## St Mark's Milton Keynes Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 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 2025** ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE 11 Drakes Mews Crownhill Milton Keynes MK8 0ER 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 Vicki Offin (Appointed April 2024) KEY MANAGEMENT R Lawrence P Oxley KEY MANAGEMENT BANKERS INDEPENDENT EXAMINER HSBC UK Bank plc Lisa Darby FCA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB ## **INDEX** Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages 2 - 5 Trustees' Report Page 6 Independent Examiner's Report Page 7 Receipts and Payments Account Page 8 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages 9 - 10 Notes to the Accounts Page 1 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. Page 2 Thank you to everyone connected with St Marks, whether you serve weekly or occasionally. Staff, trustees, volunteers, church members, partners and funders have all played a part. What follows is a summary of the year against our charitable objectives. We continue to report against our two core purposes.. advancing the Christian faith and preventing or relieving povertv. Faith advancement Faith often grows quietly over time, so we look for signs of health rather than simple metrics. Our regular Sunday gathering pattern has settled well, with steady attendance and strong participation from children and young people. We remain committed to generosity as an expression of faith, supporting local partners through giving, serving and collaboration. Following a year of acting in the role, Paul Oxley was formally appointed Area Dean of Milton Keynes in addition to his leadership of St Mark's. The trustees continue to ensure clear boundaries, appropriate time management and compliance with all relevant guidance. At deanery level the Mission and Action Plan work has moved from design into delivery. We have been able to contribute experience from St Marks into wider planning that aims for growth, mission activity and community health over the next decade. As part of this we have begun to develop a strategy to resource similar church plants across the citv. Poverty relief Our primary programme remains St Marks Meals. We continue to serve nearly 150 locations including schools, NHS GP surgeries, Social Prescribers, Social Enterprises, Alternative Education providers and Community Centres. Schools and partners consistently tell us that the ability to place meals into the hands of families the same day makes a tangible difference. The move to Drakes Mews has been transformational for operations. Increased storage and racking, safer loading, clearer picking, and better access for volunteers have shortened turnaround times and reduced waste. The new base is also more welcoming for training sessions and partner visits. Locally, the Milton Keynes Child Poverty Partnership continues to develop. We hosted a cross-sector gathering to align priorities and have supported the development of a local community audit approach that will inform targeted action in the coming period. We also maintained links with the Open University, including the Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership, and participated in other research and learning initiatives. Other developments We sustained our commitment to creating safe spaces for survivors of abuse. Paul hosted and compered the Milton Keynes White Ribbon Vigil, and we continued our work as a White Ribbon supporter organisation. Staff and volunteer training, signposting information and safeguarding practice have been reviewed and strengthened. Page 3 Financial review The year included a planned capital investment to establish the Drakes Mews warehouse and office. This was funded through a mix of grants and designated reserves that we have intentionally built over several years for this purpose. While the move increased costs in the short term, early operational efficiencies and improved coordination are already visible. We will continue to monitor benefits and costs across the next period. Outside of building expenses, the Meals project saw a small overspend due to the rising costs of food and a small downturn in income. Reserves covered this overspend with no concern and the Trustees have met with the leadership team to assist with planning to increase income to the project. The wider funding environment remains challenging. Even so, a combination of faithful regular giving, successful grant applications and focused fundraising meant we were able to meet obligations and maintain prudent reserves in line with policy. We remain disciplined about internal controls, risk management and value for money. During the year income increased by £17,762, to £172,995, and expenditure increased by £24,001, to £180,663. As a result, the cash held by the charity decreased by £7,668 to £75,041, of which £9,218 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. Rese￿e5 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 As trustees we continue to review and monitor the risks to which we consider the charity to be exposed - either currently or in the future. Appropriate procedures and plans are actively engaged with, and reviews regularly take place. We consider the charity's finances to be in a good place and are confident of our financial longevity into 2025, 2006 and beyond. Page 4 ## **Closing** We thank all those who dedicate their time and energies to St Marks, those in our staff, volunteers and trustees. We look ahead with realism and hope. The needs in our city are significant, yet the opening of Drakes Mews gives us new capacity to respond. With God’s help, and with the continued partnership of our supporters and friends, we will keep advancing faith and reducing the impact of poverty in Milton Keynes. ## **Approval** This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by: Paul Oxley Paul Oxley (Dec 23, 2025 14:20:09 GMT) ……………………………………………………….. Rev Paul Oxley Chair of Trustees Dec 23, 2025 Date:_______________________ Page 5 ## **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 2025 on pages 7 to 10 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 (Dec 24, 2025 10:01:16 GMT) Lisa Darby FCA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB Date: Dec 24, 2025 Page 6 ## **ST MARK'S MILTON KEYNES** ## **RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** |Notes
**_Income receipts_**
Donations and grants
Gift aid receipts
St Marks Meals
Grants towards rental
Other
**_Total receipts_**
**_Payments_**
2
3
**_Total payments_**
Transfers between funds
**Net movement in funds**
Cash funds as at last year end
6
**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
£
45,842
11,913
-
-
26
57,781
54,230
4,200
58,430
(649)
(7)
(656)
9,874
9,218|Restricted
Funds
£
5,204
-
80,269
29,741
-
115,214
122,233
-
122,233
(7,019)
7
(7,012)
72,835
65,823|2025
£
51,046
11,913
80,269
29,741
26
172,995
176,463
4,200
180,663
(7,668)
-
(7,668)
82,709
75,041|2024
£| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||74,508
10,941
69,636
-
148| |||||155,233| |||||152,419
4,243| |||||156,662| |||||(1,429)
-| |||||(1,429)
84,138| |||||82,709| Closing balances for 2024 have been restated by £148 due to processing issues with a prepayment card in 2024. See note 6. The notes on pages 9 - 10 form part of these accounts. Page 7 ## **ST MARK'S MILTON KEYNES** ## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** |**A**
**Cash funds**
Cash at bank with immediate access - Co-Op Bank
Cash at bank with immediate access - Soldo
**B**
**Other monetary assets**
Deposit on Drakes Mews
**CDebtors & Liabilities**
HMRC payroll debtor
Gift aid debtor
Fee for Independent Examination (liability)|Unrestricted
General
funds
£
7,438
1,780
**9,218**
7,085
**7,085**
-
1,464
804
**2,268**|Restricted
funds
£
65,823
-
**65,823**
-
**-**
-
-
804
**804**|2025
£
73,260
1,780
**75,041**
7,085
**7,085**
-
1,464
1,608
**3,072**|2024
£| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||81,765
944| |||||**82,709**| |||||-| |||||**-**| |||||-
5,406
1,250| |||||**6,656**| ## **D 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 ## Paul Oxley By: Paul Oxley (Dec 23, 2025 14:20:09 GMT) Date: Dec 23, 2025 Rev Paul Oxley Chair The notes on pages 9 - 10 form part of these accounts. Page 8 ## **ST MARK'S MILTON KEYNES** ## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** ## **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
Deanery expenses
Sanctuary expenses
Warehouse expenses (Drakes Mews)
Property costs (Note 2a and 4)
Minor equipment
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|Unrestricted
General
funds
£
26,725
873
62
-
299
-
820
274
-
10,831
2,212
3,685
7,169
530
750
-
-
54,230
10,831
10,831
4,200
-
4,200|Restricted
Funds
£
39,366
54
47,120
1,523
6,089
10,296
158
-
16,878
-
-
-
-
-
750
-
-
122,233
-
-
-
-
-|Total
2025
£
66,091
926
47,182
1,523
6,388
10,296
979
274
16,878
10,831
2,212
3,685
7,169
530
1,500
-
-
176,463
10,831
10,831
4,200
-
4,200|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| Page 9 ## **4 Transactions with related parties** Paul Oxley, a trustee, was paid a salary of £22,737 (2024: £27,548) and pension contributions of £1,171 (2024: £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 £10,831 (2024: £10,750) 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** |**ement on restricted funds**|||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |General funds
Restricted funds
St Marks Meals
Drakes Mews
Acts of Kindness
Deanery Salaries and expenses
Hardship
Sanctuary
Total funds|Balance
at 31.03.24
£
9,874
9,874
72,617
-
39
-
146
33
72,835
82,709|Receipts
£
57,781
57,781
80,269
29,741
-
5,204
-
-
115,214
172,995|Payments
£
(58,430)
(58,430)
(100,144)
(16,878)
-
(5,211)
-
-
(122,233)
(180,663)|Transfers
£
(7)
(7)
-
-
-
7
-
-
7
-|Balance
at 31.03.25
£
9,218| ||||||9,218| ||||||52,742
12,864
39
(0)
146
33| ||||||65,823| ||||||| ||||||75,041| St Marks Meals' provides meals for children and families in schools and children’s centres across Milton Keynes who are in need. This is an ongoing project and restricted funds are carried forward. Drakes Mews is the premises used for St Mark's Meals and payments are for rental. Hardship Fund and ''Acts of Kindness' provides those in need with gifts. Deanery salaries and expenses provided payments for four hours of admin support weekly. Sanctuary is a local network of churches seeking to become safe spaces led by safe leaders who respond well to survivors of domestic abuse. ## **6 Re-stating of opening balances** During the prior year ended 31st March 2024, there were some issues with the church issued SOLDO card, whereby some payments were not synching properly. Trustees addressed this matter directly with the company during 2024 and issues have since been resolved, however the closing balance in 2024 was left with an error of £148.47. Closing balances for 2024 in these accounts have therefore been restated by £148.47 to account for the error. Page 10