Com THE WIDOWS, ORPHANS AND DEPENDANTS SOCIETY OF THE CHURCH IN WALES (A company limited by guarantee)
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Company Number: 257884 Charity Number: 503271
The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales (A company limited by guarantee)
Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2023
| Pages | |
|---|---|
| Trustees of the Society and Professional Advisors | 1 |
| Annual Report | 2 - 5 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 - 9 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 10 - 13 |
The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
Trustees of the Society and Professional Advisors
Trustees of the Society
The Venerable J S Williams (Chair) The Right Reverend D P Davies (Vice Chair) The Venerable A S Grimwood The Reverend C A Owen The Reverend K I Warrington Mrs R H Crawford Mr N C P Griffin Mrs G B Knight Mr P E Lea
Honorary Secretary and Accountant Registered Office
Independent Examiner
Bankers
Mrs Louise Davies BSc, FCA, DChA 2 Callaghan Square, Cardiff, CF10 5BT Mr Simon Jones FCA, c/o 2 Callaghan Square, Cardiff, CF10 5BT Lloyds Bank, 4[th] Floor, St William House, Tresillian Terrace, Cardiff, CF10 5BH
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
Ninety-Third Annual Report
The Trustees have great pleasure in presenting their ninety-third Annual Report together with the Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2023 and the Balance Sheet as at that date. This report has been prepared in accordance with the recommendations of the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP 2015) and complies with applicable law.
Status of the Society
The Society is a company limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. The liability of each trustee is limited to an amount not exceeding £1.
The Society is governed by its Memorandum of Association.
Membership
The Trustees consist of two representatives from each diocese and are elected triennially by each of the Diocesan Boards of Finance.
The names of the Trustees who served the Society during the year and who are also directors of the Society, are given on page 1.
Objectives and Activities
The main object of the Society is to provide financial assistance to widow(er)s, orphans and dependants of deceased clergy who have previously served in the ministry of the Church in Wales. Any grants made by the Society are in addition to other financial assistance they might receive from the Representative Body, by way of pension, or from charitable sources. The Society maintains close contact with the six diocesan committees, whose members have a more personal relationship with those in their care and are aware of individual needs.
Each year the Society set minimum income levels for widow(er)s, dependants and orphans for which each diocesan committee should aim to achieve. For the year ended 31 December 2023, these levels were set at £19,105 for widow(er)s and dependants and £3,237 for orphans.
The Trustees have general powers of investment, and there are no restrictions imposed in the way in which the Society can operate other than those set out in the Trustee Act 2000.
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
Financial Review
During the year a total of £146,327 (2022: £136,698) was paid by way of grants to widow(er)s, orphans and dependants. The Statement of Financial Activities shows net outgoing resources on Unrestricted Funds of £9,574 (2022: £15,683), and £nil (2022: £nil) on the Special Trusts.
Ninety-Third Annual Report (continued)
During 2023, the Society's Unrestricted Funds assets increased from £631,291 to £683,094 and the Special Trusts assets increased from £601,907 to £661,026.
The Trustees consider the financial position of the Society to be satisfactory.
Risk Management
A key element in the care and diligence expected of the Trustees is to assess the risks affecting the company as carefully and comprehensively as possible. This obligation includes careful consideration and assessment of risks affecting the company’s assets, its financial position, and its results. The Trustees have in place a risk management system to permanently cover significant risks (ensuring suitable assessment of the risks), providing reports to the Trustees as appropriate, in order to ensure that risks are taken into account in the context of all relevant decisions. Factors carefully examined and assessed include for example, the impact of incoming resources expected to be provided by the Diocesan Societies in future periods, and the effect this is likely to have on the minimum income levels for widow(er)s, orphans and dependants.
Reserves Policy
The Society is dependent upon the six Diocesan Boards of Finance (“DBFs”) who make up the shortfall between the Society’s total annual income and the annual grants awarded to widow(er)s, orphans and dependants, which on average are approximately £100,000 per annum.
In the event that support from the DBF’s was not forthcoming, the Trustees consider that they would need a period of around 7 years to investigate alternative sources of funds. In that period, they would wish to continue the work of the Society if possible.
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
In 2021 the Trustees pledged to utilise some the reserves of the Society, and in 2021 increased the support to dioceses from £20,000 to £30,500 to assist with the grant payments to beneficiaries. This level of support was maintained in 2022 and 2023.
Accordingly, the Trustees believe that the most appropriate level of general fund reserves is in the region of £630,000.
Ninety-Third Annual Report (continued)
Acknowledgements
The Society wishes to record its appreciation for the continuing financial support it receives from the Representative Body, the Diocesan Boards of
Finance, clergy, parishes and individuals throughout the Province. The Secretary will gladly provide further information to anyone wishing to make regular contributions to the Society.
Responsibilities of the Trustees of the Society
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period.
In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business, in which case there should be supporting assumptions or qualifications as necessary.
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparing the financial statements.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Society and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Society and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Ninety-Third Annual Report (continued)
Independent Examiner
As the Society is a small company that qualifies for audit exemption under the Companies Act 2006, and the charitable company is eligible for independent
examination under the Charities Act 2011, the Trustees have opted for an independent examination of the accounts instead of an audit. The independent examiner, Mr Simon Jones, will be proposed for reappointment in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
By order of the Widows, Orphans and Dependents Society of the Church in Wales
Louise Davies
Honorary Secretary and Accountant 11 April 2024
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the Company (and its directors for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for an independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of the Company’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination, I have followed all the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.
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 believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other that any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; and
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the accounts have been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr Simon Jones FCA
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
2 Callaghan Square, Cardiff, CF10 5BT
11 April 2024
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended
31 December 2023
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
| Note Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Investments Bank Interest Diocesan Contributions Total Income Expenditure on Charitable activities 4 Total Expenditure Net expenditure before Investment gains Net (losses) / gains on investments Net movement in funds Transfer between Funds Total funds brought forward Total Funds carried forward |
General Funds Special Trusts Total 2023 General Funds Special Trusts Total 2022 £ £ £ £ £ £ 2,658 2,142 4,800 2,693 2,448 5,141 19,631 18,908 38,539 20,141 13,812 33,953 179 - 179 110 - 110 93,235 - 93,235 81,944 - 81,944 115,703 21,050 136,753 104,888 16,260 121,148 125,277 21,050 146,327 120,571 16,260 136,831 125,277 21,050 146,327 120,571 16,260 136,831 (9,574) - (9,574) (15,683) - (15,683 ) 61,377 59,119 120,496 (91,597) (299,33 4) (390,931 ) 51,803 59,119 110,922 (107,280 ) (299,334 ) (406,61 4) - - - (15,000) 15,000 - 631,291 601,90 7 1,233,19 8 753,571 886,24 1 1,639,81 2 683,094 661,02 6 1,344,~~12~~ 0 631,291 601,90 7 1,233,19 8 |
|---|---|
The net incoming resources arise wholly from continuing operations and there were no operations acquired nor disposed of during
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
the year.
The statement of financial activities incorporates the statement of total recognised gains and losses required by FRS 3. All gains and losses recognised in the year are included above. The loss for the year for Companies Act purposes comprises the net outgoing resources for the year of £9,574 (2022: £15,683) plus realised losses on investments of £nil (2022: £267,454) and was £9,574 (2022: £283,137).
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2023
| Notes Fixed assets COIF Investment Fund 5 Current assets Debtors 6 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors:amounts falling due within one year 7 Net current (liabilities)/ assets Net Assets Represented by: Funds Revaluation Reserve Total Funds 8 |
General Funds Special Trusts Total 2023 General Funds Special Trusts Total 2022 £ £ £ £ £ £ 686,268 661,026 1,347,294 624,891 601,907 1,226,798 686,268 661,026 1,347,294 624,891 601,907 1,226,798 4,688 - 4,688 10 - 10 21,232 - 21,232 14,868 - 14,868 25,920 - 25,920 14,878 - 14,878 29,094 - 29,094 8,478 - 8,478 (3,174) - (3,174) 6,400 - 6,400 683,094 611,026 1,344,120 631,291 601,907 1,233,198 322,076 126,642 448,718 331,650 126,642 458,292 361,018 534,384 895,402 299,641 475,265 774,906 683,094 661,026 1,344,120 631,291 601,907 1,233,198 |
|---|---|
For the year to 31 December 2023, the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The Trustees have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year ending 31 December 2023 in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
The financial statements on pages 7 to 13 were approved by the Trustees on 11 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
The Venerable J S Williams
Mr P E Lea
Trustees
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
Notes to the financial statements as at 31 December 2023
1. Status of the Society
The Society is a company limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. The liability of each trustee is limited to an amount not exceeding £1.
2. Accounting Policies
a. Basis of preparation
The Society has adopted the Companies Act formats to reflect the special nature of the Society’s activities. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of investment assets and are in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP 2015), the Companies Act 2006 and applicable accounting standards (FRS 102). The principle accounting policies adopted, which have been applied consistently, are set out below: -
b. Incoming resources
Interest income is fully accrued; dividends and donations are credited on the date of receipt.
c. Resources expended
Grants assigned to beneficiaries are included in the Statement of Financial Activities based on the annual grant approved and paid.
d. Investments
Investments are stated at market value based on middle prices at the balance sheet date. The Statement of Financial Activities includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year.
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
e. Funds held by the Society are: -
Unrestricted general funds – these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees.
Special trusts - these are funds that can only be used for a particular restricted purpose within the objects of the Society. Notes to the financial statements as at 31 December 2023 (continued)
3. Administrative Expenses
All administrative expenses of the Society are met by the Representative Body of the Church in Wales. No remuneration or expenses to Trustees or to the Independent Examiner was charged in arriving at net incoming resources.
4. Charitable Expenditure
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
| Grants assigned to Benefciaries: St Asaph Bangor St Davids Llandaf Monmouth Swansea and Brecon One-of Cost of Living Grants Total Grants 90thAnniversary Celebration Costs |
2023 2022 £ £ 36,601 33,646 4,000 - 32,572 35,450 31,874 9,508 25,708 23,408 15,123 11,686 145,93 8 - _ 145,93 8 389 _ 146,32 7 113,69 8 23,000 _ 136,69 8 133 _ 136,83 1 |
|---|---|
Grants were made to 227 individual beneficiaries in 2023 (2022: 230).
Notes to the financial statements as at 31 December 2023 (continued)
5. COIF Investments
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
| General | Special | Special | Total General Special |
Total General Special |
Total General Special |
Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Trusts | 2023 | Funds | Trusts | 2022 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Market value at 1 January | 624,891 | 601,907 | 1,226,798760,480 | 211,092 | 971,572 | |||
| 2023 | ||||||||
| Additions | - | - | - | - | 422,700 | 422,700 | ||
| Disposals | - | - | - | (43,992) | - | (43,992) | ||
| Net (decrease) / increase on | 61,377 | 59,1119 | 120,496 | (91,597) | (31,885) | (123,482) | ||
| revaluation | ||||||||
| Market value at 31 December | 686,268 | 661,026 | 1,347,2 | 624,891 | 601,907 | 1,226,79 | ||
| 2023 | 94 | 8 | ||||||
| Historical cost at 31 | 340,82 | 533,003 | 873,82 | 363,244 | 110,303 | 473,547 | ||
| December 2023 | 1 | 4 | ||||||
| Number of units | 227,995 | 219,610 | 447,605 | 242,995. | 67,450.1 | 310,446. | ||
| .92 | .00 | .92 | 92 | 7 | 09 |
The COIF Investments are held in the COIF Charities Ethical Investment Fund.
6. Debtors
| Accrued interest and income | 2023 2022 £ £ 4,688 10 4,688 10 |
|---|---|
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The Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales
Notes to the financial statements as at 31 December 2023 (continued)
7. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Balances due to Diocesan Committees ecial Trust Funds St Asaph Bangor St Davids Llandaf Swansea and Brecon |
2023 2022 £ £ 29 ,094 8 ,478 2023 2022 £ £ 335 306 6,201 5,645 899 819 652,923 594,528 668 609 661,0 26 601,90 7 |
|---|---|
8. Special Trust Funds
The Special Trust Funds represent legacies and bequests made to the Provincial Society where the income is to be used for the benefit of the widow(er)s, orphans and dependants of deceased clergy in a specific diocese within the Province.
9. Transactions with Related Parties
During the year Mr P Lea, the Venerable J S Williams and Mr N C P Griffin were members of both the Widows, Orphans and Dependants Society of the Church in Wales, and the Representative Body of the Church in Wales.
The Representative Body met the administrative expenses of the Society.
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