## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary**
Report and Accounts
31 August 2022
Charity registration number 1184509
## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Report and accounts Contents**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|Charity information|1|
|Report of the Trustees|2|
|Independent examiner's report|6|
|Statement of Financial Activities|7|
|Balance sheet|8|
|Accounting policies|9|
|Notes to the accounts|10|
**Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Trust information**
**Trustees** Rev. Charles Richard Henry Holst (Chairman) Dr Donald John MacLean Nathan Hilton Rev. Jon David Payne Benjamin Wontrop 1189657 **Charity number Charity address** Alderman Fenwick's House 98-100 Pilgrim Street Newcastle NE1 6SX **Independent examiner** Kinnair and Company Limited Aston House Redburn Road Newcastle Upon Tyne NE5 1NB
1
## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Trustees' report**
## **Introduction**
The Trustees of Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022. These are prepared in accordance with the governing document, applicable accounting standards and the _Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP)._
## **Objectives and principal activity**
The governing document states the purpose of the seminary as ‘ _To advance the Presbyterian Christian Faith in accordance with the doctrinal basis, in particular but without limitation, by the provision of theological and pastoral resources and training_ .’
Trustees wish to see gospel churches, both Presbyterian and of other denominations, planted and strengthened in the UK and Europe. To that end the mission of the seminary is to train faithful church leaders who will exercise their ministry by _holding fast the faithful word_ (Titus 1:9).
## **Public benefit**
Trustees are aware of the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and comply with this guidance. Accordingly, the Charity hosts events and develops resources for the benefit of the church members and estbalished ministers as well as for its ministerial students, and has achieved an international reach.
## **Achievements and performance**
## 1. Current students
Five new students enrolled in the 2021-22 academic year, with seven more recruited for the year following. (In previous years the maximum number of annual recruits was one.)
The average grade for 2021-22 courses was A-. Students preached extensively in local churches, nationally and Europe-wide.
Three students graduated at the close of the academic year, including Westminster’s first ThM student, who may develop his thesis for publication. One MDiv graduate left to minister within an existing _Evangelical Presbyterian Church in England and Wales_ (EPCEW) church; the other has embarked on MTh and PhD studies in preparation for an EPCEW church plant in Germany.
## 2. Former students
Alumni continued their work of church planting and strengthening in England and Switzerland, with one alumnus working on a series of videos and a modern German translation of the Westminster Confession to rekindle Reformed theology in German-speaking Europe.
## 3. Faculty
Three teachers were added to the faculty (two as adjuncts) to teach systematic theology, Hebrew and Greek.
## 4. Timetabling and resourcing
A new approach to timetabling was introduced in order to increase the proportion of teaching conducted in person rather than online.
The library main collection was fully catalogued, with work begun on an equally-extensive secondary collection of books.
2
## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Trustees' report**
## 5. External relationships
The Accreditation Service for _International Schools, Colleges and Universities_ (ASIC) granted interim accreditation, conferring the right to sponsor 6-month visas for study purposes.
An enhanced Memorandum of Understanding with _Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary_ was drawn up.
First steps were taken towards a colloquium with leaders of _Reformation Europe_ churches, with a view to providing theological training in English to trainee ministers, especially in Eastern European countries.
A relationship was forged with the _Institute of Reformed Baptist Studies_ (IRBS).
After a visit by the Director to churches across eight States, formal partnerships were set up with three churches in the US, with ongoing relationships with other churches.
## 6. Outreach and development
Facebook and Twitter outreach expanded significantly; two new teaching video series were launched, with YouTube subscription growing by a third in the six months to end of year.
A second season of the Westminster _School of Theology_ reached an international audience by online means, as well as an in-person audience of people local to Newcastle.
Following our annual conference (‘Revival’), filmed addresses and accompanying study guide (written by the Director) have been published by _Reformation Heritage Books_ .
3
## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Trustees' report**
## **Financial review**
During the period the Charity's total income was £131,683
During the year the Charity's total expenditure £373,642
The Charity's funds at 31 August 2022 were £199,604
## **Reserves policy**
Westminster undertakes to ensure that reserves never fall below £50,000 of unencumbered funds.
## **Plans for future periods**
The seminary proposes to expand its Faculty with the appointment of suitably qualified pastor-scholars, seeking to decrease the proportion of teaching delivered online.
The director will oversee a review of the curriculum, quality assurance measures and pedagogical training with a view to improving the coherence of the curriculum and the quality of teaching.
## **Structure, governance and management**
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) was formed under a constitution dated 26 May 2020.
The Trustees have the responsibility to ensure that all legal obligations are met in terms of the Charities Act 2011.
The daily operations of the charity are managed by a full time Executive Director who is accountable to the Board of Trustees.
The Bursar is accountable to the Executive Director and ensures that all legal responsibilites are met.
All other staff at the seminary report to the Bursar with a dotted line of accountability to the Executive Director.
New Trustees are appointed by existing Trustees.
The Charity's Trustees have considered and follow publication "A guide to conflicts of interest for Charity Trustees" as a matter of good practice.
## **Reference and administrative details**
Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary (the CIO, the Charity) is a registered charity (registration number 1189657).
The governing body of the Charity is the board of Trustees, which currently comprises 5 members. The Trustees who acted during the year and up to the date of this report are shown on page 1.
The registered office of the Charity and details of its principle advisors are shown on page 1.
4
## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Trustees' report**
## **Statement of trustees' responsibilities**
The Trustees are required to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the surplus or deficit for that period. In preparing those accounts, the Trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts; and prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the Charity will continue its activities.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with statutory requirements and with Charity's constitution and rules. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud or other irregularities.
## **Approval**
12/04/2023
This report was approved by the Trustees on . . . . . . . . . . and signed on its behalf by:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dr D J MacLean Trustee
5
**Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Independent Examiner's Report**
## **Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary.**
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the period ended 31 August 2022, which are set out on pages 6 to 13.
## **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 the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
## **Independent Examiner's statement**
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no 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 respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
2 the accounts do not accord with those records; or
- 3 the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed: Dated:
Mai L C Mak FCA
Kinnair and Company Limited Aston House, Redburn Road Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 1NB
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6
## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2022**
|**Notes**
**Income**
Income from donations
2
Other income
3
Income from activities
4
**Total income**
**Expenditure**
Charitable activities:
- Staff
4
- Direct expenditure
5
- Indirect expenditure
6
- Legal and professional
7
- Depreciation
**Total expenditure**
**Net movement in funds**
Funds brought forward
Transfer
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
45,040
17,375
28,207
90,622
255,876
70,289
40,612
4,095
2,770
373,642
(283,020)
441,563
(38,139)
120,404|**Total**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**funds**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
41,061
86,101
-
17,375
-
28,207
41,061
131,683
-
255,876
-
70,289
-
40,612
-
4,095
-
2,770
-
373,642
41,061
(241,959)
441,563
38,139
79,200
199,604|**Total**
**funds**
**2021**
**£**
607,952
12,672
14,376
635,000
163,409
36,599
19,124
5,593
1,853
226,578
408,422
-
33,141
441,563|
|---|---|---|---|
The Charity has no recognised gains or losses other than those shown in the Statement of Financial Activities. All of the
7
## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2022**
|**Notes**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
9
**Current assets**
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
11
**Net current assets**
**Funds**
_Unrestricted funds:_
- General Fund
13
_Restricted funds:_
- Restricted fixed asset funds
14
**Total Trust funds**
**Net assets**|**2022**
**£**
13,862
31,666
156,083
187,749
(2,006)
185,743
199,604
120,404
120,404
79,200
79,200
199,604|**2021**
**£**
16,632
9,821
435,143
444,964
(20,033)
424,931
441,563
441,563
441,563
-
-
441,563|
|---|---|---|
These accounts were approved by the Trustees on . . . . . . . . . . and signed on its behalf by:12/04/2023
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dr D J MacLean Trustee
8
## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022**
## **1 Accounting policies**
## _**Basis of preparation**_
The financial statements of the Charity have been prepared under the historical cost convention in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (Charities SORP (FRS102)) and the Charities Act 2011. The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
## _**Going concern**_
The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate ie whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of authorisation of issue of the financial statements and have concluded that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the forseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to contine as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements.
A summary of the principal accounting policies, which have been consistently applied, is set out below.
## _**Income**_
Voluntary income is recognised in the financial statements when it is received, or on an accruals basis where it can be assured with reasonable certainty and is receivable by the balance sheet date. Income tax recoverable on voluntary donations is recognised in the financial statements when it is receivable from HM Revenue and Customs.
All other incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities on a cash received basis or on an accruals basis where they are assured with reasonable certainty and receivable by the balance sheet date.
## _**Expenditure**_
Expenditure is charged on an accruals basis, inclusive of irrecoverable Value Added Tax.
The cost of charitable activities is analysed between the staff costs, the cost of providing ministry, and costs relating to the charity's property.
## _**Fixed assets**_
Fixed assets are held at cost. Furniture and Office equipment assets are depreciated on a straight line basis at 15% per annum.
## _**Debtors**_
Short term debtors are measured at transaction price , less any impairment losses.
## _**Creditors**_
Short term creditors are measured at transaction price. Loans and other financial liabilities are initially recognised at transaction price net of any transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortised cost determined using the effective interest method.
## _**Taxation**_
The Charity is exempt from Income Tax on its charitable activities but is not exempt from Value Added Tax. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.
9
## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022**
## _**Fund accounting**_
The charity holds unrestricted funds. Within unrestricted funds, the charity may designate certain funds for specific purposes.
## _**Pensions**_
Contributions to defined contribution plans are expenses in the period to which they relate.
- **2 Income: Donations**
|USA Gifts and support
UK Gifts and donations
Trustbridge USA
MTW USA
Shepherds Fund|**2022**
**Unrestricted**
**£**
-
45,040
-
-
-
45,040|**2022**
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
30,061
11,000
41,061|**2022**
**Total**
**£**
-
45,040
-
30,061
11,000
86,101|**2021**
**Total**
**£**
36,495
558,817
12,640
-
607,952|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The income received from Trustbridge USA in 2021 was to cover funding requirements for financial year ending August 2021 and August 2022.
|**3**
**Income: Other**
US Donors
Other income
CAF
**4**
**Income from activities**
Tuition and audit fees
School of Theology
Conference income
**4**
**Expenditure: Staff**
Staff wages
Intern wages
Student salaries
Bursary|**2022**
**Unrestricted**
**£**
2,286
10,566
4,523
17,375
**2022**
**Unrestricted**
**£**
12,745
1,006
14,456
28,207
**2022**
**Unrestricted**
**£**
183,558
23,228
49,090
-
255,876|**2022**
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
**2022**
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
**2022**
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-|**2022**
**Total**
**£**
2,286
10,566
4,523
17,375
**2022**
**Total**
**£**
12,745
1,006
14,456
28,207
**2022**
**Total**
**£**
183,558
23,228
49,090
-
255,876|**2021**
**Total**
**£**
-
12,672
-
12,672
**2021**
**Total**
**£**
12,725
1,651
-
14,376
**2021**
**Total**
**£**
127,954
17,204
-
18,251
163,409|
|---|---|---|---|---|
**5 Expenditure: Direct expenditure**
|Library
Accreditation fees
Faculty costs
School of Theology
Conference attendance
US Fundraising conference
Advertising
Donation|**2022**
**Unrestricted**
**£**
1,844
228
42,350
5,314
11,688
5,706
3,159
-
70,289|**2022**
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|**2022**
**Total**
**£**
1,844
228
42,350
5,314
11,688
5,706
3,159
-
70,289|**2021**
**Total**
**£**
7,575
-
19,509
2,640
4,931
-
944
1,000
36,599|
|---|---|---|---|---|
10
## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Notes to the Accounts**
**for the year ended 31 August 2022**
## **6 Expenditure: Indirect expenditure**
|Rent and rates
Refreshments
Stationery and office consumables
Furniture and equipment
Telephone
Software licences
Charges and interest
Sundry expenses
Cleaning
Consultancy fees
Insurance
Training
Postage
**7**
**Expenditure: Legal and professional fees**
Professional fees
Accountancy
IT consultancy
**8**
**Staff costs**
Gross wages
Employers NIC
Pension costs
Knox Interns
Student salaries
Bursary|**2022**
**Unrestricted**
**£**
24,691
1,637
1,043
1,238
255
4,597
30
3,673
1,007
1,146
556
564
175
40,612
**2022**
**Unrestricted**
**£**
525
1,170
2,400
4,095
**2022**
**Unrestricted**
**£**
163,247
15,390
2,021
23,228
49,090
-
252,976|**2022**
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
**2022**
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
**2022**
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|**2022**
**Total**
**£**
24,691
1,637
1,043
1,238
255
4,597
30
3,673
1,007
1,146
556
564
175
40,612
**2022**
**Total**
**£**
525
1,170
2,400
4,095
**2022**
**Total**
**£**
163,247
15,390
2,021
23,228
49,090
-
252,976|**2021**
**Total**
**£**
13,711
563
583
678
184
3,330
-
-
-
-
-
-
75
19,124
**2021**
**Total**
**£**
2,604
2,989
-
5,593
**2021**
**Total**
**£**
116,934
9,641
1,379
17,204
-
18,251
163,409|
|---|---|---|---|---|
No member of staff earned £60,000 or more during the year.
There were no payments made to the Trustees during the year for reimbursed expenses and wages.
|**Average number of staff during the year**
Staff- part-time
Staff- full-time|**2022**
**Number**
4
2
6|**2021**
**Number**
4
2
6|
|---|---|---|
11
**Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Notes to the Accounts**
**for the year ended 31 August 2022**
## **9 Tangible fixed assets**
|**Cost**
At 1 September 2021
At 31 August 2022
**Depreciation**
At 1 September 2021
Charge for the year
At 31 August 2022
**Net book value**
At 31 August 2022
At 31 August 2021
**10 Debtors**
Amount due from J Winch
Other debtors
**11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
Other taxes and social security costs
Accruals and deferred income
**13 General fund**
Net incoming (outgoing) resources
Brought forward
Transfer to designated funds from general fund
Prior period transfer adjusted for
General fund movement
Carried forward|**Plant and**
**equipment**
**£**
18,485
18,485
1,853
2,770
4,623
13,862
16,632
**2022**
**£**
28,000
3,666
31,666
**2022**
**£**
986
1,020
2,006
**2022**
**£**
(241,959)
441,563
(41,061)
(38,139)
-
120,404|**2021**
**£**
3,671
9,821
**2021**
**£**
-
2,640
20,033
**2021**
**£**
408,422
-
-
33,141
441,563|
|---|---|---|
The prior period transfer adjustment was in relation to designated funds received re the Knox Scholarship.
12
## **Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022**
|**14 Restricted funds**
Transfer from the general fund
Prior period transfer adjusted for
Net transfers from the general fund
At 31 August
Restricted funds are ringfenced scholarships as follows:
Ambassadors Fund 1 - Ronaldo
Ambassadors Fund 1 - Simeon
Knox Scholarship
Shepherds Fund|**2022**
**£**
41,061
38,139
-
79,200
12,700
12,700
31,500
22,300
79,200|**2021**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|
|---|---|---|
## Ambassador Fund 1 – Ronaldo
This was a bid for a specific person to Mission to the World (MTW) which was granted. Ronaldo is an evangelist from Brazil who is studying at Westminster. The money was granted within this reporting period but only started dispersement in the new financial year.
## Ambassador Fund 2 – Simeon
This was allocated on a similar basis as Ambassador Fund 1. Simeon is an intern at the Presbyterian Church in Zurich and is studying through Westminster.
## Knox Scholarship
This is a fund to assist a student with tuition expenses, living expenses and a stipend, or any combination thereof. It was granted by an American donor and there were no other stipulations attached to it.
## Shepherds Fund
This fund was established by an anonymous donor to assist students with tuition fees. There is a stipulation given by the donor that this money only be available for students aspiring to church plant in England, Wales or continental Europe, or who hope to minister within EPCEW or the IPC.
## **12 Related party transactions**
There were no related party transactions during the year.
13