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2021-12-31-accounts

MISSIONARY SISTERS OF ST. COLUMBAN CHARITABLE TRUST

Registered charity number in England & Wales: 1109103 OSCR registered charity number: SC040753

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2021

The Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust Legal and Administrative Details

Trustees Sister Ursula Scullane
Sister Susanna Choi
Sister Anne Marie Smith
Sister Mary McGuinness
Sister Catherine Midgley
Area Leader Sister Catherine Mary Midgley
Area Bursar Sister Ursula Scullane
Principal Address 6/8 Ridgdale Street
Bow
London E3 2TW
Telephone 0208 980 3017
Website www.columbansisters.org
Charity Registration No. 1109103
OSCR Registration No. SC040753
Independent Examiner Luke Holt FCA
Moore Kingston Smith LLP
Chartered Accountants
6th Floor
9 Appold Street
EC2A 2AP
Principal Bankers Clydesdale Bank plc
154-158 Kensington High Street
London
W8 7RL
Solicitors Pothecary Witham Weld
70 George's Square
London SW1V 3RD

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust Independent Examiner's Report For the year ended 31st December 2021

Section Page Number
Report of the Trustees 1-7
Independent Examiner's Report 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes to the Accounts 11-15

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust Report of the Trustees (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2021

The Trustees present the report and accounts of the Area of Britain and Northern Ireland of the Congregation of The Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust for the period 1st January 2021 to the 31st December 2021.

Introduction

The Missionary Sisters of St. Columban is an international Roman Catholic religious congregation. Founded in Ireland in 1922 where its Central House is still located, it is divided into eight Areas, all of which are linked and as such are not financially independent.

The accounts accompanying this report are the accounts of the charitable trust in which the assets of the Area of Britain and Northern Ireland are held. The financial statements comply with current legislation, the Trust Deed and the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102 Charities SORP) published on 16 January 2014.

Mission

The object of the area of Britain and Northern Ireland of The Missionary Sisters of St. Columban is to advance the religious and other charitable work carried on by the members of the Congregation and to care for those members throughout their lives with the Congregation.

The Sisters confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 11 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.

Governance, structure and management reporting

Governance

In terms of Canon Law, the Congregation is governed at an international level by the Congregational Leadership Team, which consists of a Congregational Leader and three Councillors. They are elected every six years at a General Chapter.

The Area of Britain is governed by an Area Leader, who is elected by the members of the Area. She is chosen for her knowledge, understanding and experience of the needs of the Sisters and their ministries in the Area. She is in constant contact with the Sisters so is well aware of the progress, needs, or difficulties experienced by the Sisters.

Page 1

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust Report of the Trustees (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2021

In terms of Civil Law the Charity is governed by a trust deed, dated 19th September, 2004 and is a Registered Charity — Charity Registration No. 1109103. As all trustees, as detailed within the legal and administrative details page, are members of the Congregation they have a detailed knowledge of the work of the charity and of its structure. Since our structure here is very simple, they are well acquainted with it.

As the Trust operates in Scotland, registration with the Office of Scottish Charity Regulator was granted in August 2009. Our charity number is SC040753.

The Trust also operates in Northern Ireland where we are listed as a ‘Section 167 institution’ and have registered our intent to be registered as a charity as soon as the NI legislation is in place.

The names of the trustees are set out as part of the reference and administrative details on page 1 of this report; brief bibliographical details on each of the trustees are given below.

Sr. Mary McGuinness joined our Congregation in 1965. She is a qualified teacher, and Institutional Manageress. Sister has served on our Leadership Team for six years; apart from that she has spent her missionary life in Chile and Peru. She was appointed Congregation Treasurer in 2012.

Sr. Anne Marie Smith joined the Congregation in 1978. A qualified teacher, she was missioned in Peru, Chile and Ireland.

Sr. Catherine Midgley joined the Congregation in 1979. She is a qualified teacher who ‘was missioned in Chile, Peru and China; she has also served on the Congregational Leadership Team.

Sr. Ursula Scullane also a qualified teacher was missioned in Hong Kong and mainland China. She is now the Area Treasurer.

Sr. Susanna Choi is a qualified nurse missioned in Myanmar for many years. She is now the Congregational Leader and, by virtue of this role, is an ex-officio trustee.

Trustees’ Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

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

The trustees are responsible for keeping 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. No payments have been made to the Trustees for their work as Trustees. The Trustees 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. Apart from the sum of £5.84 illegally taken from one account and refunded by the bank, no evidence of fraud was noticed during the year and there were no ongoing legal issues or litigation. During the year the trustees attended in person and via zoom, conferences and seminars on legal and financial matters related to their role as trustees of the charity.

Page 2

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban

Charitable Trust

Report of the Trustees (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2021

Structure and management reporting

The trustees meet, as required, to review everything with regard to the charity and its activities. When necessary, the trustees seek advice and support from the charity's professional advisors, including property consultants, solicitors and accountants.

In 2021 there were 8 Sisters in the Area of Britain. The Sisters engage in pastoral, social and other ministries. They have spent many years on our overseas missions; some are now in semiretirement. Our communities are situated in East London and Bangor, Co. Down, Northern Ireland. There is also one Sister in Scotland (in Fortrose near Inverness). All the Sisters come together for at least two Assemblies each year to discuss matters relating to the Sisters’ life, living requirements, and their ministries. These meetings are planned for and organized by the Area Leader. During 2021 thanks to the lifting of covid restrictions two assemblies took place. These were supplemented by regular zoom calls. Matters related to the day to day running of each community are regularly discussed within the community.

Property

The houses/building in which the Sisters live in Bow (London) belongs to the Charity; they have no other property in the United Kingdom. The Sister in Fortrose lives in a rented house and the Sisters in Co. Down live in a parish house.

Activities

1. Caring for the members of the Congregation

As stated above under "Mission", the activities of the charity can be divided into three principal areas: caring for the members of the Congregation, the pastoral and social work of the Sisters, and the support of overseas missionary work.

The age profile of the members of the Congregation is increasing as the existing members are growing older and there are no new members joining in Britain. The age profile of the Congregation in the British Area is as follows:

51 to 60 age group - 2 Sisters 61 to 70 age group - 1 Sister 71 to 80 age group - 4 Sisters Over 80 - 1Sister

The Congregation provides care for its members, none of whom has any personal resources. All the Sisters here have already devoted many years of service for the public benefit, in caring for the poor and marginalised as missionaries overseas; all but one are involved in ministries. The aim of the trustees is to enable all the sisters in the Area to continue with their individual ministries for as long as possible.

Page 3

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust Report of the Trustees (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2021

2. Social and Pastoral Work

During 2021 many of the social and pastoral activities continued to be temporarily halted because of Covid restrictions. However, similar to 2020, other ways of contributing were found, and in some cases, volunteer work was able to expand to include new areas of ministry through the medium of zoom and online gatherings. In all cases, contact has been maintained with the various organisations. Examples of voluntary work undertaken were :

Page 4

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust Report of the Trustees (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2021

Care of the Earth

Our Congregation, responding to the “Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor”, as Pope Francis has written about in his very important encyclical “Laudato Si”, has made this a priority by appointing a special team to raise awareness on all matters related to the Care of the Earth (our common home), our climate and ecological emergency, and what actions we need to take.

One Sister who is a member of this team did the ‘Laudato Si Animators Course’ organised by the Laudato Si Movement to train people in the teachings of the Catholic Church as regards care of God’s creation. She then set up a Laudato Si parish community gardening groups in the grounds of the local parish church which gives people a chance to work in a garden, learn new skills, and reflect on the teachings of Laudato Si and the care of the earth. In addition, she helped plan a week-long parish prayer and reflection on the Care of Creation with invited speakers.

This Sister was part of a prayerful presence at the COP26 Climate meeting in Glasgow in November 2021. And, as a member of the Missionary Sisters of St Columban international ‘Laudato Si’ animating team, has organised and coordinated reflections of our members worldwide on this issue.

Page 5

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust Report of the Trustees (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2021

Art work for Care of the Earth

Another Sister who has also completed the Laudato Si Animators’ course, uses her artistic skills to increase awareness of the beauty of the earth and our need to appreciate and care for it as illustrated in the painting on the previous page and in this painting showing Saint Columban and his connection to nature.

These and other drawings were a springboard for discussion and sharing in the neighbourhood.

All Sisters in the Area pay attention to human rights issues and to issues that affect the human dignity of individuals or groups. They are aware of and support the promotion of issues related to justice, peace and the integrity of creation.

The aims of the trustees in the area of the pastoral and social work of the Sisters

The Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults

The trustees recognise the absolute necessity of ensuring the protection and safety of all those whom the members of the charity serve. This means that all but one Sister (who is in the process of registering) in Great Britain and Northern Ireland have obtained clearance from the relevant authorities: DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service - England & Wales), PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups – Scotland), Access NI (Northern Ireland).

The National Catholic Safeguarding Commission and the Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service have been replaced by the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency (CSSA) and the Religious Life Safeguarding Service (RLLS). It is hoped that these new agencies which is under the responsibility of an independent management board, will be fully operational by the end of June 2022. The Trustees resident in England have been attending the monthly online meetings organised by the Conference of Religious. The Sisters in the Area are kept informed about the content of these meetings. Sr Anne Marie Smith continues as the appointed trustee responsible for safeguarding.

3. Support of missionary work and ministry: grants and donations

Grants are decided on by the Congregational Leadership Team and the Congregational Treasurer. During 2021 as there was no active fundraising in the Area of Britain donation amounts decreased. Donations received that are designated for specific ministries in mission areas, are sent to our own Sisters for the specified needs in Pakistan, the Philippines and Myanmar.

In Myanmar, for example, in addition to the pandemic, the military coup of February 2021 increased distress and poverty and also the numbers of internally displaced people in the country. Donations received were used to support people with basic food and medicine, reaching out to those most in need including street children and leprosy patients. The Sisters continued to empower women as they shared in the joys and struggles of the people around them and acted as a bridge between different religions and cultures.

Page 6

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust Report of the Trustees (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2021

Achievements and Performance

1. Care of the Members of the Congregation:

The charity has and continues to assist in every way the members of the Congregation in their charitable and religious work. All the Sisters were enabled to find or continue to work happily as volunteers in their chosen ministry.

2. Social and Pastoral Work

Again, this year our Sisters were active in many forms of social and pastoral work while making allowances and adapting because of the Corona virus restrictions. In this way we constantly reach out to society in general, benefitting many deserving people.

3. Risk Management

The trustees looked at the various risks as detailed in the Charity Commission guidelines, not all of which are applicable to our situation. We are aware of risks and have taken note of them, such as care of our property, regular house maintenance, and adequate house insurance.

4. GDPR

The trustees take their legal responsibility seriously and discussed the provisions that are required for the implementation of the 2018 GDPR. We have registered as a Data Controller with the ICO and the registration is up to date.

Future Plans :

Reserves Policy

At 31st December 2021 the Trust had reserves of £556,550 of which £516,278 is committed to tangible assets. The remaining free reserves held by the Trust as at 31st December 2021 were £40,272. The Sisters do not believe it appropriate to hold free reserves beyond the level of regular community needs required for the operation of each of the houses. The current level of reserves represents approximately 3 months' regular expenditure estimated at which the trustees think is an appropriate level. Funding from the congregation takes into account the level of reserves held by the charity at any point.

Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

Date :

Sr Ursula Scullane

Area Treasurer & Trustee

Page 7

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust

Independent Examiner's Report For the year ended 31st December 2021

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Missionary Sisters of St Columban Charitable Trust for the year ended 31st December 2021.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act') and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (the Acts) and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (a) to (c) of the 2006 Accounts Regulations does not apply.

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act and Section 44(1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 or Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Luke Holt

(FCA, ICAEW) For and on behalf of Moore Kingston Smith LLP Chartered Accountants

6th Floor 9 Appold Street London EC2A 2AP

Date: 02 July 2022

Page 8

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust

Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31st December 2021

Unrestricted
Note
funds
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
79,570
Charitable activities
3
82,007
Bank interest
82
Total
161,659
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
170,542
Total
170,542
Net income/(expenditure)
(8,883)
Funds Brought Forward
565,433
Funds Carried Forward
11
556,550		 Total
2021
£
79,570
82,007
82
161,659
170,542
170,542
(8,883)
565,433
556,550		 Total
2020
£
11,339
89,225
-
100,564
88,562
88,562
12,002
553,431
565,433

All activities derive from continuing operations.

All amounts for the current and preceding year were unrestricted.

The notes on pages 13 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

Page 9

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust

Balance Sheet For the year ended 31st December 2021

Note
Tangible Fixed Assets
8
Current Assets
Prepayments
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts falling due
within one year
Amount due to Congregation
Accrued expenses
Net Current Assets
Total Assets less Current Liabilities
Unrestricted Funds
Total Funds
10		 2021
£
1,036
43,416
44,452
-
(4,180)
(4,180)		 2021
2020
£
£
516,278
981
42,334
43,315
-
(3,940)
(3,940)
40,272
556,550
556,550
556,550		 2020
£
526,058
39,375
565,433
565,433
565,433

The notes on pages 13 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the trustees on and signed on its behalf by:

Sister Ursula Scullane

Trustee

Page 10

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31st December 2021

1 Accounting Policies

Your attention is to drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the accounts (financial statements) in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

We understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016.

The Trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

Basis of Accounting

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound.

The principle accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.

Going Concern Basis

The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. In particular the trustees have considered the charitable entity’s forecasts and projections and have taken account of pressures on donation and investment income. After making enquiries the Trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charitable entity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. When making this judgement the trustees have also considered the impact of COVID-19 on the charitable entity's finances, and the potenial ongoing effect of COVID-19 in the future. The Trustees have concluded that this does not affect their expectation that the charitable entity is a going concern for the foreseeable future. The charitable entity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements. There are no material uncertainties regarding going concern at the date of these financial statements.

Income

Income is accounted for on a receivable basis and when the Trust is entitled to the funds, the amount can be reliably measured and it is probable.

Expenditure

Expenditure is included on an accruals basis and is directly attributed to functions. Support costs have been allocated to the activities which they support. Governance costs include those costs incurred in the governance of the charity and are primarily associated with constitutional compliance and statutory requirements.

Page 11

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2021

1 Accounting Policies (continued)

Tangible fixed assets

Assets costing more than £250 are capitalised in the accounts at their cost to the charity.

The charity has adopted a policy not to revalue its freehold properties and feels it is sufficient to disclose the property on a historical cost basis to give a true and fair view of its activities.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful live. The estimated life of motor vehicles and fixtures and fittings is considered to be five years, IT equipment three years and freehold buildings fifty years.

Fund Accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors. Expenditure for those purposes is charged to those funds.

Financial Instruments

Debtors and creditors

Debtors and creditors receivable or payable within one year of the reporting date are carried at transaction price. Debtors and creditors that are receivable or payable in more than one year and not subject to a market rate of interest are measured at the present value of the expected future receipts or payment discounted at a market rate of interest.

Included within the financial statements are financial assets of £1,036 (2020: £981) and financial liabilities of £4,180 (2020: £3,940), measured at amortised cost.

Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

In preparing financial statements it is necessary to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. There are no estimates that the Trustees consider would have a significant effect on the financial statements.

Page 12

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust

Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2021

2
Donations
Mission donations
Legacies
3
Charitable Activities
Grants received
Retirement fund/Pensions		 2021
£
19,320
60,250
79,570
2021
£
63,000
19,007
82,007		 2020
£
11,339
-
11,339
2020
£
70,000
19,225
89,225

Page 13

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust

Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2021

4 Summary of Resources Expended

Area administation
Bank charges
Books and magazines
Chapel
Charity contributions
Clothing
Fees
Food
Furniture
Household
Insurance
Repairs & maintenance
Medical
Personal needs
Post, stationery & phone
Recreation/vacation
Rent
Retreats/seminars
Travel
Utilities & council tax
Assemblies
Legal & professional
Governance costs (note 6)
5
Charitable activities
Direct community expenses (note 4)
Regional support costs (note 4)
Depreciation (note 7)		 Direct
Community
2021
£
3
1,822
411
5,596
2,013
18,566
2,362
3,428
1,758
4,270
3,775
2,474
4,381
4,030
10,100
7,569
6,697
8,098
2,040
89,393		 Direct
Community
2020
£
5
2,269
410
3,576
1,924
17,281
2,977
5,092
1,804
6,327
2,501
1,945
4,706
1,004
6,600
3,513
2,356
8,216
1,139
-
73,645		 Support
Costs
2021
£
61,400
1,564
5,765
2,640
71,369
2021
£
89,393
71,369
9,780
170,542		 Support
Costs
2020
£
2,000
390
-
2,940
5,330
2020
£
73,645
5,330
9,587
88,562

Page 14

Missionary Sisters of St. Columban Charitable Trust

Notes to the Accounts (continued) For the year ended 31st December 2021

6
Governance costs
Independent examination
7
Tangible Fixed Assets
Cost
At 1st January 2021
Additions
Disposals
At 31st December 2021
Depreciation
At 1st January 2021
Charge for the year
Eliminated on disposal
At 31st December 2021
Net Book Value
At 31st December 2021
At 31st December 2020		 Freehold Land
and buildings
£
616,490
-
-
616,490
101,934
6,165
-
108,099
508,391
514,556		 Fixtures and
Fittings
£
22,405
-
-
22,405
16,946
2,135
-
19,081
3,324
5,459		 2021
£
2,640
2,640
Motor
Vehicles
£
7,400
-
-
7,400
1,357
1,480
-
2,837
4,563
6,043		 2020
£
2,940
2,940
Total
£
646,295
-
-
646,295
120,237
9,780
-
130,017
516,278
526,058

All the fixed assets are used for the purpose of the Trust.

8 Trustees

No Trustee received any remuneration or was reimbursed expenses incurred specifically for duties as a Trustee in this year or last, but Trustees are also members of the congregation and their living expenses are funded on terms equal to all other members of the congregation.

The Trustees are considered to be the Key Management Personnel of the Charity.

9 Analysis of Net Assets between Funds

Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities		 Total
Total
2021
2020
£
£
516,278
526,058
44,452
43,315
(4,180)
(3,940)
556,550
565,433

Page 15