West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit (Registered Charity 1135094) Trustees Annual Report and Accounts For the Year Ended 31st August 2025
West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit Trustees Annual Report and Accounts For the Year Ended 31" August 2025 Contents Page Rert of the Trusttts 3-13 ReFY)rt of the Auditors 14-17 Mettrodist Standard Form of Accourts 18 ststement of nanaal P£tivities (SOFA) 19 ststement of Financial Position (BalarKe Sheet) 20 Cash Flow Ststement 21 Notes to the accounts 22-28 ststement of Financial Acbvibes 2023-24 29
Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31$1 August 2025 The Trustees of the West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit present their report, with the financial ststements of the charty, for the year ended 31st August 2025. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Ststsment of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their acccNJnts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1st January 2015),. l. Objectives and Actlvlties In setting our objectives and planning our acknvities, the Circuit Trustees (who meet in September, JanuarylFebruary and May/June each year) have given careful consideration to the Charity Commissioners, published guidance on public benefi¢ and we believe that we conform with the Charities Act 2011, and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our ststed mission is to, 'encourage, enable and equip the churches, congregations and individuals of the Qrcuit to draw nearer to God, to prodaim the go(Kl news of thri4 and to Sha the love of We aim to achieve this through the provision of ministerial staff, financtal and other support to the seventeen Methodist Churches, one MethodtsVAnglican LEP and one Methodisvunited Reformed Church LEP in our local area (whth covers Dacorum, Three RThiers, Watford, Harpenden and parts of Buckinghamshire arKI Bedfordshire). 2. Achievements and Perf0mnCe Under the heading 'Collaborative arrangements with connected charities, (3.3 below), there is further information on how we obtain our fUls. In this paragraph we provide an overview of how they were spent. For more detail, please see the Churches. own Trustees Annual Reports (where these are required to be prepared). During the year, the principal input into the Circuit was through the wcyk of the Ministers, six Presbyters and one Deacon. Around 44% of the revenue budget was spent on stipends and accommodation for the ministerial staff (£365k in 2024-25, £361k in 2023-24). This includes routine manse maintenance but not improvements and renovations. The Circuit appjinted a paid Safeguarding Officer with effect from December 2018, with role of supporting the churches in their safeguarding policies, practices, Complian and training; and a bursar from October 2021, with their work focussed mainly on property matters at the manses (although that p)st is currently vacant). The Circuit has a sum of money available for grants, principalty for mission projects or to support Churches needing to make modifications to their premises to meet health and safety kgislation, to enable inclusivity and to encourage eco-friendly improvements to church buildings. Funding is usually matched with what has been raised by the church in question, and is sometimes split three ways with the District. Where fun(ts a required for other purposes, the Circuit may give short-term
or loThJer-tem loans. Requests are invited. to be discussed first by the Circuit Leadership Team with final decisions being made by full Circuit Meeting, except for smaller grants which can be approved by the Circuit Leadership Team (up to £3,000). Grants totalling £101,318 were paid during the year to 9 thurthes to support works to cary out necessary repairs, improve insulation arKI upgrade sound and AV systems. The largest grant (£71,327) was paid tt) Harpenden Methodist Church to remodel interior of trE church to enhance its use for mission and outreach. The Circuit put in place a programme of support for the thurches to enable them to meet steep rises in ergY bills from April 2022. The impact on churches varied depdIng on when fixed pri contracts ended, with some churches affected almost immediately while others had longer contracts running into 2024 or 2025. The Circuit is funding increases in excess of 5% per annum for the period from 151 April 2022 to 31 August 2026. The Circuit estimated the cost for the period from 1st Septembw 2023 to 31 August 2026 at £ioo,tK)O per annum, gsvirrfj an estimated totsl of £3CM),000. The actual cost in 2024125 was £65,414 {2023124 £61,895). Future estimates depend critically on future energy prices and the impart of measures being tsken by churches to reduce their energy consumption. The Circuit plans to wind down this support in stages by the of August 2028. 3. Flnanclal Review During the year, the Clrcuit received total redenue income of £574k (2023-24: £599k). The main reasons for the reduction in revenue receipts were reduced income on the Model Trust Fund and the Circuit no longer received the grants for Ghanaian Chaplain. Totsl Circuit expenditure was £830k (2023-24: £764k). The main reason for this was a significant increase in grants pa to Circuit churches for property improvement schemes. In teffl of revenue eXplture there was a deff1t in 2024-25 of £255,576 (2023-24: £161,560). The Trustees have every reason to believe that the Circurt is a going concem, in that they hold free reserves of around £505k, over and above those required to cover six rTrJnths of revenue expenditure and other specific commitments, even if every Church defaulted on its assessmenL The tide to the nine properties (manses) in vthich the Ministers live (including one currently let out), the Cloisters Hall, Mathte Methodist Church and Southdown Methodist Chapel (now the home of the SPACe project) are held by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, in Manchester. The Circuit acts as Managing Trustee, and s respMsible for the day to day management of these properties, having the right and obligations of exercising power or discretion over them. The church buildings of the active thurches in the Circuit a the responsibility of their Church Councils, some of which have registered charity status in their ovm righL and some of which do not. In response to the new accounting starardS, the manses have been revalued for these accounts (see note 7 for details). The principal source of fund5 for the Circuit is the assessment levied on the ChurctrEs. In addition, the Circuit receives rental income from a manse that is currently Tr)t used to house a minister. The churches, income is derived from freewill dcmations by churth members and others attending worship, and payments for the use of thurch halls and rooffs by dubs, activity groups and other organisatb)ns. ()espite signifThnt reductions in these sources of income Sin Marth 2020 the
majority of the circuit assessment payments by churches have continued to be made. As reported below the Circuit holds reserves of £505k over and above the baseline of 50Wo of annual expenditure of annual expenditure and other specifK commitments. The Trustees, view is that the Circuit's reserves are Sufficient to meet ary likely shortfalls at wesent. From September 2016 staffirKJ was reduced by one Minister, leaving a vacant manse. A decision was rnade to rent out this manse for an initial per of two years, giving the Circuit the opportunity to assess whether the 5tsffiThJ reduction was permanent or whether there were other Circuit (charitsble) purposes to whth the property can be puL During this period, the rental received will not be used for general revenue purposes, but to support churches in meeting assessments, to fund specific projects and posts (currentFy the Circuit safeguarding Officer) and to add to the funds available for grants. Since this is not deemed to be a long-term use of the property, it has not bn categorised as an invesbnent property in the accounts. Future decisions about how we use the property may cause us to review this. The property has been rented out for a further three-year period from September 2024. Another manse fell vacant in August 2024 with the departure of the minister who was not replad. A retired minister is living there temporarily arKI is supporting the work of the fjrcuiL The Southdown Methodist Church fomialty ceased to meet for worship in October 2023. A project is in development to develop the Southdown Methodist church building as a Christian perfomiing arts centre (SPACe). The projert is 0jrntIY at the feasibility stage, with some performances, teaching other activities tsking place alongside initial development. The Iwilding was taken into the managing trusteeship of the Circuit Meeting c¥131 August 2024. 3.1 Investment Policy and Perfornian To comply with Methodist StarKling Orders, InieS for long tenn investment are lodged with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (fMCP). As ststed atK)ve, TMCP acts as custcéian trustee for all real estate held by the Circuit, for all large (over £20k) bequests, atKI for the proceeds of the sale of properties. These sums are invested in unitised investrnents or held on deposit. The investment retums are close to tracking the movements of the sE100 index. The desIt income reflects rates available elsewhere, kxjt additionally the Circuit can be assured that the underlying investnEnts take account of the social, environmentsl and ethical cotKerns of the metrdiSt Church. Sl)ort tenn deposits are lodged directty with the Central finance Board of the Methodist Church (CFB) and attract a rate of interest in line wth other market rates. Again, CFB aim to utilise the monies held with them, alongside other denominations, to eThJage with companies in which they hold investments, to bring ab)ut change in line with our ethical concems regarding poverty and unsafe working practices, etc. There are no other IEnchmark5 for the expected retums on investments with the TMCP and CFB. The objective is a rate of retum reflecting the market rate, but which fits with the Trustees, low appetite for risk, The Central Finan Board now have a number of accounts for funds not immediately required, and which attract slighty hher rates, which rneeting the same ethical aims. These will bear further examination going forwards.
3.2 Reserves Level and Policy The Circutt has a reserves policy covering all of its unrestricted funds which is reviewed annually. The Charity Commission's recommended minimum policy level for free reserves is such as to pay for six months of revenue expenditure, althwgh there continues to be convewtion as to whether the Circuit should take Church and District reserves into account to avoid over provision aloTrJ the chain of payments beteen the three tiers. The recommended amount equates to fifty percent of lir& 9 - 16 of the Standard Fomi of Accounts (general fund), net of expenditure met by grBnts received, thich in 2024-25 amounted to £262k (2023-24: £279k). The fjrcuit sets aside a sum each year from the revenue budget to meet rna1ntenan expenditure on the manses, quinquennial insr*rtions, and costs incurred when ministers move into the Circuit. Expenditure is allocated against that reserve for budget and financial planning purposes. The amount allocated in 202+25 was £35,000. £39,827 was spent from this reserve during the year on manse maintenance, together with £3,186 on costs for the move of a new minister into the Circuit. The reserve stood at £24,030 at 31 August 2025. More substantial renovations arwj improvements to the manses are charged directly to reserves and not to the manse maintenance reserve. £30,534 was spent during the year, the main items being an works to upgrade bathrooms, Ix)ilers and heating systems. The Circurt has set aside the rentsl inconE frn the surplus manse as a special reserve with two purposes - firstly to support thurches who would suffer financial diffthlties if they met their full allocated assessment; a1 secondly to SUpt specific projects or appointments - the Circuit has appointed a paid safeguarding offw. The costs of this pw)st will be met from this Sou. The totsl reserves trEld at the end of the year were as follows -. UnrestrKtedfvnds General Fund TMCP Funds 8,798,065 579,172 9,377,237 Less." investedin buildin9S (8,579,165) Uncommitted reserwes 798,072 Less.. Sum seta• uTrÈrResewes Policy Less.. alknated to rnanS reserve (262,542) (24,030) (6,247) Available for Grdnts and otrEr purposes 505,253
The Trustees consider that the level of reserves is sufficient to meet known risks, in particular the potential loss of assessment income from the churches in the light of the reductions in the churches, income, desuibed above. Collaborative arrangements wlth Connerted Charities The Circuiys main Sour of funding is assessnents paid by each of the Churches, amounting to £479k (2023-24., £475k). West Hertfordshire and Borders Circuit came into being in 2012, formed from the merger of the Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead & Berkhamsted and Watford Circuits. Inits'ally, the assessments charged to each Church reflected historical cirCumstans, being increased by small percentages, primarily to flect pay increases. During 2015-16 the Circuit and Church TreaSurS continued to WO on an asseSsml formula which would reflect more closely the current position of each Churdi. Proposals were brought to the June 2016 Circuit Meeting reflecting ministerial input, Church membership and the abilty of the Church to pay (measured in terms of their income over the previous three years). These were agreed, atKI have fonned the basis of as*ssments for yeats from 2016-17. The Circuit is part of the Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire Methodist District, which in tum is part of the Methodist Connexion in Great Britain. The District takes a levy on Circuit reserves (above set limits) held with TMCP and credits these to the District PAfvance Fund, from which grants can be made. In 2024-25, this amounted to £50,847. In addition, the Distritt collects an assessment from trE Circuits, on behalf of the Connexion, based on stsffing and membership numbers. The rcUI¥S contribution in 2024-25 was £108.7k (2023-24: £101.6k). As reported last year, the markigirKJ tnsteeship of the aiisters Hall in Rickmarsworth was transferred to the Circuit with effect from ISI Awil 2021, following the dissolution of Local Ecumenical Partrership (LEP) between Rickmansworth Methodist Churth and St Mary's Churth of England. The Trustees have concluded that it is uneccfftomic to continue to operate the hall and decided to close the hall on 31 December 2022, with a view to its disposal. The accounts of the Cloisters Hall have been consolKlated into these accounts. Marlryate Methodist Church closed for VrshIp on 31st August 2022. The Circuit Meeting became the managing trustees of the land and twildings on 30th June 2022. The laTh and buildings were transferred into these accounts on that date. Bank and CFB balances were transferred to the Circuit on 315t August 2022, and the tnst funds held at TMCP were transferred on 1st September 2022. The money in those trust funds (£2,257) was subsequently withdrawn to meet Some of the ongoing Costs of the Markyate chapel pending ts sale, and the trusts were closed. The chapel was sold in Ottober 2025 for £513,750. The sale proceeds net of expenses of sale were £497,899. The Connexional Advance and lOrty Fund kvy was £175.160, leaving bet proceeds to the Circuit of £322,739. Southdown Meth(j1St thurch closed for worship in October 2023. The church building was transferred to the Circuit on 31st August 2024 and work is in hand to develop the building as a Christian Perfonn1 Arts Centre fspACel. The church's financial resources, together with the lease on the Southdown Halls building. were transfwTed to High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden. An amount continues to be paid to the Circuit from the annual lease income of the Halls property.
4 Trustees. Responsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Rep¢Jt, and the financial statements, in accordance with applicable law and United Kingd Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally ACpted AccountiTrJ Prartice). For each financial year (ending the 31st August), the Trustees are required to prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view of the Circuit's financial activities during the year, and of its financial pogtion at the end of the year. In preparing these statements, the Trustees must -. select suitable accounting policie5 arKI apply them consisttly. observe the methods and principles in the Charities, SORP. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prent. folk)w applicable accountirrfJ standards, subject to any material departures being brth disclosed and explained; prepare the financial statements on the going concwn basis, unless it is inappropriate to assume that the Circuit will contirHJe in operation. The Trustee5 are restM)nsible for keepirvJ proper accounting records whth disclose with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial posith)n of the CircuiL and enables them to ensure that the financial ststements comply with the law. They are also respor6ible for safeguarding the assets of the Circuit, and ensuring their proper application under charity law, and hen for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraLKI and other irregularits"es. 4.1 Risk Managemen¢ Safeguarding & Propertv As well as ensuring that the Clrcuit fo11tr policies which minimise finanaal risK the Trustees undertake to promote good wactice in financial practices wtthin the individual Churches, compatible with their size and resources available. Every person has a value and dignty which arise directy from our creation in God's own image and likeness. This implies a duty to kyotect them from hann. The Tntstees, on behalf of the West Heordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit, commtt themselves to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy. govemment legislatK)n, guidance and safe practi in the Circuit and in the Churches. TrEy are committe(J to the provision of support advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are ckar and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting welfare of children and aduts who may be vulnerable. The Trustees have recently appointed a paid Cirojit safeguardi Officer to give tr£se issues appropriate oversighL The Trustees, aim is to care practicaltry and appropriatety for the Circuit's staff by providing and maintainK)g suitable and good qualty ho(LsifMJ vthKh, as far as tM)ssible, will -. be in an appropriate location; enable the Circuivs staff to live in dignty and comfort and to cary out their Circuit responsibilities thilst respeth'ng their independence and piivacy. be adaptable to meet their needs.
The Circuit ts commrtted to keeping all its propty in a go)d stsrKlard of repair arKI will continue to strive to meet the Decent Homs Standard. It does this by having a planned maintenan programme and by the provision of a restM)nsive repair and maintenance service. Both the planned maintenance programme and the respongve repair and maintenance service are carried out so as to ensure that good value money is obtsirth at all times. The Trustees will promote within their Fyoperty, arKI within individual Churches, due attention to health and safety legislation and pr0dUreS. Physical safety is importanL Infomiation and advi will be shared with regard to, for example, Lone Working and Working at Height Churches should have appropriate risk assessments in place. 5 structu Governance and Management The West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit is an unincorporated charltable association governed by the Methodist Church Act 1976, the Deed of Union (1932), and the Model Trust Deeds of the Methodist Church. Detsiled governan arrangements a outlined within the cClstitutIonaI Practice and Discipline of the Methodist thurch by order of the annual conference (CPD). It was registered with the Charity Commission on its fnation in 2012, adopb'ng the charity number of the pedIng Watford Circuit. 5.1 Strncture Circuits are the co-ordinating charities for local groups of Churches, in this case covering Dacorum, Harpenden, Watford, Three Rivers and parts of Bedfordshire (Studham) and Buckinghamshire (Ley Hill). Circuits pay the sb'pends of the Ministers arKI employ lay staff to serve the Churches in the CircuiL The Circuit is part of the Bedfordshire, Essex & Hertfordshire District. Districts are co-ordinating charities for a group of circuits and make their decsions at half yearly sync4ds. The Methodist Conference meets ortt each year as t supreme denominational body for all the Methodist Churches. Overall regulatory authority rests with the Methodist Conferen. 5.2 Puryjose of the Circuit The Circuit is an expsSIon, over a wider geogrdphical area than any indtvidual Church, of the connexional character of the Methodsst Church. The purp)ses of the Methodist Church are arKI shall be d&med to have been since the date of the union the advancement of - the Christian faith in accordance with the dortrinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church, any charitable purposes for the time beiThJ of any Connexional, District, CircuiL local or other organisation of the Methodist Church, and any charitable purpose for the time b"[j of ary society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist thurch, and any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary of the metrdiSt Church.
The primary purpose of this Circuit is to advance the mission of the Church as we, 'encourage, enable and equip the churches, congregations and irKlividuals of the Circuit to draw nearer to God, to proclaim the good news of ChrisL and to shaye the love of G&J' by placing at their disposal resowces of finance, personnel and exMi*. 5.3 Governance The Circuit operates within a statutory framework of regulation and seeks to ensure that it follows Methodist standing Orders. It relies on the Connexional Office at 25 Tavistock Place, London WCIH 9SF, and on District staff to provide ldance changes that cthjld affect the Qrcuit. The Trustees comwise the Circuit Stsff (with the exceptK•n of the Circuit Administrator), other Methodist Ministers resident in the area, Circuit Officers, and rewesentatives of each of the Churches, elected by their Church Councils. The number of representstives is relative to the siTr of the Churches. membership. The Circuit Leadership Team meets on a bi-monthly basis, but major decisiclts, irKludirKJ those of expenditure are subject to agreement or ratification by the Circuit meeting, which meets three times a year (and at other tirnes ff necessary urgent dectsions). In tum, the fjrcuit Mts'rJ appoints representatives to the Distrirt Synod, the District's decision-making body. 6 Reference and Adminlstratlve Detsils 6.1 Name of the Charlty The West Hertfordshire and Btxders Methodist Circuit 6.2 Charlty Registration Number 1135094, registered in England and Wales 6.3 Clrcuit Off Harpenden Methodist Churth High Street Harpend Hertfordshire AL5 2RU 01582 713056 6.4 Superintendent Mlnlstsr Rev Rachael Hawkins (to 315t August 2025) Rev. Dr Caroline Wickens (from 1st September 2025) io
6.5 Secretary of the Clrcult Meetlng Lyndsay Campbell - to January2026 Philippa Bayfield - from January 2026 6.6 Circult Treasurer David Edney 6.7 Clrcult Administrator Jennifer Frith (mn-Trustee) 6.8 Circuit Staff Rev Dr Caroline Wickens - (Superintendent- from 11912025) Rev Andrew Brazier Rev Dr Donna Fowler-marchant Rev Mark HammoTrJ Rev Rachael Hawkins (SuperIntendt - to 311812025) Rev Joyce Mayisiri Rev Helen Roberts Deacon Sarnh Wid(ett - to 281212026 Pauline Jackson (Safeguarding offi.. non.tnts) 6.9 Circuit Officers Linda Black (Orcuit Stewam) DavKI Edney (Circuit Steward and Circuit Treasurer) Janet Gilfoyle (Qrcuit Steward to 31 AUSt2025) Mike Lees (Circuit Steward) David Pain (CircuitSteward- from September2025) Lorraine Pea (Circuit Stewam) Lyndsay Campbell (Circuit Meeting Secretary to January 2026,. Circuit Stewardfrom January2026) Karen Noble (Secretary of the Preachers, meeting) - from September 2025 Philippa Bayfield (Circuit Meeting Secretary) - from January 2026 6.10 Names of Trustees Circuit Staff and Officers are automatically members of the Qrcuit Meeting (unless noted otfrErnise). Supemumerary Ministers, or other Methodist Ministers Ident in the area. aLso have a right to be part of the Circuit Meeting. Other Trustee5 are appointed by the Circuiys Churth Councils, the number being dependent on the size of the individual Church. In addition to those named atrf)ve, the followit¥J seNed as Trustees at some point during the year 2024-25, or are Trustees as of the date of the approval of this report. One Minister who is resident li
in the area, but not active In Trust decision making. has requested that their details do not appear in any publicatiors. Richard Atkins (to 291712025) Jeni Bowrnan Susan Dyce Paul Creasey (to 3118125) Jenny Harris Paul Johnston jani Lewis Juliet Jacobs (from 291712025) Miranda Kowalczyk David McGuire aare Rayment (to 3118125) Pauline Rogers Rosemary Rhode5 Ann Shepherd Kathryn Spall Rev Brian Tebbutt (sUna Rev Caroline Weaver Clive Wickham Rosemary Berdinner Alis(m Brain Rev John Fellows Rev Michael Giles (Supemumerary) (from 11912025) Margaret FaulknEr Celia Green Michael Hill Lesley Markham-jones Linda Morgan Ann Matthev Sally Pearson (from 291712025) Chrystyna Smith Debra SutrErland Esther Wane (to 291712025) Trevor Wadcock Suzanne Wo(xl Shireen Wickham Margaret Woods 6.11 Bankers Unity Trust Bank PLC Nine Brindleyplace Bimiingham. BI 2HB Central finan Board of the methodist thurch 9 Bonhill Street EC2A 4PE 6.12 Investment Managers and Custodian Trustees Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes Central Buildings Oldham Street Manchester Ml IJQ 6.13 Audltors Hicks and Company Chartered Accountants & Ststtjtory Auditors Vaughan Chambers Vaughan Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4EE 12
6.14 Churches making up the Clrcult Atthts Lar¥Jley Methodist Churth All Saints,, Berkhamsted (Anglican/Methodi Local Ecumenical Partnership) Batford Methodist Church Berry Lane Methodist thurch Bushey & Oxhey Methodist Churth Carpender5 Park and South Oxw Mdhodisi Urch Croxley Green Methc#Jist Church Gaédesden Row Methixlist Church (mty to IEcc#ne The Willages Church 11912025) Harper¥Jen (High Street) MethodFSt Urch Hemel Hempstead Methodist crCh (HHNC) Kings Langley Meth(MJist Church Ley Hill Methodist Church Martyate Methodist Churth ** The Scroll Church (MethodiWRC LEP) Redboum Methodlst Church St Andrew s (Bushey Heath) Methodist Church st Martha s (Triro) Method5St Church Southdown Methodist Church (Sed to meet for worship OLt(kn 2023) ++ Studham Methodist Church (merged to become The Villages Church 11912025) Trinity (Watford) Meth¢)dist Church Trowley Hill (Flamstead) Methodist Church (m to become The Willage5 Church 11912025) ** Maate Methodist Church tsrnally d05ed on 31&t August 2022. The land and building5 were transferred to the managlng trusteeship of the Orcuit on 30th June 2022. The chapel building was sold on 17 October 2025. ++ ScKrthdown Methodist Churth closed for vK)thp in (ktober 2023. The chapel building was transferred to the Circuit on 31st August 2024. The finanoal resour$ tcKJether with the residual freehold of, and the benefit of the lease on, the Southdown Halls building were trarsferred to High Street Methodist thurch, Harpenden. amount continues to be paid to the Circuit from the annual rental income (fj the Halls. The thapel lIdIng is now in use as the Southdown Performing Arts CEntre (SPACe), an outreach proieLt of the (Jrcu Statement of disclosures to the Audltor (a) So far as the Trustees are aware, there is no rdwant alt inforntiOn of which the Auditors are unaware, and; (b) We have taken all the steps we ought to have tsken as Trustees in order to make oursefves aware of any rent audit information and to establlsh that the Auditors are aware of that infotTnation; Approved by the Trustees on the 21sr May 2026 Rev Dr Caroline Wickens (Superintendent Minister)
WEST HERTFORDSHIRE AND BORDERS METHODisf ClRCUtr INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3151 AUGUST 1025 Oplnlon We have audited the financial statenaits of The West HertfOrdshI and Borders Methodist Circuit Cthe charity,) for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comwise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Ststement of Financial Position and notes to the financial ststernents, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reting frarnewk that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law aThJ United Kingdcwn Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally ACpted AcCnting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements: give a tn and fair view of the stste 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 accordan wth United Kingdom Generally ACpted Accountiro Practi. aThJ have been wepared in accordan with the requirernents of the tharities Act 2011. Basls for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Intemathjnal Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities undw those starKlards are fvrther described in the Auditors, responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of r report We are iNlepeThJent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRCS Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical restmjnsibilities in accordance with these requIrEnts. We believe that ttE audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to wovide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relatlng to going concern In auditing the financial ststements, we have concluded that trustees, u* of the going conrn basis of accounting in the preparat of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the worl( V have perfOrnd, we have not identifEd any material uertaIntieS relating to events or conditions that, individually or collecknvely, may cast significant doubt on the charivs abilty to continue as a goiro concern for a lod of at least twelve M(th$ from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. r respsIbIlI.eS and the reSpor1b11itieS of the with respect to going concem are described in the rdevant sections of this rep(xt Other inforniatlon The trustees are responsible for the othv inf0miatl. The other inforniation comprises the information included in the Annual RetMJL other than financial statements and our Report of the Independent AlitorS thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements dces rt cover the other inforniation and, except to the extent otherwise expliaty stated in our reprt we do not ex(Kess any form of assuran C1ClusIon there(. 14
In connection with our audit of the financial staternents, our responsibility is to read the other infomiation and, in doing so, consider whether the other infonnation is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otheNise appears to be materialty misstated. If we identsfy such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to detemiine whether this gtves rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misststement of this other infonnation, we are required to report that fact. We have Th)thing to report in this regard. Matters on which we are required to report by exceptlon We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to rewt to you if, in our opinion: the information given in the Report of the Trustees is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements. or sufficient accounting records have rt been kept; or the finanaal statements are not in agreement with the accountiThJ records and retums. or we have not received all the infomiation and explanations we require for our audlt. Respons5bllltles of trustees As explained more fully in the Trustees, Responsibilities Statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees detemiine is neSary to erkible the preparation of financial ststements that are free from material misstatement, wlEther 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 concem basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to ase operations, or have no realistic altemative Ixrt to do so. Our responslbllltfes for the audlt of the flnandal statements We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and reant regulations made or having effect thereunder. Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assuran about whether the financial ststements as a whole are free from material misstatement. whthr due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assuran is a high level of assurance but is rM)t a guarBnte that an audit coTrJucted 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 financral ststements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instsnces 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 detectiw irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 15
Based on our understanding of the entity and sector in which it operates, we identified the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations relating to the charity. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a dirett impact on the weparation of financial statements. We communicated entified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any indicatior6 of non-compliance throughout ttE audiL We assessed the susceptibilty of the chaiivs financial Staten}ts to material misstatement, including obtsining an understsnding of how fraud may occur, by making enquiries of the trustees and management as to where they considered there was susceptibilty to fraud and considering the internal controls in place to mitigate fraud risks and r-Compliance wrth laws and regulations. In restM)nse to the ri4( of fraud through mark1get bias (including the risk of override of controls) and the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed protrdu thich included, but were not limited to: - perfomitvJ analytical procedure5 to identify unusual or unexpected transactions - assessing whether judgements and assumptions made in detennining cOUntIng estimates were indicative of potential bias - reviewed a sample of transactions from the charitvs rec(rds - performing completeness of income tests - test checking the approwiateness of journal entries - agreeing financial statement disc105ures to the underlying supwting d(Kumentstion - checking for Corresponden with the Charity CMiSsion - reading the minutes of board of trustees, meetings - checking for any ac31 and potential ltytion arKI daims There are inherent limitations in our aLKIit procedures outlined above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-complian. Auditing standards also limit the audit r(dureS to identify non-compliance wth laws and regulatiors to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal corresponden, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as tly may involve deliberate concealment or collusion. We are not resp)nsible for preventing non%0mplian and cannot be expected to detect non<cxnplIan with all laws and regulations. A further descripts.on of ow responsibilities for the audit of the financial ststements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at W4yw.frc.cYg.uk1aIt0ronslblIItIe$. Thls description forms part of our Report of the Indedent Auditors. 16
Use of our report This report is made solely to the charity's trustees. as a in accfxdance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulati5 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we rnht state to the charity's trustees those matters we are reyuired to state to them in an auditors, report and for no other purpo*. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity arKI the charity's trustees as a bcthi, for our audit work, for this report or for the opinions we have formed. Philip De , FCA (Senior Ststutory Auditor) Hicks and Company Chartered Accountants and statut Auditors Vaughan Chambers Vaughan Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4EE Date. zl l4¥- ¥ 17
THE MEfHODisf CHURCH TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS (ACCRUALS BASIS) For the year ended 31st August 2025 West Hertfordshire and Bordejs Methodist Circuit Registwed Charity - Registration number 1135094 Distrittlcircuit No: 34114 Mlnlsters: Rev Rachael Hawkn'ns (Superintendent to 311812025) Rev Dr Caroline Wickens (SuperinterKlent from 11912025) Rev Andrew Brazier Rev Dr Donna Fowler-marchant Rev Mark Hammond Rev Joyce Mayisiri Rev Helen Roberts Deacon Sarah Wickett (to 281212026) Clrcuit stewards: Linda Black David Edney Janet Gilfoyk (to 311812025) Mike Lees David Pain (from September 2025) LorRine Pea Lyndsay CamptEII (from January 2026) Circult Treasurer: David Edr 18
West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit 34114 Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2025 Cknlste Ham Tol41 202+ZS Total 2023-24 (Unrnltkted) TNst (lIed} Income and end¢>wments from: l and 2 Ire from nYJThery fftvestmenrs 9.216 43.305 S967 478.956 474956 474.776 S Cwta Rets 6 Granrs re 20,779 7 Other diaritth 52.C64 51064 43.631 8 Totsl IncomE 574,315 599.053 Expendliure•n: 9 fyants arn1 d¢ti[S 82.160 166,n2 86.464 10 Sobrie5 •KI a5XUated CLbts 294,538 294,538 333,162 11 Propth martee 76232 76,232 73,093 ic.n4 50.487 159.211 171993 14 DepreciaTr 419 419 16 Cmher 09(mJ5 129.741 2.674 131415 97.094 16b Sale LllaT 17 Tolal charltable expendlture 694.226 135.321 819.547 763.871 -353 -353 3,158 19 Gainsll1055esl (xi irwEsbnÈt prtwtiÈs 20 Nat Inumwl(exp•ndlture} -IU990 -101,505 -255,575 -161,5fj0 21 Tran*rs beh¥een fvTrJs 14L584 -142,4 22 othtt gangllow) -221.889 -221.889 -293.7311 22a Prfft Irtruced S6¥446 23 Ilet mwomwrt In .233,295 .244,1fj9 -477B64 106,IS6 24 Total fvnd5 )hI 8.149.1107 823.341 884353 9,8S4.701 9,748,545 25 Total forword 7,914n3 579,172 881353 9,377,237 9.854.701 19
West Hertfordshire and Borders MedM)dist Circutt statement of Financial Position as at 31 August 2025 34114 Totrls 2025 Tttsls 2024 Trt Fund Orcuft Ma Buikji 12 12 7 918 701 3fJ 53 12 611 85 Oebtovs and io 153 Cash at Bank and in 15.9 22586 er i li 53 712 579,172 Loars 12 7.91 712 FuNts ofth¢ G1 Fund irthed 701 237 The finarKial staterrwjts approved by the Eoafd of Trustets cm 21st May 2026 and 9gd on ttElr behalf by: Rev Dr Carollne Wlckus 20
West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit Cash Flow Ststement for the year ended 31 August 2025 2025 2024 Nole Ca9h frorn operatln9 actl¥lti (311,904) 1199,033) Cash Ilows In¥•#lng a¢thtllles c•M"ddI Interest and rents fvom Frb Prixeeds frorn sak of tryerty, plwt LYJiikX 43,31 51,551 Purchase of prwety. pknt and eqLwwt Purchase of rtarrfjo a Prc¢eeds from the sa ¢f•i%estrnwts 175,985) (24,434) N•t ¢•sh provld•d by Onv•#w¥J •Clivitl•s 43J06 Cash nowsfrom Ilnan¢lng a¢llwili New toTh). b)an maje to Watrwd Repayrnents of ix)rrowMg Ner ush used In lkn•ndThJ •¢ll¥hl Othercash Flows Coth aTKI Cath Eqwants- Cker5 1 to 2021 Ch•ng• In and ¢•sh equlv•lwts In the r•portlng pwlo CAsh rAsh equNaknts at tP ofthe e"rj ptt Cash and cash equl¥aleThts althe Ind of the rewAtkng (261598) l.043,132 774.534 (22J,467} 1.266,599 LO43,132 RKondli•tlon of n•t Incorne to n•ttash Ilv frorn Ner inctyne for the reporbNJ WLXI (as per #ateff of fnartCO1 tIes} 1255.5751 {161,5601 DepreoaiKm and ancrtsal)n thwge5 Profit sale of fved asseis LO on the sal2 or rwj assets (Ga1l$ nvestments 353 13.2581 {5L,5511 {43.3061 t¢reawiirKrease) in stcos linueaselldeuease in thtrtors rfftasel{decreI In (redthrs Net ush used In op¢ratlng 1,373 15,963 {199.033) 113.3571 {314904) 01 c•sh wh Cath in IkAN1 15,991 22,586 1,020,546 1.043.132 ort term deprAt l&$ than 3 Totsl cash and fash oqulvaleThts 774,S34 21
West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit Notes to the Accounts l Ba515 of accounting The financial statements of the charity, whith is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) 'AcCOtIng and Reporting by tharities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financk41 Reporting stslard applicable in the UK and Rewblic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2015),, and the Charits'es Act 2011. The financial statements have b*n ppared under the historical cost convention. with the exception of investments which are included at market value, as ffK)dified by the revaluati( of certain assets. 2 Funds The funds held constitute: General Funds held for any purpose of the Circuit which are unrestrirted. The Circutt Model Trust Funds have wide purposes defined in Standing Orders and are categorised as unrestricted. The Revaluation Reserve (Unrestricted) relates to the revaluation of the freehold properties (manses). Restricted fun(ts are those held for a narrower purpose and endowment funds which represent gifts, the capital nOMllY being unavailable for spending, and the income from which is either restricted or unrestricted. Any furKls may be represented by more than just cash. 3 Accounting policies Incomlng resources These are included in the Statement of Financial Activi (SOFA) when the Circuit becomes entitled to the resources, the trustees are virtually rtain that they will r1ve the resources. and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliabilty. Resources expended Expenditure is recognised when a liabilty is incurred, or a COnstre obligation arises, that results in the payment being unavoidable. Whilst grants may be ag in principle for a nurnber of years, they are confimied on an annual basis. Govemance costs amounted to £4,404 comprising audit fees of £4,284 and bank charges and fees of £120. All other expenditure relates to the costs of the charitable activities. Llablllty recognition Liabilities are recognised as 9)on as there is a legal or constnth obligation comrnitting the Circuit to pay out resources. 22
Tangible fixed assets for use by the Clrcult Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or a reasonable value on receipt. Where cost is not available, the Circuit Meeting may provide a reasonable estimate of cost or of the buildin95' current value to the circuit. The manses have been revalued to market value, and further details relating to this revaluation can be found in note 7 below. Provision is made for deweciation where appropriate. Frorn September 2016, the staffirmj was reduced by one Minister, leaving a vacant man*. A decision was made to rent this out for an initial period of two years, giving the Circuit the opportunity to assess whether the staffing reduction was permanent or whether there were other Circuit (charitable) purposes to which the property can be put. The rent received is being used to support some of the Churches who are most financialty stretched and to fund specific projects. The manse has been let for a further three-year period from September 2024. Investments Investments are ststed in the statement of financial position at the bid prte at the year-end. Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable armd any gains or losses on revaluation at the year-end are also shovffl in the SOFA. Taxation The Circuit is exempt from tax on its charitable attivities. Pension costs The ministers are members of the Methodist Church Ministers, pS1On Scheme, operated centrally. The Circuit a150 paCIpate5 in a defined contribution pension scheme operated by the Pensions Trust. Contributions payable to these pension schemes are charged to the Statement of Financial Activitres in the period to which they relate. 4 Payments to Trustees 2025 2024 Payments made to Trustees for additiCal Servi provided to the Circuit Number of Trustees who We paid expenses These expenses include travel costs, preachirKJ fees paid to Supernumerary Ministers, and reiMErsernent of payments made on behalf of the Circuit Total amount paid 1,465 £ 1,144 23
5 Fees for examlnatlon or audlt of the accounts 2025 2024 Auditor s fees for rewting on the accounts Other fees (e.g. advice, accountancy seNrces) paid to the athlitor £4,600 £4,500 6 Paid employees 2025 2024 Staff costs paid during the year Ve. Gross wages, salaries and befits in kind Empbyer's National Insurance costs Pension costs Payroll Bureau Fee Apprenticeship Levy £227,481 £ 23,092 £ 42,346 É 480 £ 1,139 £248,552 £ 22,216 £ 61,379 480 £ 1,234 Total staff costs £294,538 £333,861 Average number of staff in the year: (comprising six full time and three part-time staffj li The use of the V4ord 'staff shoukl be tsken to include lth lay staff employed direcuy by the Circult, and Presbyters and Deacons who are legally not empbyees, but 'offKe-holders'. Whilst their relatiCShip 15 technically with God and the Connexion, their stipends are furded from Circuit funds. There were no employees or staff who received benefits of more than £60,000. 7 Analysls of grants The following grants have been made in the year: 2025 2024 Harpden Methodist Church Flamstead Methodist Church Batford Methodist Church Energy Related Grants Other Grants £ 71,327 £ 4,933 £ 5,900 £ 65,414 £ 19,158 £61,895 £24,569 Total grants paid E166,732 £86,464 24
8 Tangible Fixed Assets Cost or Valuation Total Manses & (Restated) Buiklings Equipment Balance brought foThYard 8,801,054 2,919 8,803,973 Additi(5 Revaluations -221,889 -221,889 Disposals Transfers Balance carried forward 8,579,165 2,919 8,582,084 maIntanCe work is tsken from revenue expaKliture. For intemal aCCnting purposes the trustees have established a resenie lIcY to even out the annual costs of maintsining manses, which tend to be highest in years en ministers tharvJe appointments. Accumulated depreciation Depreciation is provided for in order to write off each asse( e.g. computer equipmenL over Its estimated useful life. Basis: Rate: Straight line Equipment - over 3 years; Manses - over 50 years Balance brought fOard 2,919 2,919 Depreciation charge for the year Revaluations Disposals Transfers Balance carried forward 2,919 2,919 25
Net book value Brought f(*ward 8,801,054 8,801,054 Carried foNard 8,579,165 ,579,165 The arcuit holds nine properties (manses) on ststernt of financial position, which were previously held by the three fomv Circuits prior to the mwger the 1st September 2012. Methodist guidelines allowed for these to be ststed at their cost pn, market valuation or insuran value, and all three fomis of valuation had been used by the former Circutts. Following the merger, it was decided to include the manses at their inherited Val in the Circuiys accounts. When preparing the accounts for the year ended 31 AuSt 2016, the Trustees reviewed this policy in the context of the new accountirKJ statements (SORPS), coming into effect, and decided to account for the rnanses at their market value. Accordingly, the Trustees have valued the manses and buildings at the 31st August 2024. The overall effect of the refiluation during the year has been a reduction in reserves at 31st August 2025 by £221,889 (2024: increase of £293,730). The value of the buildings as at 31st August 2025 of £8,579,165 is comprised of the total inherited amount of £5,771,838 plus the revaluation reserve of £2,245,881 and property introduced at 311812024 of £561,446. 26
9 Investment assets Analysis of investments Bid Price at year end Investments listed on a recognised Stock Exd)ange or held in common investff£nt funds. Op eNJed investment companies, unit trusts or other collective investment schemes Securities not listed on a recognised Stock Exchange Cash held as part of tr investrnent portfolio Other investments Nil 51,46 51,446 Total Change in Investment values Carrying (market) value at the beginning of the year Add: additions to investments at cost 51,799 Less: disposals at carrying value Addl(deduct)'. net gain/(loss) on relaluation Carying (market) value at the end of the year -353 51,446 10 Debtors 2025 2024 Sundry debtors & prepayments 25,153 25,135 Principally refiecting ministerial st1perS paid in advance. 11 Creditors due wlthin one year 2025 2024 Sundry creditor5 & deferred income 53,062 66,419 Principally reflecting assessments paid in August for the following year. 27
12 Credltors due after one year 2025 2024 Sundry creditors & accrued income 13 Capital Commitments & Contingent Llabilities 2025 2024 At the 31st August, capital commitments amounted to: 14 Clrcuit Resffves The Circuit s policy is to allocate its reserves as follows: General serve equal to 50% of annual expwKliture: £ 262,542 Manse repair and maintenance reserrfe: £ 24,030 Reserve from the income from the surplu5 mar6e, allocated to support churches with their assesSmts and to fund specific projects and appointsnents: £ 6,247 Balance of reserve available to make grants to Circuit churches to support mission projects, necessary work to address health & safety or accessibilty, energy efficien rovements, and ener bills: £ 505,253 Total Reserves (excl1ng the value of buiklings) £ 798,072 28
Name rfCWCt tNo 34114 statemEnt of Finandal Artlvldes (SOFA) forth• y•vond•d 31 August 2014 r(4t Model (Unre•Ct•) {vnrnStr) Hall Total 202>24 7.920 51.917 $9.867 474776 S Cathl Rec¥pts 6 (>ants re 20,779 43,661 599,(153 7 Ir chwtabk i[cne 43.631 8 T•tal In¢•m• 547.106 Expmdlturt 9 (>arts aThJ donatKr 86.464 333ffi2 333,862 73,093 I l perty minten 12 QMnex1 aSSetymt & 13 titht & Le 101,612 7J.381 174993 14 Sale of LaTrJ 15 (hTKe expens 16 (Xher outgo$ 17 Tot1 <harable exptrdltu 3.140 7421 97,094 689JSO 18 Galnsllbss¢sl on rretary irme#S 19 Ga[lO$se51 on NeStt prwbes 20 Not lncmel{exp¥rn) 3,258 -19.316 -161.560 259M2 22 Other gang{hal 22a Prcpty IrtrodLKed 23 Not moveM¢nt In lund5 -293.730 -293.730 56 446 304.554 -27B 24 Total fund5 browht foThwd 7.764.452 1.101,740 882,353 9,748,545 25 Total fund¥ c¥rf•d fonHrd 353 29