The Parish of S. Alban the Martyr, Holborn Jvith S. Peter, Saffron Hill Annual Report of the Parochial Church Counc]il Financial Statements January 2024- December 2024 [Present¢d at the APCM: 25 May 2025] Vicar & Parish Priest Father Chrlstopher Smlth S. Alban's Clergy House Brooke Street London ECIN 7RD Annual Report on the proceedings of the Parochial Church Couneil and the aetfvfitfies of the Parish genernlty for the period: January- December 2l124 l. Aims and Pur ses of the Paroehirdl Church Council: The S. Alban's ParochAal Church Council (PCC) has the responsibility of co-operating with the Incumbent, Fr Christopher Smith, in the pmmotion of the whole mission of the Church within the Parish: pastoral, evangelical, social. and ecumenical. It also has responsibilities for the maintenance, preservation and insurdnce of the Church building, the Clergy House and of the S. Alban's Centre, and for the management of the fmancial affairs of the Parish. PCC members are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with applicabl¢ law and United KAngdom Generally Accepted Accountlng Practice. The Financial Statements for each financial year should provide a true and fair view of PCC activitles for that perii)d. In preparing th¢se financial statements the PCC members are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. Stste whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. Provid¢ f￿anCIal statements reflecting the continuity of affairs, unless otherwise applicAble. Members of the PCC are responsible for keeping proper books and a(xounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial positlon of the PCC. All financial statements must comply with the Charities Act, 2011. Members are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the PCC and must implement reasonable processes to detect and prevent fraud and other irr¢8ularities. PCC members must confirni that they have taken all practivdl steps to make themselves aware of any relevant audit AnfonTtation and, to the best of their knowledge, this has been made available for the Tndependent Financial Examination, es and Aetivi ' The PCC is committed to promoting public worship for all, and in particular to those who live or work in the ecKlesiastical Parish. The PCC aims to support all who wish to worship at S. Alban's and become part of the life of the church. To this end, all services are public, and we also seek to be open to anyone wishing to attend our local community and social events. In the liturgical, pastoral and missionary life of the Parish, the PCC takes account of the Charity Commission's guidance on publAC benefit in relation to charities for the advancement of religion. We make provision for the availability of pastoral care to all residents of the Parish, and aDy others who come in need of it, as well as our social, missionary and outreach work. Responding to the pastoral needs of both the regular congregation and parishioners is regarded by the Parish Priest and PCC as an important part of their work. In Order to facilitate this work, it is important that we n￿intain the fabric of our buildings? specifically the church and church centre. 3 Achievements and Performance: The church offered two public masses every Sunday at 9:30 and I lam (one l 0:30 Mass each Sunday in August), with daily worship at 12.30, Monday to Friday. The sacramcnts of Matrimony, Baptism and Confimiation, and the Funeral rites were available to all who are resident in the Parish or on the Electoral Roll, subjcct to the provision of the Canon Law of the Church of England. The church and Parish Priest were also available to the primary school in the parish. and children were often brought by their teachers for educational visits and school worship. The Parish ran a children's religious activities group {JaM) and youth group which were op¢n to all who were interested. 3.1 The Electoral Roll of the Parish: It was reported that there were 93 names on the Electoral Roll as of May 2024. (The number was 85 in 2023). .2 Attendan tth etober and Novem 24 Weekda 's'. wi W2 Week.. W3 W4 W5 Av. per ck si S2 S3 S5 Av per Sundav 66 62 Iki. 2024 Noy. 2024 37 66 34 124 46 31 26 32 44 61 37 63 73 54 58 62 63 66 68 xxx Oci, 2023 Nov. 2023 46 220 45 88 6t5 34 20 48 37 85 J)0 64 95 72 58 84 53 64 55 70 71 34 Notes: Numbers of days in some weeks vary, depending on calendar dates. Averages are rounded. Some entries reflect attendanrK at School Masses and special services. 3J Caterin Grou The Social and Catering team continued its work this year. The provision of coffee and other refreshments post-th¢ Sunday masses remained an important part of the church's outreach and mission, alongside catering for patronal festival activities, on holy days of obligation and at the nine lessons and Carol service. A joyous highlight this year was the reception following the First Mass of Father Duncan Hegan on 2 July 2024. Donations to the costs of refreshments after the 9.30am Sunday mass again substantially supported the very high cost of church flowers. 3.4 Flowers: The Parish continues to be supported by a very small but loyal team of volunteers who manage the purchase and provision of floral displays for the church. 3.5 Meetin s of the PCC in 2024: There were four meetings of the PCC in 2024. In addition to the regular reports from committees and on other parish a¢tivities, the following matters were considered: On Tuesday, 20 February 2024.. There was extensive discussion about the financial challenges due to the income deficit. The loss of an important client had a particularly large impact on finances, although this would be temporarily off-set by election r¢lated lettings. Extensive restoration of the Compton Organ had increased in cost. The work began in January 2024 and was expected to conclud¢ in April 2025. The draft APCM reports and accounts were approved. On Sunday. 26 May 2024 (after the APCM): Election of the Vice-chairman to the PCC, the appointment of PCC officers and confirmation of the Independent Examiner for the 2024 accounts. rd On Tuesday. 23 July 2024: The PCC agreed to the 2025 Common Fund figure of £76,160. VAT was being recovered for the cost of the Organ repairs. The renovation was now well underway. Renovation of the Lady Chapel was identified as the next major capital expenditure project, Following the departure of Mary Thorne, the Children's Champion, there was some discussion about th¢ continuation of regular parish children, s work and outreach. The appointment of new School Governors in October was considered. th On Wednesday, 30 October 2024: More progress had been made recovering VAT on repairs to the Compton Organ. Safeguarding was discussed in detail with particular emphasis on training and DBS checks for members of the PCC involved with children's activities. Reappointment and replacement of School Governors was agreed. It was noted that the Centre heating system would require significant attention at some point in the future. On Wednesday, 27 November 2024, th¢ Archdeacon met the PCC for his Triennial Visitation. 4 Finance: 4.1 Results for the Year: The annual accounts including the notes show details of income and expenditure for the year and of the financial position at 31° December 2024 Net outgoing resources (deficit) before gains or losses on investments arnounted to £81,500 (2023 net incoming resources of £45,400). Excluding expenditure on the overhaul of the organs (£57,400 net from funds held on behalf of the PCC by the S Ursula's Trust), the legacies of £1 l 0,000 received in 2023, and a non-cash depreciation charge of £20,800 in both years, the underlying deficit in thc year was £3,300 compar¢d with £64,300 in 2023. Factors contributing to the underlying improvement were :_ Increase of £17,500 in nornial giving. £12,000 Gift aid tax recovery related to giving in previous years. Increase of £32,200 in interest, dividend and net rental income. Reduction of £5,200 in the deficAt of S Alban's Centre. The Parish Continues to pay the requested Diocesan Common Fund contribution amounting to ££77.200 in 2024 (2023 £74.400). After unrealis¢d gains of £15,300 in the value of investments, total funds fell by £66,200 (2023 in increase of £69,400). Liquid resources in the forn] of bank balances and deposits decreased by £97,700 to £606.000 reflecting payments on account of the organ work, l¢ss net fiinds received. 4.2 Risk Mana ement: The PCC has discussed various aspects of risk management and will continue to give attention to the development of a ¢oherent strategy for the future. 4.3 Audlt- Inde endent Examination: The PCC has continued to take advantage of the exemption from an ind¢p¢nd¢nt audit available to charities with an annual income of less than £1 million and to opt instead for an Independent Examination of its accounts. 4.4 Investment and Reserves Polic The investment policy is based around compliance with the Church of England's ¢thical investment policy and 'list of avoidance" A Financial Review and inforniation on the Reserves Policy are provided in notes to the accounts. The various Investment Fixed Assets are also summarised in the accounts. 5. Parish activities ke ' themes and future lans: Inforniation r¢lat¢d to this section is available as an appendix to this report: The Mission Action Plan. 6. Structure Governance and Mana ement: The PCC is a corporate body established by the Church of England. The PCC operates under the Parochial Church Council Powers Measure [ 1956] and is a registered charity governed by the Charities Act [2012]. The appointment of PCC members is in accordance with the Church Representation Rules [CRR:2022]. th The PCC has endorsed formal adoption of the Safeguarding Policy (minute: 25 May 2016) in compliance with Section S of the Safe8uarding and Clergy Discipline Measure 2016. PCC membership consists of the IncumbenL Assistant Curate, SSM Assistant Curate, two Churchwardens, the Parish's two Deanery Synod representatives (all ex-officio) and nine ¢lected members. Members of the PCC are responsible for making decisions on all matters of significant expenditure, g¢neral concern and importance to the Parish. The full PCC met four times in the year with an av¢rage attendance of approximately 75 %. Details of the Committees and Groups which facilitate the work of the PCC ar¢ given below, with much of the support provided by volunteers. 6.1 The Standin Committee: [also fvnclioning as the Cenlre Management Committee to oversee managemenl of the Cenlre on behalf of the PCC] is required by law and trapLsac¢s the business of the PCC between ils meetings, subject lo the direction of ihe PCC. Jt comprises the Vicar (and, in the absence of a vicar. the Vice-chair), the Churchwardens, Ihe Secrelary and the Trea.surer. 6.2 Altar and Sacris Grou arranges the provision and maintenance of requisitesfor ihe celebration of the liturgv. and mukes recommendations to the PCC for the pt4rchase and repair of veslments, plate &c. 6.3 Safe uardin The PCC has continued to adopt the relevant Diocesan Safeguarding Policy. The church's activities provided by and/or approved by the PCC which involve children Éneluded this year: the "Jesus and me" (Jam) Sunday Group, the Friday and Saturday Youth Clubs, Summer Camp and Young Persons, Pilgrimage Camps. Adults working with children in these groups are DBS ¢he¢ked. The Safeguarding Officer continues to ensure that DBS checks are obtsin¢d whenever required and are kept up to date. A new Children's Champion was appointed following the mov¢ away from the parish of the fornier role holder. There are no church related activities provided by or approved by the PCC which involve adults who are vulnerable. There have been no safeguarding issues concerning either children or vulnerable adults. [This report accord5 with the recommendation in the Diocese of London's Parish Safeguurding Self Audit to supply the Annual Paro¢hial Church Meeting with a written report by the Church Safeguarding Offi¢¢r, Kate Batchelor (DBS checked and safeguarding trained).] 7. Administrative Information: Th¢ address and main details are given on the front page of this report. Charity Register details: The Parochial Church Council of The Ecclesiastical Parish of Saint Alban The Martyr, Holborn With Saint Peter, Saffron Hill: Charity Number: 1135568 Bank: The National Westminster Bank plc, 38 Strand, Londoii WC2N 5.IB Independent Examiner: Anver Patel, Prestons & Jacksons Partnership LLP, 364-368 Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, Ilford, Essex IG2 6HY Members of the PCC are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) in accordance with the Church Representstion Rules. During the year, the following served as memb¢rs: 7.1 Ex-officio Members: Vicar". Assistant Curate: SSM Assistant Curate: Fr Christopher Smith Fr Duncan Hegan Fr Ronald Corp OBE Churchwardens: Stephanie Ellner (Vice-chairnian to APCM 2024) Alison Cratchl¢y (Vic¢-ChairniarJ from APCM 2024) Deanery Synod: David Ballance (Treasurer) Peter Bithell 7.2 Elected Members". Jason Burch Ruth Hanson Simon E Jones Simon J Jones Roger Lomax Joseph Poon Tony Trowles Robert Walker (Secretary) N¢il Wilson 7JA ointed b tbe PCC: Deputy Treasurer: Electoral Roll OITicer: Website editor: Burial Society Secretary: Stewardship Recorder: Church Safeguarding Officer: Children's Champion: Roger Lomax Stephanie Ellner Fr Christopher Smith Fr Christopher Smith Amanda Evans Kate Batchelor Mary Thorne (to September 2024) Stephanie Ellner (from September 2024) Ruth Hanson Healih & Safety Officer: 7.4 Scbool Governors: Appointed by the PCC: Fr Nigel Palmer Anouk Gouvras Tony Trowles (to October 2024) Fr Duncan He8an (from October 2024) 7.5. Parish Staff: Vicar and Parish Priest: AssisLint Curate: SSM Assislant Curate: Director of the Music: Organists at the 9.30 Mass: Sacristsn: Fr Chrislopher Smith Fr Duncan H¢gan Fr Ronald Cory) OBE Edward Batting David Ballance (honorary) Robert Walker (honorary) 7.6 Church CODtact details: 7.6 Church contact details: Parish Office: Fr Christoph¢r Srnith Web site: St. Alban's School: 020-7430-2551 fathercsrnith ail.com www.stalbansholbom.or ' 020 7242 8585 stalbans.sch.camden.uk si￿ed. Father Christopher Smith Date approved by the PCC: "26. St Alban the Mar r Holborn Mission Action Plan: 2025- 2029 To align the mission of our parish with the Capital Vision 2030 objectives, the MAP uses these as its structure. WORKING DRA Confident Dis¢ipl¢s Objeeiive Compassionate Communities Objeaive Creative GTOWth R¢sB Objecllve Resp. MAP I(a) Cfl(d) Clergy/ All MAP 2{1) Be mor¢ inl¢ntional and oiganised with OUT external giving* and link this to an overall skwBrdship programme. Conneclion eslablishedwith Camden FoodbaNk which has incréasedoiirgiving andalso pr0videdoppoi.1wiiliesforp￿1Ural mlhlstrj,. pc MAP 3{A) Further resouTce the youth and children's work. Double JAM resources, aiming for two groups. I l+ prov'n. Updaie.. l} I provision solidand growing (esp Pilgrims %roirfp). Earlyprogress lowardsyoiiih worker conyortium, through SL)I' bid. Yotsrh Pilgrlmage and childre￿ s Pilgrimage anntlally. pcc Foster a culture of personal invitation go that our p¢ople ar¢ equipped io brin8 Other5. Provxde more opportuntties for invitstion in addition to regular worship. Updale.. Goodpick-up posl-reopening, inc Some p7ew worshwpers. People do Im)Ii¢ frien&f/relalives to big services e.,g. Curol SenJi¢¢, SIAlban s Day. Fr DH sfiryt mass. IW l{b) Cl¢r8yI All 4P 2(b) pc MAP 3(b) Clcr8y R¢yource ¢Hch othcr to be amb&ssador.g f(trr Christ by developin8 ¢uliure of volunieerln8. Improv¢ parti¢ipatlOA in the litur8y at boih Sunday Mass¢s by ¢Dcouraging lay roles. Updale.. some +ve respuns¢s livre,. slrate inpla¢¢for expa*￿Ing this. Continu¢ with op¢n church poli whi15t improving signposting. Seek out ways in which our buildin8s can be better u8ed by the wider community. Cro Teferen¢¢s lo l(d). Updale.. Signttge ImP￿Ved, better advertising uf $ervic¢s/evenis/chwrh being ope4Y. Open chttrch aiiracis slgnifi¢ani foollallwiih atlendanl opporluni accounting records wer¢ not kept in respect of The PCC as required by s￿tiOn 130 of the A¢L' or > the accounts do not a¢o)rd with those records or > the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the forni and ￿ntent of accounts Bet out in th¢ Charitics (Acwunts and Reports) Rc8ul&tions 2008 other than any r¢quiT¢ment that the aeeounts 8ive a true and fair vi¢w which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examillation. > I have no concerns and have com¢ across no other matters in connection with the exarnin*ion to whi¢h attention Should be drawn in this rerK>rt in Order to Enabl¢ a wiper undcr5tandin8 of the accounts to be re￿h¢d. Anwer Patel BA (Hongj FCA BFP ICAEW Prestons & J*cksons Partnership ILP 364-368 Cranbrook Rogd Ilford Essex IG2 6HY 01 06 11 PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL OF & ALBAN THE MARTYII HOLBORN Statement of Flnandal Actfvltles For the Year Ended Note Unreslrleled Restrlrt Fun