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2024-03-31-accounts

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL (Charity Registration Number: 232494) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 MARCH 2024

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL Registered Charity 232494

Reference and Administrative Details

PRINCIPAL OFFICE

TRUSTEES

CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAM

TEAM LEADER ASSISTANT TEAM LEADER

BURSAR ASSISTANT BURSAR SOLICITORS

PRINCIPAL BANKERS

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

INSURANCE BROKERS

INVESTMENT ADVISORS

The Generalate 118 Chalet Estate Hammers Lane London NW7 4DN

Catherine McGovern OSF Joan Edna Rowlands OSF Eileen Plunkett OSF Margaret Alice McElroy OSF Richard King (appointed 18 May 2023)

Sister Margaret Alice McElroy OSF Sister Eileen Plunkett OSF Sister Catherine McGovern OSF

Sister Margaret Alice McElroy OSF Sister Eileen Plunkett OSF Sister Catherine McGovern OSF Veronica Lumb

Tozers LLP Broadwalk House Southernhay West Exeter EX1 1UA

The Royal Bank of Scotland Plc 24 Grosvenor Place London SW1X 7HP

Adam Halsey FCA Haysmacintyre LLP 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG

Marsh Commercial 1[st] Floor, Gail House 5 Lower Stone Street Maidstone, ME15 6NB Barclays Wealth Management Limited 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees present their report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024.

INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF THE CHARITY (CONGREGATION)

The Congregation of the Franciscan Sisters of Mill Hill is an Institute of apostolic women within the Roman Catholic Church, founded in 1868.

The story of the Congregation began 150 years ago in Hackney, London. The five pioneering women, under the leadership of Mary Basil who founded the Congregation, were honed by their previous experiences (as Anglican Sisters) among the destitute people of Soho and Hackney where cholera, smallpox, and appalling living conditions were rife. Received into the Roman Catholic Church in 1868, they continued and developed their work among the poorest in society through various forms of social work, health care, skills training and education. Attracted by their love, joyful service of the poor and Franciscan way of life, other women soon joined them, and their numbers steadily grew.

MOTHER MARY FRANCIS BASIL (1833-1886) GROUP OF EARLY SISTERS (circa 1874)

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FOUNDRESS
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Over the next one hundred years, the Sisters responded to calls for help within the UK and Ireland, and further afield:

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1882 1902 1960
USA UGANDA SOUTH
Baltimore KENYA AFRICA
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FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Across three Continents Sisters engaged in a variety of challenging ministries, pioneering many projects and maintaining others, the emphasis on helping and empowering the poorest and voiceless in society. Some of these areas included:

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FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

From that one small group of five pioneering women in England in 1868, there have sprung four independent Congregations of Religious Sisters in USA, East Africa, Ireland and UK.

Representatives of the four Congregations: Franciscan Sisters of Mill Hill Franciscan Sisters of Baltimore (now Milwaukee) Franciscan Missionaries for Africa Little Sisters of St Francis (East Africa)

From the 1970’s onwards a sea change occurred in active religious orders: most Congregations in Europe and USA saw a marked decrease in the number of women joining. (The opposite has occurred in Africa!)

With no new applicants and an ageing membership, we welcome new challenges to the way we live our Franciscan calling. Our desire to be a meaningful presence among the communities in which we live and serve is as strong as ever.

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FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Congregation is an Institute of Pontifical status, with a Superior General (now referred to as ‘Team Leader’) who has overall responsibility for the governance of the Congregation and is assisted in this by the General Council (now referred to as ‘Congregational Leadership Team’) which broadly mirrors the Trustee body though a lay trustee has now been appointed. The Congregational Leadership Team is accountable to the General Chapter which is held every 4 years and is the Supreme Legislative Authority in the congregation.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The Franciscan Sisters of Mill Hill are a group of women whose main aim is still to fulfil the charism of their Foundress, Mother Mary Francis Basil: ‘To meet the needs of the world of her day.’

We continually assess the needs of our world today and evaluate how best we can address them with our diminishing numbers of Sisters.

Public benefit

The Trustees in this report describe how those activities undertaken by the charity further its charitable purposes for the public benefit. The Trustees confirm that they comply with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission. In particular they have considered its supplementary public guidance on the advancement of religion for the public benefit.

ACTIVITIES OF THE CHARITY

The activities of the Charity have changed over time, just as societal needs have changed; our numbers have decreased, and members are ageing. What has now emerged, is a variety of pastoral needs and opportunities that all of us are engaging with, according to health and training.

We support the disadvantaged societies by:

Our Constitutions remind us:

‘The mission is possible at all times, in health and in sickness, in joy and in sorrow, in youth and in advancing years and in old age, in success and in failure. In fact, in every circumstance of age and health we can proclaim that our life is founded on Jesus Christ and expect to find its fulfilment in Him.’ (Constitutions, ch.5 para. 47).

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FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (Continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

INVESTMENT POWER

The Trustees may invest in any manner in which the law allows trust money to be invested, or as directed by donors of any donated trust funds, so the Trustee Act 2000 applies.

INVESTMENT POLICY

The Trustees have appointed Barclays Wealth Investment Management Limited to manage the portfolio subject to a medium degree of risk. The Trustees intend that the real value of the assets be maintained and enhanced over the long-term investment in a portfolio of equities, fixed stocks and cash. The Trustees have instructed Barclays Wealth to adopt an ethical policy and use their best endeavours to avoid investment in companies that are predominately involved in activities contrary to the ethos of the Charity, including gambling, tobacco or armaments.

Between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024, the capital value of the investment portfolio increased by £193,652 after adjusting for new money and disposals. During the period, the investment portfolio produced a return of 3.97% which was lower than the composite benchmark return of 5.40% over the same period. The trustees appreciate that the investments are held for the medium to long term and as such there are likely to be times of volatility where performance may not always track the benchmark.

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FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

THE PRESENT TRUSTEES

Sister Edna Rowlands Sister Catherine McGovern Richard King

Sister Margaret McElroy

Sister Eileen Plunkett

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FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Statement of Financial Activities shows net movement in funds (increase) after investment gains, of £4,121 (2023: £290,678). Income decreased to £140,659 from £142,855 in 2023. Expenditure in the year amounted to £330,190, up from £295,598 in 2023. Investments increased in value during the year (before additions and disposals). The Congregation continues to review its finances and needs in order to match future income with expenditure. Investments will assist in retirement provision for those no longer engaged in pastoral or other salaried work or who have left the Congregation but require continuing support according to the Congregation's obligations and resources. No commitments or guarantees have been given in this or any other respect, but the Congregation is committed to supporting its members who have spent most of their working lives in the furtherance of its aims either voluntarily or by covenanting earned income from outside employment.

Going Concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

Reserves policy

The commitment to provide for care of the members of the Congregation in sickness and old age has profound implications for the finances of the Charity. Members of the Congregation have all taken a vow of poverty which means that all rights to assets and income have been given up, in favour of the Charity. Where members earn a salary, stipend or pension this is paid into the charitable trust under a deed of covenant. In most cases members have devoted the whole of their working lives to the Congregation and are dependent upon it for all their temporal needs. Although members invariably continue to perform charitable work long past normal retirement age if they are healthy enough to do so, the work is often not remunerative, and the Congregation must provide for their upkeep and in some cases nursing care. The Designated Reserves of the charity stand at a little over £3.5m with £1.3m designated in respect of the charity’s property assets, which are required for its ongoing work. In addition, £2.25m is designated to a Retirement Fund. This represents assets held for the purposes of providing long term support for members. An appraisal of this fund is considered annually. At present the amount held is thought to be adequate, but the charity’s situation could change in future years, with additional sums possibly being required to provide fully for the charity’s commitment. If additional funds are required, the charity could potentially dispose of part of its freehold property.

At the end of the year to 31 March 2024 the undesignated reserves of the charity were £762,321. This represents just over 2 years of expenditure, which is considered to be adequate. It is the intention of the Trustees to maintain the reserve at between three- and six-months’ expenditure (£82,250 – £165,000).

Risk review

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Trust, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks. However, they have concluded that the greatest risk to the Charity currently is the lack of novices or postulants under training for the religious life and the consequent fall in the number of Sisters able either to carry out the Charity’s pastoral work or to provide nursing or other care for those Sisters who have retired. Concerns were also raised about the requirement for religious and other charities to show public benefit from their activities. But the remaining Sisters, though now fewer in number, can easily show that they do bring tangible benefit to the local community.

As with all organisations serving in the community, the Trustees recognise the need for protection and safety of all those the Charity serves. We do have our own Safeguarding Policy for children/vulnerable adults. Where it applies Sisters, employees and volunteers have had a clearance with POVA and DBS.

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FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

SUMMARY

The Congregation continues to review its spending plans and needs and makes every effort to manage its existing assets as efficiently as possible in order to generate the income necessary to achieve the Charity’s aims, including provision for Sisters in retirement. The Trustees are satisfied that the overall financial position is sound but are conscious that their resources are limited in the face of future needs.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

The Trustees agree that although we are smaller in number, we are still able to fulfil the needs of the Charity.

OBJECTIVES for the forthcoming year:

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Congregation’s headquarters are based at the Generalate in 118 Chalet Estate, Mill Hill, London. There, the Bursar administers certain funds on behalf of the Congregation as a whole, under the direction of the Team Leader advised by the Congregational Leadership Team. Each year, the Bursar submits to them a formal account of her administration of those funds in accordance with the Congregation’s Rule and Constitutions. The Congregational Leadership Team, elected every 4 years by the members of the Congregation, meets regularly to advise the Team Leader on matters concerning the Congregation and formal decisions affecting its charitable activities are taken at regular meetings of the Trustees, several of whom serve on the Congregational Leadership Team.

In addition to the general administration, the Congregation’s work is carried through St. Mary’s Convent, 118 Chalet Estate, Mill Hill, which continues to minister to the Parish and community groups within the area as well as various groups in the wider community. The Congregation also supports Sisters in various ministries in East Kilbride (Scotland); and Widnes (Cheshire); Monaghan (Ireland).

Because of declining numbers, and as the Congregation is a Pontifical Congregation, Rome appointed Fr Terry McGrath as Pontifical Religious Assistant in March 2021.

LEGAL STATUS

The Franciscan Sisters of Mill Hill is an unincorporated charitable association governed by Trust Deed dated 8 March 2012. This Trust Deed, replacing the 1960 “Campbell” Deed, was adopted following the dissolution of the former No.1 Trust (a Settlement made in 1949 and governing the properties then owned by the Congregation) The Team Leader has significant powers in regard administration of the Trust and approval of the Trustees’ actions. However, these powers are only exercisable in accordance with the Congregation’s Rules and Constitutions (which still refer to a ‘Superior General’ and a ‘General Council’)

APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES

The Team Leader has the power of appointment of the new Trustees of the Charity and is ex-officio a Trustee. Given the nature of the Congregation, Trustees have not been required from outside its members in the past. However, in May 2023, in view of diminishing numbers the Team Leader, with the approval of the other Trustees, decided to add one lay trustee, who is the retired legal adviser to the Charity.

No specific training has been given to the Trustees, but they are satisfied they have sufficient access to professional and practical advice to understand the responsibilities as Charity Trustees.

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FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales 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 Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Approved by the Trustees on 1 November 2024 and signed as authorised on their behalf by:

Sr. Margaret Alice McElroy Trustee and Congregational Team Leader

9

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Franciscan Sisters of Mill Hill, for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 11 to 22.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). The trustees are satisfied that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the 2011 Act and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the requirements of 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 matters have come to my attention 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.

Adam Halsey FCA Haysmacintyre LLP Chartered Accountants 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG

Date: 4 November 2024

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FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2024

Designated Funds Designated Funds
General Retirement Property 2024 2023
Fund Fund Fund Total Total
Notes £ £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies:
Donations, gifts and legacies 4,010 - - 4,010 1,085
Sisters’ salaries and pensions 70,183 - - 70,183 74,152
Investments 3 61,177 - - 61,177 61,277
Other 5,289 - - 5,289 2,343
_-_Sale of fixed assets - - - - 3,998
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total income 140,659 - - 140,659 142,855
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ---------------- ----------------
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Investment management costs 16,406 - - 16,406 16,273
Charitable activities
Sisters’ maintenance and welfare 215,389 61,463 36,932 313,784 279,325
---------------- -------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total expenditure 7 231,795 61,463 36,932 330,190 295,598
---------------- -------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net income/(expenditure) and net
movements
in
funds before
(losses)/gains on investments (91,136) (61,463) (36,932) (189,531) (152,743)
(Losses)/gains on investments:
Realised - (13,396) - (13,396) (64,588)
Unrealised - 207,048 - 207,048 (73,347)
----------------- ----------------- --------------- ------------------ ------------------
Net Movement in Funds (91,136) 132,189 (36,932) 4,121 (290,678)
Transfers between funds (46,698) (132,189) 178,887 - -
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net
movement
in funds after
transfers (137,834) - 141,955 4,121 (290,678)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances brought forward at
1 April 2023 £900,156 £2,250,000 £1,185,965 £4,336,121 £4,626,799
----------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Fund balances carried forward at
31 March 2024 £762,322 £2,250,000 £1,327,920 £4,340,242 £4,336,121
======== ========== ========== ========== ==========

All funds in 2023 and 2024 were unrestricted.

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 13 to 20 form part of these financial statements.

11

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed Assets:
Tangible fixed assets 2 1,337,952 1,380,530
Investments 3 2,444,482 2,278,936
-------------------- --------------------
3,782,434 3,659,466
Current Assets
Debtors 4 7,339 7,578
Cash at bank and in hand 565,999 682,895
------------------ -----------------
573,338 690,473
Creditors:Amounts falling due
within one year 5 (15,530) (13,818)
---------------- ----------------
Net Current Assets 557,808 676,655
-------------------- --------------------
Net Assets 4,340,242 £4,336,121
========== ==========
Funds
General 762,322 900,156
Designated - Retirement Fund 6 2,250,000 2,250,000
- Property Fund 6 1,327,920 1,185,965
------------------- -------------------
3,577,920 3,435,965
--------------------- ---------------------
4,340,242 £4,336,121
========== ==========

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of the Trustees on 1 November 2024 and were signed below on its behalf by:

Sr. Margaret Alice McElroy Trustee and Congregational Leader

The notes on pages 13 to 20 form part of these financial statements.

12

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

GENERAL INFORMATION

Franciscan Sisters of Mill Hill is an unincorporated charity in England and Wales, with the charity registration number 232494. The registered office is The Generalate, 118 Chalet Estate, Hammers Lane, London, NW7 4DN. The principal objectives of the charity are set out within the Trustees Report, on page 4.

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the accounts are laid out below.

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have 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 Charities Act 2011.

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

The financial statements are presented in UK Sterling, which is the Charity's functional currency, and rounded to the nearest pound.

b) Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Preparation of the accounts requires the Trustees to make significant judgements and estimates. The items in the accounts where these judgements and estimates have been made include:

c)

Assessment of going concern

The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these accounts. The Trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of one year from the date of approval of these accounts.

The Trustees of the charity have concluded that there are no 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 are of the opinion that the charity will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due. The most significant areas of judgement that affect items in the accounts are detailed above. With regard to the next accounting period, the year ending 31 March 2024, the most significant areas that affect the carrying value of the assets held by the charity are the level of investment return and the performance of the investment markets (see the investment policy and the risk management sections of the Trustees’ Report for more information).

d) Cash Flow Statement

The Trustees have taken advantage of the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP 2015) for smaller charities and have chosen not to prepare a cash flow statement.

13

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

e) Income recognition

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

Sisters’ salaries and pensions are received under deeds of covenant and are stated inclusive of income tax but net of any deductions for social security payments and contributions to occupational pension schemes if relevant.

Legacies and donations are recognised when receivable or when the Society becomes legally entitled to them. Receipts of property, investments or other gifts in kind are included at market value.

In accordance with the Charities SORP FRS102, volunteer time is not recognised.

Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.

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 bank.

f) Expenditure recognition and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

Charitable grants and donations are made where the Trustees consider there is real need following a review of the details of each particular case and comprise single year payments rather than multi-year grants. Grants and donations are included in the statement of financial activities when approved for payment. Provision is made for grants and donations approved but unpaid at the period end.

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

g) Allocation of support and governance costs

Support costs represent indirect charitable expenditure. In order to carry out the primary purposes of the charity it is necessary to provide support in the form of personnel development, financial procedures, provision of office services and equipment and a suitable working environment.

h) Tangible Fixed Assets

Prior to 1 April 1996 all capital expenditure was written off as incurred. As at that date the Trustees estimated the current value of fixed assets required to be shown in the balance sheet. Subsequent acquisitions or improvements are capitalised at cost.

Individual assets costing £2,000 or more are capitalised at cost.

14

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Depreciation is calculated by the straight-line method to write off the cost/value, less anticipated residual value, over the expected useful lives of assets as follows:

Leasehold land and buildings 50 years
Freehold buildings 50 years
Furniture and equipment 4 years
Motor vehicles 4 years

i) Investments

Quoted investments are valued at their closing middle market price on the balance sheet date. Increases and decreases in market value are reflected in Statement of Financial Activities.

In addition, the charity has established a pension scheme for certain Sisters. The scheme is a Deferred Annuity Contract whereby a certain guaranteed sum is payable to the charity at a fixed future date. No value can be attributed to the contract as future returns are dependent on the bonuses which in turn depend on investment returns and inflation. Therefore, the asset is included in the balance sheet at the aggregate value of the premiums paid to date, which the Trustees estimate is not materially different from its market value.

On maturity, proceeds are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities net of premiums paid in respect of the relevant member or members.

j) Financial Instruments

The charity only holds 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.

k) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.

l) 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. Deposits for more than three months and up to one year have been disclosed as short-term deposits. Cash placed on deposit for more than one year is disclosed as a fixed asset investment.

m) Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

n) Services provided by members of the Congregation

For the purposes of these accounts, no value has been placed on administrative and other services provided by the members of the Congregation.

15

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Leasehold Furniture
Buildings Land and And Motor
Improvements Buildings Equipment Vehicles Total
£ £ £ £ £
COST/VALUATION
At 1 April 2023 26,798 1,762,155 17,022 31,100 1,837,075
--------------- -------------------- --------------- ----------------- -------------------
At 31 March 2024 26,798 1,762,155 17,022 31,100 1,837,075
--------------- -------------------- --------------- ----------------- -------------------
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2022 22,959 401,142 15,484 16,960 456,545
Charge for the year 1,689 35,243 544 5,102 42,578
--------------- ----------------- ---------------- --------------- -----------------
At 31 March 2023 24,648 436,385 16,028 22,062 499,123
-------------- ------------------ ---------------- --------------- -----------------
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2024 £2,150 £1,325,770 £994 £9,038 £1,337,952
======= =========== ======= ======== ==========
At 31 March 2023 £3,839 £1,361,013 £1,538 £14,140 £1,380,530
======= =========== ======= ======== ==========
All fixed assets are held for charitable use.
3. INVESTMENTS Deferred
Annuity Portfolio Portfolio
Contract Cash Investments Total
£ £ £ £
Market Value at 1 April 2023 17,987 50,346 2,210,603 2,278,936
Additions during the year - 1,376,616 1,311,341 2,687,957
Disposals (at opening market value) (17,987) (1,390,206) (1,307,870) (2,716,063)
Net investment losses - - 193,652 193,652
-------------- ------------------- -------------------- -------------------
Market value at 31 March 2024 £- £36,756 £2,407,726 £2,444,482
` ======= ========= ========== ==========
Cost at 31 March 2024 £- £36,756 £2,377,482 £2,432,225
======= ========= ========== ==========
2024 2023
£ £
Investment income arising from:
Quoted investments £61,177 £61,277
======== ========

16

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

4. DEBTORS 2024 2023
£ £
Prepayments and accrued income £7,339 £7,578
======= =======
5. CREDITORS 2024 2023
£ £
Other creditors and accruals 15,530 13,818
--------------- ---------------
£15,530 £13,818
======= ========

6. DESIGNATED FUNDS

Retirement Fund

A fund has been designated to provide for the Charity’s commitment to provide for the retirement and care in old age and sickness of the Charity’s members. An actuarial review of the Charity’s membership carried out in 1997 indicated that a fund in the region of £2.78 million would be required to finance the Charity’s commitment to provide care for its elderly members after taking account of their occupational pension rights. However, it is now felt that less is needed in the fund and has therefore been reduced to £2,250,000 and hence a transfer has been made to reduce the fund to this level.

Property Fund

In order to fulfil its charitable objectives, the charity needs a number of properties. These properties, although they are unrestricted assets, cannot be realised without undermining the charity’s work and the trustees therefore feel that it is appropriate to reflect the investment in fixed assets by means of a designated fund. The balance of this fund equates to the NBV of the property fixed assets.

b) Analysis of Movements – 2024 Income/
Balance at (expenditure) Balance at
1 April and 31 March
2023 Gains/(losses) Transfers 2024
£ £ £ £
Retirement Fund 2,250,000 132,189 (132,189) 2,250,000
Property Fund 1,185,965 (36,932) 178,887 1,327,920
-------------------- ------------------ ------------------- --------------------
£3,435,965 95,257 46,698 £3,577,920
=========== ========= ========= ==========
Analysis of Movements -2023 Income/
Balance at (expenditure) Balance at
1 April and 31 March
2022 Gains/(losses) Transfers 2023
£ £ £ £
Retirement Fund 2,250,000 (183,537) 183,537 2,250,000
Property Fund 1,406,768 (37,268) (183,537) 1,185,963
-------------------- ------------------ ------------------- --------------------
£3,656,768 £(220,805) - £3,435,963
=========== ========= ========= ==========

17

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

7. EXPENDITURE 2024 2023
£ £
Cost of Raising Funds
Investment management fees £16,406 £16,273
======== ========
Sisters’ Maintenance
and Welfare
2024 2022
£ £
Direct Costs
Establishment expenses 57,840 55,191
Depreciation 42,579 45,171
Maintenance and living costs 122,610 105,873
Staff costs 39,660 34,903
Donations, courses and church expenses 25,448 21,694
Support and other expenses 16,656 8,940
Governance costs (see below) 8,991 7,553
------------------ ------------------
313,784 £279,325
======== =========
The costs have all been directly allocated.
2024 2023
Governance £ £
Subscriptions - 353
Independent examiner’s fees 2,000 2,000
Accountancy fees 5,080 4,300
Legal and professional fees 1,911 900
------------- -------------
£8,991 £7,553
======= ========
8. STAFF COSTS 2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 35,619 31,812
Social security costs 4,041 3,091
---------------- ----------------
£39,660 £34,903
======== ========

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000. The average number of employees in the year was 2 (2023: 2). The charity’s key management personnel are its trustees who are not remunerated.

18

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

9. TRANSACTIONS WITH TRUSTEES AND RELATED PARTIES

The trustees of the Charity are also members of the Congregation and as such have taken vows of poverty under which they have renounced all personal rights to income and capital. The Charity provides for the essential needs of all the members. The living costs of those trustees who are members of the Congregation are therefore borne by the Charity in the same way as those of other Sisters. The trustees therefore receive no benefit by virtue of their position as trustees. This leaves them free to carry out their prime purpose, to advance the Roman Catholic religion. No remuneration has been paid to the trustees. The Congregation pays for the lay trustee’s travel and accommodation for the occasional trustee meetings. There are no balances outstanding with any related parties, at the Balance sheet date (2023: £Nil).

10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND – Designated Funds
2024
General Retirement Property
Fund Fund Fund Total
£ £ £ £
Fund Balances at 31 March 2024 are
represented by:
Tangible fixed assets 10,032 - 1,327,920 1,337,952
Investments - 2,444,482 - 2,444,482
Current assets 767,820 (194,482) - 573,338
Current liabilities (15,530) - - (15,530)
---------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
762,322 2,250,000 1,327,920 4,340,242
---------------- -------------------- ------------------- --------------------
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND – Designated Funds
2023
General Retirement Property
Fund Fund Fund Total
£ £ £ £
Fund Balances at 31 March 2023 are
represented by:
Tangible fixed assets 194,567 - 1,185,965 1,380,532
Investments - 2,278,934 - 2,278,934
Current assets 719,407 (28,934) 690,473
Current liabilities (13,818) - - (13,818)
---------------- -------------------- -------------------- --------------------
£900,156 £2,250,000 £1,185,965 £4,336,121
---------------- -------------------- ------------------- --------------------

19

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

11. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES 2023

Designated Funds Designated Funds
General Retirement Property 2023
Fund Fund Fund Total
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies:
Donations, gifts and legacies 1,085 - - 1,085
Sisters’ salaries and pensions 74,152 - - 74,152
Investments 61,277 - - 61,277
Other 2,343 - - 2,343
_-_Sale of fixed assets 3,998 - - 3,998
_-_JRS furlough grants - - - -
Total income ---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
142,855 - - 142,855
---------------- ---------------- ----------------- ----------------
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Investment management costs 16,273 - - 16,273
Charitable activities
Sisters’ maintenance and welfare 196,457 45,602 37,266 279,325
---------------- -------------- ---------------- ----------------
Total expenditure 212,730 45,602 37,266 295,598
---------------- --------------- ---------------- ----------------
Net
income/(expenditure)
and net
movements in funds before (losses)/gains
on investments (69,875) (45,602) (37,266) (152,743)
Gains on investments:
Realised - (64,588) - (64,588)
Unrealised - (73,347) - (73,347)
----------------- ----------------- --------------- ------------------
Net Movement in Funds (69,875) (183,537) (37,266) (290,678)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances brought forward at
1 April 2022 970,031 2,250,000 1,406,768 4,626,799
----------------- -------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Fund balances carried forward at £900,156 £2,250,000 £1,185,965 £4,336,121
31 March 2023 ======== ========== ========== ==========

20

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE SCHEDULES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Houses &
Central Personal Total Total
Funds Budgets 2024 2023
INCOME £ £ £ £
Investment income
Dividends 55,156 - 55,156 58,998
Interest 6,021 - 6,021 2,279
------------------ -------------- ------------------ ------------------
61,177 - 61,177 61,277
Donations and gifts 4,010 - 4,010 1,085
Sisters' salaries and pensions 88,170 - 88,170 74,152
Sale of fixed assets - - - 3,998
Other income 5,289 - 5,289 2,343
----------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Total income 158,646 - 158,646 142,855
======== ======= ======== ========
EXPENDITURE -
Investment management costs 16,406 - 16,406 16,273
----------------- -------------- ----------------- -----------------
Charitable Expenditure
Establishment expenses 94,772 - 94,772 92,456
Maintenance and welfare of members 162,271 - 162,271 140,776
Donations, courses and church expenses 25,448 - 25,448 21,694
Administration and other expenses 22,302 - 22,302 16,846
----------------- ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
304,793 - 304,793 271,772
------------------ --------------- ----------------- -----------------
Governance of Charity 8,991 - 8,991 7,553
------------------ ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Total expenditure 313,784 - 313,784 295,598
======== ======== ======== ========
Net income/(expenditure) before transfers (171,544) - (171,544) (152,743)
Transfer between funds - - - -
------------------ ---------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net income/(expenditure) for the year (171,544) - (171,544) (152,743)
Gains on investment assets:
Realised (13,396) - (13,396) (64,588)
Unrealised 207,048 - 207,048 (73,349)
------------------ -------------- ----------------- -----------------
Net Movements in Funds 22,108 - 22,108 (290,680)
Fund balances brought forward
at 1 April 2022 4,336,121 - 4,336,121 £4,626,799
------------------- --------------- -------------------- --------------------
Fund balances carried forward
at 31 March 2023 4,358,229 - 4,358,229 £4,336,119
========== ======== ========== ==========

21

FRANCISCAN SISTERS OF MILL HILL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE SCHEDULES - FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Central Houses & Personal Total Total
Funds Budgets 2024 2023
CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE £ £ £ £
Establishment expenses
Insurances 2,260 - 2,260 2,601
Repairs and maintenance 3,944 - 3,944 1,549
Light and heat 2,418 - 2,418 (1,042)
Depreciation 36,932 - 36,932 37,266
Bungalows - Expenses 7,569 - 7,569 8,934
Bungalows - Ground rent 709 - 709 (167)
Other establishment costs 40,940 - 40,940 43,315
------------------ ------------------ ------------------ ------------------
94,772 - 94,772 92,456
------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------
Maintenance and Welfare
Provisions 10,720 - 10,720 9,197
Household and furnishings 2,183 - 2,183 1,066
Wages 39,660 - 39,660 34,903
Sisters’ expenses 38,346 - 38,346 40,197
Medical 6,437 - 6,437 21
Holidays 2,152 - 2,152 3,031
Books, stationery and subscriptions 1,310 - 1,310 6,758
Sisters’ Residential Care (St. Vincent’s) 61,463 - 61,463 45,602
------------------- ------------------- ------------------- ------------------
162,271 - 162,271 140,775
------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Donations, Courses and Church Expenses
Church stipends 200 - 200 300
Retreats and sabbaticals 1,300 - 1,300 39
Educational courses 693 - 693 2,070
Donations - general and missions 23,255 - 23,255 19,286
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
25,448 - 25,448 21,695
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Administration and other expenses
Telephone 103 - 103 328
Postage 740 - 740 445
Travel 2,724 - 2,724 759
Computer/ Broadband 1,536 - 1,536 1,339
Motor expenses 4,443 - 4,443 2,940
Council/AGM/Chapter 4,284 - 4,284 644
Bank charges 931 - 931 628
Sundry expenses 1,895 - 1,895 2,019
Depreciation 5,646 - 5,646 7,905
Unrealised investment (gains)/losses (193,652) - (193,652) (161)
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
(171,350) - (171,350) 16,846
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
Investment management fees 16,406 - 16,406 16,273
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Governance of the Charity
Audit and accountancy 1,911 - 1,911 1,253
Other Advice 7,080 - 7,080 6,300
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- ----------------
8,991 - 8,991 7,553
======== ======== ======== ========

22