2020-08-31-accounts - St Albans And Welwyn Methodist Circuit

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

THE METHODIST CHURCH

STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS ACCRUALS BASIS

for the year ended 31 August 2020

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit Registered Charity - Registration number 1134370 Beds, Essex and Herts District Circuit no 34/13 Ministers Rev Rosemary Fletcher Rev Bruce Anderson Rev Ali Facey Rev Andrew Prout Deacon Linda Kinchenton Circuit stewards Mr Peter Barlow from 4.2.20 - senior Mr John Scott - finance Mrs Angela Andrews Mrs Becky Apampa Mrs Louise Bourton to 10.5.20 Mr Guy Fenner Mr John Robinson to 16.1.20 Mr Peter Wallace Circuit treasurer Mr John Scott

Intrc Aims Revii Incoi Expe Fun Plan,,

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2020

oduction

We are in the Beds, Essex and Herts District which comprises 12 circuits in those 3 counties. Our circuit is called St. Albans and Welwyn and covers an area of mid-Hertfordshire, and has 10 churches: Hatfield Road and Marlborough Road in St. Albans; Birchwood and Oxlease in Hatfield, Digswell Village, Ludwick Way, Panshanger in the Welwyn area; and St John's Potters Bar, Shenley and Radlett in the Hertsmere area. Three of these churches are part of ecumenical partnerships: Digswell Village Church (with the Church of England), Radlett (with the United Reformed Church) and Panshanger (with the Church of England, the United Reformed Church and Baptist Church).

s and organisation

The Mission of the St Albans and Welwyn circuit is to reveal the Kingdom of God through the Methodist people and their ecummenical partners across Cental Hertfordshire. We aim through the Holy Spirit in the worship of God, building up the church, making disciples of Jesus Christ and transforming society by working for justice , peace and unity.

ew of the year

As with the rest of the country, we have had the year severely disrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic. Despite this we have held our regular circuit quiet day, our regular study evenings have continued to be run albeit on a more ad hoc basis. Initially in person but in the latter part of the year using Zoom technology. The requirement for suitable safeguarding training continues and some sessions have been run during the year. We continue to hold Circuit services and events to celebrate festivals and enable the provision of a variety of worship styles and to foster a Circuit identity to support our common aims. We have continued to meet this need online as much as possible. Since lockdown the Circuit have produced a weekly service which has been both emailed to members and those linked with the churches as well as being hand delivered or posted to those who do not have internet facilities. An online, audio visual, version of the service has also been prepared and hosted on one of the Circuit churches websites each week. We continue to develop and review church and Circuit growth plans developing further our vision for the future mission of the Circuit as requested by the Methodist Conference. We are grateful to the large amount of support from those in the Circuit who have ensured that we are able to continue to serve our local churches and congregations with the minimum disruption during this difficult period of lockdown and separation

me trends

At the time of writing, church attendance is subject to covid 19 restrictions and some tenants are unable to access church premises, both factors affecting income at church level. The circuit is grateful that most churches anticipate maintaining the assessment at last year's levels.

enditure trends

Stipends increase each financial year as directed by Conference.

The circuit contribution to District and Connexion to fund the wider work of the Methodist church was 22% of circuit expenditure.

Normal manse maintenance expenditure remained lower than usual as there was limited access due to covid 19 restrictions and no stationing redecoration this year.

d balances

As at 31 August 2020 the net current assets of the Circuit were £222,547 giving months 9 cover for budgeted expenditure, and meeting the Circuit's reserve policy.

s for 2020/21

The 2020/21 budget has been prepared on the basis of 4 full time presbyters, a full time deacon and a part-time administrator, with inflationary cost increases. Assessments from churches have generally been held at 2019/20 levels and we are budgeting for a small deficit.

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit Trustee’s Annual Report on Finance and Governance

Basis of preparation and legal framework

The Charity’s annual report and accounts 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(FRSSE) 2015

Full Name of Charity: St Albans and Welwyn Methodist Circuit

Registration Charity Number: 1134370

Main communication address: 133B Hatfield Road St Albans AL1 4JX

The members of the St Albans and Welwyn 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 at Appendix A.

Circuit Ministers and Officers

Active Circuit Ministers

Rev Rosemary Fletcher Rev Bruce Anderson Rev Ali Facey Rev Andrew Prout Deacon Linda Kinchenton

Circuit Stewards

Administrator

Mr Peter Barlow from 4.2.20 Mrs Angela Andrews Mrs Becky Apampa Mrs Louise Bourton to 10.5.20 Mr Guy Fenner Mr John Robinson to 16.1.20 Mr John Scott Mr Peter Wallace Mr Chris Hancock [interim]

Mr John Scott acted as the principal officer overseeing the day to day financial management and accounting for the circuit during the year.

Independent Examiner Newman Morris

Investment Bankers

Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for the Methodist Church purposes

Aims and o Charity obje Methodist C

The purpose been since

The organis non membe The teachin The resourc Taking relig Promotion o Provision of

Public Ben

The circuit p and the gen promotion o

Structure,

The govern Detailed go the Method is undertake

Trustee Tra

A range of g specifically meeting me

Related Pa

The Circuit Conference The followin Birchwood, Panshanger

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit

organisation

ective is to act as a resource provider within the area around St Albans and Welwyn for the Church:

es of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have 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

sation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and ers alike.

ng of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. cing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved. ious assemblies in local schools.

of Christianity through the staging of events and services.

f chaplaincy services to the local university and other institutions.

nefit

provides public benefit through educational resources available to both church members neral public, supporting circuit staff and churches in providing public worship and the of charitable giving at both circuit and national level.

Governance and Management

ing document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976) vernance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of ist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD). Day to day management of the circuit en by the Circuit Leadership team along with the Local Preachers meeting.

aining

guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the circuit, the leaflet ‘The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church’ is given to all new Circuit embers as induction to their role as trustees.

arties

is part of the Beds Essex & Herts District and is also accountable to the Methodist

. ng Methodist Churches are linked to the circuit: Marlborough Road, Hatfield Road, Oxlease, Radlett Free, St Johns Potters Bar, Ludwick Way, Shenley, Digswell and

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit

Risk Management

The Circuit Leadership Team and other circuit members raise any risks they have identified with the Circuit Superintendent and /or the Circuit meeting. The risk to properties is covered by insurance .

Income and Expenditure is monitored and is compared with the approved annual budget to identify trends and mitigate any unforseen call on reserves.

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 will 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 will 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 will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, 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 of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice

The St Albans and Welwyn 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 St Albans and Welwyn 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.

Reserves Policy

The Circuit policy is to hold a minimum of 6 months’ average expenditure, to meet unforeseen major expenditure on manses and to be able to continue, in the short term, the circuit's planned activities in the event of shortfall the assessment from churches.

----- Start of picture text -----
Name of Circuit St Albans and Welwyn St Albans and Welwyn Circuit Number 34/13
8Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2020
£ £ £ £ £
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies 2 620 0 620 100
Charitable activities 0 0
Assessments or share 3 286,020 286,020 294,220
Other 0 0
Other trading activities 0 0
- Lettings 0 0
- Miscellaneous 0 0
Investments 4 1,027 594 1,621 1,318
Other 5 39,000 39,000 9,200
Total 287,667 594 39,000 327,261 304,838
Expenditure on:
Stipends, salaries, NIC & Pension costs 6 147,444 9,000 156,444 171,923
District Assessment 57,168 57,168 56,904
Methodist Church Fund 0 0
Telephone & travel 7,225 7,225 10,026
Insurance, utilities, etc 19,843 19,843 19,352
Maintenance on manses 6,919 30,236 37,155 8,661
Expenditure on other Circuit property 0 0
Depreciation 0 0
Provisions 0 0
Other Expenditure 9,913 183 10,096 9,171
Grants and Donations 7 15,480 15,480 500
Contributions to District Advance Fund 2,294 2,294 2,337
Total 263,992 2,477 39,236 305,705 278,874
Net income/(expenditure) 23,675 -1,883 -236 21,556 25,964
Transfers between funds 8 24,764 -25,000 236 0 0
48,439 -26,883 0 21,556 25,964
Other recognised gains / (losses):
Gains/(Losses) on revaluation of fixed assets 0 0
Gains/(Losses) on investment assets 0
Actuarial gains /(losses) on defined benefit
pension schemes 0
Net movement in funds 48,439 -26,883 0 21,556 25,964
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 3,846,591 91,750 0 3,938,341 3,912,377
Total funds carried forward 3,895,030 64,867 0 3,959,897 3,938,341
For information only Money received and passed on to External Organisations
Balance brought forward from last year 0 0
Offerings/Gifts - received for External Organisations 0 212
Offerings/Gifts - passed to External Organisations 0 212
Balance carried forward 0 0
Notes to the accounts Unrestricted funds CMTF (Unrestricted) Restricted Funds Totals this year Totals last year
----- End of picture text -----

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit

Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2020

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Circuit Model Restricted Totals this year Totals last year
Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
£ £ £ £ £
Tangible Fixed Assets
Notes
Land & Buildings 11 3,740,000 3,740,000 3,740,000
Equipment 0 0
Investment properties 0 0
Investments 0 0
Total fixed assets 3,740,000 0 0 3,740,000 3,740,000
Current Assets
Debtors and Prepayments 12 14,192 14,192 13,866
Loans by Circuit 13 0 0 10,250
Trustees for Methodist Church
Purposes deposits 64,867 64,867 91,750
Central Finance Board Deposits 173,435 173,435 103,259
Cash at Bank and in hand 14 8,292 8,292 9,868
Total current assets 195,919 64,867 0 260,786 228,993
Creditors and Accruals (due in
under 1 yr) 15 38,239 38,239 30,652
Net current assets (liabilities) 157,680 64,867 0 222,547 198,341
Total assets less current
liabilities 3,897,680 64,867 0 3,962,547 3,938,341
Loans and creditors due after 1
year
Provisions for liabilities and
charges 16 2,650 0 0 2,650 0
Net assets 3,895,030 64,867 0 3,959,897 3,938,341
Funds of the Circuit 17
Unrestricted funds 3,895,030 3,895,030 3,846,591
Circuit Model Trust Fund
(Unrestricted) 64,867 64,867 91,750
Restricted funds 0 0 -
Endowment funds - -
Total Funds 3,895,030 64,867 - 3,959,897 3,938,341
----- End of picture text -----

There are no internal organisations that report to the Circuit Meeting.

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit

Notes to the Accounts

1 Accounting policies

Basis

These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost except that investments are shown at their market These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost on the accruals basis to show a true and fair view of the Circuit’s financial position and activities modified by the revaluation of freehold property.

Funds

The funds held constitute: General Funds held for any purpose of the Circuit which are unrestricted. The Circuit Model Trust Fund has wide purposes defined in Standing Orders and is categorised as unrestricted. Restricted funds which are held for a narrower purpose. Details of each material fund are disclosed in the notes to these accounts.

Income recognition

Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Circuit becomes entitled to the resources, the trustees are reasonably certain they will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Resources expended

Expenses are recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, that results in the payment being unavoidable. Liabilities are recognised as soon as an outflow of resources is considered more likely than not under a legal or constructive obligation.

VAT

The Circuit is not VAT registered. Input VAT is charged with the expense to which it refers.

Tangible fixed assets for use by the Circuit

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least £5,000.

The freehold property is shown in the accounts at estimated 2017 value. No depreciation is provided on the buildings because the trustees consider the current residual fair value of each building (on the assumption that it had reached the end of its useful economic life by the year-end) to be not less than its current value. Any depreciation would not be material. The property has been reviewed for impairment. It should be noted that if a manses were to be sold a significant part of the proceeds may have to be paid to other bodies within the wider Methodist church.

Debtors and prepayments

Debtors include the payment of the September stipend in August.

Creditors and accruals

Creditors include sundry expenses and the assessment for the first month's assessment of the following year received in August.

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit

Unrestricted Restricted 620 0 0 620 100 Circuit Model Trust Fund 2020 Total 2019 Total	Unrestricted Restricted 620 0 0 620 100 Circuit Model Trust Fund 2020 Total 2019 Total	Unrestricted Restricted 620 0 0 620 100 Circuit Model Trust Fund 2020 Total 2019 Total
84,000 84,000 52,800 52,800 16,000 16,000 65,400 65,400 6,840 6,840 3,240 3,240 19,200 19,200 16,400 24,600 20,400 20,400 1,740 1,740 286,020 294,220 1,027 594 0 1,621 1,318	84,000 84,000 52,800 52,800 16,000 16,000 65,400 65,400 6,840 6,840 3,240 3,240 19,200 19,200 16,400 24,600 20,400 20,400 1,740 1,740
	286,020 294,220
20,000 20,000 0 10,000 10,000 0 9,000 9,000 9,000 0 200
0 0 39,000 39,000 9,200

	135,630	127,157
	-22,211
	10,139	10,656
	32,311	32,810
	575	1,300
	156,444	171,923
	5.3 5.4
	2,000 0 3,200 0 500 0 4,000 0 5,780 0 0 300 0 100 0 100
	15,480 500
	950	1,000
	NIL	NIL

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit

11 Tangible fxed assets Manses, at estimated 2017 values 41 Cubitts Close, Digswell 9 Allandale, St Albans 16 Gainsborough Avenue, St Albans 67 Baker Street, Potters Bar 8 Chipmunk Chase, Hatfeld	2020 2019 550,000 550,000 700,000 700,000 1,000,000 1,000,000 900,000 900,000 590,000 590,000
	3,740,000 3,740,000

It should be noted that if a manse were to be sold a significant part of the proceeds may have to be paid to other bodies within the wider Methodist church. During 2019/20 the circuit received a district grant of £20,000 towards the cost of alterations at Chipmunk Chase. This grant may be reapyable if the manse is sold. It is considered the alterations will have no material affect of the value of the manse.

12. Current assets

Debtors and prepayments Prepaid stipends 13 Loan Balance at 1.9.19 Repayments in year Loan balance written of Balance at 31.8.20 14. Cash at bank CAF Bank 15. Current liabilities Assessments in advance Grants accrued - due 2020/21 Other accruals 16. Loans and creditors due after 1 year Hatfeld Road - family and youth worker £4,000 over 3 years	14,192 13,866
	10,250 11,250 -4,470 -1,000 -5,780 0
	0 10,250
	8,292 9,868
	22,120 23,040 7,050 0 9,069 7,612
	38,239 30,652
	2,650 0

----- Start of picture text -----
17. Detailed analysis of individual fund movements
Unrestricted Funds
Unrestricted Fund Name Opening Income Expenditure Transfers Closing Purpose of the fund
Balance Balance
General 3,846,591 287,667 263,992 24,764 3,895,030 General circuit purposes
Circuit model trust fund 91,750 594 2,477 -25,000 64,867 Unrestricted
Totals 3,938,341 288,261 266,469 -236 3,959,897
Restricted Funds
Restricted Fund Name Opening Income Expenditure Transfers Closing Purpose of the fund
Balance Balance
District grants 0 39,000 39,236 236 0 See note 5
----- End of picture text -----

18. Capital Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

The circuit has no capital commitments or contingent liabilities except as disclosed in the accounts

19 Related party transactions

Related party transactions are as disclosed in the accounts and notes. The circuit also pays Hatfield Road MC £ 1,000 per year for the use of an office

Appendix A

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit

CIRCUIT MEETING MEMBERSHIP

MINISTERS

Revd Rosemary Fletcher Revd Alison Facey Revd Andrew Prout Revd Bruce Anderson Deacon Linda Kinchenton ASSOCIATE MINISTERS Revd Sue Stilwell Revd Hayley Young SUPERNUMERARY MINISTERS Revd John Churcher Revd Peter Hudson Revd David Mullins Revd Colin Rowe LAYWORKERS None CIRCUIT STEWARDS Peter Barlow from 4.2.20 John Scott Angela Andrews Becky Apampa Louise Bourton to 10.5.20 Guy Fenner John Robinson to 16.1.20 Peter Wallace

Circuit Local Preachers & Worship Leaders representatives Stuart Johnson Chris Hancock Circuit Safeguarding Co-ordinator Steve Matthews Circuit Manses Roger Wright Mission and outreach representative Helen Roberts Methodist Women in Britain Secretary / Easter Offering Jean Blight

CIRCUIT CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES

CIRCUIT CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES
Birchwood Methodist Church	Oxlease Methodist Church
Brenda Collins	Hazel Laming
Valerie Chapman	Pretty Nkiwane
Doris Crabtree	Addy Olubajo
Digswell Village Church	Panshanger Church
Diana Holt	Louise Bowman
Mike Peacock	Stuart Johnson
Jane Lewis	Radlett Free Church
Hatfeld Road Methodist Church	Diana Johnston
Denise Willingham	Tony Ostler
Eric Bridgstock	Shirley Herbert
Joanna Rose	St John's Methodist Church
	Chris Humphreys
Chris Hancock	Robert Ward
Ludwick Way Methodist Church	David Best
Tony Stubbs	David Bowler
Helen Roberts	Myra Sloper
Bob Cameron	Shenley Methodist Church
Vince Gilbert	Yvonne Perry
Marlborough Road Methodist Church	Honey-Anne Greco
Jenny Evers	Tonino Greco
Carl Meredith	Louise Bourton
Jean Blight	Journey Light
Ann Scorer	Chris Hancock
Mike Scorer
Janis Gilbert

Name of Circuit St Albans and Welwyn No 34/13

Declarations and Scrutiny

I confirm that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 31 August 2020 ha prepared from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under th of the Circuit meeting.

Signature of treasurer ……………J Scott Date 2 March 2021

Name and address of treasurer : John Scott 26 College Street, St Albans AL3 4PN

Presentation to the Circuit meeting

I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 202 were presented to the Circuit meeting held on 2 March 2021

Signature of the Chair of the meeting ………A Prout

Name of the Chair of the meeting Rev'd A Prout Date 2 March 2021

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit

Charity Number: 1134370

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the St Albans and Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2020 set out on pages 1 to 13. As the Circ trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Circuit’s accounts carried out under 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the appl Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

ave been he control

d Welwyn cuit’s with the r section icable

St Albans and Welwyn Circuit No 34/13

Independent Examiner’s Statement

The Circuit’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below*) which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
· the accounts do not accord with the accounting records; or

the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

the trustees’ annual report is not consistent with the accounts.

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.

I have obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date.

Signature of independent examiner ………C S Morris

Name of independent examiner ……… Christopher Morris

Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner … Chartered Accountant

Name of firm … Newman Morris Ltd

Address Wellington House, 273-275 High Street, London Colney, Herts AL2 1HA

Date 08/02/21

delete or circle as appropriate