Ashby de la Zouch Youth for Christ (AYFC) Registered Charity Number 1058434
Report of the Trustees to Charity Commission for year 1[st] August 2022 - 31st July 2023
The trustees are drawn from the local Christian community all have knowledge and expertise relevant to the work of the organisation; they make major decisions and carry out or enable practical projects. All must feel able to sign The Statement of Faith.
The officers, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary are elected from within the trustee membership.
The trustees usually meet twice during each school term, meetings were held in Ashby Methodist Church which accommodates the AYFC office.
The 2021-2022 AGM was held on Tuesday 7[th] March 2023 at Ashby Methodist Church at 7.30pm
The trustees are supported in their work by a Council of Reference, members are drawn from several local churches, they meet to hear an update from the Centre Director and provide invaluable prayer support to the trustees and staff.
Youth for Christ in Ashby de la Zouch is a charity federated to similar charities bearing the same name, and sharing the same ethos and direction as the central charity British Youth for Christ. AYFC adopts all policies and reviews all governing documents in line with British Youth for Christ; we also adhere to all new government laws as they are introduced.
AYFC is compliant as far as possible with GDPR, AYFC appointed Rev Mike Firbank as Data Protection Officer in January 2019, there has been no change to this appointment.
Safeguarding is of major importance, all staff and trustees are D.B.S. checked, and AYFC is compliant with BYFC standards, staff and trustees receive regular Safeguarding training. Noreen Mewies and Ivan Hallam (trustees) have responsibility for overseeing this.
As the National Charity continues to evolve and develop AYFC continues follow their lead in developing our five key areas.
Increasing evangelism Serving the needs of young people in the community Developing a culture of prayer Developing our ministry to minorities Increasing financial sustainability All of these key points are reconsidered at every trustee meeting as they form the basis for our Centre Directors Report, we as trustees believe that AYFC continues to make excellent progress in all of these areas.
The mission of AYFC is to take the good news relevantly to every young person in Ashby de la Zouch and surrounding area. In every club we run, or lesson we lead, we show the young people we work with Christ’s love and provide them with every opportunity to question, explore and respond to the challenges of the Christian faith.
Our work is 4D
Demonstration - Sharing God’s love through what we do Declaration – Talking about God and his son Jesus. Discipleship – Supporting those who want to become Christians Decision – Inviting a response to the challenges of Christ.
AYFC Centre Director continues to oversee the work of a full time Senior Youth Leader and part-time Youth Leader.
The trustees consider they are very fortunate to have these enthusiastic and dedicated staff working for AYFC.
Staff run three weekly youth clubs, one of which is a football session on a local Astro turf pitch. All of our clubs attract young people aged 11 - 18 from across the local area, including those who are not in education, some of whom have often been permanently excluded from their school due to their misbehaviour.
We also offer small group and one to one mentoring sessions in both primary and secondary schools locally. This support is valuable to young people who are struggling with issues in their lives, often at home who may often need a listening ear, and someone with the time to listen to their needs.
AYFC is fortunate to have a highly qualified staff member keen to lead Outdoor Activities. The necessary insurance cover is in place with liability of up to £10,000,000.
This work is steadily increasing with more young people able to enjoy the experience, it also offers an opportunity for staff to talk to the young people on a one-to-one basis in a relaxed informal way, we plan for this to continue.
The Licence, renewable every two years, enables us to take individuals and small groups into the countryside to take part in challenging activities including climbing, paddleboarding kayaking and mountain biking.
These activities give young people the opportunity to explore and try new things while building confidence and friendships.
Mentoring of pupils continued in Ashby Church of England Primary School with selected pupils in Year 6, and Ashby and Ivanhoe Schools both of which now take pupils from Year 7 – 11. This work will continue to expand during 2023-2024.
The trustees continue to monitor the level of unrestricted funds in order to ensure that the bank balance does not fall below 3 – 6 months working capital, there has been no change to this policy, Funds have continued to decline over the year due to a small decrease in donations and worrying lack of successful grant applications.
Trustees are taking the matter very seriously reviewing the financial situation meeting by meeting, we are acutely aware this cannot continue and are working on a robust strategic plan to see AYFC through the coming year and beyond.
AYFC was fortunate to receive a legacy from a very loyal supporter which secured our work during 2022 -2023.
Although we have sufficient funds for 2023 -2024 trustees will continue to communicate with supporters, look for grant raising opportunities and fundraise to ensure our future.
Assessment and mitigation of risk is undertaken and regularly reported to the Trustees.
The trustees are paying due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit as we seek to meet our charitable objectives.
Prepared by Noreen Mewies Chair of AYFC Trustees September 2023
ASHBYYOUTH FOR CHRIST Registered Charity Number 1058434 Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2023. Summary of Receipts and Payments RECEIPTS Regular Giving Other Donations Other Income Agency Donations Total Receipts Note 2022 £29,685 £2,785 £6,731 £180 £39.381 £28,967 £15,126 £21,683 £66,216 PAYMENTS Staffing Operating Costs A8ency Donations Total Payments Note 2023 2022 £45,3(M) £15.582 £7FAI £61,642 £43.529 £7,849 £0 £51,378 Net IncomelExpenditufe in Year £4,574 -£11,997 Cash in Bank Accounts Cash at bank and in hand at 01-Aug Lloyds current account Lloyds charity account Account totsls Cash at E>artrk and ih band at 31-Jul 2023 £1.969 £28,261 £30,230 2023 2022 £1,517 £40.710 £42.227 2022 Lloyds current account Lloyds charity account Account totsls Net Actount Movement in Year £2.303 £32,501 £34AOS £4,574 £1.969 £28.261 £30.230 -£11,997 Commentary AYFC holds funds more than the reseNes Fvlicy. While cortinuing to expk>Te opportunities to spend on new initiatives. especially 5hort-term ones that can be financed by current funds, there is continued concern that our regular income from donor5 continue5 to be significantly lowerthan our expenditure, 74% of which is the cost of staffing. With this in mind. the AYFC team and trustees continue to look to control expenditu to ensure the ongoing survp4al of AYFC However. we continue to rety on God's provision, including grants and other extra income. Regular giving reduced again in 2023 by 25% lon top of 1.5% in 20221- Individual donations continued to hold relatfvety stable, reducing by 0.6%. compared to a 6% decrease in support from local churches. Regular giving remains insuffKient to match regular spending. AYFC Flnancial Statement year-eNI 31-Juk2022 Page i
While our net Income exceeded income by about £4,500, an extra £3227 was received in gift aid in FY2023 for donations made in FY2022. In addition, we have been blessed by a sizable bequest which ensured that we were able to continue our work throughout FY2023 while we continue to look for more ways to balance income and expenditure. AYFC Finandal Statement year-end 31-Jul-2022 Pa8e 2
Independent examlnerfs report to the trustees of Ashby Youth hr Chrlst (Charity No. 1058434) for the IInala4 year ended 31 July 2023 Respertive responslbillties The AYFCTrustees are responsible for the preparatton of the accounts and of trustees and examiner consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 Ithe Charities Artl and that an independent examinatton is needed. It is my responslbility to: examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act. to follow the procedures laid down In the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 14515llbl of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Bas15 of Independent My examination was carried out In accordance wrth general Directions given by the examlnerfs ststement Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charty and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also inclutles consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seekin8 explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion 15 given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the Statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention whlch gives me cause to belleve that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or the accounts do not accord with the accountln8 records I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention Should be drawn in order to enable a proper understsndin8 of the accounts to be 8¢hed. Sl8ned: Date: Name.. Relevant professio1 quallficatlon(sl or body: A c AA k&7/Z&¥, Address.. 24 th11l trTLL-4 &rG) 2¢gft AYFC Flnanclal Statementyear-end 31-Juk2022 Page 3
Income Notes l. Regular Gr¥1 Category Regular Donations Donatlons from lotal Churches 2073 2022 £19,519 £9.448 28,967 £19.631 É10,054 £29.685 2. Other Donatlons LatQEOry One Off Gfft5 2023 2022 £15.126 £15.126 £2.785 £2.785 Other donatlons from indivldua15, includin8 those applicable for Glft Aid Small Donatlons Scheme IGASDSI. and those from organlsation5 where Gift Aid claim is not applicable. Th15 Includes a large donation In the forni of a bequest from the estate of David Watson- a great supporter and actlve volunteer wlth AYFC over many years. He will be greatty missed. 3. Other Incorne Category Gift Ald Reclalmedlll Grants & Charitlesl Event Contrlbutlons(¥ Fundralsln¢41 Adventurous Incom Government Employment RdieO4 Paddleboarding Equipmentln 2023 2022 £6,868 £L260 £1,059 £1.451 £745 £157 £1,536 £1.260 £1,582 £0 £395 E9.256 £6,731 £17,683 IU Glft ald was up when comp•rln6 FY2023 to FY2022. However. thls tATas due • totsl of ts227 recelved from MMRC In September 2022 relatlng to GiftAld on donatlorts made in FY2022. The accountln8 system whith AYFC now Ltses Includes a mechanism to Speed up the daimin8 of Glft d. meanlng thatgfft ald Is dalmed more re8ularlv. rneanlnB that only the only gfft ald dve at the eThl of FY2023 was from donations made In July. 11 Three grants were8ratefulty recel¥ed from local ganiSati¢M5 In FY202I Many thank5 to Ashby EdatIonal Foundation. Ashby Rotary aub and Ashby knons fortheir continued supm In addltlon to thls. a laf8e8rant for Paddleboard equlpment was recd¥e¢ as discussed In ont 7. l¥ Event Contrlbutions are funds re¢elved by Indlvkluab towards >Jpport for Individual elents. These wère se¥erelv restricted at the start of FY2023. 14IThe team and a number of supporter5 took part In some8reat fundralsibV8 nts in FY2023. 15IAdventurous Income were contrlbulions third partles maki1¥ use Oft outd0orartltles provlded by AYFC. IS) Govèrnment EmployTrent Relief l-Furlough PayThl forsomt of FY2023, when the AYFC stsff were not able tts undertake their normal actiwtles. The trustees agreed to tOP-UP these payments $0 thot the staff continued to receive full 5alarlès at ihis time. AYFC Financial Statementyear-end 31-Juk2022 Pa8e4
17IA large Brant for the purchase of Paddleboardlng Equipment was received Én FY2023. The equipment has been used overthe year on a number of occaslon5, and should be a great resource over the years. 4. Agency Donations Categgry Agency Donations Received Agency Payments Made 2023 2022 £440 £180 £0 £760 Donations made by a giver to be pa55ed on to help the work in of other organisations, such as Moldova YFC that has been supported by AYFC staff and others over the years. In FY2022 and FY2021 no payments were made- hence the Increase in YF2023. Expenditure Notes 5. Staffing C6tegory Staff Expenses Staffing Costs 111121 Staff Training & Conferences 2023 2022 £476 £150 £43,655 £1.169 £45,300 £43.098 £281 143,529 lll staffing costs are wages & pensions for Helen Davis. Vernon Bayliss, Katie Johnson. f21staffing Costs were offset by £1,582 furlou8h payments In FY2022. paid by HMRC- shown as income in thls report. 6. Operatlng Costs Category Office & Admin 111 ActNity and Event Expenses 2023 2022 £320 £1,778 £L763 £iA40 £2 £2,270 .503 £141 In5uran¢e 12) Resourte5/Equipment Donation to YFC National Fundraislng Costs Paddleboard Equlpment £12 £67 £2,750 £16 £9J)81 £15,582 £0 £7,849 IIIoffice costs Include Phone, Internet and Web Site Charyes, Stationery, Printin8 & Postage and License fees. The provision of a phone landline was seen as superfluous this year. and so was dlscontinued. (21 Insurance fee consists Combined Commercial Insuran On and Outdoor Attivities Insurance. AYFC Flnancial Ststement year-end 31-Jul-2022 Page 5
Inddtt eM4rntr$ rewttothe tn¢leuOfAYrtfv forclwlst ICharhYll 1O584MI for th• fiMrKl•l ar er#Jed 31 2023 R•Fp•ttrrt r•4M4bllldes TheAYFC TTu51eesare respoTrslbltforthe weparnib)n ofthe tOLFTrts and oltruthw and &rnInr con51erthat in audrt Is w rewlred forthb year under sectlon 144 of the Charitbes Att 2011 (the Charllles Attl and th•t•n independent examination Is Is my sponsl¥ to: examlM the #rcounts uryler SeIDn 14S ofthe Charilies Att. to fdlow the woEedure$18id down In thEyneral DlredM5 1pn ty the Charity Cornmi5slon ltsnder SOrtn 14515llbl ol tl Charftle5 Art. ond to Aate Wberpartulof matters have como to my èttolltion. Basls of In¢lpmd•nt My examinknn was carroed out In Krdance with general Dirert)ns the Marnlnerfs $th¢I•M Charify CommI55lon. An eYAimin•tTh inctudes a revw ofthe accourtlng remnls kept lrythe charltyand a comparison of the accounts presented wrth those cords. It also indude5 consh1eration of any unusuol 1m$Ord1clOgJres in the •ccouTht and 5cobin8 91••t10n5 fn)m the trustets wiiLy{Iiir¥JJrry 5uth The prnCedv$ undertaken do nrt provKle411 the evideDce that wcrtAd be required in afi èudtt. 4Ttd consewentty no 15 ghen asio whetherthe accounts pre5eni a 'true and flie ènd vepLYt lin w those rnatttts sei out In the Siaiefflent belcrw. Independent examinÈrfs statement In conThectknn wlth my emminotion, no material matters have corneto my •ttèntion which 8fves me cause to bellevethat in. any ffljterlal respect.. •¢£wntin8 records t kept in accordante with soction 130 otthe Charlt$ Act or the account$ dts not attortl wilh the a¢¢oyfidn8 records I have co acfOSS no oth•r matters In COnrtIon wolh the exaMInknn towhith ttent)n should be drwn In order to en•ble a proper undetstsndiry of the accoijnts io be a(hed. qL4llllc•tlonl¥l wbody: 24 trT¢&4 GAAD* /W¢Y tO+4c ff 6G>