CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
31st MARCH 2024
Charity Registration No (England and Wales): 1059248 Charity Registration No (Scotland): SC039469 Company Number: 03121130
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Report of the trustees | 1 - 9 |
| Independent auditor’s report | 10-13 |
| Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31stMarch 2024 |
14 |
| Comparative statement of financial activities |
15 |
| Balance sheet | 16 |
| Statement of cash flows | 17 |
| Notes to the financial statements |
18 - 27 |
CHUR OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with their financial statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2024.
1. Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Registration No (England and Wales): 1059248
Charity Registration No (Scotland):
SC039469
Company Number: 03121130
Principal Office: The Forge, Manor Farm Courtyard Main Street West Hagbourne Didcot Oxfordshire OX11 0ND
(a) Advisers
Bankers
Royal Bank of Scotland Plc Drummond House (FH) Branch Customer Service Centre Drummond House 1 Redheughs Avenue Edinburgh EH12 9JN
Solicitors
None designated as of this report
Auditors
UHY Ross Brooke Suite I Windrush Court Abingdon Business Park Abingdon OX14 1SY
Independent Financial Advisers
Peter Manduell & Co Financial Services Ltd. Hamilton House, 17A Cedar Rd Sutton Surrey SM2 5DA
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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
1. Reference and Administrative Details (Continued)
(b) Charity Trustees
The directors of the Charity are its Trustees for the purpose of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as the Trustees.
The Trustees, who were also the key management personnel, serving during the year and since the year end are as follows:
Chairman David Hulme Deputy Chairman David Brocklehurst George Delap (Resigned 31[st] March 2024) Christopher Howard Robin Hurd Paul Roberts John Tompsett Daniel Tompsett
*denotes an employed trustee (key management)
(c) Board Changes
Following the December 2007 revision of the Articles of Association, there is no requirement for “retirement by rotation.” Therefore, no trustee will retire at the Annual General Meeting. Mr George Delap retired on 31[st] March 2024.
2. Structure, Governance and Management
(a) Governing Document
The full name of the Charity is “Church of God – United Kingdom” (COG-UK). It is a charitable company limited by guarantee (company number 03121130) which was incorporated on 2[nd] November 1995 and registered with the Charity Commissioners of England and Wales on 15[th] November 1996. The registration number is 1059248. The Charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, dated 2[nd] September 1996 as subsequently revised. The members of the Charity consist of the Chairman, the Secretary, and the Deputy Chairman (if one is appointed) and such other members as the Trustees may appoint in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
(b) Appointment of Trustees
As set out in the Articles of Association there are a minimum of three Trustees and no set maximum number of Trustees. There are currently eight Trustees. New Trustees may be nominated by the existing Trustees.
(c) Trustee Induction and Training
To be nominated an individual should possess the qualifications outlined in Scripture for ordination to an office of service within the Church. Trustees are provided with a handbook prepared by Berwin Leighton Paisner that explains their role and responsibilities. Trustees are updated regularly to keep them apprised of changes in the law.
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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
2. Structure, Governance and Management (Continued)
(d) Organisation
The Board of Trustees administers the Charity. The Board seeks to meet a minimum of four times per year. Subcommittees, if necessary, are appointed on an ad hoc basis and disbanded when they have completed the task for which they are formed. The Chairman is also the Chief Executive of the Charity and is responsible for the day-to-day operations. To facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executive has delegated authority within the scope and limits of his authority including finance, employment, pastoral care of the congregations and production of written material for public distribution.
(e) Related Parties
COG-UK has operated as an organisation associated with the Church of God, an International Community (COG, aIC) in the United States of America. Although capable of independent operation, COG-UK has willingly subordinated itself in doctrine and certain other matters to the constitution of COG, aIC, in so far as it does not bring COG-UK into conflict with the laws of England, Wales and Scotland.
For geographical and cultural reasons, COG-UK has often been used as a vehicle through which COG, aIC has pursued its mission in countries other than the United States. In the past, COG-UK received financial support in the form of grants from COG, aIC. Those grants were used primarily to provide a financial base for non-UK activities. In the current fiscal year, 2022/2023, as in several previous fiscal years, there were no grants to COG-UK from the COG, aIC. Rather, COG-UK’s financial position has been such that it can provide assistance for programs outside the UK from its own resources.
(f) Risk Management
The Trustees have made a thorough review of all foreseeable risks to the Charity including liability for their own acts or failures to act, risks associated with the use of rented properties, risks associated with youth and other Church programs as well as financial and operational risks. For example, the Trustees have established a reserves policy to address certain financial risks. Where possible, the Charity has provided, with the assistance of outside advisers, appropriate insurance cover. The Trustees have, for risks that are identified, and for which there is no insurance cover, attempted to mitigate them by appropriate action and the oversight of competent personnel. For example, youth activities are staffed with experienced people who have been screened internally and externally. The Trustees recognise that the risks the Charity faces can change. Therefore, the Trustees are committed to evaluating programs and activities of the Charity on an ongoing basis and to implement practices to cover or mitigate those risks. As part of this, a Safeguarding policy has been prepared in relation to children and vulnerable adults and is reviewed and updated as necessary. A formal risk register is also in the process of being prepared by the Charity.
3.
Objectives and Activities
(a) Objects of COG-UK
The Charity’s objects as set out in its Memorandum of Association are the advancement of religion by preaching throughout the world the Gospel of Jesus Christ concerning the Kingdom of God, and to advance such other charitable purposes as the Trustees shall determine. When planning our activities for the year, the Board have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion.
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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
3. Objectives and Activities (Continued)
(b) Mission Statement
The mission of the Church of God-UK is to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God in all the world as a witness and to take care of those whom God calls into His Church through Jesus Christ.
(c) Employees
In order to achieve the above, we employed five full-time employees plus eleven part-time employees. Of the full-time employees, four are church pastors. The Church employs three part-time pastors. Pastors are not office-based, but live and work in areas convenient to the churches they pastor. Five of the pastors’ wives are part-time employees who receive a salary for their services to the Church in assisting their husbands with their pastoral duties.
COG-UK’s head office is located in West Hagbourne, Oxfordshire, and is staffed by an office director who also pastors a local congregation, plus congregations in Belgium, Paris, and Geneva, one full-time (but largely home-based), and two part-time office employees (one largely home-based, one office based).
(d) Activities/Strategies
Activities of COG-UK which support its principal objects and mission are:
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to make, teach and give pastoral care to, disciples of the Church
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to educate the public with respect to the good news of the Kingdom of God and teach its applicability to their everyday life
Strategies of COG-UK to achieve its principal objects and mission include:
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to train and provision ministers to pastor congregations of the Church
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to organise assemblies and educational and social activities connected with the objects
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to pay reasonable remuneration, costs and/or expenses for all persons engaged or preparing or training to be engaged in the promotion of the gospel
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to provide financial and ministerial support in nations, other than the United Kingdom, where the Church has congregations or sponsors programs
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to publish with the use of multimedia, including the printed word, video and the Internet, educational material for public dissemination
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to conduct public lectures and meetings to educate and inform the public
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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
4. Achievements and Performance
Covid-19
Provision continued to be made for the Covid-19 situation, with congregations following local restrictions, but generally able to return to in person meetings. Precautions continued to be observed, respecting local rules and care for the members. Advice continued to be given for members to stay home if they had symptoms of that or other respiratory conditions which could spread rapidly through those attending events, particularly at the Feast of Tabernacles (“the Feast”).
Church
The number of congregations in the United Kingdom and its dependencies is eleven.
Telephone and internet links are regularly used to include outlying members in church services. This service was greatly expanded during the Covid-19 pandemic and continues to be utilised to better serve remote and housebound members. Most areas have maintained this service for outlying members to varying degrees, and it has also been utilised to expand the service provided for members during the Feast.
Attendance:
Membership within the UK remained stable.
Member Services
Transcripts
Each week, a sermon transcript is e-mailed to members in the UK, the US, Europe and Africa. Additionally, approximately every four weeks, copies of each sermon transcript are mailed by post to other scattered members and ministers in Europe and Africa. The preparation of the transcripts is handled in the US, with the distribution for the UK served areas being handled from the UK office. On a local level, pastors make arrangements for members in their area with a need for weekly transcripts to be available in a suitable manner.
These transcripts are translated for scattered members in French-speaking areas. Each calendar month, two selected sermon transcripts are made available on the Internet for members to download from the Church’s website.
Bible Studies by Computer
With the Covid-19 situation, several pastors took advantage of the wide uptake of Zoom within their areas to continue to provide Bible Studies remotely.
Monthly shipments of CD/DVD teaching material from the US provide a further opportunity to integrate this group by issuing a monthly schedule of selections to listen to on other weeks. The intent is to enhance a sense of community at a more local, though physically dispersed, level. One member in the Isle of Man is housebound, and though all the above operates throughout the year, the special service given to such members through the UK Office is deeply appreciated.
Access to ministry is by the usual technologies. The realisation there is easy access when needed continues to prove very effective.
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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
4. Achievements and Performance (Continued)
Feast of Tabernacles
The annual Feast of Tabernacles was held 29th September - 7th October 2023 at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, North Wales.
Church members from the UK and some international areas assembled for daily worship services and biblical instruction. This spiritual teaching was supplemented with a social programme designed to meet the needs of both young and old that made use of tourist facilities in the North Wales area.
The infirm and ill members unable to attend the Festival in person were provided with support in their homes as recorded messages and regular communications via Zoom from their spiritual family at the assemblies were sent to them.
As we have noticed in previous years, we received complimentary messages from our hosts at Venue Cymru, hotels and the local landlords about the exemplary behaviour and happy demeanour of our brethren.
Youth
Summer Camp
The 2023 Summer Camp was planned for 30[th] July to 6[th] August 2023, returning to Hooke Court.
A group of 23 campers and 17 staff (many of whom were parents of attending campers) gathered in Dorset and enjoyed their time together participating in a hill walk, leatherwork, creative productions, speech education, bible education, a boat trip, initiative training, field sports, a formal dinner, and a speech club. It was an encouraging experience to be able to be together and resume some normality.
This time, we maintained a clean bill of health for all attendees throughout the programme, which was able to be completed and end with the customary formal dinner as in past years.
International
UK personnel continue to provide pastoral support in international areas.
In person visits were able to resume this year, with support still provided online, and congregations in Africa were on occasion able to join with congregations in the UK for online services – in addition to joining online for the Feast.
The minister in Benin translates monthly member letters into French for distribution to all the Francophones.
A UK Pastor has had the pastoral care of the members in France, Belgium and Switzerland. Sermons were provided to the congregations throughout the year, with in person visits resuming. The Feast was held in Pré du Lac, near Annecy.
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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
4. Achievements and Performance (Continued)
In the Scandinavian area a UK pastor provided counselling and Bible Studies for the membership online, with the Scandinavian members combining with the Birmingham congregation.
In Anglophone West Africa, the Church's resident Ghanaian pastor held regular Sabbath services and Bible studies for the congregations via Zoom as internet connections permitted. Two UK ministers travelled to Kenya on two occasions, in April and May 2023 and in January 2024, in response to enquiries and requests for a visit from people there who indicated an interest in becoming members of the Church.
A UK elder, mentored by an elder who is a trustee and a former pastor, provided ministerial support to the members in Germany and Austria. They were able to join with UK congregations for Zoom services, with additional support provided through email communications and audio-conferencing.
Media
The Church continued to have its internationally circulated online magazine, Vision , designed in London. Design elements of its website at www.vision.org also benefited from the work of the design consultancy. Though the funding of this aspect of the Church’s frontline efforts to reach the general public comes from the US, the wisdom of using a London-based agency continues to pay dividends in the publication’s international acceptance.
The Vision.org website remains the Church’s main vehicle dedicated to educating the general public about biblical principles which furthers the primary mission and objective of preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ concerning the Kingdom of God throughout the world.
5. Financial Review
(a) Indigenous income and results for the year
This source of income remained unchanged compared with the previous year. The income of the Church is largely derived from its congregational members, with occasional contributions from non-members.
There was a net surplus for the year of £966,963 compared to a net surplus of £922,376 for the previous year. Income and expenditure from normal sources have remained at a similar level to that in the previous year.
(b) Investment Powers and Policy.
The Charity’s constitution allows the Trustees to invest in any way they wish.
The Trustees, having regard to the liquidity requirements of operating the Church and the reserves policy set out below, have operated a policy of keeping available funds in an interest-bearing deposit account.
The Trustees approved the investment of a proportion of the Church’s funds with CCLA and purchased Investment Fund Income Units managed by COIF Charity Funds with the aim of achieving a return above inflation.
During the period the CCLA investments generated a return of 1.77% against a benchmark of 2.3% inflation (CPI). Total unrealised gains for the year were 7.1% and interest receivable 1.77%.
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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
5. Financial Review (Continued)
(c) Reserves Policy
The Trustees have established the level of reserves (that is those that are freely available) that the charity ought to have a minimum of £150,000. In arriving at this level of reserves they have had regard to regular annual operating costs in the region of £600,000 and the ability to operate for a period of approximately three months without any incoming resources in that period. The actual reserves at 31 March 2024, excluding fixed assets, were £ 3,189,101 (2023: £2,223,471).
The fund came about following receipt of substantial and unexpected donations leading to a considerable increase in the Church’s reserves. Accordingly, the Trustees considered it prudent to invest a substantial proportion of the surplus funds with CCLA, in order to generate income and hence take advantage of any opportunities which might present themselves to further the work of the Church.
The balance of the restricted fund at 31 March 2024 is £70,148.
6. Risk Management
Steps taken by the Trustees to assess and manage risk are described at 2(f) above.
The Trustees have considered the problems raised by the possibility of a future pandemic as experienced with Covid-19 and the effect that this could have on the Charity. They have also considered the ongoing ‘Cost of Living’ situation which is causing hardship for many within the areas in which the charity operates. In that regard, there remains a possibility that members of the Church, who contribute to the Charity financially, may face financial difficulties, with either a reduction or loss of income or increased personal expenses. Thus far, no members have been substantially impacted, but the situation will continue to be monitored.
Expenditure has returned to pre-Covid levels, with some increases due to the cost-of-living situation.
Meetings and services were held online via Zoom until restrictions lifted and it was deemed safe to return to in person services. They continue to be provided as a way of linking housebound members with their local congregations, which enables the Charity to continue to perform its functions and for members of the church to have online contact with each other.
The Charity recognizes the difficulties that those who are members of the church are facing, including increased financial, social and mental stresses as a result of the disruptions to the economy, restricted physical contact with others and general anxiety caused by the pandemic and the dangers that these pose. The Charity has offered such support, material and pastoral, as was possible to the members during the crisis.
7. Plans for Future Periods
The charity’s plans for the future include continuing to strengthen existing programmes, increasing outreach by using new media, reaching new geographical areas, strengthening communication with members, utilising new technology, and reaching and encouraging the younger generation to become members of the Church when able to do so.
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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
8. Trustees’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements
The Trustees prepare accounts for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the net incoming and outgoing resources for that period. In preparing these accounts, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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follow applicable accounting standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts;
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prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice "Accounting by Charities". They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
9. Charity Trustees’ Statement
The charity Trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law and Trustees for the purposes of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report, are set out on page 2.
In accordance with company law, as the company’s directors, we certify that:
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So far as we are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company’s auditors are unaware; and
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As the directors of the company, we have taken all steps that we ought to have taken, in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company’s auditors are aware of that information.
Basis of preparation
The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities (SORP 2019) (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019. As well as part 15 of the Companies Act 2006
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DAVID HULME AVID HULME
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Chairman Chairman
\ On On behalf of the Trustees behalf of the Trustees
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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Church of God – United Kingdom (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows 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 Financial Reporting Standard 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:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company’s affairs as at 31 March 2024, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
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 charitable company 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 charitable company'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 trustees 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 this gives rise to 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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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
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the information given in the trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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the trustees’ report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ report.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of trustees’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit
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the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies’ exemption in preparing the trustees’ report and take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a strategic report.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 9, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) 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 charitable company’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 charitable company 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 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with regulations made under those Acts.
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 the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM
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 specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which these are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
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We have considered:
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the nature of the charity and sector, control environment and operating performance;
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the charity’s own assessment, including assessments made by key management, of the risks that irregularities may occur either as a result of fraud or error;
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any matters we identified having reviewed the charity’s policies and procedures relating to:
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identifying, evaluating and complying with laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance;
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detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud; and
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the internal controls established to mitigate risks of fraud or noncompliance with laws and regulations;
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the matters discussed amongst the audit engagement team.
As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud in the areas in which management is required to exercise significant judgement, such as the disclosure of adjusting items. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.
We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework that the charity operates in, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context were the Companies Act, Charities Act and tax legislation.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditors/audit-assurance/auditor-sresponsibilities-for-the-audit-of-the-fi/description-of-the-auditor%E2%80%99s-responsibilities-for: This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
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CHURCH OF GOD - UNITED KINGDOM (Company Number: 03121130)
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006, and to the charitable company’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members and 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 anyone other than the charitable company, the charitable company’s members as a body and the charitable company’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Caroline Webster FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of UHY Ross Brooke, Statutory Auditor Suite I, Windrush Court, Abingdon Business Park, Abingdon OX14 1SY
Date………………….. 02/09/24
UHY Ross Brooke is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
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CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including an income and expenditure account) YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
| Unrestricted Note Funds £ Income and endowments from: General donations & legacies 4 1,719,927 Restricted donations: Festival - Assistance - Youth - Investments Deposit interest 13,365 Other Income 5 - Total 1,733,292 Expenditure on: Charitable activities: Local congregations 380,401 Media 20,588 Festival 139,187 Assistance - International 179,571 Youth 78,012 Other expenditure 11,400 Total 7 809,159 Net Income 924,133 Transfers between funds (10,826) Gains on investments 53,656 Net Movement in Funds 966,963 Total funds brought forwards 2,223,471 Total funds carried forwards3,190,434 |
Restricted Funds £ - 24,168 15,276 3,227 - - 42,671 - - 24,168 15,276 - 14,053 - 53,497 (10,826) 10,826 - - 70,148 70,148 |
Total 2024 £ 1,719,927 24,168 15,276 3,227 13,365 - 1,775,963 380,401 20,588 163,355 15,276 179,571 92,065 11,400 862,656 913,307 - 53,656 966,963 2,293,619 3,260,582 |
Total 2023 £ 1,621,591 28,811 7,932 2,577 715 - 1,661,626 296,567 17,662 145,026 7,932 187,941 74,522 9,600 739,250 922,376 - 922,376 1,371,243 2,293,619 |
|---|---|---|---|
All the above amounts relate to continuing activities. The charitable company has no recognised gains and losses other than the net movement in funds in the year.
The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these financial statements
Page 14
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Including an income and expenditure account) YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2023
| Unrestricted Note Funds £ Income and endowments from: General donations 4 1,621,591 Restricted donations: Festival - Assistance - Youth - Investments Deposit interest 715 Other Income 5 - Total 1,622,306 Expenditure on: Charitable activities: Local congregations 296,567 Media 17,662 Festival 116,215 Assistance - International 187,941 Youth 66,915 Other expenditure 9,600 Total 7 694,900 Net Income 927,406 Transfers between funds (4,983) Net Movement in Funds 922,423 Funds at 1st April 2022 1,301,048 Funds at 31st March 2023 2,223,471 |
Restricted Funds £ - 28,811 7,932 2,577 - - 39,320 - - 28,811 7,932 - 7,607 - 44,350 (5,030) 4,983 (47) 70,195 70,148 |
Total 2023 £ 1,621,591 28,811 7,932 2,577 715 - 1,661,626 296,567 17,662 145,026 7,932 187,941 74,522 9,600 739,250 922,376 - 922,376 1,371,243 2,293,619 |
Total 2022 £ 512,159 30,790 8,990 3,078 240 35,942 591,199 242,669 40,133 52,225 8,990 148,434 49,611 7,200 549,262 41,907 - 41,907 1,329,336 1,371,243 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these financial statements
Page 15
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
BALANCE SHEET YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
| Note | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed Assets | |||||||
| Tangible fixed assets | 9 | 1,333 | - | - | - | ||
| Investments | 10 | 753,656 | - | ||||
| 754,989 | - | ||||||
| Current Assets | |||||||
| Debtors and prepayments | 11 | 169,941 | 312,131 | ||||
| Cash at bank | 2,356,976 | 1,998,274 |
|||||
| 2,526,917 | 2,310,405 | ||||||
| Creditors, amounts falling | |||||||
| due within one year | 12 | (21,324) | (21,324) | (16,786) |
(16,786) | ||
| Net Current Assets | 2,505,593 | 2,293,619 | |||||
| Total Assets Less Current | |||||||
| Liabilities | 3,260,582 | 2,293,619 | |||||
| Income Funds | |||||||
| Restricted funds | 14 | 70,148 | 70,148 | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | 3,190,434 | 2,223,471 | |||||
| Total Funds | 3,260,582 | 2,293,619 |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
These financial statements were approved by the Trustees and authorised for issue on……………… and are signed on their behalf by: 28/08/24 David Hulme David Hulme Trustee/Director Trustee/Director
The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these financial statements
Page 16
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
| Note Cash flows from operating activities Net cash (used in)/ provided by operating activities 18 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of fixed assets Interest income Payments to acquire investments Net cash provided by investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year Total cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year |
2024 £ 1,047,917 (2,580) 13,365 (700,000) (689,215) 358,702 1,998,274 2,356,976 |
2023 £ 602,398 - 715 715 603,113 1,395,161 1,998,274 |
2023 £ 602,398 |
|---|---|---|---|
| - 715 |
The notes on pages 18 to 27 form part of these financial statements
Page 17
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
- General Information
Church of God – United Kingdom is an incorporated Charity limited by guarantee. The registered charity number (England and Wales) is 1059248 and the registered charity number (Scotland) is SC039469. The company number is 03121130 and the principal office address is The Forge, Manor Farm Courtyard, Main Street, West Hagbourne, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0ND.
The financial statements have been prepared in pounds sterling and the figures are rounded to the nearest £.
2. Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below and have been consistently applied throughout the current and preceding year.
- (a) The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the 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 (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended), and the Companies Act 2006.
The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
After making enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources and no material uncertainties to continue its activities for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements as outlined in the Trustees report.
A separate income and expenditure account has not been prepared as the figures comprising net expenditure for the year shown in the Statement of Financial Activities give the information required under the Companies Act 2006, together with details of other recognised gains and losses.
-
(b) Fund accounting
-
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
-
Restricted funds comprise funds donated by members for expenditure on Festival, Assistance and Youth.
-
(c) Income
-
Income is recognised in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
-
Voluntary income received by way of donations and gifts is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (“the SOFA”) when received.
Page 18
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
- (d) Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised when there is a constructive obligation to pay for expenditure.
Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it related.
-
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes all costs excluding governance costs.
-
Subsidy payments are made to members of the congregation in need, at the
-
discretion of the trustees.
-
Staff costs are allocated to the expenditure heads on the basis of estimated staff time incurred.
-
Admin costs are allocated to the expenditure heads on a percentage basis.
-
(e) Fixed assets
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Fixed assets with a cost below £1,000 are not capitalised.
- Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets held by the charity for its own use at the following rates:
| Computer software | - | 2 years straight line |
|---|---|---|
| Fixtures and fittings | - | 20% p.a. on cost |
| Equipment | - | 20% p.a. on cost |
| Boat | - | 20% p.a. on cost |
| Leasehold improvements | - | over the remaining life of the lease |
- (f) Investments
Investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date, based upon valuations provided by fund managers.
All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise.
- (g) Taxation
Income is applied exclusively to charitable purposes and therefore the charity is entitled to the exemption from tax afforded by the Corporation Tax Act 2010.
- (h) Pensions
Pension contributions are paid into personal pension schemes on the advice of independent financial advisors. Pension costs are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities account on an accrual’s basis.
- (I) Operating leases
Rentals under operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Page 19
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
( J) Financial Instruments
Financial instruments are classified and accounted for, according to the substance of the contractual arrangement, as either financial assets, financial liabilities, or equity instruments. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charitable company after deducting all its liabilities.
3. Judgements in Applying Accounting Policies and Key Sources of Estimation Uncertainty
In the application of the charitable company's accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts 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.
There were no judgement or material estimation uncertainties affecting the reported financial performance in the current or prior year.
4. Donations, gifts and legacies
| Donations Legacies |
2024 £ 1,719,927 - 1,719,927 |
2023 £ 1,619,948 1,643 1,621,591 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
The charity receives its income from the members of The Church.
5. Other income
There was no other income during the year.
6. Net Income/ (Expenditure) for the Year
| This is stated after charging: | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Auditor’s remuneration | 11,400 | 9,600 |
| Operating leases – office rentals | 28,323 | 24,391 |
Page 20
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
7. Analysis of Total Resources Expended
| 2024 Staff Costs £ Direct charitable expenditure: Local congregations 201,891 Media 3,645 Festival 43,154 Assistance - International 54,187 Youth 41,558 Allocated Costs 46,532 Governance costs - 390,967 2023 Staff Costs £ Direct charitable expenditure: Local congregations 173,327 Media 3,129 Festival 37,049 Assistance - International 46,521 Youth 35,680 Allocated Costs 39,948 Governance costs - 335,654 |
Direct Costs £ 144,624 - 91,962 15,276 125,384 16,620 - 11,400 405,266 Other Direct Costs £ 94,172 - 83,755 7,932 141,420 9,775 - 9,600 346,654 |
Allocated Costs £ 33,886 16,943 28,239 - - 33,887 (46,532) - 66,423 Allocated Costs £ 29,067 14,533 24,223 - - 29,067 (39,948) - 56,942 |
Total 2024 £ 380,401 20,588 163,355 15,276 179,571 92,065 - 11,400 862,656 Total 2023 £ 296,566 17,662 145,027 7,932- 187,941 74,522 - 9,600 739,250 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 21
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
8. Employees and Staff Costs
| Salaries and wages National insurance Pension costs Other staff costs – health and life insurance |
2024 £ 347,731 25,732 8,435 9,069 390,967 |
2023 £ 296,002 21,623 7,036 10,993 335,654 |
|---|---|---|
The average monthly number of employees during the period was 17 (2023: 15) of whom 8 were part time (equivalent to four full time).
Salaries of £80,216 (2023: £77,995) and pension costs of £1,163 (2023: £1,126) relate to the key management personnel.
No employee is paid at or above £60,000 a year.
- Tangible Fixed Assets
| I Cost At 1st April 2023 Additions At 31st March 2024 Depreciation At 1st April 2023 Charge in the year At 31st March 2024 Net book value At 31st March 2024 At 31st March 2023 |
Leasehold mprovements 6,888 - 6,888 6,888 - 6,888 - - |
Boat 3,996 - 3,996 3,996 - 3,996 - - |
Office Equipment 42,696 2,580 45,276 42,696 1,247 43,943 1,333 - |
Computer Software 1,451 - 1,451 1,451 - 1,451 - - |
Total 55,031 2,580 57,611 55,031 1,247 56,278 1,333 - |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The assets above are used primarily in the administration of the Church.
Page 22
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
10. Fixed asset investments
| Market value at 1 April 2023 Additions Net gains on investments Market value at 31 March 2024 The investment assets are held: UK other securities Historical cost: At 31 March 2024 |
Listed Investments £ - 700,000 53,656 753,656 2024 £ 753,656 £ 700,000 |
|---|---|
During the year, the charity purchased units in the COIF Charities Investment Fund Income Units, Investments are held primarily to provide an investment return for the charity.
| 11. Debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 12. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors Accruals |
2024 £ 161,894 8,047 169,941 2024 £ 1,288 8,396 - 11,640 21,324 |
2023 £ 303,236 8,895 312,131 2023 £ (150) 7,096 - 9,840 16,786 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Page 23
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
| 13. Analysis of Net Assets by Fund 2024 Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 2023 Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities |
Restricted Funds £ - 70,148 - 70,148 Restricted Funds £ - 70,148 - 70,148 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 754,989 2,456,769 (21,324) 3,190,434 Unrestricted Funds £ - 2,240,257 (16,786) 2,223,471 |
Total £ 754,989 2,526,917 (21,324) 3,260,582 Total £ - 2,310,405 (16,786) 2,293,619 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 24
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
14. Restricted Funds
Restricted Funds |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Festival Assistance Youth Festival Assistance Youth |
Balance Movement 1st in April Resources 2023 Incoming £ £ - 24,168 70,148 15,276 - 3,227 70,148 42,671 Balance Movement 1st in April Resources 2022 Incoming £ £ - 28,811 70,148 7,932 47 2,577 70,195 39,320 |
Movement in Resources Outgoing £ (24,168) (15,276) (14,053) (53,497) Movement in Resources Outgoing £ (28,811) (7,932) (7,607) (44,350) |
T/fers £ - - 10,826 |
Balance 31st March 2024 £ - 70,148 - 70,148 Balance 31st March 2023 £ - 70,148 70,148 |
||
| 10,826 | ||||||
Restricted funds and their purposes:
Festival - for the funding of the annual holy days, principally the Feast of Tabernacles. Assistance - for assisting needy congregational members in the UK and developing countries. Youth - for the funding of youth activities including but not limited to summer camp.
Page 25
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
15. Transactions with Trustees and Related Persons
Trustees are reimbursed actual costs necessarily incurred on church business. Messrs George Delap, Paul Roberts, Robert Boraker, David Brocklehurst, John Tompsett, David Hulme, Christopher Howard and Robin Hurd were respectively reimbursed £Nil (2023: £443), £1070 (2023: £484), £Nil (2023: £378), £21,087 (2023: £25,917), £Nil (2023: £Nil ), £Nil (2023: £Nil), £8,339 (2023: £4,267), £Nil (2023: £Nil) during the year. The charity's memorandum and articles allow for up to 50% of the Trustees to be paid employees of the Church. At the yearend, within creditors the charity owed £Nil (2023: Robert Boraker £Nil and David Brocklehurst £Nil). The following received salaries and pensions for the performance of their normal duties as follows:
| G. Delap D. Brocklehurst C. Howard |
2024 Salary £ 20,804 45,003 17,884 |
Pension £ - 1,163 - |
2023 Salary £ 20,233 43,760 17,394 |
Pension £ - 1,126 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Some Trustees’ wives are part-time employees of the Church and, as such, receive a small monthly allowance. The total salaries the year were as follows:
| L Delap C. Brocklehurst M. Howard |
2024 Salary £ 6,000 6,000 600 |
Pension £ - - - |
2023 Salary £ 4,500 6,000 2,850 |
Pension £ - - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
16. Operating Leases
The Church had total commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
When payable: In less than one year Between one and five years |
Land and Buildings 2024 2023 £ £ 11,250 - 7,125 - 18,375 - |
|---|---|
17. Indemnity Insurance
The charity has not taken indemnity insurance in respect of its Trustees.
Page 26
CHURCH OF GOD – UNITED KINGDOM (Company number: 03121130)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2024
18. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
| Net income for the year (as per the statement of financial activities) Net movement in funds Adjustment for: Depreciation (Gains)/losses on investments Interest from investments Decrease/(increase) in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors |
2024 £ 966,963 1,247 (53,656) (13,365) 142,190 4,538 1,047,917 |
2023 £ 922,376 - - (715) (300,797) (18,466) 602,398 |
|---|---|---|
19. Events after the end of the period
In April 2024,12,616 units with a value of £250,000 were purchased for COIF Charities Investment Fund Inc.
Page 27