ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Charity Number 242543
ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
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Members of the board and professional advisers Page 1
Trustees' annual report Pages 2 to 4
Independent examiner's report Page 5
Statement of financial activities Page 6
Balance sheet Page 7
Notes to the financial statements Page 8 to 11
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ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
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MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
The Board of Trustees Lieutenant Commander P A'Hern RN P Firth Rt Rev Bishop P Mason (Ex-Officio) Father R Matau RN (Ex-Officio) Commodore N Tindal RN Wing Commander C P Thorpe RAF - Chairman Principal Address Royal Navy Catholic Chaplaincy The Chaplaincy HMS Collingwood Newgate Lane Fareham Hampshire PO14 1AS Charity Registered Number 242543 Independent Examiner Mark Dickinson FCA Shaw Gibbs (Audit) Limited Wey Court West Union Road Farnham Surrey GU9 7PT Bankers Royal Bank of Scotland Holts Camberley Branch 11 High Street Camberley Surrey GU15 3AL Investment Manager BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited PO Box 9036 Chelmsford Essex CM99 2XD
ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
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TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
The trustees have the pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Legal Status
The Royal Navy (Roman Catholic) Trust was created by a Declaration of Trust dated 26 February 1958. The Governing document was amended by order of the Charity Commissioners on 5 August 2002.
The Royal Navy (Roman Catholic) Trust is a Registered Charity, charity number 242543.
Trustees Appointments and New Trustee Proceedings
The ex-officio trustees are appointed by virtue of their respective offices. Co-optative trustees are appointed by a resolution of the trustees passed at a special meeting.
The chairman of trustees contacts new ex-officio trustees and potential new lay trustees prior to attendance at their first trustees meeting, to tell them about the background and activities of the trust. All new trustees are also provided with a copy of the charity commission guide "The Essential Trustee: what you need to know".
Objects of the Trust
The objects of the trust are the advancement of the Roman Catholic Religion among members of the Royal Navy and the welfare of Roman Catholic members of His Majesty's Royal Navy.
Connected Charities
The following Charities are connected to the Royal Navy (Roman Catholic) Trust.
Vicariate Headquarters Trust The Army Roman Catholic Trust 26 The Crescent St. Michael and St. George Parish Office Farnborough Queens Avenue Hampshire Aldershot GU14 7AS Hampshire GU11 2BY Royal Air Force Roman Catholic The Roman Catholic Bishopric of the Forces (GB) Church Purposes Fund Building AA0603 The Chaplaincy Centre Ordnance Barracks RAF Cosford Government Road Albrighton Aldershot Shropshire Hampshire WV7 3EX GU11 2DX
Investment Powers
Under the Trust Deed, the charity has the power to make any investment which the trustees see fit. BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited invest all of the funds into the Armed Forces Charities Growth and Income Fund.
ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
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TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Reserves
The trustees are resolved to ensure that income is expended upon the objects of the charity, taking one year with another. Reserves, which principally arise from the appreciation over time of the portfolio of investments, are resolved to be invested to procure a steady and rising income over time so as to ensure that the expenditure upon charitable objectives may be increased.
Achievements and Performance
In addition to the usual planned activities, the Trust supported an extra event, the Forces Military Jubilee weekend in weekend in Rome in the previous year, to mark 2025 as a Year of jubilee in the Catholic Church.
In total 66% of expenditure was used in support of Outreach activity.
The overall in-year loss of £18,795 reflects the lack of the anticipated grant of £17,000 from the Sir Harold Hood Trust, the early payment of the 2026 grant to HCPT of £6,249 and an additional IMP expenditure of £3,250 for the band, which in the past has been supported from public funds.
Support continued to be provided to the Bishopric of the Forces and with the employment of a pastoral assistant.
One chaplain received support through the Chaplains’ Welfare designated fund.
Financial Review
Investment income on quoted investments have increased in the year and also an increase in planned giving. A grant was received from RNRMC (in support of IMP) but not from the Sir Harold Hood Trust (in support of Outreach, particularly the employment of a Pastoral Assistant).
The trust's investments are managed by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited and have been invested in the Armed Forces Charities Growth and Income Fund.
Investment income increased over the period, as did the market value of investments.
The financial markets continue to be volatile and the performance of the Trust’s investments against the benchmark are being closely monitored to ensure the best return possible.
Plans for Future Periods
Expenditure on the support of the Bishopric of the Forces, the Lourdes Pilgrimage, and all other regular activities will be continued.
General
The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, and with the charity's governing document.
Funds
The Funds held are unrestricted and are held to further the objects of the Trust. These funds are available and are adequate to fulfil the obligations of the trust
Unrestricted funds include a designated fund for Chaplains' Welfare.
ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
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TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
Public Benefit
The Trust facilitates the faith practice of Roman Catholic members of the Royal Navy, their families and those other Service personnel who wish to associate with them by providing for their participation in events which foster and develop their spiritual lives, enhance their sense of humanity and improve their sense of belonging and citizenship. It enables Chaplains to provide the best pastoral care and resources, and to engage people more deeply with the moral component of their military responsibilities. In addition, it supports the pastoral ministry of the Bishop of the Forces to those same people.
Recruiting to the Service – and thereby to benefiting from the Trust - is based on competence and character alone, and not determined by the Trust but by the Ministry of Defence. The Trust makes a point of supporting servicemen and -women affected by Operations. The Trust supports all Service personnel, Roman Catholic or not, who wish to be part of the outreach of the Roman Catholic community in the Royal Navy. Particular care is taken that those on lower incomes, typically those under training, are given additional financial support.
No private benefits are received by anyone.
The Trustees
The trustees who served the charity during the period were as follows:
Lieutenant Commander P A'Hern RN P Firth Rt Rev Bishop P Mason Father R Matau RN Commodore N Tindal RN Wing Commander C P Thorpe RAF - Chairman
Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (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 charity's financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the trustees should follow best practice and:
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards and statement of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records which 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 Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. The trustees are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Signed on behalf of the trustees
Father R Matau RN Trustee
Approved by the trustees on 2 July 2026
ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER UNDER SECTION 144 OF THE CHARITIES ACT 2011 TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
I report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2026 as set out on pages 6 to 11.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirement:
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to keep proper accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mark Dickinson FCA Shaw Gibbs (Audit) Limited Wey Court West Union Road Farnham Surrey GU9 7PT
Dated : 2 July 2026
ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Investment income 2 General donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 3 TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE Charitable Activities Grants paid 4 Other charitable activities 4 TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE AND NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS BEFORE GAINS AND LOSSES ON INVESTMENTS Net Gains/(losses) on Investments 7 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS BEFORE TRANSFERS Transfers General unrestricted Designated unrestricted NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS FUNDS AT 1 APRIL 2025 FUNDS AT 31 MARCH 2026 |
2026 2025 Total Total Funds Funds £ £ 45,776 43,224 857 565 4,000 25,000 50,633 68,789 16,200 18,550 53,228 59,812 69,428 78,362 69,428 78,362 (18,795) (9,573) 137,255 (46,193) 118,460 (55,767) (1,000) (1,000) 1,000 1,000 118,460 (55,767) 1,051,156 1,106,923 1,169,616 1,051,156 |
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All movements are in unrestricted funds.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
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BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Investments 7 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 8 Cash at bank CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 9 NET CURRENT ASSETS NET ASSETS REPRESENTED BY: FUNDS Unrestricted: 12 Designated General TOTAL FUNDS |
£ £ £ £ 1,134,283 997,028 1,134,283 997,028 1,589 2,027 35,653 54,256 37,242 56,283 (1,909) (2,154) (1,909) (2,154) 35,333 54,129 1,169,616 1,051,156 7,365 6,822 1,162,251 1,044,334 1,169,616 1,051,156 2026 2025 |
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These financial statements were approved by the trustees on 2 July 2026 and are signed on their behalf by:
Wing Commander C. P. Thorpe RAF (Chairman)
ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
1 Accounting Policies
Basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The accounts have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
Incoming Resources
General donations, collections, grants and bank interest are accounted for on a receivable basis.
Legacies are accounted for when they have been notified to the trust and it is probable it will be received.
Resources Expended
Charitable activities costs include grants made and governance costs as shown in note 4.
Investments
Investments are managed under a discretionary agreements by BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Limited.
Investments are accounted for by reference to the bargain date shown by the contract note issued in respect of their purchase or disposal.
Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recorded at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the bid price. The statement of financial activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year.
The Trust does not acquire put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments.
Investment income
Income arising from investments is included by reference to the normal date of payment of dividends or interest on that investment. Provision is not made in the accounts for dividends to be received in the next accounting period on investments declared ex-dividend prior to 31st March 2026.
Taxation
As a qualifying charity, the trust is not liable to UK taxation.
Debtors
Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment.
Creditors
Short term creditors are measured at the transaction date.
ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| 2 Investment Income UK quoted investments Bank interest receivable 3 Income - Charitable activities Grants Received Sir Harold Hood Trust Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity General Donations and Legacies Donations 4 Expenditure - Charitable activities Grants Paid Bishopric of the Forces Other Charitable Activities Chaplains CPD / Conference Lourdes Military Pilgrimage Rome Jubilee Pilgrimage HCPT World Youth Day Pilgrimage Walsingham Pilgrimage HMS Raleigh Catholic Fund Annual Naval Mass Chaplains Welfare Pastoral Assistant Salary and Expenses Chaplains Recruiting Outreach Accountancy (see note 5) Administration and Resources PRCC Expenses Publications Travel, Subsistence and Accommodation Sundry Donations Audio Visual Equipment contribution Chaplains' Stoles & Scarves |
2026 2025 £ £ 45,312 42,480 463 743 45,776 43,224 2026 2025 £ £ - 17,000 4,000 8,000 4,000 25,000 2026 2025 £ £ 857 565 857 565 2026 2025 £ £ 16,200 18,550 16,200 18,550 6,847 5,875 24,947 17,680 - 3,864 690 11,720 - - - 543 251 - - 443 457 110 12,332 10,972 - 161 - 211 3,930 3,444 756 237 162 402 196 2,857 436 344 161 - 1,000 950 856 - 208 - 53,228 59,812 |
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ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
4 Expenditure - Charitable activities (cont.)
| Paid out of designated fund Paid out of general unrestricted fund 5 Accountancy Accountancy and Secretarial Independent Examiner Fees |
457 110 68,971 59,702 69,428 59,812 2026 2025 £ £ 2,910 2,544 1,020 900 3,930 3,444 |
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6 Staff Costs & Trustees' Remuneration and Emoluments
During the year there was one part time employee (note 4) No employee earned £60,000 per annum or more (2025: none )
No Trustees received any remuneration in respect to their services as a trustee during the year (2025: none) During the year no trustees were reimbursed expenses (2025: two trustees for £163) incurred for services provided to the charity.
| 7 Investments Listed Investments Armed Forces Charities Growth and Income Fund Movement in Market Value Market value at 1 April 2025 Acquisitions at cost Disposals at opening book value Net (Losses)/Gains on revaluations in the year ended 31 March 2026 Market value at 31 March 2026 Historical cost at 31 March 2026 8 Analysis of current assets Income Tax Recoverable - Gift Aid Prepayments |
2026 2025 £ £ 1,134,283 997,028 1,134,283 997,028 997,028 1,043,221 - - - - 137,255 (46,193) 1,134,283 997,028 811,948 811,948 2026 2025 £ £ 746 746 843 1,281 1,589 2,027 |
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All current assets including cash at bank balances relate to unrestricted funds.
ROYAL NAVY (ROMAN CATHOLIC) TRUST
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026
| 9 Analysis of current liabilities Accruals Deferred Income Other Creditors |
2026 2025 £ £ 1,854 1,854 - 300 55 - 1,909 2,154 |
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All creditors relate to unrestricted funds.
10 Vicariate Headquarters Trust
The Royal Navy (Roman Catholic) Trust has contributed funds to the Vicariate Headquarters Trust for the purchase of property and the subsequent refurbishment of the property. The trustees of the Vicariate Headquarters Trust have confirmed that in the event of the Trust being wound up, they would return surplus funds to the contributing parties. In the eventuality 7.24% of any surplus would be returned to the Royal Navy (Roman Catholic) Trust.
11 Related Party Transactions
A grant was paid during the year to the Roman Catholic Bishopric of the Forces (GB) of £17,056 (2025: £18,550). The charities are connected by virtue of having some Trustees in common.
12 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Fund balances at 31 March are represented by: Investments Net Current Assets Total funds (Unrestricted) Split of unrestricted funds Designated General |
Total Funds Total Funds 2026 2025 £ £ 1,134,283 997,028 35,333 54,128 1,169,616 1,051,156 1,169,616 1,051,156 7,365 6,822 1,162,251 1,044,334 1,169,616 1,051,156 |
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A designated fund was set up by Trustees for Chaplains' Post Operational Welfare, the balance on this fund at the year end was £7,372.