CHELMSFORD DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED December 31, 2023
Trustees
Mrs M Paul - Chair
Mrs J Bentley Mrs M Knight Mrs P M McCarthy Mrs R Gorton Mrs E J Marshall (appointed 3rd May 2023)
Registered Charity No. 249736
CHELMSFORD DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION
Year ended 31 December 2023
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Independent Examiner's Report |
| 2-3 | Financial Report |
| 4 | Statement of Financial Activities |
| 5 | Balance Sheet |
| 6-10 | Notes to the accounts |
CHELMSFORD DIOCESAN MOTHERS’ UNION Charity No. 249736
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31st December 2023 as set out in the annexed sheets.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner :
The Charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of accounts. The Charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement :
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement :
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(i) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act;
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met: or
- (ii) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed:
Address: Hill House, 1 Smiths Court High Road, Thornwood Epping, Essex CM16 6BD
Date 8th July 2024
1
CHELMSFORD DIOCESAN MOTHERS’ UNION
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 December 2023
Mothers’ Union is a Christian mission organisation working through grassroots membership to support families and communities both in this country and around the world, and was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1926.
Vision (the essence of our work)
Our vision is of a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships.
Aim & Purpose (what we want to achieve)
To demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide through the nurture of family in its many forms.
Mission (how we go about achieving our vision)
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Supporting and promoting marriage;
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Encouraging parents in their role to develop the faith of their children;
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Maintaining a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service;
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Promoting conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children;
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Helping those whose family life has met with adversity.
When planning our activities, we have considered the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit. We are confident our mission reflects this guidance.
Organisation
Chelmsford Diocesan Mothers’ Union is organised within 18 deaneries. In each deanery there are branches, which coincide, in most instances, with church parishes. Branches hold regular meetings, usually monthly, and events are also held at deanery and diocesan level.
Chelmsford Diocesan Mothers’ Union is governed by a Trustee body, which meets at least four times a year. There are two Council Meetings each year, which all members are entitled to attend. One is preceded by a General Meeting, as required by the Charity Commission, at which the Annual Review and Summary of Accounts are presented.
Elections for all officers are held triennially. The next elections will take place in 2024.
Finance Review
We continue to be grateful to our members for contributing so generously to Mothers' Union projects:
£4283 was received into the Diocesan Account for the MSH General Fund and Fundraising Appeals, an increase on the previous year.
Within the Diocese, AFIA received donations of £3218 with the expenditure for holidays and days out totalling £3202 The available funds in the AFIA restricted Account stands at £12199.
Grants totalling £4980 for the financial years of April to March 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 were made by CAFCAS to the Contact Centre Fund, Expenditure totalled £1695 leaving a balance of £20936.
English for Women received grants and donations of £43011 and a total of £38864 was expended in running the project. The fund now stands at £26893.
During the year one branch closed and one branch moved to the new MU Lite model of membership where members transfer to Diocesan membership, this prevented them from having to close due to the continuing problems with filling branch committee positions. Fewer new members were enrolled in the year and there is still a real concern that the overall membership is declining year on year and key action points continue to be raised by the Trustees to attempt to turn this around, along with a constant review of operational expenses. The Trustees are very appreciative of and grateful for the hard work of the deanery officials, branch officers, members and volunteers without which the Charity would be unable to continue its work towards fulfilling the mission of The Mothers Union.
2
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CHELMSFORD DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES For the year ended 31 December 2023
| Note INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from members and grants 2(a) Other voluntary incoming resources 2(b) Income from charitable and ancillary trading 2(c) Other ordinary incoming resources 2(d) Income from investments 2(e) TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES USED Activities directly related to the work of the charity 3(a) Fund-raising expenditure 3(b) Costs of ancillary trading 3(c) Management and administration 3(d) Grants 3(e) TOTAL RESOURCES USED NET INCOME (OUTGOINGS) RESOURCES FUNDS TRANSFER NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD AT 1ST JANUARY 2023 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 31,183 2,771 1,691 2,124 72 37,841 28,377 565 1,495 12,361 0 42,798 (4,957) 0 (4,957) 75,221 70,264 |
Restricted Funds £ 51,209 0 0 0 332 51,541 41,047 0 0 0 0 41,047 10,494 0 10,494 51,512 62,006 |
Endowment Funds £ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
Total Funds 2023 2022 £ £ 82,392 56,160 2,771 2,449 1,691 1,424 2,124 1,966 404 34 89,382 62,033 69,424 54,691 565 361 1,495 1,030 12,361 12,941 0 0 83,845 69,023 5,537 (6,990) 0 0 5,537 (6,990) 126,733 133,723 132,270 126,733 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
All operations are continuing and there are no discontinued operations in either year. There are no gains or losses other than those stated above.
The notes on pages 6 to 10 form part of these accounts.
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CHELMSFORD DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION BALANCE SHEET AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 Not• 2023 2022 CURRENT ASSETS Deblors Stock Cash al bank and In hand 27.203 28,885 203 99.013 128,101 110.578 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE wrrHIN ONE YEAR 6,110 1,368 NEf CURRENT ASSETS 132,270 126,733 NET ASSETS 132,270 126,733 FUNDS Unrestrlded Reslncled End0rIen1 70,264 62,006 75,221 51.512 10 132.270 126.733 Approved by the Trustees on ...... and slqn•d on rts b+hall Maxine P8uI Dlocesan Presldenl Patrlda Mccarthy Diocesan Treasurer The notes on pa8t$ 6 to 10 tomi part rrf these a¢ts.
CHELMSFORD DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2023
1 Accounting polices
The financial statements of the charity have been prepared in accordance with:
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Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP FRS102)
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and with Accounting Standards
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and with the Charities Act.
The financial statements have been prepared on the accruals basis and under the historical cost convention and include all funds for which the charity has financial responsibility.
Funds
Endowment funds are funds, the capital of which must be maintained; only income arising from the endowment may be used either as restricted or unrestricted depending upon the purpose for which the endowment was established.
Restricted funds represent (a) income from trusts or endowments which may be expended only on those restricted objects provided in the terms of the endowment or bequest, and (b) donations or grants received for a specific object or invited by the Trustees for a specific object. The funds may only be expended on the specific object for which they were given. Any balance remaining unspent at the end of each year must be carried forward as a balance on that fund. The Trustees do not usually invest separately for each fund.
Unrestricted funds represent the funds of the charity that are not subject to any special restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the charity.
Incoming Resources
Subscriptions from members are accounted for in the year for which they are due. Donations and income from fund-raising are recognised when received. Tax refunds are recognised when the incoming resource to which they relate is received. Grants and legacies are accounted for when the Trustees are legally entitled to the amount due. All other income is recognised when it is receivable. All incoming resources are accounted for gross of related expenditure.
Resources used
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the Trustees. All other expenditure is generally recognised when it is incurred and is accounted for gross.
Fixed assets
The charity has no fixed assets.
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CHELMSFORD DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023
| 2 INCOMING RESOURCES 2(a) Incoming resources from members Planned giving: Subscriptions Income tax recoverable on subscriptions (Estimated) Magazine subscriptions Sundry donations AFIA Contact Centres English for Women (Inclusive of Grants & Fund Matching) 2(b) Other voluntary incoming resources Grants & legacies Other donations to Mothers Union Fund-raising events 2(c) Income from charitable and ancillary trading Sale of literature, badges and stationery 2(d) Other ordinary incoming resources Pleshey retreat Sundry income 2(e) Income from investments Bank interest TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES |
Unrestricted Funds £ 25,547 1,523 0 4,113 0 0 0 31,183 0 2,771 0 2,771 1,691 1,691 1,360 764 2,124 72 72 37,841 |
Restricted Funds £ 0 0 0 0 3,218 4,980 43,011 51,209 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 332 332 51,541 |
Endowment Funds £ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
Total Funds 2023 2022 £ £ 25,547 25,990 1,523 1,551 0 0 4,113 2,111 3,218 1736 4,980 1236 43,011 23536 82,392 56,160 0 0 2,771 2,449 0 0 2,771 2,449 1,691 1,424 1,691 1,424 1,360 1,130 764 836 2,124 1,966 404 34 404 34 89,382 62,033 |
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CHELMSFORD DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023
| 3 RESOURCES USED Unrestricted Funds £ 3(a) Activities directly relating to the work of the charity Subscriptions to Mothers Union 18,448 Member donations to Mothers Union projects 7,002 Magazine subscriptions 0 Additional contribution to Mothers Union 0 Costs of running own projects 2,714 Speakers expenses 213 Hire of halls 0 Costs of area days, training etc 0 28,377 3(b) Fund-raising Cost of fund-raising events 565 565 3(c) Costs of ancillary trading Purchase of literature, badges and stationery 1,495 1,495 3(d) Management and administration Administration: Officials expenses 1,835 Council expenses 502 Secretary's fees 3,929 Printing, postage & stationery 770 Conference fees 84 General branch expenses 2,681 Commissioning of President and Trustees 0 Other expenses 0 Independent Examiners fee 750 Insurance 450 Pleshey retreat costs 1,360 Sundry donations to Mothers Union projects 0 12,361 3(e) Grants 0 0 TOTAL RESOURCES USED 42,798 |
Restricted Funds £ 0 0 0 0 41,047 0 0 0 41,047 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 41,047 |
Endowment Funds £ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
Total Funds 2023 2022 £ £ 18,448 19,640 7,002 1,982 0 0 0 0 43,761 32,875 213 194 0 0 0 0 69,424 54,691 565 361 565 361 1,495 1,030 1,495 1,030 1,835 1,215 502 344 3,929 4,200 770 1,382 84 847 2,681 1,572 0 724 0 177 750 750 450 450 1,360 1,280 0 0 12,361 12,941 0 0 0 0 83,845 69,023 |
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7
8
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CHELMSFORD DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023
4 TAXATION
As a registered charity the organisation is exempt from taxation on its income and gains where they are applied for charitable purposes.
5
| ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Secretary's Fees | 3,929 | 4,200 |
| The charity has one part-time administrator. | ||
| No volunteers received any remuneration from the charity. |
6
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
None of the Trustees were paid any remuneration during the year (2022 Nil). Small amounts of travelling expenses were paid to Trustees for attending Trustees and Council meetings.
| DEBTORS Bank and Cash Balances Held by Branches Prepayments Other Debtors (Estimated) The amount repayable from Gift Aid has yet to be determined CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE Subscriptions received in advance Other Creditors ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND Current Assets Liabilities |
YEAR Unrestricted Funds £ 48,572 6,110 42,462 |
2023 £ 21,959 728 4,516 27,203 2023 £ 298 5,812 6,110 Restricted Funds £ 62,006 0 62,006 |
2022 £ 23,475 800 3,112 27,387 2022 £ 224 908 1,132 Endowment Funds £ 0 0 0 |
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10
CHELMSFORD DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2023
ANALYSIS OF RESTRICTED FUNDS DEPOSIT ACCOUNT
The movement on Restricted Funds (see note 9) consists of:-
| Balance as at 1 January 2023 Fundraising income as allocated by branches (inclusive of Grants and Fund Matching) Transfer to general fund Costs incurred Balance as at 31 December 2023 Interest Earned on Restricted Fund - Savings Account |
AFIA Fund £ 12,183 3,218 15,401 (3,202) 12,199 |
Contact Centres £ 17,651 4,980 22,631 (1,695) 20,936 |
English for Women £ 21,650 43,011 64,661 (36,150) 28,511 |
Interest £ 28 0 28 0 28 |
Total £ 51,512 51,209 102,721 (41,047) 61,674 332 62,006 |
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