SCHOOLS CHRISTIAN WORKER PROJECT
PART OF CHURCHES TOGETHER IN OSWESTRY DISTRICT AND IN ASSOCIATION WITH CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ELLESMERE AND SCRIPTURE UNION
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
CONTENTS
Legal and administrative information .............................. page 2 Trustees’ Report ............................................................... page 3 Independent Examiner’s Report ...................................... page 6 Statement of Financial Activities ...................................... page 7 Balance Sheet .................................................................. page 8 Notes to the Financial Statements ................................... page 10
SCHOOLS CHRISTIAN WORKER PROJECT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1. LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
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BOARD MEMBERS from January 2018 Mrs Gill Buckeridge Chairman Mrs Jenni Bevington Secretary Mr Martin Digby Vice Chair Rev Andrew Cranston Safeguarding Mrs Lydia Cranston Line Manager Mr Alistair Nurden Treasurer
COMPANY SECRETARY Mrs Jenni Bevington REGISTERED OFFICE Oswestry Christian Bookshop Lower Brook Street Oswestry SY11 2HG COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 3679389 England and Wales CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1076894 BANKS Lloyds TSB Bank plc CAF Bank Ltd 32 Church Street 25 Kings Hill Avenue Oswestry West Malling Shropshire SY11 2SS. Kent ME19 4JQ INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Mr Mike Horner Pilgrims 12 Morda Close Oswestry SY11 2BA
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SCHOOLS CHRISTIAN WORKER PROJECT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
2. TRUSTEES’ REPORT
The Trustees present their Report and accounts for the year.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Para 6 [Notes to the Financial Policies] and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities", issued in March 2005.
2.1 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE CHARITY
2.1.1 Governing Document
The charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 4[th] December 1998
2.1.2 Structure and Relationship
The Schools Christian Worker Project (SCWP, “The Project”) is a company limited by guarantee and does not have share capital. The Project was registered as a charity on 4[th] August 1999. The Project forms part of the work and witness of Churches Together in Oswestry District (CTOD) in association with Churches Together in Ellesmere (CTIE). The Project is an associate project of Scripture Union (SU).
2.1.3 Organisational Management
The administration and management of The Project is carried out by a board of trustees, all of whom are directors. The Board must have a minimum of six members. The two longest serving members of the Board are required to retire at the Annual General Meeting, but are eligible for re-election. The Board may, from time to time, co-opt members prior to an Annual General Meeting for specific tasks. Such members must be presented for election at the next occurring Annual General Meeting.
The Trustees meet at least four times a year and are responsible for the day to day management of The Project. Lydia Cranston has responsibility for the line management of The Project’s employee, Jane Webber. The Trustees are responsible for the oversight of the work, maintaining prayer and pastoral support, managing aspects of the budget and fund-raising.
2.1.4 Recruitment and Training of Trustees
Trustees of the charity are appointed by a Trustees' meeting. Trustees, who must be committed to the objects of the charity, are recruited from supporting churches and organisations. A package of information on Trustee responsibility and relevant policies is provided. Support and training is available from Scripture Union. None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company.
2.1.5 Risk Management
The Trustees are responsible for the management of the risks faced by the charity. The controls used include:
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Established organisational structure, lines of reporting and employee supervision
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Formal agendas for all Board activity
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Planning, budgeting and financial forecasting
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Vetting procedures as required by law for the protection of the vulnerable
It is recognised that systems can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately managed.
2.1.6 Reserves
The Trustees maintain reserves of at least £8,000 which would meet the current cost of employment for three months. The level of reserves is reviewed by the Board annually.
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SCHOOLS CHRISTIAN WORKER PROJECT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
2. TRUSTEES’ REPORT [Continued]
2.1.7. Remuneration Policy
The Trustees review remuneration annually in line with our pay policy adopted in October 2017. They take into account indices of inflation and national wage levels alongside conditions in comparable employment and any changes in the work done.
2.1.8. Financial Control
The Trustees fulfil their responsibilities regarding accounting requirements and financial control as follows. - Each year the Trustees go through the checklist provided by the Charity Commission to ensure that all controls are in place that are relevant to SCWP.
The Trustees ensure that proper external scrutiny of charities is carried out as follows. - The appointed independent examiner confirms that he follows the checklist provided by the Charity Commission for proper scrutiny as relevant to SCWP.
2.2 OBJECTS AND ACTIVITIES
2.2.1 Charitable Objects
The charity's objects, as set out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association, are to advance the Christian faith among young people in full time education, in particular but not exclusively by the provision of Schools Christian Worker(s) to assist with religious activities in schools and other extra-curricular youth work activities in the local districts covered by the catchment areas of The Marches, Lakelands and St Martin’s Schools and their feeder primary schools.
The second key activity is the maintenance of active interest in constituent churches to provide prayer, financial and practical support. This is done by the circulation of regular newsletters, prayer diaries and monthly prayer breakfasts and a developing presence on social media. There are also visits made to churches and other groups.
2.2.2 Aims, including public benefit
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission including that on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities established for the advancement of religion.
It is the aim of the charity to present the good news of Jesus Christ to as many local children, young people and students as possible. This is primarily achieved by using employed Schools Workers to visit local schools and colleges making contact in a wide variety of ways. These include participation in individual discussion with students and staff, lessons, school assemblies, extra-curricular activities and supporting Christian Unions.
Freedom of choice is at the heart of the Christian faith: no indoctrination is involved. Staff and pupils, regardless of their ethnic or religious background, are encouraged to consider the Christian faith and challenged to review their own values and beliefs. In this way over 5,000 children a year benefit in around 20 schools and colleges as well as staff, parents, church groups and a growing number of on line viewings. No charge is made except for a few isolated activities such as a concert or a residential.
2.3 ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
2.3.1 2023 was another unusual year for the project as the SCWP worker Jane Webber gave birth at the start of the year. We are grateful to her for preparing high quality on line material for schools to use and briefing a key link in each setting to know how and when to access it.
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Board members and the monthly prayer meeting continued to support the project and we are particularly grateful to Christine Myddelton and Alan Braddock for standing in for Jane in a visit to speak at West Felton Mothers Union and to Rob and Gill Buckeridge for sending out the monthly News Letter and Prayer Diary. From September Jane returned to work and was quickly welcomed back by schools who had clearly missed her input.
The trustee team had identified the need to recruit new and younger members and from the April meeting three began to work alongside the team to become familiar with the role.
SU has continued to provide support, fellowship and excellent resources and CTOD continues to offer prayer and oversight to SCWP.
We continued to review our policies and practices to ensure legal compliance and the best possible practice.
2.4 FUTURE PLANS 2023
2.4.1 To support Jane in responding to the large range of invitations.
To increase the trustee team .
2.4.2 We will continue to work to develop our supporter base spread as widely across the region and the age groups as possible.
We will continue to review our processes on an ongoing basis.
2.5 CONCLUSION
2.5.1 Volunteers and supporters
The Trustees very much appreciate the continuing encouragement, financial and prayer support of individuals and church groups throughout our area. This generous giving is the funding which gives the security to employ staff. We particularly acknowledge wise oversight from CTOD, Scripture Union, Rev Paul Darlington our Chaplain and the services of Mr Mike Horner our Independent Examiner.
Approved by the Board and signed on their behalf:
Signed: …………………………………………………………………. Gill Buckeridge SCWP Chair
Date: ……………19.2.24…………………………..
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SCHOOLS CHRISTIAN WORKER PROJECT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
3. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
3.1 Respective Responsibilities of Members and Examiner
As the Charity’s members you are responsible for the preparation of the Accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of section 145(1) of the Charities Act 2011 does not apply. It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners, whether particular matters have come to my attention.
3.2 Basis of report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioner. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the Accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the Accounts, and seeking explanations from you as members concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all that evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the Accounts.
3.3 Independent Examiner’s Report
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act;
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and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting
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requirements of the Act have not been met, or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
19.2.24 Signed - …………………………………………………………….. Date - …………………………………….. Mike Horner Independent Examiner
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SCHOOLS CHRISTIAN WORKER PROJECT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
4. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
| £ INCOMING RESOURCES General donations 21,344 General Gift Aid 3,403 Interest Receivable 12 HMRC:maternity pay 5,309 RESOURCES USED Workers Salary, PAYE, INC, Pension 20,461 Printing and photocopying 0 Postage & stationary 152 Telephone 40 Motor and travel expenses 273 Other worker expenses 503 Grants Given 350 Administration and projects expenses 987 NET INCOMING RESOURCES Balance of Funds Brought Forward 86,768 Balance of Funds Carried Forward |
2023 £ £ 21,609 2,469 6 1,479 30,068 23,516 47 328 120 586 501 1,350 3,094 22,769 7,299 90,749 94,067 |
2022 £ 25,563 29,544 --3,981 86,768 |
|---|---|---|
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SCHOOLS CHRISTIAN WORKER PROJECT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
5. BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023
| 5. BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023 | 5. BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| _________ | |||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | **0 ** | 0 | |||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||
| Debtors | 6.2 | 4,919 | 2,060 | ||
| Investments | 6.4 | 80,000 | 80,000 | ||
| Cash at Bank | 9,148 | 4,708 | |||
| 94,067 | 86,768 | ||||
| Creditors | 6.3 | 0 | 0 | ||
| ACCRUALS amounts falling due within one year | 0 | 0 | |||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 94,067 | 86,768 | |||
| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 94,067 | 86,768 | |||
| ACCRUALS amounts falling due in more than one year | 0 | 0 | |||
| 94,067 | 86,768 | ||||
| CAPITAL AND RESERVES | |||||
| Retained surplus carried forward | 94,067 | 86,768 |
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SCHOOLS CHRISTIAN WORKER PROJECT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
6. NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
6.1 ACCOUNTING STATEMENTS
Basis of Accounting These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Cash Flow The accounts do not include a cash flow statement because the company, as a small reporting entity, is exempt from the requirements to prepare such a statement under Financial Reporting Standard 1 “Cash Flow Statements".
Operating Income mainly comprises pledged and other donations from individuals, churches and other organisations.
Depreciation Assets are written off in three equal instalments over their expected useful life.
| 6.2 | DEBTORS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Income Tax recoverable on Gift Aid Donations | 3,403 | 581 | |
| SMP due from HMRC | 1,516 | 1,479 | |
| 4,919 | 2,060 | ||
| 6.3 | CREDITORS | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| PAYE | 0 | 0 | |
| Pension costs | 0 | 0 |
6.4 INVESTMENT FUNDS
During 2021 the Trustees invested funds to give a better return than bank interest. These investments are to be seen as long term, and the money has been invested in ethical funds. £40,000 was invested through Beaumont Wealth, an Oswestry based firm; and £40,000 through St James’s Place Wealth Management, a national company. The two companies had different fee structures but offered a very similar rate of return after 7 years. As at 31[st] December 2023 the funds stood at £73,918 (31[st] Dec 2022 valuation was £69,671)
Approved by The Board and signed on their behalf -
Signed: ………………………………….. Gill Buckeridge SCWP Chair Date : …………….………….
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SCHOOLS CHRISTIAN WORKER PROJECT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
For the financial year ended 31 December 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and no notice has been deposited under section 476.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:
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ensuring that the company keeps accounting records that comply with sections 386 and 387 of Companies Act 2006
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preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the affairs of the company as at 31 December 2023 and of its surplus or deficit for the year then ending.
The above is in accordance with the requirements of section 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the Companies Act 2006, so far as applicable to the company.
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