THE MOTHERS, UNION (DIOCESE OF LEEDS) Registered Charity 1164024 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Mothers, Union, Diocese of Leeds Trustees, Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023 The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 315t December 2023. In presenting thi5 report, the Trust$ confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commlssion's guidance on public benefit. The Trustees accepted and 57gned off the accounts for 2023 at the Trustee Meeting on Friday 10th May 2024. Risk to the Charity The Trustees are satisfied that the balance in Ihe accounts is sufficient for the charity to continue in 2025.The members, annual subscription for 2024 was increased to £33, made up of £23 subscription to the Central Mothers, Union and £10 to the Di(Kese. Expenses are stTII reduced slightly by the use of Zoom for some m&tings. Structure. governance and management The affairs of the charity are governed by the terms of the central Mothers. Union's Royal Charter, granted in 1926 and which is registered with the Char7ty Commission in England and Wales (240531). The Board of Trustees manages the charity. They met on four occasions during 2023 all of them at Church House in Leeds. The Trustees are elected tri-annually by the member5 of the charity's Council consTSting of the Diocesan Pres7dent. members of the Trustee Board, Team Leaders, Branch Leaders and Past Presidents of the charity living in the Diocese. The Chaplain is appointed by the Diocesan Bishop. The Diocesan President and Trustees remained in place for the second year of this triennium. The CouncTI and Annual General knting was held on 8 June 2023 when information was shared and matters debated with the members present. A further Council was held on 6th November 2023. Training for Trustees was provided at the beginning of the three-year period Tn 2022.
The Trustees were elected in 2021 and took office for the Charity on 1 St January 2022 for a period of three years. The trustees who served in 2023 were: Mrs Elaine Swinhoe Diocesan President Rev Jenny Kimber Area President - Bradford Episcopal Area Mrs Daryl Kelly Area President - Leeds Episcopal Area Mrs Margaret Crawford Area President - Ripon Episcopal Area Mrs Susan Atherton Area President - Wakefield Episcopal Area Mrs Julia Tum Area President - Huddersfield Episcopal Area Miss EITzabeth Johnson General Trustee Mrs Trees Fewster General Trustee {retired} Mrs Evelyn Haigh General Trustee Mrs Barbara Vaughan General Trustee Mrs Gillian Wilks General Trustee Mrs Jenni Wohlman General Trustee (from November 2023) Mrs Yvonne Hut50n Co-opted Trustee representing the Outreach Team The charity does not own any property other than two caravans on the East Coast which are to provide holidays for familles in need of a break. For administratTve purposes the contact address used by the charity throughout 2023 was 94 Victoria Gardens, Leeds, LS18 4PH. Officers The following officers acted on behalf of the charity throughout the year: Diocesan Chaplain.. Venerable Peter TcThvnley. Archdeacon of Pontefract Diocesan Treasurer: IAr Paul Leeming Diocesan Secretary: Mrs Joanna Sarkar Bankers The charTty's bankers are Barclays Bank plc. Leicester, LE87 2BB Independent examiner This role was undertaken by Mrs Elizabeth Short FCA. of Spen*r Wilson Ltd, Equitable House, 55 Pellon Lane, Halifax HX1 5SP
Membership The charity is a membership body. Membership can of a speclfic branch, linked to an Anglican church parish, or of the diocese, when members can choose to attend branch meetings but rely more heavily on written and electronic communicatTon for contact with fellow members. A requested proportion of the memtErship fee has been forwarded to the central Mothers. Union. We have 1290 members and 65 branches. In 2022 we had 1458 members and 83 branches. 455 members now pay their subscription by Direct Debit. Membership in 2023 numbered 1290. Of these, 172 members were Diocesan Members. The remaining members were members of one of the branches. About 23 members, who are unable to attend meetings, usually due to age or infirmity, are designated Indoor Members. The membership in 2023 worked in the five Episcopal Areas of Leeds, Ripon, Bradford, Huddersfield and Wakefield, in accordance with the structure of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds. The work is organised Tn Teams (Prayer, Outreach, Communication, Membership, Diocesan Serv7ces and Mothers, Union Retait} each having a Tearn Leader and covering aspects as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Trustees. Diocesan Services leader Mrs Margaret Bentley Prayer leader Mrs Jean Thumian Membership leader Mrs Mary Marshall Comtnun7cations vacant Outreach (eader Mrs onne Hutson MU Retail vacant (various people in the 5 Episcopal Areas) Safeguarding Mrs Evelyn Haigh Restrictions imposed by the Governing Document concerning the way In which the charity may operate Branches of the charity have the power to support the needs of their parishe5, Subject to the aim, purpose and objects of Mothers. Union. However, branches are not permitted to be used as a channel for charitable appeals on behalf of other organisations. nor is money permitted to be allocated to such organTsations frotn branch funds. Risk Managetnent The Trustees have throughout their term of service recognised their responsibility to identlfy the key risks to which the charity was exposed and to ensure that measures
were In place and monTtored to mitigate against these rFsks. Adequate insurance cover has been in place to protect the charity against financial loss. Objectives and Activities Our Vision Statement Mothers. Union, in the Diocese of Leeds, through the love of God and in partnership with the church, seeks to reach out creatively and actively to support Stable family relationships and to promote a more just Society. Our Mission We aim to show our Christ7an faith by the transformation of communitles worldw7de. We can do this through supportlng strong relationships within the family and promoting reconcTliation at all levels. Our Values 1. We are firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos centered on mutual respect and collab. oration. 2. Our governance, leadership and programmes are driven by and undertaken through members within their own communities worldwide. 3. We work with people of all failhs and none. Our Aims and Objectives To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service To promote conditions in S(1etY favourable to stable family life and the protection of children. To help those whose family life has met with athersity To promote and support marrTed life Activities during 2023 FundraiSTng for Mothers. Union's family-centred projects in the UK and overseas continued throughout the year. A number of branches held Summer of Hope events to raise funds for the central appeal. Members also contrTbuted to the Make a Mother's Day Appeal by buying a "Gift of Dignity" to support Global projects that transform the lives of women. VarTOUS services for Lady Day. Mary Sumner Day and Advent services were held across the diocese to make it easier for members Lo attend and share fellowshTP. The Council Meeting in June also included a ialk about work with refugee and asylum seekers. In
April the Diocesan President attended the launch of the report of the ArchbTshop's Commission for Fafflilie5 and Households Members conlinued to support the central thers. Union's Financial Appeals during the year to ensure Ihe continuance of financlal support for overseas work. Achievements and Performance We have attempted to maintain active links with linked dioceses in Nigeria, the Solomon Islands, Lesotho and Rwanda, although there are still communication problems with some dioceses. Branches participated in the Global Wave of Prayer in January 2023 and reguLar mid-day prayers have been said via across the Diocese - some via Zoom and some in person at the cathedrals. A prayer network has continued in all five Episcopal Areas through whTch requests for anyone experiencing ill health or other troubles is prayed for. Regular newsletters were sent to members and a website providing or signposting re)urCeS and Tnformation continued. OUTREACH WORK Branches were encouraged to record their outreach work on the central MU live website Prison Support Work in prisons look place throughout 2023. Sweets and Christmas cards were deLivered to three prisons in the diocese. Cking with women prisoners in New Hall prison, showTng nutritional meals on a budget and teaching ccK)king skills happened on a monthly basis. Members assisted in the mother and baby unit as well as providing refreshments for visitors in the T bar. Help was also provided on Family Days. AFIA Holidays We were pleased to be able to continue provlding family (AFIA- Away From It All} holidays to those in need during 2023 in our two caravans on the coast. Last year there were 34 holidays which included 74 adults and 60 children. 10 adults and 6 chiLdren of these had special needs. These were families who had not had a holiday for many years and desperately needed a break. One was a family which had fled Ukraine. Community Support (Making and Collecting Projects) Mernbers reached out by keeping busy WTth knittTng items to support local women's refuges, hospTtals and care homes and by supplyTng emergency toiletry packs to hospitals. These included Baby Blankets, Cardigans, Mittens, Bootees, Gloves, Cot BLankets, Bonding Squares, Gloves/Mittens, Scarves, Hats, Twiddle Muffs, Knee Blankets, Stuffed Toy, Pairs of Hearts, Knitted Baby Cribs, Angel Pockets.
Work with Partner Organisations supporting Families Food Banks -some members volunleered at local fcM)d banks or provided f(J)d to be distributed. A reprint of our own -FcM)d on a Budget" Ixx)klet is still available. Baby Banks - Mernbers collect baby clothes and equipment in support of Baby Banks. These are agencies which enable new mums to have the items they need after the birth of a baby and also support families fleeing from domestic violence. Supporting Refugees Sanitary and hygiene products were proyided for refugee centres and a church in a deprived area. Refuges Food, clothlng, toiletries, beddlng, towe15 and clothes were provided for a number of women's refuges. Hospitals Emergency toilet bags and knitted hearts were given to hospitals as well as hats for premature babies. Care Homes Twiddle muffs, Prayer Shawls and knee blankets were provided. Primary Schools Knitted mittens were provided for children who arrived at school with cold hands. Pupils were also helped with reading. CHURCH SUPPORT - churches were supported with Easter and Mothering Sunday gifts, kitted natiV7ty sets and Baptism cards and gifts. Members ass1Sted with Sunday schools and youth work. Prayers were offered on a daily basis and the diocesan WTde Prayer Network ensured those families and indlvlduals suffering from illness, bereavement and loneliness were remembered. POLICY and CAMPAIGNING Our support and influence as a worldwide organTsation on pK)licy and campaigning is of huge value in raising awareness of the issues that cause adversity in family life. Mothers. Union campaigns at Tnternational, national and local level. Local action during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based violence (Nov 25th_ Dec 10th) involved raising awarenes5 through holding themed services and in 2023, we supported the Global Day on 25th November by holding a number of vigils - outside Huddersfield Parish church and in the marketplaces of Boroughbridge and Settle when the theme was again "No more 1 in 3" {This refers to the fact that 1 in 3 women worldwide suffer abuse during
their lifetime). One of our trustees was interviewed and appeared on IaL TV to highlight Ihe issue5. We launched the central "Rise -up- campaign in the diocese. This aims to move the focus from 16 days to 365 days supporting the vision of a world where all thrive, are respected and live free from domeslic abuse. Two conferences were arranged to which a number of partner organT5ations involved in dealing with domestic abuse were invited to speak. Branches were encouraged to take an active part by involving their churches in raising awareness. Mothers, Union also works with the Clewer Initiative to raise awareness of Modern Slavery in the UK. Financial Review The results are reported in the financial statements accornpanyTng thTS rep)rt. The Trustees received no remuneration for their services although they were eligible to claim reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred In the course of their trtjsteeship. Surplus for the Year The Charity had a surplus of £6,556 on unrestricted funds and a surplus of £13,176 on restricted funds. Reserves Policy The Charity maintains unrestricted cash reserves which are approximately one year's running costs. The Trustees are of the opinion that this amount ls reasonable. Unrestricted funds are £130,645 including designated funds of £17,540 therefore the present level of free reserves available to the charity is £113.105. 29th May 2024
Section A: Statement of Financial Artivities for the year ending 31 December 2023 unrestri Restricted Total 2023 Totsl 2022 Income t)onations Charitable Attivlties Bank Interest Gain on Disposal of Assets Total Income 53.854 7.689 3.988 41.114 1.325 94.968 9,013 3,988 74,117 7,263 999 65,530 42,439 107,969 82,379 Expendlture Raising Funds Charitable Activities Diocesan Administration Total Expenditure 12,187 29.720 17,067 58.974 12.187 58,983 17.067 88,237 11,033 57.911 16,903 85,847 29.263 29,263 Net Income / (Expenditurel 6.556 13.176 19.733 13,4681 Opening Balance 124,089 49.943 174.031 177,500 Totsl Funds Carried Forward 130,645 63.119 193,764 174,031 Section B: Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023 Nrte unrestrirt Restrtcted Total 2023 Total 2022 Fixed Assets Caravans 20,588 20.588 20.588 20.588 25,160 25.160 Current Assets Mue Stock 810 810 12.254 201 L69,339 182,603 593 11,571 1,328 139,143 152,635 PpaYments Gift Aid Tax Refund Due Cash at Bank and In Hand 12,254 201 139.061 140.072 30,277 42,531 Cuttent Liabilities Accruals 9,427 9,427 3,764 Net Current Assets 130,645 42.531 173,176 148,871 Totsl Assets less Current Liabilities 130,645 63,119 193,764 174,031 Charity Funds Total Funds 130.645 130,645 63,119 63,119 193,764 193,764 174,031 174,031 li Signed Elaine Swinhoe. Leeds Mothers. Union Diticesan President and tntstee on behalf of all the trustees. Dated 29th May 2024
Section C: Notes to the Accounts for the year ending 31 Deomber 2023 Note l- Basis of Preparation and Policies 11 These accoijnts have been prepared: al On an accrijals basis. bl Under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value Unle otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. cl In accordance WTth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom (FRS 1021 and with the Charities Act 2011. 21 Going Concern: From the review of forecasts and projections theTrustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate SoUrceS to continue in operational existen for the foreseeable future. The Trustees have therefore continued to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. 31 All income is recognised when the Charity becomes legally entitled and the amount quantifiable with reasonable accuracy. 41 Fund Accounting.. al Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the twstees to further any of the charity's purposes. bl Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future projert or commitment. cl Restr4Cted funds are subjected to restrirtions on their expeDOifure dedad by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. 51 Judgements and key st7urces of estimation uncertainty." The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumption5 that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are Continual reviewed and are b35ed on experience and other factors. including expettations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There are not considered to be any judgements or accounting estimates or assumptions that have a significant impact on the financial statements. 61 Financial instruments= The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequefttlymeasured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Note 2: Income Unrestsirtd Re5trirted Totsl 2023 Totsl 2022 Donations Subscriptions Collections and Donations Gift Aid Tax Refund 41.880 10,512 1,462 53,854 41,880 51,626 1,462 94,968 42,616 29,492 2,009 74,117 41.114 41.114 Charitable Activities Mue Sales 6,326 1.363 6,326 1,363 1,325 9,013 6,127 1.097 40 7,263 Mue Sales Commissiowj New Hall Pri50n Tea Bar Irtrcome 1,325 1,325 7,689 Bank Interest 3,988 3,988 999 Gain on Disposal of A55ets Totsl Income 65,530 42,439 107,969 82,379 Note 3: Expendtture Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023 Total 2022 Raising Funds ranch Expenses Mue Purchases 5,914 6,273 12,187 5,914 6,273 12,187 5,381 5,652 11,033 Charitable Activities Subscriptions to M5H Emergency Fund to MSH Donations to MSH Projerts AFIA Expenses Caravan Depreciation New Hall Prison Tea Bar Outreach and Prayer Church Services Publications Training Badges and Banners 29,274 29,274 30,440 6.755 16.380 4,572 1,361 195 6.755 16,380 4.572 1,361 406 6,408 14,413 4,572 745 211 299 125 125 100 io io 29,720 94 29,263 S8.983 57,911 Diocesan Administration Secretarial and Accounting Travel Post and Stationery Insurance Room Rentand Meeting Costs Bank Charges Sundry 12,761 397 1.686 719 L148 12,761 397 12,832 381 1,686 719 1,148 1.743 719 992 355 355 236 17.067 17.067 16.903 Total Expenditure 58.974 29,263 88,237 85,847 10
Note 4: Fixed Assets- Caravans Depreciation Net Book Value 20,557 25,160 Atstart ofyear 2023 Additions 2023 Disposals 2023 Depreciation At End of Year 45.717 4,572 25.129 4,5721 20,588 45,717 At the end of 2018 a new caravan was purchased for £23,013. At the end of 2017 3 new caravan was purchased for £22,704. Caravans are depreciated on a straight line basis. It is anticipated that both caravans have a 10 year life. Note 5: Stock Stock is measured at the lower of cost and net alISab}e value. Note 6: Prepayments Prepayments of £12,254 a srte rents for the tv40 caravans lating to 2024 but transacted in 2023. Note 7: Gift Aid Tax Refund Due 2023 Gift Aid Tax Refund of £20112022 £1.3281 was due at year end. Note 8: Cash at Bank and In Hand Cash at Bank and In Hand includes £24,02212022 £21574) held by bncheS. Note 9." Accruals Accrua15 are for known expenditures relating to 2023 but transarted in 2024. Note 10: Statements 11 The success of the Mothers, Union is dependent on the many dedicated unpaid volunteers. 21 Trustees re1ve no payments expt for expenses incurred. 31 Eleven trustees incurred total expense5 of £24812022 £3241 for travel and £2012022 £191 for office expenses. 41 There are no employees. 51 The Independent Examinerfs fees are £475 + £95 vat12022 £475 + £95 vat)- The i¢Mlependent examiner reiVed no other fees. 11
Note 11: 2023 Fund5 Details of funds held and movements in 2023 a shown below. Totsl Funds Closing Balance Cash Closing Balance Opening Balance Income Expenditute Transfer5 Restrirted Funds AFIA Replacement AFIA Running Newhall Prison Tea Bar Kitty Cooper Bursary Over5ea5 Relief Btg Summer Appeal 8ritain & Ireland Devèlopment Literacy Make a Mother's Day Total Restrtcted Funds 1.056 33,303 1,325 8.456 52,575 696 1,391 8,456 19,734 696 1,391 40.224 733 20,951 1,361 195 3.172 185 2,911 1,586 3,172 185 2.911 220 268 42.439 220 268 29,263 49,943 63,119 30,277 UnrÈstrirted Funds Prayer Outreach Training Unallocated Funds Totsl Unrestricted Funds 3,655 6.331 7,603 106,$00 124,089 20 49 162 3.626 6,411 7,503 113,105 130,645 3,626 6,411 7,503 121,522 139,061 242 65,268 65,530 58,663 58.974 Total Funds per Balance Sheet 174.031 107,969 88,237 193,764 169,339 Fund Description5 'AFIA ReplaceFnent' is a fund for replacing the two caravan5. 'AFIA' provides holiday5 to disadvantaged familie5'Away from it all.. The 'Newhall Prison Tea Bar, is a low priced café helping families of those held at the prison. The 'Kitty Cooper Bursary. is to help members afford to attend events. 'Overseas' relates to charit3ble work carried on outside the UK. 'Relief' provides furlding to support families overseas when emergencie5 occur. The 'Big Summer Appeal. supports a number of Mary Sumner House projects. 'Britain & Ireland Development. is a fund to help in the home Countries. 'Literacy' is a fund to improve reading and WTtting. 'Make a Mother's Day, is a fund to help disadvantaged mothers. 'Prayer' provides funding for prayer resources including for 'lndoor Members,. 'Outreach' includes other projects to support familie5 in the Diocese. Training, is to provide training for members. 'Unallocated Funds, include5 £24.022 (2022 £21.5741 held by branthes in bank accounts and cash in hand. 12
Note 12: 2022 Funds Details of fun(ts held and movements in 2022 are shown below. Total Funds Closing Balance Cash Closing Balance Opening Balance Income Expendititre Transfefs Restricted Funds AFIA Replacement AFIA Running Newhall Prison Tea Bar Kitty Cooper Bursary Overseas Relief Big Summer Appeal Britain & Ireland Development Literacy Make a Mother's Dav Total Restricted Funds 6.349 48,116 1,438 1,586 1.051 11.092 7,400 40.224 733 1,586 7,400 3,493 733 1,586 18,984 745 2.963 225 2,963 225 2.688 2.688 130 130 402 402 26.137 57,489 18.591 49,943 13,212 Unrestrirted Funds Prayer Outreach Training Unallocated Funds Total Unrestricted Funds 3.701 6,168 8,543 101,599 120,011 3.655 6.331 7,603 106,500 124,089 3,655 416 253 940 58,471 S9.710 7,603 108,343 125,931 63,372 63,788 Total Funds per 8alance Sheet 177,5 82,379 85,847 174.031 139.143 Fund Descriptions 'AFIA Replacement, is a fund for replacing the two caravans. 'AFIA' provides holidays to disadvantaged families'Away from it all,. The 'Newhall Prison Tea Bar, is a low priced cafe helping families of those held at the prison. The 'Kitty Cooper Bursary. is to help members afford to attend events. 'Overseas' relates to charitable work carried on outside the UK. 'Relief' provides funding to support families overseas when emergencies occur. The '818 Sutnmer Appeal, supports a number of Mary Sumner House projects. 'Britain & Ireland Development, is a fund to help in the home countries. 'LÈteracy' is a fund to improve reading and writing. 'Make a Mother's Day, is a fund to help disadvantaged mothers. 'Prayer' provides funding for prayer resources including for'ltbdoor Members,. 'Outreach' includes other projects to support families in the Diocese. 'Training' is to provide training for member5. 'Unallocated Funds, includes £21,574 {2021 £19,4021 held by branches in bank accounts and c35F) in hand. 13
THE MOTHERS, UNION (DIOCESE OF LEEDS) TNDFPFNDENf EXANItYER'S RIFORT TO TIIE TRUS1'E3 OF MOTllERS' UNION (DIOCESE OF LEEDS) TrTAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 21123 I report to the tnt on my examirsation ofthe fin3ncial statemeffts of The Mothers. Union (Dtocese of Leed5) Cthe charity) for the year ended 31 Ikcqnber 2023. RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT As the truste of th¢ ¢h8rity you are P)nsIble for the preparatiou of thc fmancial stsÉements in a¢¢ordaniz with th¢ r¢quircmcATrts of th¢ Cl1118% Aci 20111'th¢ Act.). I report in reSpt of my ¢xamination of the ¢l]aritys fTnancial statements caffied out undcr Section 145 of the 2011 ALL and CalD8 out my ex8tnillation I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Cli8ttty Commission under section 145(5Xb) of th¢ ACL INDEPENDENT EXAMINF.R'S STATEMENT I have completed my examinatioll. I conf that DO ma(erial mattsrs have come to my attention in cOnectIon with th¢ ¢xaminatioD giving me Ca$¢ to believc that IT) any material rL¥peci= accounting r¢cords were kept ITh restttt of the charity as Frquired by section 130 of the the financial statements do accord with those records: o the financial.*atements do compty wAtJi the applicable requirrmenls Cotkcerning the fomi and contcnt of accounts out in the Cbarities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 othcr than atLy requirement that the accounts give a 'true and faie view which is not a matter eon5idered 8S Part ofan independcni exaTninauon. I have LMI concerns and have Come across no other matters in conne£ti¢)n with the wminalion lo which att¢ntion.should be drnvln in thi% Teprt in onlcr lo euable a Prop und¢rstridiDg of the accouttts to be T£ached. Mrs E A Short BFP FCA Jod¥Pdent EXalAer Equitable House 55 Pellor> Lane HalifaK West Yorkshire HXI 5SP 10 May 2024 14