Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
Charity number: 1133721
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees' Report and Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details of the Circuit, its Trustees and Advisers | 1 - 2 |
| Trustees' Report | 3 - 10 |
| Independent Auditor's Report on the Financial Statements | 11 - 14 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 15 |
| Balance Sheet | 16 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | 17 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 18 - 38 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Reference and Administrative Details of the Circuit, its Trustees and Advisers For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
| Trustees | Rev Rachel Wood,Superintendent |
|---|---|
| Rev Helen Harrell,Minister(resigned 31/08/2024) | |
| Rev Rachel Moss,Minister | |
| Rev Manoa Ratubalavu,Minister | |
| Rev Mike Redshaw,Minister | |
| Rev Dr Stella Mills,SupernumeraryMinister | |
| Revd David Palmer,SupernumeraryMinister | |
| Rev Sue Rolls,SupernumeraryMinister | |
| Teresa Hawkins,Circuit MeetingSecretary | |
| Denise Hancock,Circuit Steward | |
| Andrew Hawkins,Circuit Steward | |
| Andrew Wooding,Finance Steward | |
| Julie Green,Circuit Missions MVB | |
| John Jay (deceased 11/08/2024) | |
| Sue Palmer,Circuit Missions MVB and World Church | |
| Denis Barratt,Synod reps(resigned 28/02/2024) | |
| Sue Nickson,Synod reps | |
| DorothyTwigg,Acresford Treasurer(resigned 01/01/2024) | |
| Michael Green,Acresford Rep (resigned 01/01/2024) | |
| David Moore,Barton Treasurer | |
| Ian Gilbey,Barton Rep | |
| Fiona Panter,Barton Rep | |
| Oliver Ball,Boylestone Stewart(resigned 27/10/2024) | |
| Andrew Wood,Boylestone Treasurer(appointed 01/03/2024) | |
| Eric Coates,Boylestone Rep | |
| Ann Medcalf,Church GresleyTreasurer(deceased 01/01/2024) | |
| Joyce Chilver,Church GresleyTreasurer(appointed 01/01/2024) | |
| TerryChandler,Church GresleySteward | |
| Eila Baugh,Church GresleySteward(resigned 01/01/2024) | |
| KayHolman,Church GresleyRep (appointed 01/01/2024) | |
| Lynn Wragg,Draycott Treasurer | |
| Steve Ryan,Draycott Rep (resigned 04/02/2025) | |
| Celia Ryan,Draycott Rep (resigned 01/01/2025) | |
| Herman Bonardt,Etwall Treasurer | |
| Vic Appleby,Etwall Rep | |
| WendySmith,Etwall Rep | |
| Brian Hill,Hilton Steward | |
| Karen Evans,Hilton Treasurer | |
| Liz Holmes,Hilton Rep | |
| Susan Williams,Newhall Treasurer | |
| RosemaryHancock,Action for Children Repand,Newhall Rep | |
| Dilys Harper,Overseal Rep | |
| Liz Merrick,St Thomas's Treasurer | |
| John Jones,St Thomas's Rep |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Reference and Administrative Details of the Circuit, its Trustees and Advisers (continued) For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
Sue McLoughlin, St Thomas's Rep Wendy Knight, Short Street Steward (resigned 20/03/2025) Ruth Harrington, Short Street Steward (appointed 20/03/2025) Susan Laws, Stanton Treasurer (resigned 01/01/2024) Jean Hollins, Stanton Steward (resigned 01/03/2024) Julie Hackett, Stanton Rep Teresa Tilley, Stanton Steward (appointed 01/03/2024) Shirley Toon, Stretton Treasurer Kay Stretton, Ticknall Treasurer Kathy Bates, Ticknall Rep Angela Bird, Ticknall Rep Jennifer Illsley, Ticknall Steward and Circuit Missions MHA (resigned 25/03/2025) Betty Naylor, Trinity Linton Heath Treasurer Rita Walton, Trinity Linton Heath Steward Christine Sutton, Trinity Linton Heath Reserve Roger Rooke, Uttoxeter Treasurer James Twynham, Uttoxeter Steward Sue Cattermole, Uttoxeter Rep Denis Mansfield (resigned 01/01/2024)
Charity registered number 1133721 Principal office Unit 6 The Delph Centre Swadlincote Derbyshire DE11 9DA Independent auditor Dains Audit Limited 2 Chamberlain Square Paradise Circus Birmingham B3 3AX
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees' Report
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2024.
Welcome from the Superintendent
Welcome to the Trustees Annual Report for the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit.
Superintendent Minister of the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit.
Introduction
At the start of the year 2023-24, there were 15 churches within the Circuit, across the counties of Derbyshire and Staffordshire, covering the towns of Uttoxeter, Burton upon Trent and Swadlincote (and surrounding villages). ‘The Stream’ digital Church has also continued to develop, including gaining new members from the church societies that have ceased to meet.
All churches, except 2 which meet twice a month, meet weekly on a Sunday. All churches have week day activities (either on a monthly or weekly basis) to support church members and reach out into the community, such as coffee mornings, warm spaces, Messy Churches etc. The multipurpose drop-in centre “Oasis” in Swadlincote remains open and also hosts the Circuit Office.
The Circuit Leadership Team, with support of the Circuit Meeting, have encouraged local churches to realistically reflect on their future, the results of which will be used to identify future mission and ministry.
Objectives and activities
In setting our objectives and planning our activities the Circuit Trustees meet at least twice a year. These meetings plan and agree the activities of the Circuit and ensure it complies with Charity Commission guidance. The Circuit trustees have given authorisation to the Circuit Leadership Team to act on their behalf throughout the year.
The Circuit is governed by the Methodist Church Act 1976, the Deed of Union and the Model Trust Deeds of the Methodist Church. The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of Union the advancement of:
The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church; Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of The Methodist Church;
Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church; Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees' Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
Objectives and activities (continued)
We do this in various ways including:
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The organisation and resourcing of regular acts of worship open to members of the church and non-members alike.
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Offering different styles of worship e.g. café worship, Messy Church, reflective and bereavement services
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The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups.
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The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the ill and bereaved, and supporting the work of the hospital chaplaincy teams.
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Leading funeral, weddings and baptism services.
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Taking religious assemblies in local schools.
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Engaging in community work such as supporting Foodbanks, and Christmas Shoebox appeals.
We are seeking to be a visionary Circuit glorifying God, sharing the mission and ministry of Jesus. This Circuit is called into being by the grace of God, led by Jesus Christ and is given the gifts for its work by and through the renewing power of the Holy Spirit to facilitate mission through worship, witness and service of the congregations and Circuit along with ecumenical co-operation and community engagement encouraging shared ministry with all parts of the Christian family.
Achievements and performance
a. Review of the year
The summer of 2024 has seen yet another change of staffing, meaning we now have 4 fulltime ministers (Presbyters).
The 2 churches that did not fulfil Methodist criteria of having 12 trustees, were given a year to explore options. At the circuit meeting in July 24, one of the churches (Short Street) was given a year’s extension as they had reached out to the community, in Mission and Outreach, including through the toddler group, and had increased the number of trustees to more than 12. The other (Boylestone) had not had the same opportunities, and outreach to the small village was not possible. They had a conversation with another church, to see if they could merge trusteeship, and a short extension was given, to allow the final vote to take place, on the understanding that if it was not successful, the circuit meeting would take on the trusteeship and vote to close the building.
The circuit administrator left on the 31st March 2024, and paperwork is being prepared to find a replacement.
Mission and ministry continues to happen across the local churches, through coffee mornings, warm space, school assemblies (including open the book), Messy Church and through the work of the Uttoxeter schools worker, who is now also being financially supported by the Anglican churches in Uttoxeter. His work continues to develop supporting the needs of the schools – staff and students. A new Part time temporary role (Lay Pastor) was created to support 2 churches in particular, as well as some work across the circuit. This started on the 1st February 2024.
b. Property
For the Connexional Year 2023 – 2024 the Circuit are the Managing Trustees for a total of 6 Manses. These are sited at Ashby Road, Burton, Elwyn Close, Stretton, Heathlands Drive, Uttoxeter, Tennyson Avenue, Midway, Lincote Way, Woodville. These Manses are all occupied by Presbyters. The 6th Manse is Wye Dale, Church Gresley and is currently vacant following the Rev Dave Bonny’s move to another Circuit in September 2023. The Circuit Meeting held in March 2024 agreed that this property be offered for sale and that process is ongoing.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
Achievements and performance (continued)
The Circuit are also Managing Trustees for the following Investment Properties: The Well (formerly Rowland Memorial Methodist Church), Woodville Methodist Church, Blackfordby Methodist Chruch, Woodmill (St Pauls) Methodist Church and Acresford Methodist Church.
During the year the churches at Stubwood and Winshill were sold by public auction. Hatton Methodist Church was also offered for sale but did not reach its reserve value at auction and was therefore not sold. The property has been re marketed and it is hoped a sale will be completed early in the 2024 – 2025 Connexional Year.
Acresford Methodist Church is a site covered by Methodist Heritage and dialogue with them is ongoing. It is hoped to be able to sell this property in the future.
c. Plans for future years
The Circuit Leadership Team will continue to work with local churches as they reflect on The Way Forward documents and the Methodist Way of Life (MWOL) offering space for and encouraging worship, discipleship and evangelism. The process to sell some of our redundant buildings has begun, the proceeds of which will support the local churches and the Circuit staff. Looking further ahead, there will be more changes in staffing, and so conversations about future ministry will need to take place. We are also committed to support mission projects (new and old including the Arts Church and Oasis) and to helping local communities in as many ways as we can. As we enter a new Connexional year, we acknowledge the difficult times, but look forward in faith and hope to what the New Year brings.
Basis of preparation and legal framework
The Charity's Annual Report and Accounts have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 2019)—the Charities SORP (FRS 102)).
The members of the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of Circuit Office Holders, Ministers and Representatives appointed by the local churches. Full membership is shown under Objectives & Activities on page 2 of this Report.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
Financial review
During the year, the Circuit has accounted for total income of £486,986 (2022/23 £530,362) and expenditure of £602,837 (2022/23 £535,139). Contained within the income figure is notional income of £175,000 which was received when Acresford church, which closed to worship, became the management responsibility of the Circuit. This is now shown on the balance sheet as an investment property. Excluding this notional income, the underlying, recurrent operating deficit of c£290,900 was slightly higher (£8,000) than that planned of £282,300.
The underlying deficit is due to an expected shortfall in shares due to church closures and the continuing inability of active churches to raise sufficient funds to cover all Circuit operational expenses.
The Circuit continues to actively manage its manses and investment properties to minimise cost and provide a good standard of accommodation for Ministers. Investment properties are planned to be sold at the earliest opportunity.
The Circuit considers itself to be a going concern. This is based on the levels of income (capital receipts from sale of investment properties and share payments from Churches) expected for the financial year 2025/26. Although the Circuit anticipates a continuation of church closures, it is confident it has sufficient reserves to meet any shortfall in income.
The Circuit continues to work towards a position where operational expenses are fully covered by operational income without the reliance on property sales. To this end the Circuit has reduced the number of Presbyters stationed in the Circuit from 5.5 F.T.E. (Full Time Equivalents) at September 2020 to 3.0 F.T.E from 1 September 2025. Further action will be necessary by all churches working together to ensure long term financial stability.
There are no subsidiary undertakings.
The Circuits main source of income continues to be shares received from the Churches within the Circuit, which in 2023/24 accounted for 33% of its operational income (2022/23, 38%).
Circuit income is used, in the main, to fund the stipends and associated costs of Ministers (5.0 full time equivalents during the year) and salaries and associated costs of lay staff (2.50 full time equivalents). In 2023/24 this accounted for 45% of total expenditure (2022/23, 52%). The balance of expenditure, in the main, is used to support the wider Methodist Church 17% (2022/23, 23%) and the running of the property within the Circuit, 16% (2022/23, 13%).
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees' Report (continued) For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
a. Reserves policy
At the end of the year (31 August 2024) the Circuit held the following reserves;
£ Unrestricted Circuit Model Trust Fund 104,214 General 3,033,732 Sub-total unresricted 3,137,946 Restricted See below 18.456
Total Reserves 3,156,402
Restricted funds are held and used for the purposes for which they are given. It is the policy of the Circuit to use such funds for the purposes intended as soon as is practically possible. The balance held for restricted funds is allocated as follows;
£ Fairer Choice 5,206 Stocks 1,256 Oasis 8,362 Woodville Burial Ground 507 Shoe Boxes 389 Benevolent Fund 90 Hanbury Burial Ground 2,048 Uttoxeter Youth & Schools Worker 598 Total 18,456
It is not the policy to hold significant reserves. However, sufficient reserves are held to continue funding those items of expenditure agreed by the Circuit and which cannot be funded from income.
The Circuit will, in the light of known and developing plans, continue to review the reserves held to ensure they are used in the best interest of the Circuit.
b. Financial risk management objectives and policies
As last year, the major risk to the Circuit and its churches remains one of an ageing congregation, reducing membership leading to reduced income, coupled with rising costs and increased property expenditure. Whilst some of our churches are growing in membership, others are shrinking, meaning that some difficult decisions will need to be made about the future of their buildings and explore different ways / spaces to worship. There is also a risk between balancing the needs of the Circuit (and local churches) along with the financial situation, which currently is reliant on sale of redundant church buildings.
c. Investments
To comply with Methodist Standing Orders, monies for long term investment are lodged with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP). TMCP acts as custodian trustee for all real estate held by Circuits and for all large (over £20,000) bequests. These sums are invested in unitised investments or held on deposit.
Short term deposits are lodged with the Central Finance Board (CFB) where they attract interest.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees' Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
Structure, governance and management
The governing document for the Circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976). Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD).
Day to day management of the Circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership Team along with the Local Preachers Meeting.
a. Trustee Training
A range of guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the Circuit, specifically the leaflet 'The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church' is made available to all new Circuit meeting members as an induction to their role as trustees.
b. Related party relationships
The Circuit is part of the Nottingham and Derby District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The Circuit is composed of the following Methodist Churches:
Acresford Methodist Church (Closed Sept 23) Barton under Needwood Methodist Church Boylestone Methodist Church Church Gresley Methodist Church Draycott in the Clay Methodist Church Etwall Methodist Church Hilton Methodist Church Newhall Methodist Church Overseal C of E/Methodist Church Short Street Methodist Church Stanton Methodist Church Stretton Methodist Church St Thomas's Methodist Church Ticknall Methodist Church Trinity (Linton) Methodist Church Uttoxeter Methodist Church The Well The Stream
c. Risk management
As last year, the major risk to the Circuit and its churches remains one of an ageing congregation, reducing membership leading to reduced income, coupled with rising costs and increased property expenditure. Whilst some of our churches are growing in membership, others are shrinking, meaning that some difficult decisions will need to be made about the future of their buildings and explore different ways / spaces to worship. There is also a risk between balancing the needs of the Circuit (and local churches) along with the financial situation, which currently is reliant on sale of redundant church buildings.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees' Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
Safeguarding
Statement of Safeguarding Principles
It is the Methodist Church’s intention to value every human being as part of God’s creation and the whole people of God. At the heart of the Methodist community is a deep sense of the place of welcome, hospitality and openness, which demonstrates the nature of God’s grace and love for all. Our church communities are called to be places where the transformational love of God is embodied and life in all its fullness is a gift, which is offered to all people.
Principles
Safeguarding is about the action the Church takes to promote a safer culture. This means we will:
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promote the welfare of children, young people and adults
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work to prevent abuse from occurring
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seek to protect and respond well to those that have been abused.
We are committed to:
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the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults
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safeguarding and protecting all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable
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establishing safe, caring communities, which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.
We will:
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carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the church, in line with safer recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
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respond without delay to every safeguarding concern, which suggests that a child, young person or adult may have been harmed, working in partnership with the police and social services in any investigation.
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seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
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seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
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support risk assessment of those who present a safeguarding risk within a church environment. We will ensure appropriate pastoral care is offered and measures are taken to address identified risks including referral to statutory agencies, suspension and the use of safeguarding contracts.
In all these principles, we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.
Summary
It remains to be a challenging time within the circuit, however there are signs of hope and things to give thanks for. The circuit contribute to the work of a schools worker in Uttoxeter who works in many schools across Uttoxeter and beyond. Other school work has developed in many places across the circuit including assemblies, open the book, Education Sunday services where schools take an active part in the service. Ministry among the Guiding groups of Swadlincote continue – most recently a Christmas carol service for over 100 girls was held. Over the last few months, we have tried new things, including an open space in an empty church building (which is used as our base for online services and meetings) as well as a craft day and film night. We continue to explore how that building can be used for mission and ministry, and we continue to encourage people across the circuit to engage with the Methodist Way of Life.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Trustees' Report (continued)
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Circuit and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Circuit will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Circuit's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Circuit and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Circuit and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Disclosure of information to auditor
Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' Report is approved has confirmed that:
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so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditor is unaware, and
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that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information.
Auditor
The auditor, Dains Audit Limited, has indicated his willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditor at a meeting of the Trustees.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 22 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Rev. Rachel Wood
Superintendent
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 August 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards 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.
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 2015.
In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 August 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit (continued)
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditor's Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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the information given in the Trustees' Report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
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sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Trustees' Responsibilities Statement, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit (continued)
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditor's Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
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the senior statutory auditor ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
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we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and other management, and from our commercial knowledge and experience of the charity sector;
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we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the charity, including the financial reporting legislation, Charities Act 2011, taxation legislation, anti-bribery, employment, and environmental and health and safety legislation;
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we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and
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identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
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making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud;
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considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:
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performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
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tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;
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assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias;
-
investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions
Page 13
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit (continued)
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
-
agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
-
reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
-
enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims;
-
reviewing correspondence with HMRC, relevant regulators and the company’s legal advisors.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditor's Report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditor's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Dains Audit Limited
Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants
Birmingham
22 April 2025
Dains Audit Limited are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
Page 14
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Statement of financial activities
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments 5 Other income 6 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net expenditure before net losses on investments Net losses on investments Net expenditure Transfers between funds 19 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 975 168,483 56,789 212,022 438,269 545,610 545,610 (107,341) (24,855) (132,196) (4,824) (137,020) 3,274,966 (137,020) 3,137,946 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 19,740 23,788 88 5,101 48,717 57,227 57,227 (8,510) - (8,510) 4,824 (3,686) 22,142 (3,686) 18,456 |
Total funds 2024 £ 20,715 192,271 56,877 217,123 486,986 602,837 602,837 (115,851) (24,855) (140,706) - (140,706) 3,297,108 (140,706) 3,156,402 |
Total funds 2023 £ 20,504 219,935 33,196 256,727 530,362 535,139 535,139 (4,777) (886) (5,663) - (5,663) 3,302,771 (5,663) 3,297,108 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 18 to 38 form part of these financial statements.
Page 15
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit Registered number:
Balance Sheet
As at 31 August 2024
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed assets | ||||||
| Tangible assets | 13 | 1,202,636 | 1,443,968 | |||
| Investment property | 14 | 1,400,000 | 1,300,000 | |||
| 2,602,636 | 2,743,968 | |||||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Stocks | 15 | 1,256 | 1,589 | |||
| Debtors | 16 | 18,590 | 25,532 | |||
| Investments | 17 | 106,746 | 231,712 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 443,866 | 318,809 | ||||
| 570,458 | 577,642 | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 18 | (16,692) | (24,502) | |||
| Net current assets | 553,766 | 553,140 | ||||
| Total net assets | 3,156,402 | 3,297,108 | ||||
| Charity funds | ||||||
| Restricted funds | 19 | 18,456 | 22,142 | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 19 | 3,137,946 | 3,274,966 | |||
| Total funds | 3,156,402 | 3,297,108 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 22 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Andrew Wooding
Treasurer
The notes on pages 18 to 38 form part of these financial statements.
Page 16
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
| Cash flows from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from financing activities Interest received Net cash provided by financing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
2024 £ (56,786) 56,877 56,877 91 550,521 550,612 |
2023 £ (208,908) 20,096 20,096 (188,812) 739,333 550,521 |
|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 18 to 38 form part of these financial statements
Page 17
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
1. General information
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit is a charity registered with the charity commission in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Uni 6, The Delph Centre, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 9DA. The Circuit is governed by the Methodist Church Act 1976, the Deed of Union 1932 and the Model Trust Deeds of the Methodist Church. Further information regarding the Circuit's principal activities are set out in the Trustees' report.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements 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), and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
2.2 Income
All income is recognised once the Circuit has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.
Page 18
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.3 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Circuit's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.4 Investment property
From time to time the Circuit may hold property (formerly manses and/or chapels) which is surplus to requirements. Where this is the case and it is anticipated that the property is unlikely to be used again for its prime purpose (residential property or place of worship), the property is classified as Investment Property (whether let or not) and any lets are at market rates unless there is a compelling reason not to do so in furtherance of the Circuit's charitable objectives.
2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Tangible fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.
Property that is used as originally intended, i.e. for the continuation of ordinary Circuit business, is shown in the accounts at deemed cost, being the valuation on transition to FRS102 or at cost on date of purchase. Deemed cost and cost are split between land and buildings.
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method. Trustees consider the current residual value of the manse buildings to be the same as their deemed cost or actual cost.
Depreciation is provided on the following bases:
Circuit manses - 2% straight line Freehold land - not depreciated
Page 19
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.6 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of Financial Activities.
2.7 Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.
2.8 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.9 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.10 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Circuit anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.
2.11 Financial instruments
The Circuit only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Page 20
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.12 Pensions
All Methodist Ministers in the Circuit are members of the Methodist Ministers' Pension Scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme. The Circuit is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme and therefore contributions are accounted for as if it were a defined contribution scheme. Contributions are therefore charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
2.13 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Circuit and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Circuit for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Uttoxeter Churches for UY&SW Connexional Funds Gift Aid |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ - - 975 975 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 19,390 350 - 19,740 |
Total funds 2024 £ 19,390 350 975 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20,715 |
Page 21
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
3. Income from donations and legacies (continued)
| Donations General donations Uttoxeter Churches for UY&SW Connexional Funds Gift Aid |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 4,175 - - 809 4,984 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - 14,995 525 - 15,520 |
Total funds 2023 £ 4,175 14,995 525 809 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20,504 |
4. Income from charitable activities
| Assessments on Churches Grants received Assessments on Churches Grants received |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 162,598 5,885 168,483 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 196,214 - 196,214 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - 23,788 23,788 Restricted funds 2023 £ - 23,721 23,721 |
Total funds 2024 £ 162,598 29,673 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 192,271 | |||
| Total funds 2023 £ 196,214 23,721 |
|||
| 219,935 |
Page 22
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
Grants received
| District Advance Fund Grant for UY&SW World Church Grant for Fijian Minister General grants |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ - - 5,885 5,885 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 3,788 20,000 - 23,788 |
Total funds 2024 £ 3,788 20,000 5,885 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29,673 |
| District Advance Fund Grant for UY&SW World Church Grant for Fijian Minister |
Restricted funds 2023 £ 3,721 20,000 23,721 |
Total funds 2023 £ 3,721 20,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 23,721 |
5. Investment income
| Rental income Interest received |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 20,874 35,915 56,789 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - 88 88 |
Total funds 2024 £ 20,874 36,003 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56,877 |
Page 23
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
5. Investment income (continued)
| Rental income Interest received |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 3,100 30,033 33,133 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - 63 63 |
Total funds 2023 £ 3,100 30,096 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33,196 |
6. Other incoming resources
| Other income New investment properties Gains on sale of investment properties Other income New investment properties Balances transferred from closed churches |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 12,022 175,000 25,000 212,022 Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 3,148 225,000 23,420 251,568 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 5,101 - - 5,101 Restricted funds 2023 £ 5,159 - - 5,159 |
Total funds 2024 £ 17,123 175,000 25,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 217,123 | |||
| Total funds 2023 £ 8,307 225,000 23,420 |
|||
| 256,727 |
Page 24
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
7. Analysis of grants
| Grants and donations Grants and donations |
Grants to Institutions 2024 £ 1,649 Grants to Institutions 2023 £ 1,848 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,649 |
|---|---|---|
| Total funds 2023 £ 1,848 |
8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Summary by fund type
| Grants and donations Property District assessment and levy Office and administration Other outgoings Depreciation Stipends, salaries and associated costs |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ - 95,495 104,185 22,453 84,653 19,932 218,892 545,610 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 1,649 1,238 - 6 4,041 - 50,293 57,227 |
Total 2024 £ 1,649 96,733 104,185 22,459 88,694 19,932 269,185 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 602,837 |
Page 25
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities (continued)
Summary by fund type (continued)
| Grants and donations Property District assessment and levy Office and administration Other outgoings Depreciation Stipends, salaries and associated costs |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 330 66,922 122,969 28,555 5,495 23,532 233,508 481,311 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ 1,518 2,527 - 6 5,654 - 44,123 53,828 |
Total 2023 £ 1,848 69,449 122,969 28,561 11,149 23,532 277,631 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 535,139 |
9. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Grants and donations Property District assessment and levy Office and administration Other outgoings Depreciation Stipends, salaries and associated costs |
Activities undertaken directly 2024 £ - - 104,185 - - - - 104,185 |
Grant funding of activities 2024 £ 1,649 - - - - - - 1,649 |
Support costs 2024 £ - 96,733 - 22,459 88,694 19,932 269,185 497,003 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,649 96,733 104,185 22,459 88,694 19,932 269,185 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 602,837 |
Page 26
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
| Grants and donations Property District assessment and levy Office and administration Other outgoings Depreciation Stipends, salaries and associated costs |
Activities undertaken directly 2023 £ - - 122,969 - - - - 122,969 |
Grant funding of activities 2023 £ 1,848 - - - - - - 1,848 |
Support costs 2023 £ - 69,449 - 28,561 11,149 23,532 277,631 410,322 |
Total funds 2023 £ 1,848 69,449 122,969 28,561 11,149 23,532 277,631 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 535,139 |
10. Auditor's remuneration
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the Circuit's auditor for the audit of the Circuit's annual accounts | 10,125 | 9,900 |
| Fees payable to the Circuit's auditor in respect of: | ||
| Non audit fees | 1,850 | 1,750 |
Page 27
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
11. Staff costs
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes |
2024 £ 209,649 17,985 41,551 269,185 |
2023 £ 216,406 16,653 44,572 |
|---|---|---|
| 277,631 |
The average number of persons employed by the Circuit during the year was as follows:
| Ministers Administration & mission |
2024 No. 6 4 10 |
2023 No. 6 4 |
|---|---|---|
| 10 |
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.
Page 28
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
12. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
The Superintendent of the Circuit, the other Ministers and the remaining members of the Circuit Leadership Team are considered as key management personnel. The Superintendent chairs meetings of the Circuit Leadership Team and Circuit Meetings. The members of the Circuit Meeting are the Trustees of the Circuit.
The stipends, employer's NIC and employer's pension contributions and other epxenses of the Ministers of the Circuit are paid by the Circuit.
During the year, one or more Trustees has been paid remuneration or has received other benefits from an employment with the Circuit. The value of Trustees' remuneration and other benefits was as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Rev'd Dave Bonny | Remuneration | - | 27,324 |
| Pension contributions paid | - | 6,640 | |
| Rev'd Helen Harrell | Remuneration | 26,814 | 27,280 |
| Pension contributions paid | 7,161 | 7,291 | |
| Rev'd Rachel Wood | Remuneration | 32,562 | 27,280 |
| Pension contributions paid | 7,678 | 7,291 | |
| Rev'd Mike Redshaw | Remuneration | 29,399 | 27,280 |
| Pension contributions paid | 7,678 | 7,291 | |
| Rev'd Manoa Ratubalavu | Remuneration | 29,399 | 27,280 |
| Pension contributions paid | 7,678 | 7,291 | |
| Rev'd Rachel Moss | Remuneration | 29,399 | 27,280 |
| Pension contributions paid | 7,678 | 7,291 |
During the year ended 31 August 2024, one Trustee has received expenses in relation to their work as a Trustee totalling £842 (2023 - £NIL).
Page 29
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
13. Tangible fixed assets
| Cost or valuation At 1 September 2023 Transfers between classes At 31 August 2024 Depreciation At 1 September 2023 Charge for the year Transfers between classes At 31 August 2024 Net book value At 31 August 2024 At 31 August 2023 |
Manses £ 1,467,500 (225,000) 1,242,500 23,532 19,932 (3,600) 39,864 1,202,636 1,443,968 |
|---|---|
During the year property managed by the Circuit comprised of 6 manses. One of these is now sellable and has been transferred to investment property.
Page 30
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
14. Investment property
| Valuation At 1 September 2023 Additions Disposals Deficit on revaluation Transfers between classes At 31 August 2024 |
Freehold investment property £ 1,300,000 175,000 (270,000) (26,400) 221,400 |
|---|---|
| 1,400,000 |
During the year Acresford Church closed to worship during the year and their management transferred to the Circuit. The following Chapels are also closed to worship and managed by the Circuit; Rowland Memorial, Blackfordby, Prince Memorial, Woodmill and Woodville.
Stubwood Chapel and Winshill Church were sold during the year.
Contingent Liability
When trustees dispose of property on which a levy is chargeable under Standing Order 970 they shall, subject to Standing Order 973, contribute part of the proceeds to the fund as follows: (iA) up to £20,000 or the first £20,000 Nil (i) on any excess over £20,000 up to £100,000 20% (ii) on any excess over £100,000 40%..
The sum upon which the levy is calculated shall be the balance remaining after making the payments required under heads (i), (ii) and (iii) of Standing Order 916(1) or made for work to the property disposed of which has been undertaken on the advice of a qualified surveyor for the purpose of increasing the proceeds of the disposal. Proceeds go to the Connexional Priority Fund.
15. Stocks
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Finished goods and goods for resale | 1,256 | 1,589 |
Page 31
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
16. Debtors
| Due within one year Prepayments and accrued income 17. Current asset investments Unlisted investments 18. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Accruals |
2024 £ 18,590 2024 £ 106,746 2024 £ 16,692 |
2023 £ 25,532 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 £ 231,712 |
||
| 2023 £ 24,502 |
Page 32
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
19. Statement of funds
| Statement of funds | Statement of funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statement of funds - current year Balance at 1 September 2023 £ Income £ Unrestricted funds General Funds 3,045,761 423,124 Circuit Model Trust Fund 229,205 15,145 3,274,966 438,269 Restricted funds Uttoxeter Schools Worker 3,415 23,178 Hanbury Burial Ground 2,001 88 Benevolent Fund 190 - Connexional - 350 Internal Organisations 12,077 5,101 World Churches 675 20,000 Shoe Box Appeal 1,688 - Woodville Burial Ground 507 - Stock 1,589 - 22,142 48,717 Total of funds 3,297,108 486,986 |
Expenditure £ (536,215) (9,395) (545,610) (30,855) (5) (100) (350) (3,943) (20,675) (1,299) - - (57,227) (602,837) |
Transfers in/out £ 125,917 (130,741) (4,824) 4,860 (36) - - 333 - - - (333) 4,824 - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ (24,855) - (24,855) - - - - - - - - - - (24,855) |
Balance at 31 August 2024 £ 3,033,732 104,214 |
|
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Circuit Model Trust Fund Restricted funds Uttoxeter Schools Worker Hanbury Burial Ground Benevolent Fund Connexional Internal Organisations World Churches Shoe Box Appeal Woodville Burial Ground Stock Total of funds |
Balance at 1 September 2023 £ 3,045,761 229,205 3,274,966 3,415 2,001 190 - 12,077 675 1,688 507 1,589 22,142 3,297,108 |
||||
| 3,137,946 | |||||
| 598 2,048 90 - 13,568 - 389 507 1,256 |
|||||
| 18,456 | |||||
| 3,156,402 |
Page 33
Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
19. Statement of funds (continued)
Restricted funds exist to support specific expenditure. Each of the following Restricted funds are used for the purpose described:
Uttoxeter Schools Worker
To continue to jointly fund the School's Worker at Uttoxeter with the objective of bringing the good news of Jesus into schools within the Uttoxeter Pyramid of schools.
Hanbury Burial Ground
To fund maintenance of the Burial Ground at Hanbury.
Benevolent Fund
Primarily held for the relief of poverty and sitress in the congregations and neighbourhood of the Circuit.
Internal Organisations
Funds held by a variety of organisations within individual Churches.
World Churches
To fund 50% of the costs of the Presbyter provided to minister to the Fijian community in the UK.
Shoe Box Appeal
To provide funds for the annual shoe box appeal.
Woodville Burial Ground
To fund maintenance of the Burial Ground at Woodville.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
19. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Circuit Model Trust Fund Restricted funds Uttoxeter Schools Worker Hanbury Burial Ground Benevolent Fund Connexional Internal Organisations World Churches Shoe Box Appeal Woodville Burial Ground Stock Total Restricted funds Total of funds |
Balance at 1 September 2022 £ 2,672,507 602,478 6,373 2,002 190 - 12,090 2,154 2,906 - 2,071 27,786 3,302,771 |
Income £ 469,903 15,996 18,716 63 - 525 5,159 20,000 - - - 44,463 530,362 |
Expenditure £ (443,547) (37,764) (25,173) (4) - (300) (5,654) (21,479) (1,218) - - (53,828) (535,139) |
Transfers in/out £ 347,784 (351,505) 3,499 (60) - (225) 482 - - 507 (482) 3,721 - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ (886) - - - - - - - - - - - (886) |
Balance at 31 August 2023 £ 3,045,761 229,205 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,415 2,001 190 - 12,077 675 1,688 507 1,589 |
||||||
| 22,142 | ||||||
| 3,297,108 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
20. Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
| Income £ 438,269 48,717 486,986 Income £ 485,899 44,463 530,362 |
Expenditure £ (545,610) (57,227) (602,837) Expenditure £ (481,311) (53,828) (535,139) |
Transfers in/out £ (4,824) 4,824 - Transfers in/out £ (3,721) 3,721 - |
Gains/ (Losses) £ (24,855) - (24,855) Gains/ (Losses) £ (886) - (886) |
Balance at 31 August 2024 £ 3,137,946 18,456 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,156,402 | ||||
| Balance at 31 August 2023 £ 3,274,966 22,142 |
||||
| 3,297,108 |
21. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
| Tangible fixed assets Investment property Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 1,202,636 1,400,000 552,002 (16,692) 3,137,946 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - - 18,456 - 18,456 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,202,636 1,400,000 570,458 (16,692) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3,156,402 |
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
21. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period
| Tangible fixed assets Investment property Current assets Creditors due within one year Total |
Unrestricted funds 2023 £ 1,443,968 1,300,000 555,233 (24,235) 3,274,966 |
Restricted funds 2023 £ - - 22,409 (267) 22,142 |
Total funds 2023 £ 1,443,968 1,300,000 577,642 (24,502) 3,297,108 |
|---|---|---|---|
22. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
| Net expenditure for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Additions of Investment Properties Decrease in stocks Increase in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Investment income Disposals of Investment Properties Deficit on investment property Net cash used in operating activities |
2024 £ (140,706) 19,932 (175,000) 333 6,942 (7,810) (56,877) 270,000 26,400 (56,786) |
2023 £ (5,663) 23,532 (225,000) 482 2,475 15,362 (33,196) - - (222,008) |
|---|---|---|
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Docusign Envelope ID: 57C258C2-E95D-4E9D-862C-DD884D91BE49
East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
23. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
| Cash in hand Total cash and cash equivalents |
2024 £ 550,612 550,612 |
2023 £ 550,521 |
|---|---|---|
| 550,521 |
24. Analysis of changes in net debt
| Cash at bank and in hand Liquid investments |
At 1 September 2023 £ 318,809 231,712 550,521 |
Cash flows £ 125,057 (124,966) 91 |
At 31 August 2024 £ 443,866 106,746 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 550,612 |
25. Capital commitments
There were no capital commitments at the year-end (2023 - £NIL).
26. Pension commitments
The Circuit operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held seperately from those of the Circuit in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Circuit to the fund and amount to £41,551 (2023 - £44,572). Contributions totalling £NIL (2023 - £NIL) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and are included in creditors.
27. Related party transactions
The East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire Methodist Circuit at 31 August 2024.
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