OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2021-12-31-accounts

The United Synagogue Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts

For the year ended 31 December 2021

CONTENTS

Trustees’ Annual Report Pages 2-16
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities Page 17
Independent Auditor’s Report Pages 18-20
Summary of Income and Expenditure Page 21
Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities Page 22
Balance Sheet Page 23
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Pages 24
Notes to the Financial Statements Pages 25-41
Details of Synagogues and Schools Pages 42-43

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

UNITED SYNAGOGUE TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND ANNUAL ACCOUNTS Year ended 31 December 2021

Charity registration number 242552

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

President Michael Goldstein[1] Treasurer Maxwell Nisner[1] Other Trustees Andrew Eder[2] Rachel Hartog[1] Claire Lemer[3] Fleurise Luder[1 ] Nicola Rosenfelder[2 ] Barry Shaw[2] Saul Taylor[1 ] Jacqui Zinkin[2]

1 serving 4 year term from 19 July 2021

2 serving 4 year term from 22 July 2019

3 co-opted for 2 years from 19 July 2021

Committee Chairs

Audit and Risk Review Andrew Mainz Burial Jacqui Zinkin Equalities Claire Lemer and Jacqui Zinkin Investment Maxwell Nisner IT Rachel Hartog Rabbinical Council Rabbi Pinchas Hackenbroch Remuneration Maxwell Nisner Schools Claire Lemer

2

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis of the Commonwealth

Dayanim

Dayan Menachem Gelley (Rosh Beth Din) Dayan Shmuel Simons Dayan Dovid Shlomo Englander Dayan Ivan Binstock (part-time)

Key Executives

Chief Executive

Chief Operating Officer and Finance Director

Chief Programmes Officer Director of Kashrut External & Legal Services Director Director of Communities and Strategy Chief Executive, Office of the Chief Rabbi Human Resources Director Director of Communications Property Director

Steven Wilson

Richard Taylor David Collins Rabbi Jeremy Conway David Frei Jo Grose Ari Jesner Vickie Lampkin Richard Verber Lali Virdee

Executive Offices

305 Ballards Lane London N12 8GB Tel: 020 8343 8989

Custodian Trustee

(holds title to the Charity’s property assets) United Synagogue Trusts Ltd 305 Ballards Lane London N12 8GB

Bankers

NatWest Group Corporate Banking London 8[th] Floor 280 Bishopsgate London EC2M 4RB

Investment Fund Manager

J.P. Morgan International Bank Ltd 60 Victoria Embankment London EC4Y 0JP

Charity Solicitors

Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP 4 More London Riverside London SE1 2AU

Statutory Auditor

Crowe U.K. LLP 55 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7JW

3

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

The year in review

January 2021

We entered 2021 in another national lockdown. However, unlike the first lockdown, places of worship were permitted to remain open and many of our communities chose to do so. The United Synagogue allowed local synagogue leadership to decide whether remaining open or closing temporarily was best for their members. This pragmatic and empowering approach was welcomed by lay leaders.

Whilst we recognised ‘staying at home’ was the best way to reduce infections while we waited for the vaccine roll out, we also knew the negative effects of lockdown too. Many of our older members were isolating again - some have been shielding for the best part of two years. Our young people were worried about the future with schools closed and exams cancelled. Families were having to adjust again to home schooling, juggling work and family commitments. Others worried about job security or finding work. Those living alone were cut off from family and friends. To support our members - and the wider community - the United Synagogue ran a dedicated Coronavirus helpline to offer practical advice like picking up prescriptions or shopping or a friendly ear for those simply struggling to cope.

With many of our shuls closed during lockdown, we ran weekday services three times a day on our Facebook page, and our Kaddish Pairing Project ensured kaddish was said for a loved one. TheUS.tv provided a great range of entertaining and educational programmes to watch. We still run a Kabbalat Shabbat service on Friday afternoons before Shabbat begins.

Rabbi Nicky Liss, the then-Chair of RCUS wrote a thoughtful piece on the situation for the Jewish News, and Steven Wilson, our Chief Executive, penned a column for the Jewish Chronicle.

In January we joined forces with our friends at JVN (the Jewish Volunteering Networking) to promote volunteering opportunities for our members and beyond to support the national vaccination effort. Our call was taken up across the country.

The second round of the Chief Rabbi’s Ma’ayan Programme, which trains women as high-level educators and experts in the area of hilchot niddah (laws of family purity), started in January 2021 and will finish in July 2022.

Tu B’Shevat and Holocaust Memorial Day were observed digitally through a range of community programmes and TheUS.tv.

February

The Chief Rabbi has continued to play a key role in spearheading the UK Holocaust Memorial Foundation, and has inputted into the content of the learning centre that will be built alongside the memorial.

Our innovative Purim in a Box initiative delivered a festive seuda breakfast box direct to our members’ doors and we arranged for Mishloach Manot (giving edible gifts) to be sent to our Chesed recipients and Matanot Laevyonim (charity to help people in need) to be distributed on our members’ behalf. In consultation with the London Beth Din and Chief Rabbi, megillah readings were held in-person and online with a range of options provided by the United Synagogue centrally. TheUS.tv provided a fabulous feast of online Purim events.

4

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

March

We were delighted to welcome Hull Hebrew Congregation to the United Synagogue family following a unanimous vote in favour by US Council.

To enhance our seder nights we again ran Seder in a Box, providing members with wonderful educational materials and delicious food. Let my people Le-go! Kept our younger people busy building Pesach-themed models as part of a Tribe- Jewish News competition. KLBD again compiled a list of Covid-19 in extremis emergency guidelines allowing the use of some regular products at Pesach. Rabbi Jeremy Conway, Director of KLBD, explained why in an article for the Jewish Chronicle. Our Pesach box-set provided educational and entertaining programmes on-demand.

For the first time, we ran an online ‘matched giving’ fundraising campaign for our Pesach Chesed appeal and raised just over £450,000 with Charity Extra. Some £60,000 was also raised through the annual ‘regular’ Pesach postal appeal.

April

As we couldn’t be together in person last year, we produced the Bnei Akiva Yom Hazikaron & Yom Ha’atzmaut ceremony online.

For the first time in nearly 70 years, the Prayer for the Royal Family was said in our shuls without Prince Philip’s name following his sad passing. Prince Philip attended the centenary celebrations of the United Synagogue in 1970 together with the Queen. The Chief Rabbi issued a moving statement on his passing and appeared on Radio 4.

Ahead of Shavuot we launched Choose your own Cheesecake, a competition with KLBD-supervised COCO Bakery to come up with a brand new flavour of cheesecake. S’mores cheesecake was crowned the winner.

As part of our 150th anniversary celebrations we launched at Willesden cemetery our self-guided walking tour: The Jews of London, taking in nearly 1,000 years of Jewish history.

Our review into how the United Synagogue could be more welcoming to people of colour – Jewish or not – showed that both people of colour and white people felt that the United Synagogue is welcoming overall. We committed to speak with CST about training for security volunteers and guards employed by synagogues and to run diversity training for religious and lay leaders.

Following the tragic deaths in Meron, Israel we held an evening of reflection, mourning and prayer together with the Rabbinical Council of the United Synagogue. Hundreds attended on Zoom.

May

As rockets rained down on innocent Israelis again we held a programme of Tehillim (Psalms) and Tefillah (prayers) for peace and broadcast daily Tehillim on our Facebook page during the crisis.

Closer to home, we were appalled that Chigwell & Hainault United Synagogue’s Rabbi Rafi Goodwin was the victim of a vicious attack by two men that left him hospitalised. Thankfully, he has made a good recovery.

We marked the 80[th] anniversary of the Farhud , a Nazi-inspired pogrom in Baghdad when at least 170 Jews were murdered. Our special online programme shed light on a less well-known tragedy in Jewish history.

5

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Woodford Forest United Synagogue’s Rabbi and Rebbetzen Wollenberg hosted an unusual Shabbat guest: TV’s Stacey Dooley who stayed for a long weekend to make an episode of Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over. It provided an insight for non-Jewish people of the reality of being orthodox Jews in 2021 and of leading a United Synagogue community.

June

In the area of interfaith, the third round of the Chief Rabbi’s ‘In Good Faith’ programme, which focusses on developing dialogue between local Jewish and Christian clergy has started. In addition, a private theological dialogue between Rabbis and senior clergy from the Church of Scotland to construct a dictionary of theological terms relating to land and covenant has continued.

Tens of thousands of families were hit by the pandemic, both within and outside the Jewish community, with children at risk of going hungry over the summer once school broke up. Through US Chesed, we again ran a food collection campaign to support those in need.

July

Magen Avot ran a high-level conference online asking what we can actually do about the plight of the Uyghur community.

As Euro 2020 fever gripped the country, we committed to renaming Cockfosters and N Southgate Synagogue "Cockfosters and Gareth Southgate Synagogue" were England to win the tournament. Sadly – though possibly not for members there – the synagogue name remains unchanged.

After Covid forced the postponement again of Tribe Israel Tour, the team quickly built ‘The Great British Tribe Tour’ a jam-packed two weeks enjoyed by 35 of our Year 11s. Tribe’s popular summer camps also made a welcome return with hundreds of young people having the summer of a lifetime. I was tremendously impressed by the number of Covid-secure in-person events our team and our shuls managed to put on, despite the pandemic.

We undertook our biggest listening exercise ever and asked our members how we and their community had done during the pandemic. Well over 5,000 people responded with 86% saying they were satisfied or very satisfied with their community. Other findings showed that 92% of members were satisfied with online services, 85% with welfare provision and 92% with online programming. Only 60% were satisfied with programmes and activities for under 18s and this is an area we earmarked for attention.

The refurbishment of Muswell Hill Synagogue began.

August

The scenes from Afghanistan were heart-breaking. Families trying everything to secure their release. Hours – days – spent queueing in the baking sun. Desperate parents handing their babies to soldiers in the hope they’ll be taken to safety. Bushey United Synagogue’s extraordinary collection of goods for Afghan refugees made national and international headlines. The community’s Senior Rabbi, Rabbi Elchonon Feldman was awarded a Points of Light award by the Prime Minister.

We were proud to write a new book to honour the memory and teachings of the much missed Emeritus Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt''l, Rabbi Sacks And The Community We Built Together , which contains over 250 pages of Torah, recollections, photographs and stories from Rabbi Sacks' colleagues

6

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

during his Chief Rabbinate as well as some of Rabbi Sacks' own writings from that period. We sent free copies to United Synagogue member households. We thank our contributors and sponsors and all those who brought this book to fruition.

The Stonesetting ( Matzeiva ) of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks zt"l, took place at Bushey New Cemetery and we marked his yahrzeit in October.

September

For many of our members, Rosh Hashanah marked the start of their return to shul and we were delighted to welcome them back. We provided a number of resources for members over the High Holydays including content on our website, our Yom Kippur Daf Hashavua , our beautiful book, Shana Tova! and Tribe's Yom Kippur Newsletter. On TheUS.tv, we had 44 short Jewish ideas for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, musical highlights from the Yom Kippur prayers with Belmont United's Rabbi Marc Levene, Hampstead Garden Suburb's Chazan Avromi and Rochelle Freilich's brilliant show Around the Year in 80 Minutes , and, in preparation for Yom Kippur, our inspiring and evocative Kol Nidre service originally broadcast in 2020, in partnership with Pinner United Synagogue.

The first services were held at Brondesbury Park’s beautiful new synagogue. Final works to the building were completed in December.

The Wohl Suite – the Chief Rabbi’s offices at Central Synagogue – was completed and the Chief Rabbi has hosted a number of receptions and events there.

We were very proud that the United Synagogue's Willesden Jewish Cemetery was shortlisted for a prestigious museum award up against the British Museum and the Museum of London. Whilst, unfortunately, we did not win, being nominated was testament to the hard work of the House of Life team who are conserving and developing our beautiful and historic cemetery.

October

We announced the creation of a Head of Environmental Policy and have since launched, in conjunction with the Office of the Chief Rabbi, Dorot, our ambitious new environmental initiative to reduce our environmental impact. The Chief Rabbi spoke at the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, addressing the role of faith in the climate challenge.

November

We were heartbroken to hear about the murder in Jerusalem of 26-year-old Eliyahu Kay הי״ד in a terrorist attack and sent our deepest condolences to his parents, Avi and Devorah. The tragedy was particularly poignant for the United Synagogue family as Eli’s grandparents are South Hampstead's Rabbi Shlomo and Rebbetzen Lynndy Levin and his uncles and aunts include Rabbi Baruch and Rebbetzen Kezi Levin of Brondesbury Park and Rabbi Eli and Rebbetzen Lauren Levin, also of South Hampstead. Rabbi Eli Levin wrote a beautiful tribute.

We announced the creation of the new ‘Centre for Rabbinic Excellence’ which will provide our Rabbis and Rebbetzens with ongoing professional development opportunities. The vision of the Centre is to raise the profile of the United Synagogue and its Rabbinate by creating outstanding leaders who motivate people to engage in their Judaism. It aims to do this by providing the development opportunities facilitated by the right environment for the Rabbinate to succeed.

7

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

We held a Covid-secure Musical Chanukah Drive-in with live music, candle lighting and fresh doughnuts.

We ran our popular Design a Delicious Doughnut competition again in partnership with the Jewish Chronicle. Hundreds of ideas were submitted with ‘Caffe Mocha’ crowned the winner. We also set our young people the challenge of creating a showstopping model Chanukiah that was not only kosher, but also kind to the Earth by using re-purposed or recyclable materials.

December

The Office of the Chief Rabbi has continued to support communities as they emerge out of the pandemic. The Chief Rabbi’s Centre for Community Excellence has worked closely with the United Synagogue to launch Project Welcome, which will provide funding and support to assist communities. The Chief Rabbi met with the Rabbi and Rebbetzen of every community under his auspices in the UK to understand their community’s challenges.

It’s not every day you get a phone call offering to throw you a 150th birthday party but we were honoured that the City of London hosted a reception for the United Synagogue at the stunning Guildhall to mark our 150th anniversary. Over 300 guests attended including our Rabbis, Rebbetzens and Chairs of our communities. This gave us the opportunity to thank them – together with our Honorary Officers, countless volunteers, staff and fellow Trustees – for giving so much to support their communities during the pandemic. It is no exaggeration to say many worked around the clock at times to support their members and keep them connected, throughout both 2020 and 2021.

8

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Vision, Aims and Objectives

The US’ mission is to engage Jews with Orthodox living, learning and caring. The US’ values are Authentic, Modern, Torah Judaism which is welcoming to all. The Charity wants more Jews to have a greater engagement in Jewish living, learning and caring to create inspired Jews, with enriched lives, passing their heritage on to future generations.

Objects and Public Benefit

Trustees have given due consideration to the Charity Commission’s published guidance on the Public Benefit requirement under the Charities Act 2011. The objects of the US are:

The activities currently carried out for the public benefit by the Charity can be broadly categorised into the following activity groups:

9

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Legal Status

The United Synagogue (‘US’) was established for charitable purposes by the United Synagogue Act of 1870. It was formally registered as a charity on the 2 June 1965 with the charity registration number 242552.

The Schedule to the Act was previously the major constitutional document of the Charity. This was augmented by the Statutes of the United Synagogue passed by the US Council in April 1999, which sets out the Charity’s objects and the role and powers of the Charity, its Trustees and its Council. Additional Byelaws set out the system of governance of local synagogues, and the Election Regulations set out the procedure for electing the Board of Trustees.

Structure, Governance and Management

The details of the Charity, its Trustees, professional service providers and key executives are set out on pages 2 and 3 of this report.

Charity Governance Code

The current code for charities was published in July 2017. The code lays out seven key areas of governance together with recommended practice for each principle. The US Trustees have always sought to have the highest standards of governance and support this code. They have considered each principle to satisfy themselves that the Charity’s current governance structure explained below satisfactorily addresses each of these principles and, where appropriate, what enhancements might be made.

Trustees

Overall responsibility for the activities of the US is held by the Board of Trustees, which is elected by the US Council (see below). The Board of Trustees currently comprises ten Trustees (with an option to co-opt one more). Trustees are eligible to serve a maximum of two terms although the President can then serve up to two additional terms if he or she was previously a Trustee. The Trustees at the date of this report are shown on page 2.

Trustees must have prior experience of serving on the Synagogue Council (formerly known as the Board of Management) of one of the US’ local synagogue communities for a minimum of two years. Trustees who stand for election will therefore have had experience of lay leadership in the Jewish community for which they are taking responsibility. The requirement to have previously served on a Synagogue Council does not apply to co-opted Trustees.

Induction of Trustees builds on this wide knowledge and familiarity with the Charity, which has been previously gained at a local level.

The Chief Executive and Directors meet new Trustees soon after their election and provide extensive briefings on the Charity. The External and Legal Services Director provides advice and guidance on the statutory responsibilities of Trustees and continues to provide guidance on such matters throughout the Trustees’ term of office.

The Board of Trustees continues to meet once a month, except in August, to take strategic and policy decisions. These meetings are attended by the Chief Executive, and, as appropriate, other members of the senior management team and the Chair of The Rabbinic Council of the United Synagogue (‘RCUS’). Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the Trustees introduced an additional regular meeting, usually held every two weeks and attended by them and the Chief Executive.

10

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

The Board of Trustees appoints Committee Chairs and advisors to a number of sub-committees for the better working of the Charity. These sub-committees are allocated specific areas of responsibly and invited to make relevant recommendations to the Board.

Responsibility for the religious direction and guidance of the US is vested with the Chief Rabbi and the London Beth Din (his religious court).

Trustees’ Committees

There are a number of Committees, normally chaired by a Trustee (see page 2) and comprising a number of external specialists in order to provide advice and oversight. The Chair of each committee reports back to the Trustee Board on a regular basis.

Audit and Risk Review – Oversight of financial performance, financial reporting and risk management Burial – Oversight of burial operations and the Funeral Expenses Scheme Equalities – Advancement of inclusion and equality of access and opportunity across the US Investment – Oversight of investment and treasury decisions and performance IT – Oversight of material IT projects, IT security and infrastructure RCUS – Provide support and guidance for US Rabbis and Rebbetzens Remuneration – Approval of material pay awards and bonuses Schools – Oversight of ethos, governance and strategic planning of US schools

US Council

The US Council (‘Council’) represents the member and affiliate synagogues of the US, and has the following powers:

Council is elected every three years by members of the Synagogue Council of every local synagogue. Each synagogue has a number of Council Representatives based on the size of the synagogue’s own membership. All current Trustees are also members of Council, as are the immediate previous set of Trustees. In addition, there are a limited number of life members including all past Presidents. Council meets four times each year.

Professional Staff

The Board of Trustees delegates its powers for the day-to-day running of the Charity to the Chief Executive and the senior management team.

Each Division in the US is headed by a Director, all of whom report to either the Chief Executive or the Chief Operating Officer.

To achieve its objectives, the US needs to attract and retain high quality senior professional staff. Each Director’s position is individually benchmarked and is remunerated in line with roles with similar responsibilities in the charity sector.

11

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Member Synagogues

The member synagogues are branches of the US. The day-to-day responsibility for running the member synagogues is delegated by the Trustees to local Honorary Officers, led by a Synagogue Chair, and Synagogue Councils who are elected, either annually or biennially, by the members of the synagogues. The US Byelaws regulate the powers of the local Honorary Officers and the conduct of local synagogue activities. Synagogue Chairs are issued with a guidance document on how to discharge their duties. Financial Representatives are bound by a Protocols Document, which they are required to sign prior to taking up their roles.

Professional administrators are employed at most synagogues to provide the local lay leadership with administrative support in the effective management of their local communities.

Subsidiary Companies

A list of these is set out in Note 31 of the Notes to the Financial Statements which details their activities, trading performance, assets, liabilities and reserves.

Changes since the last report

As at 31 December 2021 and the date of this report, the US had 56 Full Constituent Member Synagogues (2020: 56) and membership totalled 37,530 (2020: 37,564). The South London Synagogue was closed on 31 December 2021 following a request from the community due to dwindling membership.

In addition, as at 31 December 2021 there were six Affiliate Synagogues (2020: 6) and one Associate Synagogue (2020: 1). They are independent legal entities governed by the Affiliate and Associate Schemes.

Risk Management, Compliance and Internal Control

The Trustees are responsible for the effective management of risk, including ensuring that internal controls are in place and are operating as designed.

In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, Trustees have implemented new procedures to

The US has continued to develop its risk management systems and procedures throughout the year. The Compliance Officer has undertaken a number of reviews of organisational and departmental processes and procedures. The Charity’s Risk Register is used by the Directors in managing and mitigating risks faced by the Charity. The Risk Register is regularly updated and is discussed at monthly meetings of the Directors and half yearly at Trustee meetings.

The Covid-19 pandemic has given rise to a number of changes to the risk register, including the risks associated with remote working and the risk register is being reviewed and updated to take into account the ‘new normal’.

The Trustees continue to believe that the most significant long-term risk that the Charity faces is a reduction in income resulting from a reduction in membership numbers. Such a fall can be triggered by

12

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

multiple factors, some of which are outside the control of the Charity. Some examples include a new variant striking the UK and our members; it becoming more difficult to observe and practise Orthodox Judaism in the UK because of the banning of Brit Milah or Shechita. Increasing numbers of members may decide to emigrate and consequently discontinue their membership. Membership might also fall if mainstream orthodoxy is observed by fewer Jews in the UK. To the extent that this risk can be managed, it is felt by the Trustees that mitigation can be achieved by the implementation of recommendations contained in the previous Strategic Review, including making US communities more vibrant and engaging.

As a result of the ongoing effort to manage all risks that the Charity faces, the Trustees are satisfied that the major risks have been identified and that adequate systems or procedures have been established to manage them.

Fundraising - Policy

Under the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016, the Trustees are required to report on how the Charity conducts its fundraising activities.

Approach

Almost all of the fundraising activities that the Charity engages in are directly with its members. Funds are raised through the collection of membership contributions, appeals to fund local communal activities and appeals for specific local projects. Additional appeals are made periodically throughout the year for matters such as security and to support carefully selected third party charities. The Charity is registered with the Fundraising Regulator.

Voluntary Scheme for Regulating Fundraising

The appeals referred to above will be made by the professional staff working for the US or by local volunteers. Although they are not bound by any formal voluntary scheme regulating their conduct, these volunteers are supported and guided by the professional staff working for the US. In the absence of any formal voluntary scheme, the Charity has nothing to report on failure to comply with a scheme or monitoring activities carried on by any of the volunteers.

Complaints

The Charity’s Trustees and Professional Staff received no complaints about its fundraising activities this year (2020: none).

Protection of Vulnerable People

Each Member Synagogue requests membership contributions from its members. These are set at what is considered an appropriate level to raise sufficient funds to meet the running costs of that synagogue and meet any other financial obligations it has. In the case of financial hardship, members are encouraged to contact the Financial Representative of their Synagogue to meet, discuss and agree a reduction in the membership subscription requested. Such discussions are carried out sensitively and in confidence, either face to face, or if individuals prefer, in another format. If an individual, for whatever reason, no longer wishes to be a member of the United Synagogue, then they will receive one further communication from the professional team seeking to identify the reasons they have resigned their membership.

13

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

COVID-19

As in 2020, 2021 was again dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We issued more than 20 guidance documents to keep our members safe.

Thankfully, the pressures on the United Synagogue Burial Society were not as acute in 2020 but still required new protocols and ways of working, to ensure funerals took place promptly and safely. Stone setting ceremonies – the erection of a headstone that is traditionally done some time after the funeral itself – were permitted again by the government.

The recruitment freeze implemented across the Charity in 2020 was lifted in 2021.

After the significant fall in income during 2020, the Charity has seen an increase in income from membership subscriptions and its Kashrut (KLBD) and Burial departments. This is a result of the easing of Covid restrictions during the year and the benefit of steps taken to protect itself from future losses as recorded in last year’s report.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding remains a priority issue for the Charity to ensure that robust steps are taken to safeguard its communities, focusing on both child protection and the protection of vulnerable adults. Safeguarding practice matters raised in recent Ofsted Nursery reports have been addressed rapidly.

In 2019, the United Synagogue applied to be and was designated a core participant in the Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings investigation alongside other Jewish communal organisations. The investigation is part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) which is an independent statutory inquiry and covers England and Wales. In September 2021, IICSA produced its report which the United Synagogue welcomed. Some 16,000 children are part of United Synagogue member households and so the safeguarding of young people is of the utmost importance to our organisation. There is an ethos within the Charity that all forms of child abuse must be prevented, and, when suspected, must be reported. Despite our approach, we know that more can always be done to ensure our young people are safe from harm and so we are constantly reviewing our processes and procedures to proactively protect children from abuse. We were glad to have assisted the Inquiry in any way we could during the investigation.

Fundraising

Collectively, United Synagogue communities raised more than £970,000 from the 2021 Kol Nidrei Appeal – run both digitally as last year and via a postal appeal. For the first time, we ran an online ‘matched giving’ fundraising campaign for our Pesach Chesed appeal and raised just over £450,000 with Charity Extra. Some £60,000 was also raised through the annual ‘regular’ Pesach postal appeal. We also helped raise £130,000 for Cockfosters and N Southgate Synagogue with their capital appeal for a Shabbat Lift and renovation work. The department also successfully raised more than £60,000 through applications to various Trusts and Foundations for Chesed work across our synagogues and beyond.

14

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Financial Review

Financial Results and Reserves Policy

In the year ended 31 December 2021, the US recorded a surplus of £5.4m (2020: £4.2m) including donations for capital projects and sales of properties in 2021. This comprises a surplus on both Restricted and Unrestricted activities of £4.8m and £0.6m respectively.

Achieving a positive unrestricted reserves position and improving on that year on year has been a priority for consecutive Boards of Trustees. The Trustees believe that the Charity should hold sufficient reserves to ensure that it can continue to operate and meet the needs of members in the event of unforeseen and potentially damaging financial circumstances (such as the Coronavirus pandemic) as well as providing financial support to community capital development projects.

Total reserves at the year-end amounted to £137.9m (2020 - £132.5m). This comprised £108.3m of Restricted Funds (2020: £103.5m) and £29.6m (2020: £29.0m) of Unrestricted Funds. The increase in Restricted funds arose predominately from donations received to help fund capital projects.

The Restricted Funds are broadly split into two major areas of activity namely member synagogue funds and the Funeral Expenses Scheme (FES). The majority of these Funds are vested in property assets.

At the year end, the Charity had £6.1m (2020: £.5.2m) of unrestricted cash balances and free reserves amounted to £6.8m (2020: £5.7m). The Charity had total reserves of £135.8m (2020: £130.2m) of which £28.5m (2020: £27.8m) was unrestricted.

Investment Policy

The Investment Committee meets quarterly to review the performance reported by US’ independent principal fund manager, J. P. Morgan. A number of non-Trustees serve as members of this committee bringing their knowledge and experience to provide advice and guidance on investment matters. The US’ investments are presently restricted to those cash balances and portfolio funds held on behalf of the Funeral Expenses Scheme, and these funds are held within a mixed portfolio comprising bonds, equities, hedge funds, alternative investments and cash. The value of investments managed by J. P. Morgan increased by £2.3m, of which £1.5m represented new monies invested. The growth attributable to the investment management was approximately 14.0% in 2021 against a target annual return of RPI + 4% pa over the long term (10 years +). Whilst the US does not have its own specific ethical investment policy in place, J.P. Morgan incorporates environmental, social and governance issues into investment practices across asset classes and has been a signatory to U.N. supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) initiative since 2007.

Auditors

Crowe U.K. LLP has indicated its willingness to be reappointed as statutory auditor.

15

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Volunteers

The US, like many charities, relies greatly on the continued efforts of dedicated volunteers and lay leaders across the whole range of its activities. Thanks are due to all volunteers including the Charity's Trustees.

Volunteers play a vital role in both the running of US Synagogues and the provision of activities at each of the US’ communities. The Charity estimates there to be more than 2,000 volunteers.

The US would have great difficulty achieving its objectives without their selfless exertions on behalf of the Charity.

The Trustees would also like to thank the members of all of the committees who assist the Trustee board by providing specialist advice, guidance and oversight across a number of areas.

Following one of the most challenging years in our history, 2021 saw us able to re-open our synagogues again for communal prayer and other activities. The pandemic still loomed large over everything we did taking a significant toll on our rabbinic and lay leaders, and our professional team. On behalf of myself and all of the Trustees, I once again want to place on record our thanks to the Chief Rabbi, our Dayanim, Rabbis and Rebbetzens, Chief Executive and Directors, Chairs and Synagogue Councils, together with all our staff and volunteers. Thanks to their efforts, the United Synagogue has continued to support our members during the most difficult of times.

Michael Goldstein – President

on behalf of the Board of Trustees 20 June 2022

16

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare Financial Statements for each financial year in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards) and applicable law.

Under charity law, the Trustees must not approve the Financial Statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its net incoming/outgoing resources for that period. In preparing these Financial Statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity’s transactions and 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. 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.

17

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Independent Auditor’s Report to the Trustees of the United Synagogue

Opinion

We have audited the Financial Statements of the United Synagogue (‘the Charity’) and its subsidiaries (‘the Group’) for the year ended 31 December 2021 which comprise the Summary of Income and Expenditure, the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities, the Group and Charity Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement and notes to the Financial Statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the Financial Statements, we have concluded that the Trustee's use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the Financial Statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Charity's or the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the Financial Statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the Financial Statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the Financial Statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the Financial Statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the Financial Statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

18

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 17, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the Financial Statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of Financial Statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the Financial Statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the Group and the parent Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 151 of the Charities Act 2011, and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

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

Details of the extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations are set out below.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the Financial Statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We identified and assessed the risks of material misstatement of the Financial Statements from irregularities, whether due to fraud or error, and discussed these between our audit team members. We then designed and performed audit procedures responsive to those risks, including obtaining audit evidence sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks within which the Charity and Group operates, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the Financial Statements. The laws and regulations we considered in this context was the Charities Act 2011 and taxation legislation, together with the Charities SORP (FRS 102). We assessed the required compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items.

19

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the Financial Statements but compliance with which might be fundamental to the Charity’s and the Group’s ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty. We also considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the Charity and the Group for fraud. The laws and regulations we considered in this context were employment legislation, health & safety legislation and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Auditing standards limit the required audit procedures to identify non-compliance with these laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

We identified the greatest risk of material impact on the Financial Statements from irregularities, including fraud, to be within the recognition of Kashrut income, the assessment of capital vs revenue expenditure, and the override of controls by management. Our audit procedures to respond to these risks included enquiries of management, internal audit and the Audit & Risk Review Committee about their own identification and assessment of the risks of irregularities, analytical procedures and sample testing of income, sample testing on the posting of journals, reviewing accounting estimates and judgements for biases, reviewing regulatory correspondence with the Charity Commission and reading minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the Financial Statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the Financial Statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it. In addition, as with any audit, there remained a higher risk of nondetection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing noncompliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

Use of our report

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. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity’s Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity’s Trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Crowe U.K. LLP

Statutory Auditor

London

22 June 2022

Crowe U.K. LLP is eligible for appointment as auditor of the Charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

20

UNITED SYNAGOGUE Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

SUMMARY OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE for the year ended 31 December 2021

Operating Income:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other income
Net gains on investments
Total Operating Income
Expenditure
Net operating surplus / (deficit)
Non-Operating Income:
Donations towards capital projects
Donations of property assets
Grants received
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Net surplus for the year		 2021
Total funds
£'000
21,066
9,811
7,028
801
38,706
(37,412)
1,294
2,078
700
1,276
90
5,438		 2020
Total funds
£'000
21,103
8,125
6,236
288
35,752
(37,662)
(1,910)
2,334
-
2,690
1,099
4,213

This summary is provided to allow readers of the Financial Statements to differentiate between recurring operating activities and nonoperating income

21

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 December 2021

Note
Income:
Donations and legacies
2
Donations towards capital projects
2
Donations of property assets
2
Grants Received
3
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
5
Investments
6
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Other
7
Total Income
Expenditure:
Raising funds
8
Charitable activities
9
Trading activities
11
Other
12
Total Expenditure
Net (expenditure) / income before gains / (losses) on investments
Net gains/ (losses) on investments
13
Net (expenditure) / income for the year
Transfers between funds
14
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2021
£'000
£'000
£'000
4,059
17,007
21,066
-
2,078
2,078
-
700
700
411
865
1,276
4,561
5,250
9,811
5,432
600
6,032
89
781
870
-
90
90
126
-
126
14,678
27,371
42,049
(295)
-
(295)
(12,515)
(19,448)
(31,963)
(3,755)
(686)
(4,441)
(592)
(121)
(713)
(17,157)
(20,255)
(37,412)
(2,479)
7,116
4,637
(19)
820
801
(2,498)
7,936
5,438
3,161
(3,161)
-
663
4,775
5,438
28,965
103,538
132,503
29,628
108,313
137,941		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
3,816
17,287
21,103
-
2,334
2,334
-
-
-
1,188
1,502
2,690
3,651
4,474
8,125
4,896
344
5,240
67
767
834
1,097
2
1,099
162
-
162
14,877
26,710
41,587
(347)
-
(347)
(12,994)
(19,894)
(32,888)
(3,499)
(521)
(4,020)
(288)
(119)
(407)
(17,128)
(20,534)
(37,662)
(2,251)
6,176
3,925
(4)
292
288
(2,255)
6,468
4,213
3,465
(3,465)
-
1,210
3,003
4,213
27,755
100,535
128,290
28,965
103,538
132,503

Restricted funds carried forward include £68,000 of endowment funds (2020: £68,000 ) (see Note 27). All endowment fund movement during the year is included in the restricted funds column.

All amounts relate to continuing activities.

The notes on pages 25 to 41 form part of these financial statements.

22

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

BALANCE SHEETS as at 31 December 2021

Note
Fixed Assets:
Tangible assets
19
Investments
20
Total fixed Assets
Current Assets:
Stocks
21
Debtors
22
Cash at Bank and in Hand
23
Total Current Assets
Liabilities:
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
24
Net Current Assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Provision for liabilities
26
Total Net Assets
The Funds of the Charity
Endowment funds
27
Restricted income funds
28
Unrestricted funds
29
Total Charity Funds		 2021
2020
£'000
£'000
117,055
114,667
8,171
5,957
125,226
120,624
71
83
5,983
6,352
10,661
9,696
16,715
16,131
(6,130)
(6,574)
10,585
9,557
135,811
130,181
-
(35)
135,811
130,146
-
-
107,262
102,313
28,549
27,833
135,811
130,146
Charity		 2021
2020
£'000
£'000
121,673
119,050
8,171
5,957
129,844
125,007
71
83
1,916
2,833
12,096
11,032
14,083
13,948
(5,986)
(6,417)
8,097
7,531
137,941
132,538
-
(35)
137,941
132,503
68
68
108,245
103,470
29,628
28,965
137,941
132,503
Group		 2021
2020
£'000
£'000
121,673
119,050
8,171
5,957
129,844
125,007
71
83
1,916
2,833
12,096
11,032
14,083
13,948
(5,986)
(6,417)
8,097
7,531
137,941
132,538
-
(35)
137,941
132,503
68
68
108,245
103,470
29,628
28,965
137,941
132,503
Group
125,007
83
2,833
11,032
13,948
(6,417)
7,531
132,538
(35)
132,503
68
103,470
28,965
132,503

These Financial Statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees of United Synagogue on 20 June 2022

Michael Goldstein Maxwell Nisner President Treasurer

The notes on pages 25 to 41 form part of these financial statements.

23

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31 December 2021

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 31 December 2021
Note
Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities
A
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends and interest received
Profit on foreign exchange
Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets
Purchase of investments
Withdrawals from investments and management charges
Net cash used in investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
B		 2021
£'000
5,546
68
-
120
(3,276)
(1,564)
170
(4,482)
1,064
11,032
12,096		 2020
£'000
2,455
78
(4)
2,548
(4,059)
(72)
77
(1,432)
1,023
10,037
11,060

NOTES TO CASH FLOW STATEMENT

A. Reconciliation of cash flows from operating activities
Net incoming resources for year
Dividends and net interest received
Interest paid
Depreciation charge
Loss on non-cash disposal of fixed assets
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Unrealised loss on foreign exchange
Decrease / (increase) in stock
Decrease in debtors
Increase in creditors and accruals
Decrease in gross provisions
Net cash inflow on operational activities
B. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash at bank and in hand
Bank deposits
Total cash and cash equivalents		 Balance at
1-Jan-21
£'000
6,013
5,019
11,032		 2021
£'000
4,637
(29)
(39)
612
11
(90)
(19)
12
917
(431)
(35)		 2020
£'000
3,925
(50)
(28)
322
11
(1,099)
-
(3)
(115)
(536)
-
5,546 2,427
Cash flow
£'000
(254)
1,318
1,064		 Balance at
31-Dec-21
£'000
5,759
6,337
12,096

24

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of investments measured at fair value in accordance with the accounting policies set out below. These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102 – The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the 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) issued on 16 July 2014.

The Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) and Balance Sheets consolidate the financial statements of the Charity and its subsidiary undertakings. The results of the subsidiaries are consolidated on a line-byline basis.

In the light of the current covid-19 pandemic the Trustees have produced cash flow forecasts for the remainder of 2022 and 2023 and the Trustees are satisfied that the Charity has sufficient cash, investments and property assets to be able to withstand the financial impact of this pandemic for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, the Trustees have reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue its activities for the foreseeable future and are confident about the Charity’s ability to continue. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the Going Concern Basis in preparing the Financial Statements as outlined in the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities.

No separate SOFA has been presented for the Charity alone. The charity has taken advantage of the exemptions in FRS 102 from the requirements to present a charity only Cash Flow Statement and certain disclosures about the charity’s financial instruments.

Public Benefit

The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity.

Associate and Affiliated Synagogues and Day Schools

Although the Charity has legal title to the Affiliated Synagogues’ properties held by United Synagogue Trusts Limited, these properties have not been consolidated into the balance sheets in the fixed assets schedule as the Charity does not exercise either day to day control over these assets or over the operations of these communities, which are therefore not consolidated within the SOFA. In addition, the Charity does not exert day to day control over the Associate Synagogue or affiliated Day Schools and, as a consequence, the results of these entities together with their assets and liabilities have not been consolidated.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are those 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 designated by the Trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are to be used in accordance with restrictions imposed by donors or which have been determined to have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and

25

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

administering restricted funds are charged against the specific fund with the exception of the Funeral Expenses Scheme (FES).which is not charged any central administration costs.

Investment income and gains are allocated to the appropriate fund. Tax reclaims arising on Gift Aid donations are allocated as per the original donation.

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the Charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies apply to categories of income:

• Grants received, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the Charity earns the right to consideration by its performance. Where income is received in advance of its recognition, it is deferred and included in creditors; where entitlement occurs before income being received the income is accrued. Capital grants are accounted for as income as soon as they are received.

Resources expended

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to that category. The following specific policies apply to categories of expenditure.

• Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions. Costs incurred in producing the Charity’s newsletters and website are allocated between fundraising and other cost centres on the basis of the content that relates to each of these activities.

• Support costs, which include the central office functions such as general management, payroll administration, budgeting and accounting, information technology, property portfolio management, human resources, and financing are allocated in direct proportion to the total expenditure (staff costs, depreciation and other) on each charitable activity.

26

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Property

Additions to the portfolio prior to 1 January 1996 have been included at the Trustees’ best estimate of reinstatement cost or open market value at that date. Additions to the portfolio since 1 January 1996 have been included at cost. Properties, in which the equity is shared between the Charity and an employee, or former employee, have been valued at the net amount paid by the Charity towards the cost of the property at the date of acquisition.

The infrastructure, including buildings, at the burial grounds at Bushey and at Waltham Abbey have been included at a value which comprises the unamortized cost of the infrastructure works. Land purchased for future burial use has been included at cost.

No provision for depreciation is made on other freehold properties, other than the central offices at 305 Ballards Lane, London N12 8GB, as there is a policy and practice of regular maintenance and repair (which is charged in the profit and loss account) such that the previously assessed standard of performance is maintained, and the assets are unlikely to suffer from economic or technological obsolescence. There is also a policy of disposing of such assets before the end of their useful economic lives when surplus to ongoing requirements. The proceeds of all such asset disposals have not been materially less than their carrying value. Any potential depreciation charge is therefore considered to be immaterial.

The cost of a house owned by the Charity, in which options to acquire the remaining equity have been contractually granted to the occupying employee, is being amortised over the remaining term of the arrangement. This has been agreed by the Charity Commission and reported to HMRC for tax purposes.

The Trustees have carried out an impairment review of the properties of the Charity and are confident that there has been no reduction in the service potential of these properties and that the potential market value is greater than the book values. Accordingly, they feel that no impairment provision is necessary.

Other tangible fixed assets

All other tangible fixed assets costing more than £5,000 are capitalised.

Depreciation is provided to write off the cost of these assets over their expected useful life. This is calculated on a straight-line basis using the following rates.

Plant and Machinery 20% per annum
Specialised Cemetery Vehicles 20% per annum
Other Motor Vehicles 33% per annum
Office and Computer Equipment 33% per annum
Central Office Premises 2% per annum

Land is not depreciated.

No amount is included in the accounts for religious appurtenances. These assets are excluded from the accounts because of their singular nature. Given their unique value, their true worth would only be realised on sale. There is however an aggregate figure included for insurance purposes to ensure that any losses, however incurred, are within our whole policy cover.

The trustees have determined that the Charity holds no heritage assets as defined by FRS 102.

27

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Investments

Listed investments are stated at market value at the closest available date to the year end. Movements in the value of investments are charged or credited to the funds to which they relate.

Stocks

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Items donated for resale are not recorded as stock and are accounted for in the financial statements as income when they are sold.

Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment. Loans receivable are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.

Creditors

Short term trade creditors are measured at the transaction price. Other financial liabilities, including bank loans, are measured initially at fair value, net of transaction costs, and are measured subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Provisions for Liabilities and Charges

Provisions are recognised when the Charity has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Charity will be required to settle the obligation, and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.

The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation.

The Charity recognises a provision for annual leave accrued by employees as a result of services rendered in the current period, and which employees are entitled to carry forward and use within the next 6 months. The provision is measured at the salary cost payable for the period of absence.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, which are described in this note, Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily accessible from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an on-going basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects the current and future periods.

The Trustees have not made any significant estimations in these financial statements.

28

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

Financial instruments

The charity has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Financial assets held at amortised cost comprise cash and bank and in hand, together with trade and other debtors, accrued income and employee loans. Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise trade and other creditors and accruals.

Investments, including bonds held as part of an investment portfolio are held at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, with gains and losses being recognised within income and expenditure. Investments in subsidiary undertakings are held at cost less impairment.

Pension costs

With the advent of auto-enrolment, the group defined contribution scheme moved to a different provider and is open to all employees who are eligible under current pensions legislation. Accordingly, the accounting charge for the year represents the Charity’s employers’ contributions payable to the group defined contribution pension scheme.

Operating leases

Rentals payable on operating leases are charged to the SOFA over the period to which the cost relates.

Foreign Currencies

Foreign currency transactions are recorded at the exchange rate ruling on the date of transaction. Foreign exchange gains and losses resulting from the settlement of such transactions, and from the retranslation at year-end exchange rates of monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies, are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

29

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

2.
DONATIONS & LEGACIES
Including gift aid reclaimed
Synagogue communal contribution
Synagogue membership income
Other donations to synagogues (see below)
Other donations
Youth Charity
Donations towards capital projects
Property assets gifted		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2021
Unrestricted
Restricted
2020
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
2,074
-
2,074
2,196
-
2,196
-
9,717
9,717
-
9,213
9,213
-
6,845
6,845
-
7,443
7,443
1,985
436
2,421
1,620
619
2,239
-
9
9
-
12
12
4,059
17,007
21,066
3,816
17,287
21,103
-
2,078
2,078
-
2,334
2,334
-
700
700
-
-
-
4,059
19,785
23,844
3,816
19,621
23,437

Other donations to synagogues include £419,000 (2020: £396,000) of donations which were subsequently granted to the Board of Deputies of British Jews (see note 10 below).

3.
GRANTS RECEIVED
Government hospital visitation grant
Government prison visitation grant
Community Security Trust ("CST")
National Lottery Heritage Fund
HMRC Job Retention Scheme
Other grants		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2021
Unrestricted
Restricted
2020
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
-
-
-
1
-
1
13
-
13
14
-
14
-
419
419
-
399
399
222
-
222
432
-
432
176
427
603
741
1,081
1,822
-
19
19
-
22
22
411
865
1,276
1,188
1,502
2,690

The grant from the CST includes funds it had received from the Government to support community security.

4.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Including income tax reclaimed
Funeral Expenses Scheme
Burial operations
Temporary seats
Educational Activities
Jewish Living
Marriages
Office of the Chief Rabbi
Beth Din
Other		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2021
Unrestricted
Restricted
2020
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
-
3,142
3,142
-
2,849
2,849
4,065
-
4,065
3,335
-
3,335
-
36
36
-
27
27
6
1,686
1,692
52
1,279
1,331
344
-
344
150
-
150
-
70
70
-
25
25
68
-
68
50
-
50
78
-
78
64
-
64
-
316
316
-
294
294
4,561
5,250
9,811
3,651
4,474
8,125

30

UNITED SYNAGOGUE Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

5.
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Advertising
Kashrut
Hall hire and catering
6.
INVESTMENT INCOME
Rents received
Funeral Expenses Scheme investment income
Deposits and bank interest
7.
OTHER INCOME
Affiliation fees
Other
8.
COST OF RAISING FUNDS
Fund Raising		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2021
Unrestricted
Restricted
2020
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
166
-
166
84
-
84
5,266
-
5,266
4,812
-
4,812
-
600
600
-
344
344
5,432
600
6,032
4,896
344
5,240
Unrestricted
Restricted
2021
Unrestricted
Restricted
2020
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
88
714
802
61
695
756
-
67
67
-
72
72
1
-
1
6
-
6
89
781
870
67
767
834
Unrestricted
Restricted
2021
Unrestricted
Restricted
2020
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
40
-
40
40
-
40
86
-
86
122
-
122
126
-
126
162
-
162
Unrestricted
Restricted
2021
Unrestricted
Restricted
2020
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
295
-
295
347
-
347

31

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

9.
COST OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
Restricted
2021
Unrestricted
Restricted
2020
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Member synagogues
-
18,985
18,985
-
19,390
19,390
Community Services Division
387
-
387
422
-
422
Jewish Education
196
-
196
170
-
170
Welfare, Young People and Young Families
2,078
-
2,078
2,013
-
2,013
Burial
3,228
-
3,228
3,177
-
3,177
Beth Din
841
-
841
683
-
683
Office of the Chief Rabbi
1,103
-
1,103
1,126
-
1,126
Rabbinic Development
123
-
123
150
-
150
Grants payable (see Note 10 below)
662
439
1,101
666
425
1,091
Central support costs and services
3,471
24
3,495
4,058
12
4,070
Communities of Potential
124
-
124
78
-
78
Willesden House of Life
302
-
302
451
-
451
Other
-
-
-
-
67
67
12,515
19,448
31,963
12,994
19,894
32,888
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
Auditors' remuneration (excluding VAT) included within support costs above:
Fees payable to the Charity's auditors for the audit of the Charity's annual accounts
53
50
Fees for other services: Tax advice
2
-
55
50		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2021
Unrestricted
Restricted
2020
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
-
18,985
18,985
-
19,390
19,390
387
-
387
422
-
422
196
-
196
170
-
170
2,078
-
2,078
2,013
-
2,013
3,228
-
3,228
3,177
-
3,177
841
-
841
683
-
683
1,103
-
1,103
1,126
-
1,126
123
-
123
150
-
150
662
439
1,101
666
425
1,091
3,471
24
3,495
4,058
12
4,070
124
-
124
78
-
78
302
-
302
451
-
451
-
-
-
-
67
67		 Unrestricted
Restricted
2021
Unrestricted
Restricted
2020
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
-
18,985
18,985
-
19,390
19,390
387
-
387
422
-
422
196
-
196
170
-
170
2,078
-
2,078
2,013
-
2,013
3,228
-
3,228
3,177
-
3,177
841
-
841
683
-
683
1,103
-
1,103
1,126
-
1,126
123
-
123
150
-
150
662
439
1,101
666
425
1,091
3,471
24
3,495
4,058
12
4,070
124
-
124
78
-
78
302
-
302
451
-
451
-
-
-
-
67
67
12,515
19,448
31,963
12,994
19,894
32,888
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
53
50
2
-
55
50

10. GRANTS PAYABLE

2021 2020
The grants made during the year were: £'000 £'000
UJIA (Kol Nidre Appeal) 77 52
University Jewish Chaplaincy 276 370
Jewish Community Academy Trust - 181
Community Security Trust - 5
Grants to individuals and other charities (including distribution of Kol Nidre appeal funds) 326 87
Board of Deputies of British Jews 419 396
1,098 1,091
**11. ** COST OF TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted 2021 Unrestricted Restricted 2020
Funds Funds Funds Funds
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Advertising 2 - 2 - - -
Kashrut 3,704 - 3,704 3,477 - 3,477
Hall hire and catering - 686 686 - 521 521
Other 49 - 49 22 - 22
3,755 686 4,441 3,499 521 4,020
**12. ** OTHER COSTS Unrestricted Restricted 2021 Unrestricted Restricted 2021
Funds Funds Funds Funds
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Interest and bank charges 36 3 39 25 3 28
Depreciation 556 55 611 263 60 323
Fund management fees - 63 63 - 56 56
592 121 713 288 119 407

32

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

**13. ** NET GAINS / (LOSSES) ON INVESTMENTS Unrestricted Restricted 2021 Unrestricted Restricted 2020
Funds Funds Funds Funds
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Realised gains / (losses) on investments - 403 403 (4) 89 85
Unrealised gains / (losses) on investments (19) 417 398 - 203 203
(19) 820 801 (4) 292 288
**14. ** TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS 2021 2021 2020 2020
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS 2021 2021 2020 2020
Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds funds funds
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Burial charge to FES for funerals and entrance fees 3,065 (3,065) 3,535 (3,535)
Losses incurred by chronic deficit Synagogues without property (68) 68 (48) 48
Interest charged on loans to communities 156 (156) 187 (187)
Interest credited on communities and FES funds (25) 25 (35) 35
Rents charged on properties let to communities 45 (45) 45 (45)
Kol Nidre Appeal allocation to Communities (395) 395 (481) 481
Profit of trading subsidiary gift-aided to Parent Charity 47 (47) 34 (34)
Advertising income for the benefit of Synagogues (163) 163 (84) 84
Miscellaneous transfers from Restricted to Unrestricted reserves 499 (499) 312 (312)
3,161 (3,161) 3,465 (3,465)

The transfers between funds show the net position in this regard as there can be transfers between specific funds within both restricted and unrestricted funds.

15. STAFF NUMBERS AND EMOLUMENTS

Average number of full and part-time persons employed during the year was as follows:
Synagogues
Kashrut
Burial
Other charitable activities and central support
The aggregate emoluments of these persons were as follows:
Salaries
Social security costs
Pension scheme contributions		 2021
2020
Number
Number
513
566
78
78
63
67
113
122
767
833
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
18,032
17,753
1,700
1,637
663
622
20,395
20,012

33

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

15. STAFF NUMBERS AND EMOLUMENTS (continued)

STAFF NUMBERS AND EMOLUMENTS (continued)
2021 2020
Number Number
The numbers of employees in United Synagogue communities, support departments and head office whose
emoluments for the year (excluding pension contributions and the provision of accommodation) fell within the
following bands were:
£60,001 to £70,000 16 17
£70,001 to £80,000 12 8
£80,001 to £90,000 3 7
£90,001 to £100,000 6 3
£100,001 to £110,000 4 3
£110,001 to £120,000 6 4
£120,001 to £130,000 1 -
£130,001 to £140,000 - 1
£140,001 to £150,000 1 -
£160,001 to £170,000 1 -
£170,001 to £180,000 - 1
£180,001 to £190,000 1 -
£190,001 to £200,000 - 1
£200,001 to £210,000 1 -
£210,001 to £220,000 - 1
£220,001 to £230,000 1 -
The numbers of these employees to whom retirement benefits are accruing under defined contribution schemes 50 44
2021 2020
£'000 £'000
Contributions in the year for these 50 (2020: 44) employees to defined contribution schemes 284 230
The defined pension contributions are allocated between restricted and unrestricted activities based upon where the individual concerned devotes
the majority of their time.
2021 2020
£'000 £'000
The total emoluments (including pension and Employer's National Insurance contributions) paid to the Chief Rabbi,
Dayanim and key executives (2021 15 employees, 2020: 15 employees) listed on page 3 of these Financial Statements 2,252 2,112

During the year, redundancy payments arising from restructures totalled £203,000 (2020: £92,000).

16. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION

None of the Trustees have been paid any remuneration, received any benefits or been paid any expenses by the charity or any of its subsidiaries.

17. VOLUNTEERS

The Charity benefits from the contribution of thousands of volunteers across its portfolio of Synagogues. Each Synagogue has an elected set of Honorary Officers and a Synagogue Council who are responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the Synagogue. In addition, religious services are supported by volunteers. Synagogues will undertake multiple other activities throughout the year including fundraising, welfare and educational, all of which will involve many further volunteers.

18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no related party transactions between the Charity and its Trustees other than donations that they have made to the Charity. The total amount donated to the Charity during the year by the Trustees listed on page 2 of these financial statements, together with their spouses, is immaterial.

34

UNITED SYNAGOGUE Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

19. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Charity
Cost / valuation
At 1 January 2021
Additions during the year
Less: Disposals during the year
At 31 December 2021
Depreciation
At 1 January 2021
Charge for the year
Less: Disposals
At 31 December 2021
Net Book Value 31 December 2021
Net Book Value 31 December 2020
Group
Cost / valuation
At 1 January 2021
Additions during the year
Less: Disposals during the year
At 31 December 2021
Depreciation
At 1 January 2021
Charge for the year
Less: Disposals
At 31 December 2021
Net Book Value 31 December 2021
Net Book Value 31 December 2020		 Freehold
and Long
Motor
Fixtures,
Fittings &
I.T.
Total
Leasehold
Vehicles
Equipment
Project
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
117,399
1,096
2,562
1,668
122,725
2,824
88
129
-
3,041
120,223
1,184
2,691
1,668
125,766
(41)
(52)
(74)
-
(167)
120,182
1,132
2,617
1,668
125,599
3,261
973
2,156
1,668
8,058
442
46
124
-
612
3,703
1,019
2,280
1,668
8,670
-
(52)
(74)
-
(126)
3,703
967
2,206
1,668
8,544
116,479
165
411
-
117,055
114,138
123
406 -
114,667
Freehold
and Long
Motor
Fixtures,
Fittings &
I.T.
Total
Leasehold
Vehicles
Equipment
Project
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
121,544
1,096
2,830
1,668
127,138
3,040
88
148
-
3,276
124,584
1,184
2,978
1,668
130,414
(41)
(52)
(74)
-
(167)
124,543
1,132
2,904
1,668
130,247
3,289
972
2,159
1,668
8,088
442
46
124
-
612
3,731
1,018
2,283
1,668
8,700
-
(52)
(74)
-
(126)
3,731
966
2,209
1,668
8,574
120,812
166
695
-
121,673
118,255
124
671
-
119,050

As described in the accounting policies, no amount is included in the accounts for religious appurtenances or for synagogue and residential properties held in trust for affiliated communities. The Charity does not hold any heritage assets as defined in FRS 102.

35

UNITED SYNAGOGUE Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

20. INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS
Market value at 1 January
Net monies invested
Cash withdrawn
Management fees charged to capital
Realised gains on investments
Unrealised gains / (losses) investments
Total market value at 31 December
Historical cost as at 31 December
UBS AG Alternative Investments
UBS Cash
JP Morgan Cash
JP Morgan Equities
JP Morgan Fixed Income
JP Morgan Alternative Assets
JP Morgan Foreign Exchanges
LSE Quoted investments		 2021
2020
£'000
£'000
5,957
5,670
1,564
72
(107)
(22)
(63)
(55)
406
89
414
203
8,171
5,957
6,773
5,152
2021
2020
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
-
179
-
120
-
13
-
13
46
28
46
28
3,942
2,762
5,277
3,514
1,982
1,574
2,003
1,662
747
539
787
541
-
-
(6)
24
56
57
64
55
Charity and Group
Cost
Market Value		 2021
2020
£'000
£'000
5,957
5,670
1,564
72
(107)
(22)
(63)
(55)
406
89
414
203
Charity and Group
8,171
5,957
6,773
5,152
6,773
5,152
8,171
5,957
STOCKS
Publications
Funeral requisites		 2021
2020
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
47
55
47
55
24
28
24
28
Charity
Group
71
83
71
83

21. STOCKS

DEBTORS
Trade debtors
Accrued income
Prepayments
VAT
Other debtors
Loans to employees
Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings		 2021
2020
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
969
603
955
629
271
996
284
1,003
419
951
419
957
-
-
36
82
187
148
209
148
13
14
13
14
4,124
3,640
-
-
Charity
Group
5,983
6,352
1,916
2,833

22. DEBTORS

36

UNITED SYNAGOGUE Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

23. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Bank deposits maturing in less than one year
Cash at bank
24. CREDITORS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Creditors and accruals
Trade creditors
Taxation and Social Security
VAT
Other creditors
Accruals
Deferred income (see note 25)
Amounts due to subsidiary undertakings
25. DEFERRED INCOME
Charity and Group:
Kashrut (a)
Burial (b)
Community Support (c)
Young People and Young Families (d)		 2021
2020
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
6,337
5,019
6,337
5,019
4,324
4,677
5,759
6,013
Group
Charity
10,661
9,696
12,096
11,032
2021
2020
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
819
1,175
912
1,202
475
436
475
436
140
83
143
84
472
433
472
431
1,168
1,677
1,180
1,688
2,804
2,576
2,804
2,576
252
194
-
-
Group
Charity
6,130
6,574
5,986
6,417
Balance at
Prior year Current year
Balance at
1-Jan-21
released
deferrals
31-Dec-21
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
295
(295)
403
403
2,251
(199)
307
2,359
9
(2)
-
7
21
(6)
20
35
2,576
(502)
730
2,804

(a) This comprises certification income invoiced in advance of the issue of annual certificates and advertising sold for the 2022 edition of the Really Jewish Food Guide.

(b) Amounts paid in advance for funerals, tombstone maintenance and rent are all deferred. Funds for prepaid funerals or maintenance are released when carried out. Rental income received in advance is released when due.

(c) Funding deferred for various programmes and for the provision of community support as well as funding received for hospital and prison visitation carried forward to 2022.

(d) Amounts paid in advance for programmes scheduled to take place in 2022.

26. PROVISION FOR LIABILITIES
Charity and Group:
Commutation of pensions to former employees of a department now closed		 Balance at Current year Current year
Balance at
1-Jan-21
additional
released
31-Dec-21
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
35
-
(35)
-
35
-
(35)
-

The commitment was for the lifetime of the employees concerned. At the year end, no further pension liability exists.

37

UNITED SYNAGOGUE Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

27. ENDOWMENT FUNDS

ENDOWMENT FUNDS
United Synagogue Bequests and Trusts Fund
Group		 Balance at
Transfers to
Balance at
1-Jan-21 Other Funds
31-Dec-21
£'000
£'000
£'000
68
-
68
68
-
68

The United Synagogue Bequests and Trusts Fund was established through the consolidation of many smaller charities. The objects of the charity are to further the religious, educational or other charitable work of the United Synagogue.

28. RESTRICTED FUNDS
Member Synagogue funds (a)
Funeral Expenses Scheme (b)
Miscellaneous funds (c)
Charity
United Synagogue Bequests and Trusts Fund (d)
The United Synagogue Youth Charity (e)
The Chief Rabbinate Trust (f)
Group - Income funds
Group - Endowment Funds(see note 27 above)
Group - total		 Balance at
Incoming
Resources
Transfers
Balance at
1-Jan-21
Resources
Expended (see note 14)
31-Dec-21
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
88,972
23,728
(20,154)
471
93,017
13,093
4,018
(62)
(3,052)
13,997
248
-
-
-
248
102,313
27,746
(20,216)
(2,581)
107,262
33
-
-
-
33
274
9
(2)
-
281
850
436
(37)
(580)
669
1,157
445
(39)
(580)
983
103,470
28,191
(20,255)
(3,161)
108,245
68
-
-
-
68
103,538
28,191
(20,255)
(3,161)
108,313

(a) Member Synagogue funds comprise those monies received, less those spent in connection with the activities of each individual Synagogue. When a Member Synagogue closes, the funds are transferred to general unrestricted funds.

(b) The Funeral Expenses Scheme allows members to subscribe a small annual sum, in addition to their Synagogue membership payment, to ensure that in due course their funeral costs will be covered. On the occasion of a funeral there is a transfer from restricted to unrestricted reserves of a specified sum to reflect this.

(c) Miscellaneous funds consist of several small funds, the principal fund being a building fund legacy.

(d) United Synagogue Bequests & Trusts Fund has as its objects the furtherance of the charitable work of the United Synagogue.

(e) The United Synagogue Youth Charity is utilised to further the aims of Tribe.

(f) The Chief Rabbinate Trust supports the work of the Chief Rabbi and his office.

38

UNITED SYNAGOGUE Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

29. UNRESTRICTED RESERVES
Other Charitable Funds:
Unrestricted Reserves - Non designated (a)
Unrestricted Reserves -Designated for other purposes (b)
Charity
US Advertising Limited (c)
Scopus Jewish Educational Trust (d)
United Central Limited (e)
United Synagogue Design & Build Limited (f)
Group		 Balance at
Incoming
Resources
Transfers
Balance at
1-Jan-21
Resources
Expended (see note 14)
31-Dec-21
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
(see below)
27,793
12,635
(15,080)
3,161
28,509
40
-
-
-
40
27,833
12,635
(15,080)
3,161
28,549
(2)
188
(187)
-
(1)
1,237
-
-
-
1,237
(103)
6
(58)
-
(155)
-
1,830
(1,832)
-
(2)
28,965
14,659
(17,157)
3,161
29,628

(a) Non-designated unrestricted reserves include Burial, whose main function is to arrange for funerals and maintain cemeteries, and the Kashrut Division of the London Beth Din (KLBD).

(b) Funds have been set aside, among other purposes: to aid various communities, for educational purposes, for tagging Sifrei Torah and other valuables.

(c) The resources expended by US Advertising Limited include £145,000 gift aided to the charity under a deed of covenant

(d) These are the assets relating to the Scopus Jewish Educational Trust which came under the control of the United Synagogue at the beginning of 2017

(e) The accumulated deficit results from pre- trading expenditure

(f) The resources expended by United Synagogue Design & Build Limited include £60,000 gift aided to the charity under a deed of covenant

30. ANALYSIS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES BY FUND

Group
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Cash at bank
Other current assets
Current liabilities
Deferred income
Provisions for liabilities
Total net assets
Charity
Tangible fixed assets
Investments
Cash at bank
Other current assets
Current liabilities
Deferred income
Provisions for liabilities
Total net assets		 2021
2021
2020
2020
Unrestricted
Restricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
26,389
95,284
23,409
95,641
-
8,171
-
5,957
6,412
5,684
8,478
2,554
1,636
351
1,882
1,034
(2,004)
(1,178)
(2,193)
(1,648)
(2,804)
-
(2,576)
-
-
(35)
-
29,629
108,312
28,965
103,538
2021
2021
2020
2020
Unrestricted
Restricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
21,725
95,331
22,179
92,488
-
8,171
-
5,957
6,144
4,592
5,226
4,470
5,689
341
5,471
964
(2,205)
(1,172)
(2,432)
(1,566)
(2,804)
-
(2,576)
-
-
(35)
-
28,549
107,263
27,833
102,313

Endowment fund net current assets of £68,000 (2020: £68,000) are included in restricted funds in the Group and of £nil (2020: £nil) in the Charity.

39

UNITED SYNAGOGUE Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

31. SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

The Charity has six wholly owned subsidiary undertakings (three of which are trading, two are charities and the sixth is dormant) which are incorporated in the UK. The Registered Office of each susbsidiary is 305 Ballards Lane, London N12 8GB. Summary Income and expenditure accounts are shown below.

United Synagogue Trusts Limited did not trade during the year. United Synagogue Trusts Limited holds properties in trust on behalf of the Charity. The results of the other subsidiaries are incorporated in the Financial Statements.

The United Synagogue Group figures include all the above together with the United Synagogue Bequests and Trusts Fund (registered charity number 1051619). All these entities are under the control of the United Synagogue's Trustees.

US Youth US US Design Total Total
United Central Charity **CRT ** Advertising & Build 2021 2020
Company number 11279144 02033941 04614285 02146769 06797965
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Total income 6 9 436 166 1,830 2,447 2,398
Total costs (58) (2) (617) (2) (1,785) (2,464) (2,149)
Gross surplus / (deficit) (52) 7 (181) 164 45 (17) 249
Gift aid payment to parent charity - - - (164) (45) (209) (114)
Surplus / (deficit) for the year (52) 7 (181) - (226) 135
Retained surplus brought forward (102) 275 847 - - 1,020 886
Retained surplus carried forward (154) 282 666 - - 794 1,021
Gross assets at 31 December 3,532 284 804 223 104 4,947 4,534
Gross liabilities at 31 December (3,686) (2) (138) (223) (104) (4,153) (3,513)
Reserves at 31 December (154) 282 666 - - 794 1,021

Total income includes charges from the subsidiaries to the charity amounting to £1,830,000 (2020: £1,707,000) The amounts gift aided to the Charity were all under deeds of covenant

40

UNITED SYNAGOGUE Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

32. OPERATING LEASE INCOME AND COMMITMENTS

At 31 December the total of future minimum operating lease income receivable under non-cancellable operating leases amounted to:

In less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years		 Land and
Land and
Buildings
Buildings
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
641
714
1,699
2,011
421
772
2,761
3,497

At 31 December the total of future minimum lease commitments payable under non-cancellable operating leases amounted to:

In less than one year
Between one and five years
More than five years
Lease payments recognised as an expense		 Land and
Land and
Buildings
Buildings
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
588
515
594
519
356
446
1,538
1,480
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
913
964

33. CAPITAL COMMITMENTS

The following capital expenditure has been approved by the Trustees for projects currently being undertaken but has not been provided for in these financial statements.

Contracts placed:
Muswell Hill Synagogue redevelopment
Wembley new Synagogue redevelopment
Brondesbury Park Synagogue redevelopment
Golders Green Synagogue refurbishment
Finchley Synagogue refurbishment		 2021
2020
£'000
£'000
991
-
656
-
-
407
83
-
33
-
1,763
407

34. TAXATION

The United Synagogue is able to take advantage of the exemptions from taxation on income and gains available to charities and accordingly no taxation is payable on the net incoming resources. The charitable subsidiary undertakings are also able to take advantage of the exemptions from taxation on income and gains available to charities. No taxation charges on the results for the year arise in the non-charitable trading companies because they have a policy of paying amounts equal to any taxable profits to the parent charity under a gift aid deed of covenant.

35. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Charity is ultimately responsible for the financial obligations of all Member Synagogue communities, should they default on any future liability. There is no current contingent liability.

36. CHARITABLE STATUS

The United Synagogue is a charity registered in England and Wales, charity number 242552. Its principal place of business is 305 Ballards Lane, London N12 8GB.

41

UNITED SYNAGOGUE Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

42

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

MEMBER SYNAGOGUES

Ahavat Yisrael Alei Tzion Barnet&District
Belmont Birmingham Central Borehamwood&Elstree
Brondesbury Park Bushey&District Central
Chigwell&Hainault Cockfosters&N. Southgate Cranbrook
Ealing Edgware Enfield&Winchmore Hill
Finchley Finsbury Park Golders Green
Hackney&East London Hadley Wood Hampstead
Hampstead Garden Suburb Hendon Highams Park&Chingford
Highgate Hull(joined Mar 2021) Kenton
Kingsbury Kingston, Surbiton&District Luton
Magen Avot Mill Hill Mill Hill East
Muswell Hill New West End Northwood
Palmers Green&Southgate Pinner Potters Bar
Radlett Ruislip & District Richmond
St. Johns Wood St. Albans Shenley
Sheffield Southport South London(closed Dec 2021)
South Hampstead South Tottenham Stanmore & Canons Park
Sutton&District Watford Wembley
Welwyn Garden City Woodside Park Woodford Forest

AFFILIATED SYNAGOGUES AND ASSOCIATE SYNAGOGUE[1]

Catford & Bromley Chelsea Hemel Hempstead Peterborough Romford & District Staines & District 1 Western Marble Arch

42

UNITED SYNAGOGUE

Trustees’ Report and Annual Accounts year ended 31 December 2021

UNITED SYNAGOGUE schools for which the US is the Foundation Body

JFS King Solomon High School Sinai Jewish Primary School Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School

SCOPUS EDUCATIONAL TRUST schools which are administered by the US

Mathilda Marks-Kennedy Jewish Primary Rosh Pinah Primary School School Simon Marks Jewish Primary School

JEWISH COMMUNITY ACADEMY TRUST schools which are supported by the US

Hertsmere Jewish Primary School Rimon Jewish Primary School Sacks Morasha Jewish Primary School Wolfson Hillel Primary School

43