The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Registered Charity Number: 1132918 Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 st December 2024 Wenn Townsend Chartered Accountants Oxford
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2024 Objectives and activities The Parochial Church Council IPCCI is the group of people who, with the Reclor, run St Clement's Church. We describe who we are, how we are elected and how we organise ourselves in this report. Our objectives derive from the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. We are 'to Cooperate with the minister IRectorl in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical,. We have the 'power jointly with the minister lo determine the objects to which all moneys to be given or collected in church shall be allocated,. With the churchwardens, all members of the PCC are responsible for the maintenance of the church building. The 2004 report 'Mission-shaped church, sets out the meaning of the 'whole mission of the church, as currently interpreted by the Church of England. Worship lies al ils cenlre. It aims lo transform people through faith in Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit., is welcoming., relates lo local culture and is open lo change when new members join. St Clement's is an Anglican church serving a parish that is part of the Cowley Deanery within the Diocese of Oxford. Cowley Deanery covers the eastern half of the City of Oxford. Our parish is itself varied and interesting. Much of it is green space, including South Park, but there are also two busy retail thoroughfares.. Sl Clement's Street, where the Old Mission Hall I'The Mish'} sils, and the western end of the Cowley Road. Cheney School la stale secondary school) and part of Oxford Brookes University lie at the eastern end of the parish. Magdalen College School {a private school) and St Hilda's College (part of the University of Oxford) are at ils western end. A major Islamic Centre is at the north, while the Bangladeshi Community Centre and Mosque sil towards the south. The Cowley Road Methodist Church is near the western end. The homes of our parishioners form much of the rest of our parish. ,OXFORD OXFORD DISTRIGT
The Parochial Church Council of the E¢cleslastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2024 (continued) Objectives and activities (continued) Our church building is set back off the Marston Road. It was completed in 1828 in a 'Norman revival, style, replacing an earlier building in a different part of the parish. Our nearest poslcode is OX4 1 FN. Our overarching objective is that all who want to do so may come to know the love of God and experience the richness of His goodness towards us in every a5pe¢l of our lives. This is what motivales all our more specific objectives and activities described below. Our activities provide public benefit lo Ihe parish and the wider community, in line with guidance issued by the Charity Commission. We describe our achievements and performance for each of these activities in more detail in the next section Ob'ectives Activities 1. Worship to give all our We provide two services each Sunday- a lively morning service and a parishioners, as well as church smaller, more contemplative evening service. Our styles of worship, members from outside the parish, supported by our music group, are varied. Refreshments are served the opportunity to participate in after our morning service and provide an opportunity for us to welcome Christian worship. We want to newcomers and lo gel to know each other belter. experience God and the joy that comes from knowin Him. 2. Prayer and Bible study to deepen our knowledge of God and to follow Him more closely, both collectively and individually. We aim to understand God's general purposes through Bible study and to discover what he wants for us individually through prayer. Many of us meet in Home Groups to explore our walk with God in more depth. We encourage all our church members to pray and study the Bible regularly as part of their personal devotions, and to pray together throu h weekl and monthl ra er atherin
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2024 (continued) Objectives and activities (continued) Ob'ectives Activities 3. Pastoral care - to support each Individual friendships, including through our Home Groups, form the other in the routine pressures of focus of our care for each other. More structured pastoral care daily living and through times of supports those in specific need. We have a fund to help church crisis. members facing short-term financial emergencies. We hold a memorial service every year open to all, bul particularly to people who have lost a relative or close friend in recent ears. Our youth work provides a wide range of activities for those of secondary school age. These include meetings on Tuesday evenings and on Sunday mornings. Our children's work, for those of primary school age and younger, is focused on Sunday mornings. On the first Sunday of each month, our young people and children join our main mornin service. Our work in the community covers the young, the old and those in financial need. 4. Young people and children to give our younger members the opportunity to explore the Christian faith in ways they find meaningful. Community and social concern to express the love of God in practical ways to the local community of our parish. We run a babies and toddlers group for children of pre-school age, along with their carers, on Thursday mornings. Our Cafe Club provides social activities and refreshments once a month for older members of the Church family and local community. We are core participants in the Oxford Churches Debt Centre, set up in partnership with the national organisalion Christians Against Poverty ICAPI UK, to help anyone with problem debt. CAP money management courses help people learn lo budget and manage their money belter. Our related charity the St. Clement's Community Property Trust provides space for a wide range of communlty activities. Many beyond our regular members attend our services at major Christian festivals and use our services for baptisms, weddings and funerals. We run occasional enquirers, courses for those wanting to explore the Christian faith. We join with all the Church of England churches in Cowley Deanery in pooling most of our Congregational giving.. this helps those parishes in the Deanery in most need. We look beyond Oxford through our annual Mission Gift Fund which provides support to other organisations in the UK and abroad with which we have links. We want our church to be a continuing centre of Christian worship for generations to come, as it has been for the last two centuries. We have continued to restore the church fabric and improve our beautiful churchyard so that it is a pleasure for visitors and a good home for a ran e of lant, bird and animal s ecies. 6. Outreach to present the gospel lo those around us in our parish, our deanery and the wider world, fulfilling our evangelistic and ecumenical objectives. Future generations to preserve and enhance for future generations the built and natural heritage of which we are the current uardians. Achievements and performance The objectives and activities in this section follow the same sequence as the table in the previous section. What we offer is available to all, mostly wilhout charge. Where we charge fees or seek donations, il is only to help defray costs. The Revd. Mark Hay and his wife Kate joined us on 9 April 2024 after a year of vacancy. We are most grateful for the help and support provided by the Diocese and local clergy during the vacancy and for the support of our Patron's representative, Helen Lamb and Bishop Steven, during the selection process. The St Clement's PCC is immensely grateful to the many willing volunteers who have enabled so much to continue during the period of vacancy and since Mark's appointment. We also could not have done all we have without our dedicated staff to whom we also express our deep thanks. There were 100 on the Electoral Roll at the date of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting on 21 April 2024. Average Sunday attendances in October 2024 comprised 94 adults and 28 children under 16.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2024 (continuedl 1. Worship Worship Group.. The group contributed to the musical part of our worship at all morning and some special services across the course of the year. Hospitality Group.. Teams of church members offered refreshments afier morning seNices and at special church events as part of our continual building of a welcoming church. Flower arranging group.. The group arranged flowers for our services, as part of our valuing of God's creation and our welcome and worship of God. 2. Prayer and Bible study Home groups: We have seven Home Groups, each with its own distinctive style, involving c. 60 church members who meet weekly or fortnighlly on a variety of week-day evenings. The purpose of these groups is to provide a small group context where members can explore and grow in faith. deepen friendships. and support each other in all aspects of our lives. Home Group leaders meet approximately once a term for mutual support, equipping and encouragement. 3. Pastoral care Structured pastoral care.. the Clergy team, supported by a small number of volunteers, offered pastoral care for those facing particular challenges and difficulties, especially those with long term health conditions. This included the regular provision of home communion5 where appropriate. The Clergy team and licensed minister take communion each month lo Abbeyfield, a residential home in the parish Hardshlp Fund.. There is a small Rector's Discretionary Fund available lo give, with the Wardens, agreement, modest donations to people facing immediate financial hardship. This Fund was not used during 2024. Memorlal service.. Our memorial service takes place every Autumn and provides a quiel space for those who want to remember loved ones who have passed away. The names of those who are mourned are read out as part of this service. We invite all who have attended a funeral or burial in the past Iwo years, bul the service is open to all and is advertised locally. In 2024, 24 people atlen(Jed. A Blue Christmas. This year, as part of our Christmas program, we held a special service for those who find the festive season difficult for whatever reason. We plan lo run this again in future years. 4. Young people and children Youth work.. We have continued to run a Sunday youth group, increasing this from twice a month to every Sunday except for all-age Sundays, getting around 4-8 attending each week, wrestling with big life questions in relation to the Bible and faith. We have continued Overflow Youth on Tuesday nights for young people, getting around 8-12 attendees each week. The group is a mix of young people from families connected with St Clement's and young people with no connection lo church beyond this group and has a mixture of social activities and Christian inpul. We have previously used resources like Youth Alpha and Stir to introduce faith discussions with this group, and have since been cenlring discussion around 'big questions, submitted by the young people al the 2024 residential. Children's work.. Our Kingdom Kids group {for children 5-11 years old) enables children to worship, pray, learn and have fun in a welcoming mixed-age group, taking place 3 Sundays out of 4 in term-time. During 2024 the average attendance at Kingdom Kids has been around 15 children. Kingdom Tots is for the active under-5's, with worship, crafts, stories and play to explore faith with an average of 10-15children attending. Our children's work is flourishing. We have also started a 'Young Leaders, programme which currently has 1-2 members of our youth taking part in being regular leaders in our children's groups. Social Events: We have continued to host socials for our children and young people, with a kids trip going to play bowling and older kids and youth trampolining at Jump Inc. We have been getting an average of 12 (aged between 7-15 years old) attending.
The Parochial Church Council of the E¢clesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2024 {continued) Achievements and performance (continued) Three of our young people also attended NightLife at St Aldates {a termly youth event) in the autumn term and we are expecting lo take them land a few more) back again in future terms. We ran our own weekend away again this year at, Rock UK'S Frontier Centre, a Christian activity site, with 13 children and young people attending aged 8-14 years old 5. Community and social concern Toddler group.. Our Baby and Toddler Group serves Ihe local community during school term-time. Volunteers provide activities for a two-hour drop-in session once a week, including lighl refreshments. Since September 2022 our numbers have consistently been around 45-65 parentslcarers and toddlers each week. Local Schools: In July 2024 we had a local secondary school, Cheney School, bring their year 7 students to the church on a school trip to explore the church and learn more about Christianity. This was the second time they came lo do this visit with the year 7s, following a successful visit in 2023. They have already booked in for the year 7 classes lo come again in 2025. We now regularly go into St Michael's CE Primary School in Marston to run 'J10' after-school club. We have around 15 children attending that group weekly, aged between 7-11 years old. We have now gone into the school and run assemblies. We have also helped to run a Prayer Space with Bespace in the school that lasls a week and the whole school attends. We are being allowed to advertise our church events there and are going to have the school come into St Clement's Church for a visit in 2025. Café Club.. Our Café Club provides refreshments, social engagement, lalks and other activities for members of the Church family and local community who are around during the day. It now meets on the third Wednesday of every month. Church members are encouraged to invite their friends and neighbours. We have seen a number of new friends joining us over the last year. Oxford Churches Debt Centre and CAP Money Management Courses: The Oxford Churches Debt Centre is a charitable incorporated organisalion registered with the Charity Commission (number 1155834} and run in partnership with Christians Against Poverty {CAP) UK. St Clemenl's is one of four full partner churches. A number of our church family are involved in different ways, such as being a Trustee and being a Befriender. St Clemenl's is committed both to pray for and to give financially to the work of the Centre. Our Trustee in 2024 was Claire Bishop. Community actlvlties.. St Clement's church family members are involved in a number of activities led by others in our local community. These include the Oxford Winter Night Shelter, an inilialive of Oxford Ghurches lo provide shelter for the homeless in the winter month., Street Pastors., supporting a local food bank through weekly and HaNest Service food donations and in most years Oxclean. which is an annual event to tidy up our local area. Community activities.. St Clement's church family members are involved in a number of activities led by others in our local community. These include Ihe Oxford Winter Night Shelter, an initiative of Oxford churches to provide shelter for the homeless in the winter month,. Street Pa5tors.' supporting a local food bank through weekly and Harvest Service food donations and in most years Oxclean, which is an annual event lo lidy up our local area. 6. Outreach Major Christian festivals: Easter and Christmas are the festivals when most occasional visitors come. These services were well attended, especially our Carol Service, Christingle and Christmas Day and Easter Services. We also much enjoyed welcoming our local community lo join us for our early December Light in the Darkness event, including carol singing, refreshments and activities such as wreath making, a prayer station, biscuit decorating and more. We made this into a whole weekend event, inviting those who attended the Light in the Darkness Saturday event to Christingle the next day in church and then the Crib service on Christmas Eve.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's. Oxford Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2024 (continued) Achievements and performance (continued) Baptisms, weddings and funerals.. As a parish church. we offer the 'occasional offices, of baptisms, weddings and funerals lo residents of the parish. We also offer this ministry to those living beyond the parish who worship with us or have a strong connection wilh us. In 2024, we conducted 6 baptisms, 1 wedding, 3 funerals and 4 internments of ashes in Ihe churchyard. Fabric.. 2024 saw the arrival of our new Rector so no new work on the building was undertaken. The stonemasons returned lo complete the final small items of repairs on the first phase of the stonework upgrade. The second phase will be Carried out in the future when volunteer capacity is increased and we have enlisted the help of a new architect. We did upgrade the sound system to include new in ear monitors which will help with the reverberation issues. We have also updated the keyboard and drum kit. We have continued to improve our churchyard. Trees and shrubs have been regularly cut back to improve welcome, visibility and safety. A number of working parties further helped to beautify the area. The churchyard is managed by a small number of keen volunteers who are always looking to grow their number. Cowley Deanery.. We are part of the Cowley Deanery, which brings together the thirteen parishes in the eastern half of Oxford. The Rector, Curate and three church members are members of the Cowley Deanery Synod. Across the denominations.. We continue to maintain our links with other local churches. Misslon beyond Oxford. We continue to support and pray for several Mission Partners wilh links to our church, as well as 7 Mission Agencies. Church members raised a total of £5,805 (plus Gift Aid} for our annual Mission Gift Fund, which we distributed between our Mission Partners and Agencies. Future generations: We want our church to be a continuing centre of Christian worship for generations to come. Our aim is to make the church as welcoming and useable for worship and hospitalily as possible, while respecting and valuing its historic features. The ongoing improvements to our fabric seek lo strike this balance. The same considerations apply to further work planned in our churchyard. We want to keep it well maintained, so visitors can easily find and see the graves of their loved ones and the church can be as visible as possible to those interested in a historic place of Christian worship. It is a peaceful green space on the edge of our parish. We aim to draw locals in by making the churchyard as welcoming as possible with a balance of planted and naturally occurring flowers as well as managed mown and unmown areas to encourage wildlife and diversity of plants. Our mature trees are regularly surveyed to aid with the overall management of the churchyard. Financial review Principal funding sources Giving from the congregation is a vital income source Overall giving was higher than in 2023, reflecting the generosity of the church family. An annual grant from the Charity of Thomas Dawson is our main external funding source. The generosity of Thomas Dawson, who set up his charity in 1521, enables us to operate on a scale that would otheiSe be impossible. The grant of £125,000 for 2024 was a major contribution to the Church's finances, for which we are hugely appreciative. Principal risks and uncertainties Volunteer shortages and fatigue remain our greatest risk. Although members of the Church family give generously of their time, the church has a largely working age congregation with work and family responsibilities. Our main financial risk is the need for any future works to repair our church fabric. Our reliance on just a few main funding sources clearly presents risks. However. our reserves remain strong thanks to careful financial management.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2024 {continuedl Financial review (continued) Like all small organisations run by volunteers, we face the general risk of getting things wrong. Our principal risks in this respect lie in Ihe areas of finance, data protection, safeguarding, health and safety and employment practice. Wenn Townsend Chartered Accountants support us in financial matters and we receive help from experienced volunleers and advisers in health and safety and employment matters. The Diocese also provides help in a number of areas. We welcome children and vulnerable adults and our designated Parish Safeguardin9 Officer oversees all work with them. She was formerly our Children's Worker and ensures thal all those who work wilh children and young people or vulnerable adults are safely recruited, including being appropriately DBS checked, as well as subsequently trained. As required by the Church of England, we continue lo comply with our duty under section 5 of the Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016 to have regard to the House of Bishops, guidance on the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Finally, there is the risk that the PCC cannot deal adequately with all the growing requirements of Government legislation and guidance from the Church of England. We undertake risk assessments, make other regular checks and organise training for staff and volunteers to try lo ensure compliance. Most of our staff and activities are based in the St Clemenls Centre which, together with 'The Mish,, belong lo St Clement's Community Property Trust, so the Church works closely with that Charity's General Manager and Trustees. Investment policy We do not have funds lo invest over the medium-term or long-term. Our general unrestricted reserves are a support for our normal annual expenditure. Our designated and reslricled funds are for work that we hope lo complete over the next 1-3 years. The need to invest over the short-term arises when there is a delay between receiving funds and being able to use them. This happens mainly when the Charity of Thomas Dawson makes large grants. In such circumstances we can find ourselves with funds to invest for more than 12 months. Our policy for short-lerm investment is to balance security, liquidity and return. while striving to invest ethically. Overall, this means using a combination of interesl-paying bank accounts. Reserves Our reserves policy is to achieve a position on our general fund where we hold an amount to match our annual reliance on the Dawson grant, which is never guaranteed, and lo provide an additional amount equal to 3 months, normal expenditure paid out of the general fund and Charity of Thomas Dawson grant. We held £211,554 {2023. £226,366} in the general fund al the end of 2024, $0 we achieved our policy intention. We assign £50,000 lo the Dawson cashflow fund to ensure we start the year with enough cash to last us until the Dawson grant arrives in late summer. The Dawson Trust Fund is effectively our fabric fund. We have various restricted funds, details of which are laid out in note 8 to the accounts. The Dawson Trust fund is by far our largest. It holds amounts received from the Charity of Thomas Dawson as a 'contribution towards the upkeep and repair of the fabric of the Parish Church of St Clement's, and the maintenance of the services and furniture therein and subject thereto in furtherance of the religious and other charitable work of the Church of England, in the said ecclesiastical parish as the Parochial Church Council think fil,. Our policy is to spend il in line with these conditions as quickly as is consislenl with good financial management. The grant was not fully expended in the year. All our other restricted funds hold gifts and donations for specific purposes. The Mission Gift Fund, the Oxford Churches Debt Centre Fund and our various special collections in church are for missional giving. Our policy is to donate them within the year, or as soon as possible afterwards in the case of collections around Christmas. other funds, such as the Welcome Fund, the Children's Fund and the Youth Worker Fund have been donated for specific uses within St Clement's Church. We aim to spend them in line with the conditions attached as quickly as is consistent wilh good financial management.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2024 {continuedl Plans for the future Priorities for 2025 Run a Lent Course exploring issues in sexuality and marriage Continue to explore ways of increasing connections with our local community, raising our visibility Increase our engagement with students, especially from Brookes U. Conlinue to champion and grow our children's and youth ministries, including All Age worship Increase opportunities lo pray in varied and creative ways strengthen our AV & musical worship provision with equipment, volunteers, training and development Grow the number of church members in Home Groups, adding new groups, and growing and developing new and existing leaders Begin to work on a new vision plan for St Clement's. Structure governance and management The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. Our objectives derive from the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956. It is elected by church members recorded on the Electoral Roll, in accordance with the Church Representation Rules 2011. It is Charged with consulting together on mallers of general concern and importance to the parish, including Co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It met 7 times in 2024. The PCC has Created a structure of Ministry Teams lo help it lake a strategic view of church policy and expenditure, whilst also ensuring that its responsibilities receive the detailed attention they need. All report to the PCC with recommendations, action plans and, where relevant, budgets and then assist with implementing decisions made. In addition, certain volunteers and staff members have delegated spending authority up to defined limits, but must report their spending lo the PCC through the Treasurer. The Standing Committee deals with issues between PCC meetings. 11 helps 10 Set the agenda for PCC meetings and retains responsibility for confidential matters relating to staff, such as salaries. It also receives reports on risk management from the Risk Management Coordinator. It may act on its own initiative, but musl report to the next PCC. Some of the work il usually undertakes was taken on by the Leadership Team appointed to oversee the Ministry Teams. It therefore only needed to meet three limes in 2024. PCC Ministry Teams The Fabric and Churchyard Team is responsible for assessing the need for repair, maintenance and improvement of the fabric of St Clemenl's Church. including having regard to the Architect's Quinquennial Report. It also takes a lead on matters relating to the use and care of the churchyafd. The Operations & Finance Team 15 responsible for overseeing arrangements for staff and volunteers including recruitment, administration, data protection, risk management and finance. Its remit includes internal and external communications, the development of the church website and the provision of IT support.11 also oversees financial strategy and the church's approach to the stewardship of money. The Congregational Care & Mission Team is responsible for pastoral care, safeguarding, the running of Home Groups and social activities, welcome, hospitality and Mission within the parish and beyond. Mission includes reviewing the partners and agencies supported by our Mission Gift Fund and proposing the amount of support to be allocated to each. The Worship & Services Team is responsible for helping grow the church family in faith, discipleship and worship. During the vacancy, it took on the role of planning services and providing leaders for them, including visiting clergy in particular for service5 of Holy Communion.
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2024 {continued) Other Groups The Staff Team comprising the Parish Administration Manager, the Children & Families Worker, the Youth Worker and the Church Cleaner as well as the Curate and Rector. The Leadership Team comprising those with oversight for the Ministry Teams. Home Group Leaders comprising those with oversight of Home Groups. Audio Visual and Sound Desk Teams who provide sound control and audio visual support for services. Regulatory matters The PCC Secretary. Risk Management Co-ordinator, Parish Safeguarding Officer and Treasurer, assisted by our professional advisers, arrange for regulatory changes, Diocesan guidelines and other advice in areas such as health and safety to be brought lo the PCC'S attention as appropriate and for regulatory checks and required training to be undertaken as and when required. Related Charities The Rector is a trustee of the following charities, in addition to Ihe PCC, as a consequence of being the Rector.. St Clement's Parochial Charities st Clement's Community Property The Charity of Thomas Dawson (Registgred Charity 2019891 (Registered Chaiity 1200229) (Registored Charity 2032581 Reference and administrative details The full name of the PCC is 'The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of Sl Clement's, Oxford,. It is also variously known as 'SI Clemenl's Parochial Church Council,, 'St Clemenl's PCC, and 'St Clemenl's Church,. The Diocese of Oxford uses 'SI Clement Oxford,. Our Charity Commission registration number is 1132918. Correspondence address st Clement's Parish Office, St Clement's Centre, Cross Street, Oxford OX4 IDA T.. 01865 246674 arish.office stclements.or W. www.stclements.or PCC members Itrusteesl during the year Incumbent (Reclorl Revd Mark Hay (from 9 April 20241 Assistant Curate The Rev Joanna Catherine Tarassenko (from 6th July 2021 } Churchwarden Mr Steve Rumford (from 2110412023 to the APCM in 20251 Deanery Synod Reps Mr Colin Price (from 2310412023 to the APCM in 20261 Mr John Livingstone (from 231041202310 the APCM in 2026) Ms. Maikki Aakko (from 2311012023 to the APCM in 20251 Elected Members Miss Sue Cleave {Hon Secretary} (from 3010412018 to the APCM in 2025} Mr John Deans (from 2410412016 to the APCM in 2025) Dr Claire Gilroy (from 3010412017 to the APCM in 20271 Mr Phil Gordon {from 2110412024 to the APCM in 2025) Mr Peter Helm (from 2310412023 to the APCM in 20261 Mrs Fiona Livingstone (from 2210412018 to the APCM in 2027} Mr Ali Smith (from 2310412023 until the APCM in 20261 Dr Jeremy Spearman (from 2210412018 to the APCM in 2026) Mrs Kathryn Ungerer (from 2110412024 to the APCM in 20271 Co-opted Member Mrs Bethan Willis (from 2110412024 to the APCM in 2025}
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Annual Report for the year ending 31st December 2024 (continued) Advisors and bankers to the PCC Accountants Wenn Townsend. 30 St. Giles, Oxford, OX13LE Architect Mr John Radice, Old Post Office, Berrick Salome. Wallingford, Oxon, OX10 6JN Bankers Barclays Bank, Leicester, LE87 2BB National Westminster Bank, 43 Cornmarket Street, Oxford. OX1 3HA Employment Law Adviser Miss Pippa Greenslade, contact through St Clement's Parish Office {details above) Health and Safety Adviser Mr Geoffrey Roberts, contact through Sl Clemenl's Parish Office (details above} Independent Examiner Andrew Rodzynski FCA, Wenn Townsend, 30 St. Giles, Oxford, OX13LE Signed on behalf of the PCC Revd. Mark Hay (Chair) 2nd April 2025 10
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2024 which are set out on pages 12 to 25. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the Acl'l. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under seclion 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(bl of the Act. Independent examiner's statement Since the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body lisled in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection wilh the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Acl., 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 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 altention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached. Andrew Rodzynski FCA Wenn Townsend Chartered Accountants 30 St Giles, Oxford OX13LE 2nd April 2025
Th• PaTochlal Church Councll of tho Eccloslastlcal ParlJh of St Cl•mollt'8, Oxlord statament of Flnanclal ActlYltlo8 for the year end¢d 31it Dp¢¢mbèr 2024 Vnré8trl¢t8d Fundi Goneral Doslgnatvd Unr6itrl¢t8d Fund8 General Do¥lgnotod Noto RgStrl¢tod funds Totals 2024 Ra#trl¢t•d Yota18 2023 Income Donations and18gacies Income from church activities Income Irem inveslm8nls 38 3b 3c 150,235 483 4,766 190.402 340.637 463 4.766 132,311 2,469 139.833 272,144 2,489 Total Incomo and ondowmonts 155,484 190,402 345.886 134,780 139.833 274,613 Expendlture Expendiluro on church Bclivilies 4alb 170,247 27,497 197.744 127,625 16.393 144.018 Total 8xp•ndlturo 170,247 27,497 197,744 127,625 16.393 144.018 Not Incornelloxpendltur81 114.7631 162,905 148,142 7,155 123,440 130.595 Tr•nJfors boh¥een lund¥ 1491 49 14401 440 Not movernent In fund 164.954 148,142 6.71$ 123,880 130,595 R•conclllatlort of fynd• Balance brought forward 811 $1 January 2024 176.366 50,000 135.191 361,SS7 169.651 so.000 230,962 8alan¢e cariled lomard •t 31$t D¢¢ernber 2024 161,554 50,000 298.145 509,699 176,366 50,000 135.191 361,557
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Balance Sheet at 31st December 2024 Note 2024 2023 Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 9,631 10,175 Current assets Debtors Cash al bank and in hand 7,969 493,707 7,048 354,054 501,676 361,102 Llabilities.. amounts falling due within one year {1,608) 19,720) Net Current assets 500,068 351,382 Net assets 509.699 361,557 Funds Unrestricted general Unrestricted designated Reslricled 161,554 50,000 298,145 176,366 50.000 135,191 509,699 361,557 Approved by the Parochial Church Council on 2nd April 2025 and signed on its behalf by.. Revd. Mark Flay (Chal 13
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31st December 2024 Reconciliation of increase in funds to net cash flow from operating activities Note 2024 2023 (Deficit}Isurplus for the year Depreciation Ilncrease)Idecrease in debtors IDecrease)/increase in Creditors Interest received Fixed asset purchase 148,142 3,044 1921) {8,112) 14,767) 12,500) 130,595 2,544 11,348) 5,644 {12,719) Net cash flow from operating activities 134.886 124,716 Cash flow statement 2024 2023 Net cash flow from operating activities 134.886 124,716 Returns on investments and servlclng finance Interest received 4,767 Net cash flow before management of liquid resources and financing 139,653 124,716 (Decreasellincrease in cash 139,653 124,716 Movement in cash 139,653 124,716 Nel cash at 1st January 2024 354,054 229,338 Nel cash al 31 st December 2024 493.707 354,054 14
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 Explanatory notes on the Financial Statements: The accounts for 2024 are presented in a format compatible with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. The Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) gives an overall summary of the church finances for the year and the movement on the reserves, which are divided for reporting purposes between Unrestricted and Restricted Funds. The aim of the SOFA is to summarise the church income and expenditure according to activity. The notes lo the accounts divide the summarised figures in a variety of ways, which provide additional breakdown of the income and expenditure. The balance sheet represents the assets and liabilities of the PCC at the end of December 2024. However, il does not include the church itself or the rectory, as well as some other church assets purchased in past years. The eneral fund comprises the regular income and the regular and predictable expenditure relating to core church activities. Desi naled funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are detailed in note 8 to the accounts and have been received for specific purposes. The charity constilules a public benefit entity as defined in FRS 102. Accounting polici88 Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Church Accounting Regulations 2006 together with applicable accounting standards. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slalement 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 1 Al (effective 1 October 20191. 2b Funds General funds represent the funds of the PCC that are not subject to any restrictions regarding Iheir use and are available for application to the general purposes of the PCC. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the PCC are also unrestricted. Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as specified by the donor. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of church members. 15
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 Accounting policies {¢ontinuedl Incoming resources Voluntary income and capital sources Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the PCC, as is planned giving. Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised in the year the donation is received. Grants and legacies to Ihe PCC are accounted for as soon as the PCC is notified of ils legal enlillement, the amount dLte is quantifiable and ils ultimate receipt by the PCC is reasonably certain. 2d Resources used Grants Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the PCC. Activities directly relating to the work of the Church The diocesan quota is accounted for when payable on an accruals basis. Governance costs These include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the independent examination fees and costs linked lo the strategic management of the charity. 2e Flxed assets Office equipment Office equipment with an initial cost exceeding £1.000 is capilalised and included within fixed assets. Items below this de minimis threshold are written off as expenditure in the SOFA. Depreciation is provided on office equipment so as lo write off the cost or valuation. less any estimated residual value, over the expected useful economic life on a straight line basis at 25Q/o a year. Consecrated property and movable church furnlshings Consecrated and beneficed property of any kind is excluded from the accounts by section 10(21 of the Charities Act 2011. The value of such fixed assets is not included in the balance sheet. All expenditure incurred in the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and moveable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA and separately disclosed. 2f Current assets and liabilities Amounts owing to the PCC at 31st December 2024 in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncolleclable. Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to expenditure,, it is probable that a settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. 16
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 Income 3a Voluntary income- 2024 Unrestricted funds General Designated Restricted funds Total funds General giving.. Regular Church services Mission Gifl Fund Special collections Other donations Flourishing Life Grants Gift Aid recoverable Dawson Trust 121,427 4,775 44,777 166,204 4,775 4,644 4,644 pcc 5,781 12,600 18,381 20,472 1,161 125,000 21,633 125,000 pcc 152,455 188,182 340,637 Voluntary income - 2023 Unrestri¢ted funds General Designated Restricted funds Total funds General giving.. Regular Church services Mission Gift Fund Special collections Other donations Flourishing Life Grants Gift Aid recoverable Dawson Trust 114,813 1,768 1,265 116,078 1,768 7,197 789 3,632 1,570 7,197 789 182 1,570 pcc 3,450 13,189 2,921 125.000 16,110 125,000 pcc 132,311 139,833 272,144 17
The Parochial Church Council of the E¢¢lesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 3b Income from church activities- 2024 Unrestricted fu nds General Designated Restricted funds Total funds Fees- PCC Fees- Toddler Group 483 483 483 483 Income from church activities- 2023 Unrestricted funds General Designated Restricted funds Total funds Fees - PCC Fees- Toddler Group 2,219 250 2,219 250 2,469 2,469 3¢ Income from investments - 2024 Interest received 4,766 4,766 In¢ome from investments - 2023 Interest received
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's. Oxford Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 Expenditure 4a Missionary and charitable giving - 2024 Unrestricted funds General Designated Restricted funds Total funds 2024 Asylum Welcome Payments of MFG 850 5,854 850 5,854 Total Missionary and charitable glving 6,704 6,704 Missionary and charitable giving - 2023 Unrestricted funds General Designated Restricted funds Total funds 2023 Oxford Winter Night Shelter The Church of England - Christmas donations The Porch Sleppin, Stone Centre Paymenls of MFG- to pay out to various charities 222 222 67 222 8,996 67 222 8,996 Total Missionary and charltable glving 67 9,440 9,507 19
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 4b Activities directly relating to the work of the church - 2024 Unrestricted funds General Designat¢d Restrictgd funds Total funds Wages and salaries Parish share of diocesan quota St Clemenl's Centre other 53.232 56,935 1,330 54,562 56,935 Toddlers other Gas, electricity and water Church and churchyard maintenance Equipment for church office Insurance and security Church activitie5 Toddler Group Flourishing Life Rector expenses Sundry expenses Diocesan fees Allocated from support costs Isee note 4dl other 7,283 3,828 7,459 5,579 14,742 9,405 olh6r 5,808 30,843 1,234 4,929 262 7,042 35,772 262 other costs 12,320 12,320 170,247 20.793 6,704 191,1)40 6,704 Grants paid (see note 4a) Church actlvltle8 170,247 27.497 197,744 Activlties dlrectly rolatlng to the work of the church - 2023 Unrestricted funds General Doslgnated Restricted funds Total funds Wages and salaries Parish share of diocesan quota si Clemenl's Centre other 39.373 45,453 452 5,228 347 6,649 39,373 45,453 452 5,228 10,158 14361 Toddlers other Gas. electricity and water Church and churchyard maintenance Equipment for church office Insurance and security Church activities Toddler Group Flourishing Life Rector expenses Sundry expenses Diocesan fees Allocated from support costs (see note 4dl other 9,811 17,0851 other 6.202 7,958 1,151 2.984 7,353 10,942 other costs 1,570 2,206 766 1,570 2,206 766 11,354 92 11,446 127,558 67 6,953 9,440 134,511 9,507 Grants paid (see note 4a} Chur¢h actlvlties 127,625 16,393 144,018 20
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 4c Staff 2024 2023 Salaries Pension costs 53,251 1,311 38,430 943 54,562 39,373 No trustees were employed during the year {2023'. nil}. No remuneration was paid lo trustees during the year {2023'. £nil}. No expenses were reimbursed to trustees during the year12023. £nill. Payments lo related parties of the Trustees are outlined in note 10. No employee received £60,000 or more during the current or preceding year. The Rector is not included in the total for salaries. This is because the Rector's slipend is met under Church of England arrangements and not by the PCC. The average number of staff employed during the year was.. 2024 2023 Administration Youth work Children's work Cleaning 4d Analysis of support costs - 2024 Unrestricted Funds General Designated Total Funds Restricted General administration Support on H&S Accountancy fees Interest Depreciation 3,276 3,276 6,000 6,000 3,044 3,044 12,320 12,320 Analysis of support costs - 2023 Unrestricted Funds General Designated Total Funds Restricted General administration Support on H&S Accountancy fees Interest Depreciation 2,765 43 6,000 92 2,857 43 6,000 2,544 2,544 11,354 92 11,446 21
The Parochial Church Council of the E¢¢lesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 Tangible fixed assets Office equipment Total Cost As at 1 sl January 2024 12,719 12,719 Additions 2,500 2,500 As at 31st December 2024 15,219 15,219 Depreciation As at 1st January 2024 2,544 2,544 Charged in the year 3,044 3.044 As at 31st December 2024 5,588 5,588 Net book value As al 31st December 2024 9,631 9,631 As al 31st December 2023 10,175 10,175 Debtors 2024 2023 Gift Aid recoverable Other debtors 7,919 50 6,998 50 7,969 7,048 Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Taxation and social security Other creditors 229 229 9,136 171 185 867 512 1,608 9,721 22
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 Fund details - 2024 Balance at 1st January 2024 Balance at 31st December 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers Unrestricted General Designated.. Dawson cashflow Restricted Asylum Welcome The Children's Fund The Children's Society Crèche Room Dawson Trust Homeless Fund Mission Gift Fund Rector's Discretionary Fund Shared Space Sound Student Fund Toddler Group WelcomelLight Youth Work 176,366 50,000 155,484 1170,247) 149) 161,554 50,000 (850} (1,330} {850) 4,757 19 180 230,741 100 3,847 2,240 180 120,488 100 125,000 {14,7471 5,805 {5,8541 49 94 214 2,500 352 468 5,480 1,449 94 214 2,500 352 206 5,480 54,352 12621 57,357 {4,4541 361.557 345,886 (197,7441 509,699 Fund details - 2023 Balance at 1st January 2023 Balance at 31st December 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers Unrestrlcted General Designated.. Dawson cashflow Restricted The Children's Fund The Children's Society Crèche Room Dawson Trust Fireworks Collection Homeless Fund Mission Gift Fund Oxford Winter Night Shelter Porch Steppin, Stone Centre Rector's Discretionary Fund Roof Grant Shared Space Sound Student Fund Toddler Group WelcomelLight Youth Work 169,651 50,000 134,780 (127,6251 (440) 176,366 50,000 2,000 19 180 1,847 3,847 19 180 120.488 125,000 {4,512} 100 8,996 100 18,996) {222) {222) 222 218 94 94 214 2,500 352 468 5.480 214 2,500 352 468 5,480 1,449 3,890 (2,4411 230,962 274,613 (144,0181 361,557 23
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 Fund details- {continued} The designated fund.. Dawson cashflow comprises funds set aside al the start of each year to ensure there is enough cash to last until the Dawson Trust grant arrives in late summer. The £50,000 assigned to the fund was determined on the basis of past experience. The restricted fund.. Dawson Trusl represents amounts received from the Charity of Thomas Dawson as a 'contribution towards the upkeep and repair of the fabric of the Parish Church of St Clement's, and the maintenance of the services and furniture therein and subject thereto in furtherance of the religious and other charitable work of the Church of England, in the said ecclesiasliGal parish as the Parochial Church Council think fit,. The restricted fund.. Mission Gift Fund comprised gifls received to help support the mission partners of St Clement's IOM couple and Oxford Churches Debt Cenlre) and mission agencies {Open Doors UK, A Rocha UK, Prison Fellowship, Centre for Muslim Christian Studies, Viva Doorsteps and the Oxford Pastorale) The restricted funds.. The Children's Society represents special collections al Christmas for this purpose. The restricted fund.. Porch Steppin, Stone Centre represents special collections at Christmas for this purpose. The restricted fund.. Church WelcomelLighl Comprises donations and regular giving specifically towards providing a more hospitable welcome to visitors to St Clement's Church. The restricted fund.. Crèche Room comprises a special donation received in 2015 specifically for furniture to make the refurbished Crèche Room a more friendly and useful place for young children. Amounts unspent by the end of 2024 will be used for similar purposes as needs arise. The restricted fund.. Toddler Group comprises surpluses built up over past years from Toddler Group activities and subsidies from the PCC. It is held to ensure the continued viability of the Toddler Group through peaks and troughs of income. 11 is to be used solely for Toddler Group purposes unless the PCC decides to close the Toddler Group, in which case any remaining money would revert lo the general unrestricted fund. The restricted fund.. Rectors, Discretionary Fund exists to enable the Rector to respond in a loving and appropriate way to cases of urgent and extreme hardship where a short term small financial provision will make a significant difference lo the well-being of the church member, or someone in our wider community. The restricted fund., Children's Fund comprises donations to enable the church to employ a Children's worker. The restricted fund.. Youth Work Fund comprises donations to enable the church lo employ a Youth Worker. The restricted fund. Shared Space is a grant received from the Diocese of Oxford to enable this mission- based activity to take place. The restricted fund: Student Fund is a grant received from the Diocese of Oxford to enable mission inspired work with students by St Clements. The restricted fund.. Sound consists of donations for the for the improvement of the acoustics and sound equipment in the church. The restricted fund.. Asylum Welcome comprises donations received to give to the charity Asylum Welcome which helps refugees to the United Kingdom. 24
The Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Clement's, Oxford Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2024 Analysis of net assets by fund 2024 General unrestricted funds Designat8d unrestricted funds Total funds 2024 Restricted funds Fixed assets Current assels Current liabilities 9,631 153,117 11,1941 9,631 501,676 (1,608) 50,000 298,559 14141 161,554 50,000 298.145 509,699 2023 General unrestricted funds Designated unrestricted funds Total funds 2023 Restricted funds Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 10,175 166,191 10,175 361,103 19,721) 50,000 144,912 (9,7211 176,366 50.000 135,191 361,557 10. Related party transactions The Charity of Thomas Dawson {registered charity 203258), The Parochial Charities of Sl Clement, Oxford Iregislered charity 202089) and Sl Clement's Community Property Trust (registered charity 12002291 are deemed related parties of the PCC as they are chaired by the PCC'S Rector. During the year the PCC received a donation of £125,00012023'. £125,000} from the Charity of Thomas Dawson as a 'contribulion towards the upkeep and repair of the fabric of the Parish Church of St Clement's, and the maintenance of the services and furniture therein and subject Iherelo in furtherance of the religious and other charitable work of the Church of England, in the said ecclesiastical parish as the Parochial Church Council think fil,. During the year the PCC paid £7,28412023, £6,900) to Sl Clement's Community Property Trust ICPTI in rent for two offices and regular and occasional use of other meeting rooms. During the year, the CPT contributed £7,00912023.' £7,009} to the PCC towards the salary of the Children and Families Worker. In addition. the CPT provided rent-free accommodation for the St Clemenl's curate, the value of which is not accounted for bul is considered to be in the region of £21,780 per annum During the year, gifts of £Nil for the Flourishing Life project and £850 from the Mission Gift Fund for general work12023.' £1,570 for the Flourishing Life project and £Ni for general workl were paid to The Oxford Pastorate. Dr Belhan Willis was an employee of the Pastorate and also a member of PCC. 25