St Mark's Milton Keynes
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2024
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
ST MARK'S MILTON KEYNES
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE 29 Bradwell Road Bradville Milton Keynes MK13 7AX GOVERNING DOCUMENT Constitution dated 13 August 2018 Registered 26 September 2018 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1180087 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THE CHARITY Iain Rowe (Appointed April 2024) Rvd Paul Oxley Jonathan Hyde Alexander Jones (Resigned Mar 2024) Vicki Offin (Appointed April 2024) KEY MANAGEMENT R Lawrence P Oxley BANKERS HSBC UK Bank plc INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Lisa Darby FCA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
INDEX
Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages 2 - 4 Trustees' Report Page 5 Independent Examiner's Report Page 6 Receipts and Payments Account Page 7 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages 8 - 9 Notes to the Accounts
St Mark's Milton Keynes Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2024
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ST MARK'S MILTON KEYNES
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Formation
St Mark's Milton Keynes was established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation by a Constitution dated 13th August 2018 and has the Registered Charity Number 1180087.
Trustees
The trustees are the only voting members of the charity. They are not remunerated in any form for their services as trustees.
The existing trustees have the power to appoint new or additional trustees.
Under the terms of the Constitution, the trustees have the power to do anything which is calculated to further the objects of the charity or is conducive or incidental to doing so. The income and property of the charity must be applied solely towards the promotion of its objects.
As trustees, we have several key responsibilities:
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Preparing financial statements for each accounting year that record the charity's receipts and payments.
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Keeping proper accounting records that disclose the financial position of the charity accurately and ensure compliance with the Charities Act 2011.
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Safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps to prevent fraud or other irregularities.
In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission
Objects of the charity
The objects of the charity are, for the public benefit:
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The advancement of the Christian faith, in accordance with the Statement of Faith, in Milton Keynes and such other parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Charity Trustees may from time to time decide; and
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The prevention and/or relief of poverty in particular, but not exclusively, by providing financial support to individuals in need, and charities or organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty.
Introduction
Reflecting on the past year fills us with gratitude for the work accomplished while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges faced by us and many other charities.
The funding landscape is the toughest we have ever known, and the levels of need in our communities continue to rise, despite challenges like Covid and the "Winter Fuel Crisis" seemingly having passed. The effects of these challenges still impact many families.
In this context, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone connected to St Marks who has worked tirelessly throughout the year: staff and volunteers, whether regularly or occasionally. Your contributions are deeply appreciated, and none of what we have achieved would have been possible without you.
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Faith advancement
Measuring success in developing faith is challenging, as it is often a profound, gradual, and personal journey. Nevertheless, there are activities we hope have contributed to this growth, and certain indicators that we can point to.
We have begun weekly gatherings in a new venue after spending a year meeting in homes, thanks to a grant from the Diocese of Oxford. This predictable gathering pattern has led to increased attendance, especially among children and young people, who often make up nearly 50% of our congregation.
Generosity, as an indicator of living faith, remains a priority for us. We continue to support other local charities through financial donations, volunteering, and other support initiatives.
This year, Rev Oxley has also served as the interim Area Dean of Milton Keynes, providing an opportunity for the accumulated wisdom of St Marks to support strategic planning and encourage positive change. The main project over the year has been creating a Deanery Mission and Action Plan to promote growth, increased mission activity, and overall health over the next decade.
Poverty relief
Our primary focus remains the development and scale of St Marks Meals. We now work with over 100 schools across Milton Keynes, each of whom express deep gratitude for our help in providing immediate meals to families in need. This year, we also expanded our partnerships to include NHS GP surgeries, Social Prescribers, Social Enterprises, Alternative Education Providers, and Community Centres.
We are committed to sharing our knowledge and resources freely to ensure more children are fed. A new national hub opened in Coventry this summer, with more in development.
Locally, our work has fostered the growth of the Milton Keynes Child Poverty Partnership. We held a key event for various agencies across the city, combining efforts from the charity, local government, business, and education sectors. This collaboration has led to the development of a local audit programme for communities, which promises exciting results in the coming period.
We have also been involved with the Open University, particularly its Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership, as well as other research projects.
Other developments
This year, St Marks became an official White Ribbon Supporter, further demonstrating our commitment to being a safe place for survivors of domestic abuse. This recognition highlights our dedication to ensuring St Marks remains a supportive and safe environment.
Financial review
During the year income increased by £17,623, to £155,233, and expenditure increased by £28,798, to £156,810. As a result, the cash held by the charity decreased by £1577 to £82,561, of which £9726 is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purpose
Our thanks go to staff, trustees, volunteers, and all supporters who have contributed to this positive outcome. The trustees regularly review and monitor the charity's activities to mitigate risks, with appropriate procedures in place for ongoing evaluation. We are confident in the continued health and success of St Marks over the coming year and do not foresee any significant threats.
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Reserves policy
We look to always hold approx £20,000 or 3 months unrestricted expenditure in reserve. As will be clear in this report, and has been clear in our communication as a charity throughout the year, we have not always been able to achieve this, but end the year in a much more positive position than we have been. Deep analysis of giving trends and spending patterns by the trustees has led to new insights and the ability to plan our activity within a ‘rebuilding budget’ has emerged.
Risk Statement
The trustees continue to review and monitor the risks to which they consider the charity to be exposed currently or in potential future scenarios. Appropriate procedures and plans are in place to continue this identification and monitoring, with reviews taking place regularly.
Closing
In closing, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who have served St Marks as trustees during this period of transition. We especially thank Alex Jones for his service as treasurer, and we warmly welcome our new trustees. Jonathan Hyde now chairs the board, marking another significant step towards organisational health.
We look forward to writing the next report and to sharing continued progress in all we are called to do in Milton Keynes.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Paul Oxley Paul Oxley (Jan 20, 2025 15:01 GMT)
………………………………………………………..
Rev Paul Oxley Chair of Trustees Jan 20, 2025 Date:_____
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
ST MARK'S MILTON KEYNES
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of St Mark's Milton Keynes ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2024 on pages 6 to 9 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
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:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Lisa Darby
Lisa Darby (Jan 22, 2025 16:12 GMT)
Lisa Darby FCA
Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: Jan 22, 2025
St Mark's Milton Keynes Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2024
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ST MARK'S MILTON KEYNES
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Notes Income receipts Donations and grants Gift aid receipts St Marks Meals Other Total receipts Payments 2 3 Total payments Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end A Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Net of receipts / (payments) before transfers |
Unrestricted General Funds £ 53,084 5,892 - 148 59,125 51,005 4,243 55,248 3,877 - 3,877 5,849 9,726 |
Restricted Funds £ 21,424 5,049 69,636 - 96,108 101,562 - 101,562 (5,454) - (5,454) 78,289 72,835 |
2024 £ 74,508 10,941 69,636 148 155,233 152,567 4,243 156,810 (1,577) - (1,577) 84,138 82,561 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 132,418 4,600 - 592 |
||||
| 137,610 | ||||
| 119,360 8,652 |
||||
| 128,012 | ||||
| 9,598 - |
||||
| 9,598 74,540 |
||||
| 84,138 |
The notes on pages 8 - 9 form part of these accounts.
St Mark's Milton Keynes Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2024
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ST MARK'S MILTON KEYNES
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access - Co-Op Bank Cash at bank with immediate access - Soldo B Debtors & Liabilities HMRC payroll debtor Gift aid debtor Fee for Independent Examination (liability) |
Unrestricted General funds £ 9,726 - 9,726 - 4,285 625 4,910 |
Restricted funds £ 71,891 944 72,835 - 1,122 625 1,747 |
2024 £ 81,617 944 82,561 - 5,406 1,250 6,656 |
2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82,770 1,368 |
||||
| 84,138 | ||||
| 1,312 618 1,000 |
||||
| 2,930 |
C Guarantees and secured debts
The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf
By: Date: Jan 20, 2025 Paul Oxley Paul Oxley (Jan 20, 2025 15:01 GMT)
Rev Paul Oxley Chair
The notes on pages 8 - 9 form part of these accounts.
St Mark's Milton Keynes Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2024
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ST MARK'S MILTON KEYNES
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Staff salaries and pensions (Note 4) Staff expenses St Marks Meals food & packaging expenses St Marks Meals fundraising expenses St Marks Meals rent expenses St Marks Meals other expenses Pray-MK expenses Sanctuary expenses Property costs (Note 2a and 4) Minor equipment Pastoral care Administration expenses Events and outreach activities Work among the young Accounts & independent examination Gifts Other costs 2 (a) Property costs comprise: Church of England Parish share Manse 3 Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Grants for: Mission Relief of poverty Education and training |
Unrestricted General funds £ 26,871 524 - - - - - 180 10,750 1,707 - 2,265 8,198 - 510 2,000 2,243 55,248 10,750 10,750 4,200 43 - 4,243 |
Restricted Funds £ 43,841 352 41,361 527 5,989 5,596 - - - - - 3,387 - - 510 - - 101,562 - - - - - - |
Total 2024 £ 70,711 876 41,361 527 5,989 5,596 - 180 10,750 1,707 - 5,652 8,198 - 1,020 2,000 2,243 156,810 10,750 10,750 4,200 43 - 4,243 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61,503 22,870 1,720 2,183 5,857 2,655 187 9,992 831 1,585 4,363 4,315 278 1,021 - - |
||||
| 119,360 | ||||
| 9,992 | ||||
| 9,992 | ||||
| 8,012 520 120 |
||||
| 8,652 |
St Mark's Milton Keynes Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2024
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4 Transactions with related parties
Paul Oxley, a trustee, was paid a salary of £27,548 (2023: £27,548) and pension contributions of £1,377 (2023: £1,377). These payments were made in the capacity of serving as a member of the charity's staff and not for serving as a trustee; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.
In addition the charity incurred expenditure totalling £10,750 (2023: £9,992) in respect of the provision of accommodation (which is customary for ministers) to Paul Oxley, who is a trustee so that they could better perform their duties.
5 Movement on restricted funds
| General funds Restricted funds St Marks Meals Acts of Kindness Hardship Sanctuary Chief Operations Officer Salary Fund Total funds |
Balance at 31.03.23 £ 5,849 5,849 78,071 39 146 33 - 78,289 84,138 |
Receipts £ 59,125 59,125 93,557 - - - 2,552 96,108 155,233 |
Payments £ (55,248) (55,248) (99,010) - - - (2,552) (101,562) (156,810) |
Transfers £ - - - - - - - - - |
Balance at 31.03.24 £ 9,726 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9,726 | |||||
| 72,617 39 146 33 - |
|||||
| 72,835 | |||||
| 82,561 |
St Marks Meals' provides meals for children and families in schools and children’s centres across Milton Keynes who are in need. Hardship Fund and ''Acts of Kindness' provides those in need with gifts.
Sanctuary is a local network of churches seeking to become safe spaces led by safe leaders who respond well to survivors of domestic abuse.
St Mark's Milton Keynes Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2024
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