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## **2024 Annual Report** Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark CIO 

## **CONTENTS** 

## **Impact report** 

- **4** Chief Operating Officer’s Report 

- **5** About the Archdiocese of Southwark 

- **6** Archbishop John’s foreword 

- **7** Our Diocesan Mission 

- **8** The Archdiocese of Southwark Area Boundaries and Governance 

- **10** The Archdiocese of Southwark in Numbers 

- **11** Co-responsibility, new relationships and growth 

- **14** Fundraising 

- **16** Stories from last year 

- **17** Commission for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion 

- **18** Southwark Catholic Youth Service 

- **19** Education 

- **22** Marriage and family life 

- **23** Human Resources and Payroll in 2024 

- **24** Higher Education Chaplaincy of the Archdiocese of Southwark 

- **25** Caritas Southwark 

- **26** Southwark Charismatic Renewal team report for 2024 

- **28** Safeguarding Plans 

## **Annual accounts** 

- **30** Trustees report 

- **38** Independent auditors’ report to the trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark 

- **42** Accounts 



**Annual Report 2024:** AChief Operating Officer’s Report 

## **Chief Operating Officer’s Report** 

- Supporting the new models for Caritas and Youth Ministry, which are gaining momentum and evidencing faith in action. 

- Working on the Called to Bear Fruit project in support of the Episcopal Vicar for Parish Renewal. 

- Accelerating membership of Catholic Academy Trusts (CATS.) These distinctively Catholic organisations have a strong focus on continuing to serve our Catholic families and are making great progress.  Working together will strengthen arrangements and safe money –  the new CATS procured audit contracts together, at good value, with our support. 

- Completion of two new primary schools and dealing with issues arising from RAAC in other schools – one school moved site, operated for two terms then moved back; a major feat. 

Paul McCallum, **Chief Operating Officer** 

2024 was a busy year for the lay staff who support the grassroots mission in the Archdiocese of Southwark. There were many challenges and successes and a recognition that we can always do more to support the ambition to put faith into action and ensure that our parishes and schools are supported as communities that evangelise, form disciples, inspire witness and serve others. 

I am extremely grateful for all of the hard work undertaken by our staff, who regularly go above and beyond the call of duty. Support took many guises, ranging from training for catechists and Clergy support through to working with Parishes at a series of Roadshows across the Diocese, helping us meet our colleagues and volunteers to share knowledge and experience.  We learn so much from these sessions and it helps us improve what we do. 

Our in house seminars on Catholic Social Teaching were well attended by central staff and I was particularly delighted to be able to meet many inspirational people at an Isiah 49 workshop in October, organised by the Agency of Evangelisation and Catechesis. Isiah 49, in part, addresses the concept of being a Servant of the Lord. The notion of service should permeate everything curial teams do and has been a particular focus on the Leadership Development days that we initiated in 2024. 

While our regular range of activities continued, we also dealt with a number of major projects, all aimed at helping to support Catholic life in the Archdiocese: 

- Our Safeguarding team continued to work towards ensuring Clergy, volunteers, parishioners and staff had the training necessary to do their jobs and the confidence to ask questions, provide challenge and seek assistance.  Our regular audits against new national standards have shown that we are embedding a culture of safeguarding while remaining ever vigilant. 

- We have helped protect Parishes by implementing new cyber security initiatives and improving infrastructure; a necessity in the digital age. 

- Security goes beyond safeguarding and technology; the in house team focused on supporting Health and Safety in Parishes have made great strides. The Fire Risk Assessment programme was completed; next we will procure new asbestos audits. 

- Supporting our people and promoting communion is essential – roadshows across the Diocese aimed at assisting the many volunteers who work tirelessly for their Parishes were very well attended. 

- Over £200,000 was raised through the Archbishop’s Appeal to support youth, evangelisation, social outreach and clergy care across the Archdiocese and we are very grateful to all the donors. As part of the initiative the Appeal made £100,000 grant awards to initiatives that ranged from supporting the Daughters of Divine Love initiative to feed homeless people to monies that support anti-knife crime initiatives in schools. 

On a personal basis I try to support the Archbishop and his Trustees to ensure that our organisation operates effectively. My roles as a Director of Safe Spaces – a charity aiming to help abuse victims – and the Catholic Insurance Service demonstrate Southwark’s commitment to support the common good beyond our boundaries. 

**4** 



**Annual Report 2024:** About the Archdiocese of Southwark 

## **About the Archdiocese of Southwark** 

The Archdiocese of Southwark is a Roman Catholic Archdiocese in England. The Cathedral is St George’s Cathedral, Southwark. The Archdiocese covers the London boroughs south of the River Thames, the county of Kent and the Medway Unitary Authority. Registered Charity no. 1173050 

Archdiocese of Southwark Curia Offices: 

**Archbishop’s House Bowen House** 150 St George’s Road 59 Westminster Bridge Road London London SE1 6HX SE1 7JE 

**Trustees in office during the year and to the date the accounts were signed are as follows:** The Most Reverend John Wilson Archbishop of Southwark and Metropolitan 

The Right Reverend Paul Hendricks 

The Right Reverend Philip Moger (Retired February 2025) 

The Reverend Monsignor Gerald Ewing VG 

Mr Ben Andradi KSG 

Dame Mary Ney Ms Sheila Wheeler Mr Chris Whitehouse KCSG 

The Archbishop is an ex officio Trustee of the Archdiocese and has the power to appoint other Trustees. 

## **KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL** 

Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia: The Reverend Monsignor Gerald Ewing VG Chief Operating Officer: Paul McCallum 

Finance Director: Paul Jackson Director of Education: Angela Cox Property Director: Christopher Millington Head of Safeguarding: Mary-Jane Crowley Head of Fundraising: Roisin McLaughlin Director of the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis: Mark Nash Director of Communications: Patrick Kinsella 

## **PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS** 

Auditors: Moore Kingston Smith, 6th Floor, 9 Appold Street, London EC2A 2AP 

Bankers: NatWest, 40 Whitgift Centre, Croydon, Surrey CR0 2EX Insurance Managers: Catholic Insurance Services Limited, Suite 5, Oxford House, Oxford Road, Thame OX9 2AH Investment Managers: Barclays Wealth, 1 Churchill Place, London E14 5HP 

Solicitors: Wedlake Bell, 71 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4AY 

**5** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Archbishop John’s foreword 

## **Foreword** 

## **“** 

**A Jubilee year is an invitation to celebrate our faith and our love of the Lord Jesus.** 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Grace and peace to you in the love of the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour and our hope. 

Pope Francis marked 2024 as a Year of Prayer in preparation for the Jubilee in 2025. A Jubilee year is an invitation to celebrate our faith and our love of the Lord Jesus. In anticipation of 2025, we were invited to commit ourselves to prayer and to encourage others to open their hearts to the Lord Jesus. Our Archdiocese rose to this challenge, with many initiatives across the year. 

A particularly joyful memory I cherish is being joined in person and online by over 10,000 children and young people from schools and colleges across our Archdiocese in praying the rosary. This gave witness that young people today remain open to prayer and faith and should be encouraged to encounter the Lord Jesus. We need to be courageous in reaching out to them so the Holy Spirit can work within us all and especially within our families. 

The fruit of the Holy Spirit’s work in our Archdiocese is joyous to witness. Following the evangelising work of parishes to form missionary disciples, supported by the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis (AEC), a decade high number of adults were received into the Catholic Church in our Archdiocese. What a joy to see the hundreds of people, who not only heard the Lord call their name, but opened their hearts so they could receive the fruits of his enduring 

love. We must never underestimate the power of invitation. This coming Jubilee Year must be one filled with hopeful invitation so that all come to know the Lord Jesus. 

2025 is the Year of Jubilee, with many exciting events and initiatives for the Archdiocese: most notably a celebration event in Aylesford in June. Let us use it as an opportunity to be emboldened in our mission as disciples of Christ who delight in sharing the Good News. Let us rise to the challenge of spreading the message of hope that comes from the Lord Jesus. Let us, in whatever way we can, invite everyone we meet to find in Christ hope for this life and the life to come. 

With the assurance of my prayers 

Yours devotedly in Christ, 

Archbishop John Wilson 

**6** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Our Diocesan Mission 

## **Our Diocesan Mission** 

The Archdiocese of Southwark exists to establish, maintain and advance the Roman Catholic faith in the geographical area of the Archdiocese, which covers the London boroughs south of the River Thames, the county of Kent and the Medway Unitary Authority. Our aim is to serve the grassroots mission of the Church, based on our conviction of faith. Inspired by the Patroness of our Archdiocese, the Blessed Virgin Mary conceived without sin, we strive to offer our unconditional ‘yes’ to serving the Lord by proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, pointing to her Son, the Lord Jesus, as our endless source of hope, joy and salvation. 

Our passion is to share God’s love for all people, encouraging encounter with the Lord Jesus, which is why our vision is to be an evangelising and missionary Archdiocese which puts faith into action. 

## **“** 

**In times of darkness, in times of pain, in times of division, instead of giving into the temptation of losing hope we must turn to our one, great living hope - the Lord Jesus. In Him, and in His message of Good News, we see the possibility of a different and better world. In Him we have the hope of forgiveness and eternal life".** 

## **Archbishop John Wilson, December 2024** 

The Archdiocese of Southwark is a diverse community of Catholics, striving for fullness of life in God through love, faith and action. Hope is rooted in the heart of the Christian Gospel, where God’s plan for his people echoed through the words of the prophets for many thousands of years until the birth of Jesus. Christ’s love was so great that it redeemed our world through the Cross, where sin and death were transformed to new life. We therefore strive to live out the Great Commandments of Jesus to love God and one another. 

The Archdiocese of Southwark seeks to proclaim and live the Good News of Jesus Christ by: 

- Sharing the source and summit of our joy through the regular celebration of the Eucharist; the living 

symbol of Christ’s life, death and resurrection, and God’s redeeming love for all of mankind 

- Supporting and strengthening the sacramental life of our 176 Catholic parishes, who are the core of Catholic life and faith in our Archdiocese 

- Promoting excellent Catholic education in our 162 Catholic schools and colleges through the work of Southwark Catholic Education Service 

- Supporting evangelisation, formation and catechesis in parishes through the work of the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis, primarily through Some Definite Service 

- Promoting spiritual renewal through the Southwark Catholic Charismatic Renewal Team and Life in the Spirit Seminars 

- Protecting the vulnerable in our community through the Safeguarding Team and Safeguarding Committee, thereby promoting the human dignity of all people 

- Promoting a society based on justice, fraternal love and dignity for all people through Caritas Southwark 

- Engaging with marginalised groups, promoting diversity and ensuring all are welcome and included in the Church Community 

We strive to live by Gospel values, serving and caring for God’s people through many forms of social outreach carried out by the faithful through works of charity. 

We declare our discipleship of the Lord Jesus by supporting food banks, assisting refugees, helping the homeless, caring for vulnerable and isolated people, promoting peace and unity, building harmonious relationships through understanding and forgiveness. 

**7** 



**Annual Report 2024:** The Archdiocese of Southwark Area Boundaries and Governance 

## **The Archdiocese of Southwark Area Boundaries and Governance** 

The Archdiocese of Southwark consists of three Episcopal Areas: South-West London, South-East London and Kent. In 2024, the Bishops were Paul Hendricks and Bishop Philip Moger. They were aided by Canons Gerard Bradley and Victor Darlington in their capacity as Episcopal Vicars and supported in their work by the Vicar General, Monsignor Gerald Ewing and the Chancellor, Deacon Michael Kennedy. 

Our clergy and lay-faithful serve and worship Christ throughout 20 deaneries, 176 parishes and 162 schools across the South-East of England. Southwark is where English Christianity was born, through St Augustine, who, following the commission of St Gregory the Great, arrived at the Isle of Thanet in 

597 AD. He went on to become the first Archbishop of Canterbury, receiving a pallium remotely from the Holy See: an ecclesiastical vestment bestowed upon Metropolitan Archbishops as a symbol of their conferred jurisdictional authorities. 

Today, Southwark consists of range of diverse communities from inner London and suburban parishes to coastal and rural churches. Southwark’s rich history continues to evolve under the dynamic pastoral leadership of Archbishop John Wilson, who invites all to embrace social justice by putting their faith into action, to and become part of an evangelising and missionary Archdiocese that shares the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

**8** 



Impact Report

**Annual Report 2024:** Co-responsibility, new relationships and growth 

## **Co-responsibility, new relationships and growth** 

## Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis – 2024 

## **The Agency’s 2024 Highlights document can be found here: aec.rcaos.org.uk/annual-reports** 

Each year presents an opportunity to refine the good work that is being undertaken by the Agency in support of the parishes of Southwark. 2024 saw new events, new collaborations and new team members (following departures) but the deliberate support of people and parishes remained constant, no better seen than through Some Definite Service. 

## Some Definite Service 

Some Definite Service is the diocesan-wide approach to parish growth in Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation supported through local people, plans and prayer. 

By the end of 2024, the number of Parish Leads had grown by 30% from 2023 and the number of Deanery Mentors remained constant with new faces replacing the old. Intentional Accompaniment is a hallmark of Some Definite Service, helping others to grow in both holiness and an appreciation of their part in 

the mission of the Church. The Agency team accompanies Deanery Mentors, who in turn accompany Parish Leads. 

Deanery Mentor training took place in Euston and a special training session, called Isaiah 49, was held at Salesian House in Battersea for members of the network and special invitees. 

The year culminated in our first in person all-network gathering with Archbishop John in December 2024. In previous years, we had ‘gathered’ online. Around 120 Deanery Mentors, Parish Leads and clergy were able to attend and were affirmed in their roles and purpose. 

Six ‘activation’ dates were held to which laity and clergy were invited to explore what might feature in a Parish Plan for Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation. By the end of 2024, the Agency had received over 70 Parish Plans. Niklas Carlsson was appointed to work with parishes to refine their plans and Karen North has worked to highlight connections with the synod submissions of 2022. 

Expressions of interest in Some Definite Service have started to come from other dioceses at home and abroad, and the approach has featured in press articles in the UK, Spain and the US. 

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**Annual Report 2024:** Co-responsibility, new relationships and growth 

## Reaching Out 

The Agency published its first resource in 2024, a deck of flashcards featuring practical suggestions and guiding principles for evangelisation. This MISSION DECK made possible by the Archbishop’s Appeal has proved popular as an individual learning tool and as a prompt for group discussion and planning. Similar resources are planned for Catechesis and Formation. We also collaborated with the Bishops’ Conference in the creation of a fresh faith-sharing resource called We Dare to Say on the Lord’s Prayer. 

To tie in with the Education Service’s Come and See initiative, which invited teachers in Catholic schools to consider joining the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA), the Agency created cards for parishioners to issue a similar invitation to friends and family. This highlighted the need for more direct training to boost confidence in sharing faith, which will be a feature of 2025. 

The Agency’s website saw visits rise to 471,757 from 332,505 (up 42% from 2023). Social media feeds also saw growth and the inspire website (inspire.rcaos.org. uk) experienced an upsurge in use. 

## Events and Courses 

We are glad to retain a pattern of events which people joyfully anticipate. These larger gatherings compliment the regular one-to-one accompaniment of people involved in Evangelisation, Catechesis and Formation through Some Definite Service. These included, in 2024: 

- The Archdiocesan Day for Catechists (our tenth such event) at the Amigo Hall in September – again at capacity for the venue (200) and very well-received. A keynote on the theme of Hope helped us to prepare for the 2025 Jubilee Year 

- The Thanet and Canterbury Deanery Day for Catechists 

- The Evangelisation Expo (our third) which offered networking opportunities for apostolates, clergy and members of the Some Definite Service network; with a keynote from the Genesis Mission 

- The first Formation Fayre took place this year with 110 people in attendance – keynote by Archbishop John Wilson with several talks and workshops on deepening faith and participation in the mission of the Church 

The Rite of Election, supported and administered by the Agency, saw a decade-high number of catechumens (224 seeking baptism) and candidates (189 asking to be received into the Catholic Church). This wonderful story was picked up by news outlets in the UK and the US. 

Once more, the Agency supported the Life in the Spirit Seminars which were delivered both online and in nine hubs across the archdiocese (and two in Westminster). The Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies has seen an increase in numbers from the typical 18 to over 30 participants and the Archbishop’s Certificate (ArchCert) remains popular as one of the country’s most respected courses for catechists. In 2024, the Diocese of Lancaster adopted the ArchCert as their preferred training tool for catechists and school chaplains. 

The Agency also supported Deanery Mentors in the provision of local Deanery Days for catechists in Bromley (February) and Croydon (July). 

## Staffing 

JJ Hussem, the archdiocesan Evangelisation and Outreach Advisor since the Agency’s inception in 2020, left Southwark to take up a new job in the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux in Louisiana. We were delighted to recruit Daniel Ferguson, who led catechetical efforts at Ealing Abbey, to the post. 

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**Annual Report 2024:** Co-responsibility, new relationships and growth 

At the same time, we also brought Niklas Carlsson on board in a newly created, part-time role to support parishes in the development of Parish Plans. Both have already added a great deal, and we wish JJ well. 

## A Wider Impact 

In summer 2024, we welcomed Dr William Keimig and other members of the Catechetical Institute to lead a pair of workshop days on the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). The RCIA is the typical process whereby adults approach the sacraments of initiation (baptism, confirmation and the Eucharist). We were also delighted to negotiate an arrangement in which each parish in the archdiocese could access the workshops and materials of the Catechetical Institute for free (made possible by the donors to the Archbishop’s Appeal). 

In 2025, Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation – Father Marcus Holden – is taking up a new role as Rector of Pontifical Beda College in Rome and we wish him well. 

The Agency spends a considerable amount of energy supporting other diocesan initiatives, for example the Growing in Faith Together course (Marriage and Family Life); Called to Bear Fruit (assisting at clergy feedback sessions) and offering input at formation days for deacons. Looking ahead to 2025, the Jubilee will be a principal focus for energy and collaboration. The theme: Pilgrims of Hope. 

The team were also glad to support the ongoing formation of our priests and deacons through the three Merville clergy conferences in Northern France (March, June and November). Over 170 clergy participated in the days of recollection, talks, prayer and moments of fellowship. 

In April/May 2024, Fr Marcus Holden (Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation and Catechesis) participated in the International Meeting of Parish Priests in Rome, as part of the Synod process. As part of this, he was able to share how the Some Definite Service approach can be seen as an expression of a collaborative and synodal Church in the Archdiocese of Southwark. 

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**Annual Report 2024:** Fundraising 

## **Fundraising** 

These events have proved to be a good way for the Central Services teams to share information, best practice, advice and support, and for highlighting the good work and accomplishments of parish teams. 2024 marked the third year of these annual events being hosted by the Fundraising and Gift Aid team. 

## Contactless Update 

## Fundraising and Gift Aid 2024 

The Fundraising and Gift Aid Department exists to support the mission and ministry of the Archdiocese, its parishes and entities, through an active, comprehensive, and professional programme of fundraising. The Archdiocese of Southwark recognises it has a great responsibility to carry out fundraising in ways that are consistent with the principles of Christian stewardship, and in the spirit of generosity. 

## Finance, Fundraising and Property Away-Days 

In 2024, the Fundraising and Gift Aid team successfully organised and hosted three conferences across the Archdiocese of Southwark, with the support of the Finance and Property teams. 

These conferences took place in three difference locations: 

- Southwark Amigo Hall – Saturday 26th October 

At the end of 2024, there were 146 parishes in the Archdiocese of Southwark using contactless devices to accommodate for those who wish to donate but do not have any cash on their person. The three main contactless providers our diocese use are Dona, CollecTin and Payaz and have together brought in a total of £1,857,462 (£2,122,150 with Gift Aid.) This is an increase of 38% from the previous year and a huge increase from back in 2020 when just a handful of our parishes started using contactless devices where about £50,000 was raised in parish donations. 

## Archbishop Appeal Grants 

Over the summer 2024, the Archbishop’s Appeal Grant funded 37 innovative projects run by Catholic parishes, schools, charities and organisations working throughout the Archdiocese of Southwark. A third of monies went towards supporting our sick and retired priests and priestly vocations. Two thirds of the monies raised were granted to projects across the Archdiocese of Southwark encouraging the faith of children and young people in our parishes, schools and universities, social outreach projects supporting those most in need living among us, and towards various evangelising and Catechetical projects taking place within our parishes to support people from all walks of life on their Catholic faith journey. 

Some of the school/parish projects that received funding included a Catholic Residential Retreat at St Paul’s Academy in Abbey Wood, a Soup Kitchen run by the Daughters of Divine Love at English Martyrs in Streatham and the Lambeth Deanery Youth Formation which aided young adults in growing deeper in their faith and inspiring them to support the mission of the Church both in their home parishes and beyond. 

- Croydon West Parish Hall – Saturday 2nd November 

- St Teresa, Ashford Parish Hall – Friday 15th November 

We welcomed parish priests, parish gift aid coordinators and parish finance committee members. Over 100 attendees received training and updates on various topics, including Gift Aid, Data Protection, Finance and Parish Fundraising. For the first time, we offered speakers from the Property Team. 

## **DONATE ONLINE:** 

**rcaos.org.uk/archbishops-appeal or scan QR code** 

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**Annual Report 2024:** Fundraising 

## Clergy Support Fund 2024 

The Clergy Support Fund ensures a dignified retirement for Southwark Priests in their old age and excellent care for them in their ill health, after they have dedicated a lifetime of service to Christ, His Church, and His People. Members of the Priests’ Welfare Team work with priests reaching the retirement age of 75 years in order to plan and carefully consider their retirement options. In 2024, we cared for 81 retired priests, at a cost of £1.5 million. With the number of priests over the age of 65 steadily increasing, so too will the financial obligation. Wherever possible, the Archdiocese works with the NHS and the local council to ensure funding support is provided, but we still rely heavily on the generosity of parishioners who contribute to this worthy fund each year, and to whom we are most grateful. 

10 minutes down the road from where I live. I am most grateful to the diocese for the support and care I have been given and would like to say a big thank you to all of our donors.” 

**You can support the Clergy Support Fund today via: www.rcaos.org.uk/donate/CSF Or via QR code** 

**St Peter’s care home residence in Vauxhall provides care for sick and retired priests in the Archdiocese of Southwark. Please scan this QR code where you can hear more about the work to ensure a dignified retirement for all our priests.** 

## **Father Christopher Basden** 

**Age: 70 Ordained: 1979 Retired: September 2024** 

## **“** 

I am the eldest of three children and was born in Egypt where my father worked for an oil company and my mother who was a nurse. I had spent my formative years in Iran and went to a Salesian school in Beirut, Lebanon for two years and at 18 years old went to Georgetown University in Washington DC to study History. 

Two of my uncles were priests (One was a parish priest in France and the other was a monk of Worth.) I have two cousins who are Ursuline sisters. My Ursuline cousins and other religious ESP Monastics were a great inspiration to me in discovering my vocation to the priesthood. I went to St John’s Seminary in Wonersh to study for the priesthood and was ordained in Wimbledon in 1979 by William Barden Archbishop of Isfahan of the Latins. 

My first parish was St Teresa’s in Ashford and then I was assistant priest at Welling for about 6 and a half years. I then spent 3 and a half years in Maidstone and then went to the US for a sabbatical year where I was able to visit my parents. After returning to England, I was a parish priest at St Bede’s in Clapham Park for 24 years and finally my last parish was in Ramsgate. 

I recently retired in September this year and now reside in a flat provided kindly to me by the diocese. I say Mass in different parishes but mostly at the parish in Chislehurst which is only 

## Priest Training Fund 2024 

The Priesthood has been essential to the life of the Church. In the Archdiocese of Southwark, we are blessed to have men answering that call to the Priesthood and choosing to dedicate their life to Christ and His people. The Priest Training Fund pays for the formation of men to become priests in the Archdiocese of Southwark. 

In 2024, there were 6 men in formation to the Priesthood. It costs £30,000 a year to sponsor each seminarian. They study for 6 years before being ordained a Catholic priest. The Archdiocese of Southwark is reliant on the generosity and prayers of the faithful to fund seminarians in their formation and studies to the Catholic Priesthood. 

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**Annual Report 2024:** Stories from last year 

## **Stories from last year** 

## Deacon Stephen Trafford 

## Father Frazer Bellfield 

## _**Testimony before his ordination in July 2024**_ 

It is incredible to think that after six years of formation, I am finally approaching ordination to the Sacred Priesthood on 20th July 2024. You have kindly supported me and prayed for me during these years, please continue to pray for me. 

Since becoming a Deacon last year, I have enjoyed serving St. George's Cathedral parish, a busy and vibrant parish at the very heart of the Archdiocese. I have experienced great happiness in my final year as a Deacon, and look forward to serving you in the Priesthood. Words cannot describe the immense joy I've felt celebrating baptisms and preaching the word of God. 

I continue to benefit from all the support and prayers that you have offered for me during this time. Your help supports not only me personally, but all those in formation to serve you and the Archdiocese of Southwark. It is your prayers and support that give all seminarians the strength to say yes to the Lord. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

I am in my fifth year of priestly formation and approaching my diaconal ordination in June. I had a highly formative past year serving as a pastoral assistant in the parish of St Aidan's, Coulsdon. We are studying practical areas such as Homiletics (preaching), Canon Law and Pastoral Counselling, alongside Christology and various topics on Scripture. I am currently completing pastoral work as a voluntary chaplain in Croydon University Hospital, which is a blessed and privileged ministry to be engaged in. 

We also receive human and spiritual formation. Spiritually, there are particular devotions that I value, like the Sacred Heart of Jesus. My formation has shown me the simple truth that we must always be willing to encounter the Lord Jesus in prayer, spending time to speak to Him from our hearts. Saint Damien of Molokai once said: “Be not afraid then in your solitary conversations, to tell Him of your miseries, your fears, your worries, of those who are dear to you, of your projects, and of your hopes. Do so with an open heart”. 

Please pray that I and all seminarians may have a heart open to the Lord Jesus as we are formed to be His priests to serve you. Thank you for your prayers and support of the priestly training fund. 

## **DONATE ONLINE:** 

**one off or direct debit) via: www.rcaos.org.uk/donate/PTF or scan QR Code** 

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**Annual Report 2024:** Commission for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion 

## **Commission for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion** 

Over the past year, the Commission for Promoting Racial and Cultural Inclusion has strengthened our commitment to fostering unity within the Church, providing practical resources, and organising key events that celebrate diversity while ensuring that every individual feels welcomed and valued. 

guide for parishes seeking to foster greater racial and cultural inclusivity. 

Parish priests and lay leaders have responded positively to the toolkit, particularly its guidance on: 

- Forming inclusion groups within parishes 

## Key Initiatives and Events 

## Racial and Cultural Inclusion Sunday – 28th January 2024 

Racial Justice Sunday, observed on 28th January 2024 at St George's Cathedral, was a profound testament to the Archdiocese's commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity within the Church. The theme for the event, Seeing One Another in the Life of the Church, served as a call to action for all attendees to recognise and honour the rich tapestry of cultures that constitute the Church community. In his homily, Archbishop John delivered a powerful message denouncing racism and urging the congregation to embody the principles of justice and love. He stated unequivocally: 

## **“** 

**We want to make it absolutely clear that in our Church, in our society, in our nation, and in our world, there is no place for racism. Never, ever, no matter what."** 

He further emphasised the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, reminding the faithful: "We will never meet anyone that God does not already love." To reinforce this message, he invited congregants to turn to one another and affirm the presence of Christ in each person, symbolising a collective commitment to racial inclusion and mutual respect. 

## Racial and cultural inclusion toolkit 

- Enhancing representation in parish ministries 

- Integrating culturally diverse religious imagery 

- Organising cultural celebrations aligned with the liturgical calendar 

- Addressing incidents of racial discrimination in pastoral settings 

The Sutton Deanery was the first to receive a dedicated presentation on the toolkit, with plans for further deanery-level engagement in 2025. The Commission remains committed to ensuring that this initiative evolves based on parish feedback, allowing for continued improvements and broader adoption. 

## **The toolkit can be downloaded from:** 

www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/media/lbsdl4as/r-ci-toolkitemail-ready-version.pdf 

As we move into 2025, the Commission will build on the foundations laid this year by focusing on: 

1.  Expanding the implementation of the Racial and Cultural Inclusion Toolkit across all deaneries 

2.  Hosting further formation days and workshops, ensuring that clergy and lay leaders feel supported in embedding inclusive practices 

3.  Enhancing engagement with Catholic schools and youth ministries, fostering an appreciation for racial and cultural diversity among younger generations 

4.  Continuing to develop our newsletter outreach, providing a consistent and accessible means of communication across the Archdiocese 

5.  Strengthening partnerships with other diocesan bodies and external organisations, working collaboratively to advance inclusion initiatives 

A major milestone of 2024 was the launch of the Racial and Cultural Inclusion Toolkit, developed in collaboration with St Margaret of Scotland Parish, Carshalton Beeches. The toolkit serves as a practical 

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**Annual Report 2024:** Southwark Catholic Youth Service 

## **Southwark Catholic Youth Service** 

## Young Adult Ministry 

St. George's Cathedral has become a hub for young adult ministry, with talks, prayer evenings, and monthly Masses with guest preachers followed by social gatherings. These events have provided a valuable space for young adults to deepen their faith and build strong friendships within the Church. We were also delighted to introduce musical and cultural evenings at the Cathedral. Our first event, a Frassati Night, featured moving words from Archbishop John on this soon-to-be saint, inspiring music from One Hope Project, and a vibrant social afterwards. We intend to introduce more such evenings drawing together young adults from across the Archdiocese. 

## Youth Ministry 

Our quarterly Youth Days for ages 10-14 continue to thrive in both London and Kent, blending catechesis, prayer, sports, crafts, pizza, and Q&A sessions. Attendance has ranged from 60 to 100 young people, from parishes across London and Kent. These days have become an important opportunity for young people to connect with their peers and grow in their faith in a positive, faith-filled environment. Our Youth Retreats for ages 13-17 are now an established feature of our ministry. Delivered by organisations such as the Dominicans and NET Ministries, these retreats have provided powerful moments of prayer, reflection, and encounter with Christ. A particularly exciting development this year has been the formation of the first cohort our Mission Team — seven young adults training as lay missionaries under the leadership of Lucy Treloar, 

formerly with NET Ministries. From Spring 2025, the team will deliver retreats and support our Youth Days, helping to inspire young people through talks, interrelational ministry, Eucharistic Adoration, games, and food. Younger clergy will also be involved, strengthening links between young people and their parish communities. 

## Training 

Supporting those who lead youth ministry remains a priority. We've continued to offer quarterly in-person training for lay leaders, with two well-attended sessions this year. Building on this, we are now exploring ways to make training more accessible across the Archdiocese. We are also in discussions with EQ Saints in the United States to adapt their resources for our local context. This will form part of a new training programme we hope to launch soon. Looking ahead, we plan to offer dedicated clergy support and guidance for those seeking to establish or develop youth ministry in their parishes. 

## National and 

## International Events 

We are excited to be taking a large group to CYMFED Flame 2025 at Wembley, and plans are underway for a Young Adult Pilgrimage to Lourdes led by Archbishop John in June 2026. These major events provide powerful opportunities for young people to experience and strengthen their faith through association with the wider church. Through all these 

initiatives, we remain committed to helping young people encounter Jesus Christ and experience the joy of living their faith. Please continue to pray for this important work as we journey together in hope. 

**17** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Education 

## **Education** 

There was good progress of the Archdiocesan academisation project in 2024, with all five Catholic academy trusts established so schools could convert to academies seamlessly. 

Kent Catholic Schools Partnership (KCSP) is the longest in existence and by the end of the year, had 30 plus schools in it with around another nine to join. The trust also celebrated the announcement that more of its schools were to be included in the national rebuild project. The trust has a wide variety of schools many rural and coastal. In September 2024, the new school build at St Mary’s Primary, Deal, was completed in time for pupils to move into their new school and get used to the wonderful new eco efficient building next door to the church. 

SELCAT grew to over 10 academies. For Lent 2024, they held a Passiontide Narrative at St George’s Cathedral. The challenges of RAAC building issues at St Thomas More Comprehensive School had been a significant problem as half the school was closed. However, a hardy spirit by staff and students saw the situation well managed. The school is now in line for a new build funded by the Department for Education. St Benedict Trust officially opened in April 2024, with Bonus Pastor and St Michael High Schools converting to academies alongside St Anthony’s Primary School and Our Lady and St Philip Neri Primary School. The group had been working together for some time to achieve the goal. More celebrations were to come later in the year as the 

newly refurbished Our Lady St Phillip Neri Catholic Primary School was officially blessed and opened by Archbishop John after a Mass in the local church where he thanked not only those responsible for the new build but also the local neighbours who had generously put up with the ongoing work. The new school is a very distinctive design and visitors made the most of relaxing on the rooftop garden. Sancta Familia Trust was also established. 

Our fifth trust, Christ the Redeemer welcomed St Elizabeth, St Agatha, St Osmund’s and Our Lady Immaculate Primary Schools into the trust. The trust continues to grow. 

Elsewhere, Archbishop John celebrated the beginning of the academic year in September with a Mass at the Cathedral attended by 89 schools. Each school was given a decorated candle to use during 2025 when celebrating the Pilgrims of Hope. To encourage pilgrimage each academy trust received a large candle to journey around their schools and light when on a pilgrimage. The Education Service look forward to hearing about all the schools events celebrating the Pilgrims of Hope. 

The Mass was closely followed by the Headteachers’ Conference in November on the theme of Catholic Social Teaching led by Canon Luiz Ruscillo from Lancaster Diocese. The evening activities resulted in a donation of over £2,000 for Catholic charities. Schools across the Archdiocese raise considerable 

**18** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Education 

amounts for Catholic charities, as well as donating to those in need in their local communities and further afield through CAFOD, MiniVinnies and foodbank donations. We are proud to see the generosity nurtured in our pupils. 

The one unfortunate change we are seeing is the decline in the number of families living in inner London. This is not a Catholic school specific issue, but one affecting all schools in the city. Support has been given to schools to manage falling rolls and reorganise Catholic provision where necessary. Unfortunately, it was necessary to close Holy Family Primary School, Greenwich when numbers decreased and it was unviable. A carefully planned project saw the children introduced to and successfully moved a short distance to St Thomas More Primary School, which is now full and thriving. Canon Victor Darlington – Episcopal Vicar for Education - celebrated the history and life of Holy Family during a final Mass at the school. The Archdiocese is grateful to all those who contributed to this and our other projects during the year to ensure success. 

At the end of the school year, a Mass is celebrated to give thanks to the leaders of our Catholic schools, academies and colleges and headteachers and others retiring from long service in Catholic Education receive a certificate and medal from the Archbishop. Archbishop John Wilson also led a virtual rosary with our schools, joined by over 10,000 children and young people to pray the rosary. 

Our schools continued to have high standards as seen when the new Catholic School Inspections were introduced and the same with Ofsted. The Aspiring Leaders courses and Induction for new Headteachers helps recruitment of Catholic teachers. The Chaplaincy Apprenticeship, run by the service at St Mary’s University, goes from strength to strength and we are grateful to the generosity of the Sisters of the Holy Cross who have funded the development of a further course that will be offered nationally through the university. 

I want to end with a word of thanks for all the staff in our schools who dedicate their time and expertise to caring for and education our children and supporting their families. Likewise, I am grateful to those in the Education Service who work tirelessly to support our wonderful schools. 

## Chancery 

The Chancery acts in the name of the Archbishop and draws up all official documents that he signs by mandate of his office. 

The main focus of the work of the Chancery is to support the clergy and the parishes of the Archdiocese in their pastoral role. A large portion of the work of the Chancery is focused on the preparation of marriage paperwork for marriages that are to be celebrated in this Archdiocese and in Archdioceses overseas. On average the Chancery deals with around 1,000 sets of marriage papers in a single year for couples who are marrying outside the Archdiocese. In relation to this the Chancery is also responsible for granting, in the name of the Archbishop, the dispensations and permissions for Catholics to marry both baptised non-Catholics and those of another or no faiths. 

The Chancery also grants to priests the permission to receive into Full Communion those wishing to join the Catholic Church and also grants delegation to confirm baptised Catholics. They also arrange three days to facilitate the Commissioning of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and the Faculties issued to the newly commissioned ministers are prepared in the Chancery who also hold the information on those commissioned for each parish. 

When a priest is appointed to a parish it is the Chancery that draws up the appropriate documents which is needed for his induction once the Archbishop’s Council have finalised the appointment. They also issue documents of appointment in the name of the Archbishop for an assistant priest and also for any official offices that a priest or deacon is appointed to within the Archdiocese. All copies of these documents are preserved in the Chancery Archives. 

When a priest or deacon is ordained the Chancery prepares the documentation that is required for their ordination. Ordinations celebrated in the Archdiocese are recorded in the Ordination register which is kept in the Chancery. 

Before a priest or a deacon is allowed to exercise any ministry in the Archdiocese they must be issued with Diocesan Faculties and these are issued via the Chancery. The Facilities are issued for the duration of their stay in the Archdiocese, if they are priests/ deacons from another Archdiocese or a religious order or until expressly revoked. In addition, any clergy from outside the Archdiocese or is appointed to work in this Archdiocese must also be in possession with up to date letters of testimonial from their own Bishop or Religious Superior. It is the Chancery’s responsibility to request and obtain these and to work in collaboration with the Safeguarding 

**19** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Education 

office in ensuring that all the Safeguarding procedures are followed before anyone takes up an appointment. 

The Chancery has a close working relationship with our colleagues in the Safeguarding office and also with other colleagues in Central Services, the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis and the Southwark Metropolitan Tribunal. They also work closely with the Vicar General, the Auxiliary Bishops and the Episcopal Vicars to support them in their ministry. Over the years they have also built up good relations with other colleagues in Chancery Offices both in the UK and in Ireland and are in regular contact with them. 

Every year the Chancery receives requests from clergy from overseas to come a minister in the Archdiocese and in addition to the Testimonial letters required from the Bishop or Religious Superior, the Chancery liaise with the UK Government Visa and Immigration to act as the Sponsoring Body recognised by the Home Office in order to facilitate the granting of a visa to enable the priest/deacon to work in the United Kingdom. 

The Chancery collates each year the Annual Mass Count Figures, required by the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and the Annual Pastoral Statistical Return, required by the Central Statistical Office of the Secretariat of State. 

The Chancellor in addition to his day to day work, is a member of the Archbishops Council and attends the meetings of the Council of Deans, the Council of Priests and he also serves as a member of the Archive Committee and the Diocesan Appointments committees. He has also represented the Archdiocese at meeting with Agencies, in particular the Home Office in relation to visa issues. 

Our role is principally administrative, but exists to enable the sacramental life of the Archdiocese to be fulfilled in keeping within the norms of the Church. 

They say, “We are here to help, to advise and to guide”. For many clergy and laity, the voices down the telephone in the Chancery office are very often the first contact they have with the Archdiocese, and so our aim is to be helpful, welcoming and supportive. 

The Chancery team recognises very much that they share in the wider role of the Church, that they are part of that Mission to reach out and evangelise. They are part of the diocesan family and as that family are friends, here to help and serve each other and most of all to allow the mission of the church in the Archdiocese of Southwark to go forward in the spirit of the Gospels. 

When a priest or deacon dies, the Chancery, in the name of the Archbishop, notifies the clergy of the Archdiocese as to death and also records the death in the Deceased Clergy Register. Once the funeral arrangements have been finalised the Chancery will send notification of these to the clergy and the parishes. The Chancery also prepare the official obituary which is sent out to ahead of the funeral liturgy. 

In collaboration with the Diocesan Archives, the Chancery now holds the Adopted Children’s Baptism Registers and deals with all requests pertaining to this. 

The work of the Chancery is very varied and in addition to the above it is very often the first port of call for many clergy, parish secretaries or members of the public seeking advice or help.  The Chancery is there to assist the Archbishop in his pastoral role and to be an instrument of service to the clergy of the Archdiocese. 

The Chancery has attended meetings with Religious clergy and have begun a systematic visitation of all the deaneries to speak about their work. The Chancery is also part of the Clergy Training Programme and also attend the annual day for Parish Secretaries and the days held throughout the year for new staff members in the Archdiocese. 

**20** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Marriage and family life 

## **Marriage and family life** 

As well as providing marriage preparation courses of high quality, we also invite married couples to attend Building a Better Marriage (BABM) days and the annual Marriage Mass. The Marriage and Family Life website pages are regularly updated and feature a list of national and local family support organisations, bereavement ministry training and support, guidance on natural fertility awareness, parenting courses, the three-yearly World Meeting of Families, the annual National Marriage Week (in February) and a section on marriage as a vocation. Our sincere thanks go to Archbishop John Wilson for his continued support, advice and input during 2024. 

non-Roman Catholic) with nearly a fifth of partners being non-Christian. Feedback clearly indicated that the non-Catholic partners find the courses as fruitful, productive and enjoyable as their Catholic partners. Satisfaction levels overall are consistently very high. We aim to help couples communicate with each other better so they work together most effectively and with a shared vision of their future together with God at the centre of their relationship. Natural fertility awareness is explained and discussed in all our courses. The appointment of two additional presenting couples to the MFL team in 2022 has reinforced and strengthened the 2024 programme. 

## Marriage preparation 

## courses 

In 2024, a total of 545 couples attended online and in-person courses and modules (as well as online one-to-one sessions for couples who could not attend the other courses). A total of 19 courses were organised at 10 different parish centres in order to provide a broad geographical spread across the diocese. A unique selling point is that every marriage preparation course has both clergy and married couples as presenters. There is always emphasis on prayer and the spirituality and sacramentality of marriage. In line with past experience, during 2024 around 40 per cent of couples were marrying outside the United Kingdom (every continent is represented) and around half of those participating were mixed-marriage couples (a Catholic marrying a 

## Building A Better Marriage (BABM) 

Following the online Jubilee co-ordinator orientation day, run by the diocesan AEC Team in 2023, the question was posed: What are the opportunities you see in our diocese to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025? Our answer has been to run a diocesan wide marriage-enrichment programme over the three-year period 2024-2026. The MFL Team adopted a deanery-based programme in 2024 as the key to success in supporting married couples in the deanery setting – not only for the couples themselves but for the community as a whole. The MFL Team ran six in-person courses for Building a Better Marriage in 2024 and have arranged for nine deaneries to host BABM days in 2025. 

**21** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Marriage and family life 

## The Annual Marriage Mass 

This special occasion at St George’s Cathedral was celebrated on July 13, 2024. Some 870 people booked, which comprised of 234 couples and their family members. Couples were celebrating anniversaries ranging from one year to more than 60. The number of parishes represented was 91. The largest cohort were the 25th anniversaries. Before the Mass, a dozen couples were able to attend a BABM taster session facilitated by the MFL Team. 

## SycamOre 

The MFL Team continued to offer married and engaged couples a four or six-week length SycamOre Growing In Faith Together (GIFT) course, usually run in the evening. The MFL Team work closely with Dr Susan Longhurst from SycamOre. 

## Collaboration with other agencies 

The MFL Team continued to work with the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis especially on SycamOre. Investigations are ongoing with regard to initiatives in the USA in developing provision for married couples after a BABM course. The Team met with coordinators from the wider Southern MFL region with whom they have close links and attended the MFL conference at Hinsley Hall, Leeds, in October 2024 which attracts coordinators from right across England and Wales. 

## Spiritual development 

The MFL Team met at Clare Priory in August 2024 to attend a retreat on hope run by Sr Hyacinthe Defos du Rau OP of St Dominic’s Priory, Lymington, Hants. 

**22** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Human Resources and Payroll in 2024 

## **Human Resources and Payroll in 2024** 

Our focus has been on enhancing employee experience, fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, and driving organisational growth. Across the year, we saw 66 new employees join the Archdiocese. Most staff were awarded a 3% pay rise in 2024 to assist with the cost of living and rising prices. The department has also worked on updating policies and processes. 

HR continued to facilitate Staff Induction and Clergy Training Days, and ran a successful Parish Secretaries Away Day in London. 

In conclusion, 2024 was a year of growth and transformation for the HR department. We are committed to fostering a positive work environment and supporting the success of our employees. We are looking at updating our employee engagement and onboarding process and implementing a new HR System. We look forward to building on this year’s achievements in 2025. 

## Secretaries’ & Bookkeepers’ Away Day 2024 

We ran our second Parish Secretaries’ and Bookkeepers’ Away Day on Wednesday 22 May at Amigo Hall and were delighted to welcome nearly 70 delegates.  The event was designed to provide an opportunity for those employees and volunteers who undertake a parish secretarial/bookkeeping role to meet each other and a range of people from the Archdiocese’s Central Services. The event was preceded by Mass, with a series of interesting talks from various departments. During lunch, we held a cake sale to support the work of the Dominican Sisters in Zambia, a cause very dear to one of our former colleagues, Lynn Del Bianco. 

**23** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Higher Education Chaplaincy of the Archdiocese of Southwark 

## **Higher Education Chaplaincy of the Archdiocese of Southwark** 

2024 has been a good year for Higher Education Chaplaincy. 

In February 2024, students and chaplains gathered in Amigo Hall for Q&A with the Archbishop, before a Mass was celebrated in the Cathedral. After Mass we all gathered back together for pizza and continued conversation that was really valued by all. 

There has for many years been a group from the University of Roehampton who take part in the annual HCPT (Hosanna House and Children's Pilgrimage Trust) pilgrimage. The 2024 pilgrimage happened between 31st of March and 6th of April. It was a great success with a wonderful group of student volunteers. 

Student reflections: 

## **“** 

**it was an amazing opportunity where I met many inspiring individuals who face daily challenges with extraordinary courage. Their resilience and joy taught me valuable lessons about kindness and patience.”** 

Fr Mark Wharton had great success building a worshipping community as part of the Chaplaincy at the University of Kent. He has a large and ever-growing number of students who gather for Mass and Adoration, who really value the opportunity to grow closer to the Lord Jesus through his ministry on campus. He has successfully run weekend retreats and hosts student groups. He has also had the joy of baptising and receiving students into the church which is a witness to the work of the Holy Spirit on campus. 

At Goldsmiths there was the chance for Mass each week on campus in the spring term. 

Another joy of 2024 was the development of the Higher Education Chaplaincy team which grew with the confirmation in post of Fr Patrice Anyanwu, parish priest at St Joseph’s East Greenwich at the University of Greenwich, Maritime campus. To once again have a chaplain on campus there, whilst still very early days is a sign of hope as we enter the Jubilee Year with the invitation to be Pilgrims of Hope in the new year. 

The Catholic Chaplain at King’s College London saw a new group for Catholic students of the healthcare professions and biosciences called Christus Medicus (Christ the Physician) created and has grown from strength to strength since.  It is wonderful to see so many students engaged and enthusiastic in learning more about the Church's teaching and seeking to grow in deeper love with, and in active discipleship of, Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Divine Healer. 

The ministry in LSBU (London South Bank University) was filled with excitement throughout 2024 as a Multi-Faith Room was finally allocated and set apart for the work of the Multi-Faith Team. Events, including hot chocolate during exam periods, were put on and Sr Anouska Robinson-Biggin FCJ was shortlisted for an Unsung Hero Award. 

**24** 



**Annual Report 2023:** Caritas Southwark 

## **Caritas Southwark** 

The Caritas Advisory Board reports to the Trustees and the Archbishop’s Council. It is chaired by Canon Victor Darlington. In 2024 it formulated and adopted a strategy for the development of Caritas Southwark, which was ratified by the Archdiocese’s Trustee’s. The strategy sets out the plans for the development of Caritas over between 2024-2026 and the activities which will support this development. The essence of Caritas is relational and not transactional and its success is dependent upon close working with key partners in parishes and schools, charities and civil society. 

2024 began by celebrating social action and outreach across our Archdiocese. Showcasing 7 parishes and 2 schools for their work in their communities. Some of the key projects which fall within Caritas priorities of Food Poverty, Pastoral Care of Older People, Working with Migrants and Refugees, Supporting Young People affected by serious violence including domestic abuse. 

and hope to inspire other parishes, schools and individuals to start new projects. We know there is a great desire for action within the Archdiocese and we will be there to facilitate this enthusiasm. We will support formation in Catholic Social Teaching within parishes and schools. Caritas Southwark will enable parishes, schools and local organisations to serve and accompany people experiencing poverty, disadvantage and injustice. We will support fundraising and promote volunteering. We are taking small steps building community in order to nurture Catholic Social Action and Mission, with key partners, including: the Jesuit Refugee Service and UK Welcomes Refugees, the Trussell Trust, the Irish and Anna Chaplaincies, St Benedict’s Multi-Academy Trust, St Mary’s High School West Croydon, Bishop Thomas Grant High School, Streatham, Bonus Pastor High School , St Mary’s Catholic College and the Mizen Foundation Operation Forgiveness and the Synergy Network supporting young people. 

In the next few years, we will continue to identify communities which are already active in social outreach. We will help them form networks to share best practice. We will celebrate successes 

**25** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Southwark Charismatic Renewal team report for 2024 

## **Southwark Charismatic Renewal team report for 2024** 

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal is one of the lay ecclesial movements in the Roman Catholic Church operating in the Archdiocese of Southwark. The vision of our team is to help Catholics to become more open to the working of the Holy Spirit in their lives. This includes organising events that facilitate personal conversion to Christ and also to help Catholics to discover and embrace the Charisms that the Holy Spirit has bestowed on them through their baptism to be more effective missionary disciples in the service of the Church. 

Our aim is also to bring together prayer group leaders in the Archdiocese for fellowship and teaching, and to encourage working together on diocesan wide projects. On 10th February 2024 we ran a leaders’ day at St Andrew’s, Thornton Heath in February for about 50 people when we discussed Pope Francis’ call to expand the running the of the Life in the Spirit seminars, calling us to run them in small venues and for the poor. Canon Gerard Bradley also gave a talk on discipleship and growth. On 4th November we had our annual healing day at St George’s Cathedral led by Fr Columba Jordan CFR from Ireland which was attended by about 200 people. 

The 3 tier model that the Southwark team had developed in 2023 of using the cathedral as the main base and streaming the talks to hubs around the Archdiocese was picked up in one way or another by other dioceses - Northampton, Arundel and Brighton, Portsmouth, and Hexham and Newcastle - who all adopted this approach for the first time in 2024. 

Our own Life in the Spirit seminars in 2024 culminated in another very joyful and spirit filled day at St George’s on Pentecost Saturday attended by 300 people. This was led by Fr Emmanuel Mansford CFR, and people from the hubs all came together for prayer for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The number of people participating was similar to the previous year: about 100 meeting weekly at the cathedral and 400-500 participating overall in the hubs and online. 

The St George’s Cathedral discipleship prayer group, which was set up in the wake of the 2023 Life in the Spirit seminars, continues to meet regularly every week, attracting about 20-30 participants. Canon Michael Branch attributes a lot 

**26** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Southwark Charismatic Renewal team report for 2024 

of the exciting initiatives developing in the Cathedral as a fruit of the graces released by the Life in the Spirit seminars. 

A special thanksgiving evening was organised on 25th June 2024 to celebrate the end of the 2024 seminars. This included praise and worship and testimonies when people shared their positive experiences from taking part. Mass was celebrated by Archbishop John Wilson. One of the most moving moments of the night was when Archbishop John came down into the nave, knelt down and asked those present to lay hands on him and pray for him, which people did. 

We would have probably used the same format for the seminars in Easter tide again in 2025 had it not been for the proposed big archdiocesan Jubilee Celebration  at Aylesford on 7th June, the vigil of Pentecost. The team felt that this was a sign that the Lord was calling us to lay aside our usual plans and instead to help the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis to deliver this day and the preparation resources for it. We saw this as a good way of bringing together the complementary gifts of the charismatic and institutional dimensions of the Church to work together. 

This began with the setting up a huge rosary project to pray for all the priests and parishes in the archdiocese. This was launched on the 7th October, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary to continue until 7th June 2025. People involved commit to praying one decade of the rosary every day for the priests and parishes in their deanery on a rota basis. Over 320 people are involved and estimated 800,000 decades will have been prayed by Pentecost 2025. We are already hearing stories of graces that have been received. One lady commented, “It’s helped me to get back to praying the rosary.” 

One priest wrote, “Since the rosary for priests has got underway I have found a new energy and been greatly encouraged to do my best for anyone who comes my way and to affirm and give hope to those who need it. I’m now better placed to offer up my health issues and have become excited about the possibilities in this Jubilee Year. My faith, trust and hope in God is on the increase. Thank you so  much for all the decades of the rosary.” 

**27** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Safeguarding Plans 

## **Safeguarding Plans** 

## Introduction 

Safeguarding is an integral part of the life of the Archdiocese of Southwark. The Archdiocese is committed to embedding a compassionate and robust safeguarding culture across our parishes and communities. This ensures safe environments for everyone, but particularly for children, young people and adults at risk. At the heart of our safeguarding response is to ensure that all those that have been harmed by abuse receive a compassionate response, recognising the impact of the trauma of abuse, particularly when the abuse occurs within the context of the Catholic Church. 

## Commitment to 

## supporting those that have been harmed by abuse 

To reflect our commitment to supporting survivors of abuse, on 25th September 2024, we held our annual service of healing & hope, for those that have been harmed by abuse. Archbishop John Wilson delivered a powerful message in support of those that had been harmed and members of clergy and the safeguarding team read prayers, reflections and poems. It included a letter written by a survivor of clerical abuse, who expressed how their parish had been a place of healing and welcome for them. A beautiful hymn written specifically for those harmed by abuse was debuted at the Service. The hymn was sung throughout the service. “Ribbons of Hope” was composed by Peter Rose & Anne Conlon, who we were privileged to have in attendance at the service. A LoudFence was created where ribbons and messages of support and solidarity for those that have been harmed by abuse. 

## Referrals 

## Parish Safeguarding Representatives (PSR) 

Parish Safeguarding representatives are an important resource to the Archdiocese and assist the safeguarding team in creating safe environments in our parishes and communities. They are volunteers who work with the central team to complete safer recruitment, training, receive & refer concerns and support their parish priests in safeguarding matters. Southwark currently has 324 PSR’s, with others currently in recruitment. The aim is to have a team of PSR’s in every Parish. The annual Gathering day at Amigo Hall, was held in February 2024 with over 130 PSR’s in attendance. PC Karen Troullides, a Faith Officer for the Metropolitan Police was the guest speaker. Mass was celebrated by Cn John Diver-the Episcopal Vicar for Safeguarding at the end of the training day. 

As part of the Archdiocese’s commitment to creating safe environments, the safeguarding team routinely monitor and review 30 individuals on safeguarding plans. Safeguarding plans are a process for persons who have been convicted of or are subject to serious concerns. They offer support and protection to the individual and Parish, while allowing Mass attendance in a structured and agreed way. Many plans are in collaboration with statutory services. There are also 4 people on voluntary care plans. 

## DBS checks 

There continues to be a significant increase in completing safer recruitment and specifically DBS checks across the Diocese. The safeguarding team ensure that DBS checks are processed expeditiously and that all those completing a regulated activity role, have a current check. 

From January 2024-November 2024 there were 119 referrals, the vast majority relating to matters outside of the context of the Catholic Church. This is an increase of 31 cases in the same time period in 2023. 32 cases required statutory agency referrals, including LADO, Adult Social Care, Mental Health Team, Police & Education. The team has also liaised with various charities, including  Safe Spaces and survivor charities, Religious orders and other Dioceses. The Safeguarding sub-committee panel meets regularly and takes an overview of all decisions made by the safeguarding team. 

**28** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Safeguarding Plans 

|**MISCELLANEOUS WORK**||
|---|---|
|**DBS applications that are with**<br>**DBS for checks**|**30**|
|**DBS applications awaiting**<br>**verifcation**|**281**|
|**Update service checks**<br>**completed**<br>**DBS applications awaiting**<br>**volunteer to complete initial**<br>**form**|**457**|
||**99**|



|**YEAR**|**MONTH **|**VOLUNTEERS**|**CLERGY **|**CAFOD**|**EDUCATION**<br>**COMMISSION**|**SEMINARIAN**<br>**/ OTHER PAID**<br>**MEMBER OF STAFF**|**MONTHLY**<br>**TOTAL**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**2023**|**01 Nov**|**91**|**13**|**1**|**9**|**0**|**114**|
||**01 Dec**|**81**|**7**|**2**|**7**|**1**|**98**|
|**2024**|**01 Jan**<br>**01 Feb**|**85**|**7**|**2**|**9**|**2**|**105**|
|||**73**|**3**|**0**|**9**|**0**|**85**|
||**01 Mar**|**83**|**9**|**0**|**17**|**0**|**109**|
||**01 Apr**|**84**|**8**|**0**|**9**|**0**|**101**|
||**01 May**|**96**|**14**|**0**|**16**|**0**|**126**|
||**01 Jun**|**80**|**5**|**0**|**9**|**0**|**94**|
||**01 Jul**|**91**|**10**|**0**|**10**|**0**|**111**|
||**01 Aug**|**179**|**11**|**0**|**6**|**0**|**196**|
||**01 Sep**|**131**|**11**|**0**|**13**|**0**|**155**|
||**01 Oct**|**177**|**6**|**0**|**13**|**0**|**196**|
||**01 Nov**|**56**|**4**|**0**|**2**|**0**|**62**|
||**Total**|**1,307**|**108**|**5**|**129**|**3**|**1552**|



**29** 



Annual Report 2024: Trustees Report
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Report of the Trustees
The Trustees present their ReFK)rt & Ac(r)unts For the year ended 31 December 2024. The Statements appear
in the format required by the Statement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by
Charities preparing their a(Lounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Replfrblic of Ireland (FRS102)- Charities SORP FFiS 102.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark Charitable Incorporated Organisation ICIOI was established
by a constitution dated 16 May 2017. On 6 October 2017. the assets and liabilities of Roman Catholic
Diocese of Southwark Diocesan Trust registered ￿aritY number 235468 were transferred into the CID.
The CIO is governed by the Board of Trustees which currently has seven members and consist of both
Clerical and lay Trustees. The Clerical Trustees are appointed for their expertise in parochial. spiritual, and
pastoral matters. The LayTrustees are appointed for their expertise in a number of different areas such a5
finance, technology and safeguarding. The Archbishop is empowered to appoint and remove all Trustees.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for formulating the strategies and policies of the CIO.
There are five Sub Committees of the Board.. Finan￿. Audit and Risk. Property and Health and Safety,.
Safeguardin& Education and Investments. New Trustees are provided with terms of referen￿ and an
induction pack of information relating to the constitution. governance. and operation of the Diocese.
Trustees are expected to visit all central departments and be familiar with the work of parishes. The Trustees
are normally updated regularly through training sessions and courses both internally and externally,
refreshing their expertise in their own particular field and their responsibilities as Trustees. The management
of the Cl(Ys investments is delegated to the Investment Committee which is responsible for establishing a
detailed investment policy with regard to the CIO'S Overall strategy and risk tolerance parameters.
The Board of Trn5tees met six times in 2024. The Finance Audit and Risk Committee met nine times in 2024.
The Property, Health and Safety Committee met six times, the Safeguarding Sub-committee met four times,
the Investment Committee four times, and the Education Committee met three times. Trustees chair all of
these meetings, with the exception of the Investment Committee, which is chaired by an independent
expert.
The Archbishop also appoints the aerical Trustees lusually three auxiliary bishops and the Vicar General &
Moderator of the Curia) as members of the Archbishop's Council. The Archbishop's Council also currently
includes the Episcopal VicaT5 for South East Londoll (due to the auxiliary bishop vacancy). South West
London (also due to the auxiliary bishop vacancy), and Priestly Life, as well as the Chancellor, the Judicial
Vicar, and the Chief Operating Officer and deals with local administrative, pastoral, and disciplinary matters.
Issues are referred to the full Trustee board if necessary. The Archbishop's Counal meets regularly; in 2024
there were ten meetings.
The Trustees share the view that the Charity and the local Church. the latter being called 'the ATchdiocese'.
are two distinct entities. They are bound together by the will of the Archbishop of Southwark. who must
intend throughout his period of office to govern the Charity. in conjunction with the other Trustees, in
support of the Archdiocese, as this is understood in Catholic theology and Canon Law and in accordance with
Charity Law. The Archbishop is supported in his role by senior members of the clergy who have responsibility
for three pastoral areas: South West London, South East London and Kent. In addition, the Archbishop is
further supported by the Wicar General & Moderator of the Curia and a number of other Episcopal Vicars.
30

Annual Report 2024: Trustees Report
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
The Archdiocese owns those lands. buildings. and other forms of property. which it is ne￿ssary for the
Church to have and to use. to fulfil the mission of the thurch within the area covered by the Archdiocese of
Southwark. The Archdiocese consists of 176 parishes.
The Archdiocese does not control, nor own, property owned by the many religious orders of the Church
which have convents, abbeys, friaries, shrines, care homes, chapels. schools, retreat houses, and other
property in our geographic area. There is, therefore, a considerable commitment of resources, financial,
material and human. from members of the Church within our Archdiocese. which is not reported here.
Key management personnel
The Trustees consider that the Trustees and the Senior Leadership Team tonsisting of the Chief Operating
Officer. Director of Education. Property Director and the Finance Director along with the Vicar General &
Moderator of the Curia comprise the key management personnel of the Charity in charge of directing,
controlling, running, and operating the tharity on a day-to-day basis. The pay of the senior staff is reviewed
annually and normally increased in accordance with earnings in similar organisations in the sector to reflect
a cost of living adjustment. All Trustees give of their time freely and no Trustee received remuneration for
their service as Trustees in the year. Details of Trustees expenses are disclosed in Note 17 of the accounts.
Use of volunteers
Those who are termed volunteers in other charities are in our Archdiocese the "lay faithful," members of the
worshipping community, which is the parish. Many parishioners help in all aspects of parish life and they are
vital in our parishes, which would not be able to operate without their assistance. Many parishioners are
members of organisations in the parish that provide support to those in need. The Trustees would like to
express their sincere thanks to all parishioners for all the work they do in helping to build and maintain the
parish communities.
Achievements and Performance
In the wider Impact Report, you will be able to read about the services to the community provided by the
Archdiocese and the achievements and contribution of the many individuals and teams who support our
work.
During the year we:
Further expanded our communications team's capacity and continued our investment in our
Website IhttPs://rcaos.org.uk/l and social media channels to promote the Good News and provide rich
information regarding the Archdiocese.
Continued to develop new delivery models for our Agencies and Centfal Service5. to ensure that they
assist the Mission in the most appropriate way, serving the grassroots of the Church.
Continued to implement changes in Safeguarding. particularly around improved training and
implementing the new national arrangements.
Continued to implement our fundraising strategy. offering more choice to donors while promoting
improved governance and administration.
Consolidated a new approach to the administration of the School Condition Allowance {SCAI grant,
ensuring transparency and prioritised investment.
Added fesources to the Parish Health & Safety arrangements.
31

Annual Report 2024: Trustees Report
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Public Benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have (x)mplied with the duties in the tharities Act 2011 to have due regard to
the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in detem)ining the activities undertaken by
the Charity.
Going Concern
Whilst the Archd10￿se as a whole is in a strong financial position the central Archdiocesan {Curiall income
and expenditure account has been in deficit for several year5 resulting in a reduction in unrestricted income.
However, since 2022 there have been surpluses on unrestricted income, but these are heavily reliant on
property disposals. In 2024 there was a surplus on Ljnrestricted Funds of £969k after transfers.
After the implementation of the new levy regime from 2022 and investment gains over the last 8 years, the
Curia has unrestricted funds, excluding Designated funds, of £13m.
The Trustees, assessment of 80ing cLJncern as at the accounting date was formed following a review of the
followin8 infonnation:
Cash flow forecasts to December 2027
Income and expenditure forecasts for the three years 2025-27
Projected free reserves for the three years 2025-27.
The Trustees will continue to focus on the key risk area of going concern as part of the new financial strategv
adopted for the years 2025-2034. This strategy develops further plans to protect the long-term financial
position of the Arthdiocese including balancing the central income and expenditure account and
unrestricted reserves position. Please see Note 1.2 to these accounts which sets out the accounting policy as
regards the preparation of these accounts on a going concern basis.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Two of the main challenges that the Archdiocese has to deal with are the lower Mass attendance figures
than there were at the tum of the millennium and an aging population of Priests. This impacts on both the
Archdiocese centrally but also on its Parishes and schools. In 2024 Mass attendances increased again, but
remains below pre-covid numbers. This impacts directly on fundraising efforts.
We continued to develop our fundraising strdtegy and the focus has been on helping parishes switch
collections which were cash focused into more standing orders. card and on-line payments by parishioners.
There has also been a focus on parishioners, gift aiding their donations.
We have de¥eloped our disposal strategy as regards our surplus properties and this will continue over the
next 3-4 years. We are continuing to develop our support for our sid( and retired priests ensuring that they
claim the benefits they are entitled to. that the properties they live in are safe. and they are visited regularly
by our priest welfare and wellbeing team and others. We also monitor the care they receive and consider
any changes recommended.
Other Risks
The Trustees have assessed the other major risks to which the Archdiocese is exposed, in particular those
related to the operation and finances of the Charity and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate
the exposure.
The major risks and high-level mitigations are:
32

Annual Report 2024: Trustees Report
Missionary anL Pastoral
The Charity continues to have a focus on Missionary and Pastoral initiatives through the Agency for
Evangelisation and Catechesis as well as the Called to Bear Fruit programme. The Charity is also working hard
to encourage priestly vocations.
Financial
There is a risk to the financtal viability of the Archdiocese due to pressures from decreasing Mass attendance
and increasing costs due to inflation and an ageing clergy group who require care. This is mitigated by a
significant investment portfolio both in terms of shares and properties, some of which it is realising in order
to meet our objectives. Budgeting processes are also now embedded so that suitable actions can be put in
place to respond to areas of specific concern well in advance.
Safegijarding
All the relevant recommendations arising from national reviews in the Catholic Church in England and Wales
have been implemented. including new govemance. The Trustees continue to prioritise safeguarding as a
strategic priority which 15 kept under constant review.
Edu'cational lanr.scape changes
An Education Strategy is in place in part to ensure that national develoKments are tracked and responded to
in a positive manner.
Regulalory arid compliance fdilure5
A comprehensive Health & Safety system is in place for Parishes. The Trustees continue to prioritise
compliance in this area, with well-developed govemance and regular reporting.
Key Plans for the future
In 2025 we will:
Begin implementing the changes prompted by Calkd to Bear Fruit and the new financial strate8y,
subject to approval:
The 9-year financial strategy and operating model have been designed to ensure long-term
sustainability and support the Archbishop's vision for a vibrant and growing missionary
Church.
Key challenges include declining vocations. increasing costs for fetI￿d clergy, plateauing
Mass attendance and income streams, property maintenance needs. and a growing
administrative burden on clergy and parishes.
The proposed operating model involves increased collaboration between parishes,
The financial strategy aims to eliminate the current annual deficit. establish prudent
reserves. invest in property maintenance and Archd10￿s3n priorities. and prioritise
fundraising to increase core income and support missionary innovation.
Develop the Caritas network further, building upon the good works already being conducted in many
areas across the Archdiocese.
Support the synodal process in order to grow in our joumeying together. most particulady through
the Called to Bear Fruit engagement.
Continue to develop new delivery models for our Agencies and Central Services, to ensure that they
assist the Mission in the most appropriate way, seThing the grassroots of the Church.
Continue to implement changes in Safeguardin& induding participating in the new national audit
regime which we helped to pilot.
Implement our fundraising strategy, including progressing the Archbishop's Appeal, while building
upon the digital delivery successes of previous years.
33

Annual Report 2024: Trustees Report
Embed new Nealth & Safety arrangements.
Strengthen financial management and governance across the organisation.
Continue to develop and refine the Afchdiocesan risk management policy.
Continue with the phased implementation of the Education Strategy, which includes the creation of
new Catholic Education Trusts (CETS) that amongst others offer a great opportunity to further
develop Catholic life and evangelisation.
Develop our School Place planning strategy.
Begin implementing the new Financial Strategy.
Consider the effect of the above and current circumstances on Pastoral Planning.
FINANCIAL REVIEW OF THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Financ.ial Performanc.p
We refer to the statement of financial activities in the financial statements that follow and cover the year
ended 31 December 2024. The comparatives are for the period from the l January 2023 to 31 December
2023.
Overall, Collections and donations (including legacies) were up on the previous year from £24.2m to £26.8m.
Profit on disposal of Fixed Assets was £450k higher than in 2023. Investment income increasing by £l.Im to
£3.7m. Overall, the Total Income increased year on year by £4.2m or 140A. A factor in this is that legacies
have been recognised when notified and there is reliable certainty as to the receipt. This has led to an
accrual of £1.8m to legacy income in 2024. Excludin8 this accrual, the increase in Collections and Donations
is 30A and Total income increased by 70/0.
Expenditure was 130A higher at £34.4m for the year (2023: £30.6ml. A main reason for the increase was due
to the School's project money adjusted for in 2023 (reducing costs by £3.8m in 20231. The increase in
Expenditure excluding this adjustment is 0.3% year on year {£Oml. The main areas of expenditure are
property costs, provision of Pastoral support and supporting sick and retired priests.
Before unrealised investment gains/losses there was a deficit on unrestricted funds of £3.2m12023,. £2m
deficit); restricted funds had a surplus of £487k (2023: deficit of £366kl; and parish funds showed a surplus
of £2.Im12023 £1.6ml. Overall, before gains and losses on investments, the Archdiocese had a deficit of
£0.7m12023.' deficit £0.7ml.
After a difficult 2022, with an unrealised loss of £3.9m. the FK)rtfolio continued the gains made in 2023
1£3.8m unrealised gain) with an unrealised gain of £3.5m in 2024. Please refer to the section on 'lnvestment
Policy" below.
The new levy regime was in place for the third yeaf in 2024. This forms part of the Transfers" line on page
two of the SOFA. The levy is offset by the interest paid to Parishes on their loan accounts. The net transfer
figure increased in 2024 to £3.8m12023: £2.9m: 2022: £2.8m). The increase is a combination of a £6(t)k
increase in the levy and a £412k decrease in interest payable. This reduction in interest payments was
achieved by enabling Parishes to put money into high-interest deposit account earning interest, hence not
relying on the Diocese to pay interest.
Pariskies
Total Parish Income increased by 7% to £26.Im (2023: £24.5m). Parish income is predominantly generated
from collections and donations. In 2024 Parish collections and donations income was 3% higher than 2023
lincreasing from £20.4m to £21.Im). This is a combination of more people returning to weekly Mass and also
the increased use of cashless giving machines. online giving and encouraging donations via standing order.
34

Annual Report 2024: Trustees Report
The amount of grants and legacies increased by £ 150k to £1.2m. There was a good improvement in Parish
Investment income. with the £3.7m generated in 2024 representing an increase of £0.8m from 2023.
Parish Expenditure increased by 6%, or £1.3m, to £24.Im. This increase is a combination of inflation and
increased activity.
Parishes had a Net Income before transfers of £3m. up from £2.3m in 2023. The total Reserves for Parishes
was £87m at the end of the year.
Archdiocesan Funds
Total Curial income increased by £2.2m to £7.6m in 2024. In 2024 Curial donations and legacies income was
£4.3m (2023: £2.6ml. £1.4m of this increase is due to recognising legacies that are due and not yet received
12023: £0). There was a profit on dis￿531 of fixed assets of £427k (2023.1055 of £20k).
Curial Expenditure increased from £7.7m to £10.3m. However, this is after the £3.8m downward adjustment
in 2023. Excluding this the comparative figure shows a £0.2m decrease from 2023. The biEgest single
expense, as in prior years, is staff costs of £3.7m detailed in Note 6. Staff COSLS increased by £0.5m as the
Property team was restructured to be better placed to assist with the School's Academisation programme.
Another big cost item, again as in 2023, related to Care Home Fees and Carers Costs l£l.Iml. Repairs and
buildings work and maintenance cost £464k in 2024, relating to on80ing works to the Cathedral and adjacent
buildings.
The Curia had Net Expenditure before transfers of £1.5m. After Transfers this was a surplus of £2.3m. The
total Reserves for Archdiocesan Funds were £29.4m at the end of the year. Of this amount £12.8m is
Restricted, £3.7m is Designated and £12.9m Unrestricted.
Reserve.5 Policy
The Trustees have determined a suitable range of free reserves as part of its prudent financial management
and planning. The suitable range balances the need to:
avoid excess funds that could be used For charitable purposes, and
avoid insufficient funds that could jeopardize the Charitrfs future activities and sustainability in case
of unexpected financial challenges.
The Trustees regularly assess risk and keep a risk register. Some of the risks have financial implications and
so it is essential that a suitable level of reserves is maintained to mitigate this financial risk.
The Archdiocese's free re￿rVeS are those Funds which can be freely spent on the Archdiocese's charitable
purposes. Free reseNes will therefore nonnally exclude tangible fixed assets because these assets are used
by the charity to deliver their activities and as such cannot be sold to meet a funding deficit. Free reserves
therefore are defined unrestricted reserves less Fixed Assets less designated reserves.
The policy adopted by the Trustees is that the level of free reserves across the Charity should represent 3 to
6 months of unrestricted expenditure. At 31 December 2024, the level of free reserves was £3.6m12023:
£1.5m; 2022: _£3.8ml which represents 6 months of unrestricted expenditure (2023: 2 months; 2022.. _5
months). Previously the Archdiocese has set aside substantial Designated Funds- these are part of the
unrestricted reserves and represent funds that the Trustees have set aside for a specific use, without
creating a legal restriction. The ￿lIcY will be subject to annual review and is part of the financial Strategy
adopted in 2025. It must be noted that in addition there are Parochial reserves of £58m which (an be called
upon by the Curia.
35

Annual Report 2024: Trustees Report
The Free Reserves of the Archdiocese are calculated as follows:
2023
Restated
£ 'ooo
113,672
11,443
87,945
14.284
3,727
Note
2024
£ 'O(M)
116.455
12,780
87.072
16.603
3,661
2022
£ 'ocM)
110,886
10,650
88,492
11.744
6,210
Total Reserves
Les5 Restricted Reserves
14
Less Parish Funds
13
Total Unrestricted Reserves
Less Designated Reserves
Less those Unrestricted Reserves
held in Fixed Assets
12
15
9.335
Free Reserves
3.607
For further detail on the Archdiocese's reserves see notes 12 to 15 of the Accounts.
10,405
152
10,439
4.905
The Archdiocese has a number of restricted funds to be used for specified purposes totalling £12.8m12023:
£11.4ml which include:
P rip.%t.s Tra in ing Fi., n d If a rrrprly Er.cle.siastira l Er Lication Fi., ndl
This fund meets the costs of student5 at Seminaries training to be priests for the Archdiocese and
ongoing training for Clergy. including those in the Permanent Diaconate. Its income derives from the
annual second collection and donations.
Clergy Support Fund
A legacy specifically restricted to helping clergy in need has been invested and the income is applied
to the Clergy Support Fund. Income is also derived from the Clergy Support Campaign. These funds
are used in helpin8 towards the costs of our retired and sick clergy.
Ma£.£ FiJnd.£
Income received on investments provided by donors through foundation masses. This is paid to
priests who offer Masses for the intentions of the donors.
EouoaLion Fun
The Education fund represents historical funds received on the disposal of school sites. These funds
can only be used towards sUPPOrting Education in the Archdiocese.
Archbishop's Appeal Fund
This is a fund set up to support youth. evangelisation. social outreach and clergy care across the
Archdiocese and is from the second collection and fundraising events for this fund. The spend 15
made through the awarding of grants to Parish, School and community initiatives and specific
commissions of the Archbishop's Appeal awarding committee.
Investment Policv
The Trustees have issued an Investment Policy Statement and The Trustees, investment goal is to pla
emphasis on maximising total return through both income and capital growth.
A Sustainable Total Retum Strategy was adopted in 2019, which built upon our ethical stance by addressing
a number of issues including fossil fuels and positive investing. This strategy enhanced our approach to
environmental, social and governance practices and required each element of our portfolio to be able to
demonstrate a FX)Sitive contribution to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. We no longer
36

Annual Report 2024: Trustees Report
have any fossil fuel investments. The portfolio has performed well over the years, with an unrealised gain in
2024 of £3.5m12023'. unrealised gain of £3.7m). The Archdiocese remains committed to this approach in line
with our Catholic values. In 2025 we undertook an Investment Management tender process and our current
managers, Barclays, were re-appointed.
The Trustees look after this issue by a structure of quarterly meetings between the Investment Committee
and the investment managers. Barclays Wealth. At these meetings. the officers and the managers consider
each holding in the portfolio and the officers instruct Barclays Weatth as appropriate if disinvestment is
required on ethical grounds.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES
The purpose of this statement is to distinguish the Trustees, responsibilities for the accounts from those of
the auditors as stated in their report. The Charities Act 2011 requires the Trustees to prepare for each
financial year financial statements. which give a true and fair vtew of the Charity's financial activities during
the year and of its financial position at the year end. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are
required to:
Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
ObSe￿e the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice ISORPI
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. and
Prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that this basis applies.
The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that proper accounting records are kept which disclose, with
reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Archdiocese and enable them to ensure that
the financial statements comply with the Trust Deed and the disclosure regulations. They are also
responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Archdiocese and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of error. fraud, and other irregularities.
The Archdiocesan Trustees meeting on 25 September 2025 approved this statement of responsibilities,
together with the Report and the Review and the Accounts.
Most Reverend John Wilson
Archbishop and Chairman
Trustee
2025

**Annual Report 2024:** Independent auditors’ report to the trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark 

**38** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Independent auditors’ report to the trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark 

**39** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Independent auditors’ report to the trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark 

**40** 



**Annual Report 2024:** Independent auditors’ report to the trustees of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark 

## Date: 21 October 2025 

**41** 



Annual Report 2024: Accounts
GROUP STATEMENT OF RNAIKJALACTNMES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Pari5
Fund
Talal
TL*al
INCIX•lE FRCthI
Donat￿nS and le
c*s
Colle.rtionsand dorotions
916
22mO
423
22.ff)8
207
Grants receivable
Legacies
L193
Llf
1.184
3.537
L￿)?
Inve%tnwnt inrorn
Investn*nt income and InteFesl rece￿ab
787
J51
642
812
Rents re.cp.N3b
324
i*ii
2.135
io
Rents re.(P.￿¥7b￿. IrJ(.c3*pnal lètth￿l
c.haal C.ontrlbutlnn
1.076
L1fA
714
ctIv￿1?$
OIIIL'I iilCUiiIEb Sionichalitabkk￿Ilwdiey(l
Repvsilvries
57
203
913
flt
Pmfit on di%posalollMd assets
427
431
TOTAL IN¢CthIE
5276
I6￿5
29585
EXPENDMJRE
91
270
276
charitab￿
384
&3
l.Ti4
24.(fv
34.166
30286
YOTAL EXPENDItURE
24JZO
3qM36
30￿1
142241
1974
Net gaFn¥¢1￿se51 OD inve51￿[
Net g3inson ￿￿eSt￿￿trt properttes
851
3.455
3.710
171
NET(EXPENDllUREVwcoME
2973
42

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
STATEMENTOF FwATh￿LA￿￿￿lES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED31 DECEMBER2024
lknl Deg1w￿l Rèstrktsd
F￿fid$
Notes
NEr {ExPEN￿Ti5REV1NcOMF
L338
2.973
2.784
2.786
TrangF@rs
li.￿1)
NFT MOVEPAENT IN FUN[6
319
L438
18741
2.783
2.786
RECONClitATIONOF FUNDS
Funds brought for¥Jaid
284
11,443
87.945
113fv72
I10￿6
FUNOS LARRIED FORWARD
12./AI
xi.i)ii
114.()1?
note% form p311 ofthe%e ￿coUnt
The State￿￿￿1 OW finarKialA(livltie5i￿m￿le5 allwsand ￿￿e5 re¢¢w¢5vJ •} i￿)￿al.
Forthe parp.Trt chartyak)ne.iotsl fortt* ￿ar £37.143831?023 £332*3￿591
and net tr1co￿ wasE3,186,353 IFY2023 £3.153S181
43

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
BALANCE SHEETS
AS AT 31 DEC£MBER203A
Z024
Gfoup
amrt
Grwp
£0
FIXED A55ETS
Tanglbl• flxèd èssèts
Investmen
38.
39305
39.305
(0.018
dd8
ILM.522
IQL753
IOL753
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
io
3.1
L701
1.481
Current j￿Set IFwestment
Cash at bank and in hand
18.917
19.147
14.643
14_856
22.WT
22328
22344
22.337
CRED￿0￿.. An￿Unts falling
duewrthin one year
li
"10.4711
jIO.2951
Iljf 425j
jIO.418i
NET CURREF￿A$S￿S
11,931
IL9
11.919
NET ASSErs
116455
116.455
113.672
114673
FUNDS
Unrestricted
Restricted
De$i8nated
Parish Fut￿5
12
12.943
iQSS8
10,558
15
3,661
J,e61
3.727
3.727
14
87,on
87,031
81945
116,455
116.455
113,6T2
113h
Approved by Trustees and aUthOrr￿d for issue on 2510912025 and
Signed on their behalf by-
Most Rever¢nd john Wilson
Trustee
44

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
GROUP sfATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2023
£￿)0
Cash flows operats￿ adl¥lttes
Net cash provbded by {used In) operth adlvllles: (see belLVATI
13.8171
CAsh tIINhTS fram Investlry artlwllles
Dividends, interest and rents from investnpnts
Purchase of property
Proceeds from sale of Fkned Assets
Purchase of current asset investnRnt
Purchase of investn7ents
Proceeds from sale of investments
Proceeds from Currrent asset iDvestment
Net cash provided by lused inl investin4 artiviti
832
15991
236
11,0761
1.720
I6,￿}
17,2701
7,730
16289]
6.174
8.109
15,0711
Change in cksh cash equpialents in ￿PortIng penfya
Cash and cash equivalents at be•nnine of ￿porting per￿
4291
14,8
(12,0861
26,942
Cash and (agh eW¥aleb)ts at eTrl ol i¢p¢xtln8 perlod
19,147
14.856
Reconclllatliffi of net I￿a￿1n8 les0w￿$ to cash
operaUn8 acU¥ttles
Net incgme for rtportin4 period18s in SOFA)
Depreciation
Returns on investrnEDts
Intern?1 dividend prigr Yearad]￿trnent
Dividend5
Net 8ain pn Oispos31 of schogl sites and Fixed Assets
Net lain on 01spo￿l of Investment Propert
Ilncrea5ellDecrease in Debtors
Increase/[D￿reasel in Creditors
Sundry
Net Cash provided by/ Iused inl operatine)rtNibes
2.783
587
13.4551
11.3XrfJ
11,580)
1431}
653
{3.7701
18321
20
1349]
1221
11611
15.9891
13.817]
[7,0151
ANALYSIS OF CIi4NGES IN CASH AT BANKAND IN HAND
2024
Cash flow
2023
Cash at bank and ID hand
19.147
14,8
45

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE Accourirs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
I. ACCOUNTING POUCIES
1.1 Basis of Accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with all Statutory requirements and with
Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Fina ncial Reporting Standard appl icable to the UK and
Republic of Ireland IFRS1021- (Charities SORP IFRS10211 and the Charities Act 2011.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark meets the definition of a public benefit entity under
FRS102. The financial statements are prepared in Sterling which is the financial currency of the entity.
Monetary amounts are rounded to the nearest pound.
Assets and liabilities are recognised at historical c05t or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the
relev3 nt accounting policy notels}.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the results of the charity and its subsidiary RCAOS
Property Services Limited. All activitie5 are consolidated on a line-by-line basis in the Statement of
Financi31 Activity (SOFA). Accordingly. the consolidated statement of financial activities reflects the
income and expenditure of the group and Mt the Charity as an indiwdual entity. The consolidated
accounts do not include St George's Cathedral Car Park Limited as the subsidiary is not material to the
group.
1.2 Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in
preparing these accounts. The Trustees have made this assessment in respect of a period of at least
one year from the date of approval of these accounts.
The Trustees of the Charity have concluded that there are no material Un￿rtaI nties related to events
or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to conti nue as a going concern.
The Trustees are of the opinion that the Charity will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as
theyfall due.
1.3 Income
Donations
Donations are recognised when received. Receipts of property. investments or other gifts in kind are
included at market value.
Legacies
For legacies. entitlement is considered to be earlier of when either:
a) Notification has been received from the executor that probate has been granted and the Charity is
expected to receive a distribution.. or
bl A distribution has been received from the estate
46

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1.3 Income (Continued)
Receipt of a legacy is only conSide￿d probable when the executors have indicated that there are
sufficient assets in the estate to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the Charity,
but the criteria or income recognition have not been met, then the legacy IS treated as a contingent asset
and disclosed if material. tife interests are not recognised until the cessation of the life interest.. they are
then valued as residuary legacies.
Grants
Grants are recognised when receivable.
Investment income
Investment income is accounted for as it accrues.
Rental income
Rents and service charges from lettings are recognised net of losses from voids. Income is recognised
from the date the property is first let.
Other income
Fees receivable and sale of goods are accounted for in the period in which the relev2 nt services or goods
are provided or supplied.
Expenditure
Costs of raising funds comprise those costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the
mana8ement ofthe Charitys investments.
Costs of charitable activities consist of all expenditure directly relating totheobjects of the Charity. Support
costs that cannot be directly allocated are apportioned between the different areas on the basis of the
Trustees. estimate of the time spent on the relevant functions.
Governance costs include expenditure on management and compliance with constitutional and statLrtory
requirements and are now part of support costs.
abilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the
charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of obli8ation can
be measured reliably.
Irrecoverable VAT is included with the category of expenses to which it relates.
Schools Building Programme
The Archdiocese 35S15ts schools undertaking major projects by meeting the costs and claiming grant5 ori
behalf of the schools. These grants are netted off against the cost and only the net costs to the
Archdiocese are InctL￿ed in the financial statements.
1.6 Tangible Fixed Assets
Prior to 31 December 1996, the cost of fixed assets was written off in the year of acquisition and no
comprehensive cost records were maintained. In order to arrive at a reasonable valuation of parish
property. taking into account age, type, condition and life expectancy, the Trustees considered that the
then insured values should be discounted by and not depreciated further. Properties acquired after
31 December 1996 3 re capitalised at their actual cost of acquisition. The value of buildings includes all
fixtures and fittings and organ5, which form part of the fabric of the building. TheTrustees consider that
the residual values of buildings held at 31 December 1996 were considered to be significantly higher than
47

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE AccouNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1.6 Tangible Fixed Assets {continued)
their carrying val ue in the accounts, resulting in an annual depreciation charge of nil. An imp3irment
review of buildings is perforffled annually to confirm whether a charge for impairment should be
recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
The Archdiocese owns a number of properties which are occupied and run by independent charities in
the form of Voluntary Aided Schools. The School properties (land and buildingsl are vested in the name
of the CIO. The Archdiocesan Trustees cannot take a unilateral decision to dispose of these properties.
Disposal can only occur if the school governors and the Secretary of State for Education decide that all or
pa rt of a school site is no longer required for education. In most circumstances, where a disposal occurs,
the Secretary of State or the local a uthority may be entitled to recoup grant. Although no rights of
ownership vest in the school governing body. most other rights and obligations, such as for the
maintenance and repair of the school and its facilities. are passed to the governors. The Trustees
therefore consider that there is no GlPStal value to the Archdiocese in the stock of school buildings. Thus.
these propertie5 have not been capitalised. There is a potential value. or contingent a55et, in the event
of 3 closure of a school (either connetted to a re-organisation or not). Such an asset is recognised only
upon the occurrence of a closure/re-organi5ation and the 51te'5 development val ue becoming certain,
such as upon the granting of planning permission. The recognition of this value is accounted for as an
income in the year in which this value becomes measurable and certain.
Equipment 15 not capitalised but written off as incurred. There may be some parish equipment included
in the historic cost figures.
Depreciation is calculated by the straight-line method to write off the cost/value less anticipated residual
value, over the expetted useful lives of assets as follov45'. -
Freehold buildings
Lon8 leasehold
SO years
50 years
Financial instruments
The Charity only enters into basic financial instruments transactions that result in the recognition of
financial assets and liabilities such as trade and other accounts receivable and payable and investment5
in stocks and shares. The measurement basis used for these financial instruments is detailed below.
Investments
Quoted investments are valued at their bid price on the balance sheet date. Properties held for
investment purposes are included in these accounts at open market value. The valuation ha5 been
determined bytheTrustees, with professional assistancewith respectto properties bothcommercial and
residential valued at £24.2m 12022 £24.6ml. Residential properties valued at £10.6m were valued
internally Details of the dates and basis of the valuations are given in note 9 to the accounts. Disposa Is of
investment properties are accounted for on completion. Realised gain5 lor lossesl on investment asset5
are calculated as the difference between disposal proceeds and either their opening carrying va lue, or
thei r purchase value if acquired Subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Unrealised 8ains and
losses are c21cul2ted as the difference between the fair value and the carrying value at year end. Realised
and unrealised investment gains lor losses) are combined in the statement of financial activities and are
credited lor debited} in the year in which they arise.
Debtors
Short term debtors are measured at transaction price. less any impairment. Loans receivable are
measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs. and are measured subsequently at amort15ed
cost usi ng the effective interest method. less any impairment.
48

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
1.10 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash is represented by cash in hand and deposits with financial institutions repayable withoLrt notice of
not more than 24 hours. Cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that mature i n no more than
three months from the date of acquisition and that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash
with insignificant risk of change in value.
1.11 Creditors
Short term creditors are measured at the transaction pri￿. Other finanaal lia bilities, including bank
loans, are measured initially at fair value. net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at
amortised cost using the effective interest method.
1.12 Fund accounting
Designated Funds
These are funds set aside by the Trustees out of unrestricted general funds for speafic future purposes
or prospects.
Restrirted Fund5
These are funds where the income is restricted by the conditions imposed by the donors. Further details
of the restricted fund5 are shown in note 15to the accounts.
Parochial Fund5
Each parish is considered by canon law to be a juridiGII person with corresponding rights and obligations.
including the holding and use of funds. The use of these parochial fund5 IS the responsibility of the parish
priest, Archdiocesan Finance Committee. College of Consultors. and the Archbishop in varying ways
depertrding on the amount and significance of the funds. They therefore constitute a fomi of restricted
fund.
1.13 Pensions
Certain staff are members of personal pension schemes to which they make contributions. The
Archdiocese contribute5 an additional amount to the employee's contribution but has r)0 commitment
to make good any shortfall in funding.
Some staff employed in the educational work of the Archdiocese are members of the Department for
EdU￿tIon and Skills Teachers. Superannuation Scheme (TPAI, which 15 a defined benefits Scheme. The
Department instructs the Archdiocese as to the level of employer's contribLrtion, which the Archdiocese
isobliged to make. bLrt the Archdiocese doe5 not have anycommitmentto make good anactuarial deficit,
nor is it entitled to benefit from surplus funding. For the purposes of complying with relevant accounting
standards, theTPA is accounted for as a defined contribution scheme as the employer is not responsible
for or entitled to receive benefit for any deficit or surplus of the scheme.
1.14 SignifKant judgements and estimates
In preparing these financial statements the Trustees have had to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts recognised in these financial 5tatement5. Estimate5 and judgerTTent5 are continually
evaluated and are b3sed on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future
event5 that are believed to be reasonable under the circum5tance5. The judgement which ha5 the most
significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements relates to the valuation of
investment property. TheTrustee5 have reviewed valuations in theyearand consider that the valuations
represent the best estimate of the fair value at the Balance Sheet date and that there has been no
impairment in the year.
The investment properties are ir￿lUded at valuation. This is considered to be a critical accountin8
estimate in wew of the amounts invested and the judgment applied to their valuation.
Buildings purchased prior to 1996 are not depreciated.
49

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE ACCOUPttS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DE￿MBER 2024
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER2024
2 INCOME
Irwestment tncome InterE& p￿able
Restated
2024
2023
£o(MJ
Ari5ingoTr quot￿ In￿st[nents
Bank interest
7ts3
528
178
151
Other irterest investment IrK0￿
609
153
1,5
832
Other I￿ome
2024
2023
£0
Education incorr
558
Other income
2Q5
169
Other parish income
913
3 EXPENDITURE
2024
2024
2024
2024
a Total ExpeTrdttuwe
Staff Costs
other
Depreciation
£(M)o
Total
£c￿0
Raising ￿JndS (note 3b)
270
270
Direct Charitable EX￿ndit￿re
(also Note 51
6.622
26.953
591
34.166
6,622
27.223
591
24.436
2024
2￿24
2024
2024
Unrestricted
RestrKted
Par(#thial
b Raising Funds
RFnt
Funds
Funds
Total
£c￿0
Investment Manèeement Fees
Fundraising & Scrial
92
165
76
105
102
76
270
50

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE AccouNrrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DE(￿MBER 2024
3 EXPENDITURE
2023
2023
2023
2023
a Total Expenditure
Staff Costs
Other
Depreciation
£(￿0
Total
£0
£CN)O
b Raising funds
276
276
Direct Charitable Expenditure
(see also Note 51
23,744
653
30.286
5.8&0
24,020
653
30.￿2
2023
21)23
2023
2023
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Par￿hla1
Jnds
b Raising Funds
Total
£000
£(￿)0
Investment Management Fees
Fundraising & Social
71
161
31
84
115
102
90
84
276
51

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE AccouNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Pwcdial
2024
2023
Jnd5
Funds
Funds
Totsl
Tota
Provision of Worskap
Upkeep of Butldtngs:
Church Supplies
- Church Repair5
Hall Expenses
Other Parish Expense5
DepreciatioTr
Suppx)rt CcGts allocated
£￿0
39
4,116
4,155
3,737
4,117
120
164
164
3.710
3,710
3.721
399
2.074
113
2.074
14,298
2,280
14,374
12.184
Clerw & Pwlsh SupFKfft
Prl¥ts' Tralning
Cl•rgy Support
cler￿ & Church SupFort:
Household
- House Repairs & EquipT￿nt
- Salarles & Wages
-Property costs
- OfftrlnBy paidto Pr6asts
SuppJrt Ccfjt$ all￿ated
62
1,191
1,184
2,375
2,251
1.146
501
1,146
501
1.103
462
2,953
2.051
1.876
2.953
2,051
2,037
2.604
1,590
2,347
1,965
12,384
161
IC47
1,1
9,763
13,(O)
Pastoral Care & Communlty Support
Commlsslons Ise• abo￿)
Sofe8uardini
Chaplainci
Marriage Tribunal
Education & Training
Sp•clal c0llttti0￿ for 3rd partbs
Telephon4. statlonery & urs
Catholic Trust En¥land & Wales
Other Grants
l.C66
270
I,C66
270
1,288
261
131
213
93
238
213
352
352
265
181
1.230
1,411
1,491
734
296
3ty)
418
418
424
Youth Service
iio
iio
84
Support Costs èlh)cèted
872
872
975
533
2,096
6.148
Sch¢J)Is Pro8rdmme
Schcols building & maintenance
Schools Project Cost
Support Costs allocated
697
697
959
38
38
3.7601
181
125
125
12,6201
&399
1,724
24fA3
34,166
30.286
School Project Cost
The credit in FY2023 relate5 toccsts previc4Jsty accwed aNI sutrfyequentty s￿rt atTrd ￿0vered by SC4 in FY2023
52

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE AccouNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
2LU3
2023
2(ll3
Lknre5tricted
P￿0th￿al
2023
Funds
Funds
Jnds
Total
Provision of WorsPllp
up￿ep of Building$:
Church Supplies
- Church Repair5
Hall Expense5
Other Parish Ex￿nS￿$
Depreciation
Support Cc¢ts 4llo£at•d
£coo
3,737
4,117
120
3.721
399
3,737
4,117
120
3.721
399
2.280
22
2.280
14.374
12,094
Cler8y & P¥ish Supp)rt
Prlttts, Tralning
Clèrgy Support
Cl•r£y & Church SupFrf)rt:
ousehold
House Repairs & Equipment
- Salaries & Wales
-ProFQrty costs
- OfferinBs PBid to Pri21ts
- Other
62
62
1,222
1,029
2,251
1.103
462
2.604
1,590
1,777
1.103
2.604
1,590
2,347
S71
SupFort Ccsts allocated
1,965
2535
1.965
12,384
1,222
8,626
Pastor81 Care & Communhy SUp[￿t
Commis5ions1see abovel
Safe8uardin8
Chaplaincies
Marrlaee Tribunal
Education & Training
Special coll￿tionS for 3rd partv4s
Telephone, stfitionery & cars
Catholic Trust Engl&nd & Wales
other Grants
1.288
261
93
1,288
261
93
238
238
265
265
1.311
734
1.491
734
296
424
296
424
Youth Servitt
84
Support Costs altocated
975
975
3,658
2,Cl15
6,148
khcols Programme
Schcols building & maintenance
hools Project Cost
Support Costs 8lFocated
959
959
{3.7601
181
13.7601
181
11620
(2.6201
5854
1.667
30.286
53

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE AccouNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
5 SUPPORT c¢￿Ts
2024
2023
£o(KJ
£oc
Dioc¥anAdministRtion
- General
1.529
2.513
568
2.574
2.138
- Staff Costs
Archbishop and Area Bishops costs
Depreciation
Audrt Fe
241
255
104
67
4.9%
Allocated as folbws:
£ofy)
Expenditure ow• ChaiitableAthitses
Provision of Worship
Clargy and Pèrlsh Suppcrt
Pastoral CEre and Communrty Suppjrt
SchDJls Pro8ramrr
2.074
1,8
871
2,280
976
125
181
4.9%
5,402
6 STAFF
The average number of empbyees of the Archdlocese durln£ the year and thelr a¢¢￿ate emoluments are shown below..
2024
Staff Costs:
P?righ
Totsl
Wa4es and salaries
Employers N8tM)nal Insurance
Pension ¢o5ts
3.219
346
2.733
143
5.952
143
3.708
2314
6,622
2023
staff Costs:
Partsh
Total
Wages and salaries
Employers Natk)nal Insurance
Pension costs
2.874
299
2.4XJ
121
5.324
420
113
146
3.286
2ffj04
s.￿0
54

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE AccouNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Average number of employees
2024
2023
Number
lthmber
Administration
Diotrsan agencies
Parish employees Imainty domestic and secretarial)
55
61
265
262
346
The nurnbers of employe￿ earning £60.C¥X) or more duringthe year were as follow5:
£130,001- £140.QC
£ioo,ooi - £iio.o
£90,Cni - £iOO,C(JO
£80,￿1 - £90,QC(J
r/0,￿1 - £80,OC(J
£60,WI - £70,OC(J
Key management personnel salary. employerfs nat￿nal Insuran￿ and penwn contrib￿￿)n costs amounted to £475.031 IFY2023 -
£442,229
7 TRANSFERS FROM/ ITOI PARISH FUNDS
2024
Total
2023
T(rtal
£0
Levy
Net loan Interest to parlshes
4.132
3.592
(2851
3.847
2,896
The transfers from parish funds represent charges made to the parishe5 for def raying central dKJtesan costs and Sup￿rting sKk and retired
¢lergy. The net loan interest represents interest paKI by the Di￿eSe to the Pa[￿h on dermted funds.
55

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE AccouTrifs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
8 TAN6181E FIXED ASSEts
Parish
ArChd￿eSan ProFerty
Property
Arml Equip¥nent
£￿J0
GroUpa￿l
Total
Cost/K•knation
At l January2024
Additions
13995
461
43.059
615
57.054
L076
11.5471
Disposals
11,5471
At 31 December 2024
12,
4X.673
.582
Depre(iation
At lJanuary2024
Charee in year
Dlsposals
3385
241
12591
14.364
346
17.749
587
12591
At 31 De￿mber 2024
3367
14.710
18,077
Net 8cokValJe
As at 31 December 2024
9.542
2&963
38,504
Net Book Value
As at 31 De￿mber 2023
10.611
28.694
39.305
The Archdiocese also owns a number of properties, whKh are occupied and run by Independent charities in the form of Voluntary Aided
hools. The Trustees consKler that these properties have no cap￿al value to the ArChd1￿esan Charlty- see Accounting Po51cy 1,6, The
total insurance value of these sch¢)ols is approximately £218m. Apart from a small proportion used for manaeement and adminlstratlon,
all flxed assets are used in dirert furtherance of the Charlty's objects.
The Archdiocesan property Indudes bng leasehdds at a cost of £2.532.317 IFY2023 £2,5323171 and at a net book Value of £1,827,402
IFY2023 £1.883.8111
56

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE Accoumfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
INVESTMENTS
Group and charity
2024
2023
£0
£ofy)
Investment properties
Brought forward
Additions
24,153
24,573
Disposals
14201
24,153
24,153
Quoted Investments Isee t*lowl
41,865
38,295
66.018
62,448
2024
2023
The breakdown of quoted investments is asf￿￿)W&
£0
£o(MJ
UK and Overseas equtties and frAed interest stctks
Corporate and government t4)nds
Commodities
34.742
5.449
459
30.932
5.260
other
941
975
Portfolio bank accounts
274
265
41,865
38,295
Quoted investments at market valu
2024
2023
£0
£oc
Openlne balance at l January 2024
Addltlons
38.295
6.289
16.1741
3.455
34,565
7,270
17,3101
3,770
Disposals
Gainsl (Losses)
Balance at 31 December 2024
41.865
38,295
Cost of Investments at 31 December 2024
27.4183
27,369
Unrealised Eains on original cost
14.382
10.927
57

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
I Nv￿TmENTs (Continued)
All quoted irFvestments (other than cashl are listed cffi a recognised St￿k Exchange or are valued by referen￿ to
investments Iksted on a recognised Stock Exchange. There are no investments representine more than 5% of the portfolio
value.
A figure forthe cost of investment properties OWr￿ at i January 1997 is available.
Certain investment propertiÈ% have been valued by independent valuerÈ- gtaff of Vail l¥illiams LLP who are all MRICS and
RICS Re£￿tered Valuers all of whom have recent experience of valuiA£ such properties. These properties were valued at
£13.7 m
The other Investment propertÈes were valutd internally based ot) Ma￿et information. These v*re all re￿￿entI>l
properties. These properties were valued at £lQ38 m.
SuBSID￿Ry COMPANIES
The Charlty crtvns IOO%of the Issued share capltal In St George's Cathedral Car Park Lfimlted (Company reOstratioTr
number 027057781. The company had net liabilities of £5369 at 31 Decemtrer 2024. Turnover of £13,&84 eKpersditure of
£19,166 and net loss of £5282 for FY2024.
The Charity ￿n$ IOOY,of the Issued share capital in RCAOS Property servic￿ Limited (Company registration number
125921371. The company had na liabilbties of £67.089 ar 31 December 2024. Tumover E4C@.3￿. expenditure of
£475,480 and net10s5 of £67.090 for FY2024.
10 DEBTORS
reststed
2023
restated
2024
Qwrtty
tharlty
£0
Group
£000
Trade debtors
719
765
797
Other debtors, prepayments and accrued
income
2.395
2.396
665
665
Amount owned by eroup undertakine
353
256
19
3.467
3.1
1,701
1.481
58

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
11 CREDITORS.. Amountsfalling due wfthin one year
a¥arfty
Group
£0￿)
Loans to the Archd*xese and Parishesfrorn
third parties
Trade creditors
Other creditors.accru3k,deferred income
School BuildinE Proiects
318
318
392
392
3.?yJ
515
3,174
515
2.677
2,670
969
6388
6388
&387
10.471
10,395
10,425
10,418
12 UNPESTRicfED FLIN￿s
DESIfjNATED FUNDS
bal￿(e4t
Balance at
-kn
Ex￿￿O￿le
TfinsfÈ
31-Dec
rs
20U. as a￿4e$ duelo
Group and Q￿lIty
•$ rest•te41
£OL
fooo
£000
£0
Buildin8 repair5 reserve
85
85
81
76
ReseNe to support pari%he$ buildin8C16tS
23
1251
Cathedral repalrs reseNe
Clergrf Formation and St John Seminary reL)trd
costs
287
287
1351
252
3.332
3,332
3,332
3.727
3,727
1661
3,661
GENEPAL
11.SJ7
11.3491
10,55S
6,972
1&4341 3.847
12,944
Total Unrestr￿ted Funds
(including Designated Furmlsl
15.634
11,3491
14.285
6.972
18,5DDI 3.847
6eneral
The General Fur¢d representsthe free reseEves of the Charity.
59

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
12 uNREsTR￿ED FUNDS contirned
DESIGNATEDFUNDS
Balan￿￿t
Balance at
01-Jan
Expendtture
Transfers
31-Dec
Group and Cha￿Y
3J23- restated
2023- restated
£000
£000
Building repairs reserve
Reserve to support parishes building costs
Cathed ral repairs rtterve
Clergy Formatlon and St John Seminary related
Costs
350
12651
11471
1631
85
170
23
39)
287
14CQI
11.6CQI
3,332
6,210
18831
1,6001
3,727
GENERAL
S￿5
15.OT21
4,496
10,558
Total Unrestrieted Funds
lincluding Designated Fund51
11.745
5.599
15.9551
2,896
14,285
Buildin
re
airs re5eNè
Thls amount relatesto C¢)Ststo renovate Bowen House. This w)rk wès t*euTh in 2023 and Is eXp￿ted to be completeé by summer 2024.
ris
This relatesto a distribution received f r￿n CNM insurance in 2021 and is allcoted to coverfire risk awssment cost for three years.
The fund was tulty spent In year.
Cathedral re
irs reser¥e
£350k has been set aside for Cathedral repair costs. The repairs haye commenced in 2023 and expected to completed by summer 2025.
Cle
Formation aThl Stjohn Semina
Funds received from St John Seminary. ￿'onersh as a distribution after the Sa￿ of the seminary in FY2022. Trustees have Designated thi5
for clerey formation and the re1C￿￿10n of the a￿arS to the Cathedral. The Trustees have plans to Ltse this for Evaneelisation prDgrammes.
most particularty aimed at Youth from Q4 2025.
60

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE AccouNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
13 PARISH FUNDS
Balance at
Balance at
l-lan
Expendknjwe
Transfers
31-Dec
2024
llftdudi￿ga1Th
oft irtK*stmèntl
2024
£￿0
£o(rf)
£wo
£(KJO
Parlsh Funds
Balance at
OL-lan
Balance at
31-Dec
Expend￿re
Transfers
2023
lindudl￿gaITr
on in¥estmentl
2023
£fy)o
£ofy)
£￿0
£D)o
Parish Funds
61

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
14 RESTRICTED FUNDS
BalaKe at
Balance at
01-JAn
EX￿ndkure
Trnnsfèrs
31-Dec
2(r24
(inC￿dir￿ gain
in%estmentl
2024
£000
Priests Training Fund
Clergy Support Fund
Ferrers Funds
Mass Funds
3S65
301
505
11311
11,1391
1311
4,339
569
914
114
io
997
2,016
Parish Church Futt(i
52
Trust and Other Funds
Legion of Mary Fund
Archbishop's Ap￿al Fund
Edu¢atlen Fund
3.164
236
12121
3.420
236
102
703
1951
I2￿)
157
495
Poor Parishes
5CM)
11,443
3,154
11,8161
12,781
Mass Funds Includethe restrlcted fund held w￿h1n the parishes
8alaKe at
Balance at
01-lan
Expendtture
Transfers
31-Dec
21r23
l1ftthdl￿ gain
2023
£000
Priests Tr¥ininK Fun
Clergy Suppori Fund
Ferrers Funds
3.199
193
837
1711
19441
301
3,965
301
914
1.052
144
799
Mass Funds
I.￿6
53
li
2.of
Parish Church Fund
Tiust and Other Funds
Legion of Mary Fund
Archbishop's Appeal Fund
Education Fund
3.116
322
12751
3.164
236
236
107
18A
li￿)
12491
102
952
703
10.650
2.550
11.7571
11.443
Priests Trainin
Fund
This fund meets the costs of StUder￿ at Seminaries training to k prie*sforthe Archd￿)￿Se and ongoingtvainingfoi Clergy.
62

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE AccouNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Cle
Su
rt Fund
A legacy specificaltyl restricted to helping dergy in need has ken invested and the income is appl￿d to the Clergy Supp)rt Fund. This
income is insutticient to meet the needs of the Fund. As annual eJpendrture is invariably considerabty in eY￿sS of the income generated
and is met from a specific par￿h a5￿ment and alIc￿￿k￿£ from Unrestrirted Funds. all the income and ex￿ndIt￿re is shown in the
Unrestricted Funds columft of the Statement of Financial Activrt*i The Fund also re￿Ned f366.954 art￿The from the Clerey Support
Fundraising Campaign and all of this was expended in the FeritKI in 51JPPOrting the Archdicwe's s￿k arfjd retiied priest&
Ferrers Fund
The Archdiocesan Charity Trust￿ tcKJk over the administration of the ￿an maC￿0d Ferrers Deceased Almshouses Trust (former
registered Charity number 2657191 ijnder a Chartty Commission Stheme dated 24 February 2011.
Under the terms otthe kheme the propert¥ of the Fund is to be used for the public benefft:
181 To provide adapted acComm￿￿8t10ft for the benefitiaries.. andlor
Ibl To make 8rantstothe beneftciaries for zoTrJs andlor servKes.-
In carrying out these objects the Trustees shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that the benefiaari2s have their spiritual needs
recognised and supported
M8ss Fu
Income re￿iVed on investments provided by donors is pa￿ to pr*sts who offer Massesfor the intertiins of the donors.
Trust and Crther Funds
The Archdiocese has a number of subshliary and connected trust funds as well as some 22 other restricted funds. whKh have been
re￿iVed over rnany years from donors who have spxrfied particular purp05e5 for the fund&
Educatlon Fund
This fund represents the net prO￿ed$ of sale from sthools that have been ckxd. The funds will be anocateil to the cogt of building new
schools and supportin& education in the Archd10￿se.
ion of Ma
Fund
These funds are held on trust forthe Leg￿n of Marfs purposes or, rf the Leiion shall cease to exst tsr to carry out any charltable works In
the area of the Archdic*&e of Southwart then for such similaf Charrtab￿ purposesto the Leew)n's Purr#)ses. as the Trustees Of the
Ar¢hdio¢ese of S)uthwark shall decKIe.
Archbish
al Fund
Th￿ is 8 fund set up to support youth. evangelisation. social outreach and clergy care atrossthe Archdic£e5e and isfrorn the second
collection and fundraisine events forthis fund. The spend is made through the awarding of erants to Parish. and Community
initiatives and spe(¥fic ¢ommission5 d the ArthbishO￿s Appe61 awarding commtttee.
P￿r Parishes
Thts 15 a legacy iecer¥aJforthe use of ading Pry)r Parishes. This will be distributed in 2025 as part of the Jubilee year.
63

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE Accoumfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
15 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS
Net Parish and
Net Current Assets Restricted Fund
le55 loan5
loan5 to the
Di
Fixed Assets
Total as at
3111212024
In¥estments
£0
£t))
£000
Unrestricted Archdiocesan funds
9336
33,501
4,C81
3,661
3.457
733
(33.9751
12,943
3,661
12,780
87,071
Designated ArChd}￿san Funds
Restricted Archditxesan funds
Parish funds
206
9,117
23.4
28.963
33.975
Total Net Assets
38,
66,018
11.932
116,455
Free Reserves
3,607
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS contiwed
Not Parish and
Nèt Current Asséts Restricted Fund
1855 loar
loans to the
Di
Flxed Assets
Investments
Total a$ at
3111212023
restated
£000
Unrestr￿Cted Archdiocesan funds
Desilnzted ArchdIC￿5an Funds
Regcricted ArChdi￿e$3n funds
10,405
30,9CM)
3,499
3.727
2.887
134,2471
10,558
3,727
11,443
87,945
8.39)
23.198
Parlsh fuhds
Prior year difference
28,694
34,247
Total Net Assets
39.305
62,448
11.919
113,672
Free Reserves
153
Free r￿erveS are defined unrestricted reserves less FrKed Assets less desEnated reserves.
64

Annual Report 2024: Accounts
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNfs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
16 TRANSAcfioNS WITH TRUSTEES
Some of theTrustees of the Archdiocese 1-Cler￿al Trustees~l are also priests in the ￿ch￿Ic￿eSe conducting pastoral ministries. As priests
they receive income in reskEtt of their pliest￿ iiork t￿ether wrth INing accommcxlation. livingeypense5 and reimbufsement of costs on a
similar ￿￿1$ as other prI￿ts of the Archdicre5e. They do receNe any remuneratDn or beneftts from theirtrusteeship.
The remèining Trustees I"Lay Trustees") dKI not receive any remuneration or other benefits in the year ended 31 De￿mber 2024 nor for
the year ended 31 De￿mber 2023. No Lay Trustee was pa￿￿ any exF*nses in 2024 or 2023.
During the year. the charrty re￿Ived donations totalling £52Y212023.' £92571 from trustees. These donat￿nS were unconditional, made
wrthout any expectation of return. and were not subject to any condrtions that vKJuld affect the charitTrls operations or decision-making.
In accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021, these donations hawe been aggregated and disclosed as related party transartions. No
other related party ttsnsactions requiring di￿10$￿re ttujrred durine the year.
17 TRUSTEE INDEMNITY INSURAIKE
The insurers of the Archdiocese provide Trustees, Indemnrty insurance at nil premium.
18 RELATED PARTY TPANSACTIONS
The Most Reverend John Wilson Trustee is a members of Kent Catholic Schools Partnership IKCSPI. A credit faolity was provided to KCSP.
The balance due from KCSP at 31 C￿ceMber 2024 is £114.15512023: £114.1551. No Interest is charged on this facilrty
In the year, there are transactions between tharity and rfs wholly own subsidiary ProFerty Serwces Ltd whKh includes sales I rechar8es
of £335,651 and intercompany balance of 175.
In the FY2023, the¥e are transacthjns between tharity and rt's whollyown subsidiary Property Services Ltd wh￿h includes sales / recharges
of £344,512 and intercompany balan￿ of £161. 186.
In the year, there are transactions between tharity and tys W￿lIV own subsidiary St George's Cathedral Car Park Ltd which includes
inter¢ompany tsatan￿ of a9.439 IFY2023: QO.3581.
19 RESTATEMENT OF PRIOR YEAR F16URES-TREATMENT OF INTERNAL DMDENDS AND UNREAiSED GAINS
During the pieparation of the financial statements for the ￿ar ended 31 December 2024. an error was Identrfied in the prior year'5
treatment ol Internal dividends and dividend debtots.
In previous years. internal dividends received from group inbtstment holdings were incorrectly recognised in full as income. This resulted
in an overstatement of investment income. di¥•Jend debtor and net assets.
This has been correded in 2024. A5 a resu￿. the 2023 comparative figur￿ In tTr￿ prmiary statements and notes have been restated a5
follows..
Investment income has teen reduced by£273988 leading to a £273,998 reduction in surplus in 2023
Dividend debtor have been decreased by ll349,650 leading to a decrease in net assets of £1.349.650 in 2023.
Net assets as at 31 December 2022 have I￿en adjusted by £1,075,662.
Th￿ restatement has no impact on the cash ky)sition or total funds carried forward. but ensures that the financial statements more
accurately reflert the undedyine economic substance of the group's investment artivrties.
65