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2021-03-31-accounts

Registered number: 00006039 Charity number: 253206

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers 1 - 2
Trustees' report 3 - 7
Independent auditors' report on the financial statements 8 - 11
Statement of financial activities 12
Balance sheet 13
Statement of cash flows 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 32

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Trustees

Judith M Wilson, (Chairman) - Richard H Cunningham, (Vice chairman) J Zoë Brooks Margaret L Cowie (resigned 5 June 2021) K Shannon Fitzgerald Lara K Nicholls

Company registered number

00006039

Charity registered number

253206

Registered office

Purley Chase Centre Purley Chase Lane Mancetter Atherstone Warwickshire CV9 2RQ

Trust Corporation

The General Conference is a Trust Corporation

Company secretary

J Zoë Brooks

Other office holders

Sally G Field - Company Accountant Revd Jack Dunion - Spiritual Leader Revd Alison C Southcombe - Deputy Spiritual Leader (part year)

Independent auditors

Bates Weston Audit Ltd Statutory Auditors Chartered Accountants The Mills Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ

Page 1

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Bankers

The Royal Bank of Scotland plc 41 Cornmarket Derby DE1 2DH

Santander Bootle Merseyside L30 4GB

Solicitors

Harris & Harris 14 Market Place Wells Somerset BA5 2RE

Investment Managers

Newton Investment Management Limited BNY Mellon Centre 160 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4LA

Rathbone Investment Management Limited 8 Finsbury Circus London EC2M 7AZ

Accountants

Bates Weston LLP Chartered Accountants The Mills Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ

Page 2

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act) present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the General Conference of the New Church (the company) for the year ended 31 March 2021. The Trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the company’s governing document and the provisions of Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS102).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing Document

The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 16 February 1872 and registered as a charity on 11 July 1967. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £5.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The Board of Trustees [the Council] should consist of eight members, elected by the voting members at the annual meetings of the Charity, who, with the Company Secretary and Company Accountant, administer the Charity. Under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the Chairman and Vice-Chairman serve for a term of four years, and the other six Councillors for three years. At present the Council has a Chairman, a Vice-chairman and four Trustees. One of the Trustees will not be standing for re-election when her term of office ends in July. Members take a lead in a specific policy area working closely with the officers between meetings. The linked responsibility areas of members are: Web Development and Health and Safety [Richard Cunningham], Human Resources, [Judith Wilson], Youth [Lara Nicholls], Committee for Auxiliary Ministry (CAM) [Margaret Cowie] and Training and Development [Shannon Fitzgerald]. The Company Accountant is the Finance Link and the link for the Purley Chase Centre. Ms Brooks has no link responsibilities.

Trustee induction and training

All Trustees will be familiar with the work of the General Conference since they must be members. The Trustees appointed at the Annual General Meeting in 2003, when the Council was reconstituted, attended a training induction seminar early in 2004, or received copies of the papers provided at the seminar. The induction included the Charity Commission's Guideline 60 'The Hallmarks of a Well-run Charity", Commission visits, trustee responsibilities and a layman's understanding of charity finance, accounting and audits. The new Trustees have been referred to the Charity Commission's website. One Trustee, Mr Richard Cunningham, attended a webinar on Charity Commission rules and charity investing in October 2020, as did the Company Accountant.

Organisational structure

The Council usually meets at least five times each year and is responsible for the policies and strategic direction of the General Conference. This year four of the five meetings have been held via Zoom. The Company Accountant performs the duties defined in Article 2 as being those of the Treasurer but, as the Article permits, she uses the preferred title Company Accountant. A Finance Manager holds the investment responsibilities. The Company Accountant, the Secretary of the Committee of Ministers, the Spiritual Leader and the Deputy Spiritual Leader attend meetings of the Council but have no voting rights. A scheme of delegated authority has been approved by the Council for the major officers and appropriate employees. When taking on employees, remuneration is calculated based on the current market rate for what they are employed to do. The Trustees review annually all employees' salaries with reference to the average weekly earnings statistics at its March Council meeting.

Related Parties and funds held as Custodian Trustee

Full disclosure of related parties and transactions as they affect the Conference are contained in Note 22 to the financial statements.

Page 3

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Policies - Risk Management, Investment, Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption, Financial Procedures, Safeguarding, Bullying and Harassment, Health and Safety, Legionella, Asbestos, Data Protection, Handling suspected Cases of COVID 19 and Coronavirus Vaccine.

The Trustees have a risk management process that conforms with the format recommended by the Charity Commission. They are confident that the procedures and the advice circulated to local churches and employees comply with legislation. The Investment Policy was reviewed at the November Council meeting and all others at the March Council meeting. Following the success of a Safeguarding training afternoon run by the charity thirtyone:eight further regional training sessions are planned.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The objects of the General Conference of the New Church [the Conference] are contained in the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The fundamental object is:-

'The formation into a corporate body under the above title for the purposes of Religion and not for the purposes of gain of Receivers of the Doctrines of the New Church, signified by the New Jerusalem in the Apocalypse or Revelation of John, as contained in the Theological Writings of the Honourable Emanuel Swedenborg, and for the doing of all such things as the Members in General Meeting, or the Council appointed in accordance with the Articles of Association registered herewith, shall from time to time determine or think necessary for disseminating or sustaining the said Doctrines."

The Mission of the Conference "is to express, share and experience with others in life an inclusive, nonjudgemental vision of God's kingdom." The Vision of the Conference "is of a network of individuals & groups interacting together to share spiritual insight & understanding in an open & non-judgemental way, in order to promote spiritual growth through the application to life of the Word, and the Writings of Emanuel Swedenborg”

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Charities commission has established two key principles of Public Benefit and within those principles, some important factors must be considered:

Principle 1 - there must be an identifiable benefit or benefits Principle 2 - benefit must be to the public or a section of the public,

The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit as required by section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 and in particular, the specific guidance in relation to the advancement of religion. The Churches provide the traditional form of worship, but the trustees also recognise that most of our church premises are also used to benefit the general public, for example, crèches, play groups, badminton clubs, coffee mornings, savings clubs, keep-fit clubs, hospice support groups, weight-watchers, line-dancing, monthly interest groups and inter faith groups. Additionally, some of our churches are used by other denominations and some church premises are available for quiet, peaceful and contemplative reflection. Understandably the use has been considerably reduced this year because of Coronavirus restrictions. The location, a map and details of activities at the churches are available on the Conference's website and several churches also have their own website. Ministerial work that is not connected to our church premises is also undertaken.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

The Association now has 11 societies or local churches recognised by the Conference. They are located throughout the UK. The Conference and its local churches, in common with the Mission and Vision Statements, welcome anyone to join in worship. The format of the services of worship varies from church to church but there is excellent opportunity for non-members of the Church to join in worship.

In general the attendance at worship has been steadily declining over many years, which has sadly resulted in the closure of some local churches. The trustees recognise that this traditional form of worship has enormous and valuable use for those who attend.

Page 4

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Nonetheless the trustees have considered other strategies which may be used to reach other people who are seeking some form of spirituality in their lives. Web hosting is one of these, through the web sites of: www.generalconference.org.uk;

www.spiritualwisdom.org.uk; www.purleychasecentre.org.uk; www.apocalypse-of-john.org.uk; www.spiritualquestions.org.uk;

Many of the organisation’s traditional activities have been curtailed during the year because of Coronavirus. Purley Chase Centre has been closed for most of the year and the staff, with the exception of the manager, have largely been on furlough. There have been no redundancies. While the Centre has been closed repairs, redecoration and the updating required to meet current fire regulations have all been undertaken.

When churches were no longer allowed to be open the Ministry quickly sprang into action to provide an alternative form of Sunday worship. Services have been held regularly using Zoom and these have proved to be very popular. Quite a number of people who do not live near a church have been able to participate. It is therefore our intention to continue with this form of worship in addition to worship in churches in the future, in order to serve as many people as possible.

Our Youth Team has worked hard to provide activities for children that do not require a physical meeting.

No strict performance indicators are used to monitor performance of the charity. Quarterly financial reports are reviewed at Council meetings that include operational surplus/deficit figures for the year to date compared to the same period in the previous year and a 10-year forecast. Purley Chase Centre has a management team that also receives quarterly financial profit and loss and forecast reports just on Purley Chase Centre activities that are reviewed at its meetings. Other areas such as the youth and family team and Finance Advisory Committee send in reports to the Council to be reviewed and discussed with performance being monitored in that way rather than financial targets. Other areas of the organisation also send in reports on activities undertaken and annual reports are produced and discussed by members at the AGM, which this year was held via Zoom.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Pandemic

COVID-19 has had a large impact on our finances this year and will continue to do so in 2021/22. The two main areas that have been affected are investment income and Purley Chase Centre. Investment income has decreased by about a third compared to last year. Due to government guidance, Purley was only able to be open for two months of the year and at a reduced capacity. Government support including job retention scheme, grants and business rates removal amounts to £78,452.10 although the overall cost of Purley has still increased compared to last year. This reduction in income has had an impact on our reserves.

Reserves Policy

The trustees remain confident that its financial reserves will be adequate to meet future commitments.

Page 5

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Principal Funding Sources

Principal funding sources are contributions from investment income, contributions from Societies, legacies and the assets of Societies that close. This year there have been no sales of property. However, it is anticipated that there will be property sales in the future as Societies continue to close, with the result that churches have to be sold.

Investment Policy

The investment objectives of the two portfolios, one managed by Newton Investment Management (CIF) and the other by Rathbones (free investments) have remained unchanged from the previous year. The policy is to have a 50/50 split between capital growth and income received. An appointed team (Finance Advisory Committee) meets with Newton Investment Management and Rathbones twice a year to review performance and then to report/make recommendations to the trustees if needed. Ethical investments have been looked into as part of our portfolio and discussed with both of the investment managers. Problems identified were that some companies have parent/associated companies that are involved in different social, environmental or ethical transactions and it would be increasingly hard to identify where this was the case.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

The Trustees intend to continue the activities outlined above in the forthcoming year and review these at Council meetings. In addition, every effort will be made to encourage the use of Purley Chase Centre as restrictions are lifted, although it is realised that it may be some time before it is fully utilised again.

FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

The Statement of Financial Activities for the year is set out on page 12 of the financial statements.

TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT

The trustees (who are also the directors of The General Conference of The New Church for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

PROVISION OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS

So far as the trustees are aware, there is no relevant information (as defined by Section 418 of the Companies Act 2006) of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware, and each trustee has taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make them aware of any audit information and to establish that the charitable company's auditors are aware of that information.

Page 6

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

J Zoë Brooks

Company Secretary and Trustee

Date: 8 July 2021

Page 7

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The General Conference of the New Church (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2021 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, 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 Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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.

Page 8

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH (A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH (CONTINUED)

Other information

The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report, other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

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.

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our 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 Trustees' report.

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

Page 9

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH (CONTINUED)

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' responsibilities statement, 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 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.

Auditors' 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 Auditors' 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. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.

Based on our understanding of the company and industry in which it operates, we considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006. Audit procedures performed by the engagement team included:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.

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 Auditors' report.

Page 10

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH (CONTINUED)

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 Auditors' 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 its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Wayne Thomas ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of

Bates Weston Audit Ltd Statutory Auditors Chartered Accountants The Mills Canal Street Derby DE1 2RJ

14 July 2021

Page 11

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Note
Income and
endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Investments
5
Other income
6
Total income and
endowments
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
7
Other expenditure
8
Total expenditure
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
Net income
Transfers between
funds
16
Net movement in
funds
Reconciliation of
funds:
Total funds brought
forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried
forward
Endowment
funds
2021
£
-
-
3,472
-
3,472
-
3,472
-
3,472
288,862
288,862
-
288,862
1,380,103
288,862
1,668,965
Restricted
funds
2021
£
10,000
-
420,274
-
430,274
78,867
123,677
153,680
356,224
3,594,974
3,669,024
(171,536)
3,497,488
17,523,784
3,497,488
21,021,272
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
346,429
12,313
127,827
-
486,569
35,291
541,776
-
577,067
1,381,520
1,291,022
171,536
1,462,558
6,910,600
1,462,558
8,373,158
Total
funds
2021
£
356,429
12,313
551,573
-
920,315
114,158
668,925
153,680
936,763
5,265,356
5,248,908
-
5,248,908
25,814,487
5,248,908
31,063,395
Total
funds
2020
£
5,838,994
131,467
678,894
141,826
6,791,181
36,663
809,518
138,770
984,951
(2,490,438)
3,315,792
-
3,315,792
22,498,695
3,315,792
25,814,487

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 15 to 32 form part of these financial statements.

Page 12

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH (A company limited by guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 00006039

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2021

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Investments
13
Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
15
Net current assets
Total net assets
Charity funds
Endowment funds
16
Restricted funds
16
Unrestricted funds
16
Total funds
2,368
22,596
437,031
461,995
(49,191)
2021
£
2,263,786
28,386,805
30,650,591
412,804
31,063,395
1,668,965
21,021,272
8,373,158
31,063,395
3,412
35,968
224,098
263,478
(77,886)
2020
£
2,329,477
23,299,418
25,628,895
185,592
25,814,487
1,380,103
17,523,784
6,910,600
25,814,487

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

J Zoë Brooks

Date: 8 July 2021

The notes on pages 15 to 32 form part of these financial statements.

Page 13

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Proceeds from the sale of tangible fixed assets
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
2021
£
(440,199)
551,573
-
(12,599)
114,158
-
653,132
212,933
224,098
437,031
2020
£
4,684,585
678,894
169,600
(42,135)
452,906
(5,979,074)
(4,719,809)
(35,224)
259,322
224,098

The notes on pages 15 to 32 form part of these financial statements

Page 14

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

1. Company status

The charity is company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £5 per member of the charity.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The General Conference of the New Church meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2.2 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

For legacies, entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the Trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, and the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material.

2.3 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters.

Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.

Page 15

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 Expenditure (continued)

Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the charity's educational operations, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.

2.4 Government grants

Government grants are credited to the Statement of financial activities as the related expenditure is incurred.

2.5 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.6 Taxation

The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment.

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

Freehold property - 2% on cost
Office equipment - 25% on cost

2.8 Investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of financial activities.

The pooled investments of the Common Investment Fund established 6 April 1966, also stated at market value, hold investments of both the Conference and certain of its local societies and institutions and comprise the unit holders which have an undivided aliquot portion of the pool. It is consequently treated as a restricted fund of the Conference. The income arising in the year is accounted gross as an incoming resource in the Statement of Financial Activities. The payment

Page 16

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.8 Investments (continued)

thereof to individual societies of their respective portions of this income is treated as an outgoing resource.

The funds comprising the Common Investment Fund derive from both restricted and unrestricted funds of the Conference. Transfers between these funds may arise in the year to account for any additions and withdrawals of capital to the Common Investment as is appropriate. The Conference's annual income deriving from these funds is only transferred, as is appropriate, when payment is made from the Common Investment Fund to the Conference.

2.9 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.10 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

2.11 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised within interest payable and similar charges.

2.12 Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.

2.13 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Page 17

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.13 Fund accounting (continued)

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

3. Income from donations and legacies

Government grants
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
North Warwickshire Borough Council
Subtotal
Donations
Legacies
Trust
Society contributions
Subtotal
Total 2021
Total 2020
Restricted
funds
2021
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
£
-
38,438
-
39,500
-
77,938
-
63,366
-
40,845
10,000
58,000
-
106,280
10,000
268,491
10,000
346,429
5,098,294
740,700
Total
funds
2021
£
38,438
39,500
77,938
63,366
40,845
68,000
106,280
278,491
356,429
5,838,994
Total
funds
2020
£
-
-
-
5,652,034
-
68,000
118,960
5,838,994
5,838,994

Page 18

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

4. Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
Purley Chase Centre
12,313
Total 2020
131,467
Total
funds
2021
£
12,313
131,467
Total
funds
2020
£
131,467

5. Investment income

Rents received
Dividends
Deposit account interest
Total 2020
Endowment
funds
2021
£
-
3,472
-
3,472
3,449
Restricted
funds
2021
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
£
-
880
420,244
126,343
30
604
420,274
127,827
523,626
151,819
Total
funds
2021
£
880
550,059
634
551,573
678,894
Total
funds
2020
£
785
677,376
733
678,894

6. Other incoming resources

Profit on disposal of property
Total 2020
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
-
141,826
Total
funds
2021
£
-
141,826
Total
funds
2020
£
141,826

Page 19

(A company limited by guarantee)

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Publishing
Purley Chase Centre
Ministerial
Outreach and education
Management and
administration
Total 2020
Endowment
funds
2021
£
-
-
1,068
-
2,404
3,472
3,449
Restricted
funds
2021
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
£
1,117
-
1,546
215,271
113,737
120,547
-
27,077
7,277
178,881
123,677
541,776
4,482
801,587
Total
funds
2021
£
1,117
216,817
235,352
27,077
188,562
668,925
809,518
Total
funds
2020
£
1,508
303,102
258,756
26,555
219,597
809,518

8. Other expenditure

Societies' income on CIF for the year
Societies' withdrawals from the CIF
Total 2020
Restricted
funds
2021
£
105,580
48,100
153,680
138,770
Total
funds
2021
£
105,580
48,100
153,680
138,770
Total
funds
2020
£
96,270
42,500
138,770

Page 20

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Publishing
Purley Chase Centre
Ministerial
Outreach and education
Management and administration
Total 2020
Analysis of support costs
Staff costs
Depreciation
Management and administration
Auditors remuneration
Auditors' remuneration for non-audit work
Sundries
Travel
Activities
undertaken
directly
2021
£
1,117
216,817
235,352
27,077
1,742
482,105
594,179
Support
costs
2021
£
-
-
-
-
186,820
186,820
215,339
Total
funds
2021
£
1,117
216,817
235,352
27,077
188,562
668,925
809,518
Total
funds
2021
£
64,701
62,314
45,112
6,300
6,660
893
840
186,820
Total
funds
2020
£
1,508
303,102
258,756
26,555
219,597
809,518
Total
funds
2020
£
63,162
58,480
62,169
6,600
7,200
13,664
4,064
215,339

Page 21

(A company limited by guarantee)

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

10. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes
2021
£
361,937
24,678
26,965
413,580
2020
£
374,696
24,914
26,609
426,219

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

Charitable services
Management and administration of charity
2021
No.
15
2
17
2020
No.
17
2
19

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

11. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2020 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 March 2021, expenses totalling £ 2,160 were reimbursed or paid directly to 6 Trustees (2020 - £5,244 to 6 Trustees) .

12. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 April 2020
Additions
Disposals
At 31 March 2021
Freehold
property
£
3,064,474
-
(590)
3,063,884
Plant and
machinery
£
168,668
12,599
-
181,267
Total
£
3,233,142
12,599
(590)
3,245,151

Page 22

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

12. Tangible fixed assets (continued)

Depreciation
At 1 April 2020
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 31 March 2021
Net book value
At 31 March 2021
At 31 March 2020
13.
Fixed asset investments
Valuation
At 1 April 2020
Disposals
Revaluations
At 31 March 2021
Freehold
property
£
770,647
61,290
(12)
831,925
2,231,959
2,293,827
Plant and
machinery
£
133,018
16,422
-
149,440
31,827
35,650
Total
£
903,665
77,712
(12)
981,365
2,263,786
2,329,477
Listed
investments
£
23,235,607
(114,158)
5,265,356
28,386,805

The historical cost of listed investments is £19,308,210 (2020: £19,422,368).

Page 23

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

13. Fixed asset investments (continued)

Common Investment Fund

Total listed investments include amounts held as a Common Investment Fund (CIF), whose participants are Societies and Groups affiliated with the Conference. Financial statements for the CIF are separately prepared.

Listed
investments
£
Valuation
At 1 April 2020 18,050,329
Disposals (78,867)
Revaluations 3,863,481
At 31 March 2021 21,834,943

The historical cost of listed investments held as a CIF is £14,924,404 (2020: £14,867,382).

Of the £420,274 (2020: £523,626) income generated, £419,900 (2020: £523,226) was distributed to unit holders and £374 (2020: £428) was charged as administration costs.

14. Debtors

Other debtors 2021
£
22,596
22,596
2020
£
35,968
35,968

Page 24

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
2021
£
4,028
32,083
13,080
49,191
2020
£
5,668
59,138
13,080
77,886

16. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted
funds
General Funds
Endowment
funds
Endowment
Funds
Michael Jackson
Fund
Restricted
funds
Building Project
Fund
Embsay Fund
Danjoux Fund
De Chazal Fund
Publishing Fund
Common
Investment Fund
- Capital
Balance at 1
April 2020
£
6,910,600
1,281,602
98,501
1,380,103
191,239
210,850
14,907
72,660
10,442
16,832,175
Income
£
486,569
-
3,472
3,472
-
-
-
-
-
420,274
Expenditure
£
(577,067)
-
(3,472)
(3,472)
-
(6,917)
-
-
(1,117)
(232,907)
Transfers
in/out
£
171,536
-
-
-
-
447
748
6,804
178
(307,755)
Gains/
(Losses)
£
1,381,520
268,507
20,355
288,862
-
-
-
-
-
3,594,974
Balance at
31 March
2021
£
8,373,158
1,550,109
118,856
1,668,965
191,239
204,380
15,655
79,464
9,503
20,306,761

Page 25

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

16. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - current year (continued)

Southend
Income Fund
Burnley Income
Fund
Greenhill Income
Fund
Kensington
Income Fund
Scottish
Association
Fund
Other restricted
funds
Total of funds
Balance at 1
April 2020
£
28,299
5,231
21,343
-
136,638
-
17,523,784
25,814,487
Income
£
-
-
-
-
-
10,000
430,274
920,315
Expenditure
£
-
-
-
(111,710)
-
(3,573)
(356,224)
(936,763)
Transfers
in/out
£
8,474
(5,231)
1,465
111,710
-
11,624
(171,536)
-
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,594,974
5,265,356
Balance at
31 March
2021
£
36,773
-
22,808
-
136,638
18,051
21,021,272
31,063,395

Page 26

(A company limited by guarantee)

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

16. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Heywood Fund
Preston Fund
Blackpool Fund
Woman's
League Fund
General funds
General Funds -
all funds
Total
Unrestricted
funds
Endowment
funds
Endowment
Funds
Michael Jackson
Fund
Restricted
funds
Building Project
Fund
Embsay Fund
Danjoux Fund
De Chazal Fund
Balance at
1 April 2019
£
2,190
71,000
9,000
50,699
132,889
7,590,397
7,723,286
1,377,696
101,478
1,479,174
191,239
212,890
13,918
66,587
Income
£
-
-
-
-
-
1,165,812
1,165,812
-
3,449
3,449
-
-
-
-
Expenditure
£
-
-
-
-
-
(838,250)
(838,250)
-
(3,449)
(3,449)
-
(2,614)
-
-
Transfers
in/out
£
(2,190)
(71,000)
(9,000)
(50,699)
(132,889)
(398,200)
(531,089)
-
-
-
-
573
989
6,073
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
(609,159)
(609,159)
(96,094)
(2,977)
(99,071)
-
-
-
-
Balance at
31 March
2020
£
-
-
-
-
-
6,910,600
6,910,600
1,281,602
98,501
1,380,103
191,239
210,849
14,907
72,660

Page 27

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

16. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year (continued)

Publishing Fund
Common
Investment Fund
- Capital
Southend
Income Fund
Burnley Income
Fund
Brightlingsea
Income Fund
Greenhill Income
Fund
Kensington
Income Fund
Scottish
Association
Fund
Total of funds
Balance at
1 April 2019
£
10,923
12,769,164
17,095
5,231
4,689
788
3,711
-
13,296,235
22,498,695
Income
£
-
523,626
-
-
-
-
4,961,656
136,638
5,621,920
6,791,181
Expenditure
£
(1,508)
(138,633)
-
-
-
-
(497)
-
(143,252)
(984,951)
Transfers
in/out
£
1,027
5,460,227
11,204
-
(4,689)
20,555
(4,964,870)
-
531,089
-
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
(1,782,208)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,782,208)
(2,490,438)
Balance at
31 March
2020
£
10,442
16,832,176
28,299
5,231
-
21,343
-
136,638
17,523,784
25,814,487

Page 28

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH (A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

16. Statement of funds (continued)

TRANSFERS

Transfers relate to the investing of unrestricted funds in to the Common Investment Fund and the Conference's share of distributable income.

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

The Endowment Fund is a single permanent endowment, made up principally of investments held in The Common Investment Fund in respect of closed societies and past designations.

The Michael Jackson Fund was established to contribute to the general purposes and to the cost of stipends in specified proportions.

RESTRICTED FUNDS

In addition to the Common Investment Fund detailed within the Investments note the other Restricted Funds are as follows:

The Building Project Fund is made up of funds given in trust for developments and new buildings.

The Embsay Fund was established to further the work of The New Church in the north of England. The capital element of the fund is consolidated within the Common Investment Fund.

The Danjoux Fund was established to contribute towards the provision of the services of a resident ordained priest or minister to The New Church in Mauritius. The capital element of the fund is consolidated within the Common Investment Fund.

The De Chazal Fund was established to promote and further the aims of The New Church in Mauritius and other French speaking countries. The capital element of the fund is consolidated within the Common Investment Fund.

The Publishing Fund was established from the funds of the former Missionary Society which had operated as a registered charity for the purpose of publishing New Church literature. The Charity Commission duly gave their approval for these funds to be so transferred to The General Conference of the New Church. The capital element of the fund is consolidated within the Common Investment Fund.

The Kensington Fund was established from the funds from the closure of the Kensington society and the sale of its property. The main purpose of the fund is to support the employment of ministers, Purley Chase Centre and promoting religious education of children and young people. The capital element of the fund is consolidated within the Common Investment Fund.

The Scottish Association Fund was established from the funds from the closure of the Scottish Association. The main purpose of the fund is to promote doctrines of the New Church including and publishing and distribution of documents and books. The capital element of the fund is consolidated within the Common Investment Fund.

Page 29

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

17. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year
Balance at 1
April 2020
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
General funds
6,910,600
486,569
(577,067)
Endowment
funds
1,380,103
3,472
(3,472)
Restricted funds
17,523,784
430,274
(356,224)
25,814,487
920,315
(936,763)
Summary of funds - prior year
Balance at
1 April 2019
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Designated
funds
132,889
-
-
General funds
7,590,397
1,165,812
(838,250)
Endowment
funds
1,479,174
3,449
(3,449)
Restricted funds
13,296,235
5,621,920
(143,252)
22,498,695
6,791,181
(984,951)
18.
Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
Transfers
in/out
£
171,536
-
(171,536)
-
Transfers
in/out
£
(132,889)
(398,200)
-
531,089
-
Gains/
(Losses)
£
1,381,520
288,862
3,594,974
5,265,356
Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
(609,159)
(99,071)
(1,782,208)
(2,490,438)
Balance at
31 March
2021
£
8,373,158
1,668,965
21,021,272
31,063,395
Balance at
31 March
2020
£
-
6,910,600
1,380,103
17,523,784
25,814,487
Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Endowment
funds
2021
£
-
1,668,965
-
-
1,668,965
Restricted
funds
2021
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
£
70,612
2,193,174
20,306,761
6,411,079
644,259
(182,264)
(360)
(48,831)
21,021,272
8,373,158
Total
funds
2021
£
2,263,786
28,386,805
461,995
(49,191)
31,063,395

Page 30

(A company limited by guarantee)

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

18. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Endowment
funds
2020
£
-
1,380,103
-
-
1,380,103
Restricted
funds
2020
£
73,187
16,832,535
618,422
(360)
17,523,784
Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
2,256,290
5,086,780
(354,944)
(77,526)
6,910,600
Total
funds
2020
£
2,329,477
23,299,418
263,478
(77,886)
25,814,487

19. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
(Gains)/losses on investments
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Loss/(profit) on the sale of fixed assets
Decrease in stocks
Decrease in debtors
Increase/(Decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
2021
£
5,248,908
77,712
(5,201,545)
(551,573)
578
1,044
13,372
(28,695)
(440,199)
2020
£
3,315,792
72,147
2,105,512
(678,894)
(141,826)
522
7,254
4,078
4,684,585

Page 31

THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF THE NEW CHURCH

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

20. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents
2021
£
437,031
437,031
2020
£
224,098
224,098

21. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand At 1 April
2020
£
224,098
224,098
Cash flows
£
212,933
212,933
At 31 March
2021
£
437,031
437,031

22. Related party transactions

The charity is controlled by the Board of Trustees who are considered to be the key management personnel.

The Conference is an "umbrella" organisation with 11 operational societies. It is the Custodian Trustee for all of the societies. Property is owned by 10 of the 11 operational societies. The properties held by the individual societies are not consolidated within the financial statements.

The Conference received contributions from the societies to help cover its running costs. These totalled £106,280 (2020 - £118,960).

The Conference acts as a trustee to The New Church College and receives donations from a fund held by the College, jointly with Conference. These totalled £6,536 (2020: £Nil).

The Conference acts as trustee to Broadfield and at the balance sheet date, had recognised £4,742 (2020 - £15,372) within the cash at bank figure which is held on their behalf. During the year, Broadfield received total funds of £1,070 (2020 - £1,826) from the principal and had spent total funds of £12,012 (2020 - £60) by the year end.

The Conference also administers the assets of The Common Investment Fund on behalf of its societies. The assets of this fund are held in trust separately to those of The Conference.

The Common Investment Fund holds funds for both existing and closed societies. The assets of the fund relating to existing and closed societies are included in the financial statements. Further details of these transactions are included in the Investment note.

Page 32