British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 

Registered Charity No: England and Wales: 1044071 Scotland: SC040701 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 

**31 DECEMBER 2024** 



## British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 

## Contents 

||**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Trustees and Advisors**|**1**|
|**Trustees' report**|**3**|
|**Auditor’s Report**|**15**|
|**Group Statement of Financial Activities**|**19**|
|**Charity Statement of Financial Activities**|**20**|
|**Charity and Group Balance Sheet**|**21**|
|**Statement of Group Cash Flow**|**22**|
|**Notes to the fnancial statements**|**23**|





British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 

Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 

## Trustees 

Pastor E B Brooks (Chairperson) A Keough (From 1 Sep 2024) Pastor J C Surridge (Secretary, resigned 13 Jun 2024)   Pastor G Kumi (resigned 11 Sep 2024) Mr W Aguiar (Treasurer) Pastor A Lawrence (From 18 Jan 2024) Pastor J Adamovic Mr C Lethbridge Pastor G Allcock Mr F Mahlangu Pastor K Andrasi Mrs H Mathieu Mrs P F Asamoah Mrs N Ninvalle Pastor N Barrett Pastor Steve Palmer (From 19 Sep 2024) Mr D Billett Mrs S Platt-McDonald Pastor J Botha Mrs D Rancic Pastor P Chenjerai Miss E Sanguesa Dr S Currow Pastor D Serb (resigned 31 Aug 2024) Dr E P Dorairaj Pastor K Thomas Mrs L S Flemmings-Danquah Pastor J Venter (From 13 June 2024) Mr A Gardiner Pastor M Walker Pastor K Johns (Resigned 31 Sep 2024) Mr S A Walters Mr D Johnson 

## Registered Charity Numbers 

England & Wales 1044071 Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland 1044071-2 Scotland 1044071-3 and SC040701 Wales 1044071-1 

## Principal Office 

British Union Conference, Stanborough Park, WATFORD, WD25 9JZ 

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British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists 

|Auditors<br>Moore Kingston Smith LLP<br>4 Victoria Square<br>ST ALBANS, AL1 3TF|Bankers<br>HSBC Bank plc<br>73 High Street<br>WATFORD, WD17 2DS|
|---|---|
|Solicitors<br>Anthony Collins LLP<br>134 Edmund Street<br>BIRMINGHAM, B3 2ES|Solicitors<br>Penman Sedgwick LLP<br>5 George Street<br>WATFORD, WD18 0SQ|
|Pension Scheme Advisors<br>(Actuarial & Administrative)<br>Barnett Waddingham LLP<br>Decimal Place, Chiltern Avenue<br>AMERSHAM, HP6 5FG|Pension Scheme Advisors<br>(Solicitors)<br>Sacker & Partners LLP<br>20 Gresham St<br>LONDON, EC2V 7JE|



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British Union Conference – Trustees’ Annual Report – Year Ended 31 December 2024 

## Trustees’ Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 

The Trustees submit their annual report and the audited financial statements of the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (the Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024. The Trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the Charity comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the Charity’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP2015) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in July 2014. They have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. The Trustees confirm that they have sought to comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. 

## Structure, Governance and Management 

## Constitution 

The constitution currently in force was last amended on 22 October 2021. 

## Method of Appointment or Election of Trustees 

The management of the Charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and coopted under the terms of the constitution. 

## Policies Adopted for the Induction and Training of Trustees 

New trustees are provided with electronic copies of the Charity’s constitution, its Policy Book and Education Handbook, Pension Plan Explanatory Booklet and minutes of the executive committee meetings for the current year. In addition, each trustee receives a copy of the Charity Commission document “The essential trustee – what you need to know, what you need to do” and the regular Charity Commission Newsletters. In addition, Trustees are provided with regular bulletins from the Churches Legislative Advisory Service. 

In as much as the majority of new trustees start their term of office at the commencement of each new quinquennium the primary induction is provided at the first meeting of the quinquennium, with further support during the term of office. For the current trustees this induction took place over the weekend of 5 to 7 November 2021 at the De Vere Staverton Park Conference Centre. 

## Organisational Structure and Decision Making 

The Charity is the principal administrative body of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. It generally works in harmony with the policies of the Church’s international office of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the Trans-European Division, situated in St Albans, Hertfordshire. 

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British Union Conference – Trustees’ Annual Report – Year Ended 31 December 2024 

Within its territory, the Charity carries out its objects both directly and through related organisations. Principally the latter consist of three ‘Missions’ in Ireland, Scotland and Wales respectively (all branches of and financially dependent upon it), two ‘Conferences’ in North and South England respectively (both registered charities in their own right and financially selfsupporting). 

Within these latter organisations the objects are pursued mainly through a network of local churches which are heavily dependent upon a large pool of voluntary lay support. 

Additionally, specialised aspects of the Charity’s purposes are performed on its behalf by a number of subsidiary organisations. 

## Related Organisations 

The following subsidiary organisations have carried out certain aspects of its operations: 

- Adventist Development and Relief Agency – UK (Humanitarian agency for development and disaster relief) 

- House of Natural Foods Ltd. (Sale of natural foods) 

- Seventh-day Adventist Association Ltd (Titular owner of the Charity’s land & buildings) 

- Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ireland (SDACI) 

- Seventh-day Adventist Trust Company (Executor for Charity members) 

- Stanborough Press Ltd (Publishers) 

- Stanborough Schools (One Primary and One Secondary School) 

## Reporting Serious Incidents 

The Trustees continue to assess the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks. There was one serious incident reported to the Charity Commission, regarding potential reputational damage as it relates to a historical safeguarding incident in one of our conferences, the South England Conference . 

## Safeguarding 

Through the activities of local congregations and the Youth, Family and Children’s Ministries departments the Charity works with children and has a safeguarding policy and a procedure for DBS Disclosure applications for employees and volunteers working with children and also for those working with vulnerable adults. 

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British Union Conference – Trustees’ Annual Report – Year Ended 31 December 2024 

## Objectives and Activities 

## Policies and Objectives 

The Charity has adopted the following objectives in pursuit of its mission to proclaim the everlasting gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to teach the commandments of God as the supreme rule of life and to encourage people to become His disciples and responsible members of the Church and to support charitable and humanitarian work which is in harmony with the doctrines and principles of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: 

- Create a strong evangelistic vision in regional offices, institutions and local congregations. 

- Create and sustain an efficient pastoral team that will help to fulfil the mission of the Church. 

- Develop diverse yet inclusive faith communities that are sensitive to the needs of their local communities. 

## Strategies for Achieving Objectives 

In summary the strategies used to achieve the above objectives have been to: 

- Provide financial, policy and administrative support to regional and institutional offices and boards. 

- Provide financial, policy and administrative support to a programme of Christian education that will prepare children and young people for service to God and society at large. 

- Develop the Adventist Discovery Centre correspondence school as an effective and significant distance learning resource. 

- Support regional offices and local churches with training and resources in the areas of children, family, women, youth, pastoral and personal ministries and health. 

## Achievements and Performance 

During 2024 the Church experienced growth in church membership in all its regional sections and at the year-end registered a total of 1,120 accessions through baptism and a further 353 by profession of faith. Total net growth for the year was 2,043, taking the membership figure at 31 December 2024 to 44,670. 

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British Union Conference – Trustees’ Annual Report – Year Ended 31 December 2024 

## Review of Activities 

The Seventh-day Adventist Church congregational activities that take place, in the 314 churches and 117 smaller congregations, seek to provide public benefit by the advancement of religion 

through a variety of centres for weekly worship services, prayer meetings and other programmes that are open to the local communities in which they are located. Depending on the size and resources of the local congregation these activities include weekly family worship, Bible study classes for all age ranges from infancy to adult, prayer meetings, and Adventurer, Pathfinder and senior citizen clubs, health awareness events and family support programmes. These local congregational activities are supported from the regional and national headquarters through various departmental training events, activity programmes, personnel support and resource provision. 

Some of the support provided from national headquarters is outlined below, by department: 

## Adventist Community Services 

The Adventist Community Services (ACS) department served as a vital conduit for compassion, inclusion, and practical outreach across the Union in 2024. Guided by values such as adaptability, human dignity, and non-judgement, the department undertook interventions that addressed urgent needs while fostering spiritual and social wellbeing. 

## **Spiritual Support and Nurture** 

ACS sustained weekly faith-based WhatsApp reflections and Zoom sessions aimed at nurturing hope and resilience. Bereavement support continued to grow, with the distribution of C.O.M.F.O.R.T books and bespoke Bereavement Care Ministry Boxes to churches and individuals. Christian counselling referrals and access to prayer networks were also expanded. 

## **Community Outreach and Crisis Response** 

In response to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, ACS collaborated with local churches and agencies to deliver food, clothing, and household essentials. Programmes such as SHARE and LAYERS were expanded, and ACS partnered with One Vision to support Ukrainian refugees and the homeless. A strong emphasis was placed on wholistic health and social justice through seminars and keynote speaking engagements. 

## **Training and Leadership Development** 

Whole-church and leader-specific training was carried out on topics like bereavement care, food hygiene, and community initiative evaluation. The 'Community Connectors' project was launched to empower local leaders in outreach and faith-based leadership. 

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British Union Conference – Trustees’ Annual Report – Year Ended 31 December 2024 

## **Resources Produced** 

The department updated Young Adults Resource Packs (YARP), spiritual nurture cards, and redesigned its Christmas brochure. It also disseminated culturally relevant health awareness materials and expanded resource boxes to enhance church-led outreach. 

## Adventist Discovery Centre (ADC) 

The Adventist Discovery Centre (ADC), the British Union Conference’s (BUC) Bible correspondence school and resource centre, experienced remarkable growth and innovation in 2024. Offering over 20 Bible, health, archaeology, and faith courses via print and digital platforms, the ADC continued its mission to provide accessible Christian education across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. 

## **Programme Expansion and Reach** 

A significant highlight of the year was the surge in total registrations, which rose from 283 in 2023 to 715 in 2024. This was primarily driven by the online format, with 578 registrations compared to 137 by post. Enrolments also reached a record 724, demonstrating increased engagement across the board. 

The number of course completions climbed to 204, split between 105 in print and 99 online. Although the print format maintained a high completion rate of 68%, the online rate, while still lower at 17%, showed considerable improvement from previous years. 

## **FreeBible Programme and Resource Distribution** 

The FreeBible initiative continued to expand, with 983 Bibles distributed in 2024, up 71% from the previous year. This programme has become a vital entry point for many individuals exploring Christian faith. 

## **Operational Output and Future Plans** 

The total number of lessons delivered and marked rose to 4,204, a 79% increase year-on-year. Looking ahead, the ADC will continue investing in online course development and marketing, while also supporting evangelistic efforts with new resources and digital engagement strategies. 

## Children’s Ministries 

The Children’s Ministries Department played a vital role in nurturing the spiritual, emotional, and physical development of children throughout the BUC in 2024. Central to its operations was a year-long campaign preparing for the phased launch of the new 'Alive in Jesus' curriculum, set to replace the longstanding GraceLink series. 

## **Training and Curriculum Rollout** 

Extensive training was delivered both in-person and online, targeting leaders across the BUC. The first phase of the curriculum rollout focused on the 0–3-year age groups. The GraceLink curriculum continued to support children’s engagement through its accessible, value-based lessons. 

## **Community Engagement and VBS Programmes** 

The department actively supported Vacation Bible Schools (VBS), which offered creative, weeklong programmes blending spiritual teaching with play, art, and storytelling. These initiatives significantly boosted local church interaction with children from the wider community. 

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British Union Conference – Trustees’ Annual Report – Year Ended 31 December 2024 

## **Annual Events and Safeguarding** 

Designated Children’s Ministries Sabbaths were observed BUC-wide, with tailored resources provided to churches. In partnership with Family Ministries, the department continued to lead in safeguarding education and policy implementation across all missions. 

## Communication and Media 

The Communication and Media Department provided essential strategic and operational support across the Union during 2024. In addition to regular content creation and outreach, the team was tested by significant media interest arising from legacy safeguarding issues. 

## **Media Training and Engagement** 

Media training was delivered to BUC administrators, departmental directors, and regional leaders to enhance confidence and consistency in external communications. The department also facilitated media response protocols during sensitive periods, particularly relating to safeguarding matters reported in the national press. 

## **Content Production and Strategic Messaging** 

The department produced high-quality multimedia content such as the "State of the Union" video series, the "Hope Restored" testimonies, and the stewardship-themed "God First" videos. IN2G, a popular youth-focused programme, featured discussions on mental health and spirituality. 

## **Publications and Newsletter** 

The weekly newsletter, distributed to nearly 6,000 recipients, showcased stories from churches, promoted events, and fostered a sense of community. Despite the cancellation of a planned health documentary, other initiatives moved forward including studio upgrades to enhance future production capacity. 

## **Forward Plans** 

Looking ahead, the department plans to upgrade crisis communication strategies, foster closer 

collaboration across Union entities and expand the reach of its digital platforms. 

## Education 

The BUC Education Department navigated a year of opportunity and looming uncertainty due to political and economic developments. A primary concern in 2024 was the confirmation of a 20% VAT on independent school fees starting January 2025, with associated losses of tax relief threatening the viability of small faith-based schools. 

## **Advocacy and School Resilience** 

Following the Labour Government’s October budget, schools under BUC were prompted to engage MPs, advocate for faith education, and brace for financial strain. While some independent schools nationwide prepared for closure, Adventist institutions remained operational, albeit with uncertain enrolment forecasts. 

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British Union Conference – Trustees’ Annual Report – Year Ended 31 December 2024 

## **Academic Enrichment and Events** 

The department hosted training for headteachers on mental health and prepared for AAA inspections. Stanborough Secondary School saw significant success, including participation in the EXSEED STEM programme at Loma Linda University, ~*~ where students collaborated on original research projects. 

## **School Development and Inspection** 

SDA schools remained focused on improving Ofsted and ISI inspection results. A strategic emphasis on raising spiritual and academic standards continued, 

with leadership advocating for a multi-academy trust model to potentially mitigate financial pressures. 

## **Marketing and Accessibility** 

Education marketing improved slightly within the Church. The potential reopening of Stanborough's boarding facility was a focal point, aiming to broaden accessibility to Adventist secondary education. 

## Family Ministries 

Family Ministries focused on strengthening families and church communities through a robust mix of training, policy development, and emotional wellbeing initiatives in 2024. 

## **Safeguarding Developments** 

The year was marked by heightened safeguarding activities, especially in response to a nationally publicised non-recent abuse case. The department updated the 'Safeguarding Our Church' policy and launched new awareness resources including posters, leaflets, and personal guidance cards. A Serious Incident Review Committee was also established. 

## **Training & Leadership Development** 

A six-week online leadership course trained 33 participants, covering core subjects such as spiritual parenting, effective communication, and relational resilience. Additional workshops were provided on marriage preparation, using the Prepare-Enrich framework. 

## **Emotional and Relational Wellbeing** 

The department promoted emotional health during 'Christian Home and Marriage Week' and 'Family Togetherness Week.' Resources were disseminated throughout the year, supporting both preventative and restorative relational health. 

## **Collaboration and Publications** 

Family Ministries worked closely with Cornerstone Counselling Services and published the monthly 'BUC Family' newsletter. Regular articles also appeared in the Messenger magazine to highlight ongoing efforts in family wellbeing and safeguarding. 

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British Union Conference – Trustees’ Annual Report – Year Ended 31 December 2024 

## Health Ministries 

Health Ministries played a vital role in promoting holistic health within church and community settings during 2024. With growing interest in lifestyle medicine, mental health, and pandemic recovery, the department provided strategic leadership and relevant resources. 

## **Education and Prevention** 

The department delivered seminars on physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. A particular focus was placed on grief recovery and supporting those 

dealing with post-pandemic trauma. Articles on health were published regularly in church media. 

## **Partnerships and Collaboration** 

Collaboration with the NHS and local health authorities enabled the Church to participate in initiatives addressing disparities in healthcare access among BAME populations. Health expos, screenings, and wellness campaigns were hosted by churches with departmental guidance. 

## **Community Engagement** 

Practical tools such as health-themed Sabbath =| rt Ponarrsne: rtf resources and workshop materials were distributed across local congregations. Special attention was given to dietary education, fitness, and chronic disease prevention through faith-based health promotion. 

## Ministerial Association 

The Ministerial Association continued to support pastoral effectiveness and spiritual growth across the Union. Its programming in 2024 combined leadership development with interpersonal care and theological enrichment. 

## **Training and Events** 

A major highlight was the European Pastors’ Council in Serbia, attended by BUC ministers for reflection and training. The Ministerial Training Advisory Committee (MinTAC) met four times to plan strategic ministerial growth and develop training materials. 

## **Pastoral Support** 

The department led the annual induction for new pastors and coordinated multiple church visits to support ministers in their roles. It maintained a focus on strengthening pastoral families and addressed challenges related to spiritual burnout. 

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British Union Conference – Trustees’ Annual Report – Year Ended 31 December 2024 

## **Engagement with Newbold College** 

Ministerial staff interviewed theology students at Newbold College, providing career guidance and pathways to future ministry roles. 

## Possibility Ministries 

Possibility Ministries continued to challenge societal and ecclesiastical assumptions about disability, loss, and difference, promoting inclusive theology and practice throughout 2024. 

## **Education and Awareness** 

The department created and disseminated training modules on topics such as autism, neurodiversity, bereavement, and disability in the Bible. These were used in workshops and seminars for pastors and local churches. 

## **Advocacy and Inclusion** 

Possibility Ministries promoted the inherent dignity of all individuals, regardless of physical, cognitive, or emotional differences. It empowered local churches to adapt programming and facilities to be more welcoming and supportive of members with unique needs. 

## **Support Materials** 

Practical resources included guidance for carers, grief recovery literature, and pastoral care tools. These materials were regularly updated and distributed Union-wide. 

## Stewardship Ministries 

Reactivated in mid-2024, the Stewardship Department began a revitalisation of the Church’s understanding of faith-based resource management. The theme "God First" guided its projects and communication strategy. 

## **Strategic Vision and Campaigns** 

A new nationwide consultation on the Combined Offering Plan was launched. Stewardship awareness was promoted through a dedicated FOCUS magazine issue, monthly newsletters, and a social media presence. 

## **Resource Development** 

The department collaborated on multimedia productions and launched “All Nature Sings,” a creation-focused stewardship series. Training events were initiated to support pastors and stewardship 

leaders in presenting biblical stewardship in a practical and inspiring way. 

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British Union Conference – Trustees’ Annual Report – Year Ended 31 December 2024 

## **Partnerships and Planning** 

In collaboration with other departments and entities, Stewardship Ministries is working to build systems for continuous feedback and church-wide engagement on giving practices, lifestyle 

stewardship, and mission-focused financial planning. 

## Women’s Ministries 

Under the theme “Empowered – Reaching Women, Restoring Lives, Reflecting Christ,” the Women’s Ministries department focused on empowering women to fulfil their God-given potential in their personal lives, families, churches, and wider communities. Grounded in core values such as Christian service, discipleship, personal worth, and respect, the department implemented strategic priorities centred on spiritual nurture, mission outreach, community engagement, and leadership development. 

## **Spiritual Development** 

This remained a foundational pillar. The department expanded online devotionals, workshops, and prayer networks to support women’s spiritual and 

emotional wellbeing. Specialised resources, including forgiveness training, devotional materials, and grief recovery support, were shared across the territory. Bereaved women received dedicated care through befriender training, personalised cards, and bespoke bereavement boxes. The department continued supporting women facing life challenges, trauma, and loss through tailored spiritual materials and events, such as the Women’s Prayer and Wellbeing Conference. 

## **Community Outreach and Advocacy** 

Aligned with the General Conference’s “I Will Go” mission strategy, the department delivered impactful community outreach and advocacy initiatives. These included awareness training on misogyny and trauma recovery, support for survivors of domestic abuse, and collaboration with local networks such as the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Champions. Efforts were extended to address Long COVID challenges, aid for Ukrainian refugees, and the cost-of-living crisis. Women’s Ministries also contributed to homelessness relief and food hub expansions, while developing evangelistic materials and wellbeing resources for women in distress or transition. 

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British Union Conference – Trustees’ Annual Report – Year Ended 31 December 2024 

## **Total Membership Involvement** 

This was enhanced through coordinated programmes with local churches. These included month-long and regional abuse awareness campaigns, participation in annual Women’s Emphasis and Prayer Days, and the EndItNow initiative. Churches received ongoing training and briefings on trauma support, emotional resilience, and holistic wellbeing. Creative training in crafts and arts further enabled women to engage in ministry, with seminars conducted both nationally and internationally. 

## **Resource Development** 

New and updated materials were produced for occasions such as International Women’s Day, student outreach, and age-specific empowerment. Greeting cards and spiritual content celebrated women's life milestones and provided comfort during crisis. Training materials focused on emotional resilience, leadership development, and abuse awareness were widely distributed to enhance support and advocacy efforts. 

## **Training and Leadership Development** 

Finally, the department prioritised recognising and nurturing the unique gifts of women. Abuse awareness and recovery training was provided to Women’s Ministries leaders, alongside sessions on crisis support, emotional resilience, and practical ministry tools. Partnerships were strengthened with initiatives such as the GC Women’s Ministries Leadership Certificate. Inspirational activities included celebrating impactful female leaders through the “Women Positively Impacting Their Communities” series and hosting international guest speaker Brenda Walsh. 

Throughout the year, Women’s Ministries demonstrated its commitment to nurturing women spiritually, supporting them practically, and empowering them to serve meaningfully in every sphere of life. 

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British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities
The trustees (who are also directors of British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists for
the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustee5' Report and the
financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting
Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.)
Company law required trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which
give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company and the group
and of the outgoing resources and application of resource5, including the income and
expenditure, of the charitable group for that period. In preparing these financial statements,
the trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,.
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,.
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any
material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate
to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company & group and
enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companie5 Act 2006.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and the
group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and
other irregularities.
Jacques Venter
Executive Secretary
Date:
?5_ 01. 2c>2
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**Independent Auditor’s Report to the Trustees and Members of the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists For the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise Group and Parent Charity’s Statement of Financial Activities, the Group and Parent Charity Balance Sheet, the Group Cash Flow Statement and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 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: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 December 2024, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended; 

- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and 

- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (as amended) and regulations 6 and 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). 

## **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 Auditor’s Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’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 charity’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. 

## **Other information** 

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. 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. 

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 course of 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 themselves. 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. 

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**Independent Auditor’s Report to the Trustees and Members of the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists For the year ended 31 December 2024** 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception** 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities Act 2011 and Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) require us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

- the information given in the Trustees’ Annual Report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or 

- the charity has not kept adequate accounting records; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we required for our audit. 

## **Responsibilities of trustees** 

As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 47, the trustees 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 charity’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 charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. 

## **Auditor’s Responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements** 

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act and appointed under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. 

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 auditor’s 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 aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK) we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: 

- Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. 

- Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purposes of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the charity’s internal control. 

- Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees. 

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**Independent Auditor’s Report to the Trustees and Members of the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists For the year ended 31 December 2024** 

- Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charity to cease to continue as a going concern. 

- Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. 

## **Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud** 

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. 

The objectives of our audit in respect of fraud, are; to identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud; to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatement due to fraud, through designing and implementing appropriate responses to those assessed risks; and to respond appropriately to instances of fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both management and those charged with governance of the charity. 

Our approach was as follows: 

- We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory requirements applicable to the charity and considered that the most significant are the Charities Act 2011, the Charity SORP, and UK financial reporting standards as issued by the Financial Reporting Council 

- We obtained an understanding of how the charity complies with these requirements by discussions with management and those charged with governance. 

- We assessed the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements, including the risk of material misstatement due to fraud and how it might occur, by holding discussions with management and those charged with governance. 

- We inquired of management and those charged with governance as to any known instances of non-compliance or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations. 

- Based on this understanding, we designed specific appropriate audit procedures to identify instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. This included making enquiries of management and those charged with governance and obtaining additional corroborative evidence as required. 

Page 17 



**Independent Auditor’s Report to the Trustees and Members of the British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists For the year ended 31 December 2024** 

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above. We are less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations that are not closely related to events and transactions reflected in the financial statements. Also, the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. 

## **Use of our report** 

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 8 of the Charities Act 2011 and Section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to any party other than the charity and charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinion we have formed. 

Moard K ug Moore Kingston Smith LLP Statutory auditor 

Date: 26th September 2025 4 Victoria Square St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 3TF 

Moore Kingston Smith LLP is eligible to act as auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. 

Page 18 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Group Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

|Notes<br>**Income from:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>2<br>Charitable activities<br>3<br>Investment income<br>4<br>Fund-raising income<br>5<br>**Total**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Raising funds<br>Charitable activities:<br>6<br>Governance<br>9<br>**Net income/(expenditure)**<br>Gains/(losses) on investments<br>Transfers between funds<br>Other recognised gains/(losses):<br>Actuarial gains/(losses) on<br>defined benefit pension scheme<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>Fund balances brought forward<br>Fund balances carried forward|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Total Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>12,792,797<br>2,120,790<br>14,913,587<br>4,475,163<br>36,815<br>4,511,978<br>2,577,168<br>70,272<br>2,647,440<br>-<br>173,243<br>173,243<br>**19,845,128**<br>**2,401,120**<br>**22,246,248**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>16,561,240<br>2,269,196<br>18,830,436<br>191,637<br>-<br>191,637<br>**16,752,877**<br>**2,269,196**<br>**19,022,073**<br>**3,092,251**<br>**131,924**<br>**3,224,175**<br>(5,298,953)<br>-<br>(5,298,953)<br>(287,443)<br>287,443<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2,697,000<br>-<br>2,697,000<br>202,855<br>419,367<br>622,222<br>47,067,491<br>5,145,124<br>52,212,615<br>**47,270,346**<br>**5,564,491**<br>**52,834,837**<br>**2024**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Total Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>12,735,893<br>2,832,383<br>15,568,276<br>3,534,761<br>428,668<br>3,963,429<br>2,463,049<br>37,457<br>2,500,506<br>-<br>35,361<br>35,361<br>**18,733,703**<br>**3,333,869**<br>**22,067,572**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>14,553,404<br>3,368,171<br>17,921,575<br>94,714<br>-<br>94,714<br>**14,648,118**<br>**3,368,171**<br>**18,016,289**<br>**4,085,585**<br>**(34,302)**<br>**4,051,283**<br>(1,575,578)<br>-<br>(1,575,578)<br>(317,550)<br>317,550<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>(1,139,000)<br>-<br>(1,139,000)<br>1,053,457<br>283,248<br>1,336,705<br>46,014,034<br>4,861,876<br>50,875,910<br>**47,067,491**<br>**5,145,124**<br>**52,212,615**<br>**2023**|
|---|---|---|



All recognised gains and losses are included in the statement of financial activities 

Page 19 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Charity Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

|Notes<br>**Income from:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>2<br>Charitable activities<br>3<br>Investment income<br>4<br>**Total**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Charitable activities:<br>6<br>Governance<br>9<br>**Net income/(expenditure)**<br>Gains/losses on investment assets<br>Transfers between funds<br>Other recognised gains/(losses):<br>Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined<br>benefit pension scheme<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>Fund balances brought forward at January 1<br>Fund balances carried forward at December 31|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Total Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>12,612,505<br>131,488<br>12,743,993<br>551,264<br>(118,298)<br>432,966<br>2,595,347<br>-<br>2,595,347<br>**15,759,116**<br>**13,190**<br>**15,772,306**<br>12,202,382<br>403,820<br>12,606,202<br>134,442<br>-<br>134,442<br>**12,336,824**<br>**403,820**<br>**12,740,644**<br>**3,422,292**<br>**(390,630)**<br>**3,031,662**<br>(5,325,170)<br>-<br>(5,325,170)<br>(287,443)<br>287,443<br>-<br>2,697,000<br>-<br>2,697,000<br>506,679<br>(103,187)<br>403,492<br>39,819,784<br>2,356,922<br>42,176,706<br>**40,326,463**<br>**2,253,735**<br>**42,580,198**<br>**2024**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**Total Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>12,007,052<br>399,353<br>12,406,405<br>203,184<br>290,752<br>493,936<br>2,480,307<br>-<br>2,480,307<br>**14,690,543**<br>**690,105**<br>**15,380,648**<br>10,273,323<br>888,208<br>11,161,531<br>94,714<br>-<br>94,714<br>**10,368,037**<br>**888,208**<br>**11,256,245**<br>**4,322,506**<br>**(198,103)**<br>**4,124,403**<br>(1,593,000)<br>-<br>(1,593,000)<br>(317,550)<br>317,550<br>-<br>(1,139,000)<br>-<br>(1,139,000)<br>1,272,956<br>119,447<br>1,392,403<br>38,546,828<br>2,237,475<br>40,784,303<br>**39,819,784**<br>**2,356,922**<br>**42,176,706**<br>**2023**|
|---|---|---|



All recognised gains and losses are included in the statement of financial activities 

Page 20 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Balance Sheets as at 31 December 2024** 

|Notes||**Group**||**Charity**||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Fixed Assets**<br>Tangible Fixed Assets<br>13<br>Investment Properties<br>14<br>Investments<br>15|**2024**<br>£<br>33,256,936<br>200,000<br>-||**2023**<br>**2024**<br>£<br>£<br>33,518,645<br>29,510,532<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>-<br>1,066||**2023**<br>£<br>29,681,956<br>200,000<br>1,066|
||33,456,936||33,718,645<br>29,711,598||29,883,022|
|**Current Assets**<br>Stocks<br>16<br>Debtors<br>17<br>Investments<br>18<br>Cash at bank and in hand|1,618,372<br>6,560,093<br>2,466,843<br>13,876,045||1,757,184<br>68,310<br>5,469,703<br>3,665,112<br>2,238,010<br>2,185,626<br>11,305,038<br>8,957,042||130,078<br>3,069,873<br>1,983,011<br>8,687,222|
|**Total Current Assets**<br>Creditors: Amounts due within a year<br>19|24,521,353<br>4,953,155||20,769,935<br>14,876,090<br>2,055,470<br>1,817,186||13,870,184<br>1,356,005|
|**Net Current Assets**|19,568,198||18,714,465<br>13,058,904||12,514,179|
|Creditors: Amounts due after one year<br>20<br>Provisions for liabilities|190,297||220,495<br>190,304||220,495|
||190,297||220,495<br>190,304||220,495|
|||||||
|**Total Net Assets**|**52,834,837**||**52,212,615**<br>**42,580,198**||**42,176,706**|
|**Fund balances**<br>Unrestricted<br>Restricted|47,270,346<br>5,564,491||47,067,491<br>40,326,463<br>5,145,124<br>2,253,735||39,819,784<br>2,356,922|
|**Total Funds**<br>**21**|**52,834,837**||**52,212,615**<br>**42,580,198**||**42,176,706**|



Approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on ………………………...…………………. and signed on its behalf by: Approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 23042025, and signed on its behalf by: Wederly Aguiar Treasurer Wederly Aguiar /4p 

The notes on pages 23 to 39 form part of these accounts. The notes on pages 23 to 39 form part of these accounts. 

Page 21 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

**Group Cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

|**A**<br>**Statement of cash flows**<br>**Note**<br>**Cash flow from operating activities**<br>Net cash provided by (used in) operating<br>activities<br>23<br>**Cash flows from investing activities**<br>Net cash provided by (used in) investing<br>activities<br>24<br>**Cash flows from financing activities**<br>Net cash provided by (used in) financing<br>activities<br>25<br>**Change in cash and cash equivalents in the**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning**<br>**of the year**<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the**<br>**year**<br>**B**<br>**Analysis of changes in net debt**<br>**Cash:**<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>less:Deposits treated as liquid resouces<br>**Cash equivalents:**<br>Deposits included in cash<br>**Debt:**<br>Debts due within one year<br>Debts due after more than one year|**01 January**<br>**2024**<br>11,305,038<br>(6,617,210)<br>4,687,828<br>6,617,210<br>11,305,038<br>(17,328)<br>-<br>**11,287,710**|**2024**<br>**£**<br>2,020,324<br>495,728<br>54,955<br>2,571,007<br>11,305,038<br>**13,876,045**<br>**Cash flow**<br>**Other non-**<br>**cash**<br>2,571,007<br>585,470<br>3,156,477<br>(585,470)<br>2,571,007<br>(54,955)<br>-<br>-<br>**2,516,052**<br>**-**|**2023**<br>**£**<br>(1,967,610)<br>1,239,576<br>(250,940)<br>(978,974)<br>12,284,012<br>**11,305,038**<br>**31 December**<br>**2024**<br>13,876,045<br>(6,031,740)<br>7,844,305<br>6,031,740<br>13,876,045<br>(72,283)<br>-<br>**13,803,762**|
|---|---|---|---|



Page 22 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## **1 Accounting Policies** 

## 1.1 **Basis of preparation** 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value.  The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' effective 1 January 2015 and applicable accounting standards, except for the method of accounting for local congregational funds referred to in note 1.16   The Group Statement of Financial Activity and Balance Sheet consolidate the charity and subsidiary undertakings dependent on it.   The results of subsidiaries are consolidated on a line by line basis. 

## 1.2 **Basis of income recognition** 

Voluntary income, by way of donations and gifts to the charity, is included in full in the statement of financial activities when received.  Intangible income is not included unless it represents goods or services which would have otherwise been purchased. 

Legacies are monitored from the time of notification to their final receipt.  They are only recognised in the financial statements when there is sufficient evidence that the legacy will be received and the value can be measured with sufficient reliability. 

The charity does not recognise pending legacies until conditions for recognition have been met. 

## 1.3 **Going concern** 

The trustees have assessed whether the use of going concern is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity ad group to continue as a going concern.  The trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of the approval of these financial statements. After making enquiries, the trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements. 

## 1.4 **Fund accounting** 

Restricted funds are those which are to be used for the specified purposes as laid down by the donor.  Expenditure which meets these criteria is allocated to the appropriate fund. The nature of restriction is further explained in the notes to the financial statements. 

Designated funds are those which have been set aside by the administration with the consent of trustees for specific anticipated purposes or events. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

General or Unrestricted funds are donations and other income received or generated for the furtherance of the objects of the charity without specified purposes and, therefore, are available as general funds. 

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

## 1.5 **Grant-making policies** 

The trustees allocate grants in accordance with the objects set out in the charity's written constitution, which are summarised in the Trustees' Annual Report.   In general, grants are made to associated charities through appropriate committee requests and policy arrangements, rather than in accordance with public application. 

## 1.6 **Incoming resources** 

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.  For legacies, entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received. 

Donated services or facilities, which comprise donated services, are included in income at a valuation which is an estimate of the financial cost borne by the donor where such a cost is quantifiable and measurable.   No income is recognised where there is no financial cost borne by a third party. 

Page 23 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## 1.7 **Resources expended** 

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities.  Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular activities they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of the resources. 

Fundraising costs are  incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.  Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity.  Governance costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements. 

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made, except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled.   Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure. 

Staff costs and overhead expenses are allocated to activities on the basis of time spent on those activities.   Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis.   All costs include value added tax where applicable. 

## 1.8 **Risk mitigation** 

The Trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have established systems or procedures in order to manage those risks. They are supported in this regard by Adventist Risk Management who create awareness of risk for the world-wide operations of the church and who source cover to mitigate attendant risks. 

## 1.9 **Foreign Currency Translations** 

The British Union Conference is part of the world-wide network of Seventh-day Adventists contributing to that endeavour and being supported by it. Funds are transferred between organisations at monthly internal exchange rates for inter-organisational transfers, and at rates determined by our Banks for external transactions. 

## 1.10 **Fixed Assets** 

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets in order to write off each asset on a straight-line basis over its expected economic life.  The rates of depreciation applied to each class of asset are: 

Freehold property 1.33 - 2.00% Office fixtures and equipment 20 - 33% Computer equipment 20 - 33% Items of furniture and equipment costing less than £1,000 each are treated as an expense on acquisition. 

## 1.11 **Pension costs** 

Following the closure of the Seventh-day Adventist Retirement plan in December 2013, pensions are now provided in terms of the national Auto-Enrolment requirements and funds are invested in a Group Personal Pension Plan through Legal and General Insurance Company.   Costs relating to the former plan are now borne by the British Union Conference 

## 1.12 **Stock** 

Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.  Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads. 

## 1.13 **Operating leases** 

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged in the profit and loss account on a straight line basis over the lease term. 

## 1.14 **Investments** 

Investments are stated at market value at the balance sheet date.  The Statement of Financial Activites includes the net gains and losses arising on revaluations and disposals throughout the year. 

## 1.15 **Investment properties** 

Investment properties are included in the Balance Sheet at their fair value. 

Page 24 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## 1.16 **Accounting for local congregation** 

A sound organisational structure, good financial mangement and control have always been characteristic of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.  Affiliated local congregations are considered to be members of British Union Conference. 

There is a strong bond between the congregations and the Conference.   Donations in respect of tithe, Church World Mission and special offerings given by individual members have always been remitted to their Mission as Conference Funds.  These funds belong to their Mission which administers them, employing and direcings the ministers, and which has beneficial ownership of church buildings. 

Members also give funds specifically for the work locally and for the maintenance and upkeep of their church building.  Traditionally these "Local Funds" have been held administered and accounted for locally. 

Over time, the relationship between the local congregations and their respective Mission or Conference has evolved and the financial bond has strengthened.  Increasingly, local congregations have remitted "Local Funds" to their Conference or Mission to administer. 

Until 2011 the Local Congregations were considered to be separate legal entities governed by their local Church Board in accordance with the 'Church Manual', and the accounts of the Conference were prepared on this basis, excluding 'Local Funds'.  Late in 2011, legal advice was received to the effect that, on balance, local congregations are in effect branches of the Conference. Though in practice they operate as voluntary local self governing support groups. 

The Trustees recognise that the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require that the Charity's accounts comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' effective 1 January 2015. This requires the accounts of the reporting charity to include in its own accounts the accounts of branches which are not separate legal entities. 

In these financial statements "Local Funds" remitted to and administered by the conference are included as Incoming Resources and Expenditures of the Conference.  These funds, held by the Conference, are disclosed separately as funds restricted to the use of the local congregations. 

Donations retained and administered locally have not been included in these financial statements since the Trustees do not administer these funds. Donors participate in the appointment and governance of the church at all levels, and anticipate transparency appropriate to their expectations. In the opinion of the Trustees, consolidation would serve to confuse the donor's understanding. 

There are 56 local congregations directly affiliated to the British Union Conference. 

Accounts in respect of Charitable funds donated by members of the local congregation and administered by local funds treasurers have always been prepared and presented annually to the local congregation. There has also long been in place a program for Independent Examination of those local funds by the Charity.   It is estimated that for 2024 total resources administered locally are in the region of £440,000. 

## 1.17 **Accounting for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Republic of Ireland** 

This Financial Statement includes accounts and transactions relating to the Irish Mission and its registered charity 'The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ireland' for the Republic of Ireland. Statements audited for the Irish Regulator are extracted from these combined Financial Statements in Euro Currency for the purpose of transparency and compliance in that jurisdiction. 

## 1.18 **Financial instruments** 

## a. Cash and cash equivalents 

Cash and cash equivalents include cash at banks and in hand and short term deposits with a maturity date of three months or less. 

## b. Debtors and creditors 

Amounts receivable or payable within one year of the reporting date are carried at their at transaction price.   Amounts that are receivable or payable in more than one year and are not subject to a market rate of interest are measured at the present value of the expected future receipts or payment discounted at a market rate of interest. 

Page 25 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## 1.19 **Critical accounting estimates and judgments** 

In the application of the Charity and group’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. 

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. 

The following judgements and estimates have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements: 

- The Trustees make an estimate of the recoverable value of trade and other debtors.   When assessing any impairment of trade and other debtors,Trustees consider factors including the current credit rating of the debtor, the ageing profile of debtors and historical experience. 

- The annual depreciation charge for fixed assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives and residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are re-assessed annually. They are amended when necessary to reflect 

- current estimates, based on technological advancement, future investments, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets. 

- The present value of future defined benefit retirement liabilities is assess annually by the actuaries of the pension fund. 

|**2**<br>**Income from donations and legacies**<br>**Group:**<br>Tithe contributions from members in Ireland, Scotland and Wales<br>Grants from General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists<br>Support from local conferences in England<br>Conferences for past pension deficits<br>Tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations<br>**Subtotal of base donations**<br>Donations<br>Legacies<br>Grants<br>**Subtotal of other donations**<br>**Total income from donations and legacies**<br>**Charity:**<br>Tithe contributions from members in Ireland, Scotland and Wales<br>Grants from General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists<br>Support from local conferences in England<br>Conferences for past pension deficits<br>Tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations<br>**Subtotal of base donations**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>3,086,764<br>-<br>3,086,764<br>763,431<br>69,996<br>833,427<br>4,467,422<br>4,467,422<br>4,102,536<br>4,102,536<br>52,075<br>52,075<br>12,472,228<br>69,996<br>12,542,224<br>166,076<br>502,027<br>668,103<br>84,484<br>-<br>84,484<br>70,009<br>1,548,767<br>1,618,776<br>320,569<br>2,050,794<br>2,371,363<br>12,792,797<br>2,120,790<br>14,913,587<br>3,086,764<br>-<br>3,086,764<br>763,431<br>69,996<br>833,427<br>4,467,422<br>4,467,422<br>4,102,536<br>4,102,536<br>52,075<br>52,075<br>12,472,228<br>69,996<br>12,542,224<br>**2024**|
|---|---|



Page 26 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

|**2**<br>**Income from donations and legacies (continued)**<br>**Subtotal of base donations**<br>Donations<br>Grants<br>**Subtotal of other donations**<br>**Total income from donations and legacies**<br>**Group:**<br>Tithe contributions from members in Ireland, Scotland and Wales<br>Grants from General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists<br>Support from local conferences in England<br>Conferences for past pension deficits<br>Tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations<br>**Subtotal of base donations**<br>Donations<br>Legacies<br>Grants<br>**Subtotal of other donations**<br>**Total income from donations and legacies**<br>**Charity:**<br>Tithe contributions from members in affiliated congregations<br>Grants from General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists<br>Support from local conferences in England<br>Conferences for past pension deficits<br>Tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations<br>**Subtotal of base donations**<br>Donations<br>Legacies<br>Grants<br>**Subtotal of other donations**<br>**Total income from donations and legacies**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>12,472,228<br>69,996<br>12,542,224<br>79,963<br>61,492<br>141,455<br>60,314<br>60,314<br>140,277<br>61,492<br>201,769<br>.<br>12,612,505<br>131,488<br>12,743,993<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>2,879,568<br>-<br>2,879,568<br>746,626<br>114,843<br>861,469<br>4,420,371<br>4,420,371<br>3,939,216<br>-<br>3,939,216<br>187,583<br>187,583<br>12,173,364<br>114,843<br>12,288,207<br>(78,631)<br>1,060,082<br>981,451<br>133,000<br>133,000<br>508,160<br>1,657,458<br>2,165,618<br>562,529<br>2,717,540<br>3,280,069<br>12,735,893<br>2,832,383<br>15,568,276<br>2,879,568<br>2,879,568<br>483,866<br>114,843<br>598,709<br>4,420,371<br>4,420,371<br>3,939,216<br>3,939,216<br>139,970<br>139,970<br>11,862,991<br>114,843<br>11,977,834<br>9,293<br>192,475<br>201,768<br>1,000<br>1,000<br>133,768<br>92,035<br>225,803<br>144,061<br>284,510<br>428,571<br>12,007,052<br>399,353<br>12,406,405<br>**2024**<br>**2023**|
|---|---|



Page 27 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## **3 Incoming Resources from charitable activities** 

|**3**<br>**Incoming Resources from**<br>**charitable activities**<br>**Group**<br>Church Ministry<br>Publishing<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid and Welfare<br>**Total Charitable Income**<br>**Charity**<br>Church Ministry<br>**Total Charitable Income**<br>**Group**<br>Church Ministry<br>Publishing<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid and Welfare<br>**Total Charitable Income**<br>**Charity**<br>Church Ministry<br>**Total Charitable Income**<br>**4**<br>**Investment Income**<br>**Group**<br>Locally listed investments<br>Return on local cash<br>Unrealised Gains(Losses) on Investments<br>**Charity**<br>Return on local cash<br>Unrealised Gains(Losses) on Investments|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>593,405<br>(118,298)<br>475,107<br>2,055,133<br>2,055,133<br>1,826,625<br>-<br>1,826,625<br>-<br>155,113<br>155,113<br>4,475,163<br>36,815<br>4,511,978<br>551,264<br>(118,298)<br>432,966<br>551,264<br>(118,298)<br>432,966<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>247,834<br>290,752<br>538,586<br>2,003,763<br>2,003,763<br>1,283,164<br>-<br>1,283,164<br>-<br>137,916<br>137,916<br>3,534,760<br>428,668<br>3,963,429<br>203,184<br>290,752<br>493,936<br>203,183<br>290,752<br>493,936<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>70,272<br>70,272<br>2,577,168<br>-<br>2,577,168<br>(5,298,953)<br>-<br>(5,298,953)<br>(2,721,785)<br>70,272<br>(2,651,513)<br>2,595,347<br>-<br>2,595,347<br>(5,325,170)<br>-<br>(5,325,170)<br>(2,729,823)<br>-<br>(2,729,823)<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**|
|---|---|



Page 28 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

|**Investment Income (continued)**<br>**Group**<br>Locally listed investments<br>Return on local cash<br>Unrealised Gains(Losses) on Investments<br>**Charity**<br>Locally listed investments<br>Return on local cash<br>Unrealised Gains(Losses) on Investments<br>**Fundraising Income**<br>**Group**<br>Public Collection for Humanitarian Relief<br>**Group**<br>Public Collection for Humanitarian Relief|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>37,457<br>37,457<br>2,463,049<br>-<br>2,463,049<br>(1,575,578)<br>-<br>(1,575,578)<br>887,471<br>37,457<br>924,928<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2,480,307<br>-<br>2,480,307<br>(1,593,000)<br>-<br>(1,593,000)<br>887,307<br>-<br>887,307<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>173,243<br>173,243<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>35,361<br>35,361<br>**2023**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**|
|---|---|



## **4 Investment Income (continued)** 

## **5 Fundraising Income** 

Page 29 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

|**Expenditure by Charitable Activity**<br>**Summary by fund type**<br>**Group**<br>Church Ministry<br>Publishing<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid & Welfare<br>Objectives in other geographical areas<br>Retirement responsibilities<br>**Total Charitable Expenditure**<br>**Charity**<br>Church Ministry<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid & Welfare<br>Objectives in other geagraphical areas<br>Retirement responsibilities<br>**Total Charitable Expenditure**<br>**Group**<br>Church Ministry<br>Publishing<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid & Welfare<br>Objectives in other geographical areas<br>Retirement responsibilities<br>**Total Charitable Expenditure**<br>**Charity**<br>Church Ministry<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid & Welfare<br>Objectives in other geagraphical areas<br>Retirement responsibilities<br>**Total Charitable Expenditure**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>9,575,365<br>403,820<br>9,979,185<br>2,634,941<br>2,634,941<br>2,342,570<br>2,342,570<br>1,130,361<br>1,865,376<br>2,995,737<br>97,740<br>97,740<br>780,263<br>-<br>780,263<br>16,561,240<br>2,269,196<br>18,830,436<br>9,114,135<br>396,053<br>9,510,188<br>1,553,975<br>7,767<br>1,561,742<br>525,589<br>525,589<br>228,420<br>228,420<br>780,263<br>780,263<br>12,202,382<br>403,820<br>12,606,202<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>5,300,494<br>566,631<br>5,867,125<br>2,449,756<br>39,947<br>2,489,703<br>2,655,336<br>169,368<br>2,824,704<br>421,192<br>2,479,963<br>2,901,155<br>97,953<br>112,262<br>210,215<br>3,628,672<br>-<br>3,628,672<br>14,553,404<br>3,368,171<br>17,921,575<br>4,393,473<br>566,631<br>4,960,104<br>1,809,304<br>169,368<br>1,978,672<br>343,923<br>39,947<br>383,870<br>97,953<br>112,262<br>210,215<br>3,628,671<br>-<br>3,628,671<br>10,273,323<br>888,208<br>11,161,531<br>**2024**<br>**2023**|
|---|---|



## **6 Expenditure by Charitable Activity** 

Page 30 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## **7 a.  Analysis of Resources by Activity** 

|**Group**<br>Church Ministry<br>Publishing<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid and Welfare<br>Objectives in other geographical areas<br>Retirement responsibilities<br>**Group**<br>Church Ministry<br>Publishing<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid and Welfare<br>Objectives in other geographical areas<br>Retirement responsibilities<br>**Charity**<br>Church Ministry<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid and Welfare<br>Objectives in other geographical areas<br>Retirement responsibilities<br>Church Ministry<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid and Welfare<br>Objectives in other geographical areas<br>Retirement responsibilities|**Grant**<br>**Activities**<br>**Support**<br>**Total**<br>**Funding of**<br>**Directly**<br>**Costs**<br>**Expense**<br>**Activities**<br>**Undertaken**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>509,711<br>5,301,071<br>4,168,403<br>9,979,185<br>-<br>2,326,378<br>308,563<br>2,634,941<br>235,278<br>1,750,497<br>356,795<br>2,342,570<br>1,803,243<br>820,592<br>371,902<br>2,995,737<br>97,740<br>-<br>-<br>97,740<br>780,263<br>-<br>-<br>780,263<br>3,426,235<br>10,198,537<br>5,205,664<br>18,830,436<br>**Grant**<br>**Activities**<br>**Support**<br>**Total**<br>**Funding of**<br>**Directly**<br>**Costs**<br>**Expense**<br>**Activities**<br>**Undertaken**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>726,084<br>4,190,099<br>950,942<br>5,867,125<br>-<br>2,385,500<br>104,204<br>2,489,703<br>520,459<br>1,759,625<br>544,621<br>2,824,704<br>1,200,397<br>1,543,950<br>156,809<br>2,901,155<br>210,215<br>-<br>-<br>210,215<br>611,446<br>3,017,226<br>-<br>3,628,672<br>3,268,601<br>12,896,399<br>1,756,575<br>17,921,575<br>**Grant**<br>**Activities**<br>**Support**<br>**Total**<br>**Funding of**<br>**Directly**<br>**Costs**<br>**Expense**<br>**Activities**<br>**Undertaken**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>265,583<br>5,310,648<br>3,933,957<br>9,510,188<br>1,048,153<br>295,036<br>218,553<br>1,561,742<br>12,000<br>295,036<br>218,553<br>525,589<br>228,420<br>-<br>-<br>228,420<br>780,263<br>-<br>-<br>780,263<br>2,334,419<br>5,900,720<br>4,371,063<br>12,606,202<br>**Grant**<br>**Activities**<br>**Support**<br>**Total**<br>**Funding of**<br>**Directly**<br>**Costs**<br>**Expense**<br>**Activities**<br>**Undertaken**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>188,470<br>4,425,090<br>346,543<br>4,960,104<br>1,047,445<br>245,838<br>685,388<br>1,978,672<br>118,779<br>245,838<br>19,252<br>383,870<br>210,215<br>-<br>-<br>210,215<br>3,628,671<br>(2,629,571)<br>2,629,571<br>3,628,671<br>5,193,580<br>2,287,196<br>3,680,755<br>11,161,531<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**2023**|
|---|---|



Page 31 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## **7 b.  Analysis of non-grant expenditure by Charitable Activity** 

|**Group**<br>Church Ministry<br>Publishing<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid & Welfare<br>Church Ministry<br>Publishing<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid & Welfare<br>Former Pension Support<br>**Charity**<br>Church Ministry<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid & Welfare<br>Church Ministry<br>Education<br>Humanitarian Aid & Welfare<br>Former Pension Support|**Staff Costs**<br>**Depreciation**<br>**Other Costs**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>3,355,845<br>156,421<br>5,957,208<br>9,469,474<br>919,970<br>21,973<br>1,692,998<br>2,634,941<br>1,580,232<br>95,206<br>431,854<br>2,107,292<br>564,876<br>10,879<br>616,739<br>1,192,494<br>6,420,922<br>284,480<br>8,698,799<br>15,404,201<br>**Staff Costs**<br>**Depreciation**<br>**Other Costs**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>2,634,290<br>189,819<br>2,316,932<br>5,141,041<br>846,513<br>26,033<br>1,617,157<br>2,489,703<br>1,502,898<br>121,100<br>680,247<br>2,304,245<br>533,776<br>12,417<br>1,154,565<br>1,700,758<br>379,024<br>-<br>2,638,202<br>3,017,226<br>5,896,502<br>349,368<br>8,407,104<br>14,652,974<br>**Staff Costs**<br>**Depreciation**<br>**Other Costs**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>3,583,247<br>165,622<br>5,495,737<br>9,244,605<br>199,069<br>9,201<br>305,319<br>513,589<br>199,069<br>9,201<br>10,283<br>218,553<br>3,981,385<br>184,024<br>5,811,338<br>9,976,747<br>**Staff Costs**<br>**Depreciation**<br>**Other Costs**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>2,789,249<br>200,984<br>1,781,401<br>4,771,634<br>154,958<br>11,166<br>765,103<br>931,227<br>154,958<br>11,166<br>(146,872)<br>19,252<br>379,023<br>-<br>2,250,548<br>2,629,571<br>3,478,188<br>223,316<br>4,650,180<br>8,351,684<br>**2023**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**|
|---|---|



Page 32 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## **8 Analysis of grants** 

- **9** 

|**Grants to individuals**<br>Group - Education Grants & Support<br>Charity - Education Grants & Support<br>**Grants to institutions**<br>**Name of Institution / grant**<br>Primary Schools<br>Newbold College<br>General Conference of Seventh-day<br>Adventists<br>Adventist Development & Relief Agency <br>Stanborough Press Ltd<br>North England Conference<br>South England Conference<br>Other grants to Church Entities<br>Retirement Fund<br>**Total Institutional Grants**<br>**Total Grants**<br>**Governance costs**<br>Audit costs<br>Trustee's expenses|**Grant description**<br>Educational Need<br>Educational Need<br>General Operations<br> Humanitarian Aid<br>Christian literture<br>General Operations<br>General Operations<br>Past pension deficit<br>General Operations|**Number of**<br>**Beneficiaries**<br>**Total**<br>**Number of**<br>**Beneficiaries**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>124<br>338,732<br>108<br>294,018<br>124<br>338,732<br>108<br>294,017<br>**Group**<br>**Charity**<br>**Group**<br>**Charity**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>-<br>512,204<br>-<br>526,987<br>197,217<br>197,217<br>226,441<br>226,441<br>228,420<br>228,420<br>210,215<br>210,215<br>1,803,243<br>12,000<br>1,200,397<br>118,779<br>-<br>7,250<br>-<br>-<br>29,833<br>29,833<br>12,000<br>12,000<br>67,907<br>67,907<br>27,226<br>27,226<br>281,291<br>167,843<br>686,858<br>149,244<br>780,263<br>780,263<br>611,446<br>611,446<br>3,388,174<br>2,002,937<br>2,974,583<br>1,882,338<br>3,726,906<br>2,341,669<br>3,268,601<br>2,176,355<br>**Group**<br>**Charity**<br>**Group**<br>**Charity**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>141,671<br>88,767<br>78,713<br>78,713<br>49,966<br>45,675<br>16,001<br>16,001<br>191,637<br>134,442<br>94,714<br>94,714<br>**2023**<br>**2023**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**2024**<br>**2024**|
|---|---|---|



Page 33 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

|**10**<br>**Net resources expended**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>This is stated after charging:<br>**£**<br>Depreciation of tangible fixed assets:<br>284,480<br>Reimbursement of expenses to trustees<br>49,966<br>Fees payable to the charity's auditor<br>for the audit of the annual accounts<br>141,671<br>During the year retirement benefits were accruing to 12 Trustees (2023: 12) in respect of pension schemes<br>**11**<br>**Staff Costs**<br>**Total**<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>Staff costs were as follows:<br>Wages and Salaries<br>4,829,588<br>Social Security Costs<br>536,185<br>Other Pension Costs<br>1,055,149<br>6,420,922<br>The average number of employees during the year<br>**2024**<br>in the following categories were:<br>**no**<br>Charitable activities<br>102<br>Support activities<br>12<br>Management and administration<br>3<br>117<br>No employees received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 during the year<br>Employed trustees and their immediate family members received emoluments as follows:<br>**2024**<br>**£**<br>Key management<br>175,378<br>Other trustees<br>276,045<br>**12**<br>**Other Finance Income**<br>Return on pension scheme assets<br>(3,088,201)<br>Interest on pension scheme liabilities<br>(1,979,000)<br>(5,067,201)|**Total**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>349,368<br>16,001<br>78,713<br>**Total**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>4,474,384<br>435,038<br>987,080<br>5,896,502<br>**2023**<br>**no**<br>79<br>12<br>3<br>94<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>165,381<br>327,490<br>318,758<br>(2,081,000)<br>(1,762,242)|
|---|---|



Page 34 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

|**13**<br>**Tangible Fixed Assets**<br>**Group Cost**<br>As at 01 January 2024<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>As at 31 December 2024<br>**Depreciation**<br>As at 01 January 2024<br>Charge for Year<br>On Disposals<br>As at 31 December 2024<br>**Net Book Value**<br>As at 01 January 2024<br>As at 31 December 2024<br>**Charity Cost**<br>As at 01 January 2024<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>As at 31 December 2024<br>**Depreciation**<br>As at 01 January 2024<br>Charge for Year<br>On Disposals<br>As at 31 December 2024<br>**Net Book Value**<br>As at 01 January 2024<br>As at 31 December 2024|**Freehold**<br>**Churches**<br>**Operational**<br>**Capital**<br>**Total**<br>**Property**<br>**& Schools**<br>**Equipment**<br>**Work in Progress**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>27,728,648<br>10,933,047<br>1,917,709<br>21,590<br>40,600,994<br>-<br>-<br>22,770<br>-<br>22,770<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>28,684,648<br>10,933,047<br>1,940,479<br>21,590<br>40,623,764<br>1,836,921<br>3,483,864<br>1,761,564<br>-<br>7,082,349<br>97,399<br>152,568<br>34,512<br>-<br>284,479<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,934,320<br>3,636,432<br>1,796,076<br>-<br>7,366,828<br>25,891,727<br>7,449,183<br>156,145<br>21,590<br>33,518,645<br>26,750,328<br>7,296,615<br>144,403<br>21,590<br>33,256,936<br>27,329,324<br>5,398,021<br>696,276<br>-<br>33,423,621<br>-<br>-<br>12,600<br>-<br>12,600<br>-<br>-<br>28,285,324<br>5,398,021<br>708,876<br>-<br>33,436,221<br>1,755,118<br>1,308,831<br>677,716<br>-<br>3,741,665<br>95,570<br>77,725<br>10,729<br>-<br>184,024<br>-<br>-<br>1,850,688<br>1,386,556<br>688,445<br>-<br>3,925,689<br>25,574,206<br>4,089,190<br>18,560<br>-<br>29,681,956<br>26,434,636<br>4,011,465<br>20,431<br>-<br>29,510,532|
|---|---|



|**14**<br>**Investment Property**<br>Market Value at 01January<br>Market value at 31 December|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>**Group**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>**Charity**|
|---|---|---|



The valuation was undertaken on 23 January 2023 by Jeffreys, a firm of chartered surveyors. 

|**15**<br>**Fixed Asset Investments**<br>Stanborough Press Ltd at original cost<br>**16**<br>**Stocks**<br>Departmental supplies<br>Inventory of goods for sale|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>68,310<br>130,081<br>1,550,062<br>1,627,103<br>1,618,372<br>1,757,184<br>**Group**<br>**Group**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>1,066<br>1,066<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>68,310<br>130,078<br>-<br>-<br>68,310<br>130,078<br>**Charity**<br>**Charity**|
|---|---|---|



Page 35 



## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

|**17**<br>**Debtors**<br>**Due after more than one year**<br>Trade debtore<br>Loans owed by related charities<br>Loans owed by employees<br>**Due within one year**<br>Trade debtors<br>Loans owed by related charities<br>Other amounts owed by related charities<br>Amounts owed by local congregations<br>Accrued Income<br>Prepayments<br>Employees<br>Other Receivables<br>**Total**<br>**18**<br>**Current Asset Investments**<br>Listed investments<br>Unlisted investments|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>951,950<br>951,950<br>41,430<br>38,787<br>41,404<br>42,025<br>1,034,784<br>1,032,762<br>1,645,039<br>1,306,725<br>54,319<br>100,091<br>2,777,286<br>1,966,169<br>371,044<br>289,208<br>49,939<br>2,177<br>49,712<br>86,998<br>43,709<br>56,574<br>534,261<br>628,999<br>5,525,309<br>4,436,941<br>6,560,093<br>5,469,703<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>152,297<br>108,030<br>2,314,546<br>2,129,980<br>2,466,843<br>2,238,010<br>**Group**<br>**Group**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>41,430<br>147,544<br>57,161<br>42,025<br>98,591<br>189,569<br>-<br>-<br>66,319<br>112,091<br>2,859,474<br>2,005,066<br>371,044<br>289,208<br>49,939<br>2,177<br>24,409<br>53,395<br>41,436<br>55,943<br>153,900<br>362,424<br>3,566,521<br>2,880,304<br>3,665,112<br>3,069,873<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>25,153<br>-<br>2,160,473<br>1,983,011<br>2,185,626<br>1,983,011<br>**Charity**<br>**Charity**|
|---|---|---|



## **19 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year** 

|Bank Loans and Overdrafts<br>Suppliers<br>Advances for charitable activities<br>Due to associated charities<br>Due to local congregations<br>Employees<br>Accrued expenses<br>Deferred income<br>Agency/Trust Accounts<br>Taxes payable<br>Other Creditors|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>72,283<br>17,328<br>703,715<br>487,122<br>161,640<br>88,264<br>3,208,227<br>563,837<br>10,511<br>3,742<br>35,112<br>43,468<br>256,392<br>446,026<br>13,609<br>25,067<br>69,906<br>98,289<br>149,508<br>111,359<br>272,252<br>170,968<br>4,953,155<br>2,055,470<br>**Group**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>71,897<br>17,328<br>151,233<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,157,493<br>814,421<br>10,511<br>3,742<br>35,304<br>56,825<br>98,442<br>260,056<br>7,880<br>19,338<br>712<br>-<br>149,508<br>111,359<br>134,206<br>72,936<br>1,817,186<br>1,356,005<br>**Charity**|
|---|---|---|



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## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## **20 Creditors: Amounts falling due after one year** 

|Deferred income<br>Returnable deposits on retirement<br>properties<br>Of which amounts falling due after 5 years:<br>Repayable by instalments<br>**21**<br>**a.  Statement of Funds (Group)**<br>**Designated Funds**<br>Invested in Property & equipment<br>Property revaluation<br>Provision for buildings<br>Revolving investments<br>Retirement factilities<br>Other Program Funds<br>**Total Designated Funds**<br>**General Funds**<br>Tithe Fund<br>Other General Funds<br>Pension Deficit<br>**Total General Funds**<br>**Total Unrestricted Funds**<br>**Restricted Funds**<br>Humanitarian Development and Relief<br>Communication in Britain and Ireland<br>Legacies funds<br>Local congregational funds<br>Other Restricted Funds<br>**Total Restricted Funds**<br>**Total Funds**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>25,731<br>30,971<br>25,731<br>30,971<br>164,570<br>189,524<br>164,570<br>189,524<br>164 570<br>189 524<br>164 570<br>189 524<br>190,301<br>220,495<br>190,301<br>220,495<br>74,529<br>90,024<br>74,529<br>90,024<br>**Brought**<br>**Incoming**<br>**Resources**<br>**Transfers**<br>**Carried**<br>**Forward**<br>**Resources**<br>**Expended**<br>**In / Out**<br>**Forward**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>13,023,645<br>-<br>(274,695)<br>(249,598)<br>12,499,352<br>20,495,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>20,495,000<br>923,323<br>337,625<br>(158,136)<br>(75,063)<br>1,027,749<br>500,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>500,000<br>1,541<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>1,541<br>710,460<br>238,375<br>(808,982)<br>925,337<br>1,065,190<br>35,653,969<br>576,000<br>(1,241,813)<br>600,676<br>35,588,832<br>(1,501,729)<br>12,206,102<br>(10,609,710)<br>(965,125)<br>(870,462)<br>12,915,251<br>1,764,073<br>(2,204,354)<br>77,006<br>12,551,976<br>-<br>11,413,522<br>13,970,175<br>(12,814,064)<br>(888,119)<br>11,681,514<br>47,067,491<br>14,546,175<br>(14,055,877)<br>(287,443)<br>47,270,346<br>2,582,873<br>2,387,930<br>(1,865,376)<br>-<br>3,105,427<br>1,140,559<br>(55,827)<br>(234,722)<br>16,955<br>866,965<br>205,329<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>205,329<br>1,093,881<br>61,492<br>(147,829)<br>233,704<br>1,241,248<br>122,482<br>7,525<br>(21,269)<br>36,784<br>145,522<br>5,145,124<br>2,401,120<br>(2,269,196)<br>287,443<br>5,564,491<br>52,212,615<br>16,947,295<br>(16,325,073)<br>-<br>52,834,837<br>**Group**<br>**Charity**|
|---|---|



Page 37 



**21** 

## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements** 

## **for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

|**b.  Statement of Funds (Charity)**<br>**Designated Funds**<br>Invested in Property & equipment<br>Property revaluation<br>Provision for buildings<br>Revolving investments<br>Other Program Funds<br>**Total Designated Funds**<br>**General Funds**<br>Tithe Fund<br>Other General Funds<br>**Total General Funds**<br>**Total Unrestricted Funds**<br>**Restricted Funds**<br>Communication in Britain and Ireland<br>Local congregational funds<br>Other restricted funds<br>**Total Restricted Funds**<br>**Total Funds**|**Brought**<br>**Incoming**<br>**Resources**<br>**Transfers**<br>**Carried**<br>**Forward**<br>**Resources**<br>**Expended**<br>**In / Out**<br>**Forward**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>9,186,956<br>-<br>(184,024)<br>(249,598)<br>8,753,334<br>20,495,000<br>20,495,000<br>923,323<br>337,625<br>(158,136)<br>(75,063)<br>1,027,749<br>500,000<br>500,000<br>712,001<br>238,375<br>(808,982)<br>925,337<br>1,066,731<br>31,817,280<br>576,000<br>(1,151,142)<br>600,676<br>31,842,814<br>(1,501,729)<br>7,876,625<br>(6,891,850)<br>(965,125)<br>(1,482,079)<br>9,504,233<br>1,981,321<br>(1,596,832)<br>77,006<br>9,965,728<br>8,002,504<br>9,857,946<br>(8,488,682)<br>(888,119)<br>8,483,649<br>39,819,784<br>10,433,946<br>(9,639,824)<br>(287,443)<br>40,326,463<br>1,140,559<br>(55,827)<br>(234,722)<br>16,955<br>866,965<br>1,093,881<br>61,492<br>(147,829)<br>233,704<br>1,241,248<br>122,482<br>7,525<br>(21,269)<br>36,784<br>145,522<br>2,356,922<br>13,190<br>(403,820)<br>287,443<br>2,253,735<br>42,176,706<br>10,447,136<br>(10,043,644)<br>-<br>42,580,198|
|---|---|



## **22 Analysis of net assets between funds** 

|Tangible fixed assets<br>Investment property<br>Current Assets<br>Creditors due within one year<br>Creditors due in more than one year<br>**Total Funds**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**Funds**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>33,256,936<br>-<br>33,256,936<br>33,518,645<br>200,000<br>-<br>200,000<br>200,000<br>18,956,862<br>5,564,491<br>24,521,353<br>20,769,935<br>(4,953,155)<br>-<br>(4,953,155)<br>(2,055,470)<br>(190,301)<br>-<br>(190,301)<br>(220,495)<br>47,270,342<br>5,564,491<br>52,834,833<br>52,212,615|
|---|---|



## **23 Net cash flow from operating activities** 

|**Net cash flow from operating activities**<br>Net incoming resources before revaluations<br>Returns on investments & servicing of finance<br>Depreciation of tangible fixed assets<br>Provision for bad debts made/(released)<br>Revaluation of investments<br>(Increase) / Decrease in stocks<br>(Increase) / Decrease in debtors<br>Increase / (Decrease) in creditors|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>622,218<br>1,336,699<br>(747,331)<br>(1,239,576)<br>284,479<br>349,368<br>141,708<br>(51,671)<br>-<br>(1,983,096)<br>138,812<br>12,054<br>(1,232,098)<br>(1,245,615)<br>2,812,536<br>854,227<br>2,020,324<br>(1,967,610)|
|---|---|



Page 38 



**24** 

## **British Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024** 

## **25** 

## **Analysis of cash flows from investing activities** 

|**Analysis of cash flows from investing activities**<br>Dividends, interest and rents from investments<br>Interest received<br>Interest paid<br>Investments made<br>Purchase of property, plant and equipment<br>**Net cash inflow from investing activities**<br>**Analysis of cash flows from financing activities**<br>Loans repaid<br>**Net cash inflow from investing activities**|**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>2,729,823<br>1,239,576<br>(1,982,492)<br>-<br>747,331<br>1,239,576<br>(228,833)<br>-<br>(22,770)<br>-<br>495,728<br>1,239,576<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>54,955<br>(250,940)<br>54,955<br>(250,940)|
|---|---|



## **26 Related party transactions** 

The charity is affiliated to the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (a USA non-profit organisation), whose divisional office, the Trans-European Division, is at 119 St Peter's Street, St Albans, Herts AL1 3EY 

## Regional conferences affiliated to the charity are: 

North England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 22 Zulla Road, Nottingham, NG3 5DB South England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 25 St Johns Road, Watford, WD17 1PY The charity has tithe-sharing agreements with each of these associated charities. 

## **27** 

|Tithe-sharing grants received|General<br>**Conference**<br>**£**<br>-|**North England**<br>**South England**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**Conference**<br>**Conference**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>1,434,770<br>3,032,652<br>4,467,422<br>4,808,559|**North England**<br>**South England**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**Conference**<br>**Conference**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>1,434,770<br>3,032,652<br>4,467,422<br>4,808,559|**North England**<br>**South England**<br>**Total**<br>**Total**<br>**Conference**<br>**Conference**<br>**2024**<br>**2023**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>1,434,770<br>3,032,652<br>4,467,422<br>4,808,559|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Tithe-sharing grants received for<br>pension deficit|55,591|1,050,220<br>2,244,573<br>3,350,384<br>2,946,914|||
|Other grants received|795,132||-|-<br>795,132<br>421,989|
|Tithe-sharing grants made|228,420||-|-<br>228,420<br>322,472|
|Other grants made|-||-|-<br>-<br>39,226|
|Amounts due to charity < 1 year|-|565,723<br>1,866,854<br>2,432,577<br>1,937,751|||
|Amounts due to charity > 1 year|-|35,953<br>13,685<br>49,638<br>86,091|||
|Amounts due by charity < 1 year|1,064,826||-|-<br>1,064,826<br>198,885|
|Amounts due by charity > 1 year|-||-|-<br>-<br>52,787|
|**Other related entities**||**Country**|Shareholding<br>**Description**||
|Seventh-day Adventist Association Ltd|Charity No. 209780|UK|N/A|Titular holder of property|
|Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire|Company No. 89953|||(Trustees are appointed by|
|||||BUC executive committee)|
|Stanborough Press Ltd|Charity No. 235245|UK|100%|Publishing and distribution of|
|Alma Park Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire|Company No. 41819|||Christian literature|
|||||(Trustees are appointed by the|
|||||BUC executive committee)|
|Adventist Development & Relief Agency|Charity No. 1074937|UK|N/A|Humanitarian Aid|
|Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire|Scottish No. 37726|||(Trustees are appointed by the|
|||||BUC executive committee)|
|Stanborough School|Unincorporated|UK|N/A|Christian education at primary|
|Garston, Watford, Hertfordshire||||and secondary levels|
|||||(Majority of trustees are appointed)|
|||||by the BUC executive committee|



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