**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1134870** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 FOR NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

Levicks Audit Services Limited West Hill 61 London Road Maidstone Kent ME16 8TX 



**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

||Page|
|---|---|
|Report of the Trustees and Statement of Trustees’|1 to 8|
|Responsibilities||
|Independent Auditors Report|9 to 11|
|Statement of Financial Activities|12|
|Balance Sheet|13|
|Cash Flow Statement|14|
|Notes to Cash Flow Statement|15|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|16 to 22|





## **NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Charities SORP (FRS 102) second edition. 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number** 

1134870 

## **Principal address:** 

Union Street Methodist Church 20 Brewer Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1RU 

**Telephone:** 07444 335245 

**Email:** northkentmethodistcircuit@gmail.com 

**Website** : www.nkmethodists.org.uk 

## **Solicitors:** 

Blake Morgan 6 New Street London EC4A 3DJ 

## **Investment advisers:** 

Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP) Central Buildings Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JQ 

## **Auditors:** 

Levicks Audit Services Limited West Hill 61 London Road Maidstone Kent ME16 8TX 

1 



**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** 

## **Charity trustees** 

## **Circuit Ministers** 

Rev. Dr Bonni-Belle Pickard Rev. Robert Zachar Rev. Robin Selmes Rev. Naomi Oates Rev. Alex Terrett Rev. David Kichenside Rev. Rocky Chan (Appointed 01/09/25) 

## **Supernumerary ministers** 

Rev. Ronald West (Resigned 31/08/2025) Rev. Victor Downs Rev. William Prince Rev. Geoffrey Gordon Rev. David Read (Appointed 1/9/25, Resigned 12/12/25) 

## **Dene Holm** 

Ian Angel Sylvia Angel Alan Fielder 

## **Eccles** 

Stella Lea (Resigned 31/08/2025) Roger Gledhill (Resigned 31/08/2025) Debbie Williams (Appointed 1/9/25) Dana Aris-Carter (Appointed 1/9/25) 

**Gillingham / Third Avenue** Carol Waldock Karen Willing 

## **Gravesend** 

**Lay Pastor** (Chinese Church) Oscar Siu (Resigned 31/8/25) 

## **Circuit Stewards** 

Henry Chung Roger Byard Derek Goodger (Resigned 31/8/25) Richard Bridges Simon Rowe John Hudson-Beddows Anany Kosongo Tracey Burch Karen Dudley (Appointed 1/9/25) Martin Smith (Appointed 1/9/25) Monica Wilding (Appointed 1/9/25) 

Robert Hardy Sheila Allison Anne Downs Kathryn Hardy 

## **Hartlip** 

Glenis Davison Judith German Derek Gallagher 

## **Hextable** 

Gary Hopkins Peter Matthews Ian Packham Christian Beugre (Appointed 1/9/25) 

## **Church Representatives** 

**Bearsted** Jill Bridges (Resigned 31/8/25) Kathryn Hair (Appointed 1/9/24) Marion Brooks Joanna Burborough (Appointed 1/9/25) 

## **Hope Street** 

Lynne LeMasonry Heather Morgan 

## **Kingswood** 

Peter Roberts 

## **Chinese Church** 

Jennifer Lin Tim Lau (Resigned 31/8/25) Grace Chung Dorothy Lai 

## **Larkfield** 

Gwen Bartley Ian Bartley (Resigned 30/8/25) Alan Wood Valerie Thornewell (Appointed 1/9/25) 

2 



**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** 

## **Charity trustees** 

**Newington** Jenny Gilbert Chris Chare 

**Holy Trinity** Sylvia Wrigglesworth Mark Salter Barry Horwell 

## **Peninsula** 

Patricia Robb Rachel Smith Ann Pearce (Appointed 1/9/25, Resigned 12/12/25) Derek Jarvis (Deceased 2025) 

**St Luke’s** 

Ian Smith Fran Shepherd Sylvia Kane 

**Sittingbourne** Kathy Skipp (Resigned 31/08/2025) Anthony Brown Paul Skipp Margaret Luxton (Appointed 1/9/25) 

**Spital Street** Sheila Sanderson (Deceased 2026) Gill Gray 

## **Tonbridge Road** 

Linda Gander Katherine High Irene Shepherd 

**The Brent** 

Tunde Dipita-Williams (Jnr) (Appointed 1/9/25) Ivor Ford (Appointed 1/9/25, Resigned 12/12/25) Karen Dudley 

## **Union Street** 

Jim Bryant (Resigned 31/08/2025) Ransford Grey Debbie Fenn Christine Cox (Appointed 1/9/25) 

3 



**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** 

**Ministers** Rev Bonni-Belle Pickard Rev Naomi Oates Rev Robin Selmes Rev Robert Zachar Rev Alex Terrett Rev. David Kichenside Rev Rocky Chan (Appointed 1/9/25) **Circuit Stewards** Mr Richard Bridges Mr Derek Goodger (Resigned 31/8/25) Mr Roger Byard Mr Simon Rowe Mr Henry Chung Mr John Hudson-Beddows Mr Anany Kosongo Mrs Karen Dudley (Appointed 1/9/25) **Circuit Treasurer** Mr Roger Byard 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

## **Governing document** 

The charity is controlled by the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976) as amended 17 March 2011 and constitutes an unincorporated charity. 

## **Induction and training of new Trustees** 

The Board of Trustees keeps the skill requirements for the Trustee Body under review.  Training expenses are provided for new Trustees together with an induction pack comprising a copy of the governing trust deed, a copy of last year's annual report and accounts, copies of the minutes of trustees’ meetings (Circuit Meeting) and a copy of the Charity Commission's guidance "The essential Trustee". 

## **Organisational structure** 

The day to day management of the charity is vested in the circuit meeting appointed in accordance with the trust deed.  The circuit meeting is composed of the trustees listed above. 

## **Charity circuit meeting** 

Rev Bonni-Belle Pickard (Chair) Roger Byard (Treasurer) Mr James Walker (Secretary) 

## **Associated committees** 

The circuit meeting has empowered sub committees to deal with debate and to formulate resolutions to be taken to the circuit meeting.  These committees also have limited authority given by the circuit meeting to take minor decisions.  The circuit meeting always has ultimate authority. 

## **Risk management** 

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.  The trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that the systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks. 

4 



**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** 

## **Objectives and aims** 

The purpose of the Methodist Church of Great Britain is and shall be deemed to have been since the date of Union the advancement of: 

- (a)  The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards of 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. 

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Circuit’s aims and objectives, and in planning future activities. The Charity seeks to support the work of churches within its remit as they seek to engage with their local communities and through a sharing of the Christian Gospel attract new people to the Christian faith.  The Charity continues to work to identify new projects that will address the needs of the marginalised in the communities the local churches serve and seeks to support them through grants to do so. 

## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE** 

## **Charitable activities** 

In accordance with the objectives and aims above, the charity works to: 

(a)  Provide the staff and facilities to enable mission to reach the communities it serves and grow the Church family which in turn provides mutual support to those within it; 

(b)  Provide support for the local churches working on the margins to help the vulnerable where they need it and in co-operation with organisations providing food and shelter for the homeless; 

(c)  Provide support to local Churches for groups to meet which offer facilities to the homeless and vulnerable, older people, mothers with young children, and youth groups; 

(d)  Provide facilities for organisations not run by the local Church including playgroups, advice centres, youth projects and groups for people with learning difficulties. 

## **Investment performance** 

The main investment is in the properties held as manses for the Circuit ministers. These are revalued at the end of each year.  The current revaluation shows a surplus of £2,211,755. 

## **Circuit aims** 

The current aim of the North Kent Methodist Circuit is to empower the membership of the Circuit Churches for witness and mission. To achieve this aim the trustees hope to: 

- (a) Concentrate resources to build up existing congregations and begin new ones; 

- (b) Engage in work with people on the margins particularly immigrant communities; 

- (c) Encourage church members to discern their gifts and provide training so that these may be utilised; 

- (d) Encourage each church to be more connected to their community; 

- (e) Encourage each church to deepen their life of prayer. 

A review will take place each year to monitor the progress towards achieving these aims. 

5 



## **NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **- North Kent Methodist Reserves Policy Statement February 2016** 

The policy statement agreed at the 2012 Circuit Meeting remained in place with a commitment that 60% of reserves are to be used to facilitate Mission and Ministry and 40% to support buildings and other projects. Subject to the approval of the Circuit Meeting grants of up to 25% of the cost of any church project can be awarded. Reserves continue to be used to meet any budget deficits. 

## **Year ended 31 August 2025 Review** 

North Kent Methodist Circuit is a large Circuit in the South East District of the Methodist Church extending from Dartford to Sittingbourne and Maidstone incorporating the Isle of Sheppey and the Medway Towns.  At the beginning of the year under review there were 17 Methodist Churches and 3 Local Ecumenical Partnerships. 

The Methodist staff team consisted of 5 ministers and 1 Chinese Lay pastor.  A member of the Anglican clergy, a lay URC minister and a lay Anglican minister worked with the LEPs.  Following the conclusion of the stationing process this year the Circuit was pleased to confirm the re-invitation of the Rev Robin Selmes and the extension of his appointment for a further 3 years from September 2026. The Chinese Lay Pastor (appointed for a fixed term of 3 years) left his employment to enter ministerial training in July 2025.  The Circuit was pleased that the Methodist Connexion appointed a probationer minister to the Circuit with pastoral responsibility for the Medway Chinese Methodist Church and Spital Street Methodist Church from September 2025. 

The restructured Circuit administrative support team (which saw the appointment of a full time Operations Manager and a part time property officer (job share) in April 2024) underwent further change during the year.  While the appointment of the Operations Manager proved to be of immediate and continuing benefit to the Circuit, disappointingly the property officer job share did not work out and the post-holders resigned.  Following a review the offer made by the Operations Manager to absorb the property Officer role through working additional (paid) hours was accepted. These changes now provide the Circuit with much better administrative support. 

Although the Church in Burham closed last year, Larkfield Methodist Church has supported the members of the former class that worshipped in the church to maintain a presence in the village.  This has seen links formed with the local School and in addition to other community activities the continued provision of a popular ‘Country lunch’ now in the village hall. The Church itself was marketed for sale but failed to attract a private purchaser and is to be sold by auction. 

When marketed Swanscombe Methodist Church attracted many expressions of interest principally from independent churches but none of them had sufficient financial resources either to purchase the freehold or to take a commercial lease of the premises.  Consequently, this church is also to be sold by auction. 

The community centre comprising the rear part of the premises of Union Street Methodist Church was sold to a third party in January 2025 (a school for children with adverse childhood experiences).  Work to separate the premises and services is underway with the school due to open in 2026.  The funds raised from the disposal will enable preparatory surveys for the renovation and essential repairs to be carried out pending the raising of the funds that will be required for the work required to bring the premises back into use. 

Encouragingly, some Circuit churches have seen growth in membership during the year which is to be welcomed. Overall, however, numbers have reduced across the Circuit, reflecting the nationwide trend of continuing decline in church membership.  The causes continue to be associated with age, typically removal from the area because of care requirements and death.  With the decrease in membership the financial pressure on individual churches and the Circuit continues to be an issue.  However, the churches met a further increase of 7% to the Circuit Assessment and with relatively high interest rates being sustained and prudent management the financial outcome for the year resulted in just a small deficit (excluding property sales income). 

Whether a balanced budget is achievable is doubtful since the budget is driven by the cost of ministry to which the Circuit is committed. That said, for various reasons the cost of providing ministry during 2025-26 will reduce and with other sources of income being maintained, the Trustees were able to agree a budget for 2025-26 which 

6 



**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

provides for a 5% decrease in the Circuit Assessment.  Nevertheless, the increasing financial pressures arising from reduced giving by church members and the uncertainties of letting income remain a real concern for all Circuit churches.  A review of the way in which the Circuit Assessment is calculated will mean a new model for sharing the Circuit Assessment between the churches will be applied in 2026-27. 

There continue to be questions about the viability of some congregations and church buildings. The availability of volunteers who are both capable and who have sufficient energy to undertake key church and Circuit roles continues to decline. 

The trustees continue to look for ways in which to grow the Circuit churches despite the amount and complexity of the work required. 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

|**Current Reserves (unrestricted) at 31 August 2025**<br>Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP)<br>£1,049,588<br>Central Finance Board (CFB)<br>£105,030<br>Current Account (Co-operative Bank)<br> £26,630<br>**TOTAL**<br> <br>**Current Reserves (restricted) at 31 August 2025**<br>Current Account (Co-operative Bank)                                                                                     £935<br>**Commitments**<br>_Lay Workers_:<br>Gravesend MC Daytime Hub grant of £3,000 for three years (year 3 of 3)                 £3,000<br>Redundancy payments – set aside                                                                                    £10,000<br>_Cost of ministry_:<br>6 ministers 2025-26                                                                                                            £385,805<br>_Union Street renovation project:_<br>Net proceeds of sale of Brewer Street premises                                                           £412,733<br>**TOTAL**<br> <br>**Uncommitted Funds**<br> <br>**Reserves policy**|**£1,181,248**|**£1,181,248**|
|---|---|---|
||<br>|**£811,538**|
|||**£369,710**|
||||



The Trustees consider the Circuit needs a reserve of £150,000 to cover budget deficits or unexpected problems.  Manses are held as reserve capital should the Trustees not be able re-invite a Minister or obtain a replacement and a property becomes vacant and is sold. 

## **Principal funding sources** 

The principal source of funding is the Circuit Assessment, payment of which is shared between the individual churches within the Circuit.  The Circuit Assessment is defined in the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church as the income level set by the Circuit Meeting towards the general expenditure of the Circuit, including the Circuit contribution to the Methodist Church Fund, and the sums required to pay the stipends and allowances for ministers together with other Circuit expenditure budgeted by the Circuit Meeting.  Other income is derived from grants made to the Circuit, rental income from unused manses and investment income. 

The Circuit Meeting acts as Managing Trustees in the sale or purchase of property for which it is responsible.  (It does not own the property; all Methodist Property is owned by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP)). Proceeds from any disposal of property are directed to TMCP, who after deducting a levy to fund projects across the Methodist Connexion transfer the residue to the Circuit’s TMCP Model Trust Fund. 

The Circuit does not employ any professional fund raisers or organisations raising funds directly from members of the public. 

## **Investment policy and objectives** 

Capital generated from the sale of redundant Churches or Manses is invested as trust funds with TMCP.  Funds are used for the purposes of mission in support of the policy aims. 

7 



**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES** 

The trustees are responsible for preparing the report of the trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, the Statement of Recommended Practice: Charities SORP (FRS 102) second edition and the provisions of the Trust Deed require the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP; 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume 

- that the charity will continue in business. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Statement of Recommended Practice: Charities SORP (FRS 102) second edition and the provisions of the Trust Deed.  They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

## **STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURES TO THE AUDITORS** 

In so far as the trustees are aware at the time of approving the trustees’ annual report: 

- There is no relevant information, being information needed by the auditor in connection with preparing their report, of which the auditor is unaware; and 

- The trustees having made enquiries of the Circuit Meeting and the auditors that they ought to have individually taken, have each taken all steps that he/she is obliged to take as a trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information. 

Approved by order of the Circuit Meeting of trustees on 21 May 2026 and signed on its behalf by: 

R S Byard  - Trustee 

8 



## **NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of North Kent Methodist Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, 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 FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Practice.) 

In our opinion, the financial statements: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the Charity’s affairs as at 31 August 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended; 

- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. 

## **Basis of opinion** 

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described 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 requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 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** 

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustee’s use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. 

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least 12 months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. 

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. 

## **Other information** 

The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees’ annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the 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 misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement 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. 

9 



**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NORTHKENT METHODIST CIRCUIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees’ report. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

- the information given in the trustees’ report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or 

- sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; 

## **Responsibilities of Trustees** 

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities set out on page 7, 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. 

## **Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** 

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

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due 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 with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. 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. 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulation, was as follows: 

- the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations; We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by: 

- considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and planning audit work on the basis of the 

- controls in place; 

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we: 

- performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships; 

- tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions 

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**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NORTHKENT METHODIST CIRCUIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

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/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report. 

## **Use of our report** 

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the 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’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Mrs Julie Griggs FCA Senior Statutory Auditor For and on behalf of Levicks Audit Services Limited 

29 May 2026 West Hill 61 London Road Maidstone Kent ME16 8TX 

Levicks Audit Services Limited is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. 

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**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

|Unrestricted<br>funds<br>Notes<br>£<br>**INCOMING RESOURCES**<br>**Incoming resources from generated funds**<br>Donations income<br>**2**<br>513,364<br>Other trading income<br>**3**<br>39,580<br>Investment income<br>**4**<br>44,142<br>Other income<br>**5**<br>468,073<br>**Total incoming resources**<br>1,065,159<br>**RESOURCES EXPENDED**<br>Charitable activities<br> **6**<br>583,954<br>Other costs<br>**7**<br>62,300<br>**Total resources expended**<br>646,254<br>**NET INCOME**<br>418,905<br>**Transfers between funds**<br>7,500<br>**Gains on revaluation of fixed assets**<br>Revaluation of manses<br>-<br>________<br>**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**<br>426,405<br>**TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD**<br>5,927,518<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**<br>6,353,923|31.8.25<br>Restricted<br>Total funds<br>fund<br>£<br>£<br>58,776<br>572,140<br>-<br>39,580<br>-<br>44,142<br>-<br>468,073<br>58,776<br>1,123,935<br>50,816<br>634,770<br>-<br>62,300<br>50,816<br>697,070<br>7,960<br>426,865<br> <br>(7,500)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>________<br>________<br>460<br>426,865<br>475<br>5,927,993<br>935<br>6,354,858<br>|31.8.24<br>Total funds<br>£<br>566,664<br>44,858<br>36,060<br>-<br>647,582<br>629,825<br>6,780|
|---|---|---|
|||636,605|
|||10,977<br>-<br>1,563,246<br>________<br>1,574,223<br>4,353,770<br>5,927,993|



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**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **BALANCE SHEET AT 31 AUGUST 2025** 

|Unrestricted<br>Funds<br>Notes<br>£<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Tangible assets<br>11<br>5,170,595<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Debtors<br>12<br>22,993<br>Cash at bank<br>1,181,248<br>**TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS**<br>1,204,241<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts falling due within one year<br>13<br>(20,913)<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>1,183,328<br>**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**<br>6,353,923<br>**TOTAL NET ASSETS**<br>6,353,923<br>**FUNDS**<br>15<br>Unrestricted funds<br>Unrestricted revaluation reserve<br>Restricted funds<br> 16<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Restricted<br> <br>fund<br>£<br>-<br> <br>-<br>935<br> <br>935<br>-<br> <br>935<br>935<br>935|31.8.25<br>Total funds<br>£<br>5,170,595<br> <br>22,993<br>1,182,183<br> <br>1,205,176<br> <br>(20,913)<br>1,184,263<br>6,354,858<br> <br>6,354,858<br> <br>4,142,168<br> <br>2,211,755<br> <br>935<br>6,354,858|31.8.24<br>Total funds<br>£<br>5,170,889<br>4,531<br>764,116|
|---|---|---|---|
||||768,647<br>(11,543)|
||||757,104|
||||5,927,993|
||||5,927,993|
||||3,715,763<br>2,211,755<br>475|
||||5,927,993|



The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 21 May 2026 and were signed on its behalf by: 

R S Byard - Trustee 

13 



## **NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

|Notes<br>**Cash flows from operating activities:**<br>Cash generated from operations<br>(a)<br>**Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities**<br>**Cash flows from investing activities:**<br>Additions of tangible fixed assets<br>**Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities**<br>**Cash flows from financing activities:**<br>Interest received<br>**Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities**<br>**Change in cash and cash equivalents in the**<br>**reporting period**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning**<br>**of the reporting period**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the**<br>**reporting period**|31.8.25<br>£<br>373,925<br>**373,925**<br>-<br>**373,925**<br>44,142<br>**44,142**<br>418,067<br>764,116<br>**1,182,183**||31.8.24<br>£<br>(21,374)|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**(21,374)**|
||||-<br>**(21,374)**<br>36,060<br>**36,060**<br>14,686<br>749,430<br>**764,116**|



14 



**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **(a) RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES** 

|**Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the**<br>**statement of financial activities)**<br>**Adjustments for:**<br>Revaluation of freehold properties<br>Depreciation charges<br>Interest received<br>Decrease/(increase) in debtors<br>(Decrease)/increase in creditors<br>**Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities**|31.8.25<br>£<br>426,865<br>-<br>294<br>(44,142)<br>(18,462)<br>9,370<br>**373,925**|31.8.24<br>£<br>1,574,223<br>(1,563,246)<br>438<br>(36,060)<br>8,005<br>(4,734)|
|---|---|---|
|||**(21,374)**|



15 



**NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Basis of accounting** 

The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Charities SORP (FRS 102) second edition, the Charities Act 2011 and UK General Accepted Accounting Practice. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note below. 

## **Incoming resources** 

All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. 

## **Resources expended** 

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year-end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure. 

## **Tangible fixed assets** 

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life. 

Fixtures and fittings 25% straight line Freehold property Not depreciated 

## **Property values** 

Legal title of freehold property is held by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes as custodian trustee. In accordance with Charity Commission guidance, these are recognised on the balance sheet of the North Kent Methodist Circuit. 

Freehold property has previously been revalued annually as per the insurer’s rebuild valuation. For the year ended 31 August 2023, the accounting policy remained the same, but the tool used to provide those values changed to use the BCIS rebuild calculator to provide more reliable rebuild valuations. For the year ended 31 August 2024, freehold property was revalued to market value. The values were provided by an independent valuer. The accumulative amount of revaluation has been included in the revaluation reserve on the balance sheet. For year ended 31 August 2025, the trustees considered that the previous independent valuations carried out for year ended 31 August 2024 remain a reasonable reflection of property values. 

## **Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. 

## **Pensions** 

All Methodist Ministers in the Circuit are members of the Methodist Ministers’ Pension Scheme, which is a defined benefit scheme. The Charity is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme and therefore contributions are accounted for as if it were a defined contribution scheme. Contributions are therefore charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. 

## **Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees. Designated funds are unrestricted assets formally earmarked by the trustees for specific purposes. 

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 16 



## **NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **2. DONATIONS INCOME** 

|31.8.25<br>£<br>Assessment or share<br>508,661<br>Grants<br>58,776<br>Collections and donations<br>4,703<br>572,140<br>Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:<br>31.8.25<br>£<br>Grants received from Methodism<br>58,776<br>Non-Methodist grants<br>-<br>58,776<br>The aggregate amount of trustee donations without restrictions to the charity<br>amounts to £1,250 (2024: £1,250).<br>The aggregate amount of trustee donations by trustees with restrictions to the<br>charity amounts to £nil (2024: £nil).<br>**3.**<br>**OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**<br>31.8.25<br>£<br>Rent received (net of costs)<br>39,580<br>Rents received are shown net of costs of £8,171 (2024 £1,868)<br>**4.**<br>**INVESTMENT INCOME**<br>31.8.25<br>£<br>Interest and investment income<br>44,142<br>**5.**<br>**OTHER INCOME**<br>31.8.25<br>£<br>Net funds received from TMCP regarding sale of property at Brewer Street,<br>designated to transfer to Union Street for the renovation of church premises<br>468,073|31.8.24<br>£<br>489,925<br>75,469<br>1,270|
|---|---|
||566,664|
||31.8.25<br>£<br>75,469<br>-<br>75,469<br>31.8.24<br>£<br>44,858<br>31.8.24<br>£<br>36,060|
||31.8.24<br>£<br>-|



17 



## **NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS** 

|Hong Kong community integration<br>Methodist grants<br>Wifi and recording equipment for churches<br>Support costs (see breakdown below)<br>**SUPPORT COSTS analysis**<br>Clergy expenses<br>Staff costs (note 9)<br>District Assessment<br>District Levy on Circuit Advance Fund<br>Insurance, utilities and rates<br>Repairs and maintenance including quinquennials<br>Telephone<br>Depreciation of fixtures and fittings<br>Printing, postage and stationery<br>Training<br>Property valuation fees<br>Resources for services<br>Computer and software<br>Property management fees<br>Bank charges<br>Sundry expenses<br>Bad debt||31.8.25<br>£<br>-<br>17,350<br>930<br>616,490<br>634,770<br>31.8.25<br>£<br>13,567<br>342,735<br>117,948<br>34,837<br>41,713<br>41,668<br>1,191<br>294<br>1,735<br>778<br>4,985<br>1,252<br>2,677<br>1,783<br>2,525<br>3,854<br>2,948<br>616,490||31.8.24<br>£<br>21<br>-<br>1,206<br>628,598|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||629,825|
|||||31.8.24<br>£<br>17,236<br>393,868<br>109,210<br>35,363<br>33,820<br>22,281<br>1,205<br>438<br>2,089<br>490<br>-<br>1,247<br>1,920<br>583<br>1,676<br>1,569<br>5,603<br>628,598|



Support costs include £50,816 (2024: £70,243) of salary expenses treated as restricted expenditure. The funding for these salary expenses is received by way of Methodist grant income also treated as restricted due to being given for a specific purpose. 

## **7. OTHER COSTS** 

||31.8.25<br>31.8.24<br> Governance costs<br>£<br>£<br>Auditors’ remuneration – Audit of the financial<br>statements<br>4,620<br>4,500<br>Auditor’s remuneration – Other services<br>2,340<br>2,280<br>Other costs<br>Designated funds released to Union Street towards<br>the renovation of the church premises<br>55,340<br> -<br>62,300<br>6,780|31.8.25<br>31.8.24<br> Governance costs<br>£<br>£<br>Auditors’ remuneration – Audit of the financial<br>statements<br>4,620<br>4,500<br>Auditor’s remuneration – Other services<br>2,340<br>2,280<br>Other costs<br>Designated funds released to Union Street towards<br>the renovation of the church premises<br>55,340<br> -<br>62,300<br>6,780|
|---|---|---|
|||6,780|



18 



## **NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **8. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** 

Ministers who also serve as trustees of the charity received the following stipends for the year ending 31 August 2025: - 

Rev Bonni-Belle Pickard, Rev Robin Selmes, Rev Alexandra Terrett, Rev Robert Zachar, Rev Naomi Oates all received the basic stipend of £31,100 (2024: £29,205), Rev Chi Lok Chan received a stipend of £2,665 (2024: £nil). Employer’s pensions contributions of £6,220 (2024: £7,678) were paid by the charity for each minister named above except Rev Chi Lok Chan £533 (2024: £nil). 

Each minister named above except for Rev Chi Lok Chan received a Computers in ministry allowance of £207 for the year (2024: £194). 

Rev Bonni-Belle Pickard received a Superintendent’s allowance of £3,110 for the year (2024: £2,921). Rev Bonni-Belle Pickard also received a General allowance of £1,000 (2024: £1,000) None of the ministers named above received remuneration for being a trustee. 

The below table shows Lay workers who were employed and also served as trustees. Their remuneration is shown only for the period they served as a trustee:- 

|||**Gross salary             (2024)      Employers pension           (2024)**|**Gross salary             (2024)      Employers pension           (2024)**|
|---|---|---|---|
|C Chare(employment ceased|17/4/24)|£10,359|£442|
|O Siu||£26,928                £26,928        £1,616|£1,616|



The lay employees listed above did not receive any remuneration for being a trustee. The authority for the circuit to pay remuneration to its trustees is detailed in its governing document, The Methodist Church Act 1976. 

## **Trustees’ expenses** 

No trustee was reimbursed expenses for their duties as a trustee for the year ended 31 August 2025 (2024: no trustees). 

All Ministers and some Lay workers are required to be Trustees of the Charity by the Constitution of the Circuit Meeting laid down by the Methodist Church. 

## **9. STAFF COSTS** 

|Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Pension costs<br>Apprenticeship levy|31.8.25<br>31.8.24<br>£<br>£<br>275,409<br>315,122<br>27,294<br>23,668<br>38,640<br>52,934<br>1,392<br>2,144<br>398<br>342,735<br>393,868|
|---|---|




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19 



**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 

|Average number of employees|31.8.25<br>31.8.24<br>14<br>21|
|---|---|



No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 

## **10. PENSION COMMITMENTS** 

The Charity participates in a pension scheme providing benefits for Ministers and Deacons based on final pensionable pay. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity, being invested with the Methodist Ministers’ Pension Scheme. 

and Deacons from 1 September 2024 were set at 20% and 9.3% of earnings respectively. 

The Charity contributes a matching 6% of salary to a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of 4 of the lay employees. 

## **11.TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** 

|**COST OR VALUATION**<br>At 1 September 2024<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>Revaluations<br>At 31 August 2025<br>**DEPRECIATION**<br>At 1 September 2024<br>Eliminated on disposal<br>Charge for year<br>At 31 August 2025<br>**NET BOOK VALUE**<br>At 31 August 2025<br>At 31 August 2024|Freehold<br>Fixtures and<br>property<br>Fittings<br>£<br>£<br>5,170,000<br>3,704<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(600)<br>-<br>-<br>5,170,000<br>3,104<br>-<br>2,815<br>-<br>(600)<br>-<br>294<br>-<br>2,509<br>5,170,000<br>595<br>5,170,000<br>889|Totals<br>£<br>5,173,704<br>-<br>(600)<br>-|
|---|---|---|
|||5,173,104|
|||2,815<br>(600)<br>294|
|||2,509|
|||5,170,595|
|||5,170,889|



The historical cost of freehold property is £2,958,245 (2024: £2,958,245). 

20 



## **NORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **12.DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR** 

|Other debtors<br>**13.CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Other creditors|31.8.25<br>£<br>22,993<br>31.8.25<br>£<br>20,913|31.8.24<br>£<br>4,531|
|---|---|---|
|||31.8.24<br>£<br>11,543|



## **14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS** 

All trustee’s listed on page 2 of these financial statements, except for Rev Gareth West, William Prince and Deacon Victor Downs are also trustees of individual churches within the Circuit who contribute to the assessment income of the Circuit. Assessment income for year ended 31 August 2025 was £508,661 (2024: £489,925). 

During the year ended 31 August 2025 the Circuit paid £788 (2024: £893) to Greenapple Graphics for printing services. Greenapple Graphics is owned and operated by Paul Skipp, a trustee of the North Kent Methodist Circuit. At 31 August 2025, North Kent Methodist Circuit owed Greenapple Graphics £nil (2024: £nil). 

## **15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** 

|**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>Circuit Model Trust Fund<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Restricted fund<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**||Net<br>movement in<br>At 1.9.24<br>Funds<br>£<br>£<br>5,346,363<br>422,408<br>581,155<br>(3,503)<br>5,927,518<br>418,905<br>475<br>7,960<br>5,927,993<br>426,865|Transfers<br>between<br>funds<br>£<br>(464,436)<br>471,936<br>7,500<br>(7,500)<br>-||At 31.8.25<br>£<br>5,304,335<br>1,049,588|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||6,353,923|
||||||935|
||||||6,354,858|



21 



N **ORTH KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025** 

## **15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS continued** 

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: 

||||Gains on||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||Incoming|Resources|revaluation|Movement in|
||||Of fixed||
||Resources|expended|assets|Funds|
||£|£|£|£|
|**Unrestricted funds**|||||
|General fund|1,031,937|(609,529)|-|422,408|
|Circuit Model Trust Fund|33,222|(36,725)|-|(3,503)|
|**Restricted funds**|||||
|Restricted fund|58,776|(50,816)|-|7,960|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|1,123,935|(697,070)|-|426,865|



Included within restricted funds is a balance of £412,733 designated for transfer to Union Street towards the renovation of church premises. 

## **16. RESTRICTED FUNDS PURPOSES** 

The restricted fund balance of £935 includes the remaining balance of a Kent County Council grant awarded to the Circuit for restricted use towards the educational integration, professional integration and social integration of the local Hong Kong community totalling £475 and the remaining balance of £460 of a grant received towards the salary of the Gravesend Centre manager. 

## **17. TRANSFERS** 

The transfer from restricted funds to unrestricted funds of £7,500 is to correct a timing difference whereby a restricted grant was received late in year ended 31 August 2025 and the corresponding expenditure was included in unrestricted expenditure in year ended 31 August 2024. 

22