CHAT ( tar[AX] CHAT 3 Annual Report
Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd. www.chatmid.org
Trustees Report for the year ended 31st March 2025
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The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2025 which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1st January 2015).
Charitable Objectives
To relieve either generally or individually persons within the local authority area of Mid Devon without discrimination of sex or of political, religious or other opinions who are in conditions of need, hardship or distress by making grants of money or providing or paying for items services or facilities calculated to reduce the need, hardship, or distress of such persons and in particular to relieve persons who are homeless or threatened with homelessness or who are without secure permanent accommodation.
Public Benefit
The charity acknowledges the requirement to demonstrate that it has charitable aims and purposes that are for the public benefit. As the only charitable organisation in Mid Devon that exists solely to respond to and prevent homelessness, we work to help individuals and families in crisis find their way back to suitable accommodation or keep the tenancy they have. The service is free and accessible to anyone living in the Mid Devon area and the trustees believe that the work of CHAT in homelessness and homeless prevention issues, debt advice, the foodbank and hardship relief clearly demonstrate that our charitable aims are indeed for the benefit of the public and that trustees have complied with Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 and benefits the wider community as a whole.
Vision and Values
Our vision is for no one in Mid Devon to be homeless or hungry and our values of Compassion, Justice, Advocacy and Dignity are at the heart of everything we do.
CHAT is founded on Christian principles and is accessible to all those in need, regardless of their background.
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JUSTICE We believe that everyone is entitled to decent, secure and affordable housingsomewhere to call home and we will challenge injustice wherever it is encountered.
COMPASSION We act with kindness and love in bringing hope to those in need, hardship or distress.
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ADVOCACY DIGNITY We believe in standing We respect the people we beside the people in our work with through seeking community so that they get to be open and transparent the help and support they and by building relationships need. based on trust.
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
A Letter from the Chair
I was thrilled and very proud to become CHAT’s new Chair in July 2024.
Having been a volunteer and a trustee at CHAT for a few years I know of the tremendous work it does in the local community and how it gives hope to those in need – a role it has filled for the past 30 years.
Whenever, I spend time in the CHAT office, I am moved and humbled by the incredible dedication of our staff – employees and volunteers. Their knowledge and compassion is deeply rooted in empathy for the people we serve and the communities in which they live.
This vital and precious work continues to take place in extremely challenging circumstances both for our clients and for the charity itself and as I write this it would seem likely that the position will only deteriorate further.
We are also fortunate to have an excellent Board of Trustees who bring a wide range of skills and play a key role in helping CHAT achieve the highest possible standards.
As we enter our 31st year as a charity we seek to attract a new generation of supporters and partners who will stay with us in the long term. That will ensure that we can continue our vital work of providing support to all those in need in the Mid-Devon area and to offer hope to those with none.
Clive
Clive Williams, Chair
In 2024-25 we faced significant financial pressures that tested our resilience and flexibility. Economic instability, continued grant funding pressures and increased energy costs all posed challenges. I’m pleased to say that we took steps to mitigate the impact of these factors, and ended the year in a good financial position.
Our updated strategy combines a strong commitment to continuing to deliver our vital services as well as a drive to demonstrate impact.
We have a strong management team under the leadership of Alison Padfield, our CEO, and a strong sense of togetherness and a commitment to excellence in everything we do. I believe that CHAT demonstrates every day that it is an outstanding charity and one I am very proud to be involved in.
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
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Review
of Activities
Q -
Support and Advice
During the year the team of staff and volunteers at
CHAT have assisted a total of 1763 clients (an 11%
rise from last year). Homelessness and financial
challenges are often complex and are often an
indication of underlying problems. We work with
the client to identify root causes and work with
clients to address both immediate needs and
We have a weekly presence at Uffculme, Crediton
underlying issues.
and Cullompton for appointments and drop-in face-
1,763 to-face advice and support.
clients
increase in clients
supported with advice
overall compared to Uffculme
Tiverton
last year
advice Cullompton
2,533
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Support and Advice
During the year the team of staff and volunteers at CHAT have assisted a total of 1763 clients (an 11% rise from last year). Homelessness and financial challenges are often complex and are often an indication of underlying problems. We work with the client to identify root causes and work with clients to address both immediate needs and underlying issues.
22% increase in clients supported with advice overall compared to © last year
advice 2,533 sessions have conducted, over 61% 358 face to face clients ? supported 175 people welcomed with debt into Tiverton Hub every week (average)
“Before using the CHAT pantry I had £20 a week for food and the cupboards would have nothing in them by Friday. Now when I open the cupboard I have a choice of what to eat and you’ve no idea of the difference that makes.” Pantry client June 2024
We hold the Advice Quality Standard after demonstrating that we are easily accessible effectively managed and have a team with the skills and knowledge to meet the needs of our clients. The team received training on many subjects including Safeguarding, GDPR, housing law, suicide prevention, economic abuse, hoarding, Equality, Diversity and inclusion, benefits, PIP, UC and coaching techniques to ensure we stay up to date with the latest legislation.
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
Housing and Tenancy
12 tents 245 given out looking for new am _ accomodation
Provided 80 showers and 249 clients
loads of 69 sleeping rough/ washing sofa surfing/temp accomodation
We have opened 720 new housing and tenancy support cases this year, assisting 599 different households with a wide range of issues. We have supported clients to find more suitable housing, negotiate with landlords, helping those who are homeless into accommodation, assistance with understanding court paperwork and processes, rent arrears and preventing evictions. We work closely with other agencies - and in particular Mid Devon District Council’s Housing Options Team. We also work with a local landlord giving support to 4 men who were homeless in a shared house, helping them to become ‘tenancy ready’.
225 13 supported to households supported
stay in their through Assisted current tenancy #2 Tenancy Scheme
Supporting people to stay in their current tenancy is a key strategy in prevention of homelessness. We we have supported 225 households to secure their tenancy (private and social) and to make their house a secure home for their family.
Bringing Hope: ’ s Fresh Start Stephen
Stephen* came to us with his daughter after receiving a Section 21 eviction notice. He had finished work a few months ago, but he was a few months off pensionable age, so had fallen behind with his rent. His private tenancy was larger than he needed, and he couldn’t afford it. The rent arrears were £3,000 but he had paid all his other bills. His daughter wanted to help, but work and family commitments made it difficult to help her Dad with all the appointments, and they were both finding the situation very stressful and overwhelming.
With eviction proceedings underway and no council housing available, we met them both and started to understand the whole story. Letting agents and landlords were hesitant to let him a property due to the arrears, but we advocated for Stephen, highlighting how he had paid all other bills and how his financial situation would change when the pension began.
We offered him the Assisted Tenancy Scheme and a local landlord agreed to give him a chance. We supported Stephen with the paperwork and deposit. He was determined to clear his debt, and set up a payment plan with his former landlord. Over winter, when he struggled without the winter fuel payment, we provided an electric blanket and referred him for energy advice.
Now, Stephen is settled in an affordable home and keeping up with his rent. He and his daughter thanked our advisor for the care and reassurance he had shown, and for advocating on Stephens behalf, They said the support they received from CHAT made all the difference.
*Name changed
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
Debt and Money Advice
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17-24
65+
8.7%8.7% 3.4%3.4%
25-34
22.6%
22.6%
27.1%
50-64 Age Range
27.1%
of Clients
35-49
38.2%
38.3%
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Specialist debt advice is provided by specially trained staff and volunteers. We work with clients at every stage, from help with budgeting to bankruptcy, and we continue to work with those clients who have been through a debt solution to manage their new budget and remain debt-free.
358 225 face clients to face advice sessions
9 trained debt advice volunteers
£3,157,518 Total debt identified/ managed Qe Debt Relief 21 _ 71% of debt & Orders totaling money £383,685 clients identified vulnerability
Face-to-face support is crucial for those vulnerable clients who find it difficult to talk about personal and upsetting situations or to understand complex issues over the phone or online. Meeting in person helps us build trust and provide support in a way that is more accessible and effective for those who need it most.
We are a Community Money Advice (CMA) centre and are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Benefits Support
Ensuring clients have access to all possible sources of income is a vital part of our support and a key element of this involves helping clients navigate the welfare system to ensure they are receiving all the benefits they are entitled to.
These financial gains can be life-changing, helping individuals and families meet basic needs, reduce stress, and begin to rebuild their lives with stability and dignity.
466 Clients received advice about benefits
Secured £115,776 in backdated, previously aw unclaimed benefits.
49 clients gained an average of Sez /month, £438 totaling annually.£257,493
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
Bringing Hope: ’ Sarah s Journey
Sarah*, a young single mother, was referred to CHAT by the local foodbank. She had recently fled an abusive relationship and was left with a child to care for along with debts that her expartner had largely contributed to totalling £23,000. Creditors were sending constant letters, which added to her anxiety. When Sarah first met our debt advisor, she was tearful and overwhelmed. However, as we began to explain her rights and take practical steps she slowly started to feel a sense of safety and control.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the help, my life absolutely changed no more worries and stress , I feel so blessed and lucky I have met you s all I can finally start slowly making my dreams come true, thank you so so much.”
"Sarah was very easy to work with as she was well organised and highly motivated to undertake actions to move towards a debt solution. She was surviving on a very low income so when the DRO was finalised there was an enormous sense of relief."
Andrew, Sarah’s debt advisor
Sarah was determined to change her situation and with our support, she applied for and was granted a Debt Relief Order (DRO). A DRO gives a fresh start but life remains challenging. Sarah can only just manage her day-to-day expenses but is determined to avoid falling back into debt.
Sarah’s journey is far from over, but her courage, combined with support from the CHAT team, has helped her move from crisis toward hope.
*Name changed
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
Foodbank and Sustainable Pantry
Food[@] CHAT
In September 2025, we launched an affordable food pantry alongside our ongoing emergency food support. Over the year, we've seen a steady shift from foodbank use to the subscription-based pantry model, which offers more choice and empowers clients toward financial independence.
568 1,648 households emergency supported 7-day food with food parcels
All food provided is from donations and all subscriptions from the pantry are used to purchase fresh food.
34% 10% clients with clients children over 65
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Foodbank Pantry Total
500
400
300
200
100
0
Apr 24May 24Jun 24Jul 24Aug 24Sep 24Oct 24Nov 24Dec 24Jan 25Feb 25Mar 25
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pantry 208 members 2,614 (77% also have pantry visits advice cases)
"This has helped me reduce my expenses while I sort things out. A huge help with the food but also advice, thanks for your help, its brilliant" client Sept 2024
Hardship Relief
3House 2 Home 187 events held in households Tiverton attended
Funding for the Mid Devon Energy Partnership with Exeter Community Energy has now finished, but we were still able to fund emergency fuel vouchers through our hardship fund and ECOE have continued to visit for energy advice.
£15,000 of second hand £2,115 household in emergency items given out fuel vouchers ao (est. value)
We also support clients with essential new and second-hand household items thanks to generous donations from the community.
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
Partnership Working
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199 1,200
referrals onward
received (> referrals
Food & Energy £252,344
Vouchers via Household
Support Fund
(distributed on behalf of Mid
Seel
Devon District Council )
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We engage with a wide network of partner agencies and have received referrals from 19 different organisations. In turn, when the client needs advice outside of our area of specialism and it is more appropriately handled by other trusted agencies, we have made over 1,200 referrals or suggestions to alternative sources of support, so our clients are able to get the support they need.
This year has seen the development of a partnership with ECOE Advice for the provision of debt advice to clients ceadvice throughout Devon who are struggling with energy debt. Thanks to this partnership ECOE Advice are able to provide FCA regulated debt advice and we can work together to help set even more people free from the burden of overwhelming debt.
bank advice 42DITON ceadvice 87 Springboard clients 71 clients helped £14,201 financial gains
CHAT works in partnership with Crediton Foodbank to employ a community support worker who works with those who are using the foodbank, to ‘springboard’ them out of poverty.
71 clients an helped £1,414,170 Total debt identified/managed
Bringing Hope: ’ Adam s Independence
Adam* was referred to us by his GP after struggling financially despite working five days a week. Living with cerebral palsy and partial paralysis, he’d borrowed to buy an adapted car for work, leaving little for bills.
We offered a Saturday appointment so he could access the pantry, and during the visit, our advisor identified he was eligible for an extra £5,992 a year in benefits. He was also living in damp conditions, so we referred him for energy advice and continue
to advocate with his landlord for improvements to his property.
The extra income and reduced energy costs have helped, but we’ve decided together that while he finishes repaying his car loan he will continue to use the pantry on a Saturday - but with growing confidence and independence Adam is gradually moving toward a point where he’ll no longer need our support.
*Name changed
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
Connecting with the Community
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3
years
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Throughout the year you may have seen CHAT at various community events such as Mid Devon Show, Uffculme Show, Bampton Charter Fair, Silverton and others. These events give us a chance to share the impact of our work, alongside making sure everyone knows what services we offer should they need our help.
Throughout 2025 we will be marking our 30th year. We began the year with a service at St. Paul’s Church where over 150 people attended and heard from Sally Chapman (CHAT’s founder) about what inspired her to start CHAT and how we are still needed today.
We welcomed supporters and funders to the CHAT office for the launch of our affordable food pantry that had been refurbished thanks to generous donations. We have also held evenings at our office for our ‘Givers of Hope’ and other supporters to meet the team and hear first hand about the difference their support makes.
We connect with our supporters and let the community know what we are doing with regular facebook posts and our newsletter which is sent to over 1000 people.
We are active members of the Mid Devon Wellbeing Alliance and local food groups. We are delighted to host the following groups in our hub ensuring that clients have easy access to a wide range of helpful services including:
-
Devon Mental Health Alliance
-
South West Water customer liaison ECOE Advice (energy saving)
-
AGE UK Digital Champion
-
Police
-
NHS Vaccination clinics
We have been invited to speak to several groups throughout the year such as Rotary clubs, WI, Schools, Churches, Scouts, Parish Councils and others.
We are so grateful for the support of the community. Every act of generosity - whether it's a business sponsorship, a concert on our behalf, sponsored walk, cake sale, birthday collection, tin of soup donated, or even a sponsored parachute jump - all help raise vital awareness and funds. Thank you!
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
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Admin Food@CHAT
& Household
Support18.2%
30.3%
18.2%
30.3%
Governance
5.1% 5.1%
How volunteer
hours are spent
e 95
Advice Work
& Client Support28.3% Reception
28.3% 18.2%18.1%
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The CHAT Team
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The CHAT team includes people of all ages and
backgrounds and we prioritise supporting our team
as they support others. This year, special funding
enabled us to provide wellness activities like yoga,
resilience training, mindfulness, and a vision and
values day.
15 paid
10,293 employees
volunteer working 422 a
hours hours a week
contributed
(est. valued at
Staff Time
£200,600.00)
Direct Support
Service74 Costs17
74% 17%
Fund-
raising9
9%
e:
A Letter
from the CEO
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“Volunteering with CHAT is very fulfilling. I decided to start when I retired, and I am so glad I did. Apart from the social side of being part of a great team, the interaction with clients makes the ‘job’ so worthwhile.
We all make a difference in our own way, and volunteering a few hours a week has its rewards for me. Long may it continue!” Gill, Foodbank & Pantry Volunteer
Each member of our team brings their own story and perspective, and countless individuals have contributed over the past year. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group, and I want to thank every one of them.
As you read through this report, you will see some sobering statistics that highlight the growing number of people who have needed our support alongside some encouraging figures that reflect the impact CHAT has made - the lives changed and the positive outcomes achieved.
Throughout 2025, we are marking our 30th anniversary. As we reflect on the past three decades, it is clear that since the beginning, CHAT has been committed to tackling the root causes of poverty and homelessness in our community. That commitment remains unwavering, we will continue this work for as long as we are needed.
Thank you for partnering with us in our vision: to see everyone in Mid Devon in a safe and secure home, with enough food to eat.
Yet at CHAT we are not about statistics, we are about people. Behind every number is a unique story. Our team takes the time to listen, to understand, and to address not only the immediate crisis but also the underlying issues.
Alison
Alison Padfield
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
Financial Review
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GENERAL FUND
| Income | 2025 £ |
2024 £ |
+/- £ |
% Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grants | 94,439 | 169,152 | -74,713 | -44% |
| Donations | 189,707 | 157,645 | 32,062 | 20% |
| Fundraising | 5,032 | 19,468 | -14,436 | -74% |
| Charitable activities | 46,863 | 36,036 | 10,827 | 30% |
| Other income | 7,330 | 6,034 | 1296 | 21.5% |
| Bank Interest | 4,662 | 4,409 | 253 | 5.7% |
| Total | 348,033 | 392,744 | -44,711 | -11.4% |
Grants – Grant income in 2024 included two exceptional grants totalling £116,343 to allow for the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, so a reduction in grant income this year was to be expected.
Donations and fundraising – Donations of £189,707 increased by 20% from 2024. Of this £61,919 came from our Givers of Hope supporters who have committed to making a monthly contribution to our income. Fundraising during 2024 included two large events totalling £9,413 and this year has returned to a more expected level.
Charitable activities – Income from activities related to our core purposes.
| Expenditure | 2025 £ |
2024 £ |
+/- £ |
% Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct charitable expenditure | 221,981 | 188,972 | 33,009 | 17.50% |
| Fundraising | 42,550 | 42,853 | -303 | <1% |
| Support costs | 127,308 | 92,736 | 34,572 | 37% |
| Total | 391,839 | 324,561 | 67,278 | 20.70% |
The overall deficit on the general and designated funds was £43,806, supported by the level of reserves brought forward from 2024.
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
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||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|ALL FUNDS|
|2025|2024|+/-|
|Income|% Change|
|£|£|£|
|Grants|201,903|353,013|-151,110|-42.80%|
|Donations|207,296|191,114|16,182|8.50%|
|Fundraising|5,046|19,770|-14,724|-75%|
|Charitable activities|62,460|37,307|25,193|67.40%|
|Other income|7,330|7,204|126|2%|
|Bank Interest|4,662|4,409|253|5.74%|
|Total|488,697|612,817|-124,120|-20%|
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ALL FUNDS
Total income of £488,697 was 20% less than 2024.
General fund and designated grants decreased by £74,713 and other grants were £76,397 less than 2024.
General fund donations increased by £32,062 but restricted donations were £15,880 less than 2024. Charitable activities income includes £15,597 of food pantry subscriptions, which was introduced this year.
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||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|+/-|
|Expenditure|% Change|
|£|£|£|
|Direct charitable expenditure|347,866|397,750|-49,884|-12.50%|
|Fundraising|43,631|42,853|778|1.80%|
|Support costs|152,323|124,600|27,723|22.20%|
|Total|543,820|565,203|-21,383|-3.80%|
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Total expenditure of £543,820 decreased by 3.8% from 2024.
The overall deficit for the year was £55,123. Although there was an overall decline in income, we were able to continue to provide comparable levels of service delivery by utilising reserves brought forward from the previous financial year.
Services delivered through the general fund and restricted funds demonstrates the reach that CHAT has throughout Mid Devon by providing housing, debt and money advice, and poverty and hardship relief to residents.
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
In the 2024 review the Trustees accurately forecasted that they did not expect a similar level of income in 2025. The level of reserves available at the start of the year has enabled services to continue, despite the reduction in income. During the year under review some funding has ended and employees who were linked to these funds with a fixed term contract have left. Where these funds contributed to overhead costs these have been absorbed in the general fund wherever possible.
The services that CHAT can provide are dependent on the income raised and as obtaining grant income for core funding remains a challenge the Trustees are focussing their attention on communicating the vital work of CHAT to regular supporters, prospective supporters, businesses, churches, and community fund raisers throughout our area of operation.
Reserves Policy
The trustees are aware of the need to secure CHAT’s viability beyond the immediate future. For the long term it must be able to absorb setbacks and take advantage of change and opportunity.
This reserves policy applies to the unrestricted funds of the charity and the Trustees’ aim is to ensure a balance between a reasonable level of reserves in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Charity Commission and sensible use of funds. In particular it is designed to:
-
Cover uncertainty over future income
-
Ensure sufficient cash-flow to carry out day-to-day business
-
In the event of CHAT having to be wound up provision for the continuation of operations must be kept in reserve to allow for a managed closure
-
Maintain a provision for redundancy
Reserves can only be generated and maintained by strict financial controls. An overview of the charity’s financial position is considered at all trustee meetings and the trustees review the reserves policy as and when deemed necessary and always annually.
To meet these objectives, the optimum level of the general reserves was set at £70,128.
We were able to maintain this reserve level during the financial year, but this must be regarded as a minimum and the trustees work to ensure that reserves reflect the points described above.
Principal sources of funds
The Trustees seek to maintain a broad base of funding sources, including grants, partnership working and donations. Our fundraiser applies for grants from a variety of organisations. CHAT continues to develop its fundraising strategy as part of its Business Plan, with a view to attracting corporate funding, developing a legacy policy and promoting the Givers of Hope Scheme
Risk management
All charities face an increasingly competitive market when approaching grant-making trusts for support. By implementing effective and tight cost controls and by providing ongoing financial management information, the financial risk to the charity is kept to a minimum. The Executive Management Team meet regularly to review the financial position of CHAT and monitor fundraising strategies.
13
Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
Structure, Governance and Management
The organisation is a Charitable Company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 31st August 1995, and registered as a charity on 27th September 1995. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding ten pounds. Members are subscribers to the Memorandum of Association and admitted to membership in accordance with the rules set out in the Articles of Association and subject to Trustee approval. Members pay an annual subscription and are entitled to vote at the AGM.
Trustee selection methods, induction and training
The directors of the company are also trustees for the purpose of charity law. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, trustees are elected to serve for a maximum of three years after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
CHAT appoints Trustees according to the expertise they can offer and all Trustees complete an induction to become familiar with CHAT, attend training on Trustee duties and are made aware of any information produced by the Charity Commission and other relevant bodies.
Organisational structure
CHAT’s Trustee Board meet at least four times a year and are responsible for the direction and policy of the charity. The CEO is responsible to the Trustees for the day-to-day running of the organisation and for carrying out the strategic plans for the organisation. The CEO also performs the roles of office manager and finance officer, and therefore has a detailed understanding of the organisation as a whole.
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
Reference and Administrative Details
Registered Charity Number 1049478 Company Registration Number 3096996 Registered Office and Operation Address
Coggan’s Well House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton, Devon EX16 6LU
Trustees Clive Williams (Appointed 25/07/23) Chair from 25/07/24 Terence Norris (Appointed 02/07/2018) Treasurer/Vice Chair Lara Wielenga (Appointed 02/07/2018) Steve Daykin (Appointed 29/07/21) Vivienne Brewster (Appointed 02/07/2018) Shelagh Eastwood (Appointed 04/11/24) Jennifer Tower (Appointed 02/07/2018) Rod Hewson (Appointed 30/07/2020) Jane Wardle (Appointed 25/07/23) Simon Friend (Appointed 05/07/10 retired 25/07/24) Matthew Melksham (Appointed 02/07/18 retired 25/7/24) Chris Underhill (Appointed 25/07/23 retired 08/08/24)
Company Secretary Karen Ward Treasurer Terence Norris CEO Alison Padfield
Responsibilities of the Trustees
Company law requires the Trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, 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 as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees should follow best practice and:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the company will continue on that basis.
The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees on 16th June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Clive Williams, Chair
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
CHURCHES HOUSING ACTION TEAM (DEVON) LIMITED YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| Unrestricted funds | Unrestricted funds | Restricted | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Designated | funds | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income | ||||||
| Income and endowments from: | ||||||
| Donations and legacies | 260,796 | 26,382 | 125,067 | 412,245 | 563,897 | |
| Charitable activities | 48,863 | 15,597 | 64,460 | 37,307 | ||
| Other trading activities | 7,330 | 7,330 | 7,204 | |||
| Investments | 4,662 | 4,662 | 4,409 | |||
| Grants | 321,651 | 26,382 | 140,664 | 488,697 | 612,817 | |
| Raising funds | 10 | 42,550 | 1,081 | 43,631 | 42,853 | |
| Charitable activities | 10 | 316,489 | 32,800 | 150,900 | 500,189 | 522,350 |
| Total expenditure | 10 | 359,039 | 32,800 | 151,981 | 543,820 | 565,203 |
| Net income before transfers | -37,388 | -6,418 | -11,317 | -55,123 | 47,614 | |
| Transfers between funds | 8 | 0 | 0 | |||
| Net movement in funds | -37,388 | -6,418 | -11,317 | -55,123 | 47,614 | |
| Fund balances brought forward | 199,772 | 17,776 | 53,473 | 271,021 | 223,407 | |
| Fund balances carried forward | 162,384 | 11,358 | 42,156 | 215,898 | 271,021 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
CHURCHES HOUSING ACTION TEAM (DEVON) LIMITED YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025
BALANCE SHEET AT 31st MARCH 2025
| Notes | 2025 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Tangible fixed assets | 3 | 4,034 | 6,998 | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Debtors | 4 | 39,393 | 66,031 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 192,455 | 240,038 | |||
| 231,848 | 306,069 | ||||
| Creditors | 5 | 19,984 | 42,046 | ||
| 19,984 | 42,046 | ||||
| Net current assets | 211,864 | 264,023 | |||
| Net assets | 6 | 215,898 | 271,021 | ||
| Reserves | |||||
| Unrestricted general reserve | 6 | 162,384 | 199,772 | ||
| Designated funds | 6 | 11,358 | 17,776 | ||
| Restricted funds | 6 | 42,156 | 53,473 | ||
| Total funds | 215,898 | 271,021 |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance wiith FRS102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.'
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
For the financial year ended 31 March 2025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 Companies Act 2006; and no notice has been deposited under section 476.
Approved by the Trustees on 16th June 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Clive Williams Terry Norris Chair Trustee
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
CHURCHES HOUSING ACTION TEAM (DEVON) LIMITED YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025
NOTES AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
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1. Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms under which the funds were raised.
Income
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income, when it is probable that the income will be received and when the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Voluntary income includes grants, donations and gifts and is included in full when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
Investment income is included when receivable.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on the accruals basis inclusive of Value Added Tax which cannot be recovered.
Costs of generating funds comprise the costs of attracting donations and administering membership.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services. It includes both the costs that can be allocated directly and indirect costs necessary to support the activities.
All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the statement of financial activities on a basis designed to reflect use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis.
Creditors are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts
Assets
Tangible fixed assets are depreciated by equal annual instalments over their estimated useful lives at the following rates:
| ates: | |
|---|---|
| Fixtures and fittings I T | 33% |
| Equipment Leasehold | 33% |
| improvements | Over the term of the lease |
Debtors are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
CHURCHES HOUSING ACTION TEAM (DEVON) LIMITED YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025
NOTES AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
| 2. Net income for the year | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| This is stated after charging: | £ | £ |
| Depreciation of tangible assets owned | ||
| by the company | 2,964 | 2,964 |
3. Tangible fixed assets
| 3. Tangible fixed assets | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leasehold | Fixtures | I T | |||
| improvements | Furniture | & fittings | equipment | Total | |
| Cost | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ |
| At 1 April 2024 | 11,323 | 7,740 | 16,047 | 26,781 | 61,891 |
| Grants | 0 | ||||
| Disposals | |||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 11,323 | 7,740 | 16,047 | 26,781 | 61,891 |
| Depreciation | |||||
| At 1 April 2024 | 4,590 | 7,740 | 15,782 | 26,781 | 54,893 |
| Charge for the year | 2,699 | 265 | 2,964 | ||
| Eliminated on disposals | 0 | ||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 7,289 | 7,740 | 16,047 | 26,781 | 57,857 |
| Net book amounts | |||||
| At 31 March 2025 | 4,034 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4,034 |
| At 31 March 2024 | 11,323 | 0 | 265 | 0 | 6,998 |
| 4. Debtors | 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Trade debtors | 24,372 | 11,418 | |||
| Prepayments and accrued income | 6,804 | 6,962 | |||
| Other debtors | 8,217 | 47,651 | |||
| 39,393 | 66,031 | ||||
| 5. Creditors | |||||
| Trade creditors | 9,412 | 41,309 | |||
| Accruals and deferred income | 3,576 | 732 | |||
| Taxation and Social Security | 0 | 0 | |||
| Other creditors | 6,996 | 5 | |||
| 19,984 | 42,046 | ||||
| 6. Analysis of net assets between funds | 6. Analysis of net assets between funds | ||||
| General | Restricted | Total | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Fixed assets | 4,034 | 4,034 | |||
| Current assets | 189,692 | 42,156 | 231,848 | ||
| Creditors | (19,984) | (19,984) | |||
| 173,742 | 42,156 | 215,898 |
7. Related Party Transactions
No trustees were in receipt of fees or expenses during the year. There were no related party transactions
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
CHURCHES HOUSING ACTION TEAM (DEVON) LIMITED YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025
NOTES AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
| 8. Movements in funds | April | March | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Income | Paid | Transfers | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Restricted funds | |||||
| Debt and Money Advice Springboard Project Make Some Noise Food Fund Hardship and Fuel Poverty Staff Wellbeing Foodbank operation Mid Devon Energy Partnership Small scale equipment |
7,491 11,089 3,026 4,909 19,433 3,520 4,932 -927 0 |
5,304 30,000 72,353 2,400 24,646 5,961 |
(839) (11,089) (30,756) (68,516) (2,649) (3,520) (4,932) (23,719) (5,961) |
11,956 0 2,270 8,746 19,184 0 0 0 0 |
|
| Total restricted funds | 53,473 | 140,664 | (151,981) | 0 | 42,156 |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| Assisted Tenancies | 4,323 | 4,323 | |||
| Springboard Project | 13,453 | (8,324) | 5,129 | ||
| Debt advice partnership | 26,382 | (24,476) | 1,906 | ||
| General Reserve | 199,772 | 321,651 | (359,039) | 162,384 | |
| 271,021 | 488,697 | (543,820) | 0 | 215,898 |
Debt and Money Advice. A fund to provide advice to clients to manage their income and expenditure to control personal debt.
Make Some Noise. A fund to cover the cost of a full time debt worker.
Food Fund. Donations to provide food and related costs for those in need.
Hardship and Fuel Poverty. A fund for specific hardship and energy needs of clients of CHAT for which no other budget is available.
Staff Wellbeing. A fund to provide support and supervision for staff.
Foodbank operation. Funding to support the costs of running the foodbank.
Mid Devon Energy Partnership. Tackling poverty across Mid Devon by offering advice on energy,
housing, debt and money.
Small scale equipment fund. A fund to cover donations made for specific items of equipment. Debt Advice Partnership. A partnership with ECOE Advice to jointly tackle debt and fuel poverty.
Assisted Tenancies. A fund to help prospective tenants in difficult circumstances obtain tenanted accommodation.
Springboard project. A joint initiative by CHAT and Crediton Foodbank to employ a support worker to enable people to sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness. Part of this fund is restricted and part designated.
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
CHURCHES HOUSING ACTION TEAM (DEVON) LIMITED YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025
NOTES AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
9. Staff costs and numbers
Staff costs were as follows:
| Staff costs were as follows: | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Gross wages and salaries | 354,823 | 352,623 |
| Social security costs | 21,440 | 19,358 |
| Pension costs | 11,834 | 11,250 |
| 388,097 | 383,231 | |
| The average number of full time equivalent employees was: | ||
| Number | Number | |
| Management and administration | 12.03 | 4.1 |
| Support and advice | 10.03 | 9.34 |
| 12.03 | 13.44 |
No employee received emoluments of more that £60,000 (2024: none)
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The contributions are allocated between direct costs and support costs according to the staff involved.
10. Total expenditure
| 10. Total expenditure | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct costs | Direct costs | Support costs | Support costs | |||
| Staff | Other | Staff | Other | Total 2025 | Total 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Raising funds | ||||||
| Fundraising and membership | 40,115 | 3,516 | 43,631 | 42,853 | ||
| Restricted funds | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 40,115 | 3,516 | 0 | 0 | 43,631 | 42,853 | |
| Charitable activities | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | ||||||
| General and core activities | 199,139 | 22,842 | 58,157 | 69,150 | 349,288 | 281,708 |
| 0 | 0 | |||||
| 199,139 | 22,842 | 58,157 | 69,150 | 349,288 | 281,708 | |
| Restricted funds | ||||||
| General and core activities | 78,337 | 47,548 | 12,349 | 12,667 | 150,901 | 240,642 |
| 78,337 | 47,548 | 12,349 | 12,667 | 150,901 | 240,642 | |
| Total expenditure | 317,591 | 73,906 | 70,506 | 81,817 | 543,820 | 565,203 |
Support costs include governance costs estimated at £3,000 (2024: £3,000)
Governance costs include independent examiner's fees of £nil (2024: nil)
11. Commitments under operating leases
At 31 March 2025 the company had annual commitments of £21,000 (2024: £21,000) under non-cancellable operating leases expiring between 2 and 5 years in respect of land and buildings.
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
CHURCHES HOUSING ACTION TEAM (DEVON) LIMITED YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2025
NOTES AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
12. Detailed income and expenditure account
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General and | ||||||
| core | Designated | Restricted | Total | |||
| activities | funds | funds | Total | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Income | ||||||
| Grants | 68,057 | 26,382 | 107,464 | 201,903 | 353013 | |
| Donations | 189,207 | 17,589 | 206,796 | 190634 | ||
| Fundraising | 5,032 | 14 | 5,046 | 19770 | ||
| Membership | 500 | 500 | 480 | |||
| Charitable activities | 46,863 | 15,597 | 62,460 | 37307 | ||
| Other income | 7,330 | 7,330 | 7204 | |||
| Bank interest | 4,662 | 4,662 | 4409 | |||
| 321,651 | 26,382 | 140,664 | 488,697 | 612,817 | ||
| Direct charitable expenditure | ||||||
| Accommodation, food and hardship | 1,479 | 43,236 | 44,715 | 59886 | ||
| Salaries, including NI and pension costs | 173,912 | 25,227 | 78,337 | 277,476 | 302744 | |
| Staff supervision | 745 | 240 | 3,180 | 4,165 | 5210 | |
| Recruitment and training | 1,983 | 152 | 1,073 | 3,208 | 13470 | |
| Travel expenses | 396 | 363 | 35 | 794 | 1628 | |
| Telephone, publications, subscriptions | 17,268 | 216 | 24 | 17,508 | 14812 | |
| 195,783 | 26,198 | 125,885 | 347,866 | 397,750 | ||
| Support costs: fundraising | 42,550 | 1,081 | 43,631 | 42853 | ||
| Support costs: charitable activities | ||||||
| Salaries, including NI and pension costs | 54,597 | 3,560 | 12,349 | 70,506 | 45056 | |
| Travel expenses | 0 | 53 | ||||
| Property costs | 42,585 | 30 | 1,096 | 43,711 | 45759 | |
| Telephone | 1,766 | 1,766 | 1998 | |||
| IT costs | 8,107 | 560 | 560 | 8,667 | 7774 | |
| Postage, stationery and copier | 1,491 | 3 | 196 | 1,690 | 1340 | |
| Publications and subscriptions | 285 | 285 | 2995 | |||
| Equipment repairs and renewals | 740 | 2,449 | 11,317 | 14,506 | 6254 | |
| Volunteer expenses | 871 | 871 | 0 | |||
| Insurance | 3,444 | 3,444 | 3259 | |||
| Professional fees | 3,239 | 3,239 | 4744 | |||
| Recruitment and training | 0 | 0 | 30 | |||
| Miscellaneous | 617 | 57 | 674 | 2374 | ||
| Depreciation | 2,964 | 2,964 | 2964 | |||
| 120,706 | 6,602 | 25,015 | 152,323 | 124600 | ||
| Total resources expended | 359,039 | 32,800 | 151,981 | 543,820 | 565,203 | |
| Net incoming resources before transfers |
-37,388 | -6,418 | -11,317 | -55,123 | 47,614 |
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd.
www.chatmid.org
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Churches Housing Action Team (Devon) Ltd. www.chatmid.org