2021-08-31-accounts - Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit

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Circuit Accruals Accounts 2020-2021

THE METHODIST CHURCH ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS (ACCRUALS BASIS) for the year ended 31 August 2021

District No / Rev Stephen N. Heath Rev Stuart Wild(superintendent) Deacon Kim Gabbitass(0.5) Circuit No Ministers Circuit SOUTH FYLDE Registered Charity - Registration number Circuit Stewards Circuit Treasurer Katharine Davies Michael Steele-Edwards Katharine Davies	District No / Rev Stephen N. Heath Rev Stuart Wild(superintendent) Deacon Kim Gabbitass(0.5) Circuit No Ministers Circuit SOUTH FYLDE Registered Charity - Registration number Circuit Stewards Circuit Treasurer Katharine Davies Michael Steele-Edwards Katharine Davies
		1134142

	District No / Circuit No	21/14
Ministers Circuit Stewards Circuit Treasurer
	Rev Stuart Wild(superintendent)
	Rev Stephen N. Heath
	Deacon Kim Gabbitass(0.5)







	Michael Steele-Edwards
	Katharine Davies








	Katharine Davies

SOUTH FYLDE Circuit TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

Introduction

Welcome to the Trustees' Annual Report of the South Fylde Methodist Circuit which covers the year to 31st August 2021, a year in which a lot of change has taken place and progress has been made with many of our key objctives.

Aims of the organisation

The South Fylde Circuit of the Methodist Church, encouraged by the strategy of the Lancashire Methodist District, seeks the transformation of lives and communities within the geographical area of South Fylde. This will be enabled by offering good quality worship in a variety of styles, exploring fresh expressions of Church and remaining faithful to appropriate traditional expressions, engaging in community outreach projects, supporting the development of children, young people and families. spirituality for older people and in the revitalisation of work. Within this broad vision, each Church in the Circuit is called to make disciples, to encourage people in their faith, to serve their communities and to focus upon their strengths and their distinct expression of community.

Review of the year

The South Fylde Methodist Circuit has embraced our District's Strategy "Transforming Lives and Communities" and continues to support our six local Churches in moving forward.

We have made good progress with our work with children, young people and families, with developing a community focus across the Circuit, with developing new forms of worship and teaching.

The new structure based on two ministry teams each consisting of a presbyter/part-time Lay-worker and presbyter/Deacon has worked well.

We have continued to undertake training of Local Preachers and one member completed her studies to become a local preacher.

Circuit staff and qualified volunteers continue to provide training for all Church members working with children and vulnerable adults. We ensure that all staff, lay officers and volunteers who are required to undertake safeguarding training have received the training.

The accounts of the South Fylde Methodist Circuit for the year ended 31st August 2021 show a defecit of £8,053 on the General Fund. This is £3000 better than the budgeted deficit of £11,850 and is mainly attributable to expenses being down due to covid

Circuit Income

Total income on the General Fund for the year to 31st August 2021 was £177,039. Circuit income is primarily drawn from the Assessment paid by the Circuit churches (£145,000 in 2020/21) and property rental (£25,857).

Circuit Expenditure

Total expenditure on the General Fund for the year to 31st August 2021 was £185,092. The major expenditure was stipends, salaries and associated costs (£110,589 representing 60% of total expenditure) which increase each financial year in line with Conference approved rates.

The other significant expenditure in 2020/21 was the District Assessment on which we spent £35,988, 19% of our expenditure. This is the Circuit's contribution to the District and Connexion, of which a significant part is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church.

Fund balances

As at 31 August 2021 the net current assets of the Circuit were £139,513 on the General Fund and £8,091 on the Circuit Model Trust Fund.

Plans for 2020/21

This year, we were successfully matched in stationing and have appointed a presbyter, Rev'd Louise Makin and she will join us from 1st September 2021. The Circuit has functioned for the last 2 years with two ministry teams, each comprising of a Presbyter and part-time Lay-worker/Deacon, the latter both employed by the Lancashire Methodist District but charged to the Circuit. Because of covid, the Chaplaincy for Older people project is currently on hold awaiting the appointment of a new Chaplain. The project is currently under review. The Circuit Assessment remains similar to 2020/21

The Financial plan for 2021/22 produces a budget surplus of -£44,000 taking the balance on the General Fund at 31st August 2022 to £100,000, but the longer term plan shows that this will reduce to £65,000 by the end of 2022/23. However, this demonstrates that we shall still be able to hold £48,000 in reserve, ie three onths' expenditure as required by our Reserves Policy, plus £30,000 for our new Circuit Development Fund. This is an important initiative which involves making a substantial sum of money available to the six Churches to undertake projects associated with their mission objectives. Processes are being developed to assist the prioritising of our Churches' proposals to access this funding.

SOUTH FYLDE METHODIST CIRCUIT

AIMS AND ORGANISATION

Purposes 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:

a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church;

b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit. local or other organisation of The Methodist Church;

c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church;

d) Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church

Main activities undertaken for the Public Benefit

The South Fylde Circuit supports the six churches of the Circuit in carrying out their activities in their communities, in particular:the provision of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non members alike;

the teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups;

the provision of sacred space (a building) for prayer and contemplation;

the resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved;

the promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services; the provision of chaplaincy services to schools, care homes and other institutions;

the provision of social activities with a focus on particular age groups which are open to everyone;

the provision of space and facilities for a range of community activities.

Public Benefit

We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

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 Superintendent along with the Circuit Stewards and the Circuit Leadership Team.

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 given to all new Circuit Meeting members as induction to their role as trustees.

Related Parties

The Circuit is part of the Lancashire District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches are part of the Circuit:-

The Drive Methodist Church Church Road Methodist Church

Fairhaven Methodist Church Lytham Methodist Church Kirkham Methodist Church Freckleton Methodist Church

Key Objectives for 2021/22

(i) To act as a provider of resources for the Methodist Churches in

the South Fylde, in particular financial, human and training resources and resources to encourage spiritual development.

(ii) To exercise ministerial oversight and pastoral care of the local Churches in the Circuit and to support the ministry team.

(iii) To further advance the support of practical work with children, young people and families across the Circuit.

(iv) To encourage faith development amongst the people of the Circuit.

(v) To progress with the establishment, training and deployment of the team of chaplaincy volunteers, moving the project for older people beyond its successful implementation phase into a long term expression of mission and ministry;

(vi) To continue to encourage and support those who are called to

be lay preachers and to manage thir training programmes;

(vii) To seek to ensure full compliance across the Circuit with Methodist Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, including training for staff and volunteers.

(viii) To seek to ensure successful implementation of the new Circuit structure with two ministry teams, each comprising one presbyter and one lay-worker.

(ix) To merge with the Blackpool Circuit to become the Blackpool and South Fylde Circuit

SOUTH FYLDE Circuit

Risk Management

The major risks are associated with our Churches and they have been identified and recorded by the Church Officers with professional advice taken as required. The key risk area for the Circuit is around the four manses and we review risks in conjunction with the occupying ministers.

Each Church undertakes a regular annual review process and records the outcome.

Income and Expenditure is monitored against the approved annual budget on a quarterly basis to identify trends and problem areas as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves. Significant abnormal expenditure is authorised by the Circuit Meeting.

Safeguarding

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles:

the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults
the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable
the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.
We carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment
principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.
We respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
We seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
We seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
We seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any
member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
In all these principles we follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice

The South Fylde Methodist Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy, government legislation, guidance and safe practice in the Circuit and in the churches.

The South Fylde Methodist Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable.

The South Fylde Circuit commits itself to carrying out risk assessments for circuit events involving children, young people or vulnerable adults as stated in our Policy Document agreed on 15/10/2020, namely:

Circuit events are to be notified to the District Safeguarding Officer prior to these being agreed to ensure that all permissions, risk assessments and good practice guidelines are in place.

All those involved in leading and running the event must be aware of the procedure.

The event should have been planned effectively and attention given to the following issues:

Risk assessment and suitability of the activity and the premises
The appointment of a team to take charge of the event, including safeguarding and first aid personnel (particular health or ability needs should be taken into account)
Numbers of children, young people or vulnerable adults involved
Transportation - following good practice guidelines.

This information is to be sent to the District Safeguarding Officer for approval PRIOR to the event being agreed.

Reserves Policy

The Circuit Reserves Policy is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to three months’ average expenditure. This is currently £48,000 and should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure on manses and / or to be able to continue, in the short term, funding planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the full Circuit Assessment from churches.

At 31st August 2021, the General Fund held £139,513, including £50,000 designated as the Circuit Development Fund, so we held £40,000 in excess of the target reserve.

At 31st August 2021, the Circuit held a balance of £8091 on the Circuit Model Trust Fund. This Fund derives from sales of chapels and manses.

Our reserves policy for the management of this Fund is as follows:-

£5,000 available for property and/or mission projects in the future.

£3,000 available for general Circuit purposes, largely manse repairs and maintenance.

SOUTH FYLDE Circuit

Trustee’s Annual Report on Finance and Governance

Basis of preparation and legal framework

The Charity’s annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2020 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard(FRS) 102.

Registration Charity Number: 1134142

Date of registration 5th February 2010

Main communication address

8, Royal Troon Court, Kirkham, Preston PR4 2TF

The members of the South Fylde 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 as Appendix A to this report.

Circuit ministers and officers

Active circuit ministers Rev Stuart Wild Rev Stephen Heath Deacon Kim Gabbatiss Circuit Lay workers Judith Smith Circuit Stewards Michael Steele Edwards Katharine Davies Circuit Safeguarding Officer Anne Spooner

Katharine Davies acted as the principal officer overseeing the day to day financial management and accounting for the Circuit during the year.

Independent examiner:- Mr Martin Newton 46 Ecton Avenue Macclesfield SK10 1RD Investment Bankers:- Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for Methodist Church purposes

SOUTH FYLDE Circuit

DECLARATIONS

Treasurer

I confirm that I have prepared the accounts from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit Meeting

Signature of Treasurer Katharine A Davies Date 15th Oct 2021 Name Katharine Davies Address 8, Royal Troon Court, Kirkham, Preston. PR4 2TF

Presentation to the Circuit Meeting for approval.

I confirm that the Accounts have been presented to the Circuit Meeting on

14th September 2021

and were approved.

Signature of the Chair of Stuart Wild the meeting Name of the Chair of the Rev Stuart Wild meeting Date 14th September 2021 _______________

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the

Circuit South Fylde Methodist[[st]] August 2021

This Report is on the Circuit Accounts for the year ended 31[[st]] August

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

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

Martin Newton

It is my responsibility to:

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

SOUTH FYLDE Circuit

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

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

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

• to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act.

• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

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

----- Start of picture text -----
Name
Martin Newton
Signature
Martin Newton
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Relevant Professional qualification or body

Address 46, Ecton Avenue, Macclesfield, Cheshire. SK10 1RD

Date 9th September 2021

SOUTH FYLDE METHODIST CIRCUIT CIRCUIT MEETING MEMBERSHIP as at 31st August 2021 MINISTERS

Appendix "A"

MINISTERS
Circuit Ministers	Rev Stuart Wild Superintendent
	Rev Stephen N Heath
	Deacon Kim Gabbatiss
HMP Chaplain, Kirkham	Rev Tony Davies
SUPERNUMERARY MINISTERS
	Rev Alan Clark
	Rev Malcolm Maymand
	Rev Joan Edwell
CIRCUIT STEWARDS
	Michael Steele-Edwards
	Katharine Davies
CIRCUIT MEETING SECRETARY
	Jean Adam
CIRCUIT CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES
The Drive Methodist Church	Joan Steele Edwards
	Peter Plant
	Eileen Beedle
	Alec Sugden
Church Road Methodist Church	Janette Farley
	Andrew Whitely
	Catherine Peak
	Colin Hird
	Ben Darbyshire
	Monica Bissett
Fairhaven Methodist Church	Patricia Hirst
	Barry Brelsford
	Neil Lowe
	Clare Harris
Lytham Methodist Church	Melvyn Slater
	Mike Bell
	Ann Bullick
	Ann Hearne
	Margaret Porter
Freckleton Methodist Church	Janet Klenk
	Laura Gill
	Joyce Shaw
	Wendy Daniels
Kirkham Methodist Church	Ian Womersley
	David Yaxley
	Gillian Womersley
OTHER REPRESENTATIVES
MHA	Jennifer Breare
Overseas Missions Treasurer	Richmond Neale
Local Preachers	Andrew Barratt