## **SAINT MARY’S CHURCH Monday 4[th] April 2022, 7.30pm** 

## **ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2022 AGENDA** 

1. Apologies for absence 

2. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 25[th] April 2021. 

Matters arising from the minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 25[th] April 2021 

4. Reports:- 

   - (a) The Church Electoral Roll 2021 

   - (b) Annual Report on the Proceedings of Diss Parochial Church Council 

   - (c) Annual Report and Financial Statements of the PCC and independently examined Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December, 2021 

   - (d) Annual Report on the proceedings of Redenhall Deanery Synod _(Items (a) - (d) inclusive are the official reports of the PCC for 2021)_ 

   - (e) Miscellaneous reports of various organisations/groups/individuals (f) The Rector of Diss 

5. Adoption of Safeguarding Policy including Child Protection Policy and Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults. Appointment of Mrs. Gill Abbott - Parish Safeguarding Officer 

6. Election of Parochial Representatives of the laity – 

   - (a) To the PCC - **TEN** representatives to serve for **ONE** year 

## **7. Appointment of an Independent Examiner or Auditor** to the Council for the coming year 

8. Other matters of parochial or general Church interest 

9. Date of next PCC meeting 

10. Close of Meeting 



## **THE PARISH CHURCH OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN, DISS, NORFOLK** 

- **MINUTES** of the **2020 Annual Parochial Church Meeting** held in St. Mary’s Church, Diss on Sunday, 25[th] April, 2021 

1. The Curate, Revd. Samuel Thorp, opened the meeting in prayer after welcoming everyone and explaining that there would be three meetings. 

2. **The Annual Report on proceedings of Diss PCC in 2019 including Financial Statement and independently examinedAccounts for the year ended 31[st] December, 2019** was accepted and a copy inserted in the Minute Book. 

3. **The Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod for the year 2019** was accepted and a copy inserted in the Minute Book. 

4. **Election to Deanery Synod** - Mrs. Janice Cruse was elected to serve for the three years 2020-2023. 

5. Meeting closed. 

## **THE PARISH OF DISS** 

**MINUTES** of the **2021 Annual Meeting of Parishioners** held in St. Mary’s Church, Diss on Sunday, 25[th] April, 2021 

1. **Minutes** of the 2020 Annual Meeting of Parishioners held on Sunday, 16[th] February, 2020 were agreed and signed. 

2. There were no matters arising. 

3. **Election of Two Churchwardens** - Mrs. Janet Blight and Mr. Neal Gooch were elected to serve for one year. 

4. Meeting closed. 

## **THE PARISH CHURCH OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN, DISS, NORFOLK** 

**MINUTES** of the **2021 Annual Parochial Church Meeting** held in St. Mary’s Church, Diss on Sunday, 25[th] April, 20211 

- 1 There were 20 members of the Church Electoral Roll present. Apologies for absence were received from Revd. Maggie Swayze and Mrs. Janet Blight. 

2. **Minutes** of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Monday, 8[th] April, 2019 were agreed and signed. 

3. There were no matters arising. 



## 4. **Reports** 

(a) **The Church Electoral Roll.** Revd. Maggie Swayze had sent a report to say the Roll had been revised and now stands at 109.     A list of names (only) was displayed at the back of the church. 

- (b) **The Annual Report on the Proceedings of Parochial Church Council** for the year ended 31st December 2020 was accepted and a copy inserted in the Minute Book. 

- (c) **The Annual Report and Financial Statements of the PCC and Independently Examined Accounts** for the year ended 31[st] December, 2020 were accepted and a copy inserted in the Minute Book.      The Treasurer, Mrs. Yvonne Gooch said she had nothing else to report. 

- (d) **The Annual Report on the proceedings of Redenhall Deanery Synod** . There was no report as no meetings had taken place during the year due to the Covid 19 pandemic. 

- (e) **Miscellaneous Reports.** There were no reports of various organisations/groups/individuals due to the pandemic. 

- (f) **The Rector of Diss.** The Rector, Revd. Canon Tony Billett, gave his report. 

A copy is inserted in the Minute Book. 

## 5. **Adoption of Safeguarding Policy including Child Protection Policy and Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults.** The policies were adopted and signed. 

Mrs. Gill Abbott was appointed as Parish Safeguarding Officer Revd. Maggie Swayze was appointed as Link Person for the Parish 

## 6. **Election of Parochial Representatives of the laity.** 

   - (a) To the PCC - Ten representatives to serve for One year. Only Six representatives were elected: 

- Mrs. Penny Cuerden, Mrs. Julia Deighton, Mrs. Jan Fearn, Mrs. Yvonne Gooch, 

- Miss Eleanor Parker and Miss Myra Pinnell 

- (b)Sidesmen/women - no limit on numbers.      Due to the current pandemic circumstances these are not required at present. 

## 7. **Appointment of an Independent Examiner.** 

   - Mr. Mark Johnstone of Argents was appointed for the coming year. 

8. **Matters of Parochial or General Church Interest.** Although election of church officers and representatives does not take place until first PCC meeting, the secretary reported that there was a vacancy for Church Catering Officer as Mrs. Janet Bryant had stood down. 

9. **Date of next PCC Meeting.** Sunday, 16[th] May, 2021 at 3.00 pm via Zoom. 

10. Revd. Samuel Thorp thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting with a prayer. 



Signed.......................................................................................... Date........................................................................ 

## **4  REPORTS** 

(a)The church electoral Roll at December 2001 stood at 107 and now having been revised stands at 100. 


## **ST MARY THE VIRGIN, DISS ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **OF THE** 

## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED** 

## **31st DECEMBER 2021** 



The PCC is a registered charity No. 1134118

## **Administrative Information** 

St. Mary’s Church is situated in Mount Street, Diss and is part of the Diss Team Ministry in the Diocese of Norwich within the Church of England and in the Deanery of Redenhall. 

The correspondence address is: St. Mary’s Church Mount Street, Diss IP22 4QG Telephone:  01379 643783 Incumbent The Reverend Canon Anthony Charles Billett (Tony) The Rectory, Diss, IP22 4QP Telephone   01379 642072 Team Vicar The Reverend John Cruse The Vicarage, 61 Roydon Road, Diss, IP22 4LW Telephone   01379 641259 The Curate The Reverend Samuel Thorp 7 De Lucy Close, Diss, IP22 4YL Telephone   07506474538 Assistant Priest The Reverend Maggie Swayze 32 Croft Lane, Diss, IP22 4NA Telephone   01379 644701 Team Administrator Mrs. Jan Fearn The Parish Office, St Mary’s Church, Mount Street, Diss IP22 4QG Telephone   01379 643783 

PCC Members who have served from 1st January 2021 until the date this report was approved are: 

Incumbent: The Reverend Canon Tony Billett (ex officio) Chairman Team Vicar The Reverend John Cruse (ex officio) Curate The Reverend Samuel Thorp (ex officio) Assistant Priest :The Reverend Maggie Swayze (ex officio) LLMs: Dr Sue Drake (ex officio) Ms Janice Cruse (ex officio) Wardens: Mrs Janet Blight (ex officio) Mr Neal Gooch (ex officio) Secretary: Mrs Sylvia Grace Treasurer: Mrs. Yvonne Gooch Representatives on the Deanery Synod: The Revd John Cruse, Ms Janice Cruse 

Elected Members (until APCM 2022) 

Mrs Penny Cuerden, Mrs Julia Deighton, Mrs Jan Fearn, Mrs Yvonne Gooch 



Miss Eleanor Parker, Miss Myra Pinnell 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church regular attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. 

The PCC operates normally, meeting seven times during the year. 

A standing committee is required by law. Its statutory members are the Rector, the Vicar, the two Churchwardens, the Administrator and the Treasurer.    This committee has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings. 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church. 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 

## **Church Attendance** 

The Electoral Roll at the end of 2021 stood at 107. 

## **Review of the Year** 

2021 continued under Covid restrictions, however the PCC met seven times during the year, via Zoom. 

**The Revd Maggie Swayze (for Sylvia Grace, Secretary)** 

## **Churchwardens Report 2021** 

In the early part of the year the new boilers were installed.  Whilst the Church Victorian pipe work could be flushed through and continue to be used, the  Hall however was condemned and replaced throughout with the addition of extra radiators. 

On the maintenance side, the bulbs for the Chancel have all been renewed, along with LED lights for the Nave.  The Sound System has also needed adjustments , together with some microphones recently being replaced. The loose tiling outside the Vestry has been repaired, and the damage to the Vestment Cupboard caused by damp is in hand and about to be rectified. 

Externally, the Gutters and Gulleys were cleaned in late summer and the makeover to South Porch borders and shrubs is almost complete.  We have now started to tackle the border outside the Hall.  During the the recent Gales, one tree lost a large branch and we are waiting an inspection by the Town Council’s tree surgeon as to whether due to the damage it may have to be felled. 



Janet Blight 

## **(C) Financial Review** 

The most significant expenditure was the two new boilers purchased from British Gas. The cost of these was met from sale of £40,000 worth of shares in the Fabric fund and donations. The total cost of the boilers in 2021, including work to remove asbestos and additional radiators in the church hall and office was £52,415. This figure excludes the deposit of £4,427.28 which was paid and accounted for in the 2020 year accounts. 

The Parish Share paid by St Mary’s to the Diocese of Norwich in 2021 was £52,220. This was 81% of the amount requested by the Diocese of £64,275, the same as 2020. The Parish Share requested for 2022 is £64,275. 

Excluding the boiler, average running costs this year have been approximately £6,616 per month. Income was variable partly due to Covid restrictions affecting church attendance and collections. Income was also reflective of the limited inability to generate monies from fund raising activities and hire of the church hall. A stewardship was held in late September 2021 which resulted in some donations and a modest increase in standing order giving. Despite the improvement in October and November, we still had insufficient funds to meet the Parish Share in full. 

Office costs including printing and stationery, telephone and internet are paid in full by Diss PPC. Contributions to these were received from the other 10 parishes within Diss Team Ministry 

No legacies were received in 2021. 

Overall, the excess of expenditure over income is £42,206 for 2021 compared to an excess of expenditure over income of £2,491 for 2020. 

Yvonne Gooch Diss PCC Treasurer 

## **Bankers** 

Barclays Business Banking, Barclays, Leicester, LE87 2BB 

## **Independent Examiner** 

Mark Johnstone, Argents 

## **Reserves Policy** 

It is the policy of this Church to hold in reserves the equivalent of two months general running costs and an additional one month’s salary costs. It is also the policy of this Church to hold an amount for likely works that may arise as a result of the next quinquennial inspection. 

This policy is reviewed on an annual basis. 



Notes for Information: 

1. The Charities Act 2011 requires charities to have a purpose in holding onto money. A reserves policy shows the purpose for which reserves are held. 

2. General running costs are approximately 6,616 per month but this is on the basis of only having paid 81% of the Parish Share 

3. Salary costs are approximately £891 per month. This excludes the organist honorarium as our organist has officially retired. Modest payments were made to a freelance organist for services and choir practices in the last quarter of 2021 

4. The reserves are maintained as part of St Mary’s investments held in CCLA, the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund 

## **Risk Analysis** 

This note summarises the key risks to the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Diss, and the steps taken to manage them. 

- (a) Financial Risks 

The church is exposed to financial risk through its financial assets. The key risk is the loss of financial assets resulting in the Parochial Church Council becoming unable to meet its financial obligations necessary to maintain the Church as a viable centre of Anglican Worship in Diss. 

The Parochial Church Council during 2015 authorised the Treasurer to relocate all suitable financial reserves to accounts operated under the auspices of the Central Board of Finance. 

The Parochial Church Council considers that existing internal controls on the management of cash collections, gifts and other similar monetary amounts are adequate to ensure that these are handled in a safe and professional manner. 

- (b) Statutory and Operational Risks 

Diss Parochial Church Council manages other risks to which it may be exposed: 

- By compliance with all relevant legislation 

- By the purchase of adequate property and other relevant insurance covers through a scheme operated by the Diocese of Norwich and underwritten by the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group 



- By the carrying out of suitable risk assessments and the implementation of appropriate risk management strategies to minimise risks to employees and third parties using the facilities at St Mary’s Church and to reduce the possibility of asset damage or loss. To this end a safety audit of the church and church hall was undertaken by SBJ Safety Solutions in February 2017 and the PCC authorised improvement to the security of the buildings and contents by upgrading the CCTV coverage in 2018 

Approved by the PCC on   20[th] March   2022 and signed on their behalf by the Reverend Canon A C Billett (PCC Chairman). 




Receipts and Payments Account

|**INCOME**<br>**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**EXPENDITURE**<br>**2021**<br>**2020**<br>Barclays Bank Loyalty<br>25.74<br>58.21<br>Bad Debt<br>210.00<br>140.00<br>CH Bookings<br>775.00<br>365.00<br>Bank Charges<br>255.27<br>391.97<br>CH Photocopying<br>50.00<br>16.00<br>CH Wages<br>2,761.80<br>2,665.80<br>Charitable Shopping Online<br>28.72<br>0.00<br>Church Running Expenses - Cleaning<br>277.57<br>618.10<br>Clergy Costs Contribution<br>0.00<br>44.40<br>Church Running Expenses - Electricity<br>906.12<br>1,786.53<br>Covenants and Gift Aid<br>43,144.00 38,878.10<br>Church Running Expenses - Gas<br>1,468.49<br>2,443.29<br>Diss Parochial Charities Income<br>5,000.00<br>5,000.00<br>Church Running Expenses - Insurance<br>6,269.42<br>6,263.17<br>Dividends Received - Restricted<br>393.30<br>1,231.33<br>Church Running Expenses - Maintenance<br>54,502.34<br>5,788.46<br>Dividends Received - Unrestricted<br>3,178.33<br>3,069.22<br>Church Running Expenses - Services<br>935.75<br>955.97<br>Donations - Restricted<br>20.00<br>0.00<br>Clergy Expenses<br>0.00<br>132.95<br>Donations - Unrestricted<br>1,899.91<br>1,959.98<br>Computer Costs<br>570.24<br>570.24<br>Fees for Church Heating<br>910.00<br>905.00<br>Employee Taxes to HMRC<br>10.60<br>135.40<br>Fees to PCC<br>1,424.00<br>1,269.00<br>Grants to Charities - Home Missions<br>120.00<br>120.00<br>Fund Raising - Concerts & Other<br>0.00<br>54.44<br>Grants to Charities - Secular<br>386.80<br>40.00<br>Fund Raising - Mini Market<br>445.10<br>808.80<br>Honorarium - Organist<br>350.00<br>1,686.20<br>Fund Raising Sales<br>0.00<br>100.00<br>Parish Share<br>52,220.00 52,220.00<br>Funeral Collections<br>30.00<br>125.00<br>Posters<br>0.00<br>55.00<br>Funeral Donation to Organ<br>15.00<br>40.00<br>Printing & Stationery<br>923.50<br>1,247.59<br>Interest Received - Restricted<br>1.35<br>9.75<br>Salaries & Honorarium - Administrator<br>4,788.00<br>4,788.00<br>Interest Received - Unrestricted<br>257.13<br>567.67<br>Salaries & Honorarium - Verger<br>300.00<br>350.00<br>Kitchen<br>0.00<br>199.10<br>Samuel Thorp Pilgrimage payment to DTM<br>1,241.85<br>0.00<br>Legacies<br>0.00<br>250.00<br>Sundries<br>577.00<br>544.00<br>Ofce Costs Contribution<br>2,244.50<br>1,248.00<br>Telephone & Internet<br>2,733.04<br>3,887.66<br>Refund for Purchases made on behalf of other<br>DTM churches<br>100.00<br>0.00<br>Rent Received<br>300.00<br>300.00<br>Samuel Pilgrimage<br>1,241.85<br>0.00<br>Sunday Collections<br>1,621.30<br>1,058.20<br>Tax Refund<br>12,523.33 12,515.46<br>Unconvenanted Gifts<br>13,405.67 13,990.46<br>Wall Box - FWO<br>296.97<br>258.88<br>Weekday Collections<br>270.80<br>17.40<br>**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**<br>**131,807.79 86,830.33**<br>**TOTAL INCOME**<br>**89,602.00 84,339.40**<br>**EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE**<br>**(42,205.79) (2,490.93)**|Bad Debt<br>210.00<br>140.00|Bank Charges<br>255.27<br>391.97|CH Wages<br>2,761.80<br>2,665.80|Church Running Expenses - Cleaning<br>277.57<br>618.10|Church Running Expenses - Electricity<br>906.12<br>1,786.53|Church Running Expenses - Gas<br>1,468.49<br>2,443.29|Church Running Expenses - Insurance<br>6,269.42<br>6,263.17|Church Running Expenses - Maintenance<br>54,502.34<br>5,788.46|Church Running Expenses - Services<br>935.75<br>955.97|Clergy Expenses<br>0.00<br>132.95|Computer Costs<br>570.24<br>570.24|Employee Taxes to HMRC<br>10.60<br>135.40|Grants to Charities - Home Missions<br>120.00<br>120.00|Grants to Charities - Secular<br>386.80<br>40.00|Honorarium - Organist<br>350.00<br>1,686.20|Parish Share<br>52,220.00 52,220.00|Posters<br>0.00<br>55.00|Printing & Stationery<br>923.50<br>1,247.59|Salaries & Honorarium - Administrator<br>4,788.00<br>4,788.00|Salaries & Honorarium - Verger<br>300.00<br>350.00|Samuel Thorp Pilgrimage payment to DTM<br>1,241.85<br>0.00|Sundries<br>577.00<br>544.00|Telephone & Internet<br>2,733.04<br>3,887.66||||||||**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**<br>**131,807.79 86,830.33**||**EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE**<br>**(42,205.79) (2,490.93)**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Barclays Bank Loyalty<br>25.74<br>58.21|CH Bookings<br>775.00<br>365.00|CH Photocopying<br>50.00<br>16.00|Charitable Shopping Online<br>28.72<br>0.00|Clergy Costs Contribution<br>0.00<br>44.40|Covenants and Gift Aid<br>43,144.00 38,878.10|Diss Parochial Charities Income<br>5,000.00<br>5,000.00|Dividends Received - Restricted<br>393.30<br>1,231.33|Dividends Received - Unrestricted<br>3,178.33<br>3,069.22|Donations - Restricted<br>20.00<br>0.00|Donations - Unrestricted<br>1,899.91<br>1,959.98|Fees for Church Heating<br>910.00<br>905.00|Fees to PCC<br>1,424.00<br>1,269.00|Fund Raising - Concerts & Other<br>0.00<br>54.44|Fund Raising - Mini Market<br>445.10<br>808.80|Fund Raising Sales<br>0.00<br>100.00|Funeral Collections<br>30.00<br>125.00|Funeral Donation to Organ<br>15.00<br>40.00|Interest Received - Restricted<br>1.35<br>9.75|Interest Received - Unrestricted<br>257.13<br>567.67|Kitchen<br>0.00<br>199.10|Legacies<br>0.00<br>250.00|Ofce Costs Contribution<br>2,244.50<br>1,248.00|Refund for Purchases made on behalf of other<br>DTM churches<br>100.00<br>0.00|Rent Received<br>300.00<br>300.00|Samuel Pilgrimage<br>1,241.85<br>0.00|Sunday Collections<br>1,621.30<br>1,058.20|Tax Refund<br>12,523.33 12,515.46|Unconvenanted Gifts<br>13,405.67 13,990.46|Wall Box - FWO<br>296.97<br>258.88|Weekday Collections<br>270.80<br>17.40||**TOTAL INCOME**<br>**89,602.00 84,339.40**|





## **Diss Parochial Church Council – 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021** 

## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities** 




Approved by the PCC on      20[th] March  2022 and signed on their behalf by the Reverend Canon A C Billett (PCC Chairman) and Mrs Yvonne Gooch (PCC Treasurer) 


I have reviewed the accounts and notes presented to me for the year ended 31 December 2021 and have agreed them to the underlying records of The Church of St Mary the Virgin 


## **Mark Johnstone, Argents** 

## **Notes** 

## **1. Financial Statements** 

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis. 

## **2. Victoria Hall Endowment Fund** 

The Endowment Fund, from the sale of Victoria Hall, must be retained as a Capital Fund and shares may not be sold, but the income is for ordinary church purposes. It is invested in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund and the value as at 31[st] December 2021 was £ 125,240, an increase of £ 15,892 since 31 December 2020 

## **3. Payments to PCC Members** 

The Diss Team Ministry Administrator, Mrs Jan Fearn, is a member of the Diss PCC and was paid £7,908 in salary during 2021 for her administrative duties. Other churches in the Diss Team Ministry have contributed to this salary cost. 

## **4. Diss Team Ministry** 

With effect from 1[st] September 2013, a new account was created which is not associated with Diss PCC but acts as a ‘clearing house’ for funeral and wedding costs, office costs and the Parish Administrator’s salary. Money received for these purposes is distributed between all the churches in Diss Team Ministry (fees), Norwich Diocese (fees) and the Diss Team Administrator (salary). The accounts are therefore cost neutral. 

## **5. Missionary and Charitable Giving** 

PCC payments were made to Diss and District Churches Together (£120), Norfolk Churches Trust (£30), and Norwich Diocese Ringers (£10). 

## **6. Roydon Fen** 



This is land just under 3 acres located in the middle of a field at Roydon Fen. It was valued at £21,500 in 2006 and no subsequent valuations have taken place. Rent is received on this asset. 

## **7. Equipment Policy** 

Any equipment purchased during the year is shown as an expense and is not capitalised. 

## **8. Victoria Hall Endowment Fund (2)** 

The Church is entitled to receive income from this investment but has no entitlement to manage or draw down on the capital sum. Dividends from this investment are unrestricted. For the purposes of these accounts, the investment has been included in the Restricted Funds column 

## **9. Former Heywood School Fund** 

The PCC Treasurer also administers the Former Heywood School Fund, a charitable fund for educational purposes. This is separate to and not included in the above accounts. 

## **10. Legacies** 

No legacies were received during 2021 

## (d) **The Annual Report on the proceedings of Redenhall Deanery Synod** 

Deanery Synod has met 3 times during 2021. The first meeting on June 19[th] was via zoom and dealt with synod business and elections. 

The second meeting was held at Dickleburgh on October 5th, and was mostly concerned with the Pastoral Principles, a course whereby people with differing views on contentious subjects, can discuss these in a calm and even handed environment. We were given a useful taster of this at the meeting. 

The third meeting was held at Diss on February 3rd. Here the main topic for discussion was the Clergy Wellbeing Covenant, which involved care for clergy and their families. This was discussed and adopted by the meeting. 

Janice Cruse, Diss Deanery Synod Representative 

## (e) **MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS** 

## **Safeguarding Officer’s Report Annual Parochial Church Meetings of the Diss Team Ministry 2022** 

Another year of COVID restrictions has impacted on the Safeguarding work of the church.  The Ministry Team has worked hard to ensure that the often changing COVID requirements are met and that all are kept safe. 

PCC meetings have continued to take place, mainly by Zoom or telephone. It is established that safeguarding is now a standing item on each PCC agenda so that current issues can be discussed and records kept up to date. 

We have concern that as our most vulnerable members have not been able to attend church we have not been able to monitor their wellbeing as before.  For those who can access the internet the livestream of the main Sunday service from Diss Church has 



helped reduce their feelings of isolation. Scams and fraud that target older age groups and vulnerable people continue to be a cause for concern, especially as they have become quite sophisticated.  We have tried to make people aware of some of the more common scams and give relevant advice. 

The Rector and the Safeguarding Officer have contacted the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser on a number of occasions about individual concerns and problems.  We have always had a prompt response and been given clear advice on individual cases.  In this respect we have felt well supported. 

We have been informed that the Church of England Safeguarding guidelines and procedures are currently undergoing revision and updating.  A new Parish Safeguarding Handbook will be published later in the year. As part of this revision the Safeguarding training programme has been changed. Most church workers will need to complete the Basic/Foundation courses that are now available online.  Certificates are still valid for 3 years so that people who attended the benefice training event held in Diss in January 2020 are up to date.  In the Autumn of 2021 the Rector, Vicar and Safeguarding Officer completed the new leadership safeguarding course. An induction programme for Parish Safeguarding Officers has been introduced by the diocese and this was completed by the safeguarding officer for the Diss Team Ministry in January 2022. 

## Gill Abbott 

Safeguarding Officer for the Diss Team Ministry 

March 2022 



## **SAINT MARY’S CHURCH Monday 4[th] April 2022, 7.30pm** 

## **ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING 2022 AGENDA** 

1. Apologies for absence 

2. Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 25[th] April 2021. 

Matters arising from the minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 25[th] April 2021 

4. Reports:- 

   - (a) The Church Electoral Roll 2021 

   - (b) Annual Report on the Proceedings of Diss Parochial Church Council 

   - (c) Annual Report and Financial Statements of the PCC and independently examined Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December, 2021 

   - (d) Annual Report on the proceedings of Redenhall Deanery Synod _(Items (a) - (d) inclusive are the official reports of the PCC for 2021)_ 

   - (e) Miscellaneous reports of various organisations/groups/individuals (f) The Rector of Diss 

5. Adoption of Safeguarding Policy including Child Protection Policy and Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults. Appointment of Mrs. Gill Abbott - Parish Safeguarding Officer 

6. Election of Parochial Representatives of the laity – 

   - (a) To the PCC - **TEN** representatives to serve for **ONE** year 

## **7. Appointment of an Independent Examiner or Auditor** to the Council for the coming year 

8. Other matters of parochial or general Church interest 

9. Date of next PCC meeting 

10. Close of Meeting 



## **THE PARISH CHURCH OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN, DISS, NORFOLK** 

- **MINUTES** of the **2020 Annual Parochial Church Meeting** held in St. Mary’s Church, Diss on Sunday, 25[th] April, 2021 

1. The Curate, Revd. Samuel Thorp, opened the meeting in prayer after welcoming everyone and explaining that there would be three meetings. 

2. **The Annual Report on proceedings of Diss PCC in 2019 including Financial Statement and independently examinedAccounts for the year ended 31[st] December, 2019** was accepted and a copy inserted in the Minute Book. 

3. **The Report on the proceedings of the Deanery Synod for the year 2019** was accepted and a copy inserted in the Minute Book. 

4. **Election to Deanery Synod** - Mrs. Janice Cruse was elected to serve for the three years 2020-2023. 

5. Meeting closed. 

## **THE PARISH OF DISS** 

**MINUTES** of the **2021 Annual Meeting of Parishioners** held in St. Mary’s Church, Diss on Sunday, 25[th] April, 2021 

1. **Minutes** of the 2020 Annual Meeting of Parishioners held on Sunday, 16[th] February, 2020 were agreed and signed. 

2. There were no matters arising. 

3. **Election of Two Churchwardens** - Mrs. Janet Blight and Mr. Neal Gooch were elected to serve for one year. 

4. Meeting closed. 

## **THE PARISH CHURCH OF SAINT MARY THE VIRGIN, DISS, NORFOLK** 

**MINUTES** of the **2021 Annual Parochial Church Meeting** held in St. Mary’s Church, Diss on Sunday, 25[th] April, 20211 

- 1 There were 20 members of the Church Electoral Roll present. Apologies for absence were received from Revd. Maggie Swayze and Mrs. Janet Blight. 

2. **Minutes** of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Monday, 8[th] April, 2019 were agreed and signed. 

3. There were no matters arising. 



## 4. **Reports** 

(a) **The Church Electoral Roll.** Revd. Maggie Swayze had sent a report to say the Roll had been revised and now stands at 109.     A list of names (only) was displayed at the back of the church. 

- (b) **The Annual Report on the Proceedings of Parochial Church Council** for the year ended 31st December 2020 was accepted and a copy inserted in the Minute Book. 

- (c) **The Annual Report and Financial Statements of the PCC and Independently Examined Accounts** for the year ended 31[st] December, 2020 were accepted and a copy inserted in the Minute Book.      The Treasurer, Mrs. Yvonne Gooch said she had nothing else to report. 

- (d) **The Annual Report on the proceedings of Redenhall Deanery Synod** . There was no report as no meetings had taken place during the year due to the Covid 19 pandemic. 

- (e) **Miscellaneous Reports.** There were no reports of various organisations/groups/individuals due to the pandemic. 

- (f) **The Rector of Diss.** The Rector, Revd. Canon Tony Billett, gave his report. 

A copy is inserted in the Minute Book. 

## 5. **Adoption of Safeguarding Policy including Child Protection Policy and Policy for the Protection of Vulnerable Adults.** The policies were adopted and signed. 

Mrs. Gill Abbott was appointed as Parish Safeguarding Officer Revd. Maggie Swayze was appointed as Link Person for the Parish 

## 6. **Election of Parochial Representatives of the laity.** 

   - (a) To the PCC - Ten representatives to serve for One year. Only Six representatives were elected: 

- Mrs. Penny Cuerden, Mrs. Julia Deighton, Mrs. Jan Fearn, Mrs. Yvonne Gooch, 

- Miss Eleanor Parker and Miss Myra Pinnell 

- (b)Sidesmen/women - no limit on numbers.      Due to the current pandemic circumstances these are not required at present. 

## 7. **Appointment of an Independent Examiner.** 

   - Mr. Mark Johnstone of Argents was appointed for the coming year. 

8. **Matters of Parochial or General Church Interest.** Although election of church officers and representatives does not take place until first PCC meeting, the secretary reported that there was a vacancy for Church Catering Officer as Mrs. Janet Bryant had stood down. 

9. **Date of next PCC Meeting.** Sunday, 16[th] May, 2021 at 3.00 pm via Zoom. 

10. Revd. Samuel Thorp thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting with a prayer. 



Signed.......................................................................................... Date........................................................................ 

## **4  REPORTS** 

(a)The church electoral Roll at December 2001 stood at 107 and now having been revised stands at 100. 


## **ST MARY THE VIRGIN, DISS ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **OF THE** 

## **PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED** 

## **31st DECEMBER 2021** 



The PCC is a registered charity No. 1134118

## **Administrative Information** 

St. Mary’s Church is situated in Mount Street, Diss and is part of the Diss Team Ministry in the Diocese of Norwich within the Church of England and in the Deanery of Redenhall. 

The correspondence address is: St. Mary’s Church Mount Street, Diss IP22 4QG Telephone:  01379 643783 Incumbent The Reverend Canon Anthony Charles Billett (Tony) The Rectory, Diss, IP22 4QP Telephone   01379 642072 Team Vicar The Reverend John Cruse The Vicarage, 61 Roydon Road, Diss, IP22 4LW Telephone   01379 641259 The Curate The Reverend Samuel Thorp 7 De Lucy Close, Diss, IP22 4YL Telephone   07506474538 Assistant Priest The Reverend Maggie Swayze 32 Croft Lane, Diss, IP22 4NA Telephone   01379 644701 Team Administrator Mrs. Jan Fearn The Parish Office, St Mary’s Church, Mount Street, Diss IP22 4QG Telephone   01379 643783 

PCC Members who have served from 1st January 2021 until the date this report was approved are: 

Incumbent: The Reverend Canon Tony Billett (ex officio) Chairman Team Vicar The Reverend John Cruse (ex officio) Curate The Reverend Samuel Thorp (ex officio) Assistant Priest :The Reverend Maggie Swayze (ex officio) LLMs: Dr Sue Drake (ex officio) Ms Janice Cruse (ex officio) Wardens: Mrs Janet Blight (ex officio) Mr Neal Gooch (ex officio) Secretary: Mrs Sylvia Grace Treasurer: Mrs. Yvonne Gooch Representatives on the Deanery Synod: The Revd John Cruse, Ms Janice Cruse 

Elected Members (until APCM 2022) 

Mrs Penny Cuerden, Mrs Julia Deighton, Mrs Jan Fearn, Mrs Yvonne Gooch 



Miss Eleanor Parker, Miss Myra Pinnell 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

The method of appointment of PCC members is set out in the Church Representation Rules. All Church regular attendees are encouraged to register on the Electoral Roll and stand for election to the PCC. 

The PCC operates normally, meeting seven times during the year. 

A standing committee is required by law. Its statutory members are the Rector, the Vicar, the two Churchwardens, the Administrator and the Treasurer.    This committee has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings. 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

The PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church. 

## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE** 

## **Church Attendance** 

The Electoral Roll at the end of 2021 stood at 107. 

## **Review of the Year** 

2021 continued under Covid restrictions, however the PCC met seven times during the year, via Zoom. 

**The Revd Maggie Swayze (for Sylvia Grace, Secretary)** 

## **Churchwardens Report 2021** 

In the early part of the year the new boilers were installed.  Whilst the Church Victorian pipe work could be flushed through and continue to be used, the  Hall however was condemned and replaced throughout with the addition of extra radiators. 

On the maintenance side, the bulbs for the Chancel have all been renewed, along with LED lights for the Nave.  The Sound System has also needed adjustments , together with some microphones recently being replaced. The loose tiling outside the Vestry has been repaired, and the damage to the Vestment Cupboard caused by damp is in hand and about to be rectified. 

Externally, the Gutters and Gulleys were cleaned in late summer and the makeover to South Porch borders and shrubs is almost complete.  We have now started to tackle the border outside the Hall.  During the the recent Gales, one tree lost a large branch and we are waiting an inspection by the Town Council’s tree surgeon as to whether due to the damage it may have to be felled. 



Janet Blight 

## **(C) Financial Review** 

The most significant expenditure was the two new boilers purchased from British Gas. The cost of these was met from sale of £40,000 worth of shares in the Fabric fund and donations. The total cost of the boilers in 2021, including work to remove asbestos and additional radiators in the church hall and office was £52,415. This figure excludes the deposit of £4,427.28 which was paid and accounted for in the 2020 year accounts. 

The Parish Share paid by St Mary’s to the Diocese of Norwich in 2021 was £52,220. This was 81% of the amount requested by the Diocese of £64,275, the same as 2020. The Parish Share requested for 2022 is £64,275. 

Excluding the boiler, average running costs this year have been approximately £6,616 per month. Income was variable partly due to Covid restrictions affecting church attendance and collections. Income was also reflective of the limited inability to generate monies from fund raising activities and hire of the church hall. A stewardship was held in late September 2021 which resulted in some donations and a modest increase in standing order giving. Despite the improvement in October and November, we still had insufficient funds to meet the Parish Share in full. 

Office costs including printing and stationery, telephone and internet are paid in full by Diss PPC. Contributions to these were received from the other 10 parishes within Diss Team Ministry 

No legacies were received in 2021. 

Overall, the excess of expenditure over income is £42,206 for 2021 compared to an excess of expenditure over income of £2,491 for 2020. 

Yvonne Gooch Diss PCC Treasurer 

## **Bankers** 

Barclays Business Banking, Barclays, Leicester, LE87 2BB 

## **Independent Examiner** 

Mark Johnstone, Argents 

## **Reserves Policy** 

It is the policy of this Church to hold in reserves the equivalent of two months general running costs and an additional one month’s salary costs. It is also the policy of this Church to hold an amount for likely works that may arise as a result of the next quinquennial inspection. 

This policy is reviewed on an annual basis. 



Notes for Information: 

1. The Charities Act 2011 requires charities to have a purpose in holding onto money. A reserves policy shows the purpose for which reserves are held. 

2. General running costs are approximately 6,616 per month but this is on the basis of only having paid 81% of the Parish Share 

3. Salary costs are approximately £891 per month. This excludes the organist honorarium as our organist has officially retired. Modest payments were made to a freelance organist for services and choir practices in the last quarter of 2021 

4. The reserves are maintained as part of St Mary’s investments held in CCLA, the CBF Church of England Deposit Fund 

## **Risk Analysis** 

This note summarises the key risks to the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Diss, and the steps taken to manage them. 

- (a) Financial Risks 

The church is exposed to financial risk through its financial assets. The key risk is the loss of financial assets resulting in the Parochial Church Council becoming unable to meet its financial obligations necessary to maintain the Church as a viable centre of Anglican Worship in Diss. 

The Parochial Church Council during 2015 authorised the Treasurer to relocate all suitable financial reserves to accounts operated under the auspices of the Central Board of Finance. 

The Parochial Church Council considers that existing internal controls on the management of cash collections, gifts and other similar monetary amounts are adequate to ensure that these are handled in a safe and professional manner. 

- (b) Statutory and Operational Risks 

Diss Parochial Church Council manages other risks to which it may be exposed: 

- By compliance with all relevant legislation 

- By the purchase of adequate property and other relevant insurance covers through a scheme operated by the Diocese of Norwich and underwritten by the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group 



- By the carrying out of suitable risk assessments and the implementation of appropriate risk management strategies to minimise risks to employees and third parties using the facilities at St Mary’s Church and to reduce the possibility of asset damage or loss. To this end a safety audit of the church and church hall was undertaken by SBJ Safety Solutions in February 2017 and the PCC authorised improvement to the security of the buildings and contents by upgrading the CCTV coverage in 2018 

Approved by the PCC on   20[th] March   2022 and signed on their behalf by the Reverend Canon A C Billett (PCC Chairman). 




Receipts and Payments Account

|**INCOME**<br>**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**EXPENDITURE**<br>**2021**<br>**2020**<br>Barclays Bank Loyalty<br>25.74<br>58.21<br>Bad Debt<br>210.00<br>140.00<br>CH Bookings<br>775.00<br>365.00<br>Bank Charges<br>255.27<br>391.97<br>CH Photocopying<br>50.00<br>16.00<br>CH Wages<br>2,761.80<br>2,665.80<br>Charitable Shopping Online<br>28.72<br>0.00<br>Church Running Expenses - Cleaning<br>277.57<br>618.10<br>Clergy Costs Contribution<br>0.00<br>44.40<br>Church Running Expenses - Electricity<br>906.12<br>1,786.53<br>Covenants and Gift Aid<br>43,144.00 38,878.10<br>Church Running Expenses - Gas<br>1,468.49<br>2,443.29<br>Diss Parochial Charities Income<br>5,000.00<br>5,000.00<br>Church Running Expenses - Insurance<br>6,269.42<br>6,263.17<br>Dividends Received - Restricted<br>393.30<br>1,231.33<br>Church Running Expenses - Maintenance<br>54,502.34<br>5,788.46<br>Dividends Received - Unrestricted<br>3,178.33<br>3,069.22<br>Church Running Expenses - Services<br>935.75<br>955.97<br>Donations - Restricted<br>20.00<br>0.00<br>Clergy Expenses<br>0.00<br>132.95<br>Donations - Unrestricted<br>1,899.91<br>1,959.98<br>Computer Costs<br>570.24<br>570.24<br>Fees for Church Heating<br>910.00<br>905.00<br>Employee Taxes to HMRC<br>10.60<br>135.40<br>Fees to PCC<br>1,424.00<br>1,269.00<br>Grants to Charities - Home Missions<br>120.00<br>120.00<br>Fund Raising - Concerts & Other<br>0.00<br>54.44<br>Grants to Charities - Secular<br>386.80<br>40.00<br>Fund Raising - Mini Market<br>445.10<br>808.80<br>Honorarium - Organist<br>350.00<br>1,686.20<br>Fund Raising Sales<br>0.00<br>100.00<br>Parish Share<br>52,220.00 52,220.00<br>Funeral Collections<br>30.00<br>125.00<br>Posters<br>0.00<br>55.00<br>Funeral Donation to Organ<br>15.00<br>40.00<br>Printing & Stationery<br>923.50<br>1,247.59<br>Interest Received - Restricted<br>1.35<br>9.75<br>Salaries & Honorarium - Administrator<br>4,788.00<br>4,788.00<br>Interest Received - Unrestricted<br>257.13<br>567.67<br>Salaries & Honorarium - Verger<br>300.00<br>350.00<br>Kitchen<br>0.00<br>199.10<br>Samuel Thorp Pilgrimage payment to DTM<br>1,241.85<br>0.00<br>Legacies<br>0.00<br>250.00<br>Sundries<br>577.00<br>544.00<br>Ofce Costs Contribution<br>2,244.50<br>1,248.00<br>Telephone & Internet<br>2,733.04<br>3,887.66<br>Refund for Purchases made on behalf of other<br>DTM churches<br>100.00<br>0.00<br>Rent Received<br>300.00<br>300.00<br>Samuel Pilgrimage<br>1,241.85<br>0.00<br>Sunday Collections<br>1,621.30<br>1,058.20<br>Tax Refund<br>12,523.33 12,515.46<br>Unconvenanted Gifts<br>13,405.67 13,990.46<br>Wall Box - FWO<br>296.97<br>258.88<br>Weekday Collections<br>270.80<br>17.40<br>**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**<br>**131,807.79 86,830.33**<br>**TOTAL INCOME**<br>**89,602.00 84,339.40**<br>**EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE**<br>**(42,205.79) (2,490.93)**|Bad Debt<br>210.00<br>140.00|Bank Charges<br>255.27<br>391.97|CH Wages<br>2,761.80<br>2,665.80|Church Running Expenses - Cleaning<br>277.57<br>618.10|Church Running Expenses - Electricity<br>906.12<br>1,786.53|Church Running Expenses - Gas<br>1,468.49<br>2,443.29|Church Running Expenses - Insurance<br>6,269.42<br>6,263.17|Church Running Expenses - Maintenance<br>54,502.34<br>5,788.46|Church Running Expenses - Services<br>935.75<br>955.97|Clergy Expenses<br>0.00<br>132.95|Computer Costs<br>570.24<br>570.24|Employee Taxes to HMRC<br>10.60<br>135.40|Grants to Charities - Home Missions<br>120.00<br>120.00|Grants to Charities - Secular<br>386.80<br>40.00|Honorarium - Organist<br>350.00<br>1,686.20|Parish Share<br>52,220.00 52,220.00|Posters<br>0.00<br>55.00|Printing & Stationery<br>923.50<br>1,247.59|Salaries & Honorarium - Administrator<br>4,788.00<br>4,788.00|Salaries & Honorarium - Verger<br>300.00<br>350.00|Samuel Thorp Pilgrimage payment to DTM<br>1,241.85<br>0.00|Sundries<br>577.00<br>544.00|Telephone & Internet<br>2,733.04<br>3,887.66||||||||**TOTAL EXPENDITURE**<br>**131,807.79 86,830.33**||**EXCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE**<br>**(42,205.79) (2,490.93)**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Barclays Bank Loyalty<br>25.74<br>58.21|CH Bookings<br>775.00<br>365.00|CH Photocopying<br>50.00<br>16.00|Charitable Shopping Online<br>28.72<br>0.00|Clergy Costs Contribution<br>0.00<br>44.40|Covenants and Gift Aid<br>43,144.00 38,878.10|Diss Parochial Charities Income<br>5,000.00<br>5,000.00|Dividends Received - Restricted<br>393.30<br>1,231.33|Dividends Received - Unrestricted<br>3,178.33<br>3,069.22|Donations - Restricted<br>20.00<br>0.00|Donations - Unrestricted<br>1,899.91<br>1,959.98|Fees for Church Heating<br>910.00<br>905.00|Fees to PCC<br>1,424.00<br>1,269.00|Fund Raising - Concerts & Other<br>0.00<br>54.44|Fund Raising - Mini Market<br>445.10<br>808.80|Fund Raising Sales<br>0.00<br>100.00|Funeral Collections<br>30.00<br>125.00|Funeral Donation to Organ<br>15.00<br>40.00|Interest Received - Restricted<br>1.35<br>9.75|Interest Received - Unrestricted<br>257.13<br>567.67|Kitchen<br>0.00<br>199.10|Legacies<br>0.00<br>250.00|Ofce Costs Contribution<br>2,244.50<br>1,248.00|Refund for Purchases made on behalf of other<br>DTM churches<br>100.00<br>0.00|Rent Received<br>300.00<br>300.00|Samuel Pilgrimage<br>1,241.85<br>0.00|Sunday Collections<br>1,621.30<br>1,058.20|Tax Refund<br>12,523.33 12,515.46|Unconvenanted Gifts<br>13,405.67 13,990.46|Wall Box - FWO<br>296.97<br>258.88|Weekday Collections<br>270.80<br>17.40||**TOTAL INCOME**<br>**89,602.00 84,339.40**|





## **Diss Parochial Church Council – 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021** 

## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities** 




Approved by the PCC on      20[th] March  2022 and signed on their behalf by the Reverend Canon A C Billett (PCC Chairman) and Mrs Yvonne Gooch (PCC Treasurer) 


I have reviewed the accounts and notes presented to me for the year ended 31 December 2021 and have agreed them to the underlying records of The Church of St Mary the Virgin 


## **Mark Johnstone, Argents** 

## **Notes** 

## **1. Financial Statements** 

The financial statements of the PCC have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis. 

## **2. Victoria Hall Endowment Fund** 

The Endowment Fund, from the sale of Victoria Hall, must be retained as a Capital Fund and shares may not be sold, but the income is for ordinary church purposes. It is invested in the CBF Church of England Investment Fund and the value as at 31[st] December 2021 was £ 125,240, an increase of £ 15,892 since 31 December 2020 

## **3. Payments to PCC Members** 

The Diss Team Ministry Administrator, Mrs Jan Fearn, is a member of the Diss PCC and was paid £7,908 in salary during 2021 for her administrative duties. Other churches in the Diss Team Ministry have contributed to this salary cost. 

## **4. Diss Team Ministry** 

With effect from 1[st] September 2013, a new account was created which is not associated with Diss PCC but acts as a ‘clearing house’ for funeral and wedding costs, office costs and the Parish Administrator’s salary. Money received for these purposes is distributed between all the churches in Diss Team Ministry (fees), Norwich Diocese (fees) and the Diss Team Administrator (salary). The accounts are therefore cost neutral. 

## **5. Missionary and Charitable Giving** 

PCC payments were made to Diss and District Churches Together (£120), Norfolk Churches Trust (£30), and Norwich Diocese Ringers (£10). 

## **6. Roydon Fen** 



This is land just under 3 acres located in the middle of a field at Roydon Fen. It was valued at £21,500 in 2006 and no subsequent valuations have taken place. Rent is received on this asset. 

## **7. Equipment Policy** 

Any equipment purchased during the year is shown as an expense and is not capitalised. 

## **8. Victoria Hall Endowment Fund (2)** 

The Church is entitled to receive income from this investment but has no entitlement to manage or draw down on the capital sum. Dividends from this investment are unrestricted. For the purposes of these accounts, the investment has been included in the Restricted Funds column 

## **9. Former Heywood School Fund** 

The PCC Treasurer also administers the Former Heywood School Fund, a charitable fund for educational purposes. This is separate to and not included in the above accounts. 

## **10. Legacies** 

No legacies were received during 2021 

## (d) **The Annual Report on the proceedings of Redenhall Deanery Synod** 

Deanery Synod has met 3 times during 2021. The first meeting on June 19[th] was via zoom and dealt with synod business and elections. 

The second meeting was held at Dickleburgh on October 5th, and was mostly concerned with the Pastoral Principles, a course whereby people with differing views on contentious subjects, can discuss these in a calm and even handed environment. We were given a useful taster of this at the meeting. 

The third meeting was held at Diss on February 3rd. Here the main topic for discussion was the Clergy Wellbeing Covenant, which involved care for clergy and their families. This was discussed and adopted by the meeting. 

Janice Cruse, Diss Deanery Synod Representative 

## (e) **MISCELLANEOUS REPORTS** 

## **Safeguarding Officer’s Report Annual Parochial Church Meetings of the Diss Team Ministry 2022** 

Another year of COVID restrictions has impacted on the Safeguarding work of the church.  The Ministry Team has worked hard to ensure that the often changing COVID requirements are met and that all are kept safe. 

PCC meetings have continued to take place, mainly by Zoom or telephone. It is established that safeguarding is now a standing item on each PCC agenda so that current issues can be discussed and records kept up to date. 

We have concern that as our most vulnerable members have not been able to attend church we have not been able to monitor their wellbeing as before.  For those who can access the internet the livestream of the main Sunday service from Diss Church has 



helped reduce their feelings of isolation. Scams and fraud that target older age groups and vulnerable people continue to be a cause for concern, especially as they have become quite sophisticated.  We have tried to make people aware of some of the more common scams and give relevant advice. 

The Rector and the Safeguarding Officer have contacted the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser on a number of occasions about individual concerns and problems.  We have always had a prompt response and been given clear advice on individual cases.  In this respect we have felt well supported. 

We have been informed that the Church of England Safeguarding guidelines and procedures are currently undergoing revision and updating.  A new Parish Safeguarding Handbook will be published later in the year. As part of this revision the Safeguarding training programme has been changed. Most church workers will need to complete the Basic/Foundation courses that are now available online.  Certificates are still valid for 3 years so that people who attended the benefice training event held in Diss in January 2020 are up to date.  In the Autumn of 2021 the Rector, Vicar and Safeguarding Officer completed the new leadership safeguarding course. An induction programme for Parish Safeguarding Officers has been introduced by the diocese and this was completed by the safeguarding officer for the Diss Team Ministry in January 2022. 

## Gill Abbott 

Safeguarding Officer for the Diss Team Ministry 

March 2022 



THE CHURCH
OF ENGLAND
Diocese of Norwich
Independent Examiners Certificate
Report to the trusteesl members of:
On accounts for the year ended:
i bÉLG￿￿C-rf Ic)21
Charty no Ilf any):
113*iif
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'the Trust") for the
year ended
Responslbilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with
the requirements of Ihe Charities Act 2011 1"the Act").
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts canied out under section 145 of the 2011
Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the
Charity Commi98ion under section 145151{bl of the Act.
Independent examinerfs statement
[The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualified to undertake the examination by
being a qualified member of I
11, Dg18te [] if not appI￿able.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in
connection with the examination (other than that disdosed below.) which gives me cause to believe
that in, any material respect..
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act.. or
the accounts did not a￿ord wilh tho accounting records., or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and conlenl of
accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any
requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fairf view which is not a maller considered as part of an
independent examination.
I have no concerns and have Come across no other matters in connection with the examination to
which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
' Please delete the words in the brdckets rf they do not apply.
Signed..
Date..
ow.oi. ioii
Name..
Ju4tQsT￿frjC
IER
Oct 2018

Relevant professional
qualrficationls) or body
lif any)
Address..
1£ PIL4CC rncc r
JRS
Section B
Dlsclosura
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of
concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions
and guidance for examiners).
Glve here
brief
details of
any items
that the
examiner
wishes to
dlsclose
IER
Oct 2018