Market Manager’s Report
Costas Benopoulos-Jones, our Market Manager, presented his report. The PCC discussed challenges that the market had faced during 2017, which included the change of the Tuesday market from antiques to food, the increase in Business Rates and general financial challenges. Notwithstanding these, the market had had a successful year, contributing to the daily life around the site and making a significant financial contribution towards St James’s running costs. Looking ahead, the PCC discussed initiatives to further improve upon the success of the market during 2018, and noted that external strategic advice was being obtained to assist in forward planning.
Head Verger’s Report
Chris Davies, our Head Verger, presented his report. The PCC discussed ongoing challenges involved in the management of homeless guests in the Church, noting with concern a general increase in the number of instances of anti-social behaviour. Operational practices for the oversight of this activity and on-site security were to be reviewed by the management and staff team. The PCC stressed concern for the continued wellbeing and safeguarding of staff and made a number of suggestions for consideration.
International Group Breakfast
The PCC welcomed Brian Curnew (International Group Breakfast leader) and Ruth Edmonds (Pastoral Assistant), who provided a report on the IGB. The PCC reviewed attendance data and commended the regular positive support that the IGB provides for refugees, as part of St James’s wider strategy for refuges support. Practical limitations and challenges associated with the further strengthening and future growth of this provision were also discussed, with a strong focus on maintaining the safe space that the IGB provides for its guests.
Management Accounts
The PCC perused the management accounts for the twelve months to 31st December 2017, noting the reasons for variances to budget in relation to individual items and the overall satisfactory outcome for the year. No material adjustments were anticipated, and the final Report & Accounts for the year would be presented to the next PCC meeting for approval prior to going forward for presentation to the APCM. The PCC noted that a more favourable positive outcome than forecast had been achieved, due to some unexpected items, but also that the surplus would need to be used towards the cost of essential maintenance and repairs including those highlighted in the recent Quinquennial Inspection of the site. In anticipation of this, the PCC agreed that the final surplus should be allocated for the time being to the appropriate reserves to meet these costs.
Away Giving Policy and Guidelines
The PCC approved an updated policy and set of guidelines for St James’s Away Giving programme for 2018, through which St James’s supports a number of organisations and projects, nominated by members of the congregation following the APCM, that are aligned to St James’s own objectives, with a strong commitment to social justice within and beyond the UK.
Biblical Literacy and Camino Programme updates
The PCC received updates on these two important aspects of St James’s Strategic Plan, commending both programmes and noting in particular the detailed content of the Camino programme that was provided.
Archdeacon visitation Monday 5th February 2018
The PCC discussed plans and preparations for the forthcoming triennial visitation, to be carried out by Father Paul Thomas, Area Dean of Paddington and Acting Archdeacon for the Two Cities.
BBC Radio 4 Daily Service 90th Anniversary broadcasts
The PCC discussed plans for participation by St James’s in the forthcoming series of broadcasts, which would include opportunities for members of the St James’s congregation to participate through reading a prayer, readings, singing hymns and playing music.
Communion Assistants
The PCC noted a review of members of the St James’s congregation licenced to serve as Communion Assistants and approved an application to the Bishop for new licence certificates.
Other matters
The PCC received for information and discussed/noted:
Costas Benopoulos-Jones, our Market Manager, presented his report. The PCC discussed challenges that the market had faced during 2017, which included the change of the Tuesday market from antiques to food, the increase in Business Rates and general financial challenges. Notwithstanding these, the market had had a successful year, contributing to the daily life around the site and making a significant financial contribution towards St James’s running costs. Looking ahead, the PCC discussed initiatives to further improve upon the success of the market during 2018, and noted that external strategic advice was being obtained to assist in forward planning.
Head Verger’s Report
Chris Davies, our Head Verger, presented his report. The PCC discussed ongoing challenges involved in the management of homeless guests in the Church, noting with concern a general increase in the number of instances of anti-social behaviour. Operational practices for the oversight of this activity and on-site security were to be reviewed by the management and staff team. The PCC stressed concern for the continued wellbeing and safeguarding of staff and made a number of suggestions for consideration.
International Group Breakfast
The PCC welcomed Brian Curnew (International Group Breakfast leader) and Ruth Edmonds (Pastoral Assistant), who provided a report on the IGB. The PCC reviewed attendance data and commended the regular positive support that the IGB provides for refugees, as part of St James’s wider strategy for refuges support. Practical limitations and challenges associated with the further strengthening and future growth of this provision were also discussed, with a strong focus on maintaining the safe space that the IGB provides for its guests.
Management Accounts
The PCC perused the management accounts for the twelve months to 31st December 2017, noting the reasons for variances to budget in relation to individual items and the overall satisfactory outcome for the year. No material adjustments were anticipated, and the final Report & Accounts for the year would be presented to the next PCC meeting for approval prior to going forward for presentation to the APCM. The PCC noted that a more favourable positive outcome than forecast had been achieved, due to some unexpected items, but also that the surplus would need to be used towards the cost of essential maintenance and repairs including those highlighted in the recent Quinquennial Inspection of the site. In anticipation of this, the PCC agreed that the final surplus should be allocated for the time being to the appropriate reserves to meet these costs.
Away Giving Policy and Guidelines
The PCC approved an updated policy and set of guidelines for St James’s Away Giving programme for 2018, through which St James’s supports a number of organisations and projects, nominated by members of the congregation following the APCM, that are aligned to St James’s own objectives, with a strong commitment to social justice within and beyond the UK.
Biblical Literacy and Camino Programme updates
The PCC received updates on these two important aspects of St James’s Strategic Plan, commending both programmes and noting in particular the detailed content of the Camino programme that was provided.
Archdeacon visitation Monday 5th February 2018
The PCC discussed plans and preparations for the forthcoming triennial visitation, to be carried out by Father Paul Thomas, Area Dean of Paddington and Acting Archdeacon for the Two Cities.
BBC Radio 4 Daily Service 90th Anniversary broadcasts
The PCC discussed plans for participation by St James’s in the forthcoming series of broadcasts, which would include opportunities for members of the St James’s congregation to participate through reading a prayer, readings, singing hymns and playing music.
Communion Assistants
The PCC noted a review of members of the St James’s congregation licenced to serve as Communion Assistants and approved an application to the Bishop for new licence certificates.
Other matters
The PCC received for information and discussed/noted:
- A report from Lia Shimada on her PCC liaison role with Alternatives
- Plans for the 2018 APCM
- The minutes of the Health & Safety Committee meeting of 23rd November 2017
- The minutes of the Liturgy Group meeting of 29th November 2017
- The minutes of the Audit Committee meeting of 27th November 2017.
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