	128,020
CHARITY EXPENDITURE
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable Activities	4a	138,073	30,394	2,954	171,421	144,660

TOTAL EXPENDITURE		138,073	30,394	2,954	171,421	144,660
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)		(20,875)	7,746	(563)	(13,692)	(16,640)
Transfers between funds	5,6	(6,372)	6,492	(120)	-	-
OTHER RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES:
Gain/(Loss) on Investments	7	(2,886)	-	(1,461)	(4,347)	26,863
Revaluation of Stock held for resale		80	-	-	80	-
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS		(30,053)	14,238	(2,144)	(17,959)	10,223
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Total Funds Brought Forward		310,036	56,612	93,497	460,145	449,922
Adjustment to Area Funds	16	-	-	-	-	-
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		279,983	70,850	91,353	442,186	460,145

Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.

The notes on pages 19 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

BALANCE SHEET

AS AF 31ST MAY 2025

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|||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Designated|Restricted|31-May-25|31-May-24| |Note|Fundsf|Funds£|Funds£|Total£|Tota!£| |Fixed|Assets| |Tangible assets|2|-|-|-|+|-| |Long Term Investments|7?|247,109|-|84,517|331,626|405,573| |Current|Assets| |Cash|at bank|and|in|hand|4|31,430|70,850|6,836|109,116|53,002| |Debtors:|HMRC Gift|ald tax refund|9|8&6|-|-|&6|&2| |Stock|10|3,176|-|-|3,176|2,278| |Fatal Current Assets|34,692|70,850|6,836|112,378|55,342| |Creditors:|due within one|year|1i|(1,818)|-|-|{1,818}|(1,170}| |NET CURRENT ASSETS|32,874|70,850|6,836|110,560|54,172| |TOTAL ASSETS|less|current|liabilities|275,983|70,850|91,353|442,186|460,145| |NET ASSETS|279,963|70,550|91,353|447,186|460,145| |Funds|of the Charity| |General|Unrestricted|Funds|279,583|-|-|279,983|310,036| |Restricted|Funds|5|*|-|91,353|91,353|93,497| |Designated|Funds|6|-|70,850|-|70,850|56,612| |TOTAL FUNDS|279,583|70,850|91,353|447,186|460,145|

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Approved by the Trustees on seufurens Signed on their suk deo Reng rae

PRINT: ROBERT STEPHEN DIMMICK

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Income

Recognition of Income

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

▪ the charity becomes entitled to the income;

▪ the trustees believe it is probable they will receive the income; and

▪ the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability

Income with related expenditure

Where income has related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the income and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.

Grants and Donations

Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the income.

Tax reclaims on Donations and Gifts

Income from tax reclaims is included in the SOFA in the same financial period as the gift aid claim is submitted to HMRC.

Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants

This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services has been delivered.

Donated Services and Facilities

These are only included in income (with an equivalent amount in expenditure) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on this income is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

Volunteer Help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.

Investment Income

This is included in the accounts when receivable.

Investment gains and losses

This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

Types of income

Area Income is defined as contributions made directly to the Area and used for defraying Area costs. It also includes donations given specifically for Franciscan Aid or other Franciscan causes.

Expenditure and liabilities

Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Governance Costs

Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees' meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

Grants with performance conditions

Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

Grants payable without performance conditions

These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.

Assets

Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity:

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £3,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.

Stocks and work in progress

Stocks held include educational literature and brochures distribution and are measured at the lower or cost or net realisable value.

Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees' best estimate of market value.

Types of expenditure

Third Order development and support

Area costs are for Area Team and Area Meeting costs only. Funds are collected for charity (and they have to be a Franciscan Charity) which are held by the area ‘on trust’ until paid out to the specified charity. Supplementary details are shown here consolidated from all Areas. Costs vary widely from Area to Area due to geographical and organisational factors. Communications include publications, website, videoconferencing and TSSF training and instructions manuals Formation supports all professed Tertiaries in their Franciscan life. This can be written guidance, training courses and continual support by the Provincial Formation Guardian to Area Formation Guardians.

The Contemplative network supports Tertiaries who seek to deepen their prayer life by practising contemplation. Special Needs Support transcribes publications and other documents for the benefit of Tertiaries

Creation, Justice and Peace seeks to raise awareness and knowledge of these matters in TSSF. Link Tertiaries costs are incurred by LT’s in visiting and supporting their Areas

Novitiate costs are for the training and support of all who join the Order during the stages of Enquirer, Postulant and Novice. The Provincial Novice Guardian supports Area Novice Guardians in their work with novices. The Study Network supports study days for all Tertiaries.

Spiritual Direction funds courses for Tertiaries to become Spiritual Directors from time to time.

Finance and administration

Administration includes the Honoraria paid to both the Membership Secretary and the Minute Secretary together with the expenses of the Provincial Secretary.

Outreach

Mission. We seek to maintain a presence at Greenbelt when possible.

Website. The website provides public access to information and application for membership for the Order. In addition there is a tertiary only section giving TSSF members facilities of enquiry, intercessory prayer lists and documentation downloads.

Giving

To maintain a presence in Assisi to support tertiaries visiting Assisi, to maintain ecumenical relations and for outreach to tourists, TSSF makes a contribution toward the rent of a flat in Assisi.

Franciscan Aid is a separate organisation. Grants for aid are initiated by a Tertiary.

TSSF supports Franciscan activities and charities throughout the world and gives donations to the First and Second Orders in recognition of their support to TSSF

Governance

These costs include: Trustee Expenses Costs of Chapter Meetings Independent Examiner's remuneration

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

Basis of preparation

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102.

The Trustees consider that the charity is a going concern as it has prepared what it considers to be a viable budget that shows that the current level of unrestricted reserves is appropriate to support the activities planned for the coming year and the foreseeable future.

Change in accounting policies

There have been no changes to accounting policies during this financial year.

The charity policy for funds held as agent is aligned with the SORP requirement not to recognise funds received as agent as income nor its distribution as agent's expenditure. As the funds received as agent are not within the control of the charity, the funds are not recognised as an asset.

Policy for funds held as agent

If the proposed management of other people’s funds results in our better being able to fulfil our charitable purposes, and provided our trustees have first considered the risks and benefits of managing those funds, we will gladly act as agents managing their funds. Our call as Franciscans is to be of service and obedient to others, provided it is not against our way of life, and being entrusted with other people’s funds is a joy and a privilege, and we gladly take on the extra work. Accordingly, as the funds do not belong to TSSF they do not form a part of the charity's income or expenditure.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS AND CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

The charity held no fixed assets during the current or previous financial year.

The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows: 31st May 2024 : None

31st May 2025: None

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

3. INCOME FROM:		Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	TOTAL	TOTAL
		Funds	Funds	Funds	2025/24	2024/23
	Note	£	£	£	£	£
a) Donations and Legacies
Area Income	6	-	30,913	-	30,913	7,171
Bequests		-	-	-	-	1,030
Contributions		92,504	-	-	92,504	91,395
Donations	6	1,681	1,200	-	2,881	3,374
Gift Aid Tax Recovered		12,238	-	-	12,238	12,219
Other Income	6	-	6,017	-	6,017	-
		106,423	38,130	-	144,553	115,189
b) Charitable Activities
Primary Purpose Trading		1,753	-	-	1,753	1,056
		1,753	-	-	1,753	1,056
c) Investment Income
Interest & Dividends	5,6	9,022	10	2,391	11,423	11,775
		9,022	10	2,391	11,423	11,775

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

4. EXPENDITURE ON:		Unrestricted	Designated	Restricted	TOTAL	TOTAL
		Funds	Funds	Funds	2025/24	2024/23
a) Charitable Activities	Note	£	£	£	£	£
Third Order Development and Support
Areas	6	1,207	14,072	-	15,279	16,925
Cluster Meetings	6	2,013	534	-	2,547	1,688
Communications - IT		852	-	-	852	837
Contemplative Network		1,633	-	-	1,633	1,245
Formation		932	-	-	932	488
Creation Justice and Peace		156	-	-	156	25
Link Tertiaries Expenses		530	-	-	530	193
Minister Provincial and Provincial Secretary Expenses		4,030	-	-	4,030	418
Spiritual Direction	6	156	1,899	-	2,055	800
Study Network	6	-	300	-	300	-
Support - Retreats	5,6	-	8,422	2,954	11,376	1,967
Discernment Advisory Panel Expenses		218	-	-	218	-
Diversity and Inclusion		29	-	-	29	198
Young Franciscans	6	20	52	-	72	230
Finance and Administration
Administration Expenses		463	-	-	463	618
Insurance		1,482	-	-	1,482	1,449
Travel Expenses (Invited Guests)		974	-	-	974	405
Treasury		1,153	-	-	1,153	600
Website and IT Costs	6	990	2,545	-	3,535	1,589
Outreach
Publications:
Little Portion - Production and Postage		11,211	-	-	11,211	7,019
Franciscan - Subscription and Postage		14,716	-	-	14,716	14,594
Intercession Leaflets		1,578	-	-	1,578	1,541
TOD Expenses		582	-	-	582	450
Assisi Booklets and Other		369	-	-	369	-
Noviciate Publications		-	-	-	-	90
Cost of goods sold - Primary Purpose Trading		-	-	-	-	468
Giving
Assisi Commit.		1,250	-	-	1,250	1,250
Central Fund Contributions**		10,672	-	-	10,672	8,793
Donation to CSC			-	-	-	-
Donation to CSC		3,000	-	-	3,000	10,720
Franciscan Aid	6	3,300	1,519	-	4,819	4,557
Franciscans International		1,015	-	-	1,015	1,015
Other Donations	6	800	1,051	-	1,851	-
Grants		5,030	-	-	5,030	8,280
Governance
Accountancy Services and Independent Exam		1,200	-	-	1,200	1,508
Trustees' Expenses		2,415	-	-	2,415	2,804
Trustees' Training		35	-	-	35	1,404
Chapter Meetings		15,993	-	-	15,993	18,244
HR Consultancy Costs		4,310	-	-	4,310	4,200
Safeguarding		15,154	-	-	15,154	15,063
Data Protection *		21,908	-	-	21,908	8,365
RIT Consultants Costs		-	-	-	-	900
Legal and Professional Costs		6,697	-	-	6,697	3,720
		138,073	30,394	2,954	171,421	144,660

Data Protection: Legal costs were incurred in 2025/24 and 2024/23 in connection a data subject access request.

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

4. EXPENDITURE ON (continued):

** Central Fund: Every Province contributes to this to assist in outreach in the worldwide provinces as well as in addition to meet the expenses of the meetings of the Minister Provincials on a regular basis, and to accumulate funds to cover the cost of the InterProvincial Third Order Conference (IPTOC) which takes place every six years. The Central Fund is a registered charity number 1182834.

5. RESTRICTED FUNDS	Balance	Income	Investment	Expend-	Transfers	Balance
a) this year	01-Jun-24		Valuation	iture		31-May-25
	£	£	£	£	£	£
Knox Dick Investment Account	85,978	-	(1,461)	-	-	84,517
Knox Dick Current Account	7,519	2,391	-	(2,954)	(120)	6,836
	93,497	2,391	(1,461)	(2,954)	(120)	91,353
b) last year	Balance	Income	Investment	Expend-	Transfers	Balance
Knox Dick Investment Account	01-Jun-23 £ 80,289	£ -	Valuation £ 5,689	iture £ -	£ -	31-May-24 £ 85,978
Knox Dick Current Account	7,444	2,347	-	(1,942)	(330)	7,519
	87,733	2,347	5,689	(1,942)	(330)	93,497

The Investment valuation is calculated on 31st May 2025 (Last year: 31st May 2024) and details are provided in note 7.

Purpose of Restricted Funds

Knox Dick : This fund relates to a legacy which enables members of the order who are unable to self fund, to go on retreat. The transfer of £120 (2024: £330) shown above relates to funding granted to Areas for retreat support, which the Area subsequently disbursed.

6. DESIGNATED FUNDS

a) this year

These funds have been earmarked and set aside as a part of the unrestricted funds to be used for a particular future project or commitment.

Area Funds	Balance Opening Income Expenditure Transfers Balance 01-Jun-24 Adjustment 31-May-25 £ £ £ £ £ £ 20,217 - 38,140 (25,898) 6,492 38,951
Development Fund	20,000 - - (3,942) - 16,058
General Chapter	1,271 - - - - 1,271
Mary Whittam Bequest	10,600 - - (502) - 10,098
Young Franciscans	4,524 - - (52) - 4,472
	56,612 - 38,140 (30,394) 6,492 70,850

b) last year

Area Funds	Balance Opening Income Expenditure Transfers Balance 01-Jun-23 Adjustment 31-May-24 £ £ £ £ £ £ 21,812 - 10,371 (17,493) 5,527 20,217
Development Fund	20,000 - - - - 20,000
General Chapter	1,271 - - - - 1,271
Mary Whittam Bequest	11,400 - - (800) - 10,600
Young Franciscans	4,591 - - (67) - 4,524
	59,074 - 10,371 (18,360) 5,527 56,612

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

Purpose of Designated Funds

The Area Funds were re-classified in 2020 from general unrestricted funds to designated funds to provide clarity and transparency. Area Income is defined as contributions made directly to the Area and used for defraying Area costs. It also includes donations given specifically for Franciscan Aid or other Franciscan causes.

The Study Group - Residential Events Fund arranges Study weekends (similar to a retreat weekend) and historically each member paid the weekend cost privately. However, last year their payments for the weekends were sent to the TSSF Province bank account, so were treated as funds held on trust.

The Development Fund has been set up to provide funds for areas of our organisation which need substantial investment outside of normal expenditure. The review of Chapter life, structure and appointments which is in process is expected to result in major changes. In addition, we anticipate launching a further website and social media initiative as a result of Covid-19.

General Chapter Fund : set up to build up provision for the General Chapter Activities which took place during 2021-22, to mark the 800th anniversary of the founding of the Order of St Francis. Since these activities are now complete, the General Chapter Fund will be closed

The Mary Whittam Fund was established to give grants for Tertiaries attending Spiritual Direction training.

The Young Franciscans Fund was established to support a community of young Christians, seeking to know Christ and make Him known, learning from the example of St Francis.

7. INVESTMENTS	Unrestricted	Restricted	TOTAL	TOTAL
	Funds	Funds	2025/24	2024/23
	£	£	£	£
Movement in the year:
Market Value - 1st June 2024/1st June 2023	319,995	85,978	405,973	379,110
Purchases at cost, less disposals at carrying value	(70,000)	-	(70,000)	-
Revaluation/Net unrealised gains/(losses)	(2,886)	(1,461)	(4,347)	26,863
Market Value - 31st May 2025/31st May 2024	247,109	84,517	331,626	405,973

Shareholdings in The CBF Church of England Investment Fund Inc

As at	31-May-25	31-May-25				31-May-24
Account name CCLA Designated Fund CCLA Knox-Dick Fund	Shares 11,044.41 3,777.43	Price £22.37 £22.37	Value 247,109 84,517		Shares 14,058.98 3,777.43	Price £22.76 £22.76	Value 319,995 85,978
Total	14,821.84		331,626		17,836.41		405,973
8. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND Areas Accounts Current Accounts Deposit Accounts Retreats Account (Knox Dick)		Note	Unrestricted Fund £ - 14,170 17,260 -	Designated Fund £ 38,952 - 31,898 -	Restricted Fund £ - - - 6,836	Total 31-May-25 £ 38,952 14,170 49,158 6,836	Total 31-May-24 £ 20,969 7,050 17,464 7,519
			31,430	70,850	6,836	109,116	53,002
9. DEBTORS Gift Aid Tax Recoverable						31-May-25 £ 86	31-May-24 £ 62
						86	62

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

10. STOCK		Stocks surplus from
		primary purpose sales
Opening		For For distribution resale £ £ - 2,277
Added/Valued in period		- 818
Revaluation of stock		- 80
Closing		- 3,175
Total this year		- 3,175
The stock values have been calculated as the estimated discounted net realisable value.		The stock values have been calculated as the estimated discounted net realisable value.
11. CREDITORS		31-May-25 31-May-24
Accruals	Note	£ £ 618 -
Independent Examiners Fees	12	1,200 1,170
		1,818 1,170
12. FEES FOR EXAMINATION OF THE ACCOUNTS		31-May-25 31-May-24
Independent examiner's fees for reporting on the accounts		£ £ 900 870
Independent examiner's fees for accountancy services		300 300
		1,200 1,170
13. ANALYSIS OF STAFF COSTS , TRUSTEE REMUNERATION
AND EXPENSES AND THE COST OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
STAFF COSTS
Gross Wages and Salaries		31-May-25 31-May-24 £ £ - -
Honoraria		917 1,000
Employer's National Insurance Costs		- -
Pension Contributions		- -
		917 1,000

The charity had no employees and therefore no employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2024/2023: None).

In 2025/24 and 2024/23 only honoraria was expended, no payments were made by the charity under PAYE.

Average number of full time equivalent individuals who were engaged in each of the following activities:

Activities in furtherance of organisation's objects	31-May-25 31-May-24 TOTAL TOTAL 0.375 0.375
Support and Administration	- -
	0.375 0.375

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

13. ANALYSIS OF STAFF COSTS , TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES AND THE COST OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL (continued)

TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

No Trustees received remuneration. Travel expenses reimbursed to trustees, which were incurred whilst attending trustee meetings totalled £2,415 in this financial period (2024/23: £2,804).

No donations were received during the year from Trustees or Related Parties.

No other payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them.

KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The key management personnel of the charity comprises of the Board of Trustees, Area Teams and Chapter Members. The total amount paid to key management personnel was £0.

14. RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments held. Our reserves policy is regularly reviewed by Chapter to ensure our reserves are properly maintained. The Trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily. Further detail is provided in the Trustees Annual Report.

15. PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Charity acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the charity has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

TSSF

THIRD ORDER, SOCIETY OF ST FRANCIS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2025

16. FUNDS HELD AS AGENT

At the end of the previous financial year, TSSF held the following funds as agent.

	Funds held
	31-May-24
	£
Area Retreats	5,373
Study Group	644
	6,017

At the request of the Principal, these funds were transferred to TSSF as at 1st June 2024 and now form a part of the charity funds.

An explanation of these funds is as follows:

Area Retreats : Some Areas run Area Retreats, which they organise and they are intended to be self funded. In most cases they are self financed, but due to timing differences that often occur between when an Area takes in deposits, and subsequently pays out funds for the Retreat, there are occasions where the charity has temporarily financed any shortfall. Each area maintains separate accounts which are submitted annually to the Provincial Treasurer for consolidation and review.

Study Group - Residential Events : The Charity temporarily holds funds on trust for study weekends. The Study Group arranges Study weekends, which they organise and they are intended to be self funded.

During the 2024/25 financial year, TSSF has acted as agent.

Franciscan Aid	Funds held Funds Funds Funds held received paid out 01-Jun-24 31-May-25 £ £ £ £ - 82 (82) -
	- 82 (82) -

The above donation was received by TSSF but was in fact destined for Franciscan Aid at the request of the donor. TSSF merely acted as agent in passing those funds on.

As agent, the trustees of TSSF have no discretion about the use to which the funds received are put. TSSF acts only in accordance with the instructions or directions of the principal.