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2021-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2021

WORKING THROUGH ANOTHER TOUGH YEAR TOGETHER

Registered Charity No. 249339. Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance(The) is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 140656

Contents Contents
• About us 3
• Introduction: Working through another tough year together 4
• Message from the Bishop of Tonbridge 5
• Message from Diocesan Secretary 6
• Message from Chair of the Board of Finance 7
• A year of change and new beginnings 8
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A fond farewell to Bishop James		 9
• Our year in numbers 10
• A pathway out of the pandemic –Strategic report and operating review11
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Enabling each church to be mission minded		 12 - 16
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Helping children, young people, and adults live out everyday		 17 - 22
faith in Jesus
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Supporting loving service in the community		 23 - 26
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Listening and responding to the prophetic voice of justice		 27 - 32
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Protecting Creation’s life for future generations		 33 - 34
• What we need to do better 35
• Financial overview 36 – 38
• Financial strategy 39 - 47
• Mitigation of risks and uncertainties 48 - 50
• Financial review 51 - 54
• Governance, structure, and management 55 - 60
• Statement of trustees 61 - 62
• Independent Auditor’s report 63 - 66
• Statement of financial activities 67
• Balance sheet 68
• Statement of cash flows 69
• Notes for the financial statements 70 - 103
• Parish Fund Balances 104
• Parish Offers 105 - 111

**Cover photo: Christ Church, Erith walking group

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ABOUT US

We are the Church of England operating in the Diocese of Rochester in the area of Medway, north and west Kent, and the London Boroughs of Bromley and Bexley. A diverse and vibrant community of faith, we serve a population of some 1.3 million people, including 215 parishes, 90 schools, and numerous chaplains. We enjoy companion links with the Anglican Dioceses of Harare in Zimbabwe, and Kondoa and Mpwapwa in Tanzania as well as an ecumenical link with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia.

The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, present their trustees’ report together with the financial statements and auditor’s report for the charitable company – Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance(the) (RDSBF) (also known as Rochester Diocese) for the year ended 31 December 2021. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities 2015 (SORP 2015) (Second Edition, effective 1 January 2019) and the Companies Act 2006.

Registered & Principal Office: Diocesan Office St Nicholas Church Boley Hill Rochester Kent ME1 1SL

Directors and Members of the Bishop’s Council (Directors and Trustees): The Lord Bishop of Rochester (Chair) The Rt Rev James Langstaff (resigned 31/07/2021) (Vacant from 01/08/2021) The Bishop of Tonbridge - The Rt Rev Simon BurtonJones The Chair of the Board of Finance - Mr Nigel Pope

Ex-officio:

The Archdeacon of Bromley & Bexley The Ven Dr Paul Wright (retired 31/03/2022) The Ven Katrina Barnes (appointed 01/03/2022) The Archdeacon of Rochester The Ven Andrew Wooding Jones The Archdeacon of Tonbridge The Ven Julie Conalty (resigned 18/07/2021) The Ven Sharon Copestake (appointed 16/01/2022) The Dean of Rochester The Very Rev Dr Philip Hesketh The Chair of the House of Laity Mrs Sarah Poole (reappointed 13/11/2021) The Chair of the House of Clergy The Rev Canon Alyson Davie (resigned 31/12/2021) The Rev Canon Jeremy Blunden (appointed 13/11/2021) The Chair of the Board of Education The Rt Rev Simon Burton-Jones

Elected – House of Clergy:

The Rev Canon Mark Barker (re-appointed 01/01/2022) The Rev Dr Julie Bowen (re-appointed 01/01/2022) The Rev Martyn Saunders (re-appointed 01/01/2022)

Elected – House of Laity:

Miss Christine Bostock (resigned 31/12/2021) Mr David Fitzpatrick (re-appointed 01/01/2022) Mr Philip French (re-appointed 01/01/2022) Mr Guy Gallico (resigned 31/12/2021) Mrs Cath Johnston (appointed 31/01/2022) Mr Jeremy King (appointed 01/01/2022) Mr Gerald O’Brien (re-appointed 01/01/2022) Mr Alan Strachan (re-appointed 01/01/2022)

Senior Staff:

Diocesan Secretary (and Company Secretary) - Mr Matthew Girt Director of Finance - The Rev Richard Williams Director of Property - Mr Stephen Hoad Director of Formation and Ministry - The Rev Canon Chris Dench Director of Diocesan Board of Education - Mr John Constanti Bishop’s Chaplain - The Rev Lindsay Llewellyn-MacDuff

Advisors:

Auditors: Haysmacintyre LLP 10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1AG Registrar: Mr Owen Carew-Jones, Winckworth Sherwood LLP Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London SE1 9BB Bankers: Barclays Bank Plc, 2nd floor, 30 Tower View, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4WA Property Adviser and Glebe Agent: Savills plc 74 High Street, Sevenoaks, TN13 1JR Investment Advisers: Mercer Global Investment Management Ltd. 1 Tower Place West, Tower Place, London, EC3R 5BU

Insurers: Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1

Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance(The) is a company Limited by Guarantee Registered Charity No. 249339 Registered in England No. 140656

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Working through another tough year together

Introduction

Despite the continued worry and uncertainty of 2021, local churches and others on the front line of ministry, supported by the Diocesan staff team, have continued to step up to their respective callings without flinching.

There is no doubt this has been another tough and challenging year – and now we face a war in Europe and the squeeze on people’s living costs.

It has been a year of change, of learning, and adapting.

But there is still much to be thankful for. Our people. Their commitment. Their creativity. And the knowledge that the lives of many people across the communities of the Diocese have been enriched by that commitment.

It’s a sign, despite the many challenges, of the coming of the Kingdom of God.

St Augustine’s, Gillingham – Thrive Thursdays ‘indoor bowling’

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A message from the Bishop of Tonbridge

The Rt Rev Simon Burton-Jones

2021 was a year framed by radical uncertainty, begun with our very own Kent variant of Covid and ended with a highly infectious new strain that tested people’s endurance and the limits of their courage.

The pandemic, in a strange way, showed us what is valuable in life. Not the things we buy and own, but the relationships we make and keep. But in doing so it proceeded to take these away from us.

The Church of God is founded in relationship: one with God, the second with one another. We do not measure these like GDP, but they make life worth living. And in 2021 we had to fight hard to keep them going meaningfully.

Among many adaptations made across the Diocese, mirrored in the country, three were prominent: digital worship, pastoral care by phone, and community action for the newly vulnerable.

The first was an epiphany. The opportunity to worship, learn and work together online had always been there, but somehow, it was always just out of eyeline and beyond our reach.

It was, however, no surprise to find the churches stepping up to the mark in

supporting the welfare of others.

Covid opened up new possibilities but, let’s face it, also exhausted us, especially those who have the instinct to care. That made it all the more important to hit the ground listening, as national restrictions eased.

Running at long term problems is unwise and, in any case, what people most needed was someone to listen to them without waiting for a pause to jump in.

This is first base in human care. It is also a precursor to sharing the Good News about Jesus with others because we can pick up the signals of how God is at work in others when we properly listen to them.

The words ‘thank you’ cannot be repeated enough to the people of the Diocese of Rochester. In 2021, you were not found wanting but giving. And in giving, the prayer is that you receive back all that God desires for you. There is still much to trouble us, but faith is forged in crisis, and the God who walks on water cannot, and will not, be separated from us.

This is the promise we needed.

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A message from the Diocesan Secretary Matthew Girt

This last year with its twists and turns, was an unwelcome reminder, if ever we needed it, of the long tail of this pandemic, and how it’s impact – practical, physical and emotional – may well outlast its threatening presence. When we thought we surely had had enough, we have since added increasing costs, and a war on the European continent.

That said, I am reminded that it often seems darker before the light, so I continue to live in faith and hope, and I do so not blindly or without challenge, but because I see the witness to God’s love in daily life, in how life is lived out across our parishes and chaplaincies

I am acutely aware of the strain that this ongoing uncertainty, the pressure to make difficult decisions, and the constant need to be ready for change, has caused to many, particularly those who lead and serve in ministry across our churches.

I am also hugely grateful to the Diocesan Office Team for the way in which they have maintained their services under duress this last year.

In these circumstances, the opportunities that many within the Diocese have taken to share a kind word or a message of encouragement to them, has been greatly appreciated.

This past year has seen us all on many occasions talk of ‘working through this together' and I can honestly say that week after week, I have seen that in many ways.

The Diocesan Office Team is here to serve, and we will continue to do so throughout, and the ministry of churches and individuals across the Diocese continues to transform lives and demonstrate Christ's love, which right now, we need more than ever.

Therefore, I want to pay tribute to them and thank them for all that they have and continue to do, to serve their communities in these difficult times.

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A message from the Chair of the Board of Finance

Nigel Pope

2021 was a mixed year for the Diocese financially. We budgeted an operating deficit for the Common Fund for the year of £1.8m and managed to contain the deficit to £1.6m. 2022 is also expected to be a challenging year with an operating deficit of £1.5m budgeted. This is clearly not a sustainable position long-term, and we need to significantly reduce this deficit over the coming years.

Our most significant source of income is Parish Offers, which in 2021 provided £7.9m (77%) of the operating income for the Common Fund. This represented a reduction of 9.1% compared to 2019 which was better than the Church of England average of a reduction of 9.5%. In order to move towards reducing our operating deficit, we need to find ways to increase our income overall – with Parish Offers being critical to that - as well as ensuring that our expenditure is well managed and directed.

Within this challenging overall position, I must express deep gratitude to many parishes for their sacrificial approach to Parish Offers. We have seen many using their reserves in order to meet their parish contribution which is very much appreciated. A number of parishes have found themselves in very difficult financial circumstances and we have been pleased to be able to make 19 grants of £5k totalling £95k during 2021.

We are delighted that Liz Mullins has joined the Diocese as our Generous Giving Adviser in 2021 and a significant part of her role is to help parishes with

encouraging financial stewardship and generosity.

Notwithstanding the operating deficit referred to above, overall, the Diocese had net income in 2021 of £4.1m after benefiting from gains on property sales of £1.8m and increases in value in the Diocese’s investment assets (Glebe property and market investments) of £3.8m.

As a Diocese, we have been entrusted with assets to use to grow the Kingdom of God and we are working hard to ensure good returns on these assets. To assist in this goal, we appointed Mercers as investment advisers in 2020, and in 2021 we appointed Stephen Hoad as our Property Director. The total return from our investment assets in 2021 was £4.6m, a 16% return, which was a strong performance.

We have also been working during 2021 with our investment and finance committees and with Bishop’s Council, to change to Total Return accounting for our Stipends Capital Account, which is our main endowment fund. This will enable us to access further funds for investment to grow the Kingdom of God here in Rochester.

I feel privileged to be able to serve God working with the Diocese at this challenging time financially and am very grateful to all the Diocesan Staff team for all their hard work, expertise and dedication

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A year of change and new beginnings

This year has seen some significant moves and appointments.

We said goodbye and ‘thank you’ to…

We said ‘hello’ and welcome to…

Our heartfelt thanks to all the clergy, lay leaders and volunteers who retired or left the Diocese this year, and a warm welcome those who have joined us. We also look forward to working with our new Bishop, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gibbs who was announced in March 2022.

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FAREWELL TO BISHOP JAMES

In July, we bid a fond farewell to Bishop James and his wife Bridget, as they retired after ten years of service and ministry with us.

Diocese, to ask the general public their views, and a dedicated set of activities for children and young people was also created to ensure their views were heard.

Parishes from across the Diocese shared their thanks and best wishes in a series of video messages. Following Bishop James’ retirement, the process to identify the next Bishop of Rochester began.

A diocesan-wide consultation took place, which included engagement across a variety of settings, and with diocesan and church role holders, parishes and schools.

As part of the process, we took to the streets of towns across the area of the

In September, we published our Statement of Needs, which incorporated the views that we had gathered. In March 2022, we were delighted to announce that our next Bishop will be the Rt Rev Jonathan Gibbs – currently the Bishop of Huddersfield.

Our hope is that, ‘As, like the nation, we slowly emerge from a pandemic that has hurt so many, we trust that our new Bishop will lead us with energy, vision, and a gentleness of relationship, as we navigate this changing landscape.‘ (Statement of Needs, 2021)

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OUR YEAR IN NUMBERS NEW DIOCESAN WEBSITE DIOCESAN ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS 11 20 NEW LICENSED LAY MINISTERS PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE'S FUND 32 PEOPLE IN TRAINING FOR ORDINATION 116 MEN AND 16 WOMENI 65 PERMISSIONS_ OR'FACULTIES, GIVEN FOR WORK5 IN ,1) I- 1724 2471 PROPER MAINTENANCE REQUESTS PROCESSED PEOPLE TRAINED IN BASIC, FOUNDATION AND LEADERSHIP SAFEGUARDING TRAINING £20.410 £116.500 RAISED FOR THE DIOCESAN POVERTY AND HOPE APPEAL ALLOCATED FROM THE M15SIONAL PROPERTY FUND" FOR CHURCH PROJE￿5 Diocese of ochester called tog&thtr

A pathway out of the pandemic

With a review of our strategic priorities completed in 2021 and a streamlining of our diocesan priorities, we have a clearer direction and set of aspirations to follow, and for a new Bishop of Rochester to grasp.

Alongside this, we are conscious of the national church’s own emerging strategy and vision to be a Church of missionary disciples - younger and more diverse.

Also, good learning has been adopted about links with the parishes delivering the ministry and mission, and how best to both serve and challenge to keep the delivery on track for the vision in each place.

What follows is the story of the progress we have made around our priorities this year.

Our priorities were reduced from twelve workstreams down to five priorities based on the Church of England’s own five marks of mission. They are:

2021 has been another year of constant change and reassessment for the five marks of mission here.

However, our addition shortly before the pandemic of project management, monitoring and tracking is enabling us to track what is happening, support where needed, and change tack and direction much quicker.

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ENABLING EACH CHURCH TO BE MISSIONMINDED

Despite the backdrop of the pandemic, we have continued to seek to support each church to be mission minded and to understand their community, building assurance in people that they can tell their own story of God’s love in Christ; that there was a time and a place to share this with others.

Growth Enablers and Called to Grow

Our Called to Grow project combines funding from the national Strategic Development Fund with diocesan matched funding and aims to grow worshipping communities; these split broadly into two areas, five priority parishes and the work of the Growth Enablers across the diocese. However, churches have not been undeterred. Our three Growth Enablers – Abi, Dylan and Graham - continued to engage with churches at ‘whatever level they are at’ to encourage and enable conversations about intentional growth.

This iterative approach has been adopted to assist churches as they reopen and engage and builds on the Called to Grow ethos, which recognises each church has a different context and therefore there is not a ‘one size fits all’ model for growth.

The Growth Enablers are beginning to see themes and trends emerging, for example an increase in intergenerational worship, engagement with children and young people, and a shift in individuals’

patterns of worship. We continue to gather stories of growth and change, with a plan to share these across the Diocese in the new year.

Strategic development fund parishes After some Covid-related delays, we were delighted this year to still be able to complete recruitment to the project roles in our five priority parishes in Anerley, Erith and Slade Green, Gillingham, and Strood.

All of the parishes are meeting their goals to deliver activities which build relationships with new contacts. Our project management and support model is currently being tested as three of the parish incumbents moved to new roles. We are confident that our model of local support groups for each parish and role will enable smooth transitions, and the Project Board are paying close attention.

Making evangelism easy

A small group has been looking at ideas for how to make evangelism easy for church leaders by providing simple, ready to go ideas and resources on how to encourage an atmosphere of storytelling around an individual’s experience of faith and witness, having conversations, and linking to events and other opportunities.

These have been presented in infographics to help them to be easy and accessible and supported local content to tie in with the national #LiveLent: God’s Story, Our Story, and Comfort and Joy Advent and Christmas Campaign.

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Sports and wellbeing

As part of a national programme, the Diocese has been piloting sports and wellbeing evangelism – because if everything we do is important to God, then so must sport, fitness and exercise.

In fact, fifty percent of the UK population is engaged in some form of sport or exercise.

From working with football clubs and coaching, offering healthy walks, sports chaplains, and boxing, churches have been exploring how they can be a loving and Godly presence where people are being active, and discovering how it is a great opportunity to connect with people who otherwise would not cross the church doorstep.

Missional buildings

Impressed by regular updates and presentations from the Rochester team on our strategic approach, Marshalls Charity, who support our Missional Property Fund, invited us to access £100,000 in 2021.

We are in ongoing conversations about future years. Grants have continued to be awarded, and a number of projects - both large and small - have come to completion.

SPORTING CHANCE TO CONNECT WITH GOD

The Rev Lorraine Turner, Vicar of St. Mary's Platt, runs healthy walking as part of an NHS social prescribing initiative, which has brought the church into partnership with the Borough Green Surgery social prescriber and the OneYou project.

Lorraine says churches are well placed to support sport and wellbeing projects like this which increase well-being as part of their ministry of care and hospitality.

“As well as the health benefits of walking, people just enjoy catching up with each other. There are conversations relating to the everyday, for instance, coping with the new tasks that come along when a partner has died.

Sometimes people tell me about how they find God in the natural world or what went wrong for them with church in the past.”

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CHURCHES FIT FOR A 21 CENTURY WELCOME

St John’s Church, Sidcup, are delighted to finally have running water, step-free access, toilets, and a servery, among a number of other improvements. Their Access4All building project began last year and was finally completed this year. The Rev Cathy Knight Scott said:

“It is important to all of us at St John’s Sidcup that everyone is welcome. Many pop in for times of quiet reflection, to admire the architecture, or just a sit down and rest on the way home from the shops. However, our facilities were sadly lacking.”

The improvements were achieved with the hard work and donations of many

people, including local schools, residents – as well as £20,000 from Diocesan Missional Property Fund supported by Marshalls Charity.

“The diocesan team – particularly Sarah Anderson, DAC Secretary – were immensely helpful” says Cathy, “especially when the inevitable queries in any large building project arose and we are grateful for her assistance – especially and expediting quick responses to thorny issues.”

As a result of the work, the church is now able to run a successful Place of Welcome and many other events- for example, a ‘meet and greet’ for refugees from Ukraine and other countries with local service providers such as citizens advice, NHS, job centre, foodbank, local council and much more.”

At St Edmund, Dartford, an award of just over £4,000 helped with the purchase and installation of a set of blinds. Being a large green and glass structure has at times, not made the church as hospitable as the team would like, as the Rev Mandy Young, Priest-in-Charges explains:

“It can get unbelievably hot, even in the mornings, during summer. The blinds, which we simply couldn't afford ourselves, have made the space feel gentler and less exposed to the sun and heat. That means it is cooler and more welcoming both for the congregation and other users. It also means that we can have shade for the use of the screen and projector - an asset we couldn't make full use of before.”

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A NEW START FOR ST JOHN’S, CHATHAM

2021 has been a year of new beginnings as the building and the people of St John’s Chatham have taken significant steps forward as part of the Diocese of Rochester and the Church of England’s long commitment to re-establish a community here. These plans fit alongside Medway Council’s own regeneration agenda for Chatham Town Centre.

enabled a number of other activities and events to begin or return to the building. It was significant that the reopening of the building, the growth of community and the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions allowed for the celebration of the 200 [th] Anniversary of

St John’s Chatham in September 2021: a brilliant opportunity to welcome the wider community to reconnect with the church with a weekend of celebratory events where the building welcomed around four hundred guests.

Return to the building has also marked a new season for the Medway Centre of Mission with the Sunday afternoon Medway Oaks community continuing to thrive. While 2021 has been an important year, it is recognised that it is still early on in the long-term vision of restoration and growth of St John’s Chatham as a hub of community and mission.

The Rev Martyn Saunders says, “We are hugely grateful for the tenacity and faithfulness of the small group who have persevered over the last few years, as well as for the prayer and support of the wider Diocese of Rochester family. “

Although this large Waterloo Church has stood empty and seemingly lifeless for almost 25 years, on Easter Sunday 2021 the church was able to open its doors for the first Easter Service in the building in over a generation. Since that day a growing and diverse group of people have met for worship each Sunday.

Over the past few years the building has required considerable work to allow for its safe use, and although a more comprehensive reordering is planned in the future, the installation of a toilet and kitchenette in the first part of this year have

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Overseas Links

As a Diocese, we enjoy flourishing links with Anglican communities in Harare in Zimbabwe, and Kondoa and Mpwapwa in Tanzania, as well as a friendship link with the Evangelical Estonian Lutheran Church.

The value and importance of the Companion Link Network has become even more evident during the Covid-19 crisis.

In 2021, we took the opportunity to share the story of how Covid-19 was impacting our sisters and brothers around the world in our Diocesan magazine, and through established local links, churches have offered financial, pastoral and prayer support.

In Mpwapwa, generosity from the Friends of Mpwapwa here in the Diocese, have helped towards the repayment of a loan which could not otherwise have been made because of the fall in offertory collections.

At a time when it has been easy to feel disconnected and isolated, being in contact and sharing in this uncertain time with others around the world, but with whom we have a common connection of faith, has shown these friendships to be more valuable and necessary than ever.

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HELPING CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE, AND ADULTS LIVE OUT EVERYDAY FAITH IN JESUS

As the nature of work changes, not least because of the pandemic, there is a particular need to help people interpret their jobs as vocations, whether family based, paid or voluntary; whether within the Church or in wider society. Our children and young people too are a gift in our midst. We are committed to ensuring that they are offered lifeenhancing encounters with Jesus Christ, can participate as equal partners in the life of the Church, and have opportunities to explore their vocation.

and to take them through the process to either ordained or lay ministry.

In 2021, 32 people embarked upon training for ordinand ministry: 16 men and 16 women. This is the highest number since 2019. Thirteen were selected for training for Licensed Lay Ministry – this is a distinctive role in the Diocese and is someone who is called to serve their Church and their community in a leadership role but not to be ordained.

Anointing and affirming calling

At the Diocesan Synod in November, Bishop Simon said, “One way in which the kingdom of God draws near is when the penny drops for people that their daily work is a vocation from God.”

Throughout the year, Bishop Simon has offered to preach, pray and anoint any person who is seeking God’s grace in life. This has included visiting a number of churches, when the lifting of restrictions has allowed.

He has developed a dedicated liturgy, adaptable to any church setting – and without the need for a bishop – which has been shared with the national church’s Everyday Faith team.

Supporting and developing people’s ministry

Our Formation and Ministry Team has continued to work tirelessly to support people as they explore their vocations,

We now have a total of 71 Licensed Readers and 94 Licensed Lay Ministers across the Diocese.

Adapting training and development

Throughout this year, we have continued to try and respond to the emerging needs of our church leaders.

The Rochester Leadership Programme was revised and developed this year and is now offered to lay ministers over two residential weekends. Twelve people - a mix of pastoral assistants, evangelists, readers and Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) - attended this first revised programme. The feedback was very encouraging and there is a desire to repeat it, with those who attended feeling refreshed and renewed in their ministry and grateful for the opportunity.

As a result of Ministerial Development Reviews, a need to have further development and training in managing conflict and wellbeing was highlighted.

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In response, a three-day in person course ‘Working with Conflict’ was offered for clergy and lay ministers which had a very good take up and was repeated through popular demand.

Additionally, training around Trauma Informed Ministry, relating to how we emerge from the pandemic was also delivered, with sessions again receiving high demand.

Our Director of Spirituality produced online retreats and Clergy Ministerial Development to support our clergy and lay leader’s spiritual needs during some periods of lockdown.

New vocations process

The Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Vocation, along with her team of Assistant Diocesan Directors of Ordinands have worked hard to undertake the delivery of a new national discernment process, which has involved significant and major changes. Initiated in October, it is encouraging to already see a greater diversity of people coming through.

‘It’s Your Calling’ days which seek to help people explore their vocation have continued online where necessary.

This year saw 23 men and women ordained as deacons and priests, and 11 new Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs), welcomed into the Diocese. The Communication Team shared a series of welcome cards on social media to introduce the new ordinands and LLMs to the whole diocesan family, as well as livestreams of the services.

NEW DEACONS AND PRIESTS ORDAINED

A nurse, a British Sign Language Interpreter, a flying enthusiast and a biochemist, were among the 23 men and women ordained as deacons and priests into the Diocese of Rochester in September.

A person is ordained a deacon once they have completed their initial ordination training. Deacon, the Rev Eucharia Asiegbu, who now serves at St John, Sidcup with Footscray said:

“I am immensely grateful to God for calling me to serve God and humanity.

“Although ministry could sometimes come with challenges, I trust God to see me through every step of the way because God is limitless in my limitations.“

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Sharing stories of Everyday Faith

Inspired by the national Everyday Faith initiative we are constantly striving to showcase the value of all vocations and each personal experience of faith, gradually and consistently, through various channels and opportunities.

During Lent, we journeyed with the national church’s #LiveLent God’s Story, Our Story campaign, which encouraged

all Christians to think about their daily calling and discover simple ways they could share the story of their faith with others.

To support this, a series of six self-filmed personal stories of witness were curated for each week of Lent to encourage others to see their own activity as a valuable and treasured calling to God.

LEARNING TO LEAN ON GOD: SEUN’S STORY

My name is Seun Adigun. I'm one of the wardens at St Mark's, Gillingham. I'm also an emergency room doctor at a local NHS hospital. I'm happy to share with you my journey of faith.

I had the privilege of being raised in a priestly home. In my teenage years though I got into a rough patch, where I was really asking questions about God, about the reality of faith; Is God real? Does he listen? Does he answer questions?

I was a young man who believed so much in my own abilities and I really struggled with the concept of relying totally on God. Then in the tropical rainy season of 2017 in Nigeria, I found myself trapped in a flood, sitting on the roof of my car, coasting away in the turbulent flood.

For the first time in my life, I felt so helpless. I understood what it meant to truly rely on God, to truly be out of one's wisdom, because there was nothing, I could physically do to save myself. And so, I prayed a simple prayer to God and, despite hours of torrential rain, divinely

the rain suddenly stopped. I came out of the flood alive. From there, I began to learn how to trust in God.

So even today, as I work in the local hospital and look after people who are unwell, I rely solely on the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe he's able to see me through. I believe he's able to provide for all my needs. I encourage every one of you to lean on God He is more than able, he is sufficient. He will do more than you expect or imagine.

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Deepening people’s relationship with God

We have seen revived post pandemic interest in the short spirituality courses offered by the Diocese to either be run locally or by members of the diocesan team, that encourage people at parish level to explore their own spirituality and faith.

There have been Bishop’s Study Days focused on Everyday Faith, and a special module has been developed within our Licensed Lay Ministry training dedicated to Everyday Faith.

The Archdeacon of Rochester led a well attended 7-week exploration of the Hebrews 12 text – ‘Running the race set out before us’, all about how we seek out the path God has called us too.

Children and Young People’s Fund

Our Children and Young People’s Fund, generously supported by the Colyer Fergusson Charitable Trust, has seen a number of applications for work to create spaces and resources for children in churches – much of it intended to be intergenerational.

This year 20 grants have been awarded – totalling £40,232 of funding, to support activities as diverse as fun days and activity days, projects to build relationships with schools (such as providing each student with an Advent calendar), providing Covid-safe resources for toddler groups, family cooking sessions, to mental health first

aid courses, and equipment for new youth groups.

Some strategic changes were made to the funding process to make it even more responsive, accessible and to meet the new needs posed by Covid-19.

These include:

Alongside this, our Children and Young People Mission and Ministry Team have continued to support youth and family workers across the parishes, through online resourcing sessions, archdeaconry ‘thank you’ days, and a 3- day retreat for employed youth workers.

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SCHOOL EXPLORES SPIRITUALITY THROUGH ART

children and to talk to them about how we can apply it to our work in the studio.

“It’s a chance to be totally creative. I always say to them, you can’t do anything wrong, just express yourself and I am here to help you.”

The Spiritual Art studio at West Kingsdown C of E Primary allows pupils to explore faith through art. It has been supported by a grant from the Diocese’s Children and Young People Fund.

Children at West Kingsdown C of E Primary School are enjoying a new arty opportunity, thanks to help from the Diocese of Rochester’s Children and Young People Fund.

The grant for nearly £5,000 has gone towards creating a Spiritual Art Studio in their school. The Art Studio is run by Susan Salter, a published children’s illustrator and committed Christian, and allows children from across the school to explore faith through the medium of art.

“We have worked on lots of different projects, from ‘who God says I am’ - so our identity in Christ - to looking at parables. I always try and read God’s word to the

Classes work on a ‘big’ piece of art per year and this art is then displayed around the school for the whole community to see. Ben Hulme, Executive Headteacher at West Kingsdown and St Paul’s Swanley Village, says the children love their time in the studio:

“We would not have been able to run this without the help of the grant, so it’s been a wonderful gift for us, and the children love it.

“The key is that it has a very different feel to the classroom, which can be very busy. When you come into the studio you have very small groups in here, you can be quiet, or you can talk.

“You really do have a chance to have your voice heard. “

Future plans for the studio include opening it up to families and the local community as well as to continue to develop the school’s strong links to St Edmund’s church.

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COVID, THE CHURCH AND ME: JOSHUA’S STORY

Joshua is a member of the Diocesan Youth Council. He shared his experience of being a young person during Covid-19 at Diocesan Synod in March 2022.

Two words describe my covid experience: routine and anxiety.

Me and my family always had this routine: get up a 6am, get ready, be out the door for a walk at 7.40am, do school from 8am till 3pm and then do my own stuff. I hated it because, being a Year 9, I wanted to sleep in, but I knew it was helping me in the long run. I mean, look at me now, nearly 6 ft tall, size 12 ½ feet and a lot fitter than I used to be thanks to that routine!

Lock down was a bit crazy for the Trice household, mainly because of all four of us working in one house – I never realised our kettle was so loud until then. But I learnt to live with it just like everyone was having to live with Covid.

One thing I am having to live with is a big old wad of anxiety.

I was never an anxious person before lockdown but part of me thinks that without the anxiety, I would not have become the young man I am now.

Going back to school, the youth council and church - even though it is

less than before Covid - has definitely helped me with the anxiety.

Sadly, not all the people in church are there, as some have sadly died, but being back in my church community means more now. They have all said how good it is to see me, and they are showing me that, despite my anxiety I still fit in, I still belong.

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SUPPORTING LOVING SERVICE IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

We understand that the Church’s mission is to the whole person and that every initiative to meet human need is a sign of the coming kingdom of God meant supporting loving service in local communities. Activities to support loving service in local communities is carried out by local people and parishes, with the Diocese providing support, information and resources.

Helping support and develop outreach

Our Community Engagement and Social Action team (CESA) helps parishes develop social action projects, and to develop partnerships where necessary, to show the love of Jesus to their community. This year, we looked to recruit a new Lead adviser, after the role became vacant in the summer. Through our remaining paid employee and a network of volunteers, the team continued to support churches setting up and running Places of Welcome, community hubs, food banks, uniform exchanges, night shelters and more.

Emergency Covid relief fund

The financial pressures on parishes brought about through Covid remain. Through our Emergency Covid-19 Relief Fund, the Diocese has been pleased to be able to make 19 grants of £5,000 totalling £95,000 during 2021.

- HOT MEALS S LOW PRICE

Over 50 families across Tonbridge and Malling benefitted from healthy eating and reduced utility bills at the beginning of the year, thanks to the Slow Cooker Project, supported by local churches.

A successful bid by the Diocese’s CESA team to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council’s Covid Winter Grant Fund, saw £5,000 put towards the creation of a set of slow cooker packs to be issued to struggling families.

Packs were stored and distributed from St John’s Church Centre, Hildenborough, to nine other organisations, including local churches, foodbanks, and debt charities.

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FINDING A PLACE OF WELCOME: HELEN’S STORY

The Places of Welcome at BRIDGES, Edenbridge, is one of 17 hubs and cafés supported by the Diocese’s Community Engagement and Social Action team.

Hi! I’m Helen, and I want to tell you my story – A while ago I moved to a little village without public transport. I knew nobody, and my daughter and grandchildren live an hour’s drive away.

I have lots of health issues, which limit my energy. I put money by to keep my own car, as I need to use a stick and a rollator walker with a seat to help me walk around.

My hands are always cold, and I can’t write very well. I’ve realised how much I have to look after my mental health. I’m 55, but because of my health I can’t do much now and it gets me down.

Getting out of the house takes me away from all that. I was going to two mental health support groups (Reach Out and MIND) locally, but they stopped because the funding ran out.

now and try to join in with craft activities as far as my hands let me.

I like to chat and listen to people, and I’ve quickly made new friends. It’s really helped my mental health.

I want to help others, so I want my story to get out there to help people know how a Place of Welcome can help them. I think every place should have one!

Referrals for more funding for me didn’t work out, but one day the Parish Nurse put a note through my door telling me about the Place of Welcome which was just starting in the nearby town.

It’s in the town centre with parking close by, so, I came out to it and met people and it’s lifted my mood. I come regularly

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Taking outreach outside

The ongoing pandemic crisis has shown the way in which the parishes have a pivotal part in showing and delivering care.

One of the unexpected but positive outcomes of the restrictions was the impact being seen by Churches getting outside their buildings. Churches have been worshipping and praying outdoors, in churchyards, parks and car parks, on walks, in forests, and on village greens and in high streets.

Putting the activity of the church ‘in plain sight’ rather than in a building and behind large doors anecdotally, appears to be removing barriers and is leading to new contacts and growth.

Many of the church-based groups for people with dementia (such as dementia cafes) have restarted and found a great need among their guests who have been cut off from their networks of support during the pandemic. Other new groups are being developed, often linked to local dementia friendly community forums and supported by partner organisations who can offer advice and support to people with dementia and their carers.

Some care home ministry has also recommenced, but there is anxiety still in some staff teams over opening up and constant Covid outbreaks, which alongside a staffing crisis in the sector, have made our work a stop-start process in recent months.

WELCOME RETURN TO CARE

Valuing older people

Our pioneering ministry and work with older people aims to equip churches to support older people to ensure their spiritual and pastoral needs are met, and convey the message that those with dementia, and their carers, are welcome in our churches.

Called Anna Chaplaincy, it is named after the faithful older woman, Anna, who appears with Simeon in Luke’s Gospel.

There are now 28 Anna chaplains and 28 Anna friends, with 5 more chaplains waiting to be commissioned. This year 6 archdeaconry leads were commissioned and are establishing themselves in role, supporting Anna Chaplains and Anna Friends and speaking at meetings about spiritual care for older people.

HOME

There has been much creativity in continuing work in care homes, which has included parishes providing details of how residents can access virtual services via Smart TVs and tablets, and Anna Chaplains even delivered prerecorded services on DVDs.

The team at St Barnabas Church in St Paul's Cray were delighted to be able to return to their local residential home in Advent to share worship and Christmas companionship with the residents.

"We were received so happily," says Sue Proctor, Anna Chaplain, "and several residents sang and clapped along with us, one or two using the carol sheets, some singing from memory, many of the residents have dementia.

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MAKING THE MOST OF BEING OUTSIDE

In Horsmonden, a new Community Garden, supported by the church, has begun to flourish

The idea was initiated by a request from some of the village teenagers, who asked if there was a way they could connect better with the older generation in the area.

“As we pondered how to do this, the idea of having a garden was born. After all, biblically it stands for a place of relationship and connection”, says Hilary Marshall, the church’s Community Worker.

“Now, we hope the space will not only promote wellbeing, but give everyone a greater love for God’s incredible creation.”

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ENCOURAGING, AND RESPONDING TO, THE PROPHETIC VOICE OF JUSTICE AND PEACE

To speak up for justice, to speak up for peace, and to be open to hear the prophetic voice ourselves, has always been important to us as Christians, but as a strategic priority it is new. There is much that is not right, just or fair in our society. There is also much that as a Church we need to put right too and failings we need to address.

Changing the culture around safeguarding

As a Diocese we take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously and we are committed to ensuring that our churches and buildings are safe places for all.

Our Season of Safeguarding, which took place in October and November to tie in with Safeguarding Sunday (10 October) and All Survivors Day 3 November, was an important step on our journey to changing the culture around safeguarding. Moving it from something seen as a tick-box exercise, to something embedded as an expression done joyfully as our love and care for others

The Season was a partnership initiative, seeing fruitful and meaningful collaboration between the Diocesan Safeguarding and Communications

Teams, Rochester Cathedral, and the victim and survivor group, Survivors Voices.

Many churches also used the Season as an opportunity to raise awareness of the Parish Safeguarding Officers and to talk about the importance of safeguarding.

As well as signposts online and social media to useful information and organisations on a number of safeguarding-related matters, a set of downloadable, bite-sized filmed personal reflections on the theme, What Safeguarding means to me? were also created, to provide churches with a way to spark positive conversations about safeguarding.

Contributions came from role-holders across the Diocese and the Cathedral, as well as victims and survivors, and advocate organisations. The films remain available via the Diocesan website.

Alongside the films, we worked with Rochester Cathedral and survivor, Antonia Sobocki, on a visual art installation called LOUDfence, which allowed allow people to express their support for those who have been subject to abuse of any kind.

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WHAT SAFEGUARDING MEANS TO ME: JANE’S STORY

Jane Chevous is Co-founder of Survivors Voices. Survivors Voices is a survivor-led organisation that harnesses the expertise of people affected by abuse in order to transform society’s response to trauma and abuse. This is an extract from her Safeguarding Season film.

“Safeguarding means to me that we ensure survivors are safe, seen and supported. That we do everything we can to make sure every child, young person and adult is safe from abuse.

Not just through safeguarding policies and training, important though they are, but through talking about safe families and safe relationships, so we all know how to recognise abuse and have the courage to challenge abuse wherever and whenever we see it.

As a Christian, the men who abused me used spiritual authority to justify their abuse, breaking my relationship with God and my faith community as well as with them. And yet as a Christian it was my belief in a God of justice and healing that enabled me to journey to through to recovery.

So ultimately for me safeguarding is about us ensuring that justice, love, and healing are available for every survivor.”

If you have experienced sexual, physical or spiritual abuse in the Church, we very much want to hear from you.

You will be taken seriously and there is support we can offer.

Please call in confidence, either our Safeguarding Team on: 01634 560 000 or Safe Spaces on 0300 303 1056.

You can also visit our website: www.rochester.anglican.org/safeguard ing

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Expanding the Safeguarding Team

Capacity within the team has been expanded this year, through the reallocation existing budget, with the team now comprising a Lead Safeguarding Adviser, two Safeguarding Advisers, a Safeguarding trainer, and an administrator.

The role of Bishop’s Safeguarding Lead is shared among the Archdeacons, changing every three years and this year moved to the Archdeacon of Rochester. In addition, Dr Liza Thompson was appointed as Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel – a group of external safeguarding professionals, along with senior clergy and officers from the Diocese and the Cathedral, who provide quality assurance and challenge with regards to safeguarding.

Work and caseload

The Safeguarding Team was involved in a number of current and non-recent investigations during the year, two of which resulted in being heard in court. New guidance on training continued to be developed, some of which could be accessed online. As part of their ongoing support to parishes, our Safeguarding Team has developed a range of additional policies and guidance and run training throughout the year at a range of levels appropriate to different roles.

Numbers completing training

Basic Awareness: 1140 online, 128 in parish = Total 1268 people Foundation: 924 online, 65 in parish = Total 989 people

Leadership : 407 people successfully completed the course across 35 courses.

“This course (though I was reluctant due to time involved) has helped my confidence to lead safeguarding and inform church groups. The reading material and watching the videos has helped me understand the hurt and damage that affects victims, survivors, their families and the church family.” (Leadership course participant) Parish Dashboard Towards the end of the year, the Parish Dashboard scheme was launched. This is an online tool to assist parishes in making safeguarding administration simpler. Early feedback has been very positive.

"I think the Dashboard is a brilliant tool. I find using it helps enormously, especially when I am reporting to PCC and asking for discussion and approval of various procedural matters, as it helps me to focus on the things which need doing, and not leave anything out." (Naomi Vallely, Parish Safeguarding Officer, St John's Church Centre, Tunbridge Wells)

Past Cases Review

The Past Cases Review is a comprehensive safeguarding review, undertaken across churches and key institutions within the Diocese of Rochester. It was started in 2019 and was completed in autumn 2021. It is a process being run in all 42 Church of England dioceses, with all dioceses expected to complete their Reviews by the end of 2021.

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The purpose of the Review has been to help find out whether all known cases of concern about the behaviour of clergy and church officers towards children and vulnerable adults have been considered, risk assessed and dealt with appropriately.

A diverse consultative group was drawn from across the Diocese and has been meeting regularly throughout the year to oversee and steer the programme in the Diocese. They include the Rev Jane Winter, as LLF Ambassador and the Rev Joel Love, as LLF Chaplain.

The report compiled by the Independent Reviewers was completed in the autumn of 2021 and submitted to the National PCR board to form part of the national overview report, expected sometime in 2022.

Many conversations have happened at an individual, parish and deanery level. An online Diocesan Taster Day has taken place, and over 220 people within the Diocese registered with the Living in Love and Faith Resource Hub.

We thank everyone in the parishes who contributed to this important process, and particularly to those victims and survivors whose time, experience and insight, helped inform the Review and the process.

The recommendations from the Diocese’s independent report will be incorporated into the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel’s Action Plan.

Living in Love and Faith Following on from the Archbishops’ call for a “radical new inclusion in the church”, we have begun to engage meaningfully with Living in Love and Faith.

Living in Love and Faith is a learning and listening process taking place across The Church of England to help individuals, parishes, deaneries and dioceses, reflect on our shared humanity and sexual identity.

“We had a real mix – 3 or 4 churches – but we disagreed well which is something that struck me. My main concern was that I wouldn’t have anything to contribute but it wasn’t like that at all…I found that week by week I would be thinking about the course and discerning, what is God’s will.” (The Rev Jayne Shillito, Curate Rural North West Kent Churches)

Modern Slavery, Gender-based violence

As a Diocese we are actively engaging with issues such as Modern Slavery and gender-based violence, through our partnerships with the Clewer Initiative and the White Ribbon campaign. In 2021, we supported the UN’s 16 Days of Activisms Against Gender-Based Violence and White Ribbon Day, to ask men to make a stand against violence towards women. Bishop Simon and others took to Tonbridge High Street to share details of the campaign and local support available.

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WHY I AM A WHITE RIBBON AMBASSADOR: KEITH’S STORY

As part of our campaign work this year, Keith Berry, one of our Community Engagement and Social Action Advisers, and a White Ribbon Ambassador, shared why he was taking a stand against male violence towards women.

My name is Keith, and I became a White Ribbon Ambassador because I've seen it first-hand, the pain and turmoil that male violence against women, either physical or mental, can wreak upon an individual and their family.

But I have also heard the banter and sexist comments in the pub, at the football, or while playing golf. These undermine and degrade the position of women in our society and it's this attitude that sets the social framework for many men to believe that it's okay to abuse and to threaten or use violence towards women.

My teenage daughter when walking home from her job in the evening feels it's necessary to be on her phone to someone the whole time she's walking, such is the climate of fear that men have created. This has to change, and it starts with us men.

Only by changing our behaviour can we create a better and safer society for our wives, our daughters and friends.

So please, start now by going to whiteribbon.org.uk and find out more about the need for all men to be prepared to speak out against sexist or misogynist behaviour. Then make the promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.

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Poverty and Hope

For over four decades the donations raised by the diocese’s Poverty and Hope Appeal have offered support to some of the world's most vulnerable people.

Rather than contributing to a general pot, the focus on specific projects connects us to the work of named initiatives which we are able to support over a period of years. While debates rage over governmental foreign aid, we can quietly and effectively get on and help to deliver life-saving and life-changing support to particular communities.

In 2021, this included projects supporting farmers trying to cope with climate change in Malawi, people in Zimbabwe who are discriminated against over HIV/AIDS, and child victims of modern slavery in Sri Lanka.

And to show that charity continues at home, the Appeal also cares for deprived young people, many living with disabilities, right here in Kent.

This year, thanks to the generosity of churches and individuals, over £20,000 was raised.

“The pandemic has shown the world to be a much smaller and more interconnected place than we imagined, where our personal effect is greater than we thought. Together, we can show God's care for those who are poor and on the edge, who only need a chance in life.”

(Bishop Simon Burton-Jones, Poverty and Hope 2021 campaign material)

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PROTECTING CREATION’S LIFE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

The realisation that action to address climate change is imperative has now permeated most aspects of society. Our young people in particular, believe that we as a Church must take a lead. We must not be left behind; protecting creation’s life for future generations is now one of our five overarching priorities.

raising and resources around the COP26 event.

Earlier in the year we held a webinar exploring the theological reasons and practical actions, with contributions from local churches, national partners and an international view.

Joint working

Eco Diocese and Eco Church

Until 2017, the Diocese had very little formal engagement with environmental issues while individual parishes have been particularly good at taking their own steps to improve their environmental footprints. As a Diocesan structure, we know we need to do better.

In October 2019, Diocesan Synod approved an environmental action plan. Synod also supported the proposed registration as an Eco Diocese, encouraging and supporting churches to work towards the Eco Church awards.

We now have 61 churches in the Diocese who are registered for Eco Church (including LEPs which count for both denominations) of which 13 have reached the bronze award level and 2 the silver award level.

We have identified our environmental priority as an area where we can work well with our neighbours in the Diocese of Canterbury, sharing resources and knowledge.

The first stage of this has been to join up the Environment Working Groups; Canterbury’s is well-established and new Terms of Reference have been drafted.

The aim is to have sub-groups looking at reaching the target to be net carbon zero by 2030, as this is detailed work relating to properties and asset management within each diocese.

In Rochester we are currently carrying out surveys and data analysis to set the priorities for this work, which includes on clergy housing.

Unfortunately, the impact of Covid-19 caused a delay in our Diocesan effort, but this year has seen a return to the committed work and the development of an action plan, and environmental policy. Recently this has included awareness

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Working towards net zero The National Church has issued a ‘road map’ to net zero for consultation.

To support this, we engaged key internal stakeholders and responded to the national church’s consultation on a draft

We are encouraging churches to use the Energy Footprint Tool (part of the parish finances online system) and looking into how the new wider toolkit can be used for schools, housing, cathedrals, offices, TEIs and all other buildings as well as ‘diocesan travel’.

COUNTING ON NATURE

Protecting creation’s life for future generations is a key priority for the Diocese, and so it is not surprising that so many churches took part in the national ‘Churches Count on Nature’ scheme in 2021.

At The Holy Redeemer in Lamorbey, forty-seven different species of wildlife were recorded.

Meanwhile, at St Mary, Bromley’s Garden Church, everyone got involved with the count, after a rousing chorus outside of ‘All things bright and beautiful’, of course!

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What we need to do better

5. Talk more about clergy

1. Listen and respond to the

voice and experience of victims and survivors of church-context abuse.

wellbeing and give people confidence in the confidentiality of our counselling service.

2. Move on our environmental

work at a Diocesan level in a more focused and dynamic way.

3. Support diverse and

6. Review our investment

policy to ensure we are not passing on an ever-growing endowment to a smaller number of future beneficiaries.

accessible forms of worship

and ministry, so we are reaching as wide a constituent as possible in our communities.

7. Develop a more robust and

clear complaints and whistleblowing procedure.

8. Understand the story behind

4. Respond meaningfully and in

a timely way, to the report by the Archbishops’ Anti-Racism Taskforce, Lament to Action, so we better reflect and honour the diversity of our diocesan family.

the statistics. We know there is more to mission and ministry than just numbers, we need to find ways to look behind data meaningfully to celebrate, encourage, as well as learn.

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FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

The financial contribution parishes make to support the work and mission of the Church locally is hugely appreciated. Thank you! The information below gives a summary of our finances in 2021.

Where our income comes from

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How the money is spent

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Su ort Costs for Parishes The Di(Keseof Po¢l￿ter 15 relljntonthq yyment of Pjrish Offer5 whlch.toythorwlth OBF Fe￿. reprE5ent81%1202Q'.87Y41 of 2022 2022 Cost per benefl¢e Current Stipend (from April 20221 National Insurance19.25%1 Perision129.02%1" Parsonage Upkeep budgeted for 202212021 B.. £5.2571 Cost of a Full-tlme Incumbent excluding pension deficit payments of 7.1 % 27,805 2,572 8,069 5.494 43,940 £44K 2020 1.851 181 2021 1.892 179 2022B 2.138 176 Number of benefices Cost per benefice £12K 2020 862 650 395 508 2.415 2021 809 694 344 490 2,337 2022B Curates Ordinands Wider Dlocesan Mlssion ConrribLJtions to National ChLJrch 986 693 403 405 2,487 £14K CL)n¢rlbutlon requlred fL)r 11512020.. 101} beneflces unable to over the allocated cost of a wre Incurnben¢ and Dlocesan Support Costs I£K) 1.478 1.982 £11K Average Contrlbu¢lon requlred frL)m Beneflces £81K 38

FINANCIAL STRATEGY

The Financial Strategy is the

achievement of a financially sustainable position and to successfully underpin the diocesan strategy of Called Together.

FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY

The Financial Strategy is the achievement of a financially sustainable position to underpin the Diocesan Strategy of Called Together and enable it to come to fruition. The entails sustaining the parish structure of ministry and, where required, investing in the reinvigoration of established parish churches. Alongside this, we are increasingly focussed on investing in fresh mission opportunities and the emerging church. This approach demands a delicate balance between current investment and the preservation of capital for the future, all the while seeking to maintain our existing funding of the parish system.

We need to be able to invest in areas of new developments where the population is growing, and increasingly are focused on reaching out to the unchurched and de-churched and in areas of demographic and cultural change and diversity, where different styles of church may be required. We also need to support this in our recruitment and training of clergy and lay ministry, and in the oversight of establishing fresh expressions of church and church planting.

COMMON FUND AND INDICATIVE OFFERS

The Common Fund is the principal unrestricted fund that deals with the general income and expenditure of our

Diocese. The management of the finances and resources are framed in such a way which reflects who we are – an interconnected family or fellowship of Christians dependent upon and supportive of one another. This connection brings with it a shared concern and responsibility for one another.

Thanks to the generous and often sacrificial contributions of parishes into the fund each year, we are able to ensure a number of things including:

The system of Indicative Offers for parishes was established in 2019 to help inform parishes as they consider their contribution to the Common Fund and to apportion contributions on as fair a basis as possible. Whilst retaining the voluntary nature of Parish Offers, the Indicative Offer enables parishes to assess their pledged offers based on the total mission and ministry funding requirement of the whole Diocese.

It is hoped that the system of Indicative Offers together with targeted and supportive follow-up with key parishes by the Archdeacons and Area Deans, assisted by the Finance Team, will enable

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the level of Parish Offers be maintained at a sufficient level to meet our mission and deployment plans.

A parish’s Indicative Offer is calculated as shown in the diagram below.

support. Where there are concerns of hardship these need to be seen and dealt with, not become another weight for the parish to carry. Equally, if a parish is able to meet its share, but doesn’t, it needs to be clear that others including its neighbours will be picking up the cost.

There are several exceptions to the basic calculation. For example, benefices which in the previous year were unable to contribute sufficiently to cover the cost of the Ministry Cost and Diocesan Support Cost are provided with a total Indicative Offer that is capped at 50% of Gross Income (unrestricted).

PARISH OFFER REVIEW PANEL

In rolling out the new Indicative Offer system, we sought to establish a more formal system for receiving and responding to Parish Offers.

This support needs to be in looking with the parish at the resources it has, and in some cases hasn’t, so that where there is a challenging situation it is known and shared.

In achieving a fair level of offer which adequately reflects the cost of ministry and support that a parish receives, the emphasis is on collaboration and

With this in mind, we introduced a Parish Offer Review Panel, a sub-committee of the Finance Committee comprising clergy and laity, which will deal with issues from parishes concerning the level of Parish Offers. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this panel did not meet until November 2021 and it’s work in practice will commence during 2022.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE COVID-19 CRISIS

The Covid pandemic has had a significant impact on the funding of the Diocese. We incurred significant operating deficits over the last two years, which are likely to continue at least into 2022. It has been a difficult time for all concerned and we are hugely grateful for the ongoing generosity of our parishes; their sacrificial support in maintaining contributions has been vital to the ongoing maintenance of our mission and ministry. We understand that parishes

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have been severely challenged with their income as a result of the Covid-19 crisis which has led to the closure of churches and ceasing of gathered worship. We are asking parishes to do all they can to maintain Parish Offers, which are largely used to support the clergy stipends.

2022 BUDGET AND OUTLOOK

The budget for 2022 was built on an assumption that Parish Offers will recover to £8.25M (2021: £7.88M) with the anticipation and hope that underlying parish income levels will recover as the face-to-face worship resumed and that Parish Offers would recover in kind. However, the recovery was slower than envisaged at the time the budget was set and is likely to be compounded by the impact of inflation on the economy and more particularly the disposable income of parishioners.

The level of parish contributions anticipated is clearly uncertain and dependent on the speed of recovery of the Covid-19 pandemic. Whilst parish contributions, in the circumstances, held up remarkably well over the last two years, largely because many parishes were able to utilise reserves, it remains to be seen how close offers will be able to return to the level of and exceed prepandemic levels.

DIOCESAN OFFICE SUPPORT

Much of the expenditure for the Diocesan Office is related to staff that we employ. The budgeted Diocesan Office Support Staff is stable at 35.6 fulltime equivalents (FTE), although there have been changes in the roles to support parishes in what they need through this period.

Overall headcount of Diocesan payroll is for FTE of 49.7 (2020A: 48.9; 2019A 48.6). The Diocesan payroll headcount now includes 10.0 staff on the RDSBF payroll who are not funded by the Common Fund. This includes 3 Growth Enablers, funded by Diocesan Pastoral Account, and 6.2 staff funded by the Strategic Development Fund of the Church Commissioners.

LIQUIDITY POLICY

The RDSBF’s liquidity policy has been to maintain minimum liquid reserves of £2.75m (defined as monies either on current account or on bank deposits of up to 35 days’ notice, of which £1M should be in cash or on bank deposits of up to seven days); being £2.0M for the purposes of working capital and a sum of £0.75m (representing just under 10% of total deposits by parishes for the Church Repair Fund (CRF) and Diocesan Loan Fund (DLF)) to cover potential withdrawals from the CRF and DLF. In addition, for prudent “risk” reasons (as opposed to liquidity considerations), at least 10% to 15% of available funds for investment, subject to a maximum of £2.5m, should also be held in cash under the terms of the Cash Deposits Policy - in this case through a range of maturities up to one year may be utilised.

The Trustees are confident that the RDSBF has a sufficient asset base to cover liquidity needs in the foreseeable future. The overall cash balances at the 2021 year-end stood at £7.6M (2020: £9.0M) (being in excess of the current policy level of minimum liquidity and cash reserves of £5.0M).

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RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees require reserves to:

It is the RDSBF’s policy in order to cover such eventualities, reviewed in March 2019, to maintain free reserves in excess of £5M.

Common Fund reserves at the year-end stood at £5.1M (2020: £5.2M). This is in excess of the amount required under the policy. The Trustees consider it important to carry additional reserves to cover unforeseen eventualities and the possibility of future operating deficits.

In May 2022, Bishop’s Council approved a Total Return approach to the accounting for permanent endowments applied to the Diocesan Stipends Fund, which will take effect from 1 January 2022. It is anticipated that the normal annual income provided from the Stipends Capital Fund to support the existing Common Fund budgetary requirements will at least be maintained.

Total Return is proposed on the assumption that Parish Offers are made in accordance with the current Indicative Offers system, so that additional funds may be released for fresh investment to support mission across parishes in the Diocese. The Unapplied Total Return as at 31 December 2021, has been calculated to

be £11.3M, which has been audited by Haymacintyre,

DESIGNATED RESERVES

The Trustees may designate unrestricted reserves to be retained for an agreed purpose where this is considered to be prudent. Such designated reserves are reviewed on an annual basis and returned to the Common Fund in the event that there is no further need to retain them for the purpose of their designation. A description of each reserve together with its intended use is set out in Note 16. Total designated reserves at 31 December 2021 were £9.1m (2020: £8.2m). These reserves are predominantly held in property assets.

RESTRICTED AND ENDOWMENT FUNDS

As set out in Notes 17 and 18, the RDSBF holds and administers a number of restricted and endowment funds. None of these funds are available for the general purposes of the RDSBF, although the income of endowed funds may be used for certain restricted or unrestricted purposes. Total restricted funds at 31 December 2021 were £41.1m (2020: £40.5m), and total endowment funds were £26.8m (2020: £24.1m).

INVESTMENT POLICY

The Board’s investment policy is based on the two key principles of Preserving Inter-generational Equity and Ethical Investment.

Preserving Inter-generational Equity The Trustees are aware of their longterm responsibilities in respect of endowment funds and as a result follow a correspondingly prudent approach to investment decisions.

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Investment policy for long-term funds is aimed primarily at generating a sustainable income with due regard to the need for the preservation of capital value and the possible need to realise investments to meet operational needs. Unrestricted and restricted investments are invested to balance income, liquidity and the maintenance of capital, and are held in listed and unlisted equities and funds and fixed interest bonds in managed funds.

of specific funds and fund managers. The current portfolio includes allocations to a broad range of asset classes, with a strong focus on sustainability issues.

The Bishop’s Council has agreed to seek an appropriate minimum total return of at least CPI plus 3%, whilst at least maintaining the capital value of its nonproperty investments in real terms.

Ethical Investment

RDSBF follows the guidance of the Church of England Ethical Advisory Group. In practice, this means applying an ethical screen to the portfolio which precludes direct investment in companies which have more than 10% of their turnover in armaments, pornography or tobacco. It also looks to invest in companies which have high standards of corporate governance and act in a responsible way towards stakeholders.

Fund Managers

In January 2020, the Diocese transferred its investment portfolio (excluding property investments) to Mercer Global Investment Management Ltd. (“Mercer”). Mercer’s investment platform provides the Investment Committee of Bishop’s Council with a greater level of flexibility to align the portfolio with the overall objectives of the Diocese and the flexibility for Mercer to respond to market changes and changes in the performance

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GRANT MAKING POLICY

The Memorandum of Association of the RDSBF explicitly permits the RDSBF to make grants in pursuance of its objects, and the nature of grants made in 2021 is indicated in Notes 6 and 8.

Grants are made to the National Church to cover a proportion of its central costs and also to cover training for ministry (see Note 6).

The Diocese operates a Children & Young People Fund, to fund youth ministry initiatives, and a Missional Property Fund, to support projects which allow parishes to open up church buildings for mission. To be successful an application must clearly state how the changes are missional and link with the activities and plans for their community.

Grants are paid to other connected charities and to other charitable projects which appear to RDSBF to support the furtherance of RDSBF’s objects, including grants to assist our Companion Dioceses of Mpwapwa and Kondoa in Tanzania, Harare in Zimbabwe, and to promote links with the Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of Estonia.

The RDSBF also set up a Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund to support parishes during the pandemic.

The RDSBF will consider the disposal of property for the following reasons:

CLERGY HOUSES STRATEGY

Inspired by the Called Together vision, RDSBF operates a Clergy Houses Strategy. It sets out the Clergy Houses Committee’s approach to clergy housing for the coming years and reaffirms the work and aspiration of the Committee. The strategic approach to our property requirements is worked in close association with the Archdeacons.

Clergy houses often hold a significant place in the hearts and minds of the local church and community, as well as our ministers that live and serve within them.

The ambition is for an approach to housing which, while mindful of this, is also:

PROPERTY

There are three types of property that the RDSBF owns: glebe investments (historic land and buildings), clergy houses, and RDSBF owned corporate property held for operational purposes.

Key objectives over the coming years are that clergy housing should:

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The Trustees commit significant capital reserves to the purchase and improvement of housing for clergy. The RDSBF is also responsible for housing its training curates (currently 22) at any one time. The Clergy Houses Committee oversees the repair and maintenance of clergy houses.

In its role as the Diocesan Parsonages Board and as the housing provider, RDSBF is responsible for the provision, management, maintenance and improvement of approximately 230 houses, principally for the benefit of clergy.

During the year, in total £747K (2020: £604K) was spent on properties under the Clergy Property Measure 2018 and the Repair of Benefice Buildings Measure 1972; incorporating quinquennial building surveys and arranging for repair or improvement by contract or by order and supervising and administering such works of repair or improvement. The majority of the operational property assets are held for the long-term use of the RDSBF, rather than for re-sale, and are carried in the accounts at their deemed cost in accordance with the provisions of Financial Reporting Standard 102.

and controls the annual budget. The scope of the work includes all day-to-day and responsive and programmed repairs, including quinquennial works, and day-today repairs to (for example) roofs, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, electrics and plumbing.

The Property Team maintains a property database and advises on the retention and sale of each property as and when Archdeacons and the Clergy Houses Committee have identified former ministry housing as being surplus to requirements.

The Finance Committee approves proposals for any purchase or disposal of property. It will additionally consider, on the advice of the Archdeacons, whether rental of property is particularly appropriate in individual circumstances. Parsonage repair and maintenance has been prioritised and was being maintained in 2021 at 2020’s originally budgeted level of £750K (including insurance).

In addition, £500K catch-up work over two years (funded from the Diocesan Pastoral Account) continues and the second tranche of £250K was spent in 2021, bringing total property expenditure in 2021 to £938K (2020: £805K).

The Diocesan Surveyor manages and maintains an ordering system, a 10-year rolling repair programme, and monitors

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FINANCIAL RESILIENCE AND STEWARDSHIP

Each parish faces significant challenges as the financial regulatory environment imposes ever more stringent requirements upon PCCs.

The Finance Team in Diocesan Office supports parishes in relation to compliance with the Charity Commission and accounting. PCCs are becoming increasingly aware of due diligence in their financial affairs and the need to demonstrate to their congregations that they are obtaining value for money.

Stewardship training and support is provided to help parishes to raise income levels. Church finances would be transformed if the level of giving by church members were raised from its present level of 3.4% of personal income to the national aspiration of 5%.

Parishes are encouraged to take advantage of the various central purchasing schemes run by the National Church.

fundraisers and, if so, will always ensure there is an appropriate contract in place.

VOLUNTEERS

The RDSBF is dependent on the huge number of people involved in church activities both locally and at diocesan level. We believe that the number of active volunteers (or volunteer hours) given to the mission and ministry of the church is a key indicator of the health of a church.

The service provided to a community through church volunteering also has a significant impact on people’s relationship to the church, particularly at times of crisis. Within this context, the RDSBF greatly values the considerable time given by all committee members and other volunteers across the Diocese in whatever capacity they are working in pursuit of the Church’s mission.

The ‘in kind’ value of volunteer time to the operations of the RDSBF is particularly difficult to measure in a meaningful way. It is for this reason that no estimate of the value of this time has been included in the financial statements.

FUNDRAISING

The RDSBF provides parishes with guidance to encourage them to adhere to best practice in their fundraising activities. It drives one-off campaigns around specific and strategic fundraising needs and supports and enables strategic relationship management.

The RDSBF does not engage with any direct marketing activities, nor does it share or purchase any donor data with or from third parties. The RDSBF rarely engages with independent professional

RELATED PARTIES

There are a number of related parties with whom the RDSBF has financial links and/or has financial transactions with, including the General Synod, Church Commissioners and Archbishops’ Council. The RDSBF has to comply with Measures passed by the General Synod of the Church of England and also makes certain annual payments to the Archbishops’ Council towards the running costs of the National Church.

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As disclosed in Note 7, certain costs of the bishops, including stipends and pension contributions, are borne by the Church Commissioners.

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCILS (PCCs)

The RDSBF is required by Measure to be custodian trustee in relation to certain PCC property, but has no control over PCCs, which are independent registered or excepted charities.

The accounts of PCCs and deaneries do not form part of these financial statements. PCCs are able to influence the decision making within the RDSBF and at diocesan synod level through representation to those bodies and through the input of their deanery synods.

OTHER RELATED PARTIES

• The Church of England Pensions Board: To which the RDSBF pays retirement benefit contributions for stipendiary clergy and certain ordained employees. It also offers schemes to provide housing for clergy in retirement.

• The Dean and Chapter of Rochester Cathedral: Some diocesan events held in the Cathedral are paid for by the RDSBF. The RDSBF rents car parking space and housing for diocesan clergy from the Dean and Chapter and provides safeguarding services to the Chapter under a service level agreement.

Rochester is President of the Board of Education and the Bishop of Tonbridge serves as Chair. The RDSBF undertakes the accounting function for the Board of Education under a service level agreement.

Transactions with the main categories of related parties are identified in appropriate places throughout the financial statements.

Where materiality of transactions merits more detailed disclosure, this is given in Note 15 to the financial statements.

• The Rochester Diocesan Board of Education: The Principal Office is located at Diocesan Office. The Board of Education supports and encourages churches and parishes across the Diocese of Rochester through the education of children and young people. The Bishop of

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MITIGATION OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

assessment model which incorporates our key activities of mission and ministry as shown in the diagram below.

BISHOP’S COUNCIL RESPONSIBILITY Bishop’s Council is responsible for ensuring that effective and adequate risk management and internal control systems are in place to manage the major risks to which the Diocese is exposed.

It has a clear mechanism for obtaining assurance on the management of risks. It agrees the approach to risk including overseeing the process to identify and assess key risks and understanding how those risks are managed and mitigated.

The Trustees annually consider, evaluate and record the major areas of risk to which the RDSBF is exposed, assessing the likelihood and impact of those risks crystallising, together with measures in place to manage and mitigate such risks (see below).

RISK ASSESSMENT MODEL

To support the identification and evaluation of our key risks, we use a risk

The five key areas of risk considered and the mitigation measures in place relating to the risks identified are then described, with any particular measures in the process of being implemented and the timing and the risk owner identified as responsible for managing this risk.

RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

Risk is managed effectively through an appropriate risk management framework designed to support informed decisionmaking regarding the risks that affect our ability to achieve our mission objectives.

The framework provides a consistent approach to identifying, assessing and dealing with the risks facing us to ensure that they do not exceed the level of risk we are willing to assume.

The framework is designed to manage, rather than to eliminate, the risks to our objectives.

PRINCIPAL RISKS

The risks in the Risk Register are ranked using a ‘traffic light’ scheme (red/amber/green) based on a score reached by multiplying the score for ‘Likelihood’, the average of the ‘Financial Impact’ plus ‘Reputational Impact’ score, and the ‘Risk Tolerance’ score. The key risks in red are identified as those which have high likelihood and overall impact.

The risks which are currently assessed as scoring highest, and the outline mitigating strategies to address them, are as follows:

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RISK AREA

• Safeguarding. The reporting of nonrecent and current cases of abuse of children or vulnerable adults in the Diocese, resulting in a breach of trust and negative impact on the victims/survivors, impacting the church’s reputation and potentially leading to litigation and compensation claims which are not covered by insurance. New cases may be reported because of the publication of reviews of safeguarding cases in faith organisations, including the Government commissioned Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

MITIGATION STRATEGY

• An appropriate response that is victim/survivor focussed, especially respects the dignity of victims responding with transparency, humility and contrition. Investigations to be thorough and in compliance with current guidance, ensuring sound coordination and communication between individuals and teams in the Diocese as well as external agencies and NCIs.

• Provision of an electronic case management system. An independently audited and resourced safeguarding team, which is professionally supported and supervised with constant review of resources (increase of staffing in 2020 and 2021).

• Communications strategies wellrehearsed and co-ordinated with Church House, Westminster & Lambeth Palace.

• Remedial work created by the Past Cases Review impacts on the effectiveness of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team.

• Impact from a prolonged epidemic resulting in the closure of churches, the cessation of worship and the reduction of income of parishes, and thereby impacting Parish Offers and the income of the RDSBF, the loss of dividend and property rental income and substantial reductions in underlying investments valuations.

• Provision of satisfactory training and safe recruitment and management of all those engaged in contact with children, young people and adults at risk of harm.

• Maintaining a conservative liquidity policy with sufficient cash reserves to weather the impact on income and cash withdrawals of parishes’ funds, seeking access to debt finance and National Church assistance with liquidity, and an adequate reserves policy to deal with reductions in income. Crisis management through the duration of the crisis that engages with parishes and provides advice and where necessary liquidity through loans and grants.

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• Parishes experiencing stagnant or
declining membership, impacting the
ability to conduct viable mission or
growth initiatives at a local level and
increasingly being unable to pay for
ministry being provided and/or donate as
generously as they would wish.
• Nationally divisive issues leading to loss
of clergy and/or congregations and
finances and impacting the church’s
reputation.
• Deployment of clergy that involves
altering the ministerial oversight in local
churches.
• Financial operating deficit leading to
breakdown in trust with parishes and the
inability to maintain support to legally
committed ministry.
• Information security, IT systems
availability and performance, staff
proficiency in using IT systems.		 • Strategic Framework, Called Together,
applied. Effective monitoring of mission
goals through deanery reviews, with
assessment of the financial impact of the
consequences. Supporting parishes by
implementing local plans and providing
support to reverse decline and building
resilient and growing churches.
• Strong episcopal leadership and
professional support in handling difficult
issues and sensitive negotiation with
churches concerning the pastoral,
operational and financial implications.
• Archdeaconry Steering Groups.
Implementation of the Ministerial
Deployment Tool. Legal process for
pastoral reorganisation, involving
extensive consultation.
• Financial Strategy that sets out the
approach to achieve a financially
sustainable position, regular financial
planning and budgetary control. The
operation of the Common Fund and the
system of Indicative Offers.
• In response to the increasing risk in this
area, work to further improve our
security measures to protect
unauthorised access to IT systems and
safeguards against potential
vulnerabilities in the IT network.

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

There was a Net Income surplus for the year of £4.1M (2020: £2.8M). Net movement in funds was £4.2M (2020: £ 2.8 M). The Common Fund shows an operating deficit for the year of £1.83M (2020: £0.91M), which is £1.6 M (2020: £0.80M) after deducting transfers from Restricted Funds in re spect of restricted expenditure. The reserve balance on the Common Fund was £5.1M as at 31 December 2021 (2020: £5.2M), which slightly exceeds the requirement under the reserves policy.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE – INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

The Statement of Financial Activities (on page **) shows an overall surplus of Net Income (before revaluation of fixed assets and pension scheme liabilities and transfers between funds) for the year of £4.1M (2020: £2.8M) after profits on the sale of property of £1.8M (2020: £1.8M) and gains on investments of £3.8M (2020: £2.1M).

The Common Fund shows an operating deficit for the year of £1.83M (2020: £0.91M), which is £1.60M (2020: £0.80M) after deducting transfers from restricted funds in respect of restricted expenditure. This compares to a budgeted operating deficit (after deducted restricted fund transfers) of £1.81M (2020: deficit £0.83M).

After taking account of gains on investments of £1.3M (2020: £0.6M) and a gain of £0.4M on the sale of properties (2020: loss £52K), the Common Fund showed a deficit of Net Income (before revaluation of fixed assets and pension

scheme liabilities and transfers between funds) for the year of £0.22M (2020: deficit £0.35M).

Designated Funds showed a Net Income of £0.88M (2020: £0.82M) representing a profit on sale of properties of £0.94M (2020: £0.79M) and losses on investments of £63K (2020: gains £30K). Restricted Funds show an operating surplus of £0.32M (2020: deficit £0.24M) and a Net Income surplus of £0.87M (2020: £0.77M) after profits on sale of properties of £0.55M (2020: £1.0M) and gains on investments of £nil (2020: losses £8K).

Endowment Funds had an operating surplus of £13K (2020: £12K) and a Net Income of £2.6M (2020: £1.5M) after gains on investments of £2.6M (2020: £1.5M).

The main income of the Diocese is Parish Offers, the money given by parishes to the Diocese to fund mission and ministry and in particular the costs of clergy stipends, pensions, housing and training, which are charged to the Common Fund.

Income from Parish Offers was £7.88M (2020: £8.40M), and £8.33M (2020: £8.79M) including DBF Fees of £458K (2020: £386K). This compares to the prepandemic level in 2019 for Parish Offers at £9.06M (excluding DBF Fees, which before 2020 were retained by parishes) representing a decline of 9.1%. This compares the decline compared to prepandemic levels of 9.5% in parish share experienced across the Church of England. Parish Offers and together with DBF Fees represented 81% (2020: 83%) of

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the RDSBF’s unrestricted operating income.

The other main sources of income in the year were donations and property and investment income. Donations (including grants) were £461K (2020: £526K), and property rentals and investment income of £1.42M (2020: £1.30M).

national training for ministry (see note 6 to the financial statements).

During the year the COVID-19 Emergency fund made 19 grants to parishes (2020: 31) totalling £95K (2020: £155K), making a total 50 grants to 38 different parishes and £250K since the start of the pandemic.

INVESTMENT INCOME

Total expenditure on the Common Fund was £12.1M (2020: £11.5M) and in all funds was £13.4M (2020: £12.9M).

During the year, the RDSBF paid stipends and associated costs totalling £6.72M (2020: £6.56M) for incumbents, curates and other clergy. The total number of fulltime equivalent clergy in post fell from 184 to 180.

A detailed breakdown of income and expenditure on the Common Fund and a breakdown of the support costs for a parish are set out on pages 36 to 38 of the Trustees’ Report.

Market investments held at 31 December 2021 were £20.2M (2020: £17.5M) and investment properties were valued at £12.5M (2020: £11.0M) (see Note 10). Dividends receivable for the Common Fund were £463K (2020: £447K) and rents receivable for the Common Fund were £954K (2020: £852K).

The investments held and their return during the year is set out in the table below which shows an overall yield on investments of 2.8% (2020: 2.6%) and total return of 16.0% (2020: 9.9%).

Trustees’ Report.
At
31/12/2
1
£K		 At
31/12/20
£K		 2021
%		 2020
%		 2021
Incom
e
Yield		 2020
Income
Yield		 2021
Total
Retur
n		 2020
Total
Retur
n
Glebe
Investment
Properties		 12,528 11,412 38.2% 39.5% 3.0% 3.3% 12.6% 12.5%
Market Investments 20,233 17,502 61.8% 60.5% 2.8% 2.2% 18.1% 8.0%
32,761 28,914 100.0
%		 100.0
%		 2.9% 2.6% 16.0% 9.9%

Contributions are made to the Archbishops’ Council to cover a proportion of its central costs relating to the activities of the various national boards and councils, as well as the General Synod, and to cover a proportion of the cost of

GRANTS RECEIVED

The RDSBF gratefully acknowledges all grants received including those from Trust for London for £642K (2020: £291K); All Churches Trust for £144K (2020: £141K); and Colyer Fergusson for £50K (2020:£20K).

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The RDSBF gratefully received the following grants from the Church Commissioners:

SIGNIFICANT PROPERTY

TRANSACTIONS

During the year 1 parsonage (2020: 4) was sold for total sale proceeds of £800K (2020: £2.14M), realising a surplus over book value of £552K (2020: £1.00M).

During the year 6 (2020: 1) unrestricted Common Fund and designated fund property sales were made in the year generating total proceeds of £1.68M (2020: £0.91M), realising a surplus over book value of £1.29M (2020: £0.79M). And also during the year nil (2020: 4) investment properties were sold for a total of £nil (2020: £1.95M), realising a total profit of £nil (2020: £455K).

There was 1 property bought in 2021 (2020: 2) at a total cost of £573K (2020: £800k) (purchase costs plus ingoing works), as follows:

4 Manor Way, Walderslade – a house for the new Associate Vicar of Chatham, St. Philip & St. James.

BALANCE SHEET POSITION

Net assets at the balance sheet date totalled £82.2M (2020: £78.0M).

This includes properties which are mostly in use for ministry; the book value of which amounted to £51.9M as at 31 December 2021 (2020: £51.5M).

The Trustees consider the market value of these properties to be considerably in excess of the book value, and this market value is realised as and when a property disposal takes place.

Much of the remainder of the assets shown in the balance sheet are held in restricted funds and cannot necessarily be used for the general purposes of the RDSBF.

The cash and short-term deposits position at 31 December 2021 stands at £7.63M (2020: £9.0M) and including market investments provides realisable liquid assets at 31 December 2021 of £27.5M (2020: £26.1M).

COMMON FUND

The reserve balance on the Common Fund was £5.1M as at 31 December 2021 (2020: £5.2M), which slightly exceeds the requirement under the reserves policy of £5M (see Reserves Policy under Financial Strategy on page 42 .

DESIGNATED FUNDS

The balance of designated funds as at 31 December 2021 was £9.1M (2020: £8.2M). The increase was mainly due to

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DBF properties purchased as referred to above.

RESTRICTED AND ENDOWMENT FUNDS The RDSBF holds and administers a large number of restricted and endowment funds. As at 31 December 2021, restricted funds totalled £41.1M (2020: £40.5M) and endowment funds totalled £26.8M (2020: £24.1M).

FUNDS HELD AS CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE The RDSBF is custodian trustee of assets held on permanent trust by virtue of the Parochial Church Councils (Powers) Measure 1956 and the Incumbents and Churchwardens (Trusts) Measure 1964 where the managing trustees are parochial church councils and others. These assets are not aggregated in the financial statements as the RDSBF does not control them.

Further details of financial trust assets, whose market value amounted to £2.2M at 31 December 2021 (2020: £2.0M), are available from the RDSBF on request, and are summarised in Note 21. Where properties are held in trust, the deeds are identified as such and held in safe custody by the RDSBF.

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GOVERNANCE, STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT

Church nationally, including consultations on specific matters relating to the priorities for the forthcoming year.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

LEGAL FRAMEWORK

The company’s principal object is to promote, assist and advance the work of the Church of England within the Diocese of Rochester by acting as the financial executive of the Rochester Diocesan Synod.

The RDSBF has the following statutory responsibilities:

The Trustees are aware of the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, “The Advancement of Religion for the Public Benefit”, and have regard to that guidance in their administration of the charity.

The RDSBF believes that this report provides evidence of the public benefit of the charity’s work in 2021.

As described more fully throughout the report, the RDSBF provides funds to support ministers of religion in the Diocese, and the maintenance of many buildings including parsonages and churches, many of which form an important part of the historic fabric and architectural heritage of the area.

The ministry of the parishes within the Diocese, actively involved in a wide range of community projects and supporting ministries, represents a substantial contribution to the wider public benefit. The vast majority of churches are available to the public at large and none is restricted to members of the Church of England.

The strategic priorities of the company are established by the Diocesan Synod in communication with deanery synods, PCCs, and the Bishop of Rochester (in respect of his responsibility for the provision of the cure of souls). To this end, significant time and effort is committed to communication between and with these bodies, as well as with the

THE STRUCTURE OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

The Church of England is organised as two provinces; each led by an archbishop (Canterbury for the Southern Province and York for the Northern Province). Each province comprises dioceses, of which there are 42. Each diocese in England is divided into parishes. Each

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parish is typically overseen by a parish priest (usually called a Vicar or Rector).

From ancient times through to today, the parish priest and their bishop are jointly responsible for the ‘cure of souls’ in their parish. Her Majesty the Queen, who is the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, appoints archbishops, bishops and deans of cathedrals on the advice of the Prime Minister. The two archbishops and 24 senior bishops sit in the House of Lords.

The Church of England is episcopally-led (there are over 100 bishops, including diocesan bishops and assistant or suffragan bishops). It is governed by General Synod as its legislative and deliberative body at national level, making decisions on matters of doctrine, the holding of church services and relations with other churches.

General Synod passes Measures which, if accepted by Parliament, have the effect of acts of Parliament. It is made up of three groups or houses of members: the Houses of Bishops, of Clergy and of Laity.

Its goals are: Contributing to the Common Good; Going for Growth (both numerically and spiritually) and Reimagining Ministry (both lay and ordained).

The Church Commissioners manage the historic assets of the Church of England, spending most of their income on pensions for clergy. The stipend, housing and office costs of the Bishop of Rochester are met by the Church Commissioners. In the case of the Bishop of Tonbridge, the stipend and office costs are met by the Church Commissioners, with the housing costs being met by the RDSBF.

The Church of England Pensions Board was established in 1926 as the Church of England’s pension authority and to administer the pension scheme for the clergy. Subsequently, it has been given wider powers, in respect of discretionary benefits and accommodation, both for those retired from stipendiary ministry and for widow(er)s of those who have served in that ministry, and to administer pension schemes for lay employees of Church of England organisations.

NATIONAL CHURCH INSTITUTIONS

The Archbishops’ Council, the Church Commissioners and the Church of England Pensions Board are sometimes referred to as the National Church Institutions.

The Archbishops’ Council was established in 1999 to co-ordinate, aid and further the mission of the Church of England. Its task is to give a sense of direction to the Church of England nationally and support the Church of England locally in parishes and dioceses.

The Pensions Board, which reports to the General Synod, is trustee of a number of pension funds and charitable funds. Whilst the Church of England has drawn together under the Pensions Board its central responsibilities for retirement welfare, the Pensions Board works in close co-operation both with the Archbishops’ Council and the Church Commissioners.

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THE CATHEDRAL

The Cathedral is the ‘mother church’ of the Diocese and legally constituted as a separate charity currently exempt from Charity Commission registration and supervision. For Rochester Cathedral copies of its trustees’ report and financial statements may be obtained from the Chapter Office, Garth House, Rochester ME1 1SX.

The information about the General Synod, the Church Commissioners, the Archbishops’ Council and Rochester Cathedral is included as background only. The financial transactions of these bodies do not form part of these financial statements.

THE DIOCESE’S DIOCESAN SYNOD

The statutory governing body of the Diocese is the Diocesan Synod which is elected with representation across the Diocese with broadly equal numbers of clergy and lay people meeting together with the two bishops. Elections occurred in 2021 for the 2022 to 2024 triennium.

Its role is to:

DEANERY SYNOD

A deanery synod has two houses, laity and clergy, and its role is to:

BISHOP’S COUNCIL

The Bishop’s Council acts as:

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC)

The PCC is the elected governing body of an individual parish which broadly is the smallest pastoral area of the Church of England. Typically, each parish has one church.

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The PCC is made up of the incumbent or priest-in-charge as chair, the churchwardens and a number of elected and ex-officio members.

Each PCC is a charity, but those with an annual income below £100,000 are currently excepted from the need to register with the Charity Commission; all others are now required to register. Except where shown, the transactions of PCCs do not form part of these financial statements.

The Rochester part of Kent, however, changed significantly during the 19th and 20th centuries, largely as a result of the expansion of London.

The Diocese serves a population of some 1.3 million, which is expected to increase by 300,000 over the next 20+ years. We have 180 (2020: 184) full-time equivalent substantive stipendiary parochial posts, and 23 (2020: 31) substantive selfsupporting posts and there are 19 (2020: 20) stipendiary and 14 (2020: 10) selfsupporting curates in training.

PASTORAL UNITS

A benefice is a parish or group of parishes served by the incumbent or priest-in-charge who typically receives a stipend and the benefit of free occupation and use of a parsonage house from the Diocese for carrying out spiritual duties.

A deanery is a group of parishes over which an area dean has oversight, and an archdeaconry is a group of deaneries for which an archdeacon is responsible. There are seventeen deaneries and three archdeaconries in the Diocese.

The Diocese is then the principal pastoral, financial and administrative resource of the Church of England, encompassing the various archdeaconries under the spiritual leadership of the Bishop of Rochester.

THE DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER

The Diocese of Rochester has existed in West Kent since 604. Since then, the historic county of Kent has been shared between the two Dioceses of Canterbury and Rochester.

Other licensed clergy and lay ministers serve as chaplains and in diocesan and Cathedral roles. This population is also served by 90 Church of England schools, with significant local involvement also in community schools.

The communities of the Diocese are characterised by increasing diversity of varying kinds. It covers some of the most affluent areas in England, and also some of the most deprived wards in the SouthEast. With the expansion of London and adjoining communities, it is increasingly urban and suburban, yet still retains places which see themselves as rural.

The Ebbsfleet Garden City development will have a new population of some 45,000 people – it is the largest single housing development in England.

Ethnic and religious diversity is a growing feature of our communities, and this is reflected in many of our congregations.

Our diocesan-level world Church partnerships are an important element of who we are. We have very active relationships with the Dioceses of

58

Mpwapwa and Kondoa in Tanzania, the Diocese of Harare in Zimbabwe and with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Estonia. These partnerships are expressed through parish and school links, as well as at diocesan level.

ORGANISATIONAL AND DECISION-

MAKING STRUCTURE

The RDSBF was incorporated on 14 June 1915 as a company limited by guarantee (No. 140656) and its governing documents are its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The RDSBF is a registered charity (No. 249339).

The company was formed to manage the financial affairs and hold the assets of the Diocese. Its principal activity is to promote, assist and advance the work of the Church of England within the Diocese of Rochester.

Governance and policy of the RDSBF is the responsibility of the Trustees, who are directors of the company and trustees for the purposes of charity law. The members of Bishop’s Council are the Board of Directors (the Board) of the RDSBF, and the members of the Diocesan Synod are the members of the RDSBF. Additionally, there is the Finance Committee of the Bishop’s Council, acting for and assisting the Board in its more detailed work.

The Board has delegated responsibility for the day-to-day management of the company to the Diocesan Secretary who is supported by the Finance Director, the Property Director, the Communications Manager, and the HR and Governance Manager, and their respective staff. These together form the Operations Management Team. The Diocesan

Secretary is also a member of the Bishop’s Leadership Team, which meets regularly throughout the year.

The statutory governing body of the Diocese is the Diocesan Synod, which is an elected body with representation from all parts of the Diocese. Its legal basis is the Synodical Government Measure 1969. Membership consists of ex-officio members, including the Bishops and Archdeacons, clergy members elected by the houses of clergy in deanery synods; lay persons elected by the houses of laity in deanery synods, being up to 163 persons including 5 that may be co-opted by each of the House of Clergy and the House of Laity and 10 members who may be nominated by the Bishop of Rochester. The Diocesan Synod typically meets three times a year during February, June and October.

TRUSTEE RECRUITMENT, SELECTION AND INDUCTION

The Board includes:

Trustees are given induction at the outset of the triennium and at other times as appropriate. They are also informed, before seeking membership and at all other relevant times, of the role and function of the Board, including a Code of Conduct for Trustees and Committee Members.

59

Some senior staff have job titles incorporating the title ‘Director’ but they are not directors of the company for the purposes of company law.

REMUNERATION OF KEY

MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

The Diocesan grading and salary structure is benchmarked against similar roles in the local charity sector as well as the wider Church of England context. All roles within the Diocese are graded according to the skills, experience and professional qualifications required for the role.

Details of the aggregate remuneration of the key management personnel is shown in Note 7 of the accounts.

60

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

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

Company law requires the Trustees (as Directors) to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with 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).

Under company 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 the affairs of the RDSBF and of the surplus or deficit of the RDSBF for that period. In preparing these financial statements the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the RDSBF and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the RDSBF and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included in the RDSBF’s website.

Legislation in England/ Wales governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements and other information included in Annual Reports may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE TO THE AUDITORS

The Trustees have taken all the necessary steps to ensure that they are aware, as trustees, of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. As far as the Trustees are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditors are unaware.

61

APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS

The appointment of Haysmacintyre LLP as auditors to the RDSBF will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting.

In approving this Trustees’ report, the Trustees are also approving the Strategic Report included on pages 1 to 67 in their capacity as company directors.

BY ORDER OF THE TRUSTEES

Mr Matthew Girt Mr Nigel Pope Diocesan Secretary Chair of Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance

1 June 2022

62

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF ROCHESTER DIOCESAN SOCIETY AND BOARD OF FINANCE

OPINION

We have audited the financial statements of the Rochester Diocesan Society & Board of Finance for the year ended 31 December 2021 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Income and Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of 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 charity 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 trustees’ 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 charitable company’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. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report. Our

63

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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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.

OPINIONS ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006

in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Annual Report (which incorporates the strategic report and the directors’ report).

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES FOR THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 61 and 62, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law), 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

64

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 charitable company’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 charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.

Based on our understanding of the charitable company and the environment in which it operates, we identified that the principal risks of noncompliance with laws and regulations related to safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries, health and safety, and employment (including taxation), and we considered the extent to which noncompliance might have a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006, the Charities Act 2011 and Church of England Measures.

We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to fund accounting, including transfers between funds, and revenue recognition. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

65

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.

USE OF OUR REPORT

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members 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 charitable company and the charitable company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Jane Askew (Senior Statutory Auditor)

1 June 2022

For and on behalf of Haymacintyre LLP, Statutory Auditors 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG

66

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 December 2021

Note
Income
Donations:
- Parish Offers
- Other
2
Investment income
3
Charitable activities
4
Total income
Expenditure
Generating income
5
Charitable activities
6
Total Expenditure
Operating (Deficit)/Surplus:
Profit/(losses) on sale of property
Gains/(losses) on investments
10
Net Income before revaluation of fixed
assets and pension scheme liabilities and
transfers between funds
Reserve Movements:
Net Income
Gains on revaluation of fixed assets
Revaluation of pension scheme liabilities
22
Transfers between funds
19
Net movement in funds
Reserve balances at 1st January 2021
Reserve balances at 31st December 2021		 Common Designated
£'000
£'000
7,875
-
478
-
1,417
-
478
-
10,248
-
(544)
-
(11,536)
-
(12,080)
-
(1,832)
-
351
943
1,260
(63)
(221)
880
(221)
880
-

-
22
-
162
-
(37)
880
5,180
8,234
5,143
9,114
note 16
Unrestricted		 Restricted
£'000
-
1,549
63
-
1,612
(5)
(1,289)
(1,294)
318
552
-
870
870
-
-
(289)
581
40,536
41,117
note 17		 Endowment
£'000
-
13
-
-
13
-
-
-
13
-
2,597
2,610
2,610
-
-
127
2,737
24,084
26,821
note 18		 Total
Total
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
7,875
8,395
2,040
1,651
1,480
1,353
478
396
11,873
11,795
(549)
(432)
(12,825)
(12,507)
(13,374)
(12,939)
(1,501)
(1,144)
1,846
1,757
3,794
2,146
4,139
2,759
4,139
2,759
-
-
22
34
-
-
4,161
2,793
78,034
75,241
82,195
78,034

All income and expenditure relates to continuing activities.

The Companies Act 2006 requires a separate income and expenditure account to be prepared to exclude transactions relating to Endowment Funds. No such income and expenditure account has been included in these statements as the relevant exclusions from this Statement of Financial Activities are all clearly shown above. These are: Endowment Fund income – £13k (2020 : £24k); Endowment Fund expenditure - £0k (2020 : £12k); Profit on Sale of Property - £0k (2020 : £0k); and Endowment Fund gains and losses on investments - £2,597k (2020 : £1,509k).

67

BALANCE SHEET For the year ended 31 December 2021

Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance(The) of Finance(The)
Company registration number 140656
Total Total
2021 2020
Note £'000 £'000
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets 9 51,940 51,461
Investments 10 32,761 28,914
84,701 80,375
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors 11 832 1,020
Short term deposits 4,302 3,404
Cash at bank 3,383 5,651
8,517 10,075
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
Bank overdraft 53 6
Creditors 12 9,880 11,003
9,933 11,009
NET CURRENT LIABILITIES (1,416) (934)
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 83,285 79,441
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due after more than one year 12
Pensions liability 295 612
Other creditors 795 795
NET ASSETS 82,195 78,034
Unrestricted 14,257 13,414
Restricted 41,117 40,536
Endowment 26,821 24,084
FUNDS 20 82,195 78,034

The Statement of Cash Flows and the Notes form part of these financial statements.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 1 June 2022 and signed on behalf of the Board by:

Nigel Pope Chair of Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance

68

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the year ended 31 December 2021

£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Net cash outflow from operating activities
(4,209)
(1,511)
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment income
1,480
1,353
Proceeds from the sale of:
Tangible fixed assets
2,383
3,023
Fixed asset investments
107
18,391
Purchase of:
Tangible fixed assets
(1,018)
(1,209)
Fixed asset investments
(160)
(16,662)
Net cash provided by investing activities
2,792
4,896
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from long term debt
-
500
Net cash provided by financing activities
-
500
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period
(1,417)
3,885
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
9,049
5,164
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December
7,632
9,049
Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash outflow from
2021
2020
operating activities
£'000
£'000
Net movement in funds for the year ended 31 December
4,161
2,793
Adjustments for:
Investment income
(1,480)
(1,353)
Depreciation
2
12
Gain on disposal of fixed assets
(1,846)
(1,757)
Gain on sale of investments
-
(652)
Unrealised gain on investments
(2,691)
(879)
Revaluation of fixed assets
-
-
Revaluation of investment property
(1,103)
(616)
Decrease in creditors: falling due within one year
(1,123)
1,469
Decrease in debtors
188
39
Decrease in creditors: falling due after one year
(317)
(567)
Net cash used in operating activities
(4,209)
(1,511)
Analysis of movements in net cash
2020
Cash
Flows
New
Borrowing
2021
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Cash on deposit
3,404
898
-
4,302
Cash at bank
5,651
(2,268)
-
3,383
Less overdraft
(6)
(47)
-
(53)
Total cash and cash equivalents
9,049
(1,417)
-
7,632
CCLA Loan falling due after one year
(500)
-
-
(500)
Total
8,549
(1,417)
-
7,132
2021
2020		 Net cash outflow from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Investment income
Proceeds from the sale of:
Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Purchase of:
Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Net cash provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from long term debt
Net cash provided by financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December
Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash outflow from
operating activities
Net movement in funds for the year ended 31 December
Adjustments for:
Investment income
Depreciation
Gain on disposal of fixed assets
Gain on sale of investments
Unrealised gain on investments
Revaluation of fixed assets
Revaluation of investment property
Decrease in creditors: falling due within one year
Decrease in debtors
Decrease in creditors: falling due after one year
Net cash used in operating activities
Analysis of movements in net cash
Cash on deposit
Cash at bank
Less overdraft
Total cash and cash equivalents
CCLA Loan falling due after one year
Total		 £'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
(4,209)
(1,511)
1,480
1,353
2,383
3,023
107
18,391
(1,018)
(1,209)
(160)
(16,662)
2,792
4,896
-
500
-
500
(1,417)
3,885
9,049
5,164
7,632
9,049
2021
2020
£'000
£'000
4,161
2,793
(1,480)
(1,353)
2
12
(1,846)
(1,757)
-
(652)
(2,691)
(879)
-
-
(1,103)
(616)
(1,123)
1,469
188
39
(317)
(567)
(4,209)
(1,511)
2020
Cash
Flows
New
Borrowing
2021
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
3,404
898
-
4,302
5,651
(2,268)
-
3,383
(6)
(47)
-
(53)
2021
2020
9,049
(1,417)
-
7,632
(500)
-
-
(500)
8,549
(1,417)
-
7,132

69

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) Accounting convention and basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of freehold properties, which are included at their fair value, and fixed asset investments, which are included at their market value at the balance sheet date. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP 2019), the Companies Act 2006 and applicable accounting standards (FRS102).

b) Going concern

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties regarding the RDSBF’s ability to continue as a going concern. The RDSBF aims to achieve a financially sustainable position. The RDSBF has net assets of £82.2m (2020 : £78.0m) and the Trustees believe that there is sufficient liquidity in these assets to ensure that the charitable company can meet its obligations for the next 12 months and beyond.

c) Income

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the RDSBF is legally entitled to it, when ultimate receipt is probable and the amount to be recognised can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

d) Expenditure

Expenditure is included on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the Statement of Financial Activity category.

Freehold properties

The RDSBF measures all freehold property assets at historical cost as required by FRS102.

70

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

Depreciation is not provided on buildings as any provision (annual or cumulative) would not be material due to the very long expected remaining useful economic life in each case and because the expected residual value is not materially less than the carrying value. The RDSBF has a policy of regular structural inspection, repair and maintenance, which in the case of parsonage properties is in accordance with the Repair of Benefice Buildings Measure 1972 and properties are therefore unlikely to deteriorate or suffer from obsolescence. In addition, disposals of properties occur well before the end of their economic lives and disposal proceeds are usually not less than the carrying value. Where the Trustees believe that the value of an asset might have been impaired, an annual impairment review is carried out in accordance with the requirements of FRS102, to ensure that the carrying value is not more than the recoverable amount.

Properties subject to value linked loans

Properties which have been bought with the assistance of value-linked loans from the Church Commissioners are stated using the value of the related loan at the balance sheet date. Each year end the respective property and loan are carried at their historical value.

Investment properties

Glebe properties which are held for investment purposes have been included at their market value.

Parsonage Houses

The RDSBF has followed the requirements of FRS102 in its accounting treatment of benefice houses. FRS102 requires the accounting treatment to follow the substance of arrangements rather than strict legal form. The RDSBF is responsible for the maintenance and repair of such properties and has some jurisdiction over their future use or potential sale if not required as a benefice house, but in the meantime legal title and the right to beneficial occupation is vested in the relevant incumbent. The Trustees therefore consider the most suitable accounting policy is to capitalise such properties as restricted assets and carry them at their historical cost.

ix) Other tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided in order to write off the cost (less any ultimate disposal proceeds at prices ruling at the time of the asset’s acquisition) of other fixed assets over their currently expected useful economic lives. All capital expenditure on computer and office equipment over £1k is capitalised and depreciated over 3 years.

Expenditure in relation to projects is capitalised where there is likelihood that the project will become an income-bearing asset.

e) Other accounting policies

f) Fund balances Fund balances are split between unrestricted (common and designated), restricted and endowment funds.

71

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

There are two types of unrestricted funds: 

  - **Common fund** which the RDSBF intends to use for the general purposes of the RDSBF.

  - • **Designated funds** set aside out of unrestricted funds by the RDSBF for a purpose specified by the Trustees.

In the application of the accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgments, estimates, and assumptions about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent 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 continually evaluated. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised.

72

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

~~38~~

2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total
(Donations, Legacies and similar income) Common Designated 2021
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Trust for London (formerly City Parochial Foundation) - - 642 - 642
Archbishops' Council - Sustainability Grant 296 - - - 296
Archbishops' Council - SMF Curate Grant 13 - - - 13
HMRC Furlough Grant 3 - 9 - 12
Covid 19 Emergency Relief Fund - - 9 - 9
All Churches Trust - annual distribution 144 - - - 144
Partnership Fund appeals, confirmations, licensing & induction collections - - 106 - 106
Poverty & Hope Appeal - - 20 - 20
Guaranteed annuities 14 - - - 14
RME Ordinands Grants - - 365 - 365
Colyer Fergusson re Children and Young People Fund - - 50 - 50
Church Commissioners re Chatham Town Centre - - 7 - 7
Historic England re Chatham Town Centre - - 19 - 19
John Marshall Grant re Chatham Town Centre - - 37 - 37
Readers' Fees 3 - - - 3
Strategic Development Funding - Called to Grow - - 231 - 231
Giving Advisor Grant from Church Commissioners - - 44 - 44
Covid Winter Grant - CESA - - 9 - 9
David Godwin Legacy - - - 13 13
Parish Donations re Pioneer Minister 3 - - - 3
Other sundry items 2 - 1 - 3
478 - 1,549 13 2,040
(Donations, Legacies and similar income)
Trust for London (formerly City Parochial Foundation)
Archbishops' Council - Sustainability Grant
HMRC Furlough Grant
Covid 19 Emergency Relief Fund
All Churches Trust - annual distribution
Partnership Fund appeals, confirmations, licensing & induction collections
Poverty & Hope Appeal
Guaranteed annuities
RME Ordinands Grants
Colyer Fergusson re Ebbsfleet Youth Worker
Swanscombe and Greenhithe Town Council re Ebbsfleet Youth Worker
Church Commissioners re Chatham Town Centre
Readers' Fees
Strategic Development Funding - Called to Grow
David Godwin Legacy
Other sundry items		 Restricted
Endowment
Total
Common
Designated
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
-
-
291
-
291
320
-
-
-
320
46
-
54
-
100
-
-
27
-
27
141
-
-
-
141
-
-
90
-
90
-
-
28
-
28
15
-
-
-
15
-
-
329
-
329
-
-
20
-
20
-
-
5
-
5
-
-
97
-
97
2
-
-
-
2
-
-
162
-
162
-
-
-
21
21
2
-
1
-
3
Unrestricted
526
-
1,104
21
1,651

73

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

3. INVESTMENT INCOME

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total
Common Designated 2021
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Rents receivable 954 - 34 - 988
Dividends receivable 463 - 29
 - 492
Interest on deposits receivable - - -
 - -
1,417 - 63 - 1,480
Restricted
Endowment
Total
Common
Designated
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Rents receivable
852
-
24
-
876

Dividends receivable
447
-
27
-
474
Interest on deposits receivable
-
-
-
3

3
1,299
-
51
3
1,353
Unrestricted

4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Diocesan Board of Finance element of Parochial Fees
Professional fees		 Restricted
Endowment
Total
Common
Designated
2021
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
458
-
-
-
458

20
-
-
-
20
Unrestricted
478
-
-
-
478
Diocesan Board of Finance element of Parochial Fees
Professional fees		 Restricted
Endowment
Total
Common
Designated
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
386
-
-
-
386
10
-

-
-
10
Unrestricted
396
-
-
-
396

74

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

~~40~~

5. EXPENDITURE ON GENERATING INCOME

Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total
Common Designated 2021
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Glebe management costs 103 - - - 103
Non glebe commissions 32 - - - 32
Rental property maintenance 262 - - - 262
Cost of income generation 147 - 5 - 152
544
 - 5 - 549
Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total
Common Designated 2020
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Glebe management costs 116 - - - 116
Non glebe commissions 22 - - - 22
Rental property maintenance 157 - - - 157
Cost of income generation 135 - 2 - 137
430 - 2 - 432

75

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

6.ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE INCLUDING ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT COSTS

Bringing people to faith in Christ
Mission & Community Engagement (50%)
Formation & Ministry (50%)
Youth & Children
Allocated support costs
A priestly presence in every community
Stipend costs
Apprenticeship levy
Actuarial gains/losses on clergy pension scheme
Grants
Parsonage maintenance & improvements
Ministry houses - housing costs
Curate and Associate Clergy Costs
National Church - training for ministry
Formation & Ministry (50%)
Stewardship, Legal, Accounts Advisors & other
Diocesan appointments
Allocated support costs
Engagement with the community
Grants
Mission & Community Engagement (50%)
Communications
Faculty & inspection fees
Diocesan committees
National Church grant/allocation
Partnership Dioceses & Church Urban Fund
Ebbsfleet Youth Worker
Chatham Town Centre
Past Cases Review
Growth Enablers
Called to Grow - SDF Funding
Giving Advisor
Allocated support costs		 Restricted
Endowment
Total
General
Designated
2021
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
80
-
3
-
83
174
-
-
-
174
90
-
-
-
90
246
-
8
-
254
590
-
11
-
601
6,717
-
-
-
6,717
22
-
-
-
22
11
-
-
-
11
336
-
309
-
645
747
-
-
-
747
22
-
29
-
51
140
-
-
-
140
508
-
-
-
508
174
-
-
-
174
102
-
-
-

102
226
-
-
-

226
889
-
28
-
917
9,894
-
366
-
10,260
Unrestricted
4
-
438
-

442
80
-
3
-

83
10
-
-
-

10
69
-
-
-
69
6
-
-
-

6
340
-
-
-
340
-
-
3
-
3
-
-
22
-
22
-
-
57
-
57
-
-
8
-
8
-
-
133
-
133
-
-
203
-
203
-

-
27
27
543
-

18
-
561
1,052
-
912
-
1,964
11,536
-
1,289
-
12,825

Support costs comprise administration and governance costs which includes the audit fee of £24k (2020 : £22k).

Support costs include interest payable of £7k (2020 : £30k) on deferred stipend payments to the Church Commissioners, a £500k loan with CCLA and net interest payable on parish Church Repair Fund and Diocesan Loan Fund balances.

76

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

~~42~~

6. ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE INCLUDING ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT COSTS (continued)

Bringing people to faith in Christ
Mission & Community Engagement (50%)
Formation & Ministry (50%)
Youth & Children
Allocated support costs
A priestly presence in every community
Stipend costs
Apprenticeship levy
Actuarial gains/losses on clergy pension scheme
Glebe reinstatement works
Grants
Parsonage maintenance & improvements
Ministry houses - housing costs
Curate and Associate Clergy Costs
National Church - training for ministry
Formation & Ministry (50%)
Stewardship, Legal, Accounts Advisors & other
Diocesan appointments
Allocated support costs
Engagement with the community
Grants
Mission & Community Engagement (50%)
Communications
Faculty & inspection fees
Diocesan committees
National Church grant/allocation
Partnership Dioceses & Church Urban Fund
Ebbsfleet Youth Worker
Dementia Project
Chatham Town Centre
Past Cases Review
Growth Enablers
Called to Grow - SDF Funding
Allocated support costs		 Restricted
Endowment
Total
General
Designated
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
87
-
-
-
87
174
-
-
-
174
86
-
-
-
86
226
-
3
-
229
Unrestricted
573
-
3
-
576
6,562
-
-
-
6,562
22
-
-
-
22
11
-
-
-
11
-
-
-
12
12
293
-
285
-
578
604
-
-
-
604
21
-
9
-
30
171
-
-
-
171
500
-
-
-
500
174
-
-
-
174
80
-
-
-
80
284
-
-
-
284
751
-
9
-
760
9,473
-
303
12
9,788
4
-
724
-
728
87
-
-
-
87
8
-
-
-
8
64
-
-
-
64
3
-
-
-
3
362
-
1
-
363
-
-
7
-
7
-
-
34
-
34
-
-
6
-
6
-
-
16
-
16
-
-
29
-
29
-
-
135
-
135
-
-
132
-
132
526
-
5
-
531
1,054
-
1,089
-
2,143
11,100
-
1,395
12
12,507

77

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

7.STAFF COSTS

2021 2020
£'000 £'000
Ordained Diocesan Officials stipends 259 290
Other Lay Diocesan Personnel salaries 1,468 1,411
National Insurance 172 164
Life Insurance Policy 20 21
Pension Costs - Lay Diocesan Personnel 116 106
- Diocesan Clergy 102 108
2,137 2,100
The average number of persons employed by the RDSBF during the year:
2021 2020
Number Number
Common Fund
Administration and financial management 27 26
Training 10 10
Mission and Community Engagement 7 8
Diocesan Appointments 4 5
48 49
Called to Grow (funded by Strategic Development Fund) 8 6
Growth Enablers (funded by Diocesan Pastoral Account) 3 3
59 58

The average number of persons employed by the RDSBF during the year based on full-time equivalents:

Common Fund
Administration and financial management
Training
Mission and Community Engagement
Diocesan Appointments
Called to Grow (funded by Strategic Development Fund)
Growth Enablers (funded by Diocesan Pastoral Account)		 2021
2020
Number
Number
23
22
7
7
5
6
4
5
39
40
6
4
3
3
48
47

The numbers of staff whose emoluments (including benefits in kind but excluding pension contributions) amounted to more than £60,000 were as follows:-

£60,000 were as follows:-
2021 2020
Number Number
£60,000 - £70,000 1 -
£70,000 - £80,000 2 2
£80,000 - £90,000 - 1
£90,000 - £100,000 1 -

78

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

~~44~~

7.STAFF COSTS (continued)

Remuneration of Key Management Staff

Key management personnel are deemed to be those having authority and responsibility, delegated to them by the Trustees for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Diocese. During 2021, they were:

Diocesan Secretary Mr Matthew Girt Finance Director The Rev Richard Williams Property Director Mr Stephen Hoad Director of Formation and Ministry The Rev Canon Chris Dench Diocesan Surveyor Mr Mark Trevett

Remuneration, pensions, national insurance contributions and expenses for these 5 employees amounted to £412,555 (2020 : £340,580).

Trustees’ Emoluments

No trustee received any remuneration for services as a Trustee. Four Trustees received travelling and out of pocket expenses (2020 : 5), totalling £12,358 (2020 : £11,512) in respect of General Synod duties, duties as archdeacon or area/rural dean and other duties as Trustees.

The table below gives details of the Trustees who were in receipt of a stipend and/or housing provided by the RDSBF (or the Church Commissioners where shown *) during the year:

Stip Housing
end
The Bishop of Rochester – The Right Revered James Langstaff Yes* Yes*
The Bishop of Tonbridge – The Right Reverend Simon Burton-Jones Yes* Yes
The Dean of Rochester Cathedral Yes* Yes*
The Archdeacon of Bromley and Bexley – The Venerable Dr Paul Wright Yes Yes
The Archdeacon of Tonbridge – The Venerable Julie Conalty Yes Yes
The Archdeacon of Rochester – The Venerable Andrew Wooding-Jones Yes Yes
The Chair of the House of Clergy – The Reverend Canon Alyson Davie Yes Yes
The Reverend Canon Mark Barker Yes Yes
The Reverend Dr Julie Bowen Yes Yes
The Reverend Martyn Saunders Yes Yes

The RDSBF is responsible for funding via the Church Commissioners the stipends of licensed stipendiary clergy of the Diocese, other than bishops and cathedral staff. The RDSBF is also responsible for the provision of housing for stipendiary clergy in the Diocese including the suffragan bishop but excluding the diocesan bishop and cathedral staff.

2021
2020
£'000
£'000
Parish Stipends, National Insurance & Pension Costs
Parish Stipends
4,880
4,922
National Insurance
387
393
Pension Costs
1,463
1,259
6,730
6,574
Number of parish clergy in post as at 31 December (Full-time equivalent)
180
184		 Parish Stipends, National Insurance & Pension Costs
Parish Stipends
National Insurance
Pension Costs
Number of parish clergy in post as at 31 December (Full-time equivalent)		 2021
2020
£'000
£'000
4,880
4,922
387
393
1,463
1,259
6,730
6,574
180
184

79

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

8. ANALYSIS OF GRANTS MADE

No.
Individuals
Institutions
Source
£'000
£'000
From unrestricted funds:
Ordinands in training
17
183
-
Common Fund
Clergy training
22
11
-
Common Fund
Clergy removal grants
23
35
-
Common Fund
Clergy resettlement grants
17
36
-
Common Fund
Clergy first appointment grants
29
64
-
Common Fund
Kent Workplace Mission
1
-
4
Common Fund
Common Fund
Archdeacons' discretionary grants
34
8
-
Common Fund
From restricted funds:
Ministry Division Ordinand Block Grants
48
43
265
Ministry Division Fund
Parochial Church Councils
19
-
95
Covid 19 Emergency Relief Fund
Overseas Partnership: Harare
4
-
7
Companion Diocese Fund
Overseas Partnership: Tanzania
27
4
85
Companion Diocese Fund
Beckenham St Michael
1
-
8
Pastoral Account
Bishop of Rochester Discretionary Fund
1
-
20
Pastoral Account
Strood St Francis PCC
1
-
6
Pastoral Account
Christian Aid
1
-
11
Poverty & Hope Appeal
Church Mission Society
1
-
5
Poverty & Hope Appeal
Commonwork Land Trust
1
-
5
Poverty & Hope Appeal
United Society (formerly USPG)
1
-
5
Poverty & Hope Appeal
Parochial Church Councils
11
-
47
Trust for London
Other Organisations
1
-
3
Trust for London
Clergy grants
9
22
-
Trust for London
Parochial Church Councils
4
-
71
Church Extension Fund
Parochial Church Councils
24
-
44
£500k CYP Fund		 2021
£'000
183
11
35
36
64
4
8
308
95
7
89
8
20
6
11
5
5
5
47
3
22
71
44
1,087

80

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

46

8. ANALYSIS OF GRANTS MADE (continued)

No.
Individuals
Institutions
Source
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
From unrestricted funds:
Ordinands in training
18
149
-
Common Fund
149
Clergy training
23
9
-
Common Fund
9
Clergy removal grants
25
43
-
Common Fund
43
Clergy resettlement grants
19
36
-
Common Fund
36
Clergy first appointment grants
28
50
-
Common Fund
50
Kent Workplace Mission
1
-
4
Common Fund
4
Archdeacons' discretionary grants
29
6
-
Common Fund
6
From restricted funds:
Ministry Division Ordinand Block Grants
49
41
244
Ministry Division Fund
285
Parochial Church Councils
31
-
155
Covid 19 Emergency Relief Fund
155
Overseas Partnership: Harare
6
-
12
Companion Diocese Fund
12
Overseas Partnership: Tanzania
21
3
83
Companion Diocese Fund
86
Beckenham St Michael
6
-
124
Pastoral Account
124
Bishop of Rochester Discretionary Fund
2
-
21
Pastoral Account
21
Lamorbey Holy Redeemer PCC
3
-
47
Pastoral Account
47
South Gillingham PCC
1
-
3
Pastoral Account
3
St Benedicts Centre
1
-
105
Pastoral Account
105
Strood St Francis PCC
1
-
6
Pastoral Account
6
Christian Aid
1
-
12
Poverty & Hope Appeal
12
Church Mission Society
1
-
6
Poverty & Hope Appeal
6
Commonwork Land Trust
1
-
6
Poverty & Hope Appeal
6
United Society (formerly USPG)
1
-
6
Poverty & Hope Appeal
6
Erith & Thamesmead CAP Debt Centre
1
-
2
Local Church Urban Fund
2
Parochial Church Councils
12
-
62
Trust for London
62
Other Organisations
6
-
16
Trust for London
16
Clergy grants
9
19
-
Trust for London
19
Parochial Church Councils
3
-
19
Church Extension Fund
19
Parochial Church Councils
2
-
1
Cobham and Gravesend Churches F
1
Parochial Church Councils
9
-
16
£500k CYP Fund
16
1,306		 No.
Individuals
Institutions
Source
2020
£'000
£'000
£'000
From unrestricted funds:
Ordinands in training
18
149
-
Common Fund
149
Clergy training
23
9
-
Common Fund
9
Clergy removal grants
25
43
-
Common Fund
43
Clergy resettlement grants
19
36
-
Common Fund
36
Clergy first appointment grants
28
50
-
Common Fund
50
Kent Workplace Mission
1
-
4
Common Fund
4
Archdeacons' discretionary grants
29
6
-
Common Fund
6
From restricted funds:
Ministry Division Ordinand Block Grants
49
41
244
Ministry Division Fund
285
Parochial Church Councils
31
-
155
Covid 19 Emergency Relief Fund
155
Overseas Partnership: Harare
6
-
12
Companion Diocese Fund
12
Overseas Partnership: Tanzania
21
3
83
Companion Diocese Fund
86
Beckenham St Michael
6
-
124
Pastoral Account
124
Bishop of Rochester Discretionary Fund
2
-
21
Pastoral Account
21
Lamorbey Holy Redeemer PCC
3
-
47
Pastoral Account
47
South Gillingham PCC
1
-
3
Pastoral Account
3
St Benedicts Centre
1
-
105
Pastoral Account
105
Strood St Francis PCC
1
-
6
Pastoral Account
6
Christian Aid
1
-
12
Poverty & Hope Appeal
12
Church Mission Society
1
-
6
Poverty & Hope Appeal
6
Commonwork Land Trust
1
-
6
Poverty & Hope Appeal
6
United Society (formerly USPG)
1
-
6
Poverty & Hope Appeal
6
Erith & Thamesmead CAP Debt Centre
1
-
2
Local Church Urban Fund
2
Parochial Church Councils
12
-
62
Trust for London
62
Other Organisations
6
-
16
Trust for London
16
Clergy grants
9
19
-
Trust for London
19
Parochial Church Councils
3
-
19
Church Extension Fund
19
Parochial Church Councils
2
-
1
Cobham and Gravesend Churches F
1
Parochial Church Councils
9
-
16
£500k CYP Fund
16
1,306
1,306

81

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

9. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Board Board Equity Sharing Benefice Benefice Assets Held Assets Held Assets in Computer
Property Property Property For Sale course of & Phone
Land Buildings Land Buildings Land Buildings Land **Buildings ** construction Equipment Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Cost or valuation
Balance 1 January 2021 5,690 8,391 123 174 19,321 20,209 551 668 1,967 171 57,265
Additions - 44 - - - 211 - - 763 - 1,018
Disposals (50) (73) - - - - (214) (306) - - (643)
Revaluation - - - - - - - - - - -
Transfer 315 335 - - - - (28) (48) (574) - -
Balance 31 December 2021 5,955 8,697 123 174 19,321 20,420 309 314 2,156 171 57,640
Depreciation
Balance 1 January 2021 - 1,149 - 52 - 4,242 - 193 - 169 5,805
Charge for the year - - - - - - - - - 2 2
Disposals - (22) - - - - - (85) - - (107)
Transfer - 15 - - - - - (15) - - -
Balance 31 December 2021 - 1,142 - 52 - 4,242 - 93 - 171 5,700
Net book values
At 31 December 2021 5,955 7,555 123 122 19,321 16,178 309 221 2,156 - 51,940
At 31 December 2020 5,690 7,242 123 122 19,321 15,967 551 476 1,968 1 51,461

Following the introduction of Financial Reporting Standard 15 “Tangible Fixed Assets”, all fixed asset land and buildings, excluding investment properties, were crystallised at their carrying value on 1 January 2000. The land proportion for each property was estimated and depreciation at 2% was applied to the remaining portion in respect of the building content. The land content was estimated to be between 40% and 51% of the carrying value as at 1 January 2000.

Depreciation is no longer provided on buildings as any provision would not be material due to the very long expected remaining useful economic life in each case and because their expected residual value is not materially less than their carrying value.

(a) Freehold Land and Buildings

The land and buildings are shown divided between Board Property, purchased from the Board’s own funds, and Equity Sharing Property, which is purchased partially or wholly by a loan from the Church Commissioners. Although title to properties under the Equity Sharing Scheme rests with the Board, any profit or loss on sale is apportioned between the Board and Church Commissioners in proportion to the original funding.

(b) Equity Sharing Properties

Equity sharing properties are part owned by the Board and are included as fixed assets land and buildings. In each case there is a loan with the interest being paid by the parish for which the property is provided. On disposal, the Board receives only its share of the equity.

(c) Benefice Property

Properties not owned by the Board but from which the Board derives the benefit and incurs the obligation of ownership are included in the accounts at historical cost or market value on 1st January 2000. The proceeds of any sales are available to the Board.

82

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

48

10. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

10. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS 10. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Investments
Mercer Global Investment Management
Investment Properties
At 1 January 2021
Additions
Disposals
Realised gains
Sale proceeds
Net gains on investments
At 31 December 2021		 Cost
Market Value
Cost
Market Value
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
16,662
20,233
16,623
17,502
12,528
11,412
32,761
28,914
£'000
£'000
28,914
28,497
160
16,662
(107)
(17,739)
-
(652)
(107)
(18,391)
3,794
2,146
32,761
28,914
2020
2021

Net gains on investments shown in the Statement of Financial Activities of £3,794k (2020: £2,146k) comprise unrealised gains of £3,794k (2020 : £1,494k) and realised gains £0k (2020 : £652k) as a result of disposals realising proceeds of £107k (2020 : £18.4m).

The investments are held by Mercer Global Investment Management and, with the exception of £617k held in Private Markets, can be converted into cash within one month of application.

Investment properties include Glebe and other properties, the income from which is included in the Board accounts. Investment Properties are carried at open market value based on valuation advice from Savills. The historical cost of these properties is not available.

11. DEBTORS

Diocesan Parishes - Loans to parishes
Diocesan Parishes - Other amounts due
Sundry Debtors		 Amounts
falling due
within
one year
Amounts
due after
more
than one
year
Amounts
falling
due
within
one year
Amounts
due after
more
than one
year
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
97
34
89
28
129
-
223
-
565
7
668
12
2021
2020
791
41
980
40

The loans to 7 parishes (2020 : 5) are generally unsecured, repayable over a period of five years with interest charged at 0% for loans from the Church Repair Fund and at various rates for loans from the Diocesan Loans Fund.

83

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

~~46~~

12. CREDITORS

Related Party Balances:
Amount due to Diocesan Board of Education
Other Balances:
Amount due to Other Trust Funds
Equity Sharing Loans
Deposits - Diocesan Loans Fund (Parishes)
Deposits - Diocesan Loans Fund (Other)
Deposits - Church Repair Fund
Pension Scheme Liabilities
Church Commissioners re Deferred Stipends
CCLA Loan
Sundry Creditors		 Amounts
falling
due
within
one year
Amounts
due after
more
than one
year
Amounts
falling
due
within
one year
Amounts
due after
more
than one
year
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
2
-
66
-
3
-
4
-
-
295
-
295
4,181
-
3,880
-
32
-
32
-
4,673
-
4,778
-
42
295
77
612
-
-
1,373
-
-
500
-
500
947
-
793
-
2021
2020
9,880
1,090
11,003
1,407

The Equity Sharing Loans are made by the Church Commissioners and are secured on property with interest charged at a commercial rate and repayable on the sale of the related property.

The parish deposits in the Church Repair Fund and Diocesan Loan Fund are repayable on demand and they are therefore classified as ‘falling due within one year’. These deposits are placed in bank deposits and other assets. The likelihood of all parishes wishing to withdraw all of their funds at the same time is highly unlikely as Church Repair Fund deposits are generally intended to pay for repairs arising from quinquennial surveys.

13. MEMBERS’ LIABILITY

The Board is a company limited by Guarantee. At 31 December 2021 there were 122 (2020 : 137) members who are liable to contribute £1 each in the event of the company being wound up.

14. OPERATING LEASES

Total commitments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

Lease payments - other operating lease:
Not later than one year after the balance sheet date
In the second to fifth years after the balance sheet date		 2021
2020
£'000
£'000
11
13
3
14
14
27

84

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the year the following related party transactions took place:

Related Party Relationship

Related Party Relationship 2021 2020 £'000 £'000 Mrs Julia Burton-Jones Wife of Bishop of Tonbridge Professional fees in 14 23 respect of work on Dementia Friendly Church Project.

The outstanding balances with related parties at 31 December 2021 are included in note 12.

There were no other related party transactions during the year or prior year.

Details of related parties can be found in the Trustees Report.

16. DESIGNATED FUNDS

Balance at
Balance at
1 January
Income
Expenditure
Investment
31 December
2021
Movements
Transfers
2021
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Central Church Funding
99
-
-
-
-
99
Property Fund
8,135
943
-
(63)
-
9,015
8,234
943
-
(63)
-
9,114		 Central Church Funding
Property Fund		 Balance at
Balance at
1 January
Income
Expenditure
Investment
31 December
2021
Movements
Transfers
2021
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
99
-
-
-
-
99
8,135
943
-
(63)
-
9,015
8,234
943
-
(63)
-
9,114

Central Church Funding

These funds have been received from the Church Commissioners for designated purposes and so have been retained within a specific designated fund.

Property Fund

This fund has been set aside by the Trustees for the purpose of funding Board property acquisitions and development. During the year, income of £943k was represented by the profit on sale of 146 Woodlands Road Gillingham, 15 Oakes Dene Walderslade and 51A Main Road Sutton-at-Hone.

85

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

~~46~~

16. DESIGNATED FUNDS (continued)

Balance at Balance at
1 January Income Expenditure Investment 31 December
2020 Movements Transfers 2020
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Central Church Funding 99 - - - - 99
Property Fund 7,205 788 - 30 112 8,135
7,304 788 - 30 112 8,234

86

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

17. RESTRICTED FUNDS

Balance at Balance at
1 January Income Expenditure Investment 31 December
2021 Movements Transfers 2021
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Poverty & Hope Appeal 23 20 (26) - - 17
Committee Amongst Deaf 23 - - - - 23
Local Church Urban Fund 9 14 (2) - - 21
Diocesan Pastoral Account 1,690 26 (236) - (359) 1,121
Diocesan Pastoral Account re Sale of Beckenham St Michael Hall 35 - (8) - - 27
Trust for London (formerly City Parochial Foundation) - 642 (90) - (267) 285
Benefice Property 35,287 - - - 212 35,499
Thames Gateway 7 - - - - 7
Thames Gateway Capital Fund 457 - - - - 457
Parsonage Building Fund 1,349 552 - - - 1,901
Church Extension Fund 829 - (72) - - 757
Companion Diocese Funds 17 106 (99) - - 24
Ministry Division RME Ordinand's Grant 36 365 (309) - - 92
Ebbsfleet Youth Worker 18 4 (22) - - -
Children & Young People Fund 76 66 (45) - 25 122
Chatham Town Centre 503 63 (44) - - 522
Children & Young People misc. funds 3 - - - - 3
Cobham and Gravesend Churches Fund 59 - - - - 59
Together Magazine 1 - - - - 1
Called to Grow - Strategic Development Funding 80 234 (204) - - 110
Past Cases Review 26 - (8) - - 18
Covid 19 Emergency Relief 8 9 (95) - 100 22
Covid Winter Grant - CESA - 9 (5) - - 4
Luton Memorial Meadow - 10 (2) - - 8
Giving Advisor - 44 (27) - - 17
40,536 2,164 (1,294) - (289) 41,117

Poverty and Hope Appeal

Money raised by an annual appeal and passed on in grants to various missionary and relief agencies.

Committee Amongst the Deaf

Specific donations received for use by this committee.

Local Church Urban Fund

The income arising from the appeal capital is used to pay grants in support of specified projects in urban priority areas within the Diocese.

Diocesan Pastoral Account

Capital monies originally received under the Pastoral Measure 1983 and is restricted thereby. Income includes furlough grants against Growth Enabler salaries of £2k (2020 : £54k) and rental income of £24k (2020 : £24k). Expenditure includes Growth Enabler costs of £133k (2020 : £135k), £20k (2020 : £21k) towards the Bishops’ Discretionary Fund, a £6k (2020 - £0K87 ) grant to Strood St Nicholas PCC to assist with their Called to Grow administration costs and £53k (2020 : £23k) Diocesan project costs. The net transfer of £359k includes £250k (2020 : £250k) parsonage catch up

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

~~46~~

17. RESTRICTED FUNDS (continued)

works, provision of the Archdeacon’s Discretionary Funds of £20k (2020 : £20k), contribution to the Covid 19 Emergency Relief Fund of £50k (2020 : £0k) and support for Strategic Development Fund and Community Engagement & Social Action posts of £33k (2020 : £29k).

Pastoral Account re Sale of Beckenham St. Michael Hall

Capital monies originally received under the Pastoral Measure 1983 and is restricted thereby. This has been shown separately from the Diocesan Pastoral Account because the aim is to use the funds for that specific parish.

Trust for London

An annual allocation from the Foundation to use within the Archdeaconry of Bromley and Bexley. The transfer of £267k represents contributions to the Children and Young Peoples 500k Fund, community and children’s projects, training, stipends, administration and includes £50k towards the Covid 19 Emergency Relief Fund.

Benefice Property

The fund value represents the capital value of parsonage houses less depreciation. The net transfer of £212k relates to adjustments required in relation to parsonage purchases and sales and the capitalisation of parsonage improvement projects.

Thames Gateway

Money given by Tonbridge Deanery towards specific projects in the Thames Gateway area.

Thames Gateway Capital

Money initially collected through the parish share specifically to raise £1m over 10 years towards capital projects in the Thames Gateway area.

Parsonage Building Fund

Money held by the RSDBF, under s5(3) of the Parsonages Measure 1938 (amended), from the sale of a parsonage or other parsonage land held in trust for the benefice concerned. The income of £552k represents the profit on sale of The Vicarage, High Street, Kemsing.

Church Extension Fund

Monies given under an appeal in 1956 for the purchase or improvement of churches, halls, parsonages, curate houses and other property. The fund includes 4 houses in various parishes with a net book value of £250k. The expenditure of £72k included grants to Gillingham St Barnabas, Lamorbey Holy Trinity, Swanley St Peter and St Paul and Gillingham Holy Trinity.

Companion Diocese Funds

This represents collections taken at Confirmation services and other income for the purpose of maintaining and developing partnerships with overseas link Dioceses.

Ministry Division RME Ordinand’s Grant

Block grant received from the Archbishop’s Council Ministry Division to fund ordinand training.

Ebbsfleet Youth Worker

Grant received from the Ebbsfleet Development Corporation spent on the provision of a youth worker in Ebbsfleet for a period of 3 years.

Children and Young People 500K Fund

Fund established as part of the Called Together initiative. The transfer of £25k was allocated from the Trust for London Fund to support Children and Young People projects specifically in the Bromley & Bexley Archdeaconry.

Chatham Town Centre

Grants received from the Church Commissioners to help fund redevelopment of Chatham Town Centre.

Children and Young People Funds

This represents 2 small grants specifically for the Children and Young People Projects, Angel Space and Listen to Learn.

Cobham and Gravesend Churches Fund

Fund to be used for purposes connected with the social responsibility mission of churches in the Cobham and Gravesend area.

88

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

17. RESTRICTED FUNDS (continued)

Together Magazine

Grant from the Bishops Fund for Mission towards the production and circulation of the Rochester Diocese Together Magazine.

Called to Grow

In late June 2019, the Strategic Investment Board of the Church Commissioners agreed to award funding, on behalf of the Archbishops' Council, of £1,388K. This was the full amount of the RDSBF’s Stage Two application and facilitates growth enablement projects in five focus parishes. In particular, this support is to evangelistic activities in Anerley, Erith, Gillingham and Strood. The funding is over 5 years, 2019-2024.

Past Cases Review

The Past Cases Review, was a comprehensive safeguarding review across churches and key institutions within the Diocese of Rochester. The purpose of the Review was to help find out whether all known cases of concern about the behaviour of clergy and church officers towards children and vulnerable adults had been considered, risk assessed and dealt with appropriately. Independent reviewers carried out the Review which completed in 2021. The anticipated cost was expected to be divided between the Bishop, the Diocesan Pastoral Account and the Church Commissioners. The total cost was £63k.

Covid 19 Emergency Relief Fund

The fund was set up to make grants to parishes that are struggling financially during the Covid 19 pandemic. Income of £9k represents donations from 2 parishes wishing to add their support to this fund and their colleagues. Transfers of £100k were from Trust for London and the Diocesan Pastoral Account.

Covid Winter Grant – CESA

Grants received to help the homeless in the Medway area.

Luton Memorial Meadow

Rental income received to be used in relation to expenditure to this property.

Giving Advisor

Grant from the Church Commissioners to cover 50% of the costs of providing a Giving Advisor over a period of 5 years.

89

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

~~46~~

17. RESTRICTED FUNDS (continued)

Balance at Balance at Balance at
1 January Income Expenditure Investment 31 December
2020 Movements Transfers 2020
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Poverty & Hope Appeal 24 29 (30) - - 23
Committee Amongst Deaf 23 - - - - 23
Local Church Urban Fund 34 13 (2) - (36) 9
Diocesan Pastoral Account 1,285 306 (382) (8) 489 1,690
Diocesan Pastoral Account re Sale of Beckenham St M 159 - (124) - - 35
Trust for London (formerly City Parochial Foundation) 4 291 (103) - (192) -
Benefice Property 35,690 (103) - - (300) 35,287
Thames Gateway 7 - - - - 7
Thames Gateway Capital Fund 457 - - - - 457
Parsonage Building Fund 4 886 - - 459 1,349
Church Extension Fund 643 - 7 - 179 829
Companion Diocese Funds 32 90 (105) - - 17
Ministry Division RME Ordinand's Grant (8) 329 (285) - - 36
Ebbsfleet Youth Worker 18 34 (34) - - 18
Children & Young People Fund 53 14 (16) - 25 76
Chatham Town Centre 406 97 - - - 503
Children & Young People misc. funds 3 - - - - 3
Cobham and Gravesend Churches Fund 60 - (1) - - 59
Henry Smith Dementia Project 5 1 (6) - - -
Together Magazine 1 - - - - 1
Called to Grow - Strategic Development Funding 50 162 (132) - - 80
Past Cases Review 55 - (29) - - 26
Covid 19 Emergency Relief - 27 (155) - 136 8
39,005 2,176 (1,397) (8) 760 40,536

90

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

18. ENDOWMENT FUNDS

Balance at Balance at
1 January Income Expenditure Investment 31 December
2021 Movements Transfers 2021
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Stipends Capital Account 18,102 - - 1,916 152 20,170
Training 1,425 - - 219 3 1,647
Pensions & Retired Clergy 1,516 - - 98 (33) 1,581
Buildings 80 - - 12 - 92
Parsonages 658 - - 101 1 760
Local Church Urban Fund 487 - - 75 1 563
Social Mission 1,143 - - 176 3 1,322
David Goodwin Legacy 673 13 - - - 686
24,084 13 - 2,597 127 26,821

Stipends Capital Account

Investments held under the Endowments and Glebe Measure 1976. Income is credited to the Common Fund and used for stipend purposes. The main movements in the year relate to parsonage sales and purchases, capitalisation of works to parsonages and investment gains. The original liability for clergy pensions liabilities was funded by the Stipends Capital account, and the transfer also represents the reduction in clergy pension deficit contribution liabilities in the year.

Training

Mainly a legacy to provide a contribution towards the cost of training ordinands. Some small funds also for general training of clergy and readers. Income arising in the year has been applied to the Common Fund to offset the full costs incurred.

Pensions and Retired Clergy

Legacies and the result of an appeal for the provision of housing for the retired clergy. Income from investments arising in the year has been applied to the Common Fund to offset pension costs incurred.

Buildings

Comprises of two funds, the first to support the fabric of the Diocesan Office and the second to provide income for grants to PCC’s. Income arising has been applied to the Common Fund to offset the full costs incurred.

Parsonages

An endowment transferred from the Church Commissioners upon setting up of the Parsonage Scheme. Income arising has been applied to the Common Fund to offset full costs incurred.

Local Church Urban Fund

The initial capital of £250k was raised by appeal. The income is used to pay grants in support of specified projects in urban priority areas within the Diocese.

Social Mission

Comprised of four funds Oakhurst, Ravensbourne, Hollywood Manor and Council for Social Aid (formerly Rock Avenue). Income from the funds may be applied for the general purposes of social mission in the Diocese.

David Goodwin Legacy

A residuary estate held in trust by the RDSBF as a Capital Fund and the interest thereon being applied for Ecclesiastical or charitable purposes of the parish of St Peter with St Margaret, Rochester, being known as the ‘Parish of Rochester’. The capital sum is owned by the RDSBF. The members of the RDSBF are the charity trustees, being the persons who have the general control and management of the administration of the capital and make decisions about how the income is spent, or the development of a reserves policy.

91

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

~~46~~

18. ENDOWMENT FUNDS (continued)

Balance at Balance at
1 January Income Expenditure Investment 31 December
2020 Movements Transfers 2020
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Stipends Capital Account 16,450 - (12) 1,237 427 18,102
Training 1,331 - - 88 6 1,425
Pensions & Retired Clergy 1,475 - - 39 2 1,516
Buildings 75 - - 5 - 80
Parsonages 616 - - 40 2 658
Local Church Urban Fund 455 - - 30 2 487
Social Mission 1,069 - - 70 4 1,143
David Goodwin Legacy 649 24 - - - 673
22,120 24 (12) 1,509 443 24,084

19.TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS

Common
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Fund
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Transfer of funds to reduce the clergy pension deficit
(352)
-
-
352
Parsonage and ministry house movements
250
-
(39)
(211)
DBF Property movements
35
-
-
(35)
Transfer to Archdeacons' Discretionary Funds
20
-
(20)
-
Transfers from Trust for London
192
-
(192)
-
SDF Support Function/CESA Staff Costs
38
-
(38)
Mercer Management Fees Capitalised
(21)
-
-
21
Transfers as at 31 December 2021
162
-
(289)
127		 Transfer of funds to reduce the clergy pension deficit
Parsonage and ministry house movements
DBF Property movements
Transfer to Archdeacons' Discretionary Funds
Transfers from Trust for London
SDF Support Function/CESA Staff Costs
Mercer Management Fees Capitalised
Transfers as at 31 December 2021		 Common
Designated
Restricted
Endowment
Fund
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
(352)
-
-
352
250
-
(39)
(211)
35
-
-
(35)
20
-
(20)
-
192
-
(192)
-
38
-
(38)
(21)
-
-
21
162
-
(289)
127

The transfers summarised above are described in notes 16-18.

92

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

19. TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS (continued)

Common Designated Restricted Endowment
Fund Funds Funds Funds
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Transfer of funds to reduce the clergy pension deficit (621) - - 621
Parsonage and ministry house movements 294 - (79) (215)
DBF Property movements (1,078) 112 966 -
Transfer to Archdeacons' Discretionary Funds 20 - (20) -
Transfers from Trust for London 67 - (67) -
SDF Support Function/CESA Staff Costs 40 - (40) -
Mercer Management Fees Capitalised (37) - - 37
Transfers as at 31 December 2020 (1,315) 112 760 443

20. NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Note
Fixed assets
9
Investments
10
Current assets
Creditors
Creditors > 1 year
As at 31 December 2021		 Common
Designated
Restricted Endowment
Total
Fund
Funds
Funds
Funds
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
2,156
10,149
36,299
3,336
51,940
9,470
805
-
22,486
32,761
3,855
(1,545)
4,818
1,336
8,464
(9,838)
-
-
(42)
(9,880)
(500)
(295)
-
(295)
(1,090)
5,143
9,114
41,117
26,821
82,195

93

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

~~46~~

20. NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS (continued)

Common Designated Restricted Endowment Total
Fund Funds Funds Funds
Note £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
Fixed assets 9 1,967
 9,566 36,566 3,362 51,461
Investments 10 8,192 855 - 19,867 28,914
Current assets 6,447 (1,892) 3,970 1,544 10,069
Creditors (10,926) - - (77) (11,003)
Creditors > 1 year (500) (295) - (612) (1,407)
As at 31 December 2020 5,180 8,234 40,536 24,084 78,034

21. ASSETS HELD AS CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE

2021
2020
£'000
£'000
Investments (at cost)
702
697

Property
648
648
Cash at bank
928
741
2,278
2,086		 Investments (at cost)
Property
Cash at bank		 2021
2020
£'000
£'000
702
697

648
648
928
741
2,278
2,086

22.PENSION SCHEMES

a. Revaluation of Pension Scheme Liabilities

The revaluation shown in the Statement of Financial Activities comprises revaluations of both the clergy scheme and the lay scheme as follows:-

Clergy Scheme (see note 22b below)
Lay Scheme (see note 22d below)		 2021
2020
£'000
£'000
8
49
14
(15)
22
34

b. The Church of England Funded Pension Scheme (for clergy)

RDSBF participates in the Church of England Funded Pensions Scheme for stipendiary clergy, a defined benefit pension scheme. This scheme is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board, which holds the assets of the schemes separately from those of the Responsible Bodies.

Each participating Responsible Body in the scheme pays contributions at a common contribution rate applied to pensionable stipends. The scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This means it is not possible to attribute the Scheme’s assets and liabilities to a specific Responsible Body and this means contributions

94

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

22. PENSION SCHEMES (continued)

are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. The pensions costs charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year are contributions payable towards benefits and expenses accrued in that year.

A valuation of the Scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent Scheme valuation completed was carried out at 31 December 2018. The 2018 valuation revealed a deficit of £50m, based on assets of £1,818m and a funding target of £1,868m, assessed using the following assumptions:

Following the 31 December 2018 valuation, a recovery plan was put in place until 31 December 2022 and the deficit recovery contributions (as a percentage of pensionable stipends) are as set out in the table below.

% of pensionable stipends January 2018 to January 2021 to
December 2020 December 2022
Deficit repair contributions 11.9% 7.1%

As at 31 December 2019, 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2021 the deficit recovery contributions under the recovery plan in force were as set out in the above table.

For senior office holders, pensionable stipends are adjusted in the calculations by a multiple, as set out in the Scheme’s rules.

Section 28.11A of FRS 102 requires agreed deficit recovery payments to be recognised as a liability. The movement in the balance sheet liability over 2020 and over 2021 is set out in the table below.

2021
2020
£’000
£’000
Balance sheet liability at 1 January
Deficit contribution paid
Interest cost (recognised in SoFA)
Remaining change to the balance sheet liability*
(recognised in SoFA)
Balance sheet liability at 31 December		 689
1,310
(345)
(583)
1
11
(344)
(572)
(8)
(49)
(352)
(621)
337
689

95

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

~~46~~

22. PENSION SCHEMES (continued)

This liability is a liability of the Stipends Capital Account (within Endowment Funds). Deficit contributions have been paid during the year by the Common Fund. Interest costs have been incurred in the Common Fund. The net of these two items together with the revaluation of liabilities shown above, is included in Transfers (note 19) to ensure that the deficit reduction is reflected in the Stipends Capital Account (note 18). The current year costs of providing pensions to diocesan clergy are included within expenditure within the Common Fund.

This liability represents the present value of the deficit contributions agreed as at the accounting date and has been valued using the following assumptions. In general, these are set by reference to the duration of the deficit recovery payments but as at 31 December 2021, under accounting rules the payments are not discounted since the remaining recovery plan is less than 12 months. No price inflation assumption is needed since pensionable stipends for the remainder of the recovery plan are already known.

December December December
2021 2020 2019
Discount rate 0.0% pa 0.2% pa 1.1% pa
Price inflation n/a 3.1% pa 2.8% pa
Increase to total pensionable payroll -1.5% pa 1.6% pa 1.3% pa

The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another Responsible Body fails, RDSBF could become responsible for paying a share of that Responsible Body’s pension liabilities.

c. Defined Contribution Scheme (for lay personnel)

A defined contribution scheme is operated for the majority of current RDSBF staff. The RDSBF contributes 5% of base salary into the Scheme and employees also contribute 5% (after tax). The Scheme is administered by Scottish Widows.

Amounts payable in the year to this scheme by the RDSBF amount to £51,862 (2020 : £46,647) and the amount owed to the scheme at 31 December 2021 was £nil (2020 : £nil).

d. Staff Defined Benefit Scheme (for lay personnel)

RDSBF (the Employer) operates a defined benefit pension arrangement called the Rochester Diocesan Staff Retirement Scheme (the Scheme). The Scheme provides benefits based on final salary and length of service on retirement, leaving service or death. This is a closed scheme to new employees and currently has five current employees of the RDSBF and one current employee of the Rochester Diocesan Board of Education who are beneficiaries of the Scheme.

The Scheme is subject to the Statutory Funding Objective under the Pensions Act 2004. A valuation of the Scheme is carried out at least once every three years to determine whether the Statutory Funding Objective is met. As part of the process the Employer must agree with the Trustees of the Scheme that the contributions to be paid to address any shortfall against the Statutory Funding Objectives and contributions to pay for future accrual of benefits.

The most recent comprehensive actuarial valuation of the Scheme was carried out as at 31 March 2021. The next valuation of the Scheme is due as at 31 March 2024. In the event that the valuation reveals a larger deficit than expected the RDSBF may be required to increase contributions above those set out in the existing Schedule of Contributions. Conversely, if the position is better than expected, it is possible that contributions may be reduced.

The RDSBF expects to pay accrual contributions of £83k in the year to 31 December 2022 (based on salaries between 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2021 – if members have left or retired then this number would be expected to reduce). This is based on the current contribution rates which may change following the completion of the 2021 actuarial valuation.

The Scheme is managed by a board of Trustees appointed in part by the RDSBF and part from elections by members of the Scheme. The Trustees have responsibility for obtaining valuations of the fund, administering benefit payments and investing the Scheme’s assets. The Trustees delegate some of these functions to their professional advisers where appropriate.

96

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

22.PENSION SCHEMES (continued)

There were no plan amendments, curtailments or settlements through the period.

At 31 December 2021 the FRS102 valuation, which is based on different underlying assumptions to the actuarial valuation, calculated a surplus in the Scheme of £2,857k (2020 : £818k). Under FRS102 the Employer is only allowed to recognise such assets in its balance sheet to the extent that it can recover the surplus either through reduced contributions in the future or through refunds from the plan. As RDSBF is unable to recover the surplus, the asset value of the Scheme at 31 December 2021 reflected in these accounts is £nil. This compares to an asset value of £nil at the previous review date.

97

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

22. PENSION SCHEMES (continued)

Principal Actuarial Assumptions 31 December 2021 31 December 2020
Discount rate 1.90% 1.30%
Inflation (RPI) 3.40% 3.10%
Inflation (CPI) 2.60% 2.30%
Salary increases
-
From 31/3/2021 – 31/3/2022
-
From 1/4/2022 – 31/3/2024
-
From 1/2/2024 onwards		 1.00%
2.00%
3.40%		 3.10%
Increases in payment to Post 1992 benefits
in excess of GMP (RPI max 5%)		 3.20% 3.00%
Increases in payment to Post 2016 benefits
in excess of GMP (CPI max 2.5%)		 2.00% 1.85%
Revaluation in deferment
(benefits in excess of GMP)		 2.60% 2.30%
Post-retirement mortality 95% of the S3PA tables with CMI
2020 projections using a long-
term improvement rate of 1.25%
p.a.		 95% of the S2PA tables with CMI
2017 projections using a long-
term improvement rate of 1.25%
p.a.
Commutation 70% of members are assumed to
take the maximum tax free cash
possible		 70% of members are assumed to
take the maximum tax free cash
possible

The current asset split is as follows:

Bid values as at 31 December
2021
£’000
Bid values as at 31 December
2020
£’000
Global Equities
Index Linked gilts
With-profit deferred annuity policy
Cash		 6,144
3,378
-
116
4,948

3,249

19

122
Total assets 9,638
8,338
The following amounts at 31 December 2021 and 31 December 2020 were measured in accordance with the
requirements of FRS102:
Balance sheet At 31 December 2021
£’000		 At 31 December 2020
£’000
Fair value of assets
Present value of funded obligations		 9,638
(6,781)
8,338
(7,520)
Surplus/(deficit) in scheme 2,857 818
Impact on limit of recognisable surplus (2,857) (818)
Net defined benefit asset/(liability)
 - -
~~98~~

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

22. PENSION SCHEMES (continued)

Amount recognised in Statement of
Financial Activities (SOFA)
Period to 31 December 2021
£’000		 Period to 31 December 2020
£’000
Current service cost
Administration costs
Interest on liabilities
Interest on assets
Past service costs
Settlement and curtailment cost		 107
-
97
(108)
-
-
86

-

136

(155)

-

-
Total charge to SOFA 96
67
Remeasurements over the year Remeasurements over the year Period to 31 December 2021
£’000		 Period to 31 December 2020
£’000
(Gain)/loss on assets in excess of
interest
Experience losses/(gains) on
liabilities
Losses/(gains) from changes to
demographic assumptions
Losses/(gains) from changes to
financial assumptions		 (1,219)
(27)
(202)
(605)
(787)

-

(440)

1,279
Total remeasurements (2,053) 52
Change in value of the assets Period to 31 December 2021
£’000		 Period to 31 December 2020
£’000
Fair value of assets at start 8,338 7,327
Interest on assets
Company contributions
Contributions by Scheme
participants
Benefits paid
Administration costs
Change due to settlements and
curtailments
Return on assets less interest		 108
82
16
(125)
-
-
1,219
155

82

16

(29)

-

-

787
Fair value of assets at end 9,638 8,338
Actual return on assets 1,327 942

99

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

22. PENSION SCHEMES (continued)

Change in value of DB liabilities Period to 31 December 2021
£’000		 Period to 31 December 2020
£’000
Value of liabilities at start 7,520 6,472
Current service cost
Contributions by scheme participants
Past service costs
Interest on liabilities
Benefits paid
Change due to settlements or
curtailments
Experience (gain)/loss on liabilities
Changes to demographic assumptions
Changes to financial assumptions		 107
16
-
97
(125)
-
(27)

(202)
(605)
86

16

-

136

(29)

-

-

(440)

1,279
Value of liabilities at end 6,781 7,520
Projected Profit & Loss account for next year Period to 31 Dec 2022
£’000
Current service cost
Administration costs
Interest on liabilities
Interest on assets
Settlement and curtailment costs
Past service cost		 90
-
126
(183)
-
-
Total 33

The above estimate is based on the assumptions adopted at the Review Date and assumes the following:

i Cashflows to and from the pension scheme are broadly the same as for the current period.

ii There are no events (other than those already notified to us) that would give rise to a settlement, curtailment or past service cost.

100

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

e. Church Workers Pension Fund (CWPF)

RDSBF participates in the Pension Builder Scheme section of CWPF for one member of lay staff. CWPF is administered by the Church of England Pensions Board, which holds the CWPF assets separately from those of the Employer and other participating employers.

CWPF has two sections:

  1. the Defined Benefits Scheme

  2. the Pension Builder Scheme, which has two subsections;

  3. a. a deferred annuity section known as Pension Builder Classic, and,

  4. b. a cash balance section known as Pension Builder 2014.

Pension Builder Scheme

Both sections of the Pension Builder Scheme are classed as defined benefit schemes.

Pension Builder Classic provides a pension, accumulated from contributions paid and converted into a deferred annuity during employment based on terms set and reviewed by the Church of England Pensions Board from time to time. Discretionary increases may also be added, depending on investment returns and other factors.

Pension Builder 2014 is a cash balance scheme that provides a lump sum which members use to provide benefits at retirement. Pension contributions are recorded in an account for each member. Discretionary bonuses may be added before retirement, depending on investment returns and other factors. The account, plus any bonuses declared is payable, unreduced, from age 65.

There is no sub-division of assets between employers in each section of the Pension Builder Scheme.

The scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. This is because it is not possible to attribute the Pension Builder Scheme’s assets and liabilities to specific employers and means that contributions are accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme.

A valuation of the Pension Builder Scheme is carried out once every three years. The most recent valuation was carried out as at 31 December 2019. The next valuation is due as at 31 December 2022.

For the Pension Builder Classic section, the valuation revealed a deficit of £4.8m on the ongoing assumptions used. At the most recent annual review, the Board chose to grant a discretionary bonus of 3% following improvements in the funding position over 2021. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.

For the Pension Builder 2014 section, the valuation revealed a surplus of £5.5m on the ongoing assumptions used. There is no requirement for deficit payments at the current time.

The legal structure of the scheme is such that if another employer fails, RDSBF could become responsible for paying a share of the failed employer’s pension liabilities.

101

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2021

23. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
Note
Income
Donations:
- Parish Offers
- Other
2
Investment income
3
Charitable activities
4
Total income
Expenditure
Generating income
5
Charitable activities
6
Total Expenditure
Operating (Deficit)/Surplus:
Profit/(losses) on sale of property
Gains/(losses) on investments
10
Net Income before revaluation of fixed
assets and pension scheme liabilities and
transfers between funds
Reserve Movements:
Net Income
Gains on revaluation of fixed assets
Revaluation of pension scheme liabilities
22
Transfers between funds
19
Net movement in funds
Reserve balances at 1st January 2020
Reserve balances at 31st December 2020		 Common Designated
£'000
£'000
8,395
-
526
-
1,299
-
396
-
10,616
-
(430)
-
(11,100)
-
(11,530)
-
(914)
-
(52)
788
615
30
(351)
818
(351)
818
-
-
34
-
(1,315)
112
(1,632)
930
6,812
7,304
5,180
8,234
note 16
Unrestricted		 Restricted
£'000
-
1,104
51
-
1,155
(2)
(1,395)
(1,397)
(242)
1,021
(8)
771
771
-
-
760
1,531
39,005
40,536
note 17		 Endowment
£'000
-
21
3
-
24
-
(12)
(12)
12
-
1,509
1,521
1,521
-
-
443
1,964
22,120
24,084
note 18		 Total
Total
2020
2019
£'000
£'000
8,395
9,057
1,651
1,259
1,353
1,506
396
12
11,795
11,834
(432)
(495)
(12,507)
(13,036)
(12,939)
(13,531)
(1,144)
(1,697)
1,757
-
2,146
2,873
2,759
1,176
2,759
1,176
-
-
34
1,930
-
-
2,793
3,106
75,241
72,135
78,034
75,241

102

CUSTODIAN TRUSTEESHIP FUNDS – BALANCE SHEET For the year ended 31 December 2021

This page does not form part of the audited financial statements

103

PARISH FUND BALANCES For the year ended 31 December 2021

This page does not form part of the audited financial statements

CHURCH REPAIR FUND BALANCES CHURCH REPAIR FUND BALANCES CHURCH REPAIR FUND BALANCES
As at 31 December 2021
2021 2020 2021 2020
£'000 £'000 Use of Funds Deposited £'000 £'000
Deposits by Parishes by Parishes with
with Diocese: Diocese:
Parochial Funds 4,673 4,778 Parish Loans 7 9
Funds on Deposit and other 4,666 4,769
assets
4,673 4,778 4,673 4,778
LOANS FUND BALANCES
As at 31 December 2021
2021 2020 2021 2020
£'000 £'000 Use of Funds Deposited £'000 £'000
Deposits by Parishes by Parishes with
with Diocese: Diocese:
Parochial Funds 4,181 3,880 Parish & Clergy - Loans 124 107
Other Sources 32 32 Other Loans 11 14
Funds on Deposit and other 4,078 3,791
assets
4,213 3,912 4,213 3,912

The Church Repair Fund and Loans Fund have been consolidated in the Financial Statements of the Rochester Diocesan Society and Board of Finance.

104

60

PARISH OFFER RECEIVED BY BENEFICE For the year ended 31 December 2021

This page does not form part of the audited financial statements

----- Start of picture text -----
Offer
Received
Beckenham Deanery
ANERLEY TEAM MINISTRY 52,126
BECKENHAM CHRIST CHURCH PCC 95,000
BECKENHAM HOLY TRINITY PCC 59,259
BECKENHAM ST BARNABAS PCC 4,000
BECKENHAM ST GEORGE PCC 75,600
BECKENHAM ST JAMES PCC 32,415
BECKENHAM ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PCC 114,000
BECKENHAM ST MICHAEL W ST AUGUSTINE PCC 31,768
BECKENHAM ST PAUL PCC 66,447
PENGE ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST PCC 20,000
SHORTLANDS PCC 76,560
Total Beckenham Deanery 627,175
Bromley Deanery
BICKLEY PCC 60,000
BROMLEY CHRIST CHURCH PCC 52,126
BROMLEY COMMON HOLY TRINITY PCC 31,817
BROMLEY COMMON ST AUGUSTINE w ST LUKES PCC 81,180
-
BROMLEY COMMON ST LUKE PCC
BROMLEY ST ANDREW PCC 30,000
BROMLEY ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST PCC 62,076
BROMLEY ST MARK PCC 65,026
BROMLEY ST MARY PCC 65,744
BROMLEY ST PETER & ST PAUL PCC 82,721
CHISLEHURST THE ANNUNCIATION PCC 60,000
CHISLEHURST CHRIST CHURCH PCC 65,529
CHISLEHURST ST NICHOLAS PCC 83,700
HAYES PCC 67,500
Total Bromley Deanery 807,419
Erith Deanery
BARNEHURST PCC 26,145
BELVEDERE ALL SAINTS PCC 12,000
BELVEDERE ST AUGUSTINE PCC 15,000
BEXLEYHEATH CHRIST CHURCH PCC 66,168
BEXLEYHEATH ST PETER PCC 24,817
BOSTALL HEATH PCC 33,000
CRAYFORD PCC 23,941
ERITH CHRIST CHURCH PCC 5,100
ERITH ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PCC 40,041
FALCONWOOD PCC 37,200
NORTHUMBERLAND HEATH PCC 48,000
SLADE GREEN PCC 12,000
WELLING PCC 69,037
105 Total Erith Deanery 412,449
----- End of picture text -----

PARISH OFFER RECEIVED BY BENEFICE For the year ended 31 December 2021

This page does not form part of the audited financial statements

Orpington Deanery
BIGGIN HILL PCC
CHELSFIELD PCC
CRAY ST BARNABAS PCC
CRAY VALLEY
CROFTON PCC
CUDHAM PCC
DOWNE PCC
FARNBOROUGH PCC
GREEN STREET GREEN PCC
KESTON PCC
ORPINGTON ALL SAINTS PCC
ORPINGTON CHRIST CHURCH PCC
PETTS WOOD PCC
Total Orpington Deanery
Sidcup Deanery
BEXLEY ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST PCC
NORTHCRAY
BEXLEY ST MARY PCC
BLENDON PCC
FOOTSCRAY PCC
JOYDENS WOOD PCC
LAMORBEY HOLY REDEEMER PCC
LAMORBEY HOLY TRINITY PCC
SIDCUP CHRIST CHURCH PCC
SIDCUP ST ANDREW PCC
SIDCUP ST JOHN THE EVANGELIST pcc
Total Sidcup Deanery
Total Bromley & Bexley		 Offer
Received
64,210
48,000
27,000
5,833
85,300
27,375
18,322
107,227
70,120
29,000
70,413
78,000
42,675
673,475
18,600
8,000
28,345
27,000
9,000
25,000
25,076
42,000
70,800
12,000
24,000
289,821
2,810,339

106

62

PARISH OFFER RECEIVED BY BENEFICE For the year ended 31 December 2021

This page does not form part of the audited financial statements

Cobham Deanery
ASH PCC
RIDLEY PCC
COBHAM PCC
LUDDESDOWNE & DODE PCC
FAWKHAM & HARTLEY PCC
ISTEAD RISE PCC
LONGFIELD PCC
MEOPHAM PCC
SOUTHFLEET PCC
Total Cobham Deanery
Dartford Deanery
CROCKENHILL PCC
DARENTH PCC
HORTON KIRBY PCC
SUTTON-AT-HONE PCC
DARTFORD CHRIST CHURCH PCC
DARTFORD HOLY TRINITY PCC
DARTFORD ST ALBAN PCC
DARTFORD ST EDMUND KING & MARTYR PCC
STONE PCC
SWANLEY ST MARY THE VIRGIN PCC
SWANLEY ST PAUL & HEXTABLE ST PETER PCC
WILMINGTON PCC
Total Dartford Deanery
Gillingham Deanery
GILLINGHAM HOLY TRINITY PCC
GILLINGHAM ST AUGUSTINE PCC
GILLINGHAM ST BARNABAS PCC
GILLINGHAM ST LUKE PCC
GILLINGHAM ST MARK PCC
GILLINGHAM ST MARY ISLAND DCC
GILLINGHAM ST MARY MAGDALENE PCC
RAINHAM PCC
SOUTH GILLINGHAM PCC
Total Gillingham Deanery		 Offer
Received
32,243
4,500
5,000
11,668
28,050
19,509
22,000
34,750
15,000
172,720
21,965
12,000
13,681
10,000
53,627
27,000
8,829
446
31,840
12,979
40,394
54,000
286,761
16,800
20,000
7,020
9,494
59,748
13,125
17,335
64,646
116,100
324,268

107

PARISH OFFER RECEIVED BY BENEFICE For the year ended 31 December 2021

This page does not form part of the audited financial statements

Gravesend Deanery
CHALK PCC
GRAVESEND HOLY FAMILY PCC
IFIELD PCC
GRAVESEND ST AIDAN PCC
GRAVESEND ST GEORGE PCC
GRAVESEND ST MARY PCC
GREENHITHE PCC
MILTON CHRIST CHURCH PCC
MILTON ST PETER & ST PAUL PCC
NORTHFLEET & ROSHERVILLE PCC
PERRY STREET PCC
SHORNE PCC
SWANSCOMBE PCC
Total Gravesend Deanery
Rochester Deanery
BORSTAL PCC
CHATHAM ST MARY W ST JOHN PCC
CHATHAM ST PAUL W ALL SAINTS PCC
CHATHAM ST PHILIP & ST JAMES PCC
CHATHAM ST STEPHEN PCC
LUTON PCC
PRINCES PARK PCC
ROCHESTER ST JUSTUS PCC
ROCHESTER ST PETER W ST MARGARET PCC
SOUTH CHATHAM HOLY TRINITY PCC
Total Rochester Deanery
Strood Deanery
CLIFFE-AT-HOO W COOLING PCC
CUXTON & HALLING PCC
FRINDSBURY W UPNOR & CHATTENDEN PCC
GRAIN PCC
HIGH HALSTOW W ALLHALLOWS & HOO ST MARY PCC
HIGHAM W MERSTON PCC
HOO ST WERBURGH PCC
STROOD ST FRANCIS PCC
STROOD ST NICHOLAS W ST MARY PCC
Total Strood Deanery
Total Rochester		 Offer
Received
37,400
7,000
11,280
24,156
48,000
11,200
21,600
30,000
12,880
5,000
6,000
12,000
5,000
231,516
17,054
420
20,980
67,378
42,000
11,594
27,885
50,200
35,000
56,261
328,772
36,038
22,236
53,440
1,500
24,392
52,966
26,083
20,013
65,700
302,368
1,646,405

108

64

PARISH OFFER RECEIVED BY BENEFICE For the year ended 31 December 2021

This page does not form part of the audited financial statements

Malling Deanery
ADDINGTON PCC - BART GROUP
BIRLING PCC
RYARSH PCC
TROTTISCLIFFE PCC
AYLESFORD PCC
BARMING PCC
BURHAM & WOULDHAM PCC
COXHEATH PCC
EAST FARLEIGH PCC
HUNTON PCC
LINTON PCC
WEST FARLEIGH PCC
DITTON PCC
EAST MALLING PCC
TESTON PCC
WATERINGBURY PCC
LARKFIELD PCC
LEYBOURNE PCC
MEREWORTH PCC
WEST PECKHAM PCC
SNODLAND W LOWER BIRLING PCC
WEST MALLING PCC
KINGS HILL
OFFHAM PCC
Total Malling Deanery
Paddock Wood
BRENCHLEY PCC
EAST PECKHAM PCC
NETTLESTEAD PCC
HADLOW PCC
HORSMONDEN PCC
LAMBERHURST PCC
MATFIELD PCC
PADDOCK WOOD PCC
PEMBURY PCC
TUDELEY PCC
YALDING PCC
COLLIER STREET PCC
Total Paddock Wood Deanery		 Offer
Received
17,250
8,790
15,750
13,069
42,355
60,881
19,824
12,925
10,426
10,426
10,426
10,998
58,224
25,810
2,000
18,313
9,196
22,769
13,000
10,000
33,126
28,563
6,000
17,260
477,381
51,226
25,000
-
41,100
39,709
33,370
25,231
58,340
53,364
17,004
37,380
4,846
386,570

109

PARISH OFFER RECEIVED BY BENEFICE For the year ended 31 December 2021

This page does not form part of the audited financial statements

Sevenoaks Deanery
BRASTED PCC
CHEVENING PCC
KIPPINGTON PCC
KNOCKHOLT PCC
HALSTEAD PCC
RIVERHEAD W DUNTON GREEN PCC
SEAL ST LAWRENCE PCC
UNDERRIVER PCC
SEAL ST PETER & ST PAUL PCC
SEVENOAKS ST JOHN THE BAPTIST PCC
SEVENOAKS ST LUKE PCC
SEVENOAKS ST NICHOLAS PCC
SUNDRIDGE W IDE HILL & TOYS HILL PCC
WEALD PCC
WESTERHAM PCC
Total Sevenoaks Deanery
Shoreham Deanery
BOROUGH GREEN PCC
EYNSFORD PCC
FARNINGHAM PCC
LULLINGSTONE PCC
IGHTHAM PCC
KEMSING PCC
WOODLANDS PCC
KINGSDOWN W MAPPISCOMBE PCC
OTFORD PCC
PLATT PCC
PLAXTOL PCC
SHIPBOURNE PCC
SHOREHAM PCC
STANSTED W FAIRSEAT & VIGO PCC
WROTHAM PCC
Total Shoreham Deanery		 Offer
Received
10,000
60,000
63,909
25,477
29,492
12,000
21,120
17,400
45,250
49,500
48,000
178,735
22,000
40,580
52,126
675,589
50,750
-
-
68,170
61,543
34,665
-
20,000
65,986
45,569
63,530
-
43,560
27,863
32,841
514,477

110

PARISH OFFER RECEIVED BY BENEFICE For the year ended 31 December 2021

66

This page does not form part of the audited financial statements

Tonbridge Deanery
CHIDDINGSTONE CAUSEWAY PCC
CHIDDINGSTONE PCC
CROCKHAM HILL PCC
EDENBRIDGE PCC
HEVER PCC
FOUR ELMS PCC
MARKBEECH PCC
HILDENBOROUGH PCC
LEIGH PCC
PENSHURST PCC
FORDCOMBE PCC
TONBRIDGE ST PETER & ST PAUL PCC
TONBRIDGE ST STEPHEN PCC
Total Tonbridge Deanery
Tunbridge Wells Deanery
LANGTON GREEN PCC
RUSTHALL PCC
SOUTHBOROUGH TEAM MINISTRY PCC
SOUTHBOROUGH CHRIST CHURCH
BIDBROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH ST PETER
BIDBROUGH/SOUTHBOROUGH ST PETER
HIGH BROOMS
SOUTHBOROUGH ST THOMAS PCC
SPELDHURST PCC
TUNBRIDGE WELLS HOLY TRINITY W CHRIST CHURCH PCC
TUNBRIDGE WELLS KING CHARLES THE MARTYR PCC
TUNBRIDGE WELLS ST BARNABAS PCC
TUNBRIDGE WELLS ST JAMES PCC
TUNBRIDGE WELLS ST JOHN PCC
TUNBRIDGE WELLS ST LUKE PCC
TUNBRIDGE WELLS ST MARK PCC
TUNBRIDGE WELLS ST PETER PCC
TUNBRIDGE WELLS ST PHILIP PCC
Total Tunbridge Wells Deanery
Total Tonbridge
Total All
Offers in lieu of housing
Total as per Statement of Financial Activities		 Offer
Received
15,000
15,000
35,100
54,500
9,055
7,245
7,366
48,000
50,747
38,060
11,223
85,611
87,163
464,070
20,000
57,588
-
62,468
-
66,000
62,000
39,047
76,185
91,400
75,840
23,200
76,820
65,360
54,000
23,400
50,000
46,500
889,808
3,407,895
7,864,639
10,500
7,875,139

111