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2023-08-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT

Trustees’ Report and Statutory Accounts

1 September 22 TO 31 August 23

To Pray. To Learn. To Live. Together

2022-23 Annual Report

From the Trustees

From the Trustees

2022-23 has been a year of celebration and hope, of renewal and return. It has also been a year in which the world has felt a little more fractured and fragile; in greater need of repair. As a community we feel it too. We feel the fragility, and the comfort that being part of community brings, of holding and helping.

Much of the focus of the last year has been on the renewal of our spiritual home, our building. Construction began immediately after Pesach and is expected to take fifteen months. In the Summer of 2024 we will welcome members, friends and the wider community into the lightfilled, modern spaces of our new building. We look forward to praying, singing. and learning together in a building that is open to all and reflects the warmth and welcome of our community.

Alyth is home to multiple generations. We are blessed to have many young families with babies and toddlers who grew up at Alyth or who begin their Jewish journeys with us. We have an engaged and inspiring cohort of children and teens, who learn together and build lifelong friendships in our Sunday Morning Galim and Ruach (b’nei mitzvah) programmes, on our residentials, summer camps and trips. Our Seniors engage regularly in the wide range of prayer and learning opportunities and join in social activities with Alyth family and friends.

Adults of every age and stage volunteer and engage with the wide range of prayer, programmes and activities on offer. In any week there are interfaith events, study sessions and social justice projects that bring members of every generation together. In November 2022, 150 members of all ages came together for a Weekend Away in Oxfordshire. They shared their stories and spent time with one another, continuing the Alyth tradition of creating connection and building community.

Being able to deliver outstanding prayer and programming means having outstanding people. At Alyth we are blessed to have a Clergy Team, Professionals and a Staff Team who are capable, committed and caring, who are at the heart of our thriving community.

In 2023, Rabbi Hannah and Cantor Tamara and their partners, welcomed new babies into the world. We look forward to having Rabbi Hannah back with us in 2024 and wish Cantor Tamara well as she moves on to a new community. It was also the year in which, with a mixture of sadness and pride, we shared the news that our Principal Rabbi, Josh Levy, would be moving on to become CEO of the Movement for Reform Judaism, and co-leading the formation of the new UK Progressive Jewish Movement.

Rabbi Josh is an outstanding rabbi and leader. He has brought his passion for prayer and learning, deep care for the community, and inspiring leadership of the Clergy and Professional Team, to his rabbinate. We are hugely grateful to Rabbi Josh for fifteen years of innovation, inspiration and dedicated service to the community. We wish him well in his new role.

The shared experiences and sense of belonging of our multi-generational community is nourished by being part of a caring, welcoming and inclusive community that strives to be there for everyone, wherever they are in their journey and whenever they need us.

We look forward to more shared experiences, to opening our new building in the Summer and to continuing to be together in our thriving, welcoming community.

Alyth Trustees: Justin Wise (Chair) Nicky MInter-Green, Simone Prosekewitz, Noeleen Cohen, Jeremy Baum, David Bloom, Terry Heymann, Ian Howe, Corinna Hyman, Ilana Pizer-Mason, Dan Salem, Julia Simmonds.

Where would we be without this community? Alyth held us through the worst of times. Our hearts are mending and most importantly, our children are happier. They can’t wait to go Galim on Sunday mornings to be in a warm, caring and wonderfully crazy environment.

Alyth parents of two little girls (6 & 8)

2022-23 Annual Report

Statutory Information

Trustee Board

Justin Wise (Chair)

Nicholas Minter-Green (Vice Chair) (co-opted January 2023) Simone Prosekwitz

Noeleen Cohen (co-opted January 2023) Jeremy Baum David Bloom Ian Howe (elected January 2023) Terence Heymann Corinna Hyman Ilana Pizer-Mason (elected January 2023) Daniel Salem

Julia Simmonds Russell Baum (retired January 2023) Arieh Miller (retired January 2023)

Professional Team

CLERGY

Rabbi Josh Levy Principal Rabbi

Rabbi Hannah Kingston Rabbi Rabbi Elliott Karstadt Rabbi

Cantor Tamara Wolfson Cantor

Rabbi Colin Eimer Rabbi

SENIOR STAFF

Adam Martin Community Director Lynette Sunderland Head of Community Care and Lifecycle Samantha Heller Head of Member Engagement Tor Alter Head of Kindergarten

Financial & Legal

Auditors: Nyman Libson Paul LLP. Regina House. 124 Finchley Road. London. NW3 5JS Accounting Services: SJC Bookkeeping Services. 4 Tenterden St, London W1S 1TE Bankers: Natwest Bank PLC. 45 Tottenham Court Road. London. W11 2EA Honorary Solicitor: Lawrence Radley. Reed Smith LLP. Broadgate Tower. London. EC2A 2RS Investment Advisors: Investec Wealth Management. 30 Gresham Street. London. EC2V 7QW Legal Advisors - Building Project: Lawrence Stephens Solicitors. 50 Farringdon Road. EC1M 3HE

2022-23 Annual Report

Key Data

A Community

for every generation

B'nei Mitzvah

54 young people became bar or bat mitzvah at Alyth in 2022-23.

Sunday Morning Galim, Ruach, camps & residentials

Every year, two thirds of our children and teens attend a Youth & Education hub weekly activity or off-site camp or weekend away.

Geographic Distribution of Jewish Households in London

----- Start of picture text -----
Enfield Hertsmere
Hackney 3,723 18,346 Alyth is situated in
17,426
Barnet, the
Islington London Borough
2,714 that is home to the
largest number of
Redbridge Jewish households
6,412 in the UK.
Harrow
7,304 Hertsmere and St
Albans have seen
Barnet
Camden 56,616 the highest growth
10,079 in their Jewish
population over
Haringey the past 10 years.
9,397
Data: 2021 Census
----- End of picture text -----

Our Seniors

Alyth has over 557 members aged 75 or over. Weekly social, prayer and learning activities bring many of our members together with friends and the Alyth Team.

Marriages in 2022-23: 7

New Borns in 2022-23: 23

OUR MEMBERSHIP:

1,490 Households

3,455 Children and Adult members

----- Start of picture text -----
55% of Alyth members
live within a 5 mile
radius of the Synagogue
----- End of picture text -----

Many young families start their Jewish Journey at our ‘Baby Den’ and ‘Sensory Shabbat’ services.

Members of every age and stage join Alyth every year. In 2022-23 we welcomed 215 new members into our community.

1 in every 6 of our members volunteers over the year as leaders, visitors, drivers, deliverers, security, wardens, welcomers.

2022-23 Annual Report

Highlights

Memories made Moments shared

Pray with Us

Prayer is at the heart of our community and central to our Jewish lives. Our multigenerational community has diverse prayer needs which we meet through a range of services every Shabbat, on festivals and on the High Holy Days. Over the 5783 High Holy Days we saw a return to an inspiring 10 days of mostly in person services and programming at Alyth and on the Sternberg Centre site.

Our dedicated Staff and Facilities Teams have done an amazing job, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of services during the building work. A huge “Thank You” to them for keeping Alyth life on track.

In June 2023, we marked Alyth’s 90th Anniversary. Alyth’s first services were held in a house on Hampstead Way, and in 1933 the community moved to the site on which Alyth stands today.

Over the 90th Anniversary weekend, we came together on Kabbalat Shabbat for a celebratory service and a Pizza & Prosecco party in the warmth of a June Summer evening. We learned and leyned on Shabbat and closed the weekend with a Sunday afternoon of celebration of Alyth’s much loved musical tradition and talents.

Live with Us

One of the greatest joys of Jewish life is to live as part of a caring community, one that supports us when we are falling and shares in our joy and happiest moments. This is Alyth. Both members and our committed Staff Team, have times when they need that extra bit of practical and emotional support. Access to our Welfare Fund and through the relationships that members have with our Clergy and Professional Team, ensures that those who need it, find the support that they need, when they need it.

Being together in our happiest moments is as important. We celebrate over 50 b’nei mitzvah every year, welcome newly weds and new additions to the family, and new members to our faith. We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, special events, and we celebrate one another.

Learn with Us

A love of learning runs deep at Alyth. The ‘Chavruta Project’ (now 5 years old) has been bringing members together to study in pairs, delving into texts and sharing their interpretations. Regular Hebrew reading classes and the “Essentials” programme for people who are converting or who want to learn about their Judaism, are core elements of our adult learning programme. Pardes study sessions take members into the realms of Talmud, the Zohar, looking at texts that challenge, and learning about Jews who are famous and infamous. Film and Book Club evenings are the perfect way to escape for a few hours with friends and a great story.

2022-23 Annual Report

Highlights

Memories made Moments shared

Learn with us

Learn with us

Youth & Education

Alyth Kindergarten

Our Youth & Education hub is a thriving hive of activity and innovation that is lead by a dedicated team of experienced professionals, educators and young leaders. The team plan and deliver an engaging programme of activities through which our 4-18 year olds are able to explore their Judaism, develop knowledge and skills, and form lifelong friendships.

Since its establishment in 1970, Alyth Kindergarten has played an important part in the early years provision of the community. In April this year, the Kindergarten was once again awarded an “Outstanding” by OFSTED inspection, in which they recognised its unique child-centred and caring approach and the high quality and commitment of the staff and the love of learning and Judaism that is so much a part of the setting.

Galim, Ruach, ACT, Academy, SWAYDays and SwayAway programmes, are the core of our youth and education provision. Our b’nei mitzvah teens one again travelled to Budapest and to local venues for weekends residentials. Over 120 young people went on our SwayAway and SwayDays camps over the summer, and the drama groups put on hit shows, “High School Musical” and “Chitty, Chitty, Bang. Bang”. Through our post b’nei mitzvah mentoring and ‘Hadracha’ (leadership training) programmes we create pathways to leadership for our young people.

Act wit Us

To be Jewish is to care about the world around us and to take responsibility for it. 2023 was the 10th year we held an Iftar, welcoming Muslim friends and neighbours to Alyth to break their fast on Ramadan. The Alyth Refugee Drop-In continues to have regular monthly gatherings, organise outings and is home to the wonderful Refugee Drop-In Choir.

Monday Club, for people with special educational needs, is stronger than ever, coming together weekly to share an evening of music, fun and activities. Alyth continues to support and provide food for the Together in Barnet Winter Shelter project that works with the homeless over the cold winter months.

Be with Us

The relationships that we build and the welcome we give one another, is as much a part of our Jewish lives, as praying and learning together. The return to a more in person communal life, once again opened up opportunities to be together to cycle, walk, do yoga or practise Jewish Mindfulness and Meditation.

At the Alyth Weekend Away in November 2022, members of every age took the joy and spirit of Alyth to Oxfordshire, where they prayed, learnt, sang, ate and quizzed together. Volunteer drivers keep the minibus moving, transporting members to and from the Synagogue for services, and for social activities and tea at our regular Monday Social, singing and Shabbat lunches.

2022 -23 Annual Report

Building Develpment

Embracing the future Building our legacy

The return to the building and in-person activities highlighted the importance of having physical spaces in which to come together. Soon after coming back into the building, the Leo Baeck wing was closed off and we began to clear it of equipment, books, dressing-up boxes, toys and 20 years of ‘stuff’ that had been collected or ‘given’ to Alyth. It was business as usual for all our weekly services, activities and events, as well as for the Kindergarten. They shared the spaces and made way for the builders. Thank you to everyone who made it happen, to those who shared a lunchtime break with a social singalong, or building meeting that had nowhere else to go. The spirit of community, of caring for one another, and an extra amount of patience, shone through.

The contractors, Borras, moved in just after Pesach. They very quickly demolished the Leo Baeck wing and began digging foundations for the new structure. Despite a rainy

start, the project has progressed well. The steel frame was visible by the time we gathered for the High Holy Days in September 2023 and the project is on track to be completed by the Summer of 2024.

Our community will have a building that we are proud of, with light-filled, modern, flexible spaces, into which we will warmly welcome members, friends and the wider community of which Alyth is an important part.

Funding: The building work is funded by pledged funding of £3.4m and a long term loan from CAF Bank of £3.5m. The priority for the Trustees is raising the funds needed to service the annual capital and interest repayments. Loan repayments will be serviced through an ongoing commitment to fundraising and income generated by hiring out spaces for social events and local conferences.

“The development of our building is vital for the future of our community. Our family are so excited to be in the new spaces. I’m already imagining my new grandchild’s bat mitzvah in the upstairs prayer space.

Alyth member and new grandparent

2022-23 Annual Report

Finance & Statutory

2023 Annual Report

Financial Performance

The Numbers Financial Review

The Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements for the period from 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023 reflect the activities of the Synagogue over a year in which we finalised a £3.5m loan with CAF Bank and began the work to redevelop our building. The past 12 months have been a time of considered and thoughtful leadership by the Trustees, working with the Finance Advisory Group, Project Management Group and Senior Professionals, managing the operation of the Synagogue and finalising the arrangements for redevelopment of the building which began in April 2023.

INCOME & EXPENDITURE

The Statement of Financial Activities for the year ending 31 August 2023, reflects a net increase in funds. Total income for the year of £4,149m includes subscription income of £890k (2021-22: £842k) and substantive income from donations earmarked for the building project of £2.082m.

After accounting for expenditure on charitable activities and raising funds of £2.041m, the Synagogue showed an operating surplus of £27k for the 2023-24 financial year. This figure provides a more nuanced understanding of our financial position separating the operational surplus from funds designated for expenditure on the redevelopment of the building.

Factors impacting on this year’s results are:

The year-on-year increase in subscriptions is a reflection of the efforts of the Professional Team to manage subscription income. Efforts are focussed on members paying by direct debit (over 60%), on collecting outstanding subscriptions at the year-end and retention of members through relationships and understanding of individuals’ ability to afford their subscription.

When setting the budget and level of member subscriptions for 2023-24, the Trustees considered the impact of prevailing economic pressures, and the operating costs required to run the Synagogue. On this basis, the Trustees agreed a below inflation increase in member subscriptions of 6%

Income from Donations & Legacies of £2.2m reflects donations to the building project in the year, which have been utilised to fund project related professional fees and the first phase of the construction work; prior to CAF Bank releasing the loan funding which will allow us to complete the construction of the building in the Summer of 2024. Capital and interest repayments will commence on completion of the project at the beginning of the 2024-25 financial year.

----- Start of picture text -----
O�ce Exp Live
6.4% 1.1% Pray with us
22.4%
Premises
19.8%
RJ levy
4.8%
Be with us
8.4%
Kindergarten
13.8% Act with us
5%
Youth and Ed.
14.3%
----- End of picture text -----

At Alyth we invest in our people. Over 75% of the £1.34m (2021-22: £1.3m) of support costs is on staff salaries. Through this investment in people we continue to deliver outstanding services and support, meeting the breadth of needs of our diverse community.

2022-23 Annual Report

Reserves.Risk.Investments

RESERVES

The Trustees aim to maintain sufficient general and contingency reserves so as to be able to meet unexpected operating costs of the Synagogue and to contribute to contingencies such as the maintenance of the building.

Total unrestricted funds at 31 August 2023 amounted to £1,089k (2022: £1,012k). The total unrestricted expenditure for the period, on charitable activities excluding JJBS contributions, and inclusive of staff costs, was £2.05m. (2022: £1.9m). Unrestricted funds include free reserves as defined by the Charity SORP of £435k (2022: 401k). A further £400k is held in a Contingency Fund and may be undesignated if required to increase the initial free reserves balance. There is also £245k (2022: £201k) that has been designated to various projects and worthy causes which are regarded as part of normal charitable activities. These allocations are internal and can be amended by the Trustees if required.

Including the Contingency Fund, the charity maintains sufficient reserves to represent 6-months’ cover of Alyth’s normal charitable activity expenditure. The Trustees monitor this KPI keenly and note that the Synagogue is currently operating within its target range of 3-month’s cover. Particular attention is given to setting a budget that is strategically aligned and based on accurate assumptions, especially whilst efforts are focussed on repayment of the CAF loan.

The Restricted Funds of £5.28m (2022: £3.26m) predominantly comprise the value of the land on which the building sits. There are additional reserves of £1.94m (2022: £1.04m), the use of which is mandated by trust deeds. The largest fund is £1.29m set aside for the redevelopment of the building.

INVESTMENTS

Investment Policy:

The Synagogue invests funds so as to generate reasonable long-term capital and income growth commensurate with the need to finance its long-term expenditure requirements and to protect the Synagogue’s capital against the risk of inflation.

The investment manager is responsible for asset allocation and for making investments through a carefully selected group of both internal and external fund managers, in accordance with the policy and any restrictions set out in the policy.

cont...

“We’ve been stretched financially over the last year and had to make some tough choices. To stay members of Alyth was one of them. Thanks to the support offered by the Membership Support Fund, we’re still members of Alyth, which is such an important part of our lives.”

Alyth Members of 35 years.

2022-23 Annual Report

Reserves.Risk.Investments

Investment Performance:

The investment portfolio held by Investec on Alyth’s behalf was valued at £1,053m on 31 August 2023. It was a challenging year for investments with the portfolio performing below expectation. In the year, investments generated income of £53k, with net unrealised losses of £34k. The below expected performance was largely due to global market downturns, fluctuating bond yields, and challenges at home in the UK marked by currency devaluation and inflationary pressure, and ongoing geo-political instability.

The annual review of the investment portfolio was undertaken by the Investment Managers with members of Alyth’s Finance Advisory Group (FAG). The purpose of the review is to the performance of the portfolio and the Synagogues' circumstances, to ensure that Investment Manager’s mandate remains suitable, which was confirmed by the FAG, to the Trustees.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees of the Synagogue are responsible for financial oversight and the management of risk. They regularly consider and review the principal risks and uncertainties facing the Synagogue.

The Trustees have examined the major strategic, business and operational risks which the Synagogue faces and confirm that appropriated systems and processes have been established to ensure regular review of risks and the production of reports; so that the necessary steps can be taken to mitigate risks as appropriate. It is recognised that systems can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately identified.

Risk Mitigation
Financial: Risk of not being able to fully
service the repayments on the loan from
CAF Bank once the building work is
complete (Summer 2024)		 Prioritising the generation of non-subscription income
through fundraising from members and hiring out the
newly created spaces for events and local conferences.
Building: Risk of non-completion of the
project due to the Contractor facing
financial challenges and being unable to
complete the job, or to a disastrous event
on the building site or in the existing
building.		 All legal documentation (including collateral warranties),
Insurance Policies and related are signed and paid up to
date.
Ensure stringent Health & Safety protocols are in place
and adhered to.
Work with QS and internal Project Management to
monitor financial status of Contractor.
Financial: Risk of a reduction in subscription
income due to an increase in the number of
members on reduced subscriptions or
through a drop in the number of members.		 Tracking membership data to identify downward trends
and reasons members may leave the synagogue.
Regular monitoring of individual members on reduced
subscriptions and focus on moving people back up to full
membership when their circumstances can support this.
Focus on strategic priorities, meeting the diverse needs of
our members, through quality, innovative and engaging
prayer and programme offerings.

2022-23 Annual Report

Governance & Ops

GOVERNANCE

NWRS is an incorporated charitable company (No.12336110) and a charity (No.1186738) which were registered in June 2021.

Alyth exists in order to sustain and develop a Jewish centre for its members based on Progressive Jewish values and ethics, to meet its members' religious and communal needs, and to contribute to the wider Jewish and non-Jewish communities. Alyth is a constituent member of the Movement for Reform Judaism (Company No. 07431950).

The governance structure and operational framework that guide the activities of the charity are set out in the Articles of Association and Rules; as approved by Members at a General Meeting. The Trustees are aware of and give due consideration, when setting objectives and planning activities, to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

The Directors, who are also Trustees, are required to meet at least six times in the year. Provision is made for three Advisory Groups (Finance, Policies & Procedures and Community Matters). The Groups are set up to support and advise the Trustees on key areas of their responsibilities.

A Nominations group has been set up for the purpose of identifying future leadership and to deliver a robust process through which new Trustees are appointed. Trustees are elected by the members at the Annual Meeting of Congregants following a process of nomination and recommendation by the Trustees.

An induction process is in place for new trustees. The Chair, past Chairs and Community Director support new trustees in learning about the organisation and their Trustee responsibility. Existing Trustees also take part in training and information sharing about different aspects of communal leadership and the organisation.

Trustees are responsible for financial oversight, for implementing policies and for setting the strategic direction of the Synagogue. They are aware of their obligation to act in the best interests of the Community, and in line with the recommended guidelines of the Charity Commission. The Synagogue undertakes periodic reviews of its governance arrangements by reference to the Charities Governance Code.

OPERATIONS

The operation of the Synagogue is based on a collaborative partnership of lay leaders and professionals. The most senior employee is the Principal Rabbi who leads a team of dedicated professionals, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Synagogue. The remuneration of the Clergy is set with reference to the Rabbinic Scales set by the Movement for Reform Judaism. Salaries in general are reviewed with reference to CPI and changes in average earnings.

Building Development: 2022-23

The development of the building remains a priority for the Community. Works began in April 2023, following finalisation of a bank loan of £3.5m from CAF Bank, secured by a first legal charge on the property. The loan agreements and final build contract were signed in early January 2023 with construction commencing in April.

The total project cost of the works is £6.7million. It is funded by £3.2million of funds raised from the community and the £3.5million CAF loan. The Trustees continue to review both building and operating income and monitor and manage the risks associated with undertaking a project of this scope and nature.

Fundraising is a critical part of being able to fulfil the loan obligations and will be the major focus of Alyth's communal efforts in 2023-24 and for the foreseeable future.

The Trustees are grateful to our dedicated Professional Team who are responsible for the day-to-day operation of Synagogue, and to the Advisory Groups and Project Management Group who provide invaluable leadership and guidance in all aspects of the operation of the Synagogue.

2022-23 Annual Report

Governance & Ops

Our Priorities 2023-24

As we transition into the new year, the focus will be on the timely completion of the project, and welcoming the community back into the building in time for the High Holy Days. The Trustees will prioritise the recruitment of a senior member of the Rabbinic Team in the early months of 2024, with the expectation that they will join the team in the last quarter of 2024. Funding arrangements and the repayments of the CAF Loan are a key priority for the Trustees and the community. Funding will come from donations and generating income through letting-out the new, multipurpose spaces in the building. Alongside bringing in a new member of the Rabbinic Team, there will be a strategic focus on operational efficiency and communications, and on the development of lay leadership and volunteer engagement.

----- Start of picture text -----
Building Renewal Completion of the building work
and opening in Summer 2024
Recruitment of senior rabbinic
Rabbinic Transition
role to join the team in late 2024
Funding CAF Loan Ongoing focus on fundraising for
the building and income generation
repayments
through lettings.
Organisational
Management and operational
Priorities efficiency. Communications.
Leadership &
Lay Leadership development and
Volunteering transition. Volunteer engagement.
----- End of picture text -----

2022-23 Annual Report

Trustee Statements

Basis of preparation of accounts:

The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of North Western Reform Synagogue (the charity) for the period 1 September 2022 - 31 August 2023. The Trustees confirm that the Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Fundraising Compliance:

The charity is committed to best practice, as outlined by the Fundraising Regulator, in its approach to fundraising and closely monitors its activities in this area, ensuring that vulnerable members are protected. No professional fundraisers are used by the charity. Fundraising for the building project was ongoing during 2022-23, and will continue in earnest in 2024 and beyond.

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities:

The trustees (who are also directors of North Western Reform Synagogue for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

Small company exemptions:

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

This report was approved by the Trustees on 29 January 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

_______ Justin Wise Chair

Statutory Accounts for the period: 1 september 2022 to 31 august 2023

North Western Reform Synagogue Company Number: 12336110 Alyth Gardens Charity Number: 1186738 London NW11 7EN 

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE

Opinion

Wehave audited the financial statementsof North Western Reform Synagogue(the 'charity')for the year
ended 31 August 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement
of Cash Flowsand the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial
reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable lawand United Kingdom
Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

Weconducted ouraudit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and
applicable law. Ourresponsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors'responsibilities
for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in
accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United
Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and wehave fulfilled ourother ethical
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is
sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, wehave concluded that the Trustees'use of the going concern basis of
accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work wehave performed, wehave not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or
conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company'sability to
continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are
authorised for issue.

Ourresponsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trusteeswith respect to going concern are described in the
relevant sections of this report.

Page 15

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE (CONTINUED)

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Reportother than the financial
statementsand ourAuditors' Reportthereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained
within the Annual Report. Ouropinion on the financial statementsdoes not cover the other information and,
except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in ourreport, wedo not express any form of assurance
conclusion thereon. Ourresponsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the
other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statementsor ourknowledge obtained in the
course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If weidentify such material
inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, wearerequired to determine whether this gives rise to a
material misstatement in the financial statementsthemselves. If, based on the work wehave performed, we
conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of ourknowledge and understanding of the charitable companyand its environment obtained in the
course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Report.

Wehave nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires
us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Page 16

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE (CONTINUED)

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' Responsibilities Statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of
the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial
statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view,and for such internal control as the
Trusteesdetermine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statementsthat are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trusteesare responsible for assessing the charitable company's
ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the
going concern basis of accounting unless the Trusteeseither intend to liquidate the charitable companyor to
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Ourobjectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free
from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' Reportthat includes our
opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in
accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise
from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be
expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. Wedesign
procedures in line with ourresponsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of
irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which ourprocedures are capable of detecting irregularities,
including fraud is detailed below:

We identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements., whether due to fraud or
error, and then design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risk, including obtaining audit
evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide as basis for our opinion.

Page 17

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE (CONTINUED)

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and
noncompliance with laws and regulations, we have:

- considered the nature of the industry and sectors, control environment and business performance;

- made enquiries of management about their own identification and assessment of the risk and irregularities;

- performed audit work over the risk of management override on controls, involving testing of journal entries
and other adjustments for appropriateness and reviewing accounting estimates for bias;

- undertaken appropriate sample- based testing of bank transactions

- identified and evaluated compliance with relevant laws and regulations and made enquiries of any instances
of non-compliance

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including
those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This
risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions
reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance.
The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves
intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

A further description of ourresponsibilities for the audit of the financial statementsis located on the Financial
Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our
Auditors' Report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body,in accordance with Chapter 3 of
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006.Ouraudit work has been undertaken so that wemight state to the
charitable company's membersthose matters wearerequired to state to them in an Auditors' Reportand for
no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, wedo not accept or assume responsibility to anyone
other than the charitable company and its members, as a body,for ouraudit work, for this report, or for the
opinions we have formed.

Andrew Thomas (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of

Nyman Libson Paul LLP

Chartered Accountants
Registered Auditors
124 Finchley Road
London
NW3 5JS

9 February 2024

Page 18

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
5
Investments
6
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Net income before net losses on
investments
Net losses on investments
Net income
Transfers between funds
18
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
2,079,740
-
2,025
2,081,765
-
88,867
88,867
1,992,898
(1,316)
1,991,582
30,065
2,021,647
3,262,806
2,021,647
5,284,453		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
1,488,164
527,624
51,191
2,066,979
9,789
1,942,125
1,951,914
115,065
(32,876)
82,189
(4,989)
77,200
1,012,028
77,200
1,089,228		 Total
funds
2023
£
3,567,904
527,624
53,216
4,148,744
9,789
2,030,992
2,040,781
2,107,963
(34,192)
2,073,771
25,076
2,098,847
4,274,834
2,098,847
6,373,681		 Total
funds
2022
£
1,923,512
413,307
22,942
2,359,761
10,464
1,978,514
1,988,978
370,783
(88,077)
282,706
-
282,706
3,992,128
282,706
4,274,834		 
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 23 to 44 form part of these financial statements.

Page 19

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 12336110

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Investments
13
Current assets
Debtors
14
Investments
15
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets excluding pension liability
Defined benefit pension scheme liability
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
18
Unrestricted funds
18
Total funds		 192,600
1,505,000
715,907
2,413,507
(442,095)		 2023
£
3,356,406
1,053,053
4,409,459
1,971,412
6,380,871
6,380,871
(7,190)
6,373,681
5,284,453
1,089,228
6,373,681		 197,863
-
1,223,137
1,421,000
(408,121)		 2022
£
2,249,419
1,044,418
3,293,837
1,012,879
4,306,716
4,306,716
(31,882)
4,274,834
3,262,806
1,012,028
4,274,834		 
Page 20

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: 12336110

BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 AUGUST 2023

The Trusteesacknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to
accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to
the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trusteeson 29 January 2024and
signed on their behalf by:

Justin Wise

The notes on pages 23 to 44 form part of these financial statements.

Page 21

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash generated/(used) in operating activities
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Investment management fees deducted
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash flows from other activities
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
21		 2023
£
2,178,406
53,216
(1,181,236)
550,789
(2,068,303)
(9,789)
(2,655,323)
1,233,743
756,826		 2022
£
633,341
22,942
(734,006)
207,103
(288,614)
(10,464)
(803,039)
1,403,441
1,233,743		 
The notes on pages 23 to 44 form part of these financial statements

Page 22

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1. General information

North Western Reform Synagogue is private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and
Wales. The address of its registered office is listed on page 1 of these financial statements. The
charity's

purpose is the pursuance of Reform Judaism in the spheres of public worship, and religious,
educational,

cultural, social and charitable activities.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statementshave been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) -
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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting
Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

North Western Reform Synagoguemeets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise
stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 Going concern

At the time of approving these financial statements, and after reviewing the charity’s financial
forecasts and projections,  the trustees are confident that the charity has adequate resources to
continue in operational existence for a period of at least  the next 12 months and subsequently. The
trustees therefore consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the charity’s
financial statements.

Page 23

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 Income

All income is recognised once the charityhas entitlement to the income, it is probable that the
income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of
receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of
entitlement to a legacy exists when the charityhas sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to
them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the
executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate.
Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair
value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed
to the charity, can be reliably measured.

Member donations (subscriptions) are included in the financial year to which they relate. Donations
in respect of the building project are recognised as income when the relevant conditions are met.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is
recognised at the time of the donation.

Subscription income is recognised over the membership year, starting from the date of receipt.

Kindergarten fees and education income are deferred as necessary to recognise them over the
period to which they relate.

2.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic
benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in
settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by
activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs,
including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single
activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one
activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between
those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on
the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the charityto raise funds for its
charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable
trading.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further
the charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.5 Government grants

Government grants are credited to the Statement of financial activities as the related expenditure is
incurred. Income from government grants are from the London Borough of Barnet to support 2 year
olds in Early Years settings.

Page 24

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.6 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured
reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the
institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model,
tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated
impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working
condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Assets in the course of construction are included at costs incurred to date. Depreciation on these
assets is not charged until they are brought into use.

Depreciationis charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value
over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
Freehold property - 2%
Fixtures and fittings - 15%
Computer equipment - 25%
New Bimah - 4%

2.8 Current asset investments

Current asset investments are intially measured at cost and are subsequently re-measured at fair
value. The charity intends to hold cash on deposits as part of on-going investment activities for
more than one year.

2.9 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered.
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.10 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short
maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar
account.

Page 25

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.11 Liabilities

Liabilities and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a
result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in
settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charityanticipates it will pay to settle the debt or
the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation.
Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present
value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the
liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activitiesas a
finance cost.

2.12 Financial instruments

The charityonly has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial
instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and
subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.13 Operating leases

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activitieson a
straight-line basis over the lease term.

Benefits received and receivable as an incentive to sign an operating lease are recognised on a
straight-line basis over the lease term, unless another systematic basis is representative of the time
pattern of the lessee's benefit from the use of the leased asset.

2.14 Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the
amounts payable by the charity to the fund in respect of the period.

Page 26

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.15 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in
furtherance of the general objectives of the charityand which have not been designated for other
purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trusteesfor
particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial
statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by
donors or which have been raised by the charityfor particular purposes. The costs of raising and
administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted
fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment

Estimates and judgmentsare continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other
factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances.

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are depreciated over their useful lives taking into account residual values, where
appropriate. The actual lives of the assets and residual values are assessed annually and may vary
depending on the number of factors. In re-assessing asset lives, factors such as technological
innovation,

product life cycles and maintenance programmes are taken into account. Residual value assessments
consider issues such as future market conditions, the remaining life of the asset and projected disposal
values.

Accruals

An estimate of accruals at the year end are made based on invoices received after the after the year
end

and work undertaken which has not been invoiced based on quotations or estimates of amounts that
may

be due for payment.

Page 27

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

4. Voluntary income

Subscriptions
Donations and Legacies
Income tax recoverable
Government grants
Burial Society fees
Total 2023
5.
Income from charitable activities		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
2,079,740
-
-
-
2,079,740		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
890,225
128,993
274,225
98,026
96,695
1,488,164		 Total
funds
2023
£
890,225
2,208,733
274,225
98,026
96,695
3,567,904		 Total
funds
2022
£
841,644
621,326
230,277
109,577
120,688
1,923,512
Pray with us
Live with us
Be with us
Act with us
Learn with us
Youth & education
Kindergarten
Office
Total 2023		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
19,580
1,650
56,441
29,321
1,450
87,524
331,358
300
527,624		 Total
funds
2023
£
19,580
1,650
56,441
29,321
1,450
87,524
331,358
300
527,624		 Total
funds
2022
£
7,331
10,000
1,668
12,288
-
96,204
283,699
2,117
413,307 
Page 28

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

5. Income from charitable activities (continued)

Pray with us

We believe that prayer is central to a meaningful Jewish life. We aim to create opportunities for worship that are
intellectually rich, grounded in Jewish tradition and inspiring for all. To meet the prayer needs of the greatest
possible number of our members, we hold a diverse range of services on Shabbat mornings, on festivals and on
the High Holy Days. Because we believe that prayer matters to all, children are welcome in our adult services, and
we also run regular innovative family services.

Live with us

Alyth is built on a foundation of mutual care in which we share one another’s joys and sorrows and accompany
one another through our life journeys.One of the greatest joys of Jewish life is to live as part of a caring community
– one that supports us when we are falling, and shares our joys in happy times. Alyth is a place of care: led by a
dedicated Head of Community Care and Life Cycle, ours is a community in which we care for one another through
illness, bereavement, and the many challenges of life – providing practical and emotional support – meals,
transport, company, and a listening ear for those who need.  To care is built into the fabric of everything we
do.Alyth is also a place of great joy:  home to over 50 B’nei Mitzvah a year, baby blessings, weddings,
anniversaries, special birthdays.   Our celebrations are more special for being shared with community.

Be with us

We believe  that nothing is more important in the life of a Jewish community than the relationships that we build
and the welcome that we can give to one another. Prayer and learning are a central part of Jewish life, but they are
not enough.  To be a community is to share a wider range of interests and activities with one another – to be a
genuine Jewish community centre. At Alyth we ramble, sing, act, cycle, play, paint, cook, eat, meditate, go on
outings – all with people who know your name and care about your story!

Act with us

We believe in a Judaism that is utterly engaged with the world around us, both within the Jewish people and our
wider community. To be Jewish is to care about the world around us and to take responsibility for it.  Alyth is home
to the social awareness and activism that Judaism demands of us. Alyth is a community engaged in the world
around us including our willingness to have difficult conversations about Israel, our volunteer-led monthly refugee
drop-in and winter homeless shelter, our work to enable those with mental illness to enjoy Jewish life.

Youth & Education

The Youth and Education Hub provides a learning and Jewish engagement programmes for ages 4 – 18, led by a
dedicated and ambitious team of educators. Our desire is for our children to love coming to learn at Alyth and for
them to benefit from the knowledge and skills they acquire and to inspire a journey of learning and living for each
of them.

Kindergarten

Alyth Kindergarten was established in 1970 to provide pre-school progressive Jewish education for Jewish
children.  The kindergarten’s outstanding reputation has grown over the years and continues to maintain its unique
position in the area for its child-centred and caring approach which is why we cap our K1 and K2 group sizes to 24
in each class. Alyth Kindergarten is an important part of our Early Years provision and has strong links to the other
areas of Alyth life.

Office

We work as a respectful, collaborative partnership of professionals and lay leaders, working together for the good
of our community and the individuals within it. Alyth is blessed with a dedicated team of professional staff who aim
to always be available: when you want to find out about a Synagogue programme, when something significant has
happened in your life, or when you have an idea for how our community can develop.

Page 29

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

6.
Investment income
Dividends receivable
Interest receivable
7.
Investment management costs
Investment management fees		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
2,025
-
2,025		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
50,591
600
51,191
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
9,789		 Total
funds
2023
£
52,616
600
53,216
Total
funds
2023
£
9,789		 Total
funds
2022
£
22,942
-
22,942
Total
funds
2022
£
10,464		 
Page 30

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Pray with us
Live with us
Be with us
Act with us
Learn with us
Youth & education
Kindergarten
Premises
Burial Scheme
Office & miscellaneous
Reform movement affiliation
Total 2023		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
187,364
8,814
60,974
40,579
23,304
102,614
92,708
3,385
50,205
22,276
97,090
689,313		 Support
costs
2023
£
257,257
15,629
108,119
60,824
41,323
181,955
185,245
393,626
-
97,701
-
1,341,679		 Total
funds
2023
£
444,621
24,443
169,093
101,403
64,627
284,569
277,953
397,011
50,205
119,977
97,090
2,030,992		 Total
funds
2022
£
566,338
91,545
21,703
31,591
-
229,213
439,426
160,589
129,044
192,975
116,090
1,978,514 
Page 31

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs

Staff costs
Printing, postage and stationery
Cleaning and maintenance
Lighting, heating and rates
Repairs and maintenance
Insurances
Security
Computer and IT costs
Telephone
Depreciation - fixtures and fittings
Bank charges
Accountancy fees
Legal and professional
Sundry costs
Other memberships
Total 2023
9.
Auditors' remuneration
Fees payable to the charity's auditor for the audit of the charity's annual
accounts
Fees payable to the charity's auditor in respect of:
All non-audit services not included above		 Total
funds
2023
£
1,048,674
2,276
45,152
25,656
6,552
33,755
8,136
23,667
-
74,249
12,415
41,619
2,112
17,416
-
1,341,679
2023
£
11,000
2,950		 Total
funds
2022
£
1,014,079
6,164
15,480
38,399
5,039
18,205
6,749
51,297
583
71,361
6,085
49,973
1,939
7,053
2,475
1,294,881
2022
£
8,500
4,500		 
Page 32

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

10. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2023
£
930,544
84,872
53,132
1,068,548		 2022
£
886,954
85,623
58,136
1,030,713 
During the year to 31 August 2023, redundancy payments of £8,690 (2022: £nil) were distributed to 6
members of staff. There were no amounts outstanding at the year end (2022: £nil).

The average number of persons employed by the charity during the year was as follows:
Clergy
Kindergarten
Music
Welfare
Office
Caretaking
Youth and Education		 2023
No.
4
16
1
1
3
3
4
32		 2022
No.
4
16
1
1
4
2
1
29 
The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded
£60,000 was:
2023 2022
No. No.
In the band £110,001 - £120,000 1 1 
The core management of the Community is carried out by senior professionals, including Clergy and
members of the Professional Team. The total amount payable to key management for employee
services during the period was £342,066 (2022: £320,606).

11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2022 - £NIL).

During the year ended 31 August 2023, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2022 - £NIL).

Page 33

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

12. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2022
Additions
At 31 August 2023
Depreciation
At 1 September 2022
Charge for the year
At 31 August 2023
Net book value
At 31 August 2023
At 31 August 2022		 Freehold
property
£
2,402,902
-
2,402,902
908,435
57,648
966,083
1,436,819
1,494,467		 Freehold
property
under
construction
£
729,555
1,180,540
1,910,095
-
-
-
1,910,095
729,555		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
99,281
-
99,281
96,441
2,690
99,131
150
2,840		 Computer
equipment
£
83,899
696
84,595
61,342
13,911
75,253
9,342
22,557		 Total
£
3,315,637
1,181,236
4,496,873
1,066,218
74,249
1,140,467
3,356,406
2,249,419

13. Fixed asset investments

Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2022
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
Dividend income
Management fees
At 31 August 2023		 Listed
investments
£
1,033,812
563,303
(550,789)
(34,192)
-
-
1,012,134		 Capital
account
£
10,606
(563,303)
550,789
-
52,616
(9,789)
40,919		 Total
£
1,044,418
-
-
(34,192)
52,616
(9,789)
1,053,053 
Page 34

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

13. Fixed asset investments (continued)

At the reporting date, the historic cost of the listed investments was £890,330 (2022: £931,746).

14. Debtors

Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2023
£
6,837
6,429
179,334
192,600		 2022
£
-
-
197,863
197,863

15. Current asset investments

2023 2022
£ £
Investec money market deposit 1,505,000 - 
Page 35

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

16. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2023
£
232,395
15,571
23,769
170,360
442,095		 2022
£
94,644
90,608
20,008
202,861
408,121

17. Defined benefit pension scheme liability

Provision at start of period
Unwinding the discount factor (interest expense)
Deficit contribution paid
Remeasurements - impact of any change in assumptions
Remeasurements - amendments to the contribution schedule		 2023
£
(31,882)
(357)
2,402
50
22,597
(7,190)		 2022
£
(55,218)
(173)
1,665
429
21,415
(31,882) 
Page 36

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

18. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Balance at 1 Balance at
September Transfers Gains/ 31 August
2022 Income Expenditure in/out (Losses) 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Access fund 3,580 - - - - 3,580
Alyth Drama
Funds 9,407 - - (9,407) - -
Alyth Youth
Singers 3,498 - - (3,498) - -
Bar Mitzvah
Trip (148) - - 148 - -
Burial fund 13,230 29 - - - 13,259
Community
Welfare Fund 29,530 16,595 (11,485) 5,161 - 39,801
Contingency
Fund 400,000 - - - - 400,000
Music
Programme - - (3,527) 20,000 - 16,473
Education Fund 47,923 - - - - 47,923
Kerch Funds 12,204 - - - - 12,204
Legacy Fund 2,000 5,000 - - - 7,000
Monday Club (435) 6,500 (3,385) - - 2,680
Outreach Fund 6,186 - - - - 6,186
Refugee project 2,746 - (7,746) 5,000 - -
Social Action
Fund 10,448 203 - - - 10,651
Social Justice
DevelopmentF
und 30,653 4,274 (5,296) 1,975 - 31,606
Welfare
Assistance 3,187 - - (3,187) - -
Youth Schemes
and Events 6,825 - - 12,905 - 19,730
Interfaith
programme - 10,000 (1,150) - - 8,850
Other
designated
funds 20,411 23,191 (18,936) - - 24,666 
Page 37

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

18. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - current year (continued)

General funds
General Funds
- all funds
Restricted
funds
Gladys Gebbie
Fund
Jubilee Fund
NWRS
Charitable
Fund
Alyth Youth
Fund
Clergy Jewish
Participation
Fund
Freehold land
and buildings
High Holy Day
Appeal
Other restricted
funds
Tekiyah
Building Fund
Summers Fund
Member
Support Fund
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
September
2022
£
601,245
410,783
15,998
82,437
18,620
60,801
112,914
2,224,022
-
7,543
740,471
-
-
3,262,806
4,274,834		 Income
£
65,792
2,001,187
329
1,696
4,147
-
5,882
-
10,095
-
1,725,734
300,000
33,882
2,081,765
4,148,744		 Expenditure
£
(51,525)
(1,900,389)
-
-
-
-
(18,686)
(57,648)
-
-
-
-
(12,533)
(88,867)
(2,040,781)		 Transfers
in/out
£
29,097
(34,086)
-
-
4,172
-
(21,555)
1,180,540
(10,095)
-
(1,172,997)
-
50,000
30,065
25,076		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
(32,876)
(214)
(1,102)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,316)
(34,192)		 Balance at
31 August
2023
£
644,609
444,619
16,113
83,031
26,939
60,801
78,555
3,346,914
-
7,543
1,293,208
300,000
71,349
5,284,453
6,373,681 
Page 38

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

18. Statement of funds (continued)

Gladys Gebbie fund represents investments of the late Gladys Gebbie.

Jubilee fund relates to a fund set up to provide grants out of capital for major work to the Synagogue
and grants out of income to fund education activities. It originally had its own trustees and constitution.

Alyth Youth fund provides grants to the youth department and direct to individuals to assist with specific
activities and purchases. It originally had its own trustees and constitution.

Clergy Jewish Participation Fund is an account set up by the Rabbinic Team, which is now part of the
Synagogues restricted funds. Income is obtained from donations from members and confidential
payments are made to members of the Synagogue in extreme financial need at the discretion of the
Clergy Team who are trustees of this account.

The High Holyday Appeal fund represents amounts collected by the High Holyday Appeal of the
Synagogue and other collections which have been or will be paid to earmarked charities or to
designated funds held by the synagogue used for specified charitable purposes.

The Tekiyah Building Fund represents monies allocated to be spent in the future by the Synagogue in
relation to the development of the building.

The Summers Fund comes from a legacy left to the Synagogue.

The Members Support Fund was set up specifically to support members who were having financial
difficulties and were unable to pay their normal level of subscription in a given year.

Page 39

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

18. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Access fund
Alyth Drama
Funds
Alyth Youth
Singers
Bar Mitzvah
Trip
Burial fund
Community
Welfare Fund
Contingency
Fund
Music
Programme
Education Fund
Kerch Funds
Legacy Fund
Monday Club
Outreach Fund
Refugee project
Social Action
Fund
Social Justice
DevelopmentF
und
Welfare
Assistance
Youth Schemes
and Events
Interfaith
programme		 Balance at
1 September
2021
£
3,580
9,407
3,498
(148)
13,090
23,165
400,000
9,825
47,923
11,469
2,000
7,030
6,186
5,246
10,448
27,168
3,187
8,664
21,074
612,812		 Income
£
-
-
-
-
140
6,365
-
-
-
735
-
-
-
-
-
3,485
-
-
750
11,475		 Expenditure
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(7,465)
-
(2,500)
-
-
-
-
(999)
(10,964)		 Transfers
in/out
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(9,825)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,839)
(414)
(12,078)		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Balance at
31 August
2022
£
3,580
9,407
3,498
(148)
13,230
29,530
400,000
-
47,923
12,204
2,000
(435)
6,186
2,746
10,448
30,653
3,187
6,825
20,411
601,245		 
Page 40

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

18. Statement of funds (continued)

General funds
General Funds
- all funds
Total
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
Gladys Gebbie
Fund
Jubilee Fund
NWRS
Charitable
Fund
Alyth Youth
Fund
Clergy Jewish
Participation
Fund
Freehold land
and buildings
High Holy Day
Appeal
Other restricted
funds
Tekiyah
Building Fund
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 September
2021
£
455,457
1,068,269
49,057
87,920
15,372
60,801
109,783
1,547,454
(12,078)
7,543
1,058,007
2,923,859
3,992,128		 Income
£
1,921,939
1,933,414
1,078
1,931
3,248
-
5,680
-
-
-
414,410
426,347
2,359,761		 Expenditure
£
(1,920,087)
(1,931,051)
-
-
-
-
(2,549)
(55,378)
-
-
-
(57,927)
(1,988,978)		 Transfers
in/out
£
30,000
17,922
(30,000)
-
-
-
-
731,946
12,078
-
(731,946)
(17,922)
-		 Gains/
(Losses)
£
(76,526)
(76,526)
(4,137)
(7,414)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(11,551)
(88,077)		 Balance at
31 August
2022
£
410,783
1,012,028
15,998
82,437
18,620
60,801
112,914
2,224,022
-
7,543
740,471
3,262,806
4,274,834 
Page 41

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

19. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Total
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Provisions for liabilities and charges
Total		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
3,346,914
1,053,053
884,486
-
-
5,284,453
Restricted
funds
2022
£
2,224,022
98,435
940,349
-
-
3,262,806		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
9,492
-
1,529,021
(442,095)
(7,190)
1,089,228
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
25,397
945,983
480,651
(408,121)
(31,882)
1,012,028		 Total
funds
2023
£
3,356,406
1,053,053
2,413,507
(442,095)
(7,190)
6,373,681
Total
funds
2022
£
2,249,419
1,044,418
1,421,000
(408,121)
(31,882)
4,274,834		 
Page 42

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

20. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Losses on investments
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Investment management fees paid from portfolio
Decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors
Decrease in provisions
Net cash provided by operating activities
21.
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash held by investment managers (note 13)
Total cash and cash equivalents
22.
Analysis of changes in net debt
At 1
September
2022
£
Cash at bank and in hand
1,223,137
Liquid investments
-		 2023
2022
£
£
2,073,771
282,706
74,249
71,362
34,192
88,077
(53,216)
(22,942)
9,789
10,464
5,263
25,572
32,558
201,438
(3,600)
(23,336)
2,173,006
633,341
2023
2022
£
£
715,907
1,223,137
40,919
10,606
756,826
1,233,743
Cash flows
At 31 August
2023
£
£
(507,230)
715,907
1,505,000
1,505,000		 
Page 43

NORTH WESTERN REFORM SYNAGOGUE
(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

23. Pension commitments

The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held
separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge
represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £72,179 (2022: £56,471). At
the reporting date, amounts payable to the fund outstanding were £11,872 (2022: £8,065).

The charity also operates a defined benefit pension scheme. The assets and liabilities of the scheme
are held seperately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. However, the
scheme is a multiple employer scheme and the charity is unable to identify its share of the underlying
assets and liabilities. The pension contributions paid into the scheme during the year amounted to
£2,402 (2022: £1,665). The present value of the provision at the year end amounted to £7,190 (2022:
£31,882).

24. Operating lease commitments

At 31 August 2023the charityhad commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-
cancellable operating leases as follows:
Not later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years		 2023
£
12,528
50,112
62,640		 2022
£
-
-
-

25. Other financial commitments

The charity is currently undergoing a major refurbishment of the Synagogue. Capital committments in
relation to the refurbishment at the year end were £3.05mil.

26. Post balance sheet events

After the reporting date, the Synagogue secured a £3.5mil bank loan to assist in the funding of their
major refurbishment works. The loan has a 25 year term and is repayable in monthly installments.
Interest is charged at the aggregate of 2.5% per annum plus BBR.

Page 44