Mothers, IICIILIWNION ChTlstlan care for f amllles MOTHERS, UNION (DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) R•glsier8d charity 249814 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 DECEMBER 2023
MOTHERS. UNION IDIOCESE OF ST ALBANS} Trust•os Annual Roport and Financial Statom•nts For the year ended 31 December 2023 CONTENTS Page Trustees, Annual Ret Independent Examinerfs Report Statement of Financial Actvibes &7 Balance Sheet 10 Principal Accwnting Polbe4es Notes lo the FinarKid statennts 11 12-14 NB." In the report 'Th• Alothers Unlon. refers to th• can1 oryanlsatlon
MOTHERS. UNION (DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) Trnstees Annual Report and Financial Statsments For the year ended 31 Decemter 2023 Charity registrath?n number 249814 Principal office Mothets. Union 41 Holywell Hill Sl Aibans Hertlordshire AL1 1HD {Ch)sed September 20231 140 North Roa Hertford Hertfordshi SG14 2BZ 07438 474225 mUstslbans@gmail.)M Trustees Mrs Jill Thomson Mrs Elttabelh Hutchison Mrs Jan8t McKinn Mrs Chns Powell Mrs Janet Bird Mrs Kathie Lalty Dtiesan president {r8sign•J 31 08Mbr 20231 PsKIent (Appointed 1 January 2024> Treasurer Mr Day Burbge (dd 26 April 20241 Mr Colin Bird (app)inted 24 May 20241 8ankors Barclays Bank pb PO Box 104 16118 St Petef8 Street St Albans Hertfordshire AL3 4DZ Indep8ndent examiner Mr Terry ThuT*y
MOTHERS. UNION IDIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 December 2023 Presidenvs Revlew of the year. This is the second year of the Triennium 2022-2024. At the beginnin8 of the year the Trustee Board comprised Diocesan President, Vice President, 3 trustees. one obseer and the Diocesan Chaplain and Newsline Editor (observer status). We have met regularly to promote the vision of Mothers. Union {MUI of a world where God's love is shown through lovin& respectful and flourishing relationships and the promotion of Christian family values. In 2023 there were 718 members of which 317 were Diocesan Members. In additlon, we had approximately 80 Prayer Circle Friends IPCFsl. All members, except for PCFS. paid an annual subscription of £39 of which £22 was sent to Mary Surnner House {Mothers Union national headquarters). The trend of branches closing and moving on to Diocesan members Groups or individual Diocesan Membership continued. Reduced income from subscriptions resulted in the difficult decision to end th the role of our paid secretary. Liz James, effertive 30 September. Grateful thank5 go to her for her loyal service and to David Burbid8e, our Diocesan Treasurer, and Brenda Cottle, our Mue Manager, and all the trustees, officers and leads at Diocesan, Cluster, Branch and Group levels for their continued support and dedication to the work of MU. During the year I met with two of our Bishops, one meeting being held over Zoom. A proportion of Board meetin8s were held over Zoom, providin8savin8s in administrative expenses. Three Diocesan meetings, open to all members, were held including our Annual General Meeting in June. All members received 3 issues of Newsllne. our diocesan magazine, an invaluable tool for keeping them up to date with the wide variety of our projects and l am greatly indebted to our editor Kathle Lally. On behalf of the diocese, l attended a provincial meeting at High Lei8h {Canterbury Provlncel. and various national meetings over Zoom. l and 7 other members attended the General Meetln8 In September In York. At the end of September, I had to take extended slck leave until the end of the year. l am deeply indebted to the board for the highly efflcient way In whlch they tontinued to admlnlster the affalrs of the charlty. Outreach projects include ongoing fruitful relationships wlth 4 women's refuges. We supply starter packs for women moving on Into the community containing kitchen utensils. bedding etc. We have donated bedding and towels for use within the refuges and also Easter Eggs. Advent Calendars and we have financed coaches for outings. We also established a Ilnk with the Azalea Projett based in Luton, supplying goods to support their work amon8 Victims of sex-trafficking. We have extenslve Ilnks with hospitals providin8 knitted and sewn articles for neo-natal and children's units. activity bags. soft toys for children and those with dementia undergoing potentially stressful procedures. Wash bags are also supplied to hospitals. Knttted blankets and garments are also provided for overseas work. We have supported Ukrainian refugee families in providing finance for such church-based activities as a fish and chip supper and also help towards school needs for the children. In addition, we provided Christmas cards for prisoners and finally, 'Away From It All, (AFIA) holidays have been provided.
MOTHERS, UNION (DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 Dember 2023 l am truly grateful for the support and encouragement of the trustees and members at all levels. We continued to address the challenges of the present economic situation restructuring our attivities to enable us to look forward to a future in which we continue to do God's work in our churches, local communities, nationally and intemationally. Jill Thomson (Past Diocesan President) 21st Morch 2024 Constitutlon and mlssion The name of the charity is Mothers, Union.. StAlbans Diocese. It is an unlncorporated association registered as charity number 249814. ft is affiliated to Mothers, Unlon, a charity incorporated by Royal Charter Icharlty no: 240531) through its shared alm and purpose, and by virtue of it5 acceptance as an affiliate by the central charity and Its adherence to the rules and regulatlons of the movement. The Mothers, Union in the Diocese of St Albans wlll draw its membership from and operate within HertFordshire and Bedfordshire in the area torrespondingto the Church of England Diocese of St Albans. Membership is open to all men and women who have been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity and who support the Wision and Alm and PurpoSef The Mothers, Union. It Is also open to Friends, a category of non-votin8 membership for those who support the Vision and Alm and Purpose of The Mothers Union but cannot, or do not wish to, become full members. Trustees are elected bythe membership on a triennial basis, after a procedure of nomination and voting. Trustees may serve no more than two consecutive three-year terms in any one office or responsibility. Vlslon (the essence of our work) Our vision is of a world where God's love Is shown through lovin& respertful and flourishing relationships. Alrn & Purpose (what we want to achieve) To demonstrate the Christian fawth in action by the transformation of communities worSdwide through the nurture of family in its many forms. Objectlves (how we go about achieving our vision) 1. To promote and support married life. 2. To encourage parents in their role to develop the fatth of their children. 3. To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayÈr, worship and service. 4. To promote condltions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children. 5. To help those whose family life has met with adverslty. Mothers, Union is firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos. Its governance, leadership and activities are driven by and undertaken through its members. Pollcy on reserves Mothers. Union the Diocese of St. Albans is a registered charity and, as such, is required by the Charity Commission to have a policy regarding the resÈrves of money that it retains. Responsibility
MOTHERS. UNION (DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 Dec8mber 2023 for establishing an appropriate Reserves Policy lies wrth the Trustees. The Trustees must be able to demonstrate why the holding of a particular level of reserves is right for the charity, by reference to the charity's current position and prospects. MU Diocese of St. Albans has trwo major sources of funds- members, subscriptions and the monies raised for specific MU funds. Some specific or "Restricted- monies for MU Funds are received by MU Diocese of St. Albansforonward transmlsslonto the Mothers, Union. MU Diocese of St. Albans has no ongoing liabilitie5 in respect of the projects funded with these monies, for which the Mothers, Union is responsible. MU Dlocese of St. Albans also has its own Restricted Funds, for example: Away From It All IAFIAI, held for regularly approved diocesan projects for which there are no ongoing liabilities because anv expenditure only equals the donations received for that particular Fund. There is no need for MU Diocese of St. Albans to maintain reserves In respect of the restricted funds. Any balances held should be shown In the normal course of accounting. MU Dlocese of St. Albans is responslble for meeting the Aims and Purpose of The Mothers, Unlon and current expenses are budgeted in line with the expected income from members The number of branches is currently fallin& and steps have been taken to match our cost base to the lower level of income. MU Diocese of St. Albans would wish to maintain the current artlvltles, which also underpin the fund-raisin8 activities, and retain a limited flexibility to fund and start new projects. The Mothers, Union is chan8in8, and MU Diocese of St. Albans must also retain some flexibility in respect of the actlvitles that may be required of it in the future. Having due regard to the present posltlon of MU Dlocese of St. Albans, a reserves pollcy which retalns 50% of the current annual level of expenditure. excluding movements in funds, is thought to be appropriate. This policy also applies to funds held by our branches. Trusteés responslbllltles In relation to the flnandal ststements Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the financial artivities of the charity and the group at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently, Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practlce have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts; and, Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is appropriate to presume that the charity will not continue In operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose wtth reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial ststements comply with the Charities Att 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding
MOTHERS. UNION IDIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT For the year ended 31 Decemter 2023 the assets of charty and hence fortaking reasonable steps forthe prevention and detection of fraud and breaches of law and regulations. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by Trustee: Jonet McKinney Trustee: Elizabeth Hutchinson Date:
MOTHERS, UNION IDIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT Report to the trustees of MOThERS' UNION IDIOCESE OF sr ALBANSI on the accounts set out on pages 9 to 14 for the year ended 31 December 2023 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity l-the TrusVI for the year ended 31 December 2023. As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111-the ACY'I. I report in respect of my examination of the Trnsys accounts carried out under sertion 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llb) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to belleve that In, any material respect: accounting records were not kept In accordance with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accountin8 records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connectlon wlth the examination to whlch attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Bas15 of Independent examlnerfs statement My examination was carrled out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charltv Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept bythe 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 concernin8 any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required In an audlt. and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Slgned: T Thurley Date: Terry Thurley 15 Hampden Close Flitwick Beds MK45 IHR
MOTrIERS' UNION (DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES For the year ondgd 31 DKOMl 2023 Unrest G¢ner•l Funds 2023 Total 2022 Total Fund• INCOMING RESOURCES SubscriptK)ns Fund Raising Literature net income Gfft Aid change to cash accounb'ng Prayer tk & mug sales Tax Recovered under Gift Aid Interest Received Sundry ReceiptslGeneral FurKI Donalw)ns 29,059 28.059 29.059 15,407 137 (2,6) (2,600) 205 3,872 127 3,192 2.050 853 1.981 2,050 853 1,981 Collectsons for speafic purpo 16,655 16.655 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES USED Grant$ Subs to MSH Branch net expenditure General & Adminislr8tive Travel Publication Expenses MSH Courses & Conferon¢e8 Meetings & serVs Corporate Govemance (x>8ts Sundry Expenses Paid to fund specthc purposes 13,893 16,140 1,45T 15,671 1,736 1,329 80 250 614 746 14.946 14.946 13.495 1,975 1,297 13,495 1,975 1,297 755 755 20.852 20.852 TOTAL RESOURCES USED 32,852 2052 53,704 51,916 NET INCOMINGiioirrGOING) RESOURCES 15,846) 83 TRANSFERS TO RESERVES 12227) 3.504 1,277 BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD 11.602 34.687 34.605 BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD 19,209 10.909 30,118 34,688
laOTHERS' UNION (DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTivmES For the year •nd•d 31" December 2023 BALANCE SHEEr 2023 2022 Balartt as at 1st JanLOry Transfers re charge of to recepts aTrJ payffnts Dwsan surpW(d6fril) forttr year 24,518 -1431 Balanco at 31st Decemb8r 11209 RESERVES & OTHER FUNDS 11909 11.e02 TOTPL FUNDS REPRESEKfED BY Central Board of FirArn% of thJ¢h of ErThJ Deposrt alc 15.000 19,000 Cwrert Assets.. Strxks of Literatw Grft d Prepayments Diocesan cash & baT bak988 Bra$ cash & bar* balartes s Cwrent Llablknts'. I Prepaid subscrw)tw)ns1dotiC Accowrts payable 378 3,500 4,246 10,872 10,820 21.998 -20.546 462 TOT ASSErs £30.118 £34,688 Thw financial statements le approved by the t#)arf on V September 2024 Signed on behalf of the Boar(l of Tn TTU#tee'. J8n8t McKnney Trustee: Ehzabeth Hutchinson
MOTHERS. UNION IDIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACnVITIES For tho year gndod 31- December 2023 BASIS OF PREPARATION These accounts have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis. Investments are shown at mathet value. in accordance with.. Accounting and Reporting by Charities- Statern)t of Recoffinded Prackn,. and wrth Accounling Stsndards. and wrth the Charrties Act 2011. Chango in basis of accounting Previously pPared on a receipts and paymnts basB. in 2020 the thanty nb)ved to an ac¢wal$ basis of accounting. This has proved to be ovety complex and is unnecessary gNen the size of the charity, continuing deficits and the potenbal need for restructuring wrthin the next fow y•ats. kcordingly, the board has agreed to mert to the receipts and payments basis of accounb"ThJ. INCOMING RESOURCES Allocation to spKific fund• As a charty associated vrith The Mothers, Unlon. the ¢harity raises funds and collects members, subscriptions to aid the work of The Mothèrs, Union, bolh for its Work in general and for its specthc fvnd5. Other speufic funds are for the work done directty by this charity, many of which are initthes in common wrth other regional Mothers. Union charitl8s, operats.ng in their geograph1 areas. Donations and fundrai&ng for speak funds are aMocat8d to the relevant fund on receipt. However, the majority of activities at the branches are general fUndrSing and the branch memboryJ in general meeting decide on the aliocatK)n beknn specffic funds, usually after the end ofthe relevant yèar, and submit payment from local bank accounts with the resun of the rrmbers' decis)n. resources aTr alted to Specific funds on receipL Tax rnclalms on donatlon8 and glfts Incoming resources from tax reclaims are induded in the SOFA in the year in whth th8y are received. Tax reclaims are not allocated to specfft fijnds or belween restfthd and unrestTiCted fvnds. Voluntè•r h•lp The value of any voluntsry help received nol included in the a(tounts but is descnbed in the trustees, annual report. Invostmont inc¢Mno This is included in the accounts when received. lnvestrrnt income is not allocated b81ween speafic and general funds or betsveen restrict and unrestricted fund Governance costs Include costs ofthe preparatson arKI examinal]"on of slatuiory accounts. the costs of trus18e rrthtsngs and ¢osl of any legal •Jvice to trustees on governan or (XIrtUknonaI matters. 11
MOTHERS. UNION (DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMEKrs For the year ended 31 December 2023 Rostrictsd and othèr funds Balance 1st Jan Receivable Paid Balance 31sl Decembei Di0san Resep4e Fund Diocesan Project Fund Away From It All Special regional meeting Big Summer appeal MSH direct appeals MSH general fund Overseas General Fund Literacy & Development Fund Britain & All Ireland Fund 3,504 4.876 4.550 1.896 260 4,594 1.915 -3,645 -6,778 -1,185 11C 2,69:. 5,28C 1,89É 1.793 857 433 6.237 -1,793 -777 -267 -5,812 8( 16f 42$ 280 275 290 -305 -290 25( 15,107 16,364 -20,562 10,90£ 2022 totals 10.638 11657 13,693 11,602 Doscrlptlon of funds Fund Nam• Purpcw and rostrlctlo Charltablo Fund• Operated by St Alban$ Dlocos9 Diocesan Re8eNe Fund Other To pay for large items required by the chanty Dictasan Proj¢¢t Rostrictod Fund Thi6 is a fvrKI for sp¢tyfi¢ ongoSng proio¢ts $pon$or•d by th• Bntain & All Ireland Fund ProvKJes grants for woiKts in the provinces of Canterbury, ta5, Ireland. Scotland and York. The financing of the fvnd coff*s from donattons, by grft or spe¢ial effort. The fijnd was introduced to help members who may want to startor develop Away From It All IAFIA} Reslri¢ted Proviyes fijnds for the "Away From It IAFIAI holiday scheme which gNes a needed break to families that would not othepwise have a holiday. 12
IAOTHERS. LINION (DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 December 2023 SFecial Regnal Restrthd Meetsng Fund• for thè PAoth•rn Unlon To meet the cost of a planned speoal meett'ng. General Fund Imary Sumner House) Funds for the generdl OFwations of The Mothers Union Overseas General Fund Restricted Provides funds to The Mothers. Union to Supp overseas projects. This supwrts a wide variety of schemes- wherever possible they are sew-help l inComeneratIng actNities MSH Direct Appeals (including Big Sum Appeal) Specffj app8aSs for Mothers Union work Transactlons wlth connected partles The Mothers, Union Ichanty registration number 240531) is a connected party with shared ?ims and objeth'ves and a MIlar consbtution. Part of eh membef s subscripts'on includes a subscription for the purposes ofThe Mothers. unft. MemLws' voluntary fundraising is also allocated in part to specific projects and causes of The Mothers, Union. The amounts raised and passèd to Th& Mothors Union are shown in the movements in fvnds in note 1. The subxripbon payment to Mary Sumner House was £14,946. All publications. literature and other goods are supplied by MU Entefprises LitTted {'MUe"I, the trading subsidiary of The Mothers, Unb)n. and these amounts are shown separatety in the Statement of Financial ActNities ISoFA}. The Mothers Unn also supplies training courses and conferences. the costs OfWh are shown on the SOFA a$ MSH Courses and o)nferences. Staff Costs Included in general and administration (x)sts are gross salary, pension and employers. national insurance costs of £6.621 (2022 £8179). The charity empk)yed one part-time employee {2022-one part fr"meJ.unbl 30 S8ptomb8r 2023. The tharity has no current emthees. 13
MOTHERS. UNION IDIOCESE OF ST ALBANS) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For Ihe year ended 31 Drnber 2023 Governance costs (knemance costs during the year comprised 2023 2022 Hire of rooms and Zcrfjm costs 301 Trustees, travel expenses Independent examine¢s fees 151 313 Trustse expenses Expenses pa to trustees during the year. and the number of trustees claiming these expenses comprised. 2023 2022 Number of trustees Trustees. travel expenses £151 £313 Flxod assets Th? chanty wntes off all fixed asset purcha8es under £1.0(fft) to the D¢638n Reserve on acquisrtion. Curr•nty the ¢harty holds Th) fixed assets with an 3Inal ¢J)st or valuats'on of over £1.000. 14