Changes for the Annual Returns 2026-27

Following the significant reduction in questions introduced in 2023/24, feedback has shown that although churches welcomed a simpler process, many districts felt important compliance information was no longer being captured. Thus, we have reviewed the Annual Returns process to make it easier to complete while ensuring Churches, Circuits and Districts can meet their responsibilities as managing trustees. The proposed changes to this year's Annual Returns seek to strike a better balance between reducing administrative burden and providing the information needed to support good governance. Some key changes include:

• A stronger focus on trustee responsibilities and compliance through streamlined questions covering accounts, data protection, insurance, property inspections and key legal obligations for managing trustees.
• A redesigned property section, with clearer reporting on quinquennial inspections, asbestos management, fire risk assessments and conservation matters.
• Updated Action for Hope questions for each property that will help to gather more practical information about net zero planning, renewable electricity tariffs, heating systems and onsite energy generation, while removing some less useful energy-cost questions.
• Removing the Mission and Ministry section as the data can be extracted elsewhere.

In addition, the current Word/pdf version of the Managing Trustee Annual Checklist has been transferred to an online form that can be sent directly to your District. The Word and pdf version will still be available, but it is hoped that the online form will help to simplify this process. The new format is available now. If you have any questions or concerns about the Annual Returns questions, please email onlinesuitesupport@methodistchurch.org.uk.