Circuit Accruals Accounts 2023-2024 THE METHODIST CHURCH REPORT AND ACCOUNTS (ACCRUALS BASIS) for the year ended 31 August 2024 Upper Thames Methodist Circuit Registered Charity - Registration number 1134231 Bristol District No I Clrcuit No 007123 Ministers Rev Shirlyn Toppin Rev Clive Deverell Rev Sarah Simpson -Rev Josesili Ribeiro Circuit Stgwards Ms Jenny Corkett Mrs. Shelia Knowlès Mr. Peter McAuley Clrcult Flnanc8 Offlcer Mrs Margaret Flood
Upper Thames Methodist Cirtuit TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST2024 Intfoduction Welcome to the Upper Thames Methodist Circuit'5 Annual Report for the year ending 31st AuRust 2024. Aims and organisation The Upper Thames Circuit works to support its lotal churches in developing the vision which God has given for ministry & discipleship and mission & outreach which is.. 'To grow in the love of God. to preach the gospel of Christ. and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to reach out to others. The Circuit has a willin8ne5S to lace challenge and change. whilst retaining our even8elical identity, firmly standing on a Bible base. A new initiative in 2016 supports our churches working in conjuncrion with the Joint Public Issues team to pursue an agenda concerned with social justice and change. Review of the year This has been the third year for our Superintendent Minister, Rev Shirlyn Toppin. The Circuit continues to lotsk for ways to structure itself more effectively and to practically and financially support social justice and inclusivitv. There has been the Circuit AdministratorlFinance Otticer in post from the beginning of September 2023. We have also appointed Ipaidl a Safeguarding Officer as from 1st January 2024. Rev Dr joseph Ribeiro joined the Circuit I September 2023 Property eypenditure tor both Manses has continued throughout the year due to the need update and refurbish the SuperinteTrdant's manse and to brine the newly purchased manse in HighwoTth up to standard.
Income Trends Circuit income 15 primarily drawn from the annual assessments paid by the circuit churches. The rental income relates to the rerital of one manse. Expenditure Trends 44% of expenditure is the Circuit contribution to the Oi5trict and Connexion (including a levy on the sale of property). of which a significant part is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church. Fund Balances As at 31 August 2024, total reserve5 arnounted to £586,896. All knnds held were unre5tiicted. As at 31 August 2024 the net current assets ol the Circuit were £586,896. Prior year accounts included 2 properties Imansesl. These are owned by the MMT and therefore these have now been removed frorn the accounts.
Upper Thames Methodlst Clrcult Trustee'5 Annual Report on Flnance and Governance Basis of preparation and legal framework The Charity's annual report and account5 tor the year ended 31 August 2023 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charitie5'. Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 IFRS 1021. Full Name of Charity." Upper Thames Methodist Circuit Registration Charity Number.. 1134231 Date of registratitsn.. 9th February 2010 Main comrnunicètion address.. Royal Wootton Bassett Methodist Church, Rope Yard, Roval Wootton Bassett. Swindon. SN4 78S The members of the Upper Tharne5 Metttodi5t Circuit Meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of circuit officè holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches. Full membership is shown as Appendix A to this report. Clrcult Ministers and officer5 Active Circuit Ministers Rev Shirlyn Toppin Isuperintendentl Rev Clive Deverell Rev Sarah Simp50n Rev Dr Joseph Ribeiro Circuit Lay Employees Circuit Stewards M5 lenny Corkett Mr. Peter McAuley Mrs. Shelia Knowles GDPR Mrs. lane Phoenix-stone Circuit ProDertv Secretary Mr Robin Phoenix-stone Circuit Administrator Circuit Finance Officer Mrs Margaret Flood Mrs Margaret Flood
Upper Thames Methodist Circuit Aims and organls3tion Charity objective 15 to act as a resource provider within an area Surrounding Swindon known as the Upper Thames Methodist Circuit which is part of the Methodist Church of Great 8rltain. The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of Union the advancement of.. al The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church,. bl Any charitable purpose for the time being of any ConnÈxionèl, District. Circuit. local or other organisation of The Methodist Church.. cl Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church., dl Any purpose for the time being of any charity belng a charity subsldiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church The organi5ation and resovrcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non member5 alike. The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved. Taking reli8lOUs assemblies in local 5chool5. Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services. Provision of chaolaincv services to the local universitv and other institutions. 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 lor the circuit 15 the Deed of Union119321 and Methodist Church Act 119761 Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference ICPDI. Oa¥ to day management of the circuit 15 undertaken by the Circuit Leadership team along with the Local Preachers meeting. the Circuit Finance ènd Property Committee and the Circuit Policy Trusteè Training A range ol guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to 5UPPOrt the effective running of the circuit, Specifically the leaflet'The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church. is given to all new Circult meeting members as induction to their role as trustees. Related Partles The Circuit 19 part of the 8ristol District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches and organisations are linked to the circuit.. Braydon Methodist Church Highworth Methodist Church Purton Methodist Church Shrivenham and Longcot Methodist Church Royal Wootton Bassett Methodist Church Cricklade United Chureh West Swindon and Lydiard Tregoze Church Partrnership
Upper Thame5 Methodist Circuit Rlsk Management The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Finance and Property Committee with professional advice taken a5 required. There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded. Intome and Expenditure is being monitored in total ènd is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part ol the risk managernent process to avoid unforeseen ca115 Qn reserves. Safeguardlng Every person has u vulue and dignity which comes directlyfrom the creation of mole undfemale in God 5 own imoge Jnd likeness. Christi(7ns see this potentiol osfulfilled by God's re<reution of us in Christ. Among other things this implies o duty to volue ollpeople os beoring the imoge of GOGI and therefore to protect themfrom horm. 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 will carefully select and train all those with ally re5pon5ibility 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 will respond without delay to every complaint made which 5ugge5t5 that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investgatiOn. We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developin8 Wlth thern an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care. We will seek to challenge any abuse of powèr, especially by anyone in a position of trust. We will seek to offer pastoral care and support. including supervision and referral to the proper authorities. to any Member ol our church community known to have offended against a child. voung person or vulnerable adult. In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recogni5ed good practice The Upper Thame5 Circuit eommit5 Itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy,. government legislation. guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churche5. The Upper Thames 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 adult5 who may be vulnerable. Reserves Pollcy The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is to hold a minimum Sum equivalent to six months. average expenditure. This 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 assessment payments from churches. At the year end the Circuit held £586,896 in unrestricted funds. No restricted funds were held.
Plans for 2024-2025 Circuit financial plans for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that there are al 2 full time ordained staff with anticipated cost of living Stipend increa5e5, bl a part time Circuit administrator and rinance officer, cl a similar a55e55ment paid to the district as in 2022-2023. dl churches to still be subsidised by the Circuit for their assessments. Whilst the churches, assessments have bÈen calculated to cover the Circuit's anticipated expenditure, incorne levels and reserves of the churches will be kept under regular review so that any need for 85SlSt3nce from the Circuit can be identified and discussed at an early Stage. Approved by Rev S Toppin M Flood (circuit Finance Officer)
Upper Thames Methodist Circuit Appendix A CIRCUIT MEETING MEMBERSHIP 2023-24 MINISTERS Rev Shirlyn Toppin (Superintendent) Rev Clive Deverell Rev Sarah Simpson Rev Dr Joseph Ribeiro SUPERNUMERARY MINISTERS Rev Margaret Livingslone Rev Jan Partridge Rev Don Symonds LAYWORKERS CIRCUIT STEWARDS Sheila Knowle5 Peter McAulÈy Jenny Corkett CIRCUIT REPRESENTATIVES Adrian German ILocal Preachers, Secretary) lane Phoenix-stone IGDPRI Jenny Corkett IEDII Robin Phoenix-stone (Property Secretary) CIRCUIT CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES Braydon Simon Dubber Susan Barrett Cricklade Nicola Arthurs John Youe Margaret Roberts Highworth Peter McAulev Hazel Garnell Tricia Clitheroe Lynne Culling Purton Brian Davies Sylvia Freemèntle
Shrivenham Wendy Smith lan Brodie stella fidmarsh Royal Wootton Bassett Barry Scott Ruth Cooper John Dixon Gillian Griff1ths West Swindon Mark Dowling
Independent Examingr's R8POrt to th8 Trustèos of Upper Thames Methodist Glrcuit l port to the charity truste85 on my examination of the accounts ol the Charity lor the year ended 31 August 2024 which are set OLJt on pages 11 to 17. Responsibilities and basls of report As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of th$ accounts in accordance with the requirern8nts of the Charities Acl 20111.the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of Ihe Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicabl8 DiT8ctions given by the Charity Cornrfiission und9r section 14515Nbl ol the Act. Indepgndent 8xaminer's statement I have completed my exarnination. I confirni that no m8t8Thal matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe that in any material respect.. accounting records were not kept in resP8Ct of thè Charity as required by section 130 of the Act-, or the accounts do not acoord with th05è rècords.. tsr the accounts do not cornply with the applicable requ1rements COnrning the foTm and content of accounts set out in the Charities IAccounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement Ihat the accounts give a 'twe and fair vigw. which is not a matter considered as part ol an independent examination. I have no concerns and hav8 Come across no other matters in connection with the exaFnination to which attention should be drawn in thi$ report in order to enable a proper understandiry of th8 accounts to be aChed. £ fLao Susan Plumb ACA Haines Watts Swindon Limited Old Station House s&tion Approach N8WPOrt Street Swindon SN1 3DU Date 16 June 2025
Name of Circuit Upper Thames Methodist Circurt No 007123 Statement of FinancTal Activities ISOFAI for the year ended 31 August 2024 Not85 to Clrcuit Modgl Designated th Gon8ral Fund Trust Funds acGounts (Unrestricted) Iunrestrictsdl lunr68tri¢tsdl Re$tri¢tod Endowment Funds Funds Tolal 2D23.24 Income 1 Oonaiion8 and 193aoes 2 Incom8 from monei8ry Investments 3 In¢Dme from inveslmenl properties 4 Assessm8nis on Churches 5 CapiLal Reipt5 6 Grants rec81ved 7 OIM8r charitsble income 8 T¢tal intom8 282 7,488 282 23.518 16,030 109,425 109,425 11,412 128.607 11,412 144,637 16.03D Expanditure 9 Grants and donations 10 Sa19rie5 and associated ttssts 11 Propety maintenanr 12 Connexional assessment & mod81 trust levy 13 District AesSment s Levy 14 DeprecialiDn 15 Office expenses 16 Other Dulgoin9S 17 Toial ch8rftsbl8 oxp¥ndlture 18 GainslllD5sasl on montsry inv8slmenls 19 Gain8llltsss8s1 on propertS8S 20 Not Incomollexp8nditurel 21 Transf8rs between lJnds 22 Other gainsll1ossesl 23 Net movement in frJnd5 24 Total funds brought forw?rd Z5 Totsl funds carrled forward 1.000 96.D51 9.673 1,000 96,051 9,673 33.3LXJ 15,222 48,522 25,447 165.471 25,447 180,693 547 15.222 547 -36.864 40,000 1,355 40,000 92.338 53,693 314.610 368,303 -35.509 92.J38 56.829 530.067 586,896 3.t36 21S,457 218.593
Name of Circuit Upper Thames Melhodisl Cir¢uit No (K)7123 Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2023 MotÈ5 to Clrcult Model Designated the Goneral Fund Trust Funds accoyrnts IUnrtstrlct8dl IUnre8trl¢todl lunrtstrlctedl Restrlctèd Endowment Funds Fn$ Total 2022-23 Income 1 Donation5 and legacie5 2 Income from monetary investments 3 Income from inv8s1mani prop8rties 4 A8s&ssmants on Churches 5 Capital Rece1pIs 6 Grants received 7 Other ttharilable income 8 TDtal Incorne 5.460 8.809 14,269 103.348 103.3d8 9.088 117.876 9.068 126,685 8.809 Expenditura 9 Grants and donations 10 Salaries 8nd associated costs 11 Property maintenance 12 Connexional assessment & model trust lavy 13 Dlsirici Asseytsmanl & Levy 14 Deprecialion 15 0ftiTr eXnSeS 16 Other outgoin95 17 Total chariiabl• oxpfyndltu 18 Gainslllossesl on monetary Inveslments 19 Gainslllos5e51 on MMT properiie5 20 Not sncomollexp8ndltur•l 21 Transfèrs beiv4È8n funds 22 Other gaIn{lOsses1 23 Net movement in funds 24 Total fund5 brought forward l5 Total lunds carrled forward 57.7fj2 38,531 5T,762 38,531 32,840 67.882 120.522 43,330 172.263 525 88.407 43,855 260,670 -254 278.740 142,501 23,179 -31.208 50.000 253,561 173,709 50.OOD 18,792 196,410 215,202 123,709 191.1S6 314,B65 142,501 387,566 330,067
Name cl Cifcuil. Upper Thames Meiho&iSI No 007123 Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024 DH4nal•d Enduwm•nt TfU¥ty Funth 2ll2¥23 uifM•nl F.B89 cir011 TKICP TMCP Cent1 Fin?80r DFpJ51 Ch In h3fjd 1.077 JU7.9]1 118.829 s1.7 535,211 3BE.303 Idupill ur 1 yewrl 1.D 5.151 s.ly 530,081 218.593 368,3DS 516,8 rvtpl4¥set9 218.59J $86,896 530.067 duE aftpr morethan one 358,303 586 5JO.0S7 218.593 .303 Cittuil VDdti T.uSI F JndlUnrnsM•dl JEB $8&898 520,067 1Ted Fu-Yd5 ElldDwmpniFund5 TotilFunds 218,593 368.3Q3 $86,6 Signed Circuit Tr8asurer
Upper Thames Methodist Circuit 31 August 2024 Notes to the Accounts 1 Basis of accounting The financial stalemenls have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 in 8ccord&nce wth the 2014 version ol Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice ISORPI applicab5e to charib.es pparing their accounts in accordance with FRS102 - the Charities SORP IFRS1021 and taking note of the Update Bulletin 1 issued in 2016. No Cash Flow Statement is included as perrnitted by ISORPI FRS 102. 2 Funds Thg funds held constitute". General Funds held for any purpose of the Circuit which are Unrestricted. The Circuit Model Trust Fund ha5 wid8 purposes d6fined in Standing Orders and is catOrsed as unrestricted. Restricted fund5 which are held for a narrower purpose. The are no Endowment funds. Details of each material fund are di5c1osed in the final note to these accounts. Any funds may be presented by more than just cash. 3 Accounting policies Basis These accounts have been ppared on the basis of historical cost except that investments ar9 Shown at th8ir Tharket value at the end of the year, on the accruals basis to show a true and fair view of th8 Circuit's financial position and activibes. Incoming Resources Income 1$ included in the Statement of Financial Activities ISOFAI when the Circuit becomes entitled to the resources, and the trustees a aSonablY certain they will receive the resources.. and the monetary value ¢an b rn8a5urèd sufficient reliability. Resources Expended This is cogniSed when a liability is illQLJrred, or a constructlV8 obligation anses, that results in the payment being unavoidable. Liabilities 8re recognis8d as soon as an oufflow of economic benefrt is considered more likely than not under the legal or constructive obluation committing the Circuit to pay out sours. Grants Grants made by the Circuit from its own fvnds are recognised in full at th8 tim8 of agreement or when the Circuit aCpt8 that there is a legal or operational obligation lo make the payrnent. VAT Since the CirGuil is not VAT registered, a11 input VAT Is charged with the expenses to which il refers. Tangible fixed assets for use by the Circuit Tangibl& fixed assets a capitalised if Ihey can be used for rnore than one year. and ¢o$l at1east £500. Investments Investments are v8lued in th8 balance sheet al market value at the year end. 1nvestment income is included in the accounts when reo8ivable and any gains or losses ori r8valuation at the year end are shown in the SOFA. Debtors and Prepayments Trade and othgr debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayrnents are valu8d al the amount prepaid. Croditors Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probeb1y resLJIt in th8 transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle Ihe obligation can be measured or estirnated reliably. Creditors are fecognised at their settlement amount
Upper Thames Methodist Circutt 31 August 2024 Notes to the Accounts Iconlinued) 4 Payment to Trusteos There We no payments made to trustees lor additional services provided to ihe Circuit by agreement with the Circuit Meeting, this excludes stipends. Trustee expenses 2023124 2022123 Number of Trustees Total amount £2,389 £3,613 Expense payrnenls primarily relate to reimbursement for travel and computing costs 5 Fees for examination or audit of the accounts 2023124 2022123 Independent exarlliner's or auditors, fees for reporting on the accounts Other fees le.g.: advice, accountancy servicesl paid lo the independent examiner or auditor 1,500 1,400 NIL NIL 6 Paid employees Staff Costs paid during the yearwere.. Gross wages, salaries and benefits in kind Employer's National Insurance costs Pension costs Total staff costs 2023124 2022123 74,690 45,451 6,005 15,356 96,051 3,762 8,549 57,762 Averag8 number of full-time gquivalent employgos in the year were- 7 Capital Commitments and Contingent Liabilities Al the 31 sl August 2024 there are no capital commitments. No Conlingenl liabilities were identified at 31 sl August 2024.
Upper Thames Methodist Circuit 31 August 2024 Notes to the Accounts (continued) 8 Tangible Fixed Assets Cost or valuation Flxtures, filtings and equipmgnt Payments on account and assets under constructlon Other bulldings Land Manses Total Balance brou hl forward Additions Revaluations Dis osals Transfers Balance carried forw8rd Accumulated depreciation Balance brou hl fonrlarci Depreciation charge for ear Rev31ualions +l- Dis osals Transfers. Balance carried forward Net book value Brou hl forward Carried forward 9 Investment assets The circuit has no Investment properties The circuit has no cornmon investment fund holdings
10 Analysis of restricted and designated funds 2023-24 Rastricted Fund Name Opening Balance Incoming Resources Resources Expondad Transfers Closing Balance Purpose of the fund Totals 'Comparative analysis of restricted and designated funds 2022-2023 Restricted Fund Name Opaning Balancg Incoming Resources Resources Expended Transfers Closlng Balance Purpose of the fund Totals