2024-08-31-accounts

ethodist C4 /r6 Moorl8 Charlty Reglstration Number 1161615 rcuit 11124 Staffordshire Moorlands Methodist Circuit Financial Statements for the Year to 31 August 2024

Staffordshlre Moorlands Methodist arcuit Financial Statements for the Year to 31 August 2024 Contents Page Trustees Report Independent Examlner5 Report Approval by Treasurer and thair Statement of Financlal Activities 2024 Statement of Financlal Artivlties 2023 Balance Sheet 10 11 12-14 Notes to the Flnanclal Statements

Staffordshire Moorlands Methodist Clrcuit Trustees Annual report Introduction and aims 'The Staffordshire Moorlands Methodist Circuit is committed to constantly seekn'ng opportunities to transform people's lives through an active and living farth in Jesus Chrisv,. The reality of our day-to-day witness is eVIden￿d in self-goveming Methodist Churches and one Ecumenical Partnership between the Methodist Church and the Unrted Refonned Church. In communty life together in market towns, rural villages and semi-urban settings we seek to live out our faith, supporting and encouraging each other in outreach, mission and evangelism. The past year has for many of our churches seen partnership working within local communities to bring about opportunities for mutual support in many areas of shared life. Local Trustees have been grappling with the questions of how and where reSoUr￿S are best used, and what specific needs are around us. In a time of ever scarcer ￿sOurceS we have tried to be imaginative in working with other organisations, finding common ground and supporting each other where we can. Brief financlal revlew of the year The financial offering of individual churthes to our Circuit budget is supplemented in our commrtment to investing in people by a regular arKI planned withdrawal from what have been significant reserves. However. during this year we have seen the departure of tsvo chIld￿n and families workers and two pastoral worf(ers as people have left us and not been repla￿d. In addition we have taken the decision as a circuit to reduced our level of ordained staff from 3 to 2 (from September 1st 2024) At the end of this year that team comprises 1 children and family's worker, 1 administrator, 2 ordained Ministers. This continues to be a signrficant invesbnent, but the Circuit remains committed to this level of church and communty engagement and is grateful for the gifts and graces our staff offer. Income and expenditure were broadly in line with our mission statement and policy, we continued to invest from reserves to fund our staffing costs of £190,756. Our net movement on funds is £263.497 for the year. Our carried forward funds a￿ £2.199,773 - we anticipate these fvnds will be required to fund working capital needs as well as being available for investment to local churches for mission projects. The level of reserves is under constant review by the Circuit Treasurer and Leadership Team. The work of ministy in the circuit is a partnership between lay and ordained, paid and volunteer workers. and we offer our grateful thanks to each one. We are especially thankful for the continued work and witness of our Local p￿aChers. some of whom are no longer leading worship week by week but are supportive in prayer, alongside the signrficant support provided by our supemumerary ministers.

Income trends Circuit income is primarily drawn from the assessment paid by the circuit churches. We have seen first hand the struggles of local congregations to maintain their giving in the light of the economic srtuation and the falling numbers of attendees. We are grateful for the continued commitment to that disceming. Our income from local churches this year was £175.009 - supplemented by income on invested funds of £46,591 and Capital re￿Ipts of £79.222. Expenditure trends Stipend expenditure has increased eath finanGial year in line with the Methodist Conference approved increases. 160A of expenditure is the Circuit contribution to the District annd Connexion, of which a significant part is used to fvnd the work of the wider Methodist Church. We anticipate further income in the year to August 2025 in respect of other Methodist Churches approved for sale. The balance on Circuit Model Trust Fund balance amounted to £608,555 which was held on deposit with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes. Plans for 202412025 Circurt financial plans for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that there will be 2 full time ordained staff with anticipated cost of living stipend increases combined with the assessment paid to the district. The basis for fulfilling our financial commitments remains a pledge system for individual churches. This system will need to be reviewed rf it continues to fall short of the budget required, in the longer tenn. We continue to review our calling in the light of the restriGtions faced by society at large. the age profile of our congregations and likely resources going forward. We will be aiming to work more closely together as local congregations over the coming years. It in anticipated that although the size of the circuit may diminish in te￿S of numbers of churGhes, our commitment to working more dosely together will in fact mean that we have greater capacity for outreach in towns and villages than has b￿n the case for a number of years. We are actively seeking partnerships with groups which foster flourishing within soaety.

Basls of preparation and legal frame4vork The Charity's annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Ad 2011 and the Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard(FRS) 102 Full Name of Charity: Staffordshire Moorlands Methodist Circuit Registration Charity Number 1161615 Date of registration: 11 May 2015 Main communication address Tean Methodist Church, Gorsty Hill Road, Tean StaffordshireST10 4EQ The members of the Staffordshire Moorlands Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of circuit office holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches. Circuit Ministers and officers (at August 31st 2024 or serving during the year) Active Circuit Ministers Rev Julie Hassall (Superintendent) Rev Richard Pope Rev Eleanor Smith Circuit Lay Workers Mr Mark Hatcher Miss Abigail Ratcliffe Mr Jonathon Newbould Mrs Margaret Parkjnson Ms Rachel Moore Circuit Meeting Secretary Circuit Stewards Mrs Heather Bates Mrs Jane RatclFffe (Senior) Mr Philip Mann Dr Lynne Bradbury Mr David Wheeldon Mrs Janette Barber Administrator". Mr Robin McDuall aded as the principal officer overaeeing the day-to-day financial management and accounting for the circuit during the year.

Independent examiner Mr Oliver Newey ACA, Dove Cottage, Route de Cobo, Castel, Guemsey, Channel Islands, GY5 7HD Uoyds Bank plG Bankers Investment Bankers Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for Methodist Church purposes Aims and organisation Chartty objective is to act as a Resour￿ provider within the area around Leek and Cheadle, Staffordshire for the Methodist Church: 'The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of Union the advan￿ment ot. a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church; b) Any charrtable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit. local or other organisation of The Methodist Church-. G) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church", d) Any purpose for the time being of any tharty being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non members alike. The teaching of Christianty through sermons. courses and small groups. The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved. Taking religious assemblies in local schools. Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and servI￿s. Provision of chaplaincy services to the local universty and other institutions Public Ben•fft We Gonfitm the trustees have had regaru to the Chan"ty commission's guidan￿ on public benefit.

Structure, Governance and Management The goveming document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act {1976) Detailed governan￿ arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD). Day to day management of the circuit is undertaken by the Cirojit LeadeTship team along with the Local Preachers meeting, the Circuit Finance and Property Committee and the Circuit Policy Committee. Trustee Training A range of guidan￿ produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the circuit, specifiGally the leaflet 'The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church, is given to all new Circuit meeting members as induction to their role as trustees. Related Parties The Circuit is part of the Chester and Stoke on Trent District and is also accountsble to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches are linked to the circuit as at 31.8.2024 Boundary. Wellspring {Cheadle and Tean). Endon. Ipstones, Onecote, Rudyard, St Andrews Cheddleton, Waterhouses and Wetley Rocks. Trinity Church in Leek, which is a Methodist & URC Local Ecumenical Partnership, is also part of this circurt. Risk Management The major risks have b￿n identffied and recorded by the Circuit Finance and Property Committee with professional advice taken as required. There is a regular annual review FKoce&s undertaken and recorded. Income and Expenditure is being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearfy basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves. Safeguarding Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God's own image and likene8s. Christians see this potential as fuffiiied by God's re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

Methodist Connexional practi￿ outlines commitment to the following principles: • the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all thildren, young people and adults . the safeguarding and protection of all thildren, young people and adults when they are vulnerable . the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed Vigilan￿ as to the dangers of abuse. . We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibilty within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and gistration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes. We will respond wrthout delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation. • We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care. • We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust. . We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our Ghurch community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adulL In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice The StaffordshI￿ Moorlands Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy; govemment legislation. guidance and safe practi￿ in the circuit and in the Churches. The Staffordshire Moorlands Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable. Reserves Policy The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to 12 months, average expenditure. This should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen rtem of rnajor expenditure on manses and l or to be able to continue. in the short tern. fvnding planned activttie3 in the event of any inabiltty to raise the full Glrcuit Assessment from churches. Rev Julie Hassall Superintendent Minister

31 Au9USt 2024, {￿t on page8 10 iu 14. the apFAKable rectkM8 given tythe ￿lder 1445Xb) ofthe 2011 A oftho Atr, or Olrffi FCA (6 7GF

Treasurer l ¢onfinn that Ihese ac(¥ual based a(wunts forthe year ended 31 August 2024 have tsen prepared from ts records of ts i?￿lt that Ihy mGIHle all finL8 undar th8 contrd of Circuit Meeting. Robin McDudl 21 Lorien C108e. LeeK Staffordshlre ST13 8NY 29th March 2025 l eonfrm that the annual rewt attourts for ts year •nded 31 August 2024 were presented to the Circuit Pleetlng at its me* on 21# K4arth 2024 and vftre approved. Rov Julio H￿1¥ (Chair) 29lh Marth 2025

Incom• 174( 79222 8 Totsl IKOM ExPendI￿rn 41 10 Sa18thes aTrJ as3oc•8W 4 n3 n3 141 YITDtslfundsWtfow•d 11947n

Staffonlshire Moorfands MettKJJist Circu 1161615 sta￿M￿tt of Flnanclal Actsvlti•6 {SOFA} for tho y￿r •xlod 31 Au9u•t 2023 202243 Incomo 7T9 27,4 100.034 393A19 8 Totsl Incorn• Expendlturè 9 Gran18 8nd d￿tionS 10 $8law FJ ass¢uakna c•41¥ 11 Property mairter￿Ce 12 Conneyion8E asses¥￿ & MO￿ tr￿t 13 OL8ts1rt A58essmrt & L f4 Depr8datlon 414144 1Xa41 19V41 31.3 49,522 8.11x1 18 Other outgotros 17 Total Charttats￿ •yndknr• 8.905 49.688 20 Net Incomel(pxpgndlkn) .14Q105 221,916 22 OUr 9￿￿0£$$e5) 23 Not mov•mgnt In fI￿dI 24T*Xal fvnds ￿9￿ght foThYanl 25 T•la1f￿￿rrf￿lf￿¥Mll1 91,312 313.228 f.623.IH8 1.938.276 lJ9WO 1W7,5n 230.1n

Staffordshir8 Moorlands Methodist Circuit Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024 1161615 General Fund Clrcuft Model Endoiiinent Tot 2024 (Unrestricted) Trusts Fund8 Totals 2023 Accounts Circuit Manses & Equipment Investment properties Investments 1.364851 1.365.857 1,068,037 1A65.857 0 1.366.857 1,068,037 Current A880ts Debtors Loans by th8 Cireuit Investments ￿ryth TMCP Centrat Finance Boa￿1 Deposit8 Cash at Bank arKI in harKI Total curivnt ass Current IEabllltles Creditors (due in under 1 year) Grants payable wrythin 2019-20 Total cunBnt Ilabllllle CUn￿t asliabllAles 783,791 273312 27.018 T13.212 27,018 908.785 142,533 33.215 959,539 4332 49,313 34332 ¥332 4453 49,313 910.226 Total assrts less cuffent liabllllies 1.631.755 0 2,240.310 1.978.263 Long term Ilabilities (due after more than one Year) Grants payable after 2022-23 Loans to ts Circuit 40.S37 41,987 Natas￿ts 1,591.218 608,555 0 2,199,773 1,936,276 Funds ol th• Clrcult General Fun(1 (Unrestrtcted) Circuit Model Tru* Fund {Restricted) Designated Fund8 (Unr8tstrictedl 1.591.218 1.591.218 1.152,485 783.791 l199,n3 1,936,276 Tolal Funds 1,591,218 608,555 0 2,199,773 1,936,276

ThefiDanciai Ststementskntbetswew￿UndertheOWTtt￿Art2011 Tnacxvrknwlththe 2014ver610tt of thzoi 2 Funds 3 Accounttngpollcles value atthe end oftheyear. ontbeaca7Jalsb8SiS toknatrueandfalrviewof the cIr￿lesS￿anC1al posltion and VAT n￿the ￿ra￿￿￿tYATtt8L3tttrfall1￿PUtTATI$£knvdVjI1btheex￿￿tovA￿thft Tangible fixed for￿bY￿e (Jra Thefreeho]dprnpertyL%showuintheaoi)UDts atthel1ksll￿Y0l￿ Ilo deprethatsoj Ls Drnvided on thebuildings Investments Debtors alld Prepayments 12

Totsl amount 2023124 2022123 750 750 500 6 Pald employees 2023124 150 2022123 15a663 10.995 11778 190.7S6 2023 24 2022 23 loo 250 350 100

9 Tanglble Flzed A&s equlpment Totsl Balattobroughtforward L06&037 1.068037 Additions/(Disywts) Revaluattorks (+/_) 297.782 297.7￿2 136W9 I365￿19 10 Inveslment assets BfJUn￿ba1 We are (wrenltyholdlng£40537 onbebalfof Tean Methodi%t Church 14