THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 802099
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
Wenn Townsend Chartered Accountants Abingdon
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
| Charity Information Trustees Report Independent Examiner’s Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements |
CONTENTS 2 3 - 6 7 8 - 9 10 11 - 18 |
|---|---|
1
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK CHARITY INFORMATION
Charity Registration Number: 802099 Address: Ambrose Cottage 9 College Lane Littlemore Oxford OX4 4LQ Trustees: Miss Ingrid Swinnen Mr Tobias Edward Bellhouse Mr Martin Deak Miss Birgit Dechant Miss Bianca Feuerstein Miss Monika Mader Dr. Andrew Nash Mr Michael George Pitt-Payne FCA Dr Paul Shrimpton Bank: Barclays Bank plc 4 Pound Way Cowley Oxford Independent Examiner: Stuart Bates FCA Wenn Townsend Victoria House 10 Broad Street Abingdon OX14 3LH
2
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Trust was founded by a deed dated 11th September 1989 and is a registered charity, number 802099. Details of trustees, main agents and advisers are set out on Page 2. The Trustees meet at least twice every year. The number of trustees is not to be less than five or more than nine. The power of appointing trustees is vested in the Superior of The Spiritual Family The Work at Littlemore, who is also a trustee of the Charity.
The Trustees receive regular updates of necessary information from the Charity Commission and other matters concerning their responsibilities and tasks as Trustees. They are regularly informed of any more important matters required in the day to day running of the Charity.
Investment Powers
The trustees have absolute discretion to invest resources as they think appropriate.
Objectives and Activities
The Society of The Work aims at ‘the advancement of religion in accordance with the principles of the Roman Catholic Faith’ by embarking on a life of committed faith in the service of the Catholic Church. In addition to an intensive prayer life for the good of the Church, it seeks to provide benefits for the public in the following ways:
-
By promoting the works and teachings of Saint John Henry Newman by means of talks, lectures, production and dissemination of relevant literature.
-
By maintaining contacts with Christians throughout the world.
-
By providing information to visitors about the life and work of Saint John Henry Newman and providing free guided tours of Newman’s College at Littlemore.
-
By providing the use of its extensive Newman library to scholars who want to study the life and works of Saint John Henry Newman.
-
By providing accommodation and facilities for individuals and groups who wish to spend time in study and prayer.
The Newman Mission provides a valuable contribution to education and culture in the area as the members of The Spiritual Family The Work assist with religious education, visiting the sick and housebound and carry out charitable works in the local parish. The Society of The Work has a 50 year lease of Newman’s College at Littlemore (starting date: 12th September 1997) which involves the care and maintenance of a building with great historical significance for the heritage of England. In addition to developing and preserving the fabric of the buildings, it has developed The College into a centre of Christian fellowship and renewal.
3
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK TRUSTEES REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
Achievements and performance
The financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2025 are set out on pages 8 to 18.
The year 2025 was very important for the development of our Charity for three reasons: Firstly, The College was a place of pilgrimage for the Holy Year 2025. Therefore, 33 % more visitors came to The College than in the previous year. There was a good cooperation with the local Catholic parish of Blessed Dominic Barberi. Many of the groups celebrated liturgical services in the parish church and used the parish hall.
Secondly, St John Henry Newman was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIV on 1 November 2025. That means, that the Catholic Church confirmed officially the eminent and universally important influence of the writings of St John Henry Newman. As well, Newman was proclaimed co-patron of the Church’s educational mission.
This declaration makes The College an even more valuable place for people from the United Kingdom and from all over the world. It already has led to an increase in the number of visitors.
And thirdly: the building works for which we had applied at Oxford City Council last year, were undergone and successfully completed: the bathrooms in Cottage 2 and Cottage 4 were renewed, Cottage 3 refurbished, double-glazed windows towards the garden installed and the library floor revarnished.
The 40 Hours of Prayer in February and the Annual Night Walk were exceptionally well attended.
The monthly Cor ad Cor meetings continued. The number of attendees increased. The Garden Party raised £ 2,010.45.
The Third Fr Ian Ker Memorial Lecture took place in the church of Blessed Dominic Barberi on 13[th] December 2025 and was given by Fr George Bowen CO, the Postulator of the Cause to make Newman a Doctor of the Church. The excellent lecture was preceded by a piano recital in Newman’s library and followed by the presentation by the book of Fr Hermann Geissler, St John Henry Newman. A New Doctor of the Church, CTS Publications. The afternoon was attended by almost 100 people, among them His Grace Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham. With this much appreciated event, we celebrated the elevation of Newman as a Doctor of the Church.
It is with regret that we need to report a serious incident: the Charity lost £ 30.500 through a financial fraud. The greater part of the money (£ 29.000) came from the restricted funds. The Trustees made various provisions to avoid such fraud in the future. The incident was reported in detail to the Charity Commission and to the police. We are glad to report that we received a listed building grant in the amount of £20,486.42. This grant is added to the restricted income.
4
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK TRUSTEES REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
Plans for the future
We plan to continue our mission of providing a facility to enable all those who are interested in the life and works of the Doctor of the Church, Saint John Henry
Newman. This involves – among many other duties - maintaining the fabric of the building and the grounds of The College in a good state of repair and providing suitable literature. We welcome visitors every day of the week (Monday to Saturday) throughout the year and on two Sundays a month during the summer. We offer guest accommodation in three well equipped self-catering Cottages.
Public Benefit
The Charity seeks to help those interested in the Christian Faith and its culture to work within a framework which leads towards a better society.
We offer help and assistance to everyone who visits the Newman College to obtain a clear understanding of the life and writings of Saint John Henry Newman. The College is open to members of the public from Monday to Saturday throughout the year and on the first and third Sunday of the month during the summer months. We offer guided tours free of charge to everyone who comes to The College and our specialised Newman Library is available to anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of Cardinal Newman. We give talks and lectures about Cardinal Newman at The College and by invitation at venues elsewhere.
We provide information on the life and writings of Cardinal Newman, on our work at The College, on the events we organise and on other matters of interest on our website www.newmanfriendsinternational.org/en/.
Our guided visits are provided free of charge and we rely on the generosity of our friends and visitors for financial support. There is no set charge for the accommodation we provide for guests who are invited to make an offering within suggested guidelines. Many visitors support us by giving more than the suggested guest offering which compensates for those who cannot give more. Our visitors and guests tell us that they derive a special benefit from the peaceful atmosphere of The College which makes a valuable contribution to their personal well-being.
Access to our chapel is available on request to anyone who wants to use this sacred space for prayer and reflection. The College with its chapel is a place much loved by individuals and groups for days of retreat. Many people come to us seeking help at difficult times in their lives and we are there to help them.
5
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK TRUSTEES REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
The weekly parish Mass in our chapel continues to take place on Friday mornings and is well attended. Some of our friends come regularly to a Holy Hour on Wednesday evenings while people staying in our guest cottages are welcome to join in the prayer life of our community. We meet at regular intervals during the day for prayer.
We maintain The College which is a listed building of great historical interest and includes a museum, a library, a tranquil garden and a chapel which are available for visits by members of the public. We have friends in Oxford from all walks of life reaching out to members of all faiths.
We visit sick and elderly people at home and in hospitals. We provide instruction to children who are preparing for First Communion in the Catholic Faith. We organise a Faith Formation Group for young people of the parish.
We seek to follow Cardinal Newman’s motto Cor ad Cor Loquitur ( Heart Speaks to Heart ) by accompanying people in their spiritual life by talking with them, by writing to them and by praying with them.
We trust that all these activities will help others to find in Jesus Christ a sense of purpose in their lives and to find fulfilment and joy in their relationship with other people and in their involvement in the wider community.
Reserves policy and risk management
The Society of the Work relies on the generosity of its friends and benefactors to maintain sufficient income to support its day to day expenditure and the cost of routine maintenance. In a number of recent years, the income received from friends and visitors has been insufficient to cover these costs and it is only as a result of some generous legacies from benefactors that the trust has been able to remain solvent and to build up its current level of reserves.
The College is an old building with uncertain maintenance requirements and the trustees are of the opinion that the current reserves are needed to meet future maintenance costs and to provide investment income to offset any shortfalls in the level of voluntary income.
Approved by the trustees on 21[st] March 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Birgit Dechant
6
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] December 2025 which are set out on pages 8 to 18.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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.
Stuart J Bates FCA ……….. 2026
Wenn Townsend Victoria House 10 Broad Street Abingdon OX14 3LH
7
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
| Notes INCOME: Voluntary Income 3 Income from investments 4 Charitable Activities 5 Income from donations and legacies 6 Total income EXPENDITURE: Charitable Activities 7 Raising Funds 8 Extraordinary Items 9 Total expenditure Net Income/(Expenditure) before Transfer Transfer between funds Net Movement Reconciliation of funds Fund balances brought forward Fund balances carried forward |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total Funds 2025 2024 £ £ 41,513 - 41,513 31,156 4,883 1,114 5,997 11,123 3,908 - 3,908 2,501 - 20,483 20,483 - |
|---|---|
| 50,304 21,597 71,901 44,780 |
|
| 72,064 133,170 205,234 108,584 1,120 - 1,120 1,170 1,500 29,000 30,500 - |
|
| 74,684 162,170 236,854 109,754 |
|
| (24,380) (140,573) (164,953) (64,974) - - - - |
|
| (24,380) (140,573) (164,953) (64,974) 370,414 160,284 530,698 595,672 |
|
| 346,034 19,711 365,745 530,698 |
8
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31[ST] DECEMBER 2024 (COMPARATIVE FIGURES)
| Notes INCOME: Voluntary Income Income from investments Charitable Activities Other Income Total income EXPENDITURE: Charitable Activities Raising Funds Total expenditure Net Income/(Expenditure) before Transfer Transfer between funds Net Movement Reconciliation of funds Fund balances brought forward Fund balances carried forward |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total Funds £ 31,156 - 31,156 7,166 3,957 11,123 2,501 - 2,501 - - - |
|---|---|
| 40,823 3,957 44,780 |
|
| 105,456 3,128 108,584 1,170 - 1,170 |
|
| 106,626 3,128 109,754 |
|
| (65,803) 829 (64,974) - - - |
|
| (65,803) 829 (64,974) 436,217 159,455 595,672 |
|
| 370,414 160,284 530,698 |
9
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
| Notes Fixed assets 11 Current assets Stock Debtors 12 Cash at bank Cash in hand Cash in transit Current liabilities Creditors:due within one year 13 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets The funds of the charity: Unrestricted funds 16 Restricted funds 17 Total charity funds |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2025 Prior Year 2024 £ £ £ 234,606 - 234,606 239,452 1,970 - 1,970 2,533 3,048 - 3,048 11,980 103,745 19,711 123,456 276,876 1,210 - 1,210 1,087 2,841 - 2,841 - |
|---|---|
| 112,814 19,711 132,525 292,476 1,386 - 1,386 1,230 |
|
| 111,428 19,711 131,139 291,246 |
|
| 346,034 19,711 365,745 530,698 |
|
| 346,034 19,711 365,745 530,698 |
|
| 346,034 - 317,034 370,414 - 19,711 48,711 160,284 |
|
| 346,034 19,711 366,745 530,698 |
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 21[st] March 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
…………………………. Andrew Nash, Trustee
10
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
1. Accounting policies
General information
The Society of the Work is a charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page 2 of these financial statements.
The charity’s main purpose is that of a public benefit entity.
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the charities Act 2011, the church accounting regulations 2006 and with the Regulations’ “true and fair view” provisions, together with FRS102 (2016) as the applicable accounting standard and the 2019 version of the statement of recommended practice, accounting and reporting by charities (SORP (FRS 102)).
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity and rounded to the nearest £.
Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
Judgement and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
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 cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific funds.
11
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
Freehold property
The freehold property is shown at its market value on 10[th] July 1987, the date it was transferred to the charity. No depreciation is provided on the property as, in the opinion of the trustees, its useful life is extended indefinitely by maintenance work carried out.
Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on other tangible assets to write off their cost or valuation over their estimated useful lives. The following basic rates have been applied:
Kitchen and household equipment 30% reducing balance Garden equipment 12.5% straight line Office equipment 20% reducing balance Furniture and fittings 20% reducing balance Motor vehicles 30% reducing balance Bicycle 40% reducing balance Visitors’ amenities 20% reducing balance
Depreciation is not charged on items purchased for the Newman Library as, in the opinion of the Trustees, these items are used within the Society for an indefinite period and their residual value is at least cost price.
Gifted assets
Gifts of significant fixed assets are capitalised and shown in the appropriate fixed assets category. The value of such assets is included in income in the period in which the gift is received.
Stock
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price.
Financial instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
12
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.
Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost
Voluntary income
Donations and gifts are recognised on receipt by the charity. Income from legacies is accounted for as soon as the Trustees are notified of the Charity’s legal entitlement and of the amount due.
Expenditure and liabilities
Expenditure is accounted for at the time the liability is incurred.
2. Appeal
On 2[nd] April 2001, the Board of Trustees decided to change the 1997-2000 Appeal to an ongoing appeal as the target of £150,000 had not been met. The appeal is aimed at raising general funds for the Society and is therefore not restricted in nature.
3. Voluntary Income
| Gifts and donations Gift Aid Appeal |
2025 £ 22,154 15,839 3,520 41,513 |
2024 £ 17,011 12,795 1,350 |
|---|---|---|
| 31,156 |
4. Investment Income
| Bank Interest (Unrestricted) Bank Interest (Restricted) |
2025 £ 4,883 1,114 5,997 |
2024 £ 7,166 3,957 |
|---|---|---|
| 11,123 |
5. Incoming resources from Charitable Activities (all unrestricted)
| Bookstall | 2025 £ 3,908 3,908 |
2024 £ 2,501 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,501 |
13
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
6. Income from Donations and Legacies
| 6. Income from Donations and Legacies | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grants (Restricted) 7. Charitable Activities Bookstall Donations & Gift Chapel Library & Museum Community subsistence Upkeep of cottages and gardens: Upkeep and restoration (Unrestricted) Upkeep and restoration (Restricted) Running costs Council tax Insurance Hospitality Gardens (Unrestricted) Equipment depreciation Administration Cost: Administration and office equipment Telephone and postage Stationery Printing Bank charges Furniture depreciation Vehicle depreciation Independent Examiners Remuneration (note 10) 8. Raising funds(all unrestricted) Fundraising Expenditure Telephone and postage Stationery |
2025 £ 20,483 20,483 2025 £ 3,062 1,421 2,316 1,030 22,762 2,567 133,170 12,565 6,752 5,450 331 1,248 723 2,713 1,767 262 1,003 147 1,731 2,392 1,824 205,236 2025 £ 105 884 131 1,120 |
2024 £ - |
||
| - | ||||
| 2024 £ 1,496 2,547 2,325 1,062 47,195 12,688 3,128 12,043 6,285 5,354 139 1,580 930 1,964 1,679 368 570 170 2,170 3,403 1,488 108,584 2024 £ 147 839 184 1,170 |
||||
14
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
9. Extraordinary Items
The charity was a victim of fraud during the accounting period for balances totalling £30,500. This was irrecoverable.
| Unrestricted Funds 2025 £ Extraordinary Items 1,500 1,500 0. Independent Examiners Remuneration Independent Examiners Remuneration Other services (Including VAT at 20%) |
Unrestricted Funds 2025 £ 1,500 |
Restricted Funds 2025 £ 29,000 |
Total 2025 £ 30,500 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 | 29,000 | 30,500 | |
| 2025 £ 340 1,484 1,824 |
2024 £ 324 1,164 |
||
| 1,488 |
10. Independent Examiners Remuneration
11. Fixed assets
| Cost 1 January 2025 Additions Disposals 31 December 2025 Depreciation 1 January 2025 Charge for year On disposals 31 December 2025 Net book value 31 December 2025 31 December 2024 |
Freehold Tools and Furniture Vehicles TOTAL Equipment & Fittings 179,525 27,661 96,017 15,999 319,202 - - - - - - - - - - |
|---|---|
| 179,525 27,661 96,017 15,999 319,202 |
|
| - 24,346 47,340 8,064 79,750 - 718 1,736 2,393 4,847 - - - - - |
|
| - 25,064 49,076 10,457 84,597 |
|
| 179,525 2,597 46,941 5,542 234,606 |
|
| 179,525 3,315 48,677 7,935 239,452 |
15
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
12 . Debtors
| Tax recoverable Other Debtors 13.Creditors Accruals |
2025 £ 3,048 - 3,048 2025 £ 1,386 1,386 |
2024 £ 2,621 9,359 |
|---|---|---|
| 11,980 | ||
| 2024 £ 1,230 |
||
| 1,230 |
14. Trustees Expenses and Remunerations
The trustees received no expenses and no remuneration from the Charity. The trustees who are also members of the Community and live at Littlemore receive subsistence in common with all the members of the Spiritual Family. The Work in the normal course of the Community’s life.
15. Related Party Transactions
There were no transactions with related parties during the period under review (2024: None)
16. Funds reconciliation
Unrestricted funds
| nrestricted funds | |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds |
01/01/2025 Income Expenditure Transfers 31/12/2025 £ £ £ £ £ 370,414 50,304 (74,684) - 346,034 |
| 01/01/2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 31/12/2024 £ £ £ £ £ 436,217 40,823 (106,626) - 370,414 |
16
THE SOCIETY OF THE WORK
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31[ST] DECEMBER 2025
Restricted funds
The M Hake Legacy Fund represents amounts received from Mr Hake for the repair, maintenance, restoration or enhancement of the fabric and facilities of Newman’s College at Littlemore.
The Listed Place of Worship grant represents a grant received to get a refund for the VAT of the costs of the Building Work that took place in The College in the first months of 2025.
| M Hake Legacy Listed Place of Worship Grant M Hake Legacy |
01/01/2025 Income Expenditure Transfers 31/12/2025 £ £ £ £ £ 160,284 1,114 (141,687) - 19,711 - 20,483 (20,483) - - 160,284 21,597 (162,170) - 19,711 01/01/2024 Income Expenditure Transfers 31/12/2024 £ £ £ £ £ 159,455 3,957 (3,128) - 160,284 |
|---|---|
17. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Funds balances at 31st December 2025 Tangible fixed asset Net current asset Funds balances at 31st December 2024 Tangible fixed asset Net current asset |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ 234,606 - 234,606 111,428 19,711 131,139 |
|---|---|
| 346,034 19,711 365,745 |
|
| Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total £ £ £ 239,452 - 239,452 130,962 160,284 291,246 |
|
| 370,414 160,284 530,698 |
17
18. Financial commitments
Financial commitments not included in the Balance Sheet amount to £nil (2024: £87,430). This was for the balance on renovation work to the Cottages which was completed during the financial year.
18