CLIFTON 11 DIOCESE CLIFTON DIOCESE A Company Limited by Guarantee: Registered No. 10462076 ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31st DECEMBER 2024 CLIFTON DIOCESE Charity Number: 1170168 Company Number: 10462076 Registered Addre&8: St. Ambrose North Road Leigh Woods Bristol BS8 3PW PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS Auditors: Haysmac LLP l O Queen Street Place London EC4R IAG Bankers: Natioiial Westminster Ejank PIC Commercial Office PO Box No 2702 3 Temple Back East Temple Quay Bristol BSI 9BW Tnvestmenl Managers: Evelyn Partners Portwall Place Portwall Lane Bristol BSI 6NA Cazenove Capital 10 Victoria Street Bristol BSI 6BN Solicitors: Stone King LLP Upper Borough Court Upper Borough Walls Bath BAI IRG CONTENTS PAGE Trustees, Report 1-15 Strategic Rcport 16-22 Independent Auditor'5 Report 23-25 Statement of Financial Activities 27 Balance Sheet 28 Cash Flow Statement 29 Notes to the Financial Statements 30-53 TRUSTEES, REPORT BISHOP'S INTRODUCTION As we look back on 2024, we do so with hearts fiill of gratitude and hope. It has bcen a year of listening, renewal, and deepeniiigF oiir sense of Inission together as the fainily of the Diocese of Clifton. MLiclI has cliaiigFed in tlie life of our Chiircli iii I'eceiit years. We coiitiniie to live with tlie challenges of fewer priests and tlie pressiiig need to I'eiinagine how our pai'islies can work togFetliei' to floiii'isli. At tlie same tiine, we have also seeii extraordinai'y signs of geiiei'osity, creativity, aiid faitli across oui. diocese. Iii oui. parishes and scliools, tlic ELicliarist lias I'cmaiiied tlie beatiiigy lieart of oiir coininiinities. Tlie celebratioii of Coiifii'matioii aiid First Commiiiiion, tlie welcoming of new Catholics throiigyh RCIA, and the daily I'hytlim of prayer aiid service al I bear witness that tlie life of Christ coiitinLies to flow strongly liere in Clifton. The Jubilee Year of Hope lias called us to I'ediscover wliat it means to live as people of l)ope. Tiine and again I have witiiessed parisliioiiei's reachingy OLlt to one aiiother and to their iieigyliboiirs, caring for the loiiely, tlie poor, and tlie sick, and findiiigF new ways to be missionaiy disciples. l aiii particularly gratefLII to oiir scliools aiid cliaritable agencies, who have given visible expression to the Gospel in action, whether throiigh foodbanks, warm spaces, eiivironmeiital initiatives, or simple acts of kindness. This report sets OLlt tlie stewardship of oiir resoiirces in 2024, bLIt behind every page is a story of faith. FigyLlI'es and bi11<2nces only Inake seiise wlieii seeii in the l igylit of oiir Inissioii.. to proclaiin Clirist, to seive the poor, and to bliild up the Kiiigdoin of God in oiir towiis, villages, aiid cities. I thaiik all who woi'k so faitlifiilly iii oiir parislies, scliools, and diocesaii services, aiid l ain decply gratefiil to tlie m2( Iiy voliintccrs who give their time and love so g7ciicfoLisly. Thaiik yOLi espeLial ly to tl)os¢ wlio Coinpiled this report and tlie anniial accoiints and above all, I thank YOLI, thc peoplc of tlie Diocese of Clifton, for the witness yoii bear day by day. Together we look to the fLlture with confidence and hopc, trusting iii the proinise of tlie Lord: See, lam doing a neiv ihing,. now il ,spring3 forih, do yoii noi perceive il?" (Isaiah 43.19). With prayer and blessing, Bosco MacDonald Rt Rev Bosco MacDonald Bishop of Clifton Clifion Diocese Annual Repori 2024 TRUSTEES, REPORT HISTORY OF THE DIOCESE OF CLJFfoN Until 3 J December 2017 thc Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton was constituted as a Charity for Roman Catholic Purposes by the Declaration of Trust dated 6 May 1934, amcnded by a scheme dated 19 August 1996 and further amcndcd by a scheme dated 19 January 2007. All reporting was made under registered Charity No. 233977. On l January 2018 the assets and operations of the Diocese transfcrred to this Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee, called Clifton Diocese. The Company number is 10462076 and the Charity numbcr is 1170168. The Directors of the Charitable Company are the Trustees, and this company carries on the activities of the Diocese. The Diocese comprises the counties of Somerset, Gloucestershire. Wiltshire and the City and County of Bristol. Clifton is largely a rural diocese encompassing many towns and villages with several medium conurbations and one major city. The Diocese serves its people through 104 parishes, 22 maintained schools and I sixth fonn college, I I single academies, 3 multi-academy trusts, 2 special schools and I indepeiident school and the Diocesan administrative office (Curia). Th¢ principal objects of the charity are th¢ advancement of the Roman Catholic religion, the maintcnance of the Roman Catholi¢ Churches and the provision of Roinan Calholic education within the Diocese of Clifton. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE The primary routes of dclivery of the Charitable Company's objectives are the parishes and schools within the Diocese. As part of the wider Catholic community the Diocese works collaboratively with other Dioceses in England and Wales, and the Bishop is active nationally through his work with the Catholic Trust for England and Walcs. The Diocesan administrative office supports the delivery of the objectives by co-ordination of Diocesan-wide programmes and ensures a cohesive approach to the administration of the Diocese to effectivcly support the parishes, which is particularly important due to increasing statutory requirclncnts in areas such as property management and governance. Parishes 'I'here are approximately 165,100 pcople who identify as Catholic within the Clifton Dlocese. Parishioners gather daily in our Churches for worship within the parishes, creating local Catholic communities which underpin the formation of their faith and deliver outreach to the wider communities in which they are based. There are 66 active priests (Dioc¢8an and Rcligious) within th¢ Dioccse who lead the parish commiinities, supported by 43 deacons many of whom combine their religious vocation with career and Clifton Diocese Anniial Repoyi 2024 TRUSTEES, REPORT family responsibilities. In addition, there are 9 retired priests who actively continue to provlde support and ministry where needed. The role of the laity Wlthin the Diocese continues to be a central feature to the life of our Catholic Community and as a result there is a focus on their forniation, growth and spiritual wcllbeing. A key rolc of the Diocesan Department for Adult Education and Evangelisation is to facilitate various training events and provide resources to assist with formation activities. Throughoiit 2024 Mass attcndance within the Majority of parishes has remain¢d constant. Ilowever, numbers have increased slightly in some of the parishes based in the larger towns and cities as new parishioners have joined the congregation following relocation to the UK from areas such as Africa, the Jndian subcontinent and thc Philippines for employment within the healthcare sector. The provision of the Sacrainents has also remained at a consistent level to last year. though the number of Lonfirniations during the year has increased. Mass Attendance And Sacraments 2024 1,151 103 1,382 917 23,579 2023 1,169 90 1,417 634 22,294 Baptisms Received into the Church First Holy Communions Confirmation Sunday Mass attendance Outreach to local commlinities remains a key focus for parishes. Activities are centred around mission and Catholic social teaching and incliide support for local food banks and provisioiis for tlie Iiomeless, such as soup runs. The Diocese and parishes have close links with CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) and througli this and other routes, there is strong support from across the Diocese for overseas work in areas of poverty, war and where natural disasters have taken place. Therc are also various initiatives undertakcn to support r¢fugL'LS both in the UK and overseas. The 104 parishes comprising the Clifton Diocese form the core of our Catholic community. The parishes are served by 54 scciilar priests and 21 priests from orders and other missions. The priest fulfils the central role in the parish ministcring sacraments, leading worship and in wider ministry to the faithful and the cominunity at large. Clifton Diocese is also fortunate to be served by a team of 43 pernianent deacons who arc vital to the pastoral life of the Diocese. The deacons offer ministry to the Church som¢times alongside, and woven into, a full working career and family life. In many parishes that sharc priests, the deacon works under the direction of the priest in the delivery of pastoral care. The parishes operat¢ within 9 deaneries I pastoral areas to facilitatc local collaboration and providing a collegiate environment for parish priests. Clifton Diocese Annual Repor(2024 TRUSTEES, REPORT The parishioners fund both the upke¢p of the Church buildings and the accommodation and living costs of thcir priests. En addition to this responsibility, they contribute through a parish share to the support of the Diocesan departmental structure and a vast range of external charities and groups. As well as their financial contribution, the parishioners also contributc timc and effort both to the running of their parishes and to the wider community througli groups providing local support and welfare services. Some of our parishes are operating in communities facing the challenges of unemployment and social deprivation, and community building is intcgral to the work of these parishes. Schools There are 52 Cathol ic primary, 7 Calholic secondary schools and a sixtl) forn] college, 2 independent special schools and l other independent school within the Diocese. The 3 Diocesan Catholic Multi- Academy Trusts have continued to develop and grow, and they now consist of 26 primary schools. Over 20,900 pupils are educated in our schools and whilst priority is given to Catholic applicants, approximately 530/0 of pupils are drawn from outside the Catholic community, with over half of these pupils being from other Christian faiths. The academic perforn]ancc of our schools is a key focus for the Diocesan DL'partment of Schools and Colleges. therefore, regular monitoring and ¢ngagement with Headteachers and Boards of Governors are undertaken. The provision of training for teachers and governors remains an important activity for the team, particularly with the Catholic School Inspection Framework which focuses on the Catholic cthos of schools. The team also continues to work closely with the relevant Local Authorities, the Regional SLhools Commissioncr and OFSTI=. I) to ensure that high quality cdiication is delivered. PUBLIC BENEFIT The Trustees oonfinn that they have complied with the duty as defined in section 17 of the Charities Act 2022, to have due regard to public benefit guidancL published by the Charity Cominission, in determining th¢ activities und¢rtakeii by the Chai'ity. In making this declaration, the Trustees consider the work of the Diocese in supporting oiir charitable object and the sections below elaborate further on the key areas of the benefit of our work to the piiblic. Access to our Churches Our Churches are an important part of how our communities define tliemselves and they are a significant feature in many towns and cities. Most of these buildings are between 30 and 150 years old and some are of historlcal and architectural importance. Historic England lists some. We are giiardians of a heritage that has bccn passed on lo us and we will always do oiir best to pass them on in good order to the next generation. All of them are subject to a nced for constant maAnt¢nance and repairs and this is a significant part of our overall expenditure. Clifton Diocese Anniial Repoi'l 2024 TRUSTEES, REPORT Help to the needy When we come to love of our neighbours, Jesus Christ was very clear that this did not just mean those who live next door to us, but everyone with whom we share this beautiful God-givcn planet. Our clergy and parishioners reach out not just to their own members, but also to all who may nccd their help. They can be found helping on soup runs and feeding the homeless, at night shelters and food banks, assisting disabled adults and children, vi51ting the sick at home, in a nur8ing home, or in hospital, dealing with Fair Trade and a whole range of environmcntal issues, working for justice and peace at home and abroad. helping with asylum issues and counselling those with all sorts of problems, and raising awareness of the plight of the marginalised in many parts of the world, and raising funds to give practical assistancc to such areas and peoples. Co-ordinating collective fundraising efforts For accounting purposes, the money that churchgoers raise for third parties is not classified as church income. However, the reality is that without the help and strUC￿re of the Church, these funds would not be raised. So, for the Chiirch, charity is not a welfare activity which could be left to others, but an integral pait of what it means to be a person of faith and a inember of the Roman Catholic Church. Education 'rhe number of priinary and sL'Londary schools with which we are involved makes us a significant figurc in the field of education. We are involved with as many, if not more, schools than many local education authorities. Whilst our primary thrust is to provide places for Catholic children, it is also triie that tlie schools have a signiflcant number of pupils and staff from other Christiaii traditioiis and other faiths. Our schools are constanily encoiiraged to strive for excellence for all piipils, and we value the contribution that tli¢se schools makc to tlicir IoLal comniunitic.s. We always aim to have our schools as beacons of excellence, not only academically but also in faith and morals. In this way, we help to show oiir love of our neighbours. PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES The Trustees actively review the major strategic business and operational risks to which the Charitable Company is exposed and confirn] that thcse havc been rcvicwcd, and strategies and systems have been established to mitigate exposure to these risks. Lach Head of Department and SulFCommittee of the Board is required to monitor changes and develop systems to mitigate risk whenever possible. -rhe key risks identified by the Board include: Lffective implemcntation of Ilealth & Safety legislation Mitigations: Online bespoke training modules available for employees and volunteers Detailed policics and procedures in place, with regular ￿VieW und¢rtak¢n Impl¢mentation of Safety Toolbox for parishes Clifton Diocese Annual Repori 2024 TRUSTEES, REPORT Resource constraints Mitigations: Regular review of clergy resources is undertaken Ongoing forniation for Priests Promotion of vocations throughout the Diocese The provision of Pastoral Ministy courses for the development of the Laity Safeguarding of children and of vulnerable adults Mitigations: Structured training programme in place for clergy, employees and volunteers Diocesan Safeguarding team consist of experienced Safcguarding professionals National Catholic safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented Safeguarding Committee providing oversight and assurance on the delivery of the safeguarding function Diocesan Server Management and Cyber Security Mitigations: User Access controls in place including multi-factor authenlication Regular system back-ups completed by external IT provider Ongoing rolloiit of enhanced Microsoft 365 securily functionality Hosting of Diocesan websites outsourced to IT provider witli regular security updated applied FUNDRAISING APPROACH Clifton Diocese is registered with the b undraising Regulator and abides by the Code of Fundraising Practice. The majorily of our fundraising activity is conducted within parishes via direct contact with parishioners. Parishioners are also contactcd by email if they have provided consent, either directly or indirectly, for example via the parish n¢wsl¢tt¢r. Fundraising appcals arc managed by the l)iocese across all parishes. The Diocese does not cmploy commercial fundraisers or contact members of th¢ public who are not parisliioners. Oiir parishes, led by our priests, have a diity of care toward any vulnerable parishioners and we take great care to ¢nsur¢ they are treated with dignity and respect and in accordance witli our safeguarding policies. To date no complaints about fundraising activities have been received by the Diocese. (2023: Nil) GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (iovernance The Diocesan Trustees led by the Bishop, in conjunction with the canonical bodies of the Diocese. are responsible for formulating strategies which deliv¢r the pastoral work of the Diocese. They develop policies which ensure compliance with civil legislation and ensure the dissemination of such policics throughout the Diocese, for example safeguarding and health and safety. Through a comm ittee structure they oversee all aspects of compliance with rel¢vant legislation including financial controls, management of Diocesan properties and employment issues. Clifton Diocese Annual Report 2024 TRUSTEES, REPORT The Bishop is appointed by the Pope as chief shepherd, teacher and sanctifier of the Diocesan flock. He also has a rolc as the leader of an organisation with 144 employees, assets of £54m and income of £15m. He is advised by a Bishop's Council of senior clergy and chairs the Board of Trustexs, formed of both clergy and lay members. h¢ Bishop is empowered to appoint and remove all Trustees. The Trustee body is made up of clergy and lay faithful of the Diocese. I'h¢r¢ are 13 1'rust¢es of which the Bishop is thc Chairnian. The 5 other clerical Trustees arc appointed for their expertise in parochial, spiritual, pastoral and canonical matters. The 7 lay Trustees are selected for their wide-ranging business and educational expertise. Trustees are appointed for a tenn of 3 years renewable up to a maximum of 9 years. Periodically a skills audit is undertaken. and skill gaps identified bearing in mind the current areas of work which provide specific challenges for the Diocese. Recruitment is carried out after advertising throughout the Catholic community of the Diocese. Wlieii the Charity Governance Code was published in Jiily 2017, the Trustecs cvaluated the Board's performancc against each principle of the Code and found that the Diocese met most of the outcomes. The Trustees have adopted the original Cod¢, togetlier with the reviscd version, and have aspired to meet all requirements. New Trustees ar¢ given an induction whicli includcs a pack of information on the constitution, governance, and operation of the Diocese. All Trustees arc cxpected to be familiar with the central departments and the parishes of the Diocese. The Trustees are also encouraged to attend any courses which will support the development of their role and in-house traiiiing sessions are provided to update on any changes in legislation. The Board has established several cominittees to look at specific aspects of thc Charity and they report back to tlie main Board of Trustees. The 13ishop and employees of th¢ Diocese wish to acknowledge the contribution made by the Triist¢es and the support that they give to the Dioc¢s¢ in tenns of both skills and time. A list of the Trustees and the key committees of the Diocese are set out below. Charitable Company: Clifton Diocese St Ambrose North Road Leigh Woods Ilristol BS8 3PW Clifion Diocese Anntiul Repori 2024 TRUSTEES, REPORT Trustees of Clifton Diocese: Right Reverend Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of Clifton (Chair) (Appointed 0810512024) Rev. Mgr. Canon William Slattery VG (Vice Chair) Rev. Canon Colin Mason VG (Resigncd 0710512025) Rev. Canon Richard Dwycr Rev. Canon John Cunningham Rev. David Mills Rev. Stephen Boughton Dr Michael Thompson (Resigned 2410912024) Mr Patrick Graves Mr Richard Ashby Ms Ann-marle Wykes Ms Marie-Louise McDonald Mr John Shipsey (Appointed 0210212024) Ms Sara Marsh (Appointed 0710212024) Mr Nicholas Morr¢ll (Appointed 0810412025) Minute &iecretary to the Trustees: Miss Sharon Owen Private Secretary to the Bishop: Miss Alessia Dini Sub-committees and Councils The members of the eight main sub-committees are as follows (Trust¢¢s denoted with (I')}. The Audit & Risk Committee: Rev. Stcphen Boughton (D (Chair) Rev. Mgr. Canon William Slattery VG (T) Rev. Canon Colin Mason VG (T) (Resigned 0710512025) Rev. Canon John Cunningham (T) Mr John Shipsey (T) (Appointed 0210212024) Mr John KY￿1n This Committee is composed of a minimum of 3 l'ruslees and I lay member. The Chief Operatlng Officer and Dioccsan Financial Administrator l Head of Finance, as well as once a year the lead partner and audit manager from our Auditors, are in attendanLe. It m¢¢ts 3 tim¢s per year to review risk Tnanagcment, financial reporting, control and governancc. Clifton Diocese Annual Report 2024 TRUSTEES, REPORT The Investment Committee: Mr John Shipsey (T) (Chair) (Appointed 0210212024) Rev. Mgr. Canon William Slattery VG (T) Mr Richard Ashby (T) Ms Jenny Tozer Ms Rosamond Harris (Resigned 0910612025) This committee is composed of a minimum of 2 Trustees and 2 lay professional members and meets with the lead Investment Manager, previously from Evelyn Partners and now Cazenove Capital. The Chief Operating Officer and the Diocesan Financial Administrator / Head of Finance are in attendance. Following a recent resignation, a new lay member of the committee is being sought. It generally meets twice per year but in volatile times has a mechanism in place to meet more frequently. The Investment Committee is a sub-committee of the Finance Committee. The Clergy Welfare Committee: Rev. l)avid Mills (T) (Chair) Rev. Canon Alan l iiiley Rcv. Canon Colin Mason Rev. Trevor Jones This commiltee reports to the full Triistec Board via the I.IR Committee. It dcals with the welfare of all clergy but partiCLilarly those who due to age, infirmity or other circumstances, neld assistance. The Chief Operating Officer and Diocesan Management Accountant are in attendance. The Property Committee: Rcv. David Mills (T) (Chair) Rev. Canon Colin Mason VG (T) (Resigned 0710512025) Rev. Stephen Boughton (T) Mr Richard Ashby (T) Ms Marie-Louise McDonald (T) Ms Sara Mar811 (T) (Appointed 0710212024) This committec is composed of a minimum of 4 Trustees with the Head of Property Services, Chief Operating Officer and the Diocesan Financial Administrator / Head of Finance in attendance. Its role is to look at all property related issues in parishes and to give approval for small works (up to £300k) and where possible to make reLommendation to thc main Board for approval on works over this lim it. The Property Committce geiierally meets 6 times a year. The Head of Property Services and the Diocesan Financial Administrator / Head of Finance have a further delegated responsibility per a schedule approved by Trustees. Clifton Diocese Annual Reporl 2024 TRUSTEES, REPORT The HR Committee: Right Reverend Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of Clifton (Chair) (Appointed 0810512024) Rev. Mgr. Canon William Slattcry VG (T) Rev. Canon Colin Mason VG (T) (Resigned 0710512025) Mr Nigel Cook Mrs Siobhan Kinsman This committee is composed of 2 1"rustees as well as having the support of a professional HR Advisor who is retained by the Diocese to give information and advice as n¢¢d¢d, and also the support of a lay prolessional. It deals with all employment related issues in the DAocese. It is chaired by the Bishop with the Chief Operating Officer and the Executive Assistant to the Chief Operating Officer in attendance. The Finance Committee: Mr John Shipsey (T) (Chair) (Appointed 0210212024) Rev. Mgr. Canon William Slattcry VG (T) Rcv. Canon Colin Mason VG ("I) (Resigned 0710512025) Rev. David Mills (T) Mr Richard Ashby (I.) This committee is composed of 4 Trustecs with the Chief Operating Ofyicer and the Diocesan financial Administrator / Head of I", inance in attendanLc. Its role As to look at all finance relatcd issues in parishes and to give approval for expendilure (up to £300k) and where possible to make recommcndation to the main Board for approval on expenditure over this limit. The Finance Committee generally meets 6 times a year. The Diocesan Financial Administrator l Head of 14inance has a fiirtlier delegated responsibility per a sLhediile approved by Trusle¢s. The Health and Safety Committee: Rev. David Mills (T) (Chair) Mr Richard Ashby (T) This committee is composed of a minimum of 2 Trustees with the Chief Operating Officer, the Head of Property Services and the Health and Safety Co-ordinator in attendance. It meets on an ad hoc basis to review health and safety activities. The Safeguarding Committcc: Mr Richard Ashby (T) (Chair) Rev David Mills (T) Deacon Paul Brandon Mr Patrick Gravcs (T) Mrs Meg Ryan Clifton Diocese Annuol Repori 2024 io TRUSTEES, REPORT The committee is composed of a minimum of 2 Trustees, a clergy representative with safeguarding experience and one indcpendent safeguarding expert. It generally meets 6 times a year, with the Chief Operating Ofyicer and Diocesan Safeguarding Coordinator in attendance. Its role is to review the perforniancc of the Dioc¢se in safeguarding matters to ensure that it is operating within the standards, policies and procedures of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency. Clifton Catholic Diocesan Fducation Foundation l Academy Project Board: Right Reverend Bosco MacDonald, Bishop of Clifton (Chair) (Appointed 0810512024) Ms Ann-marie Wykes (T) Mr Nicholas Morrell (D (Appointed 0810412025) Ms Catherine Hobbs This is a company limited by guarantee and the Board of Directors comprises the Trustees with education expericnce, the Chief Operating Offtcer, the I)irector of Schools & Colleges, tlie Schools Partnership Officer and an independent educational expert. Its role fociises on two keys areas. holding the Diocesan academies to a¢coLint linder its remit as a corporate member and considering and approving applications for Diocesan schools to convert into multi academy trusts. The Board generally mcets 6 limes a ycar. Council ofpriests Thc priests in this body mcet at least twice per ycar to advise and discLlSS With the Bishop a variety of pasloi'al issucs that are relevant to the Dioces¢. Bishop's Council '1l]is confidential council is composed of the Vicar General (who is also a Trustee) and thc Chancellor who meet with the Bishop to discuss any aspects of thc lifc of the Diocese that the Bishop wishes to air with them. It generally meets monthly, and tlie Chief Operating Officer is in attendance. Pastoral Management The Bishop is supported in his pastoral leadership of the Diocese by a Vicar General. The Bishop is advised by the Bishop's Council and the Chapter of Canons. 1.he Council of Priests provides the link to the parish priests and deaneries. The Bishop also undertakes parish visitations, visits to schools and presides over annual Diocesan events such as the Rite of Election, tILe Chrism Mass, the Pilgrimage to Glastonbury and the Diocesan Day. Clifton Diocese Annual Reporf 2024 TRUSTEES, REPORT Curia The Trustees and Committees are supported in their work by the Curia. The Curia comprises several departments that work together to providc a robust and cffectivc administrative structur¢ to support the parish¢s and schools and provide day to day support for the delivery of pastoral aims. Senior Management Team Mrs Lyn Murray- Chief Operating Officer Mrs Mary Cox- Director of Schools and Colleges Mrs Janice Pearson - Safeguarding Coordinator Mr Simon Hussey- Diocesan Financial Administrator / Flead of Finance Mrs Jo Long- Head of Property Services Miss Sarah Adams - Director of Adult Education and Evangelisation Mr Philip Gibbons- Communications Officer Remuneration Policy Remuneration for the senior management teain is deterniined by the HR Committee by benchmarking roles against similar positions in other Dioceses and the charity sector, with the aim to attracl, retain and motivate a talented leadersliip team which is focuscd on siipporting delivery of the DioLcsan mission. Diocesan Departments Adult Education & F.vangelisation This team supports and proinotes all aspects of Catholic education and forniation. It works to promote an understanding and implementation of the General Directory for Catechesis and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults as the model for all sacramental preparation. It also provides support in areas of marriage and family life and youth ministry. The Diocesan Liturgy Office, working within the department, also provides forniation. support and development of the liturgical life of parishes. Safeguarding The Safeguarding team works f()r the protection and safety of all and spccifically for children and vulnerable adults with whom thc Diocese has Contact or for whom it has responstbility. The team also oversees the safe recruitment and safeguarding training for clcrgy, employees and volunteers. School And Colleges This dcpartment both advises the Trustees of all aspects of education and works closely with the Catholic staff of the schools and collcges of the Diocese. It also has a service levcl agreement with schools to provide a range of services to each institution. Clifton Diocese Annual Report 2024 12 TRUSTEES, REPORT Property Services This department works both with the centrdl Curial offices and the individual parishes to deal with the vast range of issues associated with churches and properties, such as health & safety requirements to ensure COTnpliance with law. The team also supports with issues relating to Diocesan owned school buildings and land, and oversees facilities manag¢m¢nt for all Curia properties. Finance This department deals with a multitude of financial and administrative aspects of the work of the Diocese. It not only co-ordinates the central finances and budgets of the Dioccsc but it also collects all parish shares and deals with all aspects of Gift Aided donations and salaries for the individual parishes and their staff. Communications The Communications Office works to promote the activities and teaching8 of the Church using all forms of media, including the Diocesan website, social and print media. PArishes Tlie 104 parishes in the Diocese delegate the day-to-day adininistration of the property and assets to the parish priests who are advised by tlieir parish finance committee. Volunteers Over 3,000 volunteers help in all areas of the work of the Diocese, particularly within the parish environment, and without their assistance the parishes could not function. The Trustees, clergy and our employees are vcry grateful to them for the time and commitment they give to supp()rt the activities of the Diocese. Certain volunteers such as Treasurers, School Governors and Parish Safeguarding Representatives are required to attend regularly training courses and briefings so that they are properly equipped for their roles in the Diocese. RELATED PARTIES Subsidiary Charities The following charities, income, expenditure and assets have been included in the financial statements of CIAfton Dioce8e, as the Charitable Company is thc sole Corporate Trustee. The amounts are not material and thcr¢fore we have not presented entity-only financial slatcmcnts: Clifton Diocese Annuol Repori 2024 13 TRUSTEES, REPORT CHARITY NAM REGISTERED NO. Clifton Catholic Diocesan Trustees Registered 1170168-7 Edith Mary Young MemorÉal Fund 1170168-1 Elizabeth Lady Herbert Foundation 1170168-2 Heaven's Roman Catholic Orphanage for Girls 1170168-3 Lady Arundell of Wardour Bequest for Training of Students 1170168-4 for th¢ Roman Catholic Priesthood The following charities have not been activated: St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, Nailsea Clifton Diocesan Common Investment Fund The Diocese of Clifton Education Trust 1170168-5 1170168-6 313215 On l 8 November 2024 the company's auditor changed its name from haysmacintyre LLP to Haysmac LLP. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES* RESPONSIBILITIES We are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report, the Strategic Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires that we prepare the financial statements for each financial year. Under that law, we have elected to prepare the financial stalements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepied Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law we must not approve the financial statements unless we are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charitable Company and of the profit or loss of the Charitable Company for ihat period. In preparing these financial statements, we are required to: s¢lcct suitable accouiiting policies and then apply them consist¢ntly. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable UK accoiiiiting standards have been followed, subjcct to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. and prepare the financial statements on the going Concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that thc Charitable Company will continue in business. We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charitablc Company's Iransactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Charitable Company and enablc us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. We are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charitable Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and oiher irregularities. Wc ar¢ responsible for the maintcnancc and integrity of the corporate and financial inforniation included on the Charilable Company website. Legi8lation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Clifion Diocese Anni¢al Report 2024 J4 TRUSTEES. REPORT As far as we are aware: There is no relevant audit infonnation of which the charitable company's auditor is unaware. and The Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have tak¢n to make themselves aware of Iny relevant audit infom]ation and to establish that the auditor is aware of that inforniation. This Trustees, Report was approved by the Trustees on l O September 2025 and sÈgned on their behalf by: Rt. Rev I3osco MacDonald Bishop of Clifton (Chairman) Clifton Diocese Annual Repori 2024 15 STRA TEGIC REPORT STRATEGIC REPORT ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE YEAR Key areas of activity and achievemcnt throughout the Diocese during the year are as follows: The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Bosco MacDonald as the tenth Bishop of Clifton on 8 May 2024 was a key event of the Diocese. The Mass of Ordination and Installation was held at the Cathedral Church of SS Peter and Paul and over 1,100 people were in attendance including 120 members of the clergy. It was a very prayerful and joyous occasion. The annual Diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes was held in August and thirty-five pilgrims, includcd Dioccsan clergy and parishioners from various parishes throughout the Diocese, joined pilgrims from the Dioceses of East Anglia, Northampton and Southwark. With a pastoral theme of" .come in procession" the pilgrims reflect￿ on what "coming in procession" might mean to them individually throughout the week-long pilgrimage. Daily 14omilies, personal reflections and photographs were also posted on the Diocesan website to enable parishioners who were unable to attend in person to journey with the pilgrims. Care for the environment and our common home continues to be a focus for our parishes and schools as they remain committed to supporting Pope Francis, encyclical Laudato Si. Achieving the CAFOD I.iveSimply Award demonstrates this commitment, with six Diocesan parishes and five schools already gaining the Award. six parishes and fourteen s¢liools have started working toward it, wilh a further four parishes and two schools signed up to the scheme. Over 200 parishioners from throughout the Diocese attended the annual Diocesan Day at St Bernadette's Secondary School in Bristol on 7 July 2024. '1'he theme for the day was "l.lope Docs Not Disappoint" and it gave parishioners from the Pastoral Areas an opportunity to start to plan together for the Jubilee Year. Following the proclamation by Pope Francis of the 2025 Jubilee Year, Bishop Bosco MacDonald offercd Mass on 29, December 2024 at the Cathedral Church of SS Peter and Paul as the solemn opening of the Jubilee Year for parishioners of the Diocese. During the Jubilee Year of l.lope the Cathedral Church and Our Lady St Mary of Glastonbury liave been designated as the Jiibilee Churches within the Diocese for parishioners to undertake their own personal pilgrimage throughout this holy year of grace. Deanery Structure The nine deanery / pastoral areas are working together within tlieir areas to support parishes in sharing resources and gifts so that they continue to be places of welcome and hope, and to focus on deepening prayer. enabling communion, and strengthening mission. Each pastoral area, which is named after a Diocesan saint, continues to focus on determining the pastoral needs of the area and the wider community to support the mission of the Church. Deanery / Pastoral areas St Edmund of Abingdon - the Bristol area St Alexander Briant - south-west Bristol and surrounding areas St Kenelm - Cheltenham and suNounding areas St Wulston - Gloucestershire and South Gloiicestershire areas St Aldhelm - Swindon and surrounding areas St Oliver Plunkett - Bath, Chippenham, Frome and surrounding areas Clifton Diocese Annzial Reporf 2024 16 STRATEGIC REPORT Blessed Richard Whiting- Glastonbury and surrounding areas St Edith Wilton - Salisbury and surrounding areas St Dunstan - Weston-super-mare, Taunton and surrounding areas Clergy Support Three seminarians are currently in fomiation for the priesthood for the Diocese with one commencing their fourth year of forn]ation in September 2025 based at St Mary's College, Oscott, and two commencing their third year, with one studying at Allen Hall, Chelsea and onc returning to Pontifical Beda College in Rome. Two new candidates have been accepted for the priesthood, and they will commence their forniation in September 2025 with one studying at Allen Hall and the other at Pontifical Ileda College. Vocations to the Pennanent Diaconate continue to be strong. Two students are due to be ordained in September 2025 and there are nine students currently in fomiation, two students in their foiirth year of studies, three in the third year, two in the second year and two starting the first year in September 2025. There are also a further eight individuals who are due to commence the initial discemment stage. The Diaconate programme continues to draw on skills and ability from both within and outside of the Diocese to support the candidates on their journey of formation, and towards forniing and shaping their hearts to be icons of service lor our parish communities and Dioc¢se. Throughout the year five r)iocesan priests celebrated their ordination jubilees. One priest ¢el¢brat¢d his Diamond Jubilee, two their Golden Jubilccs, one a Riiby Jiibilcc and one priest celebrated his Silver Jubilee. Two permanent dcacons also celebrated their Silver jubilees. Education The Diocesan School Strategy remains a priority. Despite the changes made by the governmenl to funding for Academy conversion, the ongoing development and growth of the three Diocesan Multi- Academy Trusts continues to drive the vlsion of Bishop Bosco MacDonald. Our Schools and Collcgcs play a Lrucial role in thc educational mission of tlie Church by supporting parents in forination of their children. Thc phasing of thc individiial schools transferring inlo their designated Trust has been updated and the aim is still to have all conversions completed iii 2027, though the final schools will now transfer by the end of September 2027. The Regional Schools Commissioner, the Regional Delivery Dircctorate and the Diocesan Schools & Colleges team continue to mcct on a regular basis to support the ongoing engagement with the school partnerships and to provide specific support to individual schools as necessary. Currently over 870/0 of Diocesan schools are rated Good or above linder the Ofsted framework. During the 202412025 academic year, twelve Diocesan schools have been inspected under the National Inspection Framework for Catholic schools. The Framework focuses on measuring the Catholic ethos of all Catholic scliools within England and Wales on a consistent basis and three of thc Diocesan schools inspected during thc year have been rated as C)utstanding, with the rcmaining nine rated as Good. 'I'he programme of £5m capital expenditure on our voluntary aided schools is coming to an cnd with £0.5m in the proccss ofbeing allocated to the remaining building projects. Pastoral and Formation Activilies The provision of a varicty of pastoral and fonnation activities has been facilitated throughout the year, together with various events. The Dioccsan Day of Fonnation focused on the Eucharist and the event held in April 2024 was attended by over 150 delegates. The Annual pilgrimage to the Shrin¢ of Our Clifton Diocese Anniial Repori 2024 J7 STRATEGIC REPORT Lady in Glastonbury was well attended. with over 1,000 pilgrims from throughout the Diocese participating in the Mass celebrated in grounds of Glastonbury Abbcy. Fifty-fjve representatives from the Diocese also attended the National Adoremus Conference held at St Mary's College in Oscott. F4our individuals undertaking the Pastoral Ministry Course for the laity linked to the Untversity of Loyola in Chicago completed thcir fonnal studies in June 2024. The Diocesan Forn]ation Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Skills also continues to be popular with a current cohort of thirteen individuals due to rinish the course at the end of 2025. Feedback rcceived from the participants on the courses is Ihat the skills they have developed have enabled them to take a more active role within their Parish / Pastoral Area. They have grown in confidence and are equipped to support the parish priests with pastoral activities. As a collective all Current and past students now regularly volunteer at large Diocesan events, support the Adult Education and Evangelisation team. Various sessions have been facilitated in partnership with the Dominican Sisters of St. Joseph which include online courses in different areas of catechesAS. "fhese sessions were well attended and have led to twenty-two parishioners registering for a two-year certificate coiirse in Catechesis run by the Sisters. Online resources continiie to be utilised, and these include a five-part video series focusing on Catholic Social Teaching and the principals of Dignity. Solidarity and Subsidiarity and the Common Good, The l)iocese remains engaged in the worldwide Synod initiated by Pope Francis with a group of twelve people comprising clergy and laity r¢fl¢cting on and writing a response to the first report that was issued by the Synod in Rome. Parishioners wcre invited io provide their own feedback, and this was incorporated into the Diocesan response. Online sessions were also held to share the experience of the Synod in Rome with the wider community. Property Ongoing maintenance of parish churches and buildings is a key focus, witli many parishes undertaking works highlighted by quinquennial reports, as well as various refurbishment projects. With a focus on the environment the parislies of Holy Rood, Swindon, Our Lady of Loiirdcs, Weston-super-mare and St Gregory's, Cheltenham have installcd 801ar panels lo support the provision of electricity to thc properties. Roof repairs have been completed on a number of churches including St John the Baptist, Bath, Holy Ghost, Yeovil, St George's, Taunton and English Martyrs, 'I'uffley. Rcfurbishmcnt programm¢s have also been undertaken on the presbyteries of St Josepl)'s, Fishpond, the Cathedral Church of SS Peter and Paul, Clifton and St Joseph's, Portishead. Financial risk management objectives As described in th¢ Trustees, report, the Charitable Company has established a risk and financial management framework whose primary objectives are to protect the Charitable Company from events that hinder the achievement of the Charitable Company's objectives. The Charitable Company has no operations outside of the UK, is not exposed to movements in exchange rates, does not enter into transactions with derivative instruinents. Cash llow and liquidity risk are covered by forecasting and management of cash. The Charitable Company has no significant individual debtors and therefore limited credit risk. Key areas of work for the future Ongoing promotion of fundraising activities for Clergy Training and the Priest RetireTnent Fund, together with a legacy campaign to support future donations. Clifion Diocese Annual Report 2024 18 STRATEGIC REPORT To actively encourage vocations within the Diocese and to work with the Vocations team to bring forward candid4ltes for the priesthood, pern]anent diaconate and consecrated lay and single life. To support the nine deaneries I pastoral areas with their collaborative working and actively encourage interaclion with the lay faithful to ensure the maintenance of appropriate spiritual leadership within the parishes. To continue to encourage and support parishes to work towards achieving the CAFOD Livesimply award as an opportunity to demonstrate care for our common homc. To actively engage in the 2025 Jubilee Year- Pilgrims of Hope with the designation of two Holy Churches of the Cathedral Church of SS Peter and Paul in Clifton and Our Lady of St Mary of Glastonbury, togetlier with a Dioccsan Pilgrimage to the foiir Holy Doors in Rome during September 2025. FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Financial StatLments have been prepared in accordance with the principlcs contained in the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP 2015) (Second P.dilion, effcctive l January 2019)- issued by tlic Charity Commissioners for England and Wales and in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note I to the Financial Statements. The Financial Statements do not incliide any value for school properties. Trustees consider that no meaningful value can bc attribuled lo tliese assets, since they are not used directly by the Charitable Company. They do not generate inLome and cannot be disposed of in the open market or put to alternative iise while such occupation, which may be indefinite, continiies. Curial Funds Curial income includes the parish share, which is a contribution from tjie Diocesan parishes towards the running costs of the Ciiria. It is presented in the published accounts as a'ttransfer between funds" I'otal Curial income was higher in 2024 at £4,506k compared to £l,13 Ik in 2023, this was mainly due to the sale of two primary schools that were no longer in use. There was an overall surplus of £503k on fixed asset investments in 2024 compared to a surplus of £533k in 2023. Incliided in the 2024 investment siwplus was a £60k increase in the revaluation of investment properties (£25k in 2023). The investment portfolio generated investment income of £223k in 2024 (2023: £206k). Total Curial expenditure was £4,993k (2023: £5,69 Ik). Thc dccrease in expenditure is mainly due to the reduced planned expcnditurc from Restricted Funds. Ovcrall, Curial Funds increased in the year by £2,103k (2023: dccreasc of £2,381 k). Clifton Diocese Annual Repori 2024 19 STRATEGIC REPORT Total Curial Funds as at 31 December 2024 were £21,518k (2023.. £19,415k) of which £14,268k (2023: £10,962k) were unrestricted. Fixed assets account for £3,808k (2023: £3,828k) of total Curial Funds of which £3,602k (2023: £3.615k) is unrestricted. Total Curial Funds include £562k (2023: £1,062k) net balances due from parishes. Parochial Funds The unrestricted offertory, donations and legacies incomc for the year was £6,133k (2023: £6,036k). Income from charitable activities, including fundraising income was £2,283k (2023: £2,219k). Other income of £1,520k includes the sale of Holy Cross Church in Bedminster. Bristol. (2023: £1,507k including the sale of St Joseph's Mass Centre in Sedbury and Our Lady Help of Christians Mass Centre in Bourton-on-the Water). The charitable expenditure by the parishes was higher in 2024 at £8,720k (2023: £7,682k). This is a 14% increase oi) 2023 which is due to higher utility and maintenance costs. Overall, Parisli Funds decreased in the year by £143k {2023: increased by £1,052k). Total Parish Fiinds as at 31 December 2024 amounted to £32,884k (2023: £33,027k) of which £32,228k (2023: £32,389k) was unrestricted. Freehold land and buildings account for £13,460k (2023: £14,072k) of total Parish Funds, all of which is unrestricted. INVESTMFNT POWERS 'Ihe Articles of Association of Clifton Diocese authorisc the Trustees to make and hold investments using the funds of the Charitable Company without any restrictions, according to the law for the time being in force and in the Pilrchase of real property of any natiirc or teiiure. In ca8e of property held as pennanent endowments, no investment may be made in any manner not authorised by or without such consent reqiiired by the insts'umcnt creating the pcm]anent endowment and no sale or exchange of real propety shall be mad¢ without the consent of tli¢ Charity Commissioners and in accordance with ihe Companies Act 2006. Investment Policy and Porformance Investments have previously been managed by Fivelyn Partners on a discrctionary basis. Following an investment manageinent revlew and a full tcnder process in Noveinber 2024, Cazcnove Capital have been appointed as the new Investment Managers for the Diocese, with the transfer of fuiids being undertaken duriiig 2025. The aim of the investment portfolio is to maintain the purchasing power of the capital whilst generating an income stream. General Diocesan deposits are invested in a spread of short-tcnn bank deposils. In 2014 a secondary investmenl portfolio was established with a smaller proportion of equities than the main portfolio in the anticipation of gcncrating better returns than fixed intcrest deposits. 'rhe Investment Committcc reviews the perforniance of the main portfolio against the appropriate indices. The primary benchmark index is RPI with a secondary benchmark of the APCIMS Balanced Index. Excluding additional investment, the underlying funds increased in value by 6.30/0 (yield and Clifion Diocese Annual Repori 2024 20 STRA TEGIC REPORT capital growth). The Trustees remain confident that the perfom]ance demanded by the investment policy will continue to be achieved against the backdrop of a currently volatile market. The Investment Committee continues to invest Diocesan funds in accordance with an ethical policy. 'lThe policy avoids investment in companies providing abortion seTvices and related activities and companies that generate more than l 0/0 of revenue from contraceptives, high interest rat¢ lending, adult entertainment and non-conventional weapons. Direct investment in companies which own fossil fuel reserves or that generate more than 50/0 of revenue from fossil fuel energy generation, is avoided. Investment in companies that generate MO￿ than l 0% of revenue from conventional weapons and weapon systems, alcohol and tobacco production and gambling is also avoided. The Trustees require the fund managers to consider the following areas and avoid investing in companies that fall short of relevant industry practice: Human rights Gender and racial discrimination Environinental controversies RESERVES POLICY ThL free reserve8 held by the Charitable Company are thosc fiinds that are freely available to be spcnt in pursuing the Charitable Company's purpose. Tangible fixed assets, Pennanent Endowment, Restricted and Designated Funds are not included in free reserves. 'rh¢ free rcscrves of the Charitable Company at the financial year-end werc: 2024 £'ooo 54,402 2023 £'ooo 52,442 Total Funds Less: Pernianent Endowment Funds Restricted Funds Designated Funds Tangible Fixed Assets (945) (6,961) (3,385) (17.062) (898) (8,193) (3,658) (17,687) Free Reseryes of the Charity 26,049 22,006 The Trustees carefully monitor the level of free reserves as part of their longer-term financial planning, which includes not only the on-going programine of propcrty ￿paIrS and new builds but also a tcn-ycar progrdmme of schools, expenditure. Senior management on behalf of the Trustc¢s also monitor cash on a day-to-day basis to ensure liqiiid funds available for routine expenditure. Cliftok7 Diocese Annual Repori 2024 21 STRATEGIC REPORT In view of the nature of the Charitable Company, the Trustees consider that the holding of reserves is necessary to provide a buffer against short-term fluctuations in income and ¢xpenditure and to provide sufficient resources to implement long-term projects which arc by their nature uncertain in their financial effect. The timing of the call for Diocesan funds for the schools, building progrwnme will depend on the availability of funding by the Education Funding Authority. Free reserves have increased by £4,043k during the year. The free re￿rVeS represent 27 months of recurrÉng unrestricted expenditure (2023: 26 months). In the light of the long-tenn characteristics ol the expendihire plan the Trustees consider that the Charitable Company should maintain free reserves of at least 24 months, recurring unrestricted expenditure. The parochial free reserves forni £18,457k (2023: £18,01 Ik) of the total £26,049k (2023: £22,006k). It should also be noted that whilst the balance sheet shows "cash at bank and short-temi deposits" of £18,759k (2023: £17.596k), this balance includes £1,385k (2023: £2,539k) held for future schools building projects and other funds held for restricted purposes. This Strategic Report, was approved by the Trustees on the l O Septeinber 2025 and signed on their behalf by: Rt. Rev. Bosco MacDonald Bishop of Clifton (Chairman) Clifton Diocese Annual Repori 2024 22 AUDITOR'S REPORT Independent auditor's report to the members of Clifton Diocese Opinion Wc havc audited the financial statements of Clifton Diocese for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the Statemcnt of Financial Activities, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flows and notes to Ihe financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. Thc financial reporting fr¢imework that has been applied in thcir preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporling,giandard applicable in ihe UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion, the financial statements: give a truc and fair view of the state of th¢ charitable company's affairs as of 31 December 2024 and of the cliaritable company's net movement in funds, includlng the income and expenditure, for the year then ended. have been prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We condiicted Olir audit in accordance with International Standards on Aiiditing (UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Oiir responsibilities uiider those standards are further described in the Aiiditor's responsibilities for the audit of thc tin£incial statements section of oiir report. We are iiidepL'ndenl olthe charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to oiir audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the fRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fiilfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the8c requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sutricient and appropriate to providc a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In aiiditing tlie fffinanLial statements, we havc concluded that the trustees, use of the going concern basis of accoiinting in the preparation of the fiiiancial slatements is appropriale. Based on the work WL, Iiave performed, we liave not identified any material iincertaiiilies relating io events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significaiit doubt on the charitable company's ability to continue as a going conccm for a period of at least twelve Inoiiths from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concem are described in th¢ relevant sections of this report. Olher information 'I'he triistees arc responsible for the other inforniation. 'I'he other infomiation comprises the information included in the Trustecs, Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover tlie other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any forn] of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statcments, our responsibility is to read the other inforniation and, in doii)g so, consider whether the olher infonnation is materially inconsistent with thc financial statements, or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If w¢ identify such material inconsistencies or appa￿nt material misslatements, we are reqiiircd to determin¢ whcther there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstateTnent of the other inforniation. If, based on tb¢ work we have performed, we concludc that there is a matcrial misstatement of this other inforn]ation, wc are rcquircd to report that fact. We have nothing to r¢port in this regard. Clifton Diocese Anni¢al Report 2024 23 AUDITOR'S REPORT Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion. based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: the inforniation given in the Trustees. Report (which includes the strategic report and the directors, report prepared for the purposes of company law) for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements. and the strategic ￿port and thc directors, report included within the Trustees, Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we Y4re required to report by exception In the light of th¢ knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees, Report (which incorporates the strategic report and the directors, report). We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion.. adequate accounting records have not been kept by the charitable company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us. or the charitable company financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns. or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made. or we have not r¢¢¢iv¢d all the infonnation and explanations we requirc for our audit. Responsibilities of trustees for the financial statements As explained more fully in the trustees, responsibilities statement set out on page 14 the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes ol company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is nccessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from materAal misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial stalements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company'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 charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realislic alternativc but to do so, Auditor's responsibilities for Ihe audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance abolit whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraiid or cffor, and to issue an auditor's report 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 eLonomic decisions of users taken based on these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting ir￿gUIarit1es, including fraud is detailcd below: Based on our iinderstanding of the charitable company and the environment in which it operates, we identified that the principal risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to compliance with Canon Law, Company Act 2006, Charitics Act 2011, employment law and health and safety regulations, and we considered the extent to which non-compliance might have a material effcct on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the Clifton DioGese Annual Reporl 2024 24 AUDITOR'S REPORT preparation of the financial statements siich as Canon Law, Companies Act 2006, Cliarities Act 2011, The Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP 2015), FRS102 and payroll taxes. We evaluated management's incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (in¢liiding the risk of override of controls) and determined that the principal risks were related to recognition of income and management bias in certain accoiinting estimates. Audit procedures performed by the engagement teic In iiicllided.. Inspecting trustees, miniites Inspecting correspondence with regulators and tax authorities. Disciissions with inanagement including consideration of known or Slispected instances of non- compliance with laws, regulation and fraud. Evalliating management's controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities. Ideiitifyiiig and testiiig journals. and Clic2llenging assiiinptions and jiidgements made by manageinent in their critical accoiinting estimates. Becalise of tlie inlierent limitations of an aiidit, there is a risk that we wil I not detect all irregiilarities, incliiding tliose leading to a mic tei'i1c I misstateineiit in the financial stateinents or non-coinpliance with regiilc rjos NOTES TO THE FtNANCIAL STATEMENTS DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 2024 Parochial £'ooo 2023 Parochial £'ooo Curial £'ooo Total £'ooo Curial £'ooo Total £'ooo Offertory Donations Legacies Total 4,751 1,142 240 6,133 4,751 1,268 532 6551 4,473 1.236 327 6,036 4,473 1,392 358 6,223 126 292 418 156 31 187 INCOME FROM GOVERNMENT GRANTS 2024 Parochial £'ooo 2023 Parochial £'ooo Curial £'ooo I'otal £'ooo Curial £'ooo Total £'ooo School Condition Allocations DtE Grant Total INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 Ciirial Parochial £'ooo £'ooo 2023 Curial Parochial £'ooo £'ooo Total £'ooo Total £'ooo Fundraising, grants Rec'd and repository sales Ediicational services Training and publications Rental income Chaplaincy services Other Total 62 680 742 28 736 764 122 68 187 122 68 1,659 131 48 2,770 133 64 133 64 1,551 96 51 2,659 1,472 131 1,387 96 48 487 51 440 2,283 2,219 Clifton Diocese Anni(al Report 2024 37 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS LNVESTMENT ￿¥cOmE AND INTEREST RECEIVABLE 2024 Curial Parochial Total £'ooo £'ooo £'ooo 2023 Curial Parochial Total £'ooo £'ooo £'ooo Income on UK listed investments Income on UK investment properties Interest on UK cash held at bank Total 223 54 271 548 92 315 68 122 407 678 567 1,115 206 52 241 499 98 47 253 398 304 99 494 897 OTHER INCOME 2024 Curial Parochial Total £'ooo £'ooo £'ooo 2023 Curial Parochial Total £'ooo £'ooo £'ooo Income from sale of property Other income Total 3,053 1,100 4,153 420 420 1.520 4,573 1,302 1,302 205 209 1,507 1,511 3,053 EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITtES 2024 Curial Parochial £'ooo £'ooo 2023 Curial Parocl)ial £'ooo £'ooo Total £'ooo Total £'ooo FAITFI AND EDUCA"fioN Worship Clcrgy 8UPPOrt Pastoral Chaplaincy Education Pilgrimages 8,694 8,700 790 268 93 1,537 36 75 674 273 82 2,730 37 7,678 7,753 674 277 82 2,730 37 790 242 93 1,537 36 26 Total SUPPORT 8,720 11,424 3,871 7,682 Bishop's office Governance Finance 266 200 841 41 658 212 71 266 200 841 41 658 212 71 161 188 643 21 556 186 65 161 188 643 21 556 186 65 HR Estate management Safcguarding Communications Total TOTAL XPENDITURE 2,289 1,820 1,820 4,993 8,720 13,713 5,691 7,682 13,373 Clifton DIoc￿e Annual Report 2024 38 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS EIKPLOYEE COSTS 2024 Curial Parochial £'ooo £'ooo 1,333 990 55 30 15 136 1,539 2023 Curial Parochial £'ooo £'ooo 1,242 871 52 28 Total £'ooo 2,323 85 15 174 2,597 Total £'ooo 2,113 80 Salaries Pension Life insurance Employer's NIC Total 38 1,058 120 1,420 27 926 147 2,346 The average number of employees during the year was 144 (2023: 149). Two employees had emoluments. excluding pension contributions, within the band £60,000 - £70,000 (2023: Three). Two employees had ¢moluments, excluding pension contributions, within the band £70.000 - £80,000 (2023: One). One employee had emoluments, excluding pension contributions. within the band £90,000 - £100,000 (2023: One). The total rcniiinLration for key managL'ment employees in 2024 was £557k (2023: £51 Ok). There werc six termination payments for employees during 2024: the redLindancy payments total £28k. Thcre was on¢ terniination payment for employees during 2023. the redundancy payment was £0.4k. Employce costs include £19k for lioliday pay not taken during 2024 (2023: £8k). None of tlie Trustccs received remuiieration for their work as Trustees in 2024 (2023.. None). Expenses totalling £833 (2023: £774) were reimburscd to Trustees in respect of travel costs incurred. Donations from Trustees via regular payments totalled £4,920 for 2024 (2023 £5.455), together with weekly casli offerings on the collection plate. The priests who are 'lrustees arc housed and remunerated in their parishes, and are reimbiirsed their expenses for canying out their priestly duties in the same way as priests who are not Trustees. To assist him in the performance of his diities, the Bishop is provided with a house, and his expenses, in canying out his office as Bishop, are paid froin Curial funds. Clifion Diocese Annual Reporl 2024 39 11 rn ljj: I 11 rn U<