Charity Registration No. 1175973
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Tim Foley |
|---|---|
| Linda Wilson | |
| Andrew Potter | |
| Helen Roe | |
| Joshua Searle | |
| Dumisani Ncube | |
| Patience Zikhali | |
| Charity number | 1175973 |
| Principal address | Lytchett House, |
| 13 Freeland Park | |
| Wareham Road | |
| Poole | |
| BH16 6FA | |
| Independent Examiners | Linda Noel FCA |
| Noel and Co Chartered Accountants 4, Parliament Close, | |
| Prestwood Great Missenden | |
| Buckinghamshire HP16 9DT |
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent Examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the accounts | 7 |
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
TRUSTEES REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and the SORP (FRS 102) 2015, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Introduction
The global pandemic made 2021 a particularly challenging year for the AMN. Whilst our income, being based on rents from properties, was largely unaffected, our activities had to be adjusted to the situation. The trustees rose to the challenge, and continued to focus on the priorities that we had identified, using virtual meetings and other means to stay connected and to enable our work to flourish.
An aspect of that flourishing has been a movement away from the AMN being primarily a body which gives grants to groups and individuals to an organisation which operates projects, but also gives some grants. At the end of 2021 the AMN had two main projects: Peaceful Borders and a new Church Planting initiative. Peaceful Borders adapted its work of supporting refugees to the new reality, and the new initiative, starting in a time of Covid with two part-time employees, made many connections, laying foundations for when the country emerged from lockdown.
AMN also supported the Anabaptist Theology Forum (ATF), enabling the continuation of regular online seminars. UK and maintained strong links with the Centre for Anabaptist Studies based in Bristol. The AMN also maintains a network of study groups. Some of these moved to meeting online, whilst others paused their activities or met outside when weather allowed. A new study group, entirely online, was started during the pandemic and was well supported, meeting every six weeks.
Objectives and Activities
We believe that the Anabaptist-Mennonite story offers a fresh and inspiring perspective to our contemporary society and has potential to inspire people to make new connections with the life of Jesus and his followers. The Anabaptist Mennonite Network exists to energise people in their search for truth and wholeness and equip them to live distinctively through the core Mennonite commitments to justice, peace-making, reconciliation and nonviolence.
The main purpose of the network is to promote and embody an understanding of the Christian faith from a Mennonite or Anabaptist perspective in the UK and Ireland, and to resource people and organisations who are pursuing similar goals. It does so primarily by:
-
providing a welcome to enquirers through the offering of hospitality and support, and enabling access to Christian resources, either through informal study or assistance with formal qualifications.
-
offering logistical and financial support to other like-minded projects and organisations.
-
maintaining traditional relationships with international Mennonite and Anabaptist networks, and seeking relationships with new partners working for similar objectives.
The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. A summary of these activities follows.
A portfolio of residential properties is managed and maintained, either being used directly to house people embarking upon local support projects or let out at commercial rates to generate funds to be used for the objectives of the charity.
A network of volunteer regional representatives is facilitated in order to ensure personal contact can always be offered to individuals connecting with the organisation, and those already exploring the Anabaptist tradition.
The AMN continues to support the development of the Centre for Anabaptist Studies at Bristol Baptist College, and the maintenance of an Anabaptist library there. This is open for anyone who wishes to participate in relevant study and reading, either through personal use of library, or participation in formal learning, for which the charity provides some bursary support.
1
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
TRUSTEES REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
Grants and funding are provided, where possible, to individuals and organisations who apply for them. As trustees, we consider each application on its own merits.
Achievements and Performance
The Centre for Anabaptist Studies has continued to offer MA modules in block weeks at Bristol Baptist College, using online teaching. Four courses ran in 2021 with between 4 and 6 students on each course. Several students are studying under the auspices of the Centre and the AMN has provided bursaries for a number of these students during the period. By the end of 2021 there were also three research students at the Centre, two PhD students and one MTh student. Permission was also given during 2021 to take the courses completely online, thus opening up opportunities for more individuals to study with the Centre. CAS also holds an annual lecture in November, which this year was given by Dr Lloyd Pietersen.
The AMN employs a part-time worker to develop Peaceful Borders, an initiative responding to the needs of refugees in France and the UK. When it was not possible to gather during the lockdown, support was given to families through the distribution of food parcels and advice offered over the phone. Project Pause continued to monitor and record the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers in UK accommodation, working alongside Humans for Rights Network.
Financial support was provided to Urban Expression, a pioneering mission agency, and to Soul Space, a community-based peace and reconciliation project in Belfast. Subsidised housing was provided to Simply in Exeter, another community-based project initiating various support groups in the locality.
The AMN has also developed its connection with the Anabaptist Theology Forum, which has continued to operate online during 2021, organising sessions roughly once a month with presentations on a variety of relevant topics. Although there are limitations in not being physically present, these sessions have been well attended and well received. AMN has provided administrative support for the Forum and has advertised events on the AMN website.
During 2021, the AMN Church Planting initiative has continued to develop. Interviews were held in March for two roles each for a day a week, as coaches/catalysts facilitating the exploration of new churches with an Anabaptist identity and to contribute to discussions with existing churches. Two individuals were appointed, one based in the south west and the second with a wider brief. They have been liaising with existing churches and developing new conversations and connections, overseen by a steering group. The trustees feel that this change of focus is a timely development with some exciting possibilities for the encouragement of the expression of Anabaptist values.
Regarding our property portfolio, during the period one property was made available to a family who are working with their local community in various support capacities. The AMN’s remaining properties were rented out at market rates for the full period, maximising income for the fulfilment of the organisation’s objectives.
Financial Review
The fund balance on 31 December 2021 is £3,228,565. This represents an increase of £305,667 on the position at 31 January 2021. After the removing the profit on property disposals of £267,243, the underlying movement is an increase of £38,424. This is can be attributed reasonably equally between an increase in Restricted Funds due to grants exceeding spending, and improvements in the property portfolio investment returns.
Despite the ongoing challenging context of Covid-19, void periods within the property portfolio were minimal and this led to an increase in rental income. Property repairs and renewals were less than usual due to ongoing access restrictions, and also the sale of properties that had the highest maintenance demands.
The current policy of the AMN is to retain £100,000 as reserves to fund a year of running costs should income decline for any reason. The trustees are aware that, as has been the case for several years, the current cash reserves remain in excess of this level. This surplus capital has been earmarked for the purchase of an additional investment property. During this year £514,606 was spent purchasing another house, however the net cash position actually increased as several other properties were sold in the period.
2
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
TRUSTEES REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
These sales were initiated as a result of a detailed review of the property portfolio that identified some of the poorer performing houses, and the conclusion to replace them with more modern houses with a higher rate of return and improved environmental performance. It remains the intention to invest this surplus in further properties, but suitable prospects have not been identified. Towards the end of the year, the trustees agreed to relax some of the requirements in order to ensure that purchases occurred during 2022.
Structure, Governance and Management
The charity was established by the trustees of the London Mennonite Trust (registered charity 227410) on 28th November 2017 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and constituted on the Foundation Model. Its purpose was to allow the unincorporated charity to continue its operations within an incorporated legal entity. Originally named ‘The Mennonite Trust’, the name of the CIO was subsequently changed to ‘The Anabaptist Mennonite Network’.
Trustees are recruited from members of organisations or churches sympathetic to Anabaptist understandings of the Christian faith. New trustees are appointed by the existing trustees. The trustees have reviewed, and will continue to review, the range of skills they bring to the charity to ensure it is appropriate in accordance with good corporate governance.
The trustees met formally four times during 2021, as well as communicating extensively by email between meetings. Other working groups of trustees and staff, which meet as required, have been established to advise the trustees or to work on specific activities as directed by the trustees.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the organisation is exposed, and are satisfied that systems appropriate to the scale and type of organization are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. The trustees have given continued close attention to the long term and short term strategy for the operations.
Reference and Administrative details
Charity name: The Anabaptist Mennonite Network
Charity Registration No: 1175973
Charity’s principal address: Lytchett House, 13 Freeland Park Wareham Road, Poole, BH16 6FA
The trustees who served during the year were:
Tim Foley Linda Wilson Andrew Potter Helen Roe Joshua Searle Dumisani Ncube Chris Horton (resigned 11 Nov 2021) Patience Zikhali (appointed 1 Mar 2021)
No funds are held as custodian trustees on behalf of others.
The organisation has not claimed any exemptions from disclosure requirements.
Linda Wilson (Chair)
On behalf of the board of trustees, 9 July 2022
3
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2021 which are set out on pages 5 to 12
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Linda Noel FCA
4 Parliament Close Prestwood Great Missenden Buckinghamshire HP16 9DT
9July 2022
4
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
| 2021 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ 2,225 90,257 92,482 - - - 134,007 - 134,007 267,243 - 267,243 |
2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Notes | Total | |
| £ | ||
| Incoming resources | ||
| Donations and legacies 2 |
96,084 | |
| Charitable activities 3 |
- | |
| Investments 4 |
122,632 | |
| Profit on disposal of fixed assets | - | |
| Total Incoming Resources | 403,475 90,257 493,732 35,594 - 35,594 79,876 72,595 152,471 |
218,716 |
| Resources Expended | ||
| Raising Funds 5 |
49,016 | |
| Charitable activities 6 |
110,974 | |
| Total resources expended | 115,470 72,595 188,065 |
159,990 |
| Net movement in funds | 288,005 17,662 **305,667 ** |
58,726 |
| 2,855,106 67,792 2,922,898 3,143,111 85,454 3,228,565 |
||
| Total funds brought forward | 2,864,172 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 2,922,898 |
2
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021
| 2021 2020 Notes £ £ £ £ Fixed Assets Investments 9 2,261,030 2,241,442 Current Assets Debtors 10 1,614 9,191 Cash at bank and in hand 972,401 677,085 |
2021 2020 Notes £ £ £ £ Fixed Assets Investments 9 2,261,030 2,241,442 Current Assets Debtors 10 1,614 9,191 Cash at bank and in hand 972,401 677,085 |
2021 2020 Notes £ £ £ £ Fixed Assets Investments 9 2,261,030 2,241,442 Current Assets Debtors 10 1,614 9,191 Cash at bank and in hand 972,401 677,085 |
|---|---|---|
| Notes £ |
£ | |
| Fixed Assets | ||
| Investments 9 |
2,241,442 | |
| Current Assets | ||
| Debtors 10 1,614 |
||
| Cash at bank and in hand 972,401 |
||
| 974,015 | 686,276 4,820 967,535 |
|
| Current Liabilities | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 6,480 |
||
| Net current assets | 681,456 | |
| Net Assets | 3,228,565 | 2,922,898 |
| 85,454 3,143,111 |
||
| Funds of the Charity | ||
| Restricted funds 12 |
67,792 | |
| Unrestricted funds | 2,855,106 | |
| 3,228,565 | 2,922,898 |
The accounts were approved by the trustees on 9 July 2022.
Linda Wilson (Chair)
3
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
1.1 Basis of preparation
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014 (as updated through Bulletin 1 published on 2 February 2016), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015.
The charity has applied Update Bulletin 1 as published on 2 February 2016 and does not include a cash flow statement on the grounds that it is applying FRS 102 Section 1A.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical convention (modified to include certain items at fair value). The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest pound.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years unless otherwise stated.
1.2 Incoming resources
Donations, legacies and other forms of voluntary income are recognised as incoming resources when receivable, except insofar as they are incapable of financial measurement.
1.3 Resources expended
Resources expended are recognised in the period in which they are incurred. Resources expended include attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.
Resources expended are allocated to the particular activity where the cost relates directly to that activity. Certain overhead costs are allocated to particular activities in proportion to the activity's estimated usage of those costs.
Governance costs of the charity relate to the costs of running the charity such as the costs of Independent Examination of the accounts, trustee meetings and statutory compliance.
1.4 Investments
Fixed assets investment properties are stated at cost. The trustees are confident that the market value of all properties exceeds their stated cost, and therefore depreciation is not necessary.
1.5 Pensions
The organisation pays into a defined contribution pension scheme on behalf of three employees. Contributions are charged in the accounts as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
1.6 Accumulated funds
Unrestricted funds represent the funds of the charity that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the charity. Funds designated for a particular purpose by the trustees are also unrestricted.
4
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
| 2 Donations and legacies Donations and gifts Gift Aid Grants received Other |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds 2021 £ £ £ 2,025 1,792 3,817 200 - 200 - 88,465 88,465 - - - |
Total 2020 £ 20,713 235 65,869 9,267 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,225 90,257 **92,482 ** |
96,084 |
No material unrestricted income.
A full analysis of restricted income is given in note 12. No government grants were received.
| 3 Charitable activities Event income |
- - - |
|
|---|---|---|
| - | ||
| 4 Investments Interest income Rental income |
56 - 56 133,951 - 133,951 |
|
| 44 | ||
| 122,588 | ||
| 134,007 - **134,007 ** |
122,632 | |
| 5 Expenditure on raising funds Property Professional Fees Property Repairs/Renewals Property Tax & Insurance Property Utilities |
22,601 - 22,601 9,751 - 9,751 2,743 - 2,743 499 - 499 |
|
| 28,573 | ||
| 16,928 | ||
| 3,001 | ||
| 514 | ||
| 35,594 - **35,594 ** |
49,016 |
5
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
| 6 Expenditure on charitable activities Staff costs (note 7) Grant making (note 8) Staff Travel & Subsistence Additional staff & support Trustee Travel & Subsistence General Admin & Subs Event costs Direct assistance Bank interest & charges Legal & professional fees Stationary & office costs Insurance |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds 2021 £ £ £ 43,428 22,529 65,957 24,127 13,727 37,854 2,926 6,188 9,114 4,027 25,740 29,767 95 - 95 1,736 498 2,234 - - - 847 3,742 4,589 196 7 203 1,630 - 1,630 75 164 239 789 - 789 |
Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ||
| £ | ||
| 55,121 | ||
| 18,442 | ||
| 3,984 | ||
| 18,313 | ||
| 652 | ||
| 1,616 | ||
| 3,819 | ||
| - | ||
| 55 | ||
| 7,008 | ||
| 1,312 | ||
| 652 | ||
| 79,876 72,595 152,471 |
110,974 |
£1,500 was paid for the examination of the Accounts (Prior year: £1,500).
| 7 Staff costs Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs |
40,970 21,923 62,893 - - - 2,458 606 3,064 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 52,652 | ||
| - | ||
| 2,469 | ||
| 43,428 22,529 **65,957 ** |
55,121 |
No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.
Pension costs are paid to an externally run Defined Contribution scheme (NEST).
| Average head count in the year | Full time | Part time | Total |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 |
|||
| Charitable activities | 2 | 1 | 3 |
3 |
| Governance | 1 | - | 1 |
1 |
6
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
| 8 Grantmaking Soulspace Urban Expression Anvil Trust Covid Mennonite Library Study Bursaries Others |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds 2021 £ £ £ 15,000 10,717 25,717 3,250 3,250 3,500 3,500 - 579 579 3,010 3,010 1,798 1,798 - |
Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | ||
| £ | ||
| 10,000 | ||
| - | ||
| - | ||
| 1,400 | ||
| 450 | ||
| 4,792 | ||
| 1,800 | ||
| 24,127 13,727 **37,854 ** |
18,442 |
Material Grants to institutions
-
Soulspace - a cross-community peace building and church planting initiative in Belfast which is aligning itself with Anabaptist values.
-
Urban Expression – an organisation supporting community work and gatherings in marginalised communities, with shared Anabaptist values.
-
Anvil Trust – an initiative with Mennonite and Anabaptist roots who are facilitating new forms of meeting together and producing contemporary material.
| 9 Investment Assets - Properties Cost At 1 January 2021 |
9 Investment Assets - Properties Cost At 1 January 2021 |
9 Investment Assets - Properties Cost At 1 January 2021 |
Land and |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buildings | |||
| £ | |||
| 2,241,442 | |||
| Additions Disposals |
514,606 | ||
| (495,018) | |||
| At 31 December 2021 Depreciation |
2,261,030 | ||
| - | |||
| At 31 December 2021 | 2,261,030 | ||
| At 31 December 2020 | |||
| 2,241,442 |
These investments consist of 5 (Prior year: 8) residential properties which are rented to provide income or used to provide short-term housing for charity projects.
There are no restrictions on realising the investments or receiving income and disposal proceeds.
7
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
| 2021 £ 286 - 1,328 |
2020 £ 7,541 - 1,650 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 10 Debtors and Prepayments |
||
| Trade Debtors | ||
| Mortgages and loans | ||
| Prepayments and accrued income | ||
| 1,614 3,770 2,710 |
9,191 | |
| 11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year |
||
| Trade Creditors Accruals |
||
| 3,220 | ||
| 1,600 | ||
| 6,480 | 4,820 |
| Balance at Incoming Resources 31 Dec 2020 Resources Expended £ £ £ 7,774 121 - 11,439 1,449 (2,610) 31,599 45,000 (38,453) 10,595 1,671 (7,712) 6,385 27,000 (12,703) - 4,299 (400) - 10,717 (10,717) |
Balance at | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 31 Dec 2021 | |||
| 12 Restricted Funds |
£ | ||
| CPT UK | 7,895 | ||
| Alan Kreider Legacy Fund | 10,278 | ||
| Project Pause | 38,146 | ||
| Peaceful Borders | 4,554 | ||
| Hopetowns | 20,682 | ||
| South African Bursaries | 3,899 | ||
| Soulspace | - | ||
| 67,792 90,257 (72,595) |
85,454 |
Fund Notes
CPT UK – Christian Peacemaker Teams is an international organisation, with the work in this country organised as a project of the AMN.
Alan Kreider Legacy Fund – following the death of Alan Kreider in 2017, a fund bearing his name was established to support study in specified fields and international exchange visits.
Project Pause – a project, launched with Humans for Rights Network, with the aim of collecting stories and evidence from refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.
Peaceful Borders – a project that supports refugees and asylum seekers on entry into the UK.
Hopetowns – a project, linked to Peaceful Borders, that hosts regular social and learning gatherings in London for refugees and asylum seekers.
South African Bursaries – operating alongside the Alan Kreider Legacy Fund (above) to provide study bursaries for Anabaptist-related studies, this fund exists to encourage Mennonites from South Africa to undertake UK-based courses.
Soulspace – as well as making unrestricted grants to this organisation (see note 8), restricted funds were also utilsed.
8
THE ANABAPTIST MENNONITE NETWORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
13 Transactions with trustees and related parties
None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with this charity or a related entity.
The charity engaged the services of Atkinson Roe Architects to provide consultancy and management services in relation to the property portfolio. Helen Roe, a trustee, undertook this work and received a total of £22,842 (Prior period: £17,065) in fees. This arrangement is governed by a service agreement that stipulates normal commercial terms and was agreed by all trustees prior to the engagement. Payment is based on detailed itemised invoices which the trustees must approve before submission. There were no amounts outstanding at the period end.
Trustee expenses are included in note 6. The number of trustees reimbursed for expenses was 1 (Prior period: 4).
9