**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1149547** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND** 

**FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **FOR** 

## **ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 



**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

||**Page**||
|---|---|---|
|**Report of the Trustees**|1 to|13|
|**Report of the Independent Auditors**|14 to|16|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|17||
|**Statement of Financial Position**|18||
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|19 to|27|
|**Detailed Statement of Financial Activities**|28 to|29|





**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). 

## **Highlights from 2023!** 

. A new Vicar! Welcome Josh, Corrine and Ezekiel! 

. Prayer continues to underpin our church life and activities through daily zoom and weekly in person prayer sessions as well as making pastoral prayer available where possible as part of our services. 

. We have had contact with over 825 children through our work in schools! 

. We have seen a significant increase in the number of children and young families attending church, particularly at the lower end of the age range. 

. We have connected with 40 - 50 students and young adults at St Giles and have helped over 300 individual international students through the platform of FISH. 

. Our Bereavement Journey course had 18 guests who have no other connection with St Giles! 

. The ministry piloted a new divorce course (221 Divorce Support) which provided a space for 8 people to prayerfully journey through a difficult time in their lives. 

. We have provided many cooked dinners for individuals and families through our weekly Open Dining from November to March. 

. We have supported a wide range of local mission groups, including the University Foodbank via FISH, Eve and Baby Basics. 

. In addition to our regular support of our overseas mission partners, our Lent project with Tearfund raised £4000 to help subsistence farmers in Ethiopia! 

. Our musicians and AV Teams have provided music-led worship for all but a handful of the 106 church services throughout the year! 

and Visual desks. 

. Our churchyard now has CCTV coverage to help reduce anti-social behaviour. 

. We have eight home groups meeting regularly with demand for more places to be available. .Our property team have ensured that our building stays safe and light. Power and heat are available when we need them! 

## **Welcome from our Vicar** 

Welcome to the Annual Report for St Giles Parochial Church Council. I hope you will take some time to read about what has happened over the past year. It has been a privilege and a joy to be appointed as Vicar of St Giles in this last year and to begin my ministry here. But I am thankful that this church is not about any one individual but that everything happens because one big team is involved, and I want to thank every one of you for all that you give and bring to the life, ministry and mission of our church. My prayer is that God would continue to be glorified amongst us and that in the next year more people would come to know the love and grace we find in Jesus. With every blessing. 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Significant activities** 

The activities are: 

- Regular public worship open to all. 

- The provision of sacred space for personal prayer and contemplation. 

- Pastoral work, including visiting the sick and the bereaved. 

- Teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups. 

- Taking of religious assemblies in schools. 

- The provision of a youth club with a Christian ethos. 

- Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and meetings and the distribution of literature. 

- Promoting the whole mission of the church through provision of activities for senior citizens, parents and 

- toddlers and other special need groups. 

- Supporting other charities in the UK and overseas. 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Public benefit** 

The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit. 

The trustees believe that the public benefits of the PCC's work are: 

The PCC's charitable objects (Promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church) equate to the advancement of religion, which is recognised as a charitable purpose having public benefit. All regular public worship is provided free of charge and open to all. In addition, the PCC's activities as listed above have further public benefits: for example, teaching and taking assemblies offer advancement of education which is recognised as a charitable purpose having public benefit. Donations to other charities and our own projects provide public benefits in the relief of poverty and need, often for minority groups with particular needs such as the elderly. Any member of the public may take part in Church of England activities and services so benefits are to the whole public. 

## **Volunteers** 

The Trust relies heavily on volunteers and would not be able to function without their generous giving of both time and finances. 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities** 

## **Alpha** 

Alpha provides a safe and supportive environment for those of faith or no faith to explore what Christianity is all about. Some of our young adults attended Alpha at Broadmead Community Church in the Autumn of last year and at least one of them wishes to be confirmed. We would love to see Alpha run at St Giles this year and are looking for leaders who may be interested in taking part. Please do get in touch with the Church Office if you feel God is leading you to be part of this ministry. 

## **Audio Visual & Production** 

This year we have been been looking at how children can get more involved with the production side at St Giles. This has been a fun process, and we are close to having both sound desk and PC run by children, with minimal oversight, on the first Sunday of the month. 

We have also had the pleasure of serving in many ways over the year, including for Every Nation Bible School, Northampton Male Voice Choir, weddings, funerals, the carol service, and even a rock concert! I am very thankful for all the members of the AV team as they continue to faithfully serve in this way. 

## **Bereavement Journey Course** 

The course was run over a six week period during February and March 2023 in the Church Centre. 

We had eighteen guests who signed up, many of whom had no specific connection to St Giles but who had suffered a recent bereavement and had been searching on the internet for a course. 

The course consists of video and small group work. 

Meeting in person was a great advantage (having run some of the earlier courses online) and helped the three small groups and their facilitators bond well. The ages of the guests ranged from thirties right through to seventies. A reminder that bereavement can affect us at any age. 

A course like this needs a team of people to make it work well; facilitators to run the group discussions, an IT team to supervise the video presentations, volunteers to provide refreshments and administrators to organise the sessions and keep everyone informed of the itinerary. A big thanks to everyone in the team. 

Judging by the feedback from the guests everyone seemed to find the course very helpful. A reunion supper which took place later in the year was also well attended and appreciated. 

## **Children and Families** 

Our and families work has seen an increase in 2023. 

Toddle In is continuing to meet two days a week, and is now growing again, we had over 100 people attending the Toddle In Christmas Party in December. 

Open Dining Room re-started in October and has seen a number of new families coming each week for a hot meal and crafts and games for the children. 

We also ran Take-A-Break over the summer Holidays, which saw 40-60 people attending the sessions in church each Wednesday afternoon. 

Our Sunday morning groups continue to meet. Unfortunately we are only able to run a pre school group once a month, but are hoping to be able to do more sessions in the next year. 

## **Churchwardens** 

Firstly, A huge The Lord and to all those who helped in bringing Josh, Corrine and Ezekiel to St Giles. It feels to be an exciting time with many new people worshipping with us and also new and existing opportunities for outreach developing. 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

Thank you also to all those who already give their time, their talents and their financial support. We cannot move forward without this. Please do prayerfully consider how you might continue or perhaps start to contribute to the life and mission of the church in some way. 

We are so grateful to our Vicar, our Staff Team, Lay Ministers and Treasurer who together with many volunteers lead or oversee areas of mission; our worship services, manage our buildings, our accounts and administration, all to support the life and outreach of our church fellowship to our community. 

Lastly, we are incredibly appreciative of our faithful Deputy Wardens who come to church early and stay late after each Sunday service to unlock and then secure the building, ensuring that everything and everybody is in place to allow our worship to take place. 

Do speak to Stephen Hewitson or David Lidbetter if you have any questions or wish to explore any opportunities for getting involved. 

## **Creation Care and Renewal** 

Our churchyard still remains a sanctuary for wildlife. From the bulbs in spring to the canopy of the trees for the birds and common pipistrelle bats. Decaying tree trunks left standing provide habitat whilst the wildflower strip continues to help pollinators. 

Thankfully despite weather extremities in the past few years, the recently planted trees are still alive with grateful thanks to the well-being team for watering them. We are sadly losing another mature tree - can we fundraise to plant a few more trees? 

## Achievements in 2023: 

Installation of five new closed bins. Can we each litter pick before or after our services? Littering is a huge problem! 

CCTV was installed in the churchyard as part of the safer street funding scheme to help reduce antisocial issues. 

I continue to have meetings with WNC regarding the churchyard and its issues at the Guildhall. I am hoping to engage with the PCC going forward as I believe that we currently have no vision for the churchyard and I am struggling to resolve issues by myself. Ultimately although maintained by the council, we, the church are great resource to be custodians of especially for well-being and mental health. 

## **Home Groups** 

Attending a Home Group provides an opportunity to explore how we can apply the teaching we receive on a opportunity to delve deeper into Bible study, prayer and fellowship in a safe, supportive and encouraging environment. 

We currently have 8 home groups at St Giles which accounts for approximately 25% of our church congregation. We would love to see more home groups starting as we know there are people who have expressed an interest to join a group. Please do contact the office if you would like to lead a group or be part of one (office@stgilesnorthampton.org.uk). 

## **House of Prayer** 

We believe that persistence in intercession day by day and week by week are what the Lord requires of us at this current time. There is a sense that as our church faces this new season, and with the world, UK and UK church facing immense challenges, we need more and more to be on our faces before God. 

Corporate zoom prayers continue each weekday morning at 8-8.30am and Thursday evening at 8-9pm. Grateful thanks to the teams who are persistent in praying, leading and supporting. It is much appreciated. Consider joining us if you can, the zoom details are on our weekly news sheet or you can contact the church office. 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

We also intercede for the ministries at St Giles. Please therefore send through requests and also details of answers to prayer. We love thanking God for these as well as praising Him for who He is. 

Although numbers were too small to sustain in-person corporate prayer during the interregnum, we are open to refor example in house groups, or ministry groups. Fantastic! We are happy to visit anyone who might want encouragement to pray. 

## God is Good!! 

## **Men @ St Giles** 

2023 has been a year of change for the Men's Ministry team as I've had to bid farewell to Mike Cope but have really benefitted from the wisdom of some of the older heads stepping forward to help with me. Many thanks to Duncan, Tim and Neale for this. 

We have tried to put on a variety of events in 2023 including a cookery masterclass, a movie night, hymns and tins night and the always popular men's breakfast. It's been great to see some new and old faces alike coming together, building friendships and creating a space for sharing and prayer. 

We also took a group of guys to 'The Gathering for Men' in June, a brilliant festival full of amazing worship, teaching, prayer and some amazing activities including axe throwing and wrestling to name a few 

Look out for more exciting events in 2024, we have a curry night February, a Men's Breakfast in March and 

## **Mission on our Doorstep** 

MOOD aims to keep local mission need financial gifts) a number of national organisations which we have contact with as a church and who supply us with support and resources. 

We seek to encourage the regular collections for the University Foodbank via FISH. We have also had a Harvest collection for Foodbank and collections for Eve (toys and toiletries) and Baby Basics (Supplies for continue to explore practical ways of supporting the local organisations we have contact with. 

We hope to encourage more practical service to local organisations we have links with as a church. 

## **Music and Worship** 

Joining together in song is just one way in which we can offer worship to God for all that He is, all that He has done for us and means to us. 

I am so grateful to those who give of their time and talents to enable this to happen week-in, week out. 

I thought that it might be helpful to show how many people are typically involved in the process: 

Before each Sunday service, one of the music group leaders will prayerfully choose the songs to support the teaching theme and then liaise with the service leader to agree. The musicians will meet to rehearse the songs and the sound technician will also attend to provide the set up that is needed and to ensure that each band member can hear what they need to hear as they play. 

Immediately prior to each service, the band will run through the songs again and the music group leader will speak to the AV operator to check that they know the order in which the various parts of the song will be sung, so that the right words will appear at the right time. 

our God. 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

by title and composer in-line with our copyright commitments. 

If you are interested in joining those who enable our music led worship, please contact Stephen Hewitson or myself. 

## **Pastoral Prayer** 

We are available for prayer ministry during the morning communion services twice a month and at occasional church services which have a focus on healing. We also pray for those who email requests to us via the church office or to Denise Bridgens. We offer ministry in the week for those needing more time for ministry. The team is led by Denise Bridgens assisted by Mike Kingman and Serena Yong. David Cline, our former team leader, sadly passed away in 

November. Two new members have joined us this year. We continue to meet up as a team every month for worship, fellowship and prayer. We also discuss specific topics related to the healing ministry. It continues to be a privilege to pray for those who ask for confidential prayer. 

## **PCC** 

The PCC met formally six times during 2023. Jacqueline Wienkamp and Jessica Newlove were succeeded as churchwardens by Stephen Hewitson and David Lidbetter following the APCM in April. In September, we welcomed Josh as our new vicar and thus the new Chair of the PCC, meetings prior to his arrival being chaired by the churchwardens. 

Issues discussed and dealt with at this 

meetings included: 

- Appointment of two Parish Representatives (Louise Whaites and David Lidbetter) to represent the congregation in the appointment process of a new vicar. 

- Support to our Mission Partners 

- Fire Prevention and Risk Assessment 

- and Young Ministry 

- Finance and Giving (Including the establishment of a Stewardship Committee and roll out of the Parish Giving Scheme) 

- Fostering a 

you 

- 2024 Budget 

The PCC also undertook Equality and Diversity Training in March 2023. 

The most recent PCC minutes are displayed on the notice board in church. 

We give thanks to God for all PCC members who give their time to PCC business. 

## **Property Committee** 

Works have been - Due to the financial challenges faced by the church some of the less urgent items from the last Quinquennial Survey, planned for 2023 have been deferred. 

Our electric supply contract, which was a three-year fixed rate contract, came up for renewal in September and our new agreement has seen a significant increase in cost. 

Thanks go to Rob Brown, Janet Crane and Mike Holmes for all that they do to keep our buildings in good order. 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **Safeguarding** 

Safeguarding is at the heart of our Christian Faith, it means the action the church takes to promote a safer culture in all our churches - - Justin Welby. 

We at St Giles work in line with the Church Of England Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance. As required we as a PCC have due regard to the House of Bishops guidance on Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. 

Safeguarding is a standing item on our PCC agenda and supplemented by Safeguarding meetings between The Vicar and PSO. 

We have a named Parish Safeguarding Officer (PSO) Louise Whaites. We have three DBS verifiers and work with Thirtyone:eight to facilitate DBS checks. The safeguarding policy is reviewed annually by the PCC and any changes agreed at that time. 

St Giles uses the Parish Safeguarding Dashboard as a tool for auditing our safeguarding practices. This is a working document that is being updated and adapted throughout the years. The Vicar and PSO monitor and update this in-line with the requirements on the Dashboard. There are a small number of outstanding items requiring completion on the Dashboard. 

14 people have undertaken safeguarding training through the CofE learning portal and 8 people have outstanding training. To be compliant with the Church of England guidance all outstanding training must be completed. This training helps us to create a welcoming environment that is safe and supportive for all. Complete training records for all is a target for the coming year. 

The Portal provided online access to safeguarding training for volunteers and staff members up to but not including the Leadership training. 

Safer recruitment practices with all volunteers is one area for development in the coming year. With the help provided by the Dashboard this is in process. 

Ten concerns have been raised with the PSO and appropriate action taken in each case. The Diocesan Safeguarding team have been contacted three times and external agencies twice. 

## **Schools** 

In June I was able to support the Lighthouse trust in running transition workshops and prayer spaces for Year 6 children in a number of primary schools. I went into a number of schools, and plan to increase our provision to schools this year. 

I have been doing regular assemblies in Abington Vale and All Saints this year. We have also been contacted by a number of other schools in the last year to arrange a visit to the church. In the last year, we welcomed four different schools into our building, and had contact with over 825 children through our work in schools. 

Our Partnership with Lighthouse trust has continued to grow through this year. We have a number of plans to develop our work in schools in 2024. These plans include improved transitions workshops for Year 6, and after-school wellbeing club in partnership with others, and continued school visits, lessons and assemblies. If you would like to be involved in this exciting ministry please talk to Beth. 

## **Seniors Ministry** 

**Senior Fellowship:** Senior Fellowship has continued to meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at 2.30pm in the Church Centre. We have visiting speakers on a wide range of subjects. We also have quizzes from time to time. We enjoy sharing tea and cake each week. Around 15 people attend regularly and we would love to see more seniors attending and the group growing. Please do contact Michael and Doreen Mabbutt if you want further information. 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

**Ministry to Care Homes:** Monthly services have been held at Spencer House, and Cliftonville Care over the month at Spencer House, as this is particularly appreciated by residents there. Numbers attending, at both homes, have ranged from seven to twenty-four! So far, we have not been able to establish anything similar at The Angela Grace, but this is a hope for later in 2024, as is a reconnection with the Venton Centre. The team has been made up of five regulars: Nicola Aylett, Ted Harding, Liz Kitwood, Denise Willington and Jill Beattie. Jill had stepped down from the team in January 2024, just one week before she unexpectedly died, and we are very sorry to have lost her. Janet Young has recently joined the team, and we would welcome a few others. 

## **St Columba, Collingtree** 

St. Columba, Collingtree meets for worship at 10am on a Sunday and we continue to see new faces from time to time. We are grateful for the continued support that we receive from St Giles both in attendance and with help with various projects. Most significantly has been the instillation of the new Audio Visual system and my thanks to Paul Cooper for his oversight of this. I am also grateful to Duncan and Carol Halliday for the drawing up of plans and costings for an extension to the church to include a toilet and a small meeting room; PCC discussions continued.. My thanks to Simon Bridgens and Marian Thomas for their assistance in conducting worship, without such help we would struggle. 

Locally the Friends Coffee morning continues to attract many people into the church and provide for a community meeting place. Sadly we lost two Stalwart members of our church last year; Michael Marsh and Chris Wright. They were both former secretaries and we miss them greatly. This, together with Joanna Edmon have stepped up into new roles. In September Nicola Stutters was appointed as the new Head of School at Collingtree C of E Primary School. Although it is early days it is good to see a growing relationship between school and church. To this end I have offered to be a school governor. 

Looking forward we shall be running the Hope Explored course after Easter. It is hoped that both church members and other local people will attend the course. I am very much enjoying working with Josh Thorne and I am delighted that he has taken an active interest in St Columba Church and the partnership with St Giles. We shall shortly be meeting with Archdeacon Richard to discuss how we move things on further. 

We are very grateful to St Giles for your prayers and practical help throughout the year. 

## **Student and Young Adults Ministry** 

At St Giles we have been connected with 40 - 50 students and young adults, with some people coming in and some graduating and leaving. During this year we have helped about 329 individual international students thorough the platform of FISH. We also connect with about 10/20 students and staff members per week through handing out free tea and coffee with the Chaplain of the University. We are connected with the university to help provide food through their food bank. Plus we were able to feed 74 households with a food hamper, partnering with Western Favell Food bank for this Christmas. 

We also have connected with 29 churches and ministries in the Northampton area to work alongside with their student and young adult ministries. Since Sept 2022 we have seen our Student and Young Adult group growdramatically, with a 250% increase in numbers. 

We have a monthly rotation of weekly topics that are missions, worship, teaching and guest speaker. It has been great to have some people from the congregation come and share on a Wednesday night. We have seen manyYoung Adults now lead and preach at the evening services over this last year. What a great encouragement! 

## **Thursday Communion Service and Fellowship** 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

The Thursday Communion service has continued to flourish! There is a real sense of fellowship and community, and a readiness to listen and respond to Thanks to those who have led communion Thanks also to Liz Kitwood who has sometimes preached, and to Penny Ballard, who plays the piano most Thursdays; to Serena Yong, who sets up each week, and to Mike Kingman our Verger. 

In August, we took a break from the usual communion services and had five "Tea & Toast and Testimony" weeks. These were good times of fellowship and sharing, with various regulars taking a turn to speak. 

Lunch Club has continued, once a month, and been much appreciated. Thanks to Val and Mike Holmes for their cooking, to Helen Hayward who assists, and to Rob Brown who clears up! These lunches not only nourish our bodies, but fuel our fellowship, too! 

## **Uniformed Organisations - Scouts** 

Sadly 2nd Northampton (St Giles) Scout troop was suspended at the end of December. There were a number of reasons for this and it followed lengthy discussions by the trustees. 

Primarily we were seeing numbers drop to unsustainable levels, longstanding leaders were wanting a well deserved rest, and no new leaders were coming forward, and there were ongoing vacancies on the board of trustees. 

As an group of trustees, along with the St Giles staff team, we are looking discern if we have the ability to re open in September, at least in part, but this will rely on new leaders, and an influx of young people 

## **Uniformed Organisations - 19th Northampton St Giles Guiding** 

We offer girls from 4 18 years a varied programme, all age appropriate through Skill Builder, Unit Meeting Activities and offer them any opportunities we can at unit, division and County events. 

Highlights of the year: 

animals after the zoo had closed and then before it opened, then had the day in the zoo. Tents were taken down wet as it had rained during the night but by the time we left we were having ice creams to cool down!! 

year of camp for all with a Christmas tree in July with presents. 

Guides, Rangers and Leaders had an amazing time on the County trip to Adelboden, Switzerland where we have a World Centre. We stay at a hotel for the week and go out and about each day. The open-air swimming pool is always a must. It is a time to meet old friends and make new as we spend time together. 

## **Welcome and Hospitality** 

It's been wonderful to welcome so many newcomers to St. Giles in 2023. It's such a joy to be a part of this ministry and welcome newer and older members every Sunday. Look out for people carrying our 'welcome bags' we give to newcomers on their first visit and be sure to say hello to them, we all have a part to play in being a welcoming church. 

We've had a number of new people coming forward to serve on the welcome teams for both the Sunday morning and evening services. It's great to see people of a variety of ages getting involved and serving in this ministry. I recently read that people will usually make their minds up within the first two minutes of visiting a church whether they will be coming back. 

Look out for some exciting changes to the way we welcome people to St Giles in 2024 including the introduction of a dedicated welcome area in the church building. We are keen to find ways to connect newcomers into the family of our church. 

## **Wellbeing Cafe** 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

Wellbeing Café is has become an integral part of the weekly calendar of the church. We seek to offer hospitality, a sense of belonging and acceptance to everyone who comes into the space. We run on Monday afternoon between 1 and 4pm where we open up the church centre (sometimes the church), and create a welcoming safe space. Those who come, wish to spend time with others either doing an activity together, talking or sitting quietly alongsidethe group. It is open to anyone but particularly created for those amongst us who are experiencing emotional upheaval, mental health illness or spiritual struggle. We offer drinks and snacks for those who come and though the atmosphere is quiet and contemplative it is also friendly and warm. Every hour is an optional contemplative prayer and meditation run by one of the members and offered to all who come. 

## **Women @ St Giles** 

was an evening of extremely competitive silliness which after various closely fought contests of great skill (particularly the human hungry hippos) wa 

At the end of the spectrum, we have enjoyed a day of reflection together in June including prayer walks in and around the Parish boundary. 

In the summer, we have supported a new initiative run by Maggie Marr and Jenny Firth (founder of the group) course to minister to divorced women within the church. It was felt to be most timely and welcome with the participants say 

To this end, our own Wednesday morning / knit & but not necessarily at the same time! 

## **World Mission** 

Another year has seen all our mission partners continuing faithfully with their appointed ministries, seeing fruit in various ways. Peter and Gill visited briefly in May , and preached at both services. Alf, while in Oxford to complete his PhD, which he has passed successfully! preached one Sunday in July. The church which Alf leads in Santiago must identify his successor by 2025. News from Vera in Russia has been infrequent due to the situation there, but confirms continuing ministry. Support has continued diocese of Uganda through their Connected Churches Programme. A speaker from Open Doors preached in March. 

Lent project with Tearfund to help subsistence farmers in Ethiopia raised £4k. 

Our budget of £33,572 (unchanged from 2022), enabled us to maintain our existing commitments, but unable to offer more than £500 to Graham and Nicola. 

WMG met periodically for prayer and planning. Mission in Touch has published articles from our partners or of general interest. We have continued to include Mission Partners in the monthly diary and our prayer gatherings. 

## **Youth Work** 

Our Youth Work in 2023 has seen a shift in focus, to our Sunday morning groups. Until the Summer holidays, we ran a Youth group for boys and girls in secondary school, but that group has not re-started in September due to low numbers of young people and too few leaders. 

Our Sunday morning youth provision continues for all young people in secondary school and is led by a wonderful team of youth workers. Each week we spend time exploring the Bible and what word means for us. 

We would love to be able to grow our youth work with social and trips, and to restart our mid week groups, but will need more leaders in order to make this happen. 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

## **Financial position** 

The Accounts for 2023 have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and together with applicable accounting standards and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). 

Excluding Fixed Assets, the Funds available to the Church at the end of the year were £214,770. This is an decrease of £27,567 from the end of last year. 

The Student and Young People Worker Fund was set up to support a new ministry to students at the recently relocated Northampton University and this received £3,675 in donations and grants of £8,716. 

General Fund like for like expenditure increased by approximately £1k over the previous year. 

Regular income for 2023 was approximately £17K above that budgeted for; however, although higher than income, expenditure was below budget. This has led to an overall deficit of £27K, which is £39K less than budgeted. The deficit has come out of reserves that, due to the generosity of members in previous years were at a high level and remain as such into the start of 2024. 

God continues to bless St Giles with many generous donors; however, the challenge going forward is to try to match regular giving and income to necessary expenditure in order to maintain reserves as an acceptable level. The audited accounts will be available to view on the St Giles website as soon as the audit is completed. 

## **Reserves policy** 

The PCC has a long term aim to grow "free reserves" to be roughly equal to 5 months' expenditure, so as to provide against contingencies such as a sudden fall in income or unexpected major expenditure. 

Free reserves are defined as unrestricted funds, excluding fixed assets and excluding designated funds already set aside for specific purposes. 

At the balance sheet date the free reserves represented approximately 8 months' ordinary expenditure. 

The trustees have approved a budget for 2024 which proposes a deficit which would be drawn down from our reserves. 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** 

## **Governing document** 

Date governing document was adopted: 2nd January 1957. 

The Charity is controlled by using an approved governing document issued by Church of England. We have not changed the objects clause of the approved governing document, the wording of which is given below. 

Promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church. The parish being Northampton. 

Until October 2012 the St Giles PCC was an excepted charity as defined by the Charities Act 1993. 

## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees** 

Trustees who are also PCC members are voted into position for between one and three years by signed up members on the church electoral roll. 

## **Related parties** 

Beth Whaites, has been employed throughout the year by the Trust as Youth Minister at the normal remuneration for such position following a thorough recruitment process. 

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

1149547 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **Principal address** 

St Giles Church Office St Giles Terrace Northampton NN1 2BN 

## **Trustees** 

The following trustees were appointed prior to 1 January 2023 and have remained in office for the duration of the period: 

Paul Cooper Louise Whaites Paul Ritchie Chris Davison Craig MacPherson Duncan Halliday David Lidbetter Stephen Hewitson 

Steve Pentland Neil Richards Karolin Richards 

Appointed: Appointed: Appointed: Appointed: Appointed: Appointed: Resigned: Resigned: Resigned: Resigned: Resigned: Resigned: Resigned: Resigned: 

Claire Vander Plaetse (April 2023) Thomas Burditt (April 2023) Bethany Whaites (April 2023) Peter Day (April 2023) Sine Cookman (April 2023) Rachel White (April 2023) 

Anne Jackson (July 2023) Alison Wagner (July 2023) Helen Hewitson (May 2023) Jacqueline Wienkamp (April 2023) Michael Cope (April 2023) Jen Cope (April 2023) Thomas Burditt (August 2023) Sine Cookman (September 2023) 

David Lidbetter appointed as Churchwarden. Jacqueline Wienkamp resigned as Churchwarden April 2023 Jess Newlove resigned as Churchwarden April 2023 Peter Day appointed as Deanery Synod rep to 2026 Stephen Hewitson appointed Churchwarden April 2023 David Lidbetter appointed Churchwarden April 2023 

Helen Hewitson resigned as a member of the PCC and appointed secretary to the PCC May 2023. Reverend Josh Thorne appointed as Incumbent September 2023. 

## **Auditors** 

Shaw Gibbs (Audit) Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Statutory Auditor 264 Banbury Road Oxford Oxfordshire OX2 7DY 

## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES** 

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

Page 12 



**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES·continued 

The law applicable _to_ charities In England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, Including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required _to_ 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP; 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue In business. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

Approved by order of the board of trustees on _._ **07/05/2024 ....................** and signed on its behalf by: 



Page 13 



**REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of St Giles Parochial Church Council (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of Financial Position and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

- In our opinion the financial statements: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 December 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended; 

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

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

## **Basis for opinion** 

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

## **Conclusions relating to going concern** 

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

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

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

## **Other information** 

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of the Independent Auditors thereon. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

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

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

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report 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 not been kept; or 

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

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

Page 14 



**REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities, 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 determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. 

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

## **Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** 

We have been appointed as auditors under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder. 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. 

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the company operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and relevant Taxation legislation. 

We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the financial statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be the override of controls by management, the ability for the charity to continue as a going concern and the understatement of revenue. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, sample testing on the posting of journals, reviewing of budgets for future periods, reviewing meeting minutes, regulatory correspondence and professional fees, detailed substantive testing on the completeness of income, and reviewing accounting estimates for biases. 

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations. 

These inherent limitations are particularly significant in the case of misstatement resulting from fraud as this may involve sophisticated schemes designed to avoid detection, including deliberate failure to record transactions, collusion or the provision of intentional misrepresentations. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors. 

Page 15 



**REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

## **Use of our report** 

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 



Shaw Gibbs (Audit) Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Statutory Auditor 264 Banbury Road Oxford Oxfordshire OX2 7DY 

Date: 10 May 2024 

Page 16 



**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

|Notes<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**<br>Donations and legacies<br>Fees and room letting<br>3<br>Investment income<br>4<br>**Total**<br>**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Church activities and donations<br>**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**<br>**Transfers between funds**<br>12<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|Unrestricted<br>funds<br>£<br>292,755<br>6,300<br>5,237<br>304,292<br>313,650<br>(9,358)<br>(5,491)<br>(14,849)<br>1,682,399<br>1,667,550|Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>12,391<br>-<br>-<br>12,391<br>30,600<br>(18,209)<br>5,491<br>(12,718)<br>22,532<br>9,814|2023<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>305,146<br>6,300<br>5,237<br>316,683<br>344,250<br>(27,567)<br>-<br>(27,567)<br>1,704,931<br>1,677,364|2022<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>296,463<br>8,597<br>916<br>305,976<br>343,362<br>(37,386)<br>-<br>(37,386)<br>1,742,317<br>1,704,931|
|---|---|---|---|---|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 17 



## **ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

## **STAT**['] **EMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

|Notes<br>**FIXED ASSETS**<br>Tangible assets<br>9<br>**CURRENT ASSETS**<br>Debtors: amounts falling due within one year 10<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**CREDITORS**<br>Amounts falling due within one year<br>11<br>**NET CURRENT ASSETS**<br>**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**<br>**LIABILITIES**<br>**NET ASSETS**<br>**FUNDS**<br>12<br>Unrestricted funds:<br>General fund<br>Fixed assets<br>MALT (Interns)<br>Student and Young People Worker Fund<br>Restricted funds<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|Unrestricted<br>funds<br>£<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>1,462,594<br>12,364<br>200,403<br>9,814<br>212,767<br>9,814<br>(7,811)|Unrestricted<br>funds<br>£<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>1,462,594<br>12,364<br>200,403<br>9,814<br>212,767<br>9,814<br>(7,811)|2023<br> <br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>1,462,594<br>12,364<br>210,217<br>222,581<br>(7,811)|2022<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>1,462,594<br>26,512<br>228,459<br>254,971<br>(12,634)|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||204,956<br>1,667,550|9,814<br>9,814|214,770<br>1,677,364|242,337<br>1,704,931|
||1,667,550|9,814|1,677,364|1,704,931|
||||197,956<br>1,462,594<br>2,000<br>5,000<br>1,667,550<br>9,814<br>1,677,364|212,805<br>1,462,594<br>2,000<br>5,000<br>1,682,399<br>22,532<br>1,704,931|



The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on **......01/05/2024..............** and were signed on its behalf by: 


The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 18 



**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **1. LEGAL FORM** 

St Giles PCC is an unincorporated charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Its registered address is listed on page 11. 

## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** 

## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** 

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 

The financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006. 

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£). 

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the to continue as a going concern. 

## **Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty** 

The preparation of financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of applying the company accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements are disclosed within the individual accounting policies. 

## **Income** 

Income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is a treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material. 

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. 

Government grant income is recognised as it is receivable, to the extent that the grant has been expended by the end of the financial year. 

## **Expenditure** 

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

Page 19 

continued... 



**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued** 

## **Tangible fixed assets** 

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Where parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of property, plant and equipment. 

Depreciation methods, useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each balance sheet date. The selection of these residual values and estimated lives requires the exercise of judgement. The trustees are required to assess whether there is an indication of impairment to the carrying value of assets. In making that assessment, judgements are made in estimating value in use. The trustees consider that the individual carrying values of assets are supportable by their value in use. 

## **Consecrated land and buildings and movable church furnishing** 

Consecrated and beneficed property is excluded from the accounts by section 10 of the Charities Act 2011. 

Expenditure incurred during the year on consecrated or beneficed buildings and movable church furnishings, whether maintenance or improvement, is written off as expenditure in the SOFA. 

## **Freehold property** 

The freehold property included in the accounts is the Church Centre in St Giles Terrace, Northampton. Detailed figures for historical cost could not be obtained without an amount of work out of proportion to the benefit to users of the accounts. The valuation included in the accounts was therefore based on insurance values and amended as and when it was considered that values have moved significantly. From 1 January 2015, the charity adopted the transitional provisions available under FRS102 and the valuation was taken as deemed cost going forward. 

No depreciation has been charged on the property as the Trustees believe that the residual value is in excess of the cost and the building is continually maintained to a sufficiently high standard as it is in constant use as part of the Church's mission. 

## **Fixtures, fittings and office equipment** 

With effect from January 2013 a depreciation rate of 25% of cost per annum has been applied to these categories of fixed assets. 

## **Taxation** 

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. 

## **Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. 

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. 

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 

The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the PCC is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body or those that are informal gatherings of Church members. 

## **Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits** 

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. 

Page 20 

continued... 



**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued** 

## **Financial instruments** 

Cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet comprise cash at banks and in hand and short term deposits with an original maturity date of three months or less. 

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. 

Financial liabilities are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. Where the contractual obligations of financial instruments are equivalent to a similar debt instrument, those financial instruments are classed as financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are presented as such in the balance sheet. Finance costs and gains or losses relating to financial liabilities are included in the statement of financial activities. Finance costs are calculated so as to produce a constant rate of return on the outstanding liability. 

## **3. FEES AND ROOM LETTING** 

|Centre, church & house letting<br>Wedding and funeral fees<br>Group and fundraising income<br>**4.**<br>**INVESTMENT INCOME**<br>Deposit account interest<br>**5.**<br>**AUDITORS' REMUNERATION**<br>Fees payable to the charity's auditors for the audit of the charity's<br>financial statements|2023<br>£<br>4,393<br>1,574<br>333<br>6,300<br>2023<br>£<br>5,237<br>2023<br>£<br>3,480|2022<br>£<br>5,555<br>2,232<br>810|
|---|---|---|
|||8,597|
|||2022<br>£<br>916|
|||2022<br>£<br>3,170|



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

During the year remuneration totalling £30,143 (2022: £27,050) was paid to B Whaites (appointed a trustee in 2023) for their work as a Youth Minister. 

## **Trustees' expenses** 

During the year ended 31 December 2023, 6 trustees' (2022: 4) were paid a total of £3,468 (2022: £2,543) for reimbursed expenses relating to equipment, stationery, books, travel and other ministry expenses. 

Page 21 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **7. STAFF COSTS** 

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

|Employees<br>No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.<br>Wages<br>National insurance<br>Pension contributions<br>**COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>£<br>**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**<br>Donations and legacies<br>279,174<br>Fees and room letting<br>8,578<br>Investment income<br>916<br>**Total**<br>288,668<br>**EXPENDITURE ON**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Church activities and donations<br>311,876<br>**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**<br>(23,208)<br>**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>1,705,607<br>**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**<br>1,682,399||2023<br>6<br>2023<br>£<br>103,202<br>7,255<br> <br>8,819<br> <br>119,276<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>17,289<br>19<br>-<br>17,308<br>31,486<br>(14,178)<br>36,710<br>22,532|<br>|2022<br>7<br>2022<br>£<br>105,192<br>6,799<br>10,120<br>122,111<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>296,463<br>8,597<br>916<br>305,976<br>343,362<br>(37,386)<br>1,742,317<br>1,704,931|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||



## **8. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** 

Page 22 

continued... 



**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS** 

|**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**||||
|---|---|---|---|
|**COST**<br>At 1 January 2023 and<br>31 December 2023<br>**DEPRECIATION**<br>At 1 January 2023 and<br>31 December 2023<br>**NET BOOK VALUE**<br>At 31 December 2023<br>At 31 December 2022|Freehold<br>property<br>£<br>1,462,594<br>-<br>1,462,594<br>1,462,594|Fixtures<br>and<br>fittings<br>£<br>74,138<br>74,138<br>-<br>-|Totals<br>£<br>1,536,732|
||||74,138|
||||1,462,594|
||||1,462,594|



From 1 January 2015, the charity decided to adopt the transitional provisions available under FRS 102 and the valuation of £1,462,594 was taken as deemed cost going forward. 

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

|Gift aid recoverable<br>Prepayments and accrued income<br>**11.**<br>**CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**<br>Accruals and deferred income||2023<br>£<br>12,364<br>-<br>12,364<br>2023<br>£<br>7,811||2022<br>£<br>26,512<br>-|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||26,512|
|||||2022<br>£<br>12,634|



Page 23 

continued... 



**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS** 

|At 1/1/23<br>£<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>212,805<br>Fixed assets<br>1,462,594<br>MALT (Interns)<br>2,000<br>Student and Young People Worker<br>Fund<br>5,000<br>1,682,399<br>**Restricted funds**<br>MALT2 (Interns)<br>738<br>Family Support Workers<br>1,798<br>Student and Young People Worker<br>Fund<br>10,287<br>New Wine Trust<br>5,218<br>Open Dining Room<br>4,491<br>22,532<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>1,704,931<br>Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>**Restricted funds**<br>Student and Young People Worker<br>Fund<br>Open Dining Room<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**||Net<br>movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>(9,358)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(9,358)<br>-<br>-<br>(15,778)<br>-<br>(2,431)<br>(18,209)<br>(27,567)<br>Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>304,292<br>12,391<br>-<br>12,391<br>316,683||Transfers<br>between<br>funds<br>£<br>(5,491)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(5,491)<br>-<br>-<br>5,491<br>-<br>-<br>5,491<br>-<br>Resources<br>expended<br>£<br>(313,650)<br>(28,169)<br>(2,431)<br>(30,600)<br>(344,250)|At<br>31/12/23<br>£<br>197,956<br>1,462,594<br>2,000<br>5,000<br>1,667,550<br>738<br>1,798<br>-<br>5,218<br>2,060<br>9,814<br>1,677,364<br>Movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>(9,358)<br>(15,778)<br>(2,431)<br>(18,209)<br>(27,567)|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||||||



Page 24 

continued... 



**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

## **Comparatives for movement in funds** 

|At 1/1/22<br>£<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>General fund<br>236,013<br>Fixed assets<br>1,462,594<br>MALT (Interns)<br>2,000<br>Student and Young People Worker<br>Fund<br>5,000<br>1,705,607<br>**Restricted funds**<br>MALT2 (Interns)<br>738<br>Family Support Workers<br>1,798<br>Student and Young People Worker<br>Fund<br>24,174<br>New Wine Trust<br>10,000<br>Open Dining Room<br>-<br>36,710<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>1,742,317<br>Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:<br>Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>**Unrestricted funds**<br>**Restricted funds**<br>17,308<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**<br>305,976<br>General fund<br>288,668<br>Student and Young People Worker<br>Fund<br>12,568<br>New Wine Trust<br>-<br>Open Dining Room<br>4,740||Net<br>movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>(23,208)<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(23,208)<br>-<br>-<br>(13,887)<br>(4,782)<br>4,491<br>(14,178)<br>(37,386)<br>Resources<br>expended<br>£<br>(31,486)<br>(343,362)<br>(311,876)<br>(26,455)<br>(4,782)<br>(249)|At<br>31/12/22<br>£<br>212,805<br>1,462,594<br>2,000<br>5,000<br>1,682,399<br>738<br>1,798<br>10,287<br>5,218<br>4,491<br>22,532<br>1,704,931<br>Movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>(14,178)<br>(37,386)<br>(23,208)<br>(13,887)<br>(4,782)<br>4,491|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
|||||
|||||



## **Description of funds** 

Fixed Assets Fund - this represents the net book value of the fixed assets in the balance sheet as these assets are not readily convertible into cash 

MALT - used for the training of Interns who are volunteers. 

Family Support Workers - funding for wages for the family support workers. 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** 

Student and Young People Worker Fund - funding to provide financial resources for a new ministry specifically to engage with Students at Northampton University and also with Young People connected with St Giles. This is a Christian outreach activity aimed at drawing this demographic group into a closer relationship with God. 

New Wine Trust Fund- funding for the refurbishment and replenishing of St Columbia church in Collingtree. 

Open Dining Room Fund - funding to open a warm, welcoming space for all families with children under 18 to attend. 

Transfer of funds between the General Fund and Student and Young People Worker Fund is due to an overspend of funds. 

## **13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS** 

St. Giles (Northampton) PCC participates in the Pension Builder Scheme section of CWPF for lay staff. CWPF is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board, which holds the CWPF assets separately from those of the Employer and other participating employers. 

CWPF has two sections: 

1. the Defined Benefits Scheme 

2. the Pension Builder Scheme, which has two subsections; 

   - a. a deferred annuity section known as Pension Builder Classic, and, 

   - b. a cash balance section known as Pension Builder 2014. 

## **Pension Builder Scheme** 

Both sections of the Pension Builder Scheme are classed as defined benefit schemes. 

**Pension Builder Classic** provides a pension, accumulated from contributions paid and converted into a deferred annuity during employment based on terms set and reviewed by the Church of England Pensions Board from time to time. Discretionary increases may also be added, depending on investment returns and other factors. 

**Pension Builder 2014** is a cash balance scheme that provides a lump sum which members use to provide benefits at retirement. Pension contributions are recorded in an account for each member. Discretionary bonuses may be added before retirement, depending on investment returns and other factors. The account, plus any bonuses declared is payable, unreduced, from age 65. 

There is no sub-division of assets between employers in each section of the Pension Builder Scheme. 

The scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This is because it is not possible to attribute the Pension Builder Scheme's assets and liabilities to specific employers and means that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The pensions costs charged to the SoFA in the year are the contributions payable (2023: £8,819 2022: £10,120). 

A valuation of the Pension Builder Scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent valuation was carried out as at 31 December 2019. The next valuation is due as at 31 December 2022. 

For the Pension Builder Classic section, the valuation revealed a deficit of £4.8m on the ongoing assumptions used. At the most recent annual review, the Board chose to grant a discretionary bonus of 3% following improvements in the funding position over 2021. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time. 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

## **13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS - continued** 

For the Pension Builder 2014 section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £5.5m on the ongoing assumptions used. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time. 

The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another employer fails, St. Giles (Northampton) PCC could become responsible for paying a share of the failed employer's pension liabilities. 

## **14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** 

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2023. 

## **15. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY** 

During the year the charity was under the control of its Trustees as listed on page 11. 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

**DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**<br>**Donations and legacies**<br>Non Gift Aid donations<br>Gift Aid donations<br>Gift Aid recoverable<br>Legacies<br>Grants<br>**Fees and room letting**<br>Centre, church & house letting<br>Wedding and funeral fees<br>Group and fundraising income<br>**Investment income**<br>Deposit account interest<br>**Total incoming resources**<br>**EXPENDITURE**<br>**Charitable activities**<br>Parish share<br>Staff salaries<br>Staff expenses<br>Youth/children<br>Seniors<br>Church costs<br>Parish centre costs<br>Parish events<br>Overseas mission<br>Home mission<br>Church refurbishment<br>Men's Ministry<br>Fundraising expenses<br>Family and children<br>Women's Ministry<br>**Support costs**<br>**Management**<br>Wages<br>Social security<br>Carried forward|2023<br>£<br>74,607<br>152,350<br>37,821<br>31,189<br>9,179<br>305,146<br>4,393<br>1,574<br>333<br>6,300<br>5,237<br>316,683<br>111,579<br>76,190<br>3,421<br>2,853<br>-<br>19,141<br>18,415<br>219<br>32,288<br>13,500<br>4,783<br>75<br>2,431<br>1,267<br>67<br>286,229<br>36,298<br>2,474<br>38,772|2022<br>£<br>76,980<br>161,591<br>44,337<br>-<br>13,555|
|---|---|---|
|||296,463<br>5,555<br>2,232<br>810|
|||8,597<br>916|
|||305,976<br>111,579<br>82,406<br>9,665<br>2,838<br>4<br>17,077<br>12,941<br>705<br>32,288<br>13,500<br>3,867<br>343<br>249<br>1,109<br>13|
|||288,584<br>34,160<br>2,315<br>36,475|



This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 

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**ST GILES PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL** 

## **DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023** 

|**Management**<br>Brought forward<br>Pensions<br>Telephone<br>Postage, stationery and copier<br>Promotion and publicity<br>Sundries<br>**Finance**<br>Bank charges<br>**Information technology**<br>**Governance costs**<br>I.T. costs<br>Auditors' remuneration<br>Total resources expended<br>**Net expenditure**|2023<br>£<br>38,772<br>3,431<br>4,392<br>655<br>28<br>2,232<br>49,510<br>631<br>4,400<br>3,480<br>344,250<br>(27,567)|2022<br>£<br>36,475<br>3,231<br>644<br>1,962<br>250<br>2,895<br>45,457<br>691<br>5,460<br>3,170<br>343,362<br>(37,386)|
|---|---|---|



This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 

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