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2021-08-31-accounts

DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

Circuit Accruals Accounts 2020-21

THE METHODIST CHURCH

STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS ACCRUALS BASIS

for the year ended 31 August

2021

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Forest Circuit Circuit no 35/33
Registered Charity - Registration number 1134384
Circuit Superintendent Minister The Revd Anthony Guy Malcolm
and Chair of Trustees
Circuit Ministers Revd Oseias Da Silva
Revd Hilary Cheng
Revd Sue Creighton
Revd Stephanie Njeru
Circuit Stewards Dallion Roye
Lincoln Fearon
Circuit Treasurer Mrs Florestine Corbett
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2021 Final Accts 20-21 DRAFT 3-CRSH.xlsx

DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1 Introduction

The Forest Methodist Circuit was until 1st September 2006, one of the constituent circuits of the London North East District. On 2nd September 2006 that district ceased to exist and a new London District was formed of which the Forest Circuit became part. There are twelve local churches in the Forest Circuit.

On the 18th February 2010 the Circuit was entered into the Register of Charities in England & Wales.

The Managing Trustees of the Forest Circuit are those members of the Circuit Meeting who have agreed to be the Circuit trustees. The Circuit Meeting meets at least twice each year to consider the work of God in the Circuit and the general management of the Circuit and its business. The membership of the meeting is governed by the Standing Orders of the Methodist Church. The Circuit Leadership team (CLT) are appointed by the Circuit Meeting to act upon its behalf between Circuit Meetings, with guidance where appropriate from the Circuit Finance Group. The CLT comprises, the Circuit Superintendent Minister, the Ministerial Staff team, the Circuit Stewards and the Circuit Financial Steward (treasurer) and the Circuit Safeguarding officer

2 Objectives and Activities

2.1 Aims and organisation

The aims of the Circuit Meeting through its officers are to:

2.2 The Forest Circuit Vision

The Circuit's current mission statement is "The Forest Circuit is committed to further God's Kingdom by enabling and supporting the local churches in the growth of their discipleship and mission; resourcing local churches under the power of the Holy Spirit to function as effective worship, witness and community wellbeing".

The circuit achieves this by holding the following values in all its dealings with individuals, communities, local and national authorities, other charities and businesses,

The Vision, its wording and Implementation shall be reviewed annually. It provides for the:

2.3 Circuit Goals

The principal purpose of the circuit is to act as a supporting body between Churches and the District and Connexion. The circuit does not seek and in large measure, does not attain direct contact with the public. The direct contact is by the Churches. It is these that the circuit supports in their desire to provide benefit to the public.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

3 Review of progress and achievements

3.1 The Forest Circuit Annual Report

The year to 31st August 2021 has again been a difficult year for the Forest Circuit. The Forest Circuit ministerial team reduced by one to 5 and the circuit stewards reduced by 1 to two. Churches were once again impacted by the pandemic which then again had a knock on effect on the Circuit, pastorally and financially.

Many churches did risk assessments and made arrangments for small congregations to return to worship at the church buildings. A few chuches also established online and interactive technology to link the small church congregations with those joining the service via Zoom from their homes.

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to cause much sadness, pain and disruption in the lives of the churches and congregations in the Circuit. The ministers, local preachers and lay church leadership teams continue to do their best to reach out to isolated members of the congregations and comforting grieving families.

Despite the issues cause by the pandemic, the training program for Worship Leaders and Local Preachers was able to continue via Zoom. Also a series of GDPR familiarisation courses were held via Zoom. The Circuit celebrated the acceptance of Adela Da Silva for training to the Diaconate.

Circuit Meetings during the year were again held online, which excluded some representatives without the required facilities. It is hoped that face to face meeting will soon be possible.

A Circuit Finance Group continued to meet regularly, monitoring and managing the difficult financial position of the Circuit, but also trying to liaise with churches to share information and expertise and in some cases provide assistance. However there remains financial management difficulties due to the lack of experienced treasurers and trustees.

A Circuit Strategy Development Group was established, to build on the earlier Grey / Blue sky thinking considered the previous year, exploring who we are as a Circuit and what the future might hold for the Circuit. Churches were also asked to consider their position and future, in preparation for discussion about the circuit as a whole.

The property at Hollywood Way, no longer being needed as a manse, was rented out through an agent following some necessary maintenance work.

The Circuit meeting agreed that as the manses at Hartley road and Windsor road became empty, they should be sold. These properties are no longer needed to house ministerial staff and would require considerable effort and funds to refurbish, which the circuit did not have. The sale of the Hartley Road manse was completed in July 2021. The sale of the Windsor Road manse is progressing.

The Circuit is grateful to the circuit stewards for their considerable work in relation to the Circuit manse property.

Trinity Debden became a class of Loughton Methodist Church and a group was established for its management. Loughton church however would not be able to financially support Trinity Debden should additonal funds be required for capital expenditure e.g. on the building. Grants would need to be applied for from the circuit.

Following the 2019-20 audit, the auditor provided guidance on how governance should be improved in relation to Capital spend, this was shared with the Circuit Trustees, noted and proposals made for improvement.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

3.2 Plans for future years

The focus for 21-22 is the future of the churches in the circuit, assisting each church to consider its vision, plans and capabilities.

The Circuit leadership team has taken the lead in preparing a questionaire, to be completed by all churches, assisting them to clarify their personnel and financial resources, and their plans to meet their vision for the future in a realistic light. The results will enable a circuit staffing level to be established and ideas considered for circuit focus for the next 5 years.

The Local Preacher and Worship leader training program will continue and more and more face to face preaching appointments are hoped for.

The Circuit Finance Group continue to monitor the finances of the Circuit and provide support and expertise to the circuit trustees, leadership team and churches as requested.

4 Financial Review

Once again it has been a difficult year financially for many churches in the Circuit. Churches have again been closed for a large part of the year due to the pandemic, so letting income has been reduced and offerings normally received at the sunday service has also been reduced. More churches would be advised to encourage offerings to be made directly to the church bank accounts, e.g. by standing order or online banking. This reduced church income has had a knock on effect on Circuit finances.

Total Income in the year was £374,582 of which £351,652 was due from church assessments and £22,643 was received from the rental of the Hollywood Way property. However, a number of churches were not able to pay their assessments in full in the year. £91,690 (26%) of the in year assessment due was unpaid at the end of August 2021. £44,790 (12.7%) of this has since been paid, but £46,900 (13.3%) remains outstanding.

The larger part, of the outstanding assessment amount relates to Lighthouse Methodist Church, which has been impacted by a number of difficult issues in the the last few years. However considerable new effort from the church is being put into turning their situation around. A group of the Lighthouse church are in discussion with the Circuit Finance Group to explore potential ways to restructure the repayment, over a longer period. Since the end of the year, the Lighthouse church has received a significant legacy which has enabled them to repay £50,000 of the amount owed to the Circuit.

The total expenditure in the year was £695,301. giving a net deficit of £320,719. This includes the Connexional Priority Funds Levy of £302,393 paid out of the proceeds of sale of the Hartley Road Manse. With this levy excluded the expenditure for the year is £392,282 giving a net deficit of £18,326.

From the Circuit cashflow report, it could be seen that if the sale of one of the manses was not completed by November, the Circuit would have no funds to pay its essential bills such as stipends, manse expenses and District assessment. An application was therefore made to the District Advance Fund for a loan until the funds were received from the manse sale. £50,000 was granted. The funds for the sale of the manse came through in July 2021 and the loan was repaid in August 2021.

An account was opened in the name of the Circuit with the Charity Aid Foundation (CAF Bank). Through this account online facilities with dual authorisation is possible, enabling faster payment of invoices, expenses, transfers to and from the Central Finance board account etc. Thorough operational procedures around the online banking facilities were established and documented to ensure the best goverance.

A further £32,052 was spent on manse renovation in the year 20-21. (19-20 £104,134 ). In addition to general manse maintenance.

It came to light in the year that the Circuit had agreed grant commitments from previous years which had not been paid. Minutes of Circuit meeting were checked and the amounts included in the account accruals for payment in the 21-22 financial year.

The Circuit is a vehicle for the group of churches to operate together to benefit from shared activity and costs. It does not stand alone. A failing church impacts all other churches in the circuit. From a financial standpoint, the Circuit has so far been fortunate in that it has had manses to sell. However significant financial management and forward planning is needed to prevent a repeat of last year’s serious cash flow problems. Circuit Trustees should therefore be aware of the financial position of individual churches in the circuit as well as the Forest Circuit itself.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

5 Reserves policy and level

5.1 Reserves Policy

The Forest Circuit is required to provide a manse for each minister stationed in the Circuit as a base for work as well as home. Such manses satisfy the accommodation guidelines in CPD Book VII Part 2. The value of these properties are shown as fixed assets in a designated fund.

The Circuit also needs to maintain an operating reserve approximately equal to 6 months of annual expenditure in order to allow for any urgent work to its Manses and to avoid cash flow problems caused by late or non payment of church assessments, as occurred in 2019-20.

5.2 Explanation and reserves level.

Fixed Assets: (Designated)

The Circuit currently has 7 residential properties. 5 are now used as manses for ministers stationed in the Circuit. 1 is being let and a further property is soon to be sold. The total capital value of all these properties is £5,720,000. Remaining fixed assets of £1,411 are for depreciating equipment.

Current assets: (Unrestricted)

The unrestricted current assets amount to £651,449. However this includes approximately £100,000 of debtors for which there is currently no clear repayment date. A more realistic value therefore is £551,449. After setting aside an operating balance equivalent to approximately 6 mths annual expenditure, £169,000, the remaining reserves are £382,449, This is equivalent to 13.5 months operating expenditure.

Whilst the Circuit’s difficult financial position has been alleviated for the moment, it must be emphasised that careful management is required to ensure future financial stability and effective use of charitable funds.

5.3 Restricted fund

The Circuit's Benevolent fund is the only restricted fund held at the end of the year.

6 Related Parties

The Forest Methodist Circuit is part of the London District of the Methodist church and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The Churches in the Forest are listed in Note 2 of the accounts.

The Forest Circuit's main source of funding is the assessments obtained from each church within the Circuit. The assessments are used to defray the cost of administering the Circuit and to pay the contributions to the expenses of the London Methodist District and to the Methodist Church Fund i.e. the Methodist Connexion.

The approach to calculating each Church's contributions to the Circuit is also discussed in Note 2 of the accounts.

7 Public Benefit Requirement

The trustees had due regard to the guidance published by the Charities Commission in compliance with its duties under section 4 of the Charities Act 2011.

This guidance sets out two key principles:

  1. The organisation must have an identifiable benefit.

  2. The benefit must be to the public or a section of the public.

The church exists to:

The trustees consider that for these reasons the charity meets these public benefit requirements.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

8 Circuit Trustee Responsibilities

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees must:

8.3 The Forest Circuit Meeting

The Forest Circuit Meeting meets at least 2 times a year to deal with routine and exceptional matters. It seeks to think strategically about the work of the Circuit and carry out administrative matters for the Circuit. Its key functions have been:

The Circuit Meeting considers the various risks facing the circuit and the impact and the likelihood of issues occuring. Guidance is received from the London District of the Methodist Church and th Methodist connexion. The headings under which the risks are being categorised include:

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2021 Final Accts 20-21 DRAFT 3-CRSH.xlsx

DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

10 Trustees of the Circuit Date Retired Appointed since as Trustee 1 September 2021

Revd Hilary Cheng
Revd Oseias da Silva
Revd Sue Creighton
Revd Anthony Guy Malcolm
Revd Stephanie Njeru
Revd Jongikaya Zihle
Revd Armstrong Fummey
Dallion Roye
Lincoln Fearon
Florestine Corbett
Malcolm Bell 31/08/21
Janet Tweedale
Graham Burgess
Christine Okpattah
Gary Ian Marshall
Sheila Elizabeth Wintergill 24/02/22
Stella Heskey 16/12/21
Gill Geddes
Martin Howarth
Jane Gooding 01/02/22
Sharon Heather
Stephen Murray
Patricia Bott
Gordon Trevor Lumer
Loyl Marcia Brandt
Elvena Bernita Brumant
Joseph Kusi
Leslie Stowe
Pat Evans
Shahla Zare-Azirani 31/08/20
Robert Amey
Hannah Roberts
Bernard Mansell
Carole Merriman
Jean Norton
Hazel Mathews
Pat Ovenden
Kathleen Poole
Michael Higgins
Maxine Ansah 31/08/21
Andronica Mugenbe
Phyllis Lloyd 01/09/21

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

11 Structure, governance and management

The Forest Ciruit is an unincorporated association and is governed by the Methodist Church Act 1976, the deed of Union and the Model Trust Deeds of the Methodist Church. It was registered with the charity Commissioners on 12th March 2010.

Circuits are the coordinating charities for local groups of churches; circuits pay the stipends of the ministers and circuit employed lay staff to serve the churches in the circuit; most decisions are made at or ratified by the circuit meetings. Some churches, who can afford it also employ their own lay workers, e.g. to assist with church managment and administration. A District is the coordinating charity for a group of contiguous circuits and makes its decisions at half yearly synods. The Methodist Conference meets once each year as the supreme denominational body for all Methodist Churches.

11.2 Purpose of the Circuit

The Circuit is an expression, over a lesser geographical area than a District, of the Connexional character of the Methodist Church. The purposes of the Methodist church are and shall be deemed to have been since the date of the union the advancement of:

The primary purpose of this Circuit is to advance the mission of the church in this are of London by:

11.3 Governance

The Circuit operates within a statutory framework of regulation and seeks to ensure that it follows Methodist Standing Orders. It relies on the London District, Connexional Office and the Charity Commission to provide guidance on changes that could affect the Circuit.

Detailed governance arrangments are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church bythe order of the annual conference (CPD)

Day to day management of the Forest Circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership team along with the Local Preachers meeting, and the Circuit Finance Group.

The Circuit Meeting consists of representatives of the local churches within the Circuit who are all annually appointed by Church Councils The Circuit Superintendent is ex officio chair of the Circuit Meeting.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

12 Reference and Administration Details

Approval

28/6/2022

The report was approved by the trustees on ……………………. and signed on their behalf by:

…………………………………………….

Revd Anthony Guy Malcolm Circuit Superintendent & Chair of Trustees

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

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General Fund Reserves Manse Manse Circuit Total Total
(Unrestricted) Funds Renovation Valuation Benevolent 2020-21 2019-20
(Designated) 2020 (Designated) fund
(Designated) (Restricted)
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Incoming Resources
1 Donations & Legacies 3 - - - - -
2 Interest and Investment Income 4 29 258 - - - 287 440
3 Manse Rent Received (net) 5 22,643 - - - - 22,643 14,274
4 Assessment on Churches 2 351,652 - - - - 351,652 337,405
6 Capital Receipts - - - - - - -
7 Grants received (E.g. from DAF) - - - - - - -
8 Other income (Insurance Claim) - - - - - -
9 Total Incoming Resources 374,324 258 374,582 352,119
10 Resources Expended
11 Grants and Donations 6 550 20,023 - - 500 21,073 19,129
12 Salaries and associated costs 7 194,362 - - - - 194,362 224,392
13 Property (incl Ins., C tax, utilities etc) 8 39,588 32,052 - - 71,640 145,812
14 Connexional Assessment & MTF Levy 69,367 302,393 - - - 371,760 68,164
15 District Assessment & Levy 13,357 1,537 - - - 14,894 22,195
16 Depreciation 470 - - - 470 627
17 Office Expenses incl Investment 9 14,471 123 - - - 14,594 17,996
Managment costs(Admin., tel. travel
18 Other Expenditure (incl admin fees) 10 2,272 - - 2,272 11,407
19 Accountancy & Audit 11 4,236 - - - 4,236 4,032
20 Capital Expended - - - - - - -
21 Total Resources Expended 338,673 324,076 32,052 500 695,301 513,754
22 Net Incoming/(Outgoing) Resources 35,651 (323,818) (32,052) - (500) (320,719) (161,635)
23 Transfers between funds 62,425 (80,438) 18,013 - - -
24 Sub Total 98,076 (404,256) (14,039) - (500) (320,719) (161,635)
25 Gains/(losses) on disposal of Manse - 806,763 - (835,000) - (28,237) -
26 Gains/(losses) on revaln fixed assets 12 - - - 50,000 - 50,000 160,833
27 Gains/(losses): on investment assets - - - - - - -
28 Net investment in funds 98,076 402,507 (14,039) (785,000) (500) (298,956) (802)
29 Total funds brought forward from last 104,848 47,429 14,039 6,505,000 1,792 6,673,108 6,673,910
year
30 Total funds carried forward at end of 202,924 449,936 - 5,720,000 1,292 6,374,152 6,673,108
year
For information only: Money received and passed on to External Organisations
Balance brought forward from last year - -
Offerings/Gifts - received for External Organisations - -
Offerings/Gifts - passed to External Organisations - -
Balance still to be paid - -
Notes
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The notes on the following pages form part of these accounts.

2021 Final Accts 20-21 DRAFT 3-CRSH.xlsx, SOFA

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2021

----- Start of picture text -----
General Fund Reserves Manse Manse Valuation Circuit Total Total
(Unrestricted) Funds Renovation (Designated) Benevolent 2021 2020
(Designated) (Designated) fund
(Restricted)
£ £ £ £ £ £
Tangible Fixed Assets
Manse and other property 13 1,411 - - 5,720,000 - 5,721,411 6,506,881
Investment properties - - - - - - -
Investments with TMCP - - - - - - -
Total fixed assets 1,411 - - 5,720,000 - 5,721,411 6,506,881
Current Assets
Debtors and Prepayments 14 194,131 - - - - 194,131 134,463
Trustees for Methodist Church 15 449,156 - - - 449,156 61,468
Purposes - Interest Accounts
Central Finance Board Deposits 16 31,846
31,846 - - - 19,409
Cash at Bank and in hand 16 30,004 - - 1,292 31,296 42,747
Total current assets 255,981 449,156 - - 1,292 706,429 258,087
Current Liabilities
Creditors (due in under 1 year) 17
53,688 - - - - 53,688 91,860
- - - - - -
Total current liabilities 53,688 - - - - 53,688 91,860
Net current (liabilities)/assets 202,293 449,156 - - 1,292 652,741 166,227
Total assets less current liabilities 203,704 449,156 - 5,720,000 1,292 6,374,152 6,673,108
Long term liabilities
liabilities due after 1 year - - - - - - -
Net assets 203,704 449,156 - 5,720,000 1,292 6,374,152 6,673,108
Funds of the District 21
General Fund (Unrestricted) 203,704 203,704 104,848
Reserves & Projects (Designated) 449,156 449,156 61,468
Manse Fund (Designated) - 5,720,000 5,720,000 6,505,000
Total Unrestricted funds 6,372,860 6,671,316
Circ Devt & Sale of Chapel & Land - - -
Benevolent Fund (Restricted) 1,292 1,292 1,792
Total Funds 203,704 449,156 - 5,720,000 1,292 6,374,152 6,673,108
Notes
----- End of picture text -----

The Notes on pages 14 to 37 form part of these accounts.

…………………………………………….

Revd Anthony Guy Malcolm Circuit Superintendent and Chair of Trustees

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

1 Accounting framework and accounting policies

i Accounting framework

ii Public benefit entity

iii Basis

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s) below.

These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost except that investments and land and buildings are shown at their market value at the end of the year, and grants committed , but not paid are provided on the accruals basis to show a true and fair view of the District’s financial position and activities.

iv Content

The financial information presented is relevant, reliable, comparable and complete. Where estimates are used these are based on experience, research and judgement. The accounts are expressed in £ Sterling, rounded to the nearest pound.

v

Going concern

Based on the monetary assets and human resources available at the end of the financial year, 31st August, the trustees believe that the Circuit is a going concern.

vi Consolidation

The District oversees the work of ministers and lay workers in Churches within the Circuit, but does not have control over those Churches, ministers or lay workers except in accordance with standing orders of the Methodist church 1932 Act, none of which were applicable. For this reason, the financial statements of the Churches within the Circuit are not consolidated into these financial statements.

vii Income recognition

Income is brought into account when it is more likely than not that the economic benefit of the income will accrue to the Circuit. No attempt is made to measure the value of services donated by volunteers.

In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the time of volunteers is not recognised.

viii Expenditure

This is 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 economic benefit is considered more likely than not under the legal or constructive obligation committing the District to pay out resources.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

x VAT

Since the District is not VAT registered, all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers.

xi Tangible fixed assets

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least £500 . The freehold properties are shown in the accounts at market valuation at the end of the financial year. The building value has been depreciated over a period of 50 years.

xii Investment Policy

The investment of surplus funds is operated through the Central Finance Board (CFB) of the Methodist Church. CFB aims to provide a high quality investment service seeking above average returns for long term investors, whilst ensuring that the securities held by all its funds are in line with the ethical policy of the Methodist Church. The Circuit has its funds in a deposit account with CFB and in Trust funds managed by Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP). TMCP funds are also invested with CFB.

xiii Debtors and creditors; bank and cash

Debtors are stated at the amounts owed to the Circuit or prepaid. Creditors are initially recognised at settlement amount after any trade discounts, where normal credit terms apply, or amount advanced to the Circuit. Subsequently creditors that are current liabilities are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid. The liquid funds of bank balances and deposit account balances are shown at the realisable values.

xiv Loans

Where concessionary loans ( i.e., free of interest) are made to (or received by) the District to further its charitable purposes, and are repayable after more than one year, they are initially recognised at the amount paid [or received], with the carrying value adjusted in subsequent years to reflect repayments and any accrued interest, adjusted for any impairment, if necessary.

Where there is objective evidence of impairment, an immediate impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities. Subsequent reversals of an impairment loss that objectively relate to an event occurring after the impairment loss was recognised, are recognised immediately in the Statement of Financial Activities.

xv Ministers' manse costs

The Circuit is required to provide accommodation for each Minister and his / her family. The Circuit bears the cost of repairs, maintenance, building insurance, Council Tax and water charges. These costs are not shown separately as benefits-in-kind for Ministers as HMRC does not seek to tax these receipts in the hands of the Ministers.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

2 Assessment from Churches

Forest Circuit assessments due from Churches to the Circuit for the year 2019-20 were as follows. However the annual meeting of Church Treasurers in November 2018 requested a subgroup to review the method of apportionment of the assessments across churches in the circuit and make recommendations for changes.

Church Name
Cann Hall
South Chingford
North Chingford
Shern Hall
Loughton
Woodford
Winchester Road
Leytonstone
Leyton Trinity
Loughton Trinity (Debden)
Wanstead
Lighthouse
less Debden Contribution 18-19 written off
2020-21
11,559
17,755
19,004
53,522
72,095
18,714
33,965
37,167
35,860
-
16,012
35,999
351,652
2019-20
11,255
17,288
18,504
52,114
70,199
18,224
33,072
36,189
34,918
(5,000)
15,590
35,052
337,405
2019-20

The Circuit Finance Group took on the task of considering the apportionment of the assessments. They initially considered the available criteria and recommended that for 20-21 the membership and attendance figures should continue to be used. However, from further studying the last 3 years figures, a better understanding emerged of the difficulties. In 17-18 a calculated assessment had been proposed, but this presumably had not been possible for a number of churches to meet, (i.e. Leytonstone, Shern Hall). An alternative approach was agreed whereby other churches, due a decrease, agreed to pay the same assessment as in 16-17. This then reduced the particularly large increase needed from Shern Hall and Leytonstone.

In 18-19 and 19-20 the deviation from the calculation was perpetuated. The calculation was not used. Generally churches received a 2% increase, except Leytonstone and Shern Hall which received significant reductions.

In considering the 20-21 budget and assessments, the Circuit Finance Group therefore considered three further options.

  1. Using revised church capita figures a number of small increases and decreases were reflected across the circuit, but significant increases would be due from Shern Hall and Leytonstone, which currently they would find very difficult to meet.

  2. A proposed blanket 2.7 % increase across all churches for another year to give time for further considerations to be included, e.g. the revised costs of 5 ministers in the Circuit instead of 6. This should also allow churches to prepare for potential increases in future.

  3. Proposes an initial move towards the calculation. Suggesting a maximum of 10% increase & decrease.

The three options above were carefully considered at the Circuit Treasurers' meeting. Whilst Option 3 was considered as a possible way forward, the Circuit is still in a state of flux. The true impact of reduced costs and improved information will not be available until 21-22. With that information the Finance Group should be in a better position to devise a practical calculation to move towards and give churches more time to consider the implications.

The option accepted by the Circuit Meeting was that Option 2 is used for 20-21.

3

Donations Received
Pastoral & Benenvolent Fund
General Fund
Total Donations & legacies
2020-21
-
-
-
2019-20
-
-
-

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2021 Final Accts 20-21 DRAFT 3-CRSH.xlsx

DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

4 Interest & Investment Income

The Circuit currently holds no investments.

Funds are held on deposit at CFB, either directly or through a model Trust fund held at TMCP.

Interest Received
General Fund
Circuit Development Fund
Sale of Chapel and Land fund
Forest Model Trust Fund
Total Interest & Investment Income
Fund Type
U
R
R
U
Held at
CFB
CFB
TMCP
TMCP
2020-21
29
0
0
258
287
2019-20
124
17
22
277
440

5

Income from investment Properties - Manse Rent Received

Manse Rental
Gross
Hollywood Way
25,283
Total Interest & Investment Income
Agents Fees
(2,640)
2020-21
22,643
22,643
2019-20
22,643
22,643

The circuit had expected to have two residential properties, no longer required to be used as manses, available for rent.

The Hollywood Way property had been assigned for rental, but changing circumstances meant it needed to be used as a temporary manse for the superintendent until his appointed manse became free and could be renovated. The superintendent was able to move to his new manse in August 2020. Since then required checks and works have been carried out at the property and the property has been rented out from September 2020.

The Hartley Road property rental came to an end in June 2020 and the tenants moved out. The Circuit Meeting agreed that the property should be sold and the sale was completed in July 2021.

6 Grants, donations and related Support costs

Grants and donations were made in the year as shown below:

Grants from Circuit Model Trust Fund
Wanstead - Welcome Area Project
Loughton - Digital Services Facilities
Dalit Project - paid via Loughton
Lighthouse - expansion of communcal area
Debden Trinity
Total Grants from Model Trust fund Reserves
Benevolent Fund Grants

General donations

Total
2020-21
-
5,000
10,000
5,023
-
20,023
-
-
20,023

2019-20
8,429
-
-
-
10,000
18,429
-
700
19,129

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

7
Salaries and associated costs
2020-21
131,017
12,006
34,330
Stipend administration charge and apprenticeship Levy
717
Circuit Administrator's Gross Pay - Part time
14,861
877
Payroll administration charge and apprenticeship Levy
554
194,362
Employer's National Insurance contribution re Administrator
Gross Stipends Paid - 5 ministers
Employer's National Insurance contribution
Employer's pension contribution to defined contribution scheme
Total cost
2019-20
156,162
13,925
40,111
700
12,842
574
78
224,392
2019-20

The Superintendent Minister and Ministers Stationed in the Circuit are paid a stipend, pension and expenses by the Circuit. This Stipend is that agreed annually by the Conference of the Methodist Church.

No employees received employee benefits that totalled more than £60,000. There is no accrual for holiday pay as it is immaterial; the holiday year ends on 31 August. All staff are paid at or above the living wage.

No accrual is made for ministers sabbaticals as their functions are undertaken by other ministers and delegated lay persons in the Churches and Circuit at minimal extra cost to the Circuit.

It should be noted that the Ministers stationed in the Circuit are required to occupy the Circuit manses. The council tax and water charges for the manses occupied by ministers are paid by the Circuit. HMRC does not regard this as a taxable benefit to the minister.

Payment to Trustees

The Methodist Ministers stationed in the Forest Circuit are included as trustees of the Circuit. It is Circuit Policy to offer to reimburse local preachers and others involved in the administration of Circuit affairs for expenditure properly incurred in carrying out their duties.

Pensions

Most ordained presbyters and deacons are members of the Methodist Ministers’ Pension Scheme (MMPS). This is a defined benefit scheme. The Supreme Court held in 2014 that Methodist ministers (which term includes presbyters and deacons) are not employees of the Church. For simplicity, however, when dealing with National Insurance Contributions and pension contributions, the terms ‘employer’ and ‘employee’ are used as they would be in an employing body.

The Connexion accounts for the MMPS schemes and shows the figures in the annual Methodist Church in Great Britain accounts. The MMPS is in deficit but a plan for removal of the deficit has been proposed and is being implemented. Details of the deficits on this scheme can be found in the Annual Report and Accounts of The Methodist Church at www.methodist.org.uk.

8 Property costs
2020-21
Manse Costs
£
12,176
9,814
15,438
2,160
39,588
-
39,588
32,052
71,640
Council tax
Repairs, Maintenance and Renewals
Insurance and Utilities
Circuit Property Valuation Survey
Manse Renovation costs
Total*
Professional Fees and Survey cosyts
2019-20
£
7,615
9,077
15,916
1,150
33,758
7,920
41,678
104,134
145,812
2019-20

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

9
10
11
Office expenses & investment management fees
2020-21
2019-20
£
£
Office expenses & other ministerial costs
3,181
3,026
Telephones & Broadband
7,167
4,738
Travel & Parking
1,678
6,619
Ministerial Worship Resources & Support
2,445
3,209
14,471
17,592
Investment management
During the year the Circuit paid the following amounts to TMCP as custodians of the Trust Funds
Circuit Model Trust Fund
123
399
Sale of Chapel & land Fund
-
5
123
404
Office expenses & other ministerial costs
Total 14,594
17,996
Other Expenditure
2020-21
2019-20
General Fund (U) Other items
£
£
Training
1,025
1,125
-
500
Payment to Treasurer
-
1,000
Bank charges
84
Sundries
(337)
622
Removal Costs
1,500
8,160
2,272
11,407
Total Other Expenditure & Training 2,272
11,407
Fees for Accountancy and audit of the Accounts
2020-21
2019-20
Auditor's Fee
2,118
2,016
Other Fees (e.g. advice, accountancy services)
2,118
2,016
4,236
4,032
Total
Printing, postage and stationery
Total
Total
Preachers fees and expenses

12 Manse Valuations

All Manses were professionally revalued at the end of August 2020. The report showed an increase of £160,933.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

13 Tangible Fixed assets

----- Start of picture text -----
Land Buildings Total Land Equipment Furniture Total Equipment Total Assets
& Buildings & Software & Furniture
Cost or Valuation £ £ £ £ £ £
Balance at 31st Aug 2020 6,505,000 11,247 - 11,247 6,516,247
Additions in the year - - - - - - -
revaluations in the year - - 50,000 - - - 50,000
less: disposals in year - - (835,000) - - - (835,000)
Transfers between categories - - - - - - -
Balance at 31st Aug 2021 - - 5,720,000 11,247 - 11,247 5,731,247
Accumulated depreciation
Land Buildings Total Land Equipment Furniture Total Equipment Total
& Buildings & Software & Furniture
Changes Not Depreciated £ £ £ £ £
Balance at 31st Aug 2020 - - - 9,366 - 9,366 9,366
Depreciation charge for the year - - - 470 - 470 470
revaluations in the year - - - - - -
less: disposals in year - - - - - -
Balance at 31st Aug 2021 - - - 9,836 - 9,836 9,836
NB: Years over which value is depreciated 50 3 3
----- End of picture text -----

Net Value

Balance at31st Aug 2020
Balance at31st Aug 2021
Land
Buildings Total Land
& Buildings
Equipment Furniture Total Equipment
& Furniture
Total
£
£
£
£
£
- -
6,505,000
1,881 - 1,881
6,506,881
- -
5,720,000
1,411 -
1,411
5,721,411

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2021 Final Accts 20-21 DRAFT 3-CRSH.xlsx

DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

14

Debtors and prepayments

Not all sums shown as debtors at the start of the year, 1st September, were received during the year. A few churches had outstanding assessments which have increased during the year.

Amount outstanding from churches at Year End
Leytonstone
Assessments
Paid
Cann Hall
Assessments
Paid
Leyton (Trinity)
Assessments
Lighthouse
Assessments
Lighthouse
Loan / Transfer 2016
Shern Hall
Assessments
Paid
Shern Hall
Boiler Loan
Repayment Plan
Total
Other sundry debtors
Total
Total (net)
Prepayments and accrued income
Council tax & Utilities
Professional Fees
Stipend
2020-21
£
36,942
2,890
15,860
99,502
10,000
-
13,000
-
178,194
-
1,006
14,931
-
15,937
194,131
2019-20
£
-
-
-
63,504
11,938
29,613
13,000
-
118,055
-
1,708
14,700
-
16,408
134,463

15 Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes

TMCP is the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all Methodist Model Trust property and assets, including Legacies, Endowments and Accumulated Funds. Trust property is held for and on behalf of local Managing Trustees who are responsible for the day to day management of trust property. TMCP provide guidance and require the circuits to act under TMCP direction. Thereby Managing Trustees will comply with charity law and Methodist law and policy as determined by the Methodist Conference.

In the year the Circuit meeting agreed to sell the manse at Hartley Road. The transaction went through in the year and proceeds were lodged in the Circuit's Trust at TMCP. In line with the Constitutional Practice and Disipline of the Methodist Church(CPD), a levy of 40% of proceeds was sale was transferred to the Connexional Priority Fund.

16 Central Finance Board (CFB) and cash at bank

The Circuit has had a current account at HSBC plc for many years. In 19-20 the Circuit agreed to open an account with CAF Bank (Charities Aid Foundation), this was opened in October 2020. The account with CAF bank will facilitate online banking with dual authorisation. HSBC and CAF are authorised institutions. The sums held on the accounts are immediately available.

In addition, the Circuit has one deposit accounts at CFB. Interest earned on these CFB accounts is credited monthly; the sums deposited can be withdrawn without notice and without loss of interest.

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

17 Creditors and accrued expenses

Other Creditors unpaid as at EOY 18-19
Property related accruals
Grant to Dailit via Loughton, committed 2011
Grant to Lighthouse committed 2016
Audit & accountancy Fees
Connexional Funds & received for others unpaid
Property Valuation report
Total of creditors and accrued expenses
Total creditors
Pre receipts
Assessments
Rent in Advance
Total accruals
Remaining Grant to Debden Trinity
Expenses reimbursement
Creditors:
2020-21
£
250
4,236
217
-
-
-
10,000
5,024
600
20,327
33,361
-
33,361
53,688
2019-20
£
2,101
4,032
878
14,900
7,920
7,062
-
-
10,356
47,249
44,611
-
44,611
91,860

It is expected that all sums accrued at 31 Aug 2021 would be paid during the year to 31 Aug 2022.

18 Capital commitments and contingent liabilities

18.1
Capital commitments at end of year amounted to:
2020-21
-
-
2019-20
-
-

19 Volunteer contributions

Every entity (Connexion, District, Circuit, Church) within the Methodist Church in GB is heavily reliant on volunteers who contribute their skills, time and money in the furtherance of the work of the Church. For the Forest Circuit directly this contribution is generally by serving on committees of the Circuit that deal with mission, manses, finance, policy, grants, training, development and governance, but there are many others who assist with the preparation and running of Circuit events. We are grateful to all of them for their help and commitment.

20 Lease commitments

The Circuit had the following lease commitments at the end of August:

----- Start of picture text -----
Leased facility Review Period Payment Period Annual Payment Total Commitment
Printer / copier 5 year contract 21/08/2022 quarterly 1,762 3,523
Mobile phones 2 year contract 01/05/2022 monthly 734 1,223
----- End of picture text -----

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

21 Circuit funds (Unrestricted, Restricted and Endowment)

The Forest Circuit of the Methodist Church maintains a number of separate funds. The purpose, type, movement and state as at the end of year is documented below:

The funds held constitute: Unrestricted (U) General Funds held for any purpose, Designated (D) funds allocated for a specific purpose, Restricted (R) funds which are held for a narrower purpose. The Forest circuit does not hold any Endowment funds.

21.1 Fund Purpose & Type

The value of property owned by the Circuit, e.g. Manses and rental property, has been moved from the General fund to a separate Manse Value Fund in order to simplify and clarify the reporting and monitoring of the Circuit's more liquid assets.

----- Start of picture text -----
Fund Name Type Purpose of the Fund
21.1.1 Unrestricted Funds (U)
General Fund U For use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the objectives of the
Circuit. This excludes funds which have been designated for a specific purpose.
(see designated funds below)
21.1.2 Designated Funds (D) For specific purposes but not restricted by document or deed to that purpose alone.
The trustees may agreed from time to time to transfer funds from a designnated
Manse Valuation Fund D2 The freehold properties owned by the circuit used as manses for the ministers
stationed in the circuit. And the properties rented out.
Ciruit Model Trust Reserves D1 To support the funding of projects in the Circuit
Manse Refurbishment Fund D3 A temporary project fund, to assist in the management and reporting of
refurbishement work on Circuit property. i.e. Manses and rental property.
21.1.3 Restricted Funds (R )
Forest Circuit Benevolent R1 To help meet the exceptional needs of presbyters, deacons and lay employees in
Fund the Circuit, when these cannot be met by the church alone. Providing a resource
from which confidential payments can be made at the discretion of the
Superintendent & nominated Trustees.
----- End of picture text -----

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2021 Final Accts 20-21 DRAFT 3-CRSH.xlsx

DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

21.2 Fund Balances and Movements

----- Start of picture text -----
Fund Name Opening Incoming Resources Gains on Transfer Closing
Balance Resources Expended revaluation/ Balance
disposal
£ £ £ £ £
21.2.1 Unrestricted Funds
General Fund (excluding U 104,848 374,324 (338,673) 62,425 - 202,924
manse fund)
Designated Funds
Manse Value Fund D2 6,505,000 - (785,000)- - 5,720,000
Ciruit Model Trust Reserves D1 47,429 258 (324,076) 806,763 (80,438) 449,936
Manse Refurbishment Fund D3 14,039 - (32,052) 18,013 - -
Total Designated 6,566,468 258 (356,128) 21,763 (62,425) 6,169,936
Total Unrestricted & 6,671,316 374,582 (694,801) 21,763 - 6,372,859
Designated
-
21.2.2 Restricted Funds -
- - - - - -
Circuit Development Fund
Forest Circuit Pastoral & R1 1,792 - (500) - - 1,292
Benevolent Fund
Total Restricted Funds 1,792 - (500) - - 1,292
Total Funds 6,673,108 374,582 (695,301) 21,763 - 6,374,151
0 0 0 0 0
----- End of picture text -----*

22 Connected organisations and related parties

Connected organisations include the Methodist Connexion, the District and Churches within the Circuit, CFB and TMCP. Except as reported in Note 3. All of these entities have their own trustees or directors and autonomous administration such that the Forest Circuit has no significant influence over any of them, nor they over the Forest Circuit. They are, therefore, not considered related parties.

Total
Name of Connected Organisations
Donee: Methodist Church Fund via the London District.
Donor / Donee: the London District (levies / grants)
Donor: Churches within the Forest Circuit - assessments
Donor / Donee: Churches within the Forest Circuit (grants).
- Wanstead, Trinity Debden.
Receipts
Payments
Adjustment
s
£
£
£
351,652
20,023
(14,894)
(371,760)
351,652
(366,631)
-

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

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.

----- Start of picture text -----
Signature of Treasurer Date 28/6/2022
Name Mrs Florestine Corbett
Address 85 Norlington Road,
Leyton,
London E10 6LA
Presentation to the District Council for approval.
I confirm that the Accounts have been presented to the Circuit Meeting on 16 June 2022
and were approved.
Signature of the Chair of
the meeting
Name of the Chair of the
Revd Anthony Guy Malcolm
meeting
Date
28/6/2022
----- End of picture text -----

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DocuSign Envelope ID: 4AAE219E-38A8-42BB-B045-AA187FECCFDF

FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

We have audited the financial statements of the Forest Methodist Circuit (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 August 2021 which comprise Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and notes to the financial satements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under Section 154 of that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's managing trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Opinion on accounts

In our opinion the accounts:

Basis of Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Internatonal Standards on auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further sdescribed in the auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirments that are relevant to our audit of the financial statments in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirments. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs (UK) require us to report to you where:

Other information

The trustees are responsible for other information. The other information comprises the information included in the trustees' annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditors's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and ecept to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form od assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material missstatement in the financial statements or a material missstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact We have nothing to report in this regard.

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FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FOREST METHODIST CIRCUIT

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 6, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In Preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Responsibilities of auditors for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the accounts in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurancwhether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether doe to fraud or error and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditors responsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Clay Ratnage Strevens & Hills Suite D, The Business Centre, Farringdon Avenue,Romford, Essex RM3 8EN Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditor

28/6/2022

Date ……………….

Clay Ratnage Strevens & Hills is eligible to act as auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

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