Union Church, Sheffield
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2023
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
UNION CHURCH, SHEFFIELD
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE | ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE | 41 Granby Road |
|---|---|---|
| Sheffield | ||
| S5 6WD | ||
| GOVERNING DOCUMENT | Constitution for a CIO dated 26 January 2021 | |
| CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER | 1193249 | |
| TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE | FOR | Alison Collins (appointed 19 November 2022) |
| MANAGING THE CHARITY | Fraser Davies (resigned 13 May 2023) | |
| Dr Sarah Goodwin | ||
| Dr David Hillson (resigned 19 November 2022) | ||
| Samuel McWhirter | ||
| Christopher Richardson | ||
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER | Ajay Rajani FCIE | |
| Stewardship | ||
| 1 Lamb's Passage | ||
| LONDON | ||
| EC1Y 8AB | ||
| INDEX | ||
| Page 1 | Legal & Administrative Details | |
| Pages 2-4 | Trustees' Report | |
| Page 5 | Independent Examiner's Report | |
| Page 6 | Receipts and Payments Account | |
| Page 7 | Statement of Assets & Liabilities | |
| Page 8 | Notes to the Accounts |
Page 1
UNION CHURCH SHEFFIELD
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR END 31 MARCH 2023
The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Objects of the charity
The charity, which is a church, is governed by a constitution and is constituted as a charitable incorporated organisation. The charity's principal objects, as set out in its governing document, are:
-
the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith primarily but not exclusively within Sheffield and the surrounding neighbourhood; and
-
such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the charity trustees, put into practice the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith, including but not limited to: the prevention and relief of need, hardship and sickness; the advancement of education; and the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life.
Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements
To further the above objects and vision, the charity's main activities and achievements were as follows:
This past year Union Church Sheffield has:
-
provided opportunities for church members to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith and also for the wider public to be introduced to Christian faith through weekly Sunday gatherings & mid-week small groups. In particular, we have invited external speakers to help us think about our use of digital technologies; and to better understand the Muslim practice of fasting during Ramadan. We have recently relocated our Sunday meetings to another community venue.
-
been glad for work done, in partnership with another local church, to support our young people in their Christian faith which has seen 2 of them coming to the decision to follow Christ and be baptised.
-
again given pastoral care and training for church members as they seek to live according to the Christian faith enabling them to serve and enrich wider society through their places of employment and education.
-
again enabled some church members to access theological and pastoral training from other Christian ministries (i.e. Bible Training Yorkshire & Biblical Counselling UK).
-
seen church members developed and given responsibility within the church; with one individual recognised as a Candidate Elder and 2 others taking on Deacon responsibilities. These men and women are being supported to take leadership and pastoral responsibility for others.
-
● grown overall in membership; with 3 new members becoming actively involved in the church in the past year and 4 more actively considering becoming formal members.
Page 2
-
seen small groups within the church continue to support one another in their faith and service of their local communities.
-
organised and run activities for youth and children that deepen their understanding of the Christian faith through a weekly youth club, bible studies, weekend away and holiday bible club. We were especially happy to see our lively holiday bible club cater for our children, their friends, and children from the general public. Many of our members and teenagers helped with this club in a variety of roles and it was great to see them all working together.
-
again supported financially and pastorally individuals (i.e. mission partners) who are serving churches overseas; in particular two church members who are involved in bible translation in Nigeria.
In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
Financial review
Overall, income in this second year of operation was £104,093 compared to £114,833 last year (after deducting the £44,402 received last year from Sharrowvale Wesleyan Reform Church when Union Church commenced operating).
After excluding last year’s income from Sharrowvale, unrestricted income fell by £9,371 to £70,511. This was largely due to a reduction in income from special gifts, which fell by £15,938 (including related gift aid) to £15,000 this year. The reduction was partly offset by an increase of £5,380 in other donation income and an increase of £1,187 in income from other sources (principally bank interest). In addition the charity received restricted income of £33,042 (2022: £34,951) from Grace Church, Waco to fund the employment of one of the church’s ministers and a restricted grant of £540 from FIEC.
Overall, expenditure in this second period of operating was £101,849 (2022: £93,202). Unrestricted expenditure increased by £8,821, to £70,678. This increase was due to an increase of £4,397 in payroll costs and expenditure more generally increased because the charity was able to do more following the easing of COVID restrictions. The charity incurred restricted expenditure of £31,171 (2022: £28,512) on the employment of the minister funded by Grace Church, Waco; there has been no expenditure yet from the restricted grant received from FIEC.
As a result the charity has reported a deficit of £167 on unrestricted funds and a surplus of £2,411 on restricted funds. Overall cash held by the church at the year end for its activities increased by £2,244 to £68,277. From this, £15,729 has been set aside in a designated reserve fund.
Reserves policy
The trustees have determined that the charity should aim to hold unrestricted cash of no less than £15,729 (which equates to three months payroll and mission partner expenditure) so that the charity could continue to operate should income and / or expenditure vary adversely. At the year-end, the charity held unrestricted cash of £61,498 and the charity is complying with its reserves policy.
Page 3
Governance
Responsibility for setting policy and for making operating decisions rest with the trustees, who meet regularly to monitor the activities of the charity. They are familiar with their legal duties and the respective Charity Commission 5-minute guides. Responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the charity has been delegated to the elders. New trustees are recruited and appointed by the existing trustees, subject to a vote indicating approval by 75% of church membership. A more detailed account of the procedure can be found in our church handbook. Our external trustee stepped down and was replaced in the autumn.
Risk statement
The charity is exposed to various risks - be they operational, financial or reputational. The trustees review the charity's activities regularly to identify significant risks and, where possible, they take appropriate measures to monitor and manage those risks.
Financial responsibilities of trustees
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Sarah Goodwin
Sarah Goodwin Chair of Trustees Date: 17 July 2023
Samuel McWhirter
Samuel McWhirter Pastor/Elder/Trustee Date: 17 July 2023
Page 4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
UNION CHURCH, SHEFFIELD
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Union Church, Sheffield ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2023 on pages 6 to 8 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Ajay Rajani
Ajay Rajani FCIE Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: 18 July 2023
Page 5
UNION CHURCH, SHEFFIELD
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| Notes Income receipts Donations Gift aid receipts Grants from Sharrowvale Christian Fellowship Grants from Grace Church, Waco Other grant income Bank interest Other income Total receipts Payments 2 3 Total payments Transfers between funds 5 Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end A Net of receipts / (payments) before transfers Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly |
Unrestrict | Designated Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,887 1,887 13,842 15,729 ed Funds |
Restricted Funds £ - - - 33,042 540 - - 33,582 31,171 - 31,171 2,411 - 2,411 4,368 6,779 |
2023 £ 57,234 11,872 - 33,042 540 1,406 - 104,093 94,620 7,229 101,849 2,244 - 2,244 66,033 68,277 |
Period from 26 Jan 2021 to 31 March 2022 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Funds £ 57,234 11,872 - - - 1,406 70,511 63,449 7,229 70,678 (167) (1,887) (2,054) 47,823 45,769 |
||||||
| 67,050 12,613 44,402 34,951 - 69 150 |
||||||
| 159,235 | ||||||
| 86,288 6,914 |
||||||
| 93,202 | ||||||
| 66,033 - |
||||||
| 66,033 - |
||||||
| 66,033 |
The notes on page 8 forms part of these accounts.
Page 6
UNION CHURCH, SHEFFIELD
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| A Cash funds Bank current account Bank deposit account B Other monetary assets C Liabilities D Assets retained for charity's own use Equipment fund |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 45,769 15,729 - - 45,769 15,729 - - - - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ 6,779 - 6,779 - - |
2023 £ 68,277 - 68,277 - - Fund to which asset belongs Unrestricted |
2022 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21,574 44,459 |
||||
| 66,033 | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| Cost £ |
||||
| 3,182 |
The trustees estimated the value to the charity of the equipment it inherited when it began operating and this has been updated for subsequent purchases and disposals.
E Guarantees and secured debts
The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Samuel McWhirter
Sarah Goodwin
_____ _____ Samuel McWhirter - trustee Sarah Goodwin - trustee
Date: 17 July 2023
The notes on page 8 forms part of these accounts.
Page 7
UNION CHURCH, SHEFFIELD
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| General Designated funds funds £ £ 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Staff costs 48,733 - Venue hire and other meeting expenses 7,718 - Training 3,935 - Outreach 550 - Administrative expenses 2,021 - IT & communications 493 - 63,449 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds £ 31,171 - - - - - 31,171 |
Total 2023 £ 79,903 7,718 3,935 550 2,021 493 94,620 |
Total 2022 £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72,847 5,190 3,402 80 4,312 457 |
|||
| 86,288 |
3 Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others
| Giving to mission partners Giving to other partners |
6,197 1,032 7,229 |
- - - |
- - - |
6,197 1,032 7,229 |
5,866 1,048 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,914 |
4 Transactions with related parties
Samuel McWhirter served as church leader and was paid employment benefits totalling £38,700 (2022: £36,000) for serving in that capacity, not for serving as a trustee; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.
5 Movement on funds
| Unrestricted general funds Unrestricted designated funds Reserve fund Restricted funds Residency fund Cross Cultural Outreach fund Total funds |
Opening balance £ 47,823 13,842 4,368 - 66,033 |
Receipts £ 70,511 - 33,042 540 104,093 |
Payments £ (70,678) - (31,171) - (101,849) |
Transfers £ (1,887) 1,887 - - - |
Closing balance £ 45,769 15,729 6,239 540 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68,277 |
Designated funds
The designated Reserve fund represents funds set aside by the trustees to help cover spending commitments (in particular staff employment and mission partner support) for a period of time should income vary adversely.
Restricted funds
The restricted Residency fund was created from grants received from Grace Church Waco to employ a Church Planting Resident. The restricted Cross Cultural Outreach fund was created from a grant received from FIEC to help support specifically cross-cultural local outreach.
Page 8