## 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
Page 1
## **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:
1. Preparing financial statements for each accounting year that record the charity's receipts and payments.
2. Keeping proper accounting records that disclose the financial position of the charity accurately and ensure compliance with the Charities Act 2011.
3. 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:
1. 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
2. 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.
Page 2
## **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.
Page 3
## **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:_______________________
Page 4
## **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:
1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
2. 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
Page 5
## **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
Page 7
## **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
Page 8
## **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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