CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Trustees, Annual Report for the period From 0110912023 period start date To 3110812024 period end date Charity name: Boston Methodist Circuit Charity registration number: 1135515 Objectives and Activities SORP reference Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its goveming document Para 1.17 The Circuit is govemed by the Methodist Church Act 1976, the Deed of Union and the Model Trust Deeds of the Methodist Church. The purposes of the Methodist Church are, 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 and the discipline of the Methodist Church, and b) any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of the Methodist Church, and c) any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution or subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church. The Boston Circuit is a group of local Methodist Churches. Across the UK, Methodist Circuits are grouped into Districts. The British Methodist Connexion, our national body, is made up of all the districts of Scotland, Wales and England, along with the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands andshetland. Although there is some autonomy, all Methodist organisations in Great Britain are governed by statutes determined by the Methodist Conference and which are published in the Constilution, Practice and Discipline {CPD) of the Methodist Church. Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the publi benefit. in particular, the activities, projects or Para 1.17 and 1.19 Our mission is to be a powerful spiritual influence in the community and a visible expression of God's inclusive love. We live out in a local context the aspirations and principles of the Methodist Church nationall . We are committed to the worshi
services identified in the accounts. social, and outreach activities that currently exist, and seek fresh ways to extend them to serve the present age. Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit Para 1.18 In setting our objectives and planning our activities, Circuit Trustees meet monthly, giving careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidan on public benefit and, in particular, to its supplementary public benefit guidance on advancing our objectives as set out above. Additional information (optional) You ma choose to include further statements where relevant about: SORP relerence By way of annual or one-off grants, Boston Methodist Circuit supports churches, and olher organisations, within the Circuit by contributing to the cost of specific projects, especially for mission, sometimes for as long as five years. The Circuit does not generally support the normal running costs of anv church. Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Before committing to a grant, the Circuit believes that it is prudent to ensure that it has sufficient resources to pay for all instalments of the grant. NIA Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Volunteers help the charity to achieve its Stated activities through a variety of input. Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers NIA Other
Achievements and Performance SORP reference Maintaining the worship, social and outreach activities of all our churches so that they serve the needs of the members in the present age. Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the dIffenCe the charity's work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. Para 1.20 Using our churches as hospitable and welcoming spaces to promote social inclusion with an emphasis on those who are vulnerable in society. The charity is well regarded across Boston and its surrounding villages and intentionally builds relationships and works with social partners for the common good. Additional information (optional) You ma choose to include further ststements where relevant about: The Circuit has: maintained neighbouring Boston continues to co-operate with neighbouring circuits in outreach projects including Heckington Show continued its support for a wide range of outreach projects and generated new opportunities for youth work and community engagement. Circuit holds regular consultations for planning and outreach. links churches with across Achievements against objectives set Para 1.41 NIA Perfomanca of fundraising activities against objectives set Para 1.41 NIA Investment performance against objectives Para 1.41 NIA other
Financial Review Review of the charity's financial position at the end of the period Para 1.21 For the year ended 31¥1 August 2024 the Circuit prepared receipts and payments accounts. They are not a consolidation of the accounts of churches in the Circuit. The Circuit budget is prepared by first anticipating the expenditure for the forthcoming year and then determining how that sum will be raised. About 87Yo of the unrestricted income for the year 2023-2024 came from the individual churches within the Circuit. standing Orders require the Circuit to pay the District Assessment before any other commitments and th8n to pay the stipends and support costs, including the provision of a manse, telephone and travel expenses, for ministers stationed in the Circuit. The Circuit also employs a part- tjme administrator. The coot of tb.ese commitments in the year to 31st August 2024 was £114,847, In addition there were other costs totalling £122,607, including the purchase of a manse. Reserves not tied up in fixed assets were approximately £128k at the year end. At no time during the y88r was the Circuit insolvent either in terms of its assets or in terms of its ability to pay its debts as they became due. All funds ar8 unrestricted wilh the exception of the Lees Legacy restricted funds of £504 and endowment fund of £4,863, plus funds held by the Circuit for the Kirton Family Worker. The income from the Lees Legacy fund is administered by the Lees Legacy Committee which is appointed by the Circuit Meeting and serves as a benevolent fund for those in need. statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held Para 1.22 The Circuit seeks to use its financial resources wisely and to predict future needs for capital expenditure on churches, manses and projects. Capital Assets The proceeds of sale of the premises of any Methodist Church or manse wilhin the Circuit is generally credited to the Circuit. There is, however, a substantial levy paid to the Connexion (the Methodist Church in Great Britain) so not all the proceeds are received by the Circuit. During the year none have been sold, but one former chapel is ex ected to be sold in 2025. The Circuit has
one manse but it will be seeking to purchase another one in the near futu. Existing Commitments The Circuit has committed the following grants out of its Reserves: RoadHog Youth Mission: £1,000 as a one off grant payable in May 2024. Annual Costs The Circuit believes that it should ensure that it has reserves sufficient to cover the stipends of its Presbyters for the full ensuing year but not to meet any redundancy pay should this be payable. At 31 August 2024, this sum is estimated at £46,000. A part time Circuit Administrator is employed by the circuit, with an associated annual cost of £17,000. other costs of the Circuit are estimated at £40,000 for a full year. The Circuit deems it prudent to hold sufficient to cover these costs for six months, i.e. £20,000. The total of these projected costs is £83,000. Current reserves are able to meet this expenditure. Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 Approx £124,000 Reasons for holding zero reserves Details of fund materially in deficit Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern Para 1.22 NIA Para 1.24 NIA Para 1.23 NIA Additional infonnation (optional) You ma choose to include further statements where relevant about: The principle source of funds is what the charity asks of its churches, each of which pays a number of shares, currently £250 each to meet annual expenditure. The charity's principal SoUrS of funds (including any fundraising) Para 1.47 It is expected that this income will cover expenditure for the current and next year. NIA Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted Para 1.48 Through its Trustees, risks faced by the Circuit have been considered. Where Para 1.48
A description of the principal risks facing the charity appropriate, risks have been covered by insurance. Security and safety of our churches is largely for individual churches to determine and to mitigate following advice from Trustees. All churches and manses are the subject of quinquennial building inspections and the reports on each are reviewed by the Circuit as well as the local Trustees. Action is taken to reduca the risks of injury to all who have a legitimate purpose on those premises. We have conSided the resilienc8 of churches and the risk that they will not meet their assessments. 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 to provide guidance on changes that could affect the Circuit. NIA Other
Structure, Governance and Management Description of charity's trusts: Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) NIA Para 1.25 The Methodist Church Act 1976, the Deed of Union and the Model Trust Deeds of the Methodist Church How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) Para 1.25 Circuits are the cTrordinating charities for local groups of churches governed by the Methodist Church Act 1976, the Deed of Union and the Model Trust Deeds of the Methodist Church. Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees Para 1.25 Church Councils safely recruit Trustees, according to Methodist Church recruitment policies, to serv8 on the Circuit Meeting. Addltional infomiation (optional) You ma choose to include further slatements where relevant about: A range of guidance is provided by the Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the Circuit and training opportunities are offered at Circuit and District levels eg Safeguarding, GDPR, EDI. Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustee8 Para 1.51 1 > Overall control rests with the Methodist Conference. 2) The Connexional Office implements decisions made by Conference and is also responsible for the stationing of Presbyters in individual Circuits. 3> Connexional decisions are passed to the Chair of the District and the appropriate Officers of the District for regional implementation. 4) The Districts communicate to Circuits for local implementation by the Superintendent Presbyter, Presbyteral Staff and Circuit Stewards who are the Circuit's Managing Trustees. Policy decisions are taken at the Circuit Meeting. 5> The Circuit Meeting communicates to Church Councils for local Church implementation by the Presbyter, the Church Stewards and other officers. Authority is delegated to Church Councils acting as Managing Trustees. 6) The Methodist Connexional year runs from 1 September to 31 August. The charity's organisational structure and any wider network with which th8 charity works Para 1.51
Charity Reglstratlon The Boston Methodist Circuit was registered as a charity (registration number 1135515) in April 2010. The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. NIA Relationship with any related parties Para 1.51 The Circuit and each individual church have adopted and abide by all Connexional and District safeguarding policies in relation to children and adults who may be vulnerable. These include policies regarding Safer RecrLiitmen+ Risk Assessmants and Responding Well, wh8n there are concerns. Trained Safeguarding Officers ensure compliance, deliver training, and champion safeguarding in all the circuit and its churches. We follow Connexional guidelines on obtaining DBS checks where these are necessary, and ensure they are renewed every five years. In line with Connexional policy, Safeguarding training at an appropriate level is delivered to church and circuit officers every four years, including advanced training for Presbyters, lay preachers and others in a leadership role. Note on Safeguarding
Reference and Administrative details Charit name Other name the charit uses istered charit number Charity's principal address Boston Circuit 17122 1135515 Centenary Methodist Church Red Lion Street Boston PE216NY
Names of the charlty trustees who manage the charity Name of pefson (or body) éntitled to appolnt trustee (if an Trustee name Offic• (if any) Dates actod If not for whole year Rev. Dr Val Ogden Co-SuperintendenuPSbYter (to 3110712023) Superintendent from 0110812023 Supernumerary Presbyter Rev. Julie Doddrell Rev. Marie Gr88nwood Supemumerary Presbyker Miss H Darley Local Church Pastor Mrs S Lymer Local Church Pastor Mr S Cock Manse Steward Mrs D Barnden Circuit Steward Mr S Birkett Circuit Steward Mrs J Burgess Mrs A Burrell Circuit Steward 10 Circuit steward 11 MrG Carter Circuil Steward 12 Mr R Champion Circuit Steward From 3010112024 13 Mr J Cooper Mrs J Criddle Circuit Steward CirGUit Steward 14 15 Mr P Criddle Circuit steward 16 Mrs A Forinton Circuit Steward 17 Mr J Hewitt Circuil Steward 18 Mrs J Jessop Circuit Steward 19 Mr M Jessop Circuit Steward 20 Mrs J Kent Circuit Steward 21 Mr D Laing Mr G Lilley Circuit steward Circuit Steward From 3010512023 to 3010112024 22 23 Mr S Maddy Circuit Steward
24 Mrs C Meeds Mrs R Peacock Mr G Sharp Circuit Steward Circuit Steward 25 26 Circuit Steward 27 Mr M Teasdale Circuit Steward From 3010112024 28 Mrs L Thorn Circuit Steward Cor orate trustees - names of the directors at the date the re Director name ortwasa roved NIA Name of trustees holding title to propety belonging to the charity Trustee nam• Dat9• acted If not for wholo •ar NIA
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others Description of the assets NIA held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity's objects NIA Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity's own assets NIA Additional information (optional) Names and addresses of advi8ers (Optlonal Inforniatlon) Type of Nama Address adviser Name of chlef oxacutlve or names of sanlor stsff members (Optional Infomiatlon) Exemptions from disclosure Reason for non-disclosure of ke ersonnel details Other o tional Informatlon
Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity, stees Signature(s) ei ToneF Iru Full name{s) Position (eg Secretary. Chair. etc) Date JtrJE 2,nY LLne 2L)Ig ,
CIRCUIT RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS Boston Circuit FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2024 Lincolnshire District Circult no 17122 Reglstered Charlty - Charlty Reglstrallon number 1135515 If not a registered charity HIS Majesty's Revenue and Customs Glft Ald number (The HMRC number is equlvalent to a registered charity number In terms of evldence of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitable status. Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242) Ministers: Rev Dr V 0.9,den Circuil Stewards: Audrey. Forinton: John Hewitt: Jenny..Jessop.: Mike Jessop.: Janet Kent: David Lain9.., Treasur8r'. S Jackson Fin81 Submitted copy of Sl8ndard form of Accounts Circuit year ending 2W1ldr8ft 29-10-20241
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2024 B05ton Circuit Clrcult restrlcted Model Trust Restrfcted Funds Fund Funds Totals th18 year Totals last yoar SECTION A a1 RECEIPTS Noto a2 Asse55mentlShare 96,187 96,187 96,625 a3 a4 Capital receiDIs Bank and CFB interest and Investment income 2,243 9,223 11,466 7,069 Grants a6 Other reGeipt5 TOTAL RECEIPTS 12,367 49,443 68,666 61,810 169,463 960 110,797 la81 104,654 SECTION B b1 b2 PAYMENTS Stipends, Salaries, NIC, Pension and travel costs 63,510 15,658 79,1e8 112,026 b3 Manse Cos1$ 9,817 5,070 5,015 35,606 b4 Adminislralion elc 7,823 25,500 1,000 577 8,400 33,120 1,000 b5 District Assessment 7,620 Grants & donations Pension Reserve Payment fund 1,000 b7 27,000 129.999 b8 Other payments TOTAL PAYMENTS 2,950 110,600 132,949 237,464 11,050 b9 111,196 16,668 Ib91 169,767 SECTION C NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR 07.b9 197 Total fvnds brou ht forward from last ear 22,368 202,402 37.319 217,353 c6 282,320 Sub total c1 +c2 22,171 149,872 21,661 149,362 217,207 Transfers and ad'u8tment$ 10,000 10.0001 c7 146 c5 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR Ic3+c41 112,1711 139,872 21,661 149,382 (c81 217,363 le61 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS these amounts Should not be Includod In total recel t8lpayments aboval Balance brou hl forward from la51 ear d1 258 868 d2 Offerin slGifts received for external or OfferingslGifts - passed to external organisatlons BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID Id1 + d2 - d31 anisalions 630 d3 1,240 d4 258 258 Copy of Standard form of Accounts Circuit year en(Jing 2024 Idralt 29-lQLM}
Bo•ton MA IGT THE CIRC TMEE SECTION E Noi SummHry of the Circuit accounts for Ihe ye8r ended 31 Augu$l 2024 and Internal Organisaiions reporting lo Ihe Circull Meeling. Note that Ihe funds of an Internal Organisalion v)uld nortnally be Resliicled funds unless Il could be ¢leady Shown that Ihey could used for any Melhodisl purpD8e. This section must be completed io arrive at tme gross receipts and payments tot8ls ol the Circuit. If gross income exceeds the Accruals threshdd of £250.000. Ihen the Aeerua18 method of accounting AND A DIFFERENT FORM must be used to report the accounts (see Melhodlsl web511el. Please refer lo the guidante note$ Tegarding transfers beten the Circuil and connecled Circuit Organisalions. INTERNAL ORGANISATIONS Nel Rep1S/ ments OpenSng b81anc•s Reca Pa u¥lmeni8 Clo&in banCeS Sub lolal of Iniem81 OrgonisoiioDs funds 1•121 Clrcull •ccounts Itot•l¥ brought fDvw4rd from p•9• 2- tol•lJ Golumol 189,463 237,4Sd bb 67,991 Ic7 217 363 149,382 HELD BY CIRCUIT 169.4e3 237,4$4 87.9911 217,363 149,362 Continue on o sepwaio oel bf De981¥ and brlna lh• lolwl$ lorward TOTAL RECEIPTS TOTAL PA YMENTS SECTION F opeNING BALANCES CLOSING 8ALANCE5 CIRCUIT. CASH FUNDS HEL) Il JI A Lb•t 2014 Cgsh In h•nd Bank Cuirenl Accouni 8aiik D aiil Accaunl centr Fln•nco 808rd 7,415 TIu8i•oJ for TrAelhodl•l Church pulp03 202,402 139,872 Olher fundp 752 2.594 SUB TOTAL 217.363 149,312 1¢81 Tvlal lunds held by Internal Oruonl8•Uon8 Ilhé r1061no b8lance lolals Bbovel Iv121 •12 TOTAL CASH FUNOS HELD ay CIRCIJT 217,353 149,362 SECTION G Al OTHER ASSETS and LIAWLITIES I S¢Wqffl)Br?023 31A USI 2D21 Inve$lmrynis Include Endowmenl 4863 4863 Land Bulldln see noles re Insurance value 240 995 Olher As$BI¥ Loan - Show •LnI tSdin ar en*J Oiher Uabllllieg f4 Indude only Fundg hdd al the Central Finance BoArd fs Include only CFB Funos held al TtuslBes for Methodlsl Chulch Pviposfrs 91 Include other invBslments {nol the ca¥h elen1 ofTMCP trust 8QU thi5 ij insérted In Ilne r51 rlSl•nJwd rv1mlA[cl3uhr(uIlYmi•ndIfi2024 Idi4ft2&1fv2Q741
Name of Circuit No......... Declarations and Scrutiny I confirm that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 have been prepared from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit meetino. Signature of treasurer Name and address of treasurer . ,.0.fr.. PL'cYJu&X LTO Presentation to the Clrcult meetlng I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 werelwill-b presented to the Circuit meeting held on Signature of the Chair of the meetin Name of the Chair of the meeling Date . 2t.I,,l.. Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the Circuit Charlty Number.............. Responsibilities and basis of report I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2024 set out on pages I to .S As the Circuit's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'l. I report in respect of my examination of the Circuit's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. delete or circle as appropriate Ccpy of Slandard lorm of Accounts Circull year enolng 2024 (draft 21&z4)
Name of Circuit No.. Independent Examiner's Ststement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination <0theTrthanisd0sed-bel9') which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act. or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. I haveihave not. obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church whiGh are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date. Signature of independent examiner Name of independent examiner Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner Name of firm (where appropriate) K)£s Post Code z< Ssi Date delete or circle a5 appropriate Copy ol Standard form of Account¥ CirBuil year ending 2024 Idraft (52024)
Name of Circuit Independent Examiner's Statemenl I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my altenlion in connection with the examination (other4harrthahlisclosed-b81ow'-) which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance wlth section 130 of the Act,. or the accounts do not accord with th8 accounting records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. I haveihave not. obtained independent v8rlfication of all inve8tment5 Wlth the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held In other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Cenlral Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (len thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date. Signature of independent examiner Name of independent examiner Relevant professlonal quallflGation of independent examiner Ac.MA Name of finn (where appropriate) Addre83 =A-Trl *? Post Code ea 2f Ssi Date delete or circle as appropriate Copy ol Stand8rd of Accoun14 Circuit year 8ndirwJ 2024 Idrnft ad2024?