## ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 

The Heart of England Baptist Association Registered Charity Number: 1080529 Registered Company Number: 00238738 Registered Office: 480 Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield B73 5BP 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **CONTENTS** 

||Page|
|---|---|
|**Trustees’ Report**|1 - 9|
|**Independent Auditor’s Report**|10 – 13|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|14|
|**Balance Sheet**|<br>15 - 16|
|**Statement of Cash Flow**|17|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|18 – 45|
|**Appendix 1 – Grants Paid**|46|
|**Appendix 2 – Properties Held as Custodian or Holding Trustee**|47 - 50|





## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

**TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

The Trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, are pleased to present the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Charitable Company for the year ended 31 December 2025, which are prepared to meet the requirements for a director’s report and accounts for Companies Act purposes. References to ‘HEBA’ throughout this report refer to the Heart of England Baptist Association. 

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the 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 (Charities SORP (FRS 102) second edition effective 1 January 2019). 

## **Objectives and Activities** 

The objects of this Charitable Company are the advancement of the Christian faith, particularly in the heart of England and especially by the means of and in accordance with the principles of the Baptist denomination as set out for the time being in the Declaration of Principle of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB). 

The values espoused by the Trustees of the Charitable Company are companionship, generosity, diversity, learning and innovation. These values are continually presented to Churches for their encouragement and so that they understand the principles guiding the work of the Charitable Company. The values are presented at events to which Churches are invited, through the regular mailings to Churches, through the work of the HEBA office team and Regional Ministers and on the Trustees’ social media outlets and channels. Companionship is the foundational value and  is reflected by the Regional Ministers and administration staff through in-person visitation, on-line meetings, email conversations and phone calls. These include one to ones, preaching, leaders’ gatherings, Church meetings, Church weekends, and meetings for a set purpose. 

The principal activities of the Charitable Company are the employment of a Regional Ministry Team and other staff and the organisation of a number of volunteers, working in groups or individually, to offer support and guidance, training and financial resources to advance the Christian faith in a way which benefits Baptist Churches and the communities they serve. During the year, some 50 volunteers served the Association on committees and groups, including the Trustees, and in providing hospitality for others. 

The Charitable Company is part of the family of Baptist organisations serving the needs of many of the Baptist Churches in Great Britain, working particularly closely with the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB). The charity has a linked charity, the HEBA Loan Fund (1080529 -1) and the Trustees are also Trustees of the Umberslade Church Endowment (255061) and Directors of the CST Corporate Trustee Limited (11454313). They are joint Trustee with two individuals of Selly Park Baptist Church Manse charity (516796). 

Cornerstone Baptist Church had closed in 2024, and the Church building was sold during 2025. Fenton Baptist Church closed during 2025 and their building was also sold. Grace Community Church came out of fellowship with the Association and Trusteeship of their trust buildings was transferred to the Church CIO. Cedar Church came out of fellowship and now worships in a different building. 

The Charitable Company aims to: 

- co-operate with Churches directly and through working groups by providing information and support and by passing appropriate resolutions to enable building development projects. Many of these projects are directly aimed at making Church buildings more accessible and available to the local community; 

- assist Churches and ministers that are seeking new ministries through the Baptist National Settlement process; 

- assist individuals who are exploring a call to any Baptist ministry by signposting various routes to recognised Baptist ministry, interviewing candidates, supporting ministerial candidates and providing BUGB approved training for preachers and pastors; 

Page 1 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

- make safeguarding training available on a rolling programme, encouraging and enabling ministers and members of Churches to receive training; 

- provide safeguarding support to Churches when incidents/suspected incidents arise; 

- mediate disagreements arising within Churches or between Churches and their local community; 

- encourage the HEBA Grants Committee as it continues to seek creative ways of supporting Churches in their mission using Baptist Home Mission and Association funds; 

- ensure, through its Finance Group, responsible and effective stewardship of the resources of the Charitable Company; 

- encourage Churches to support Baptist Home Mission and BMS World Mission through prayer, direct partnership with mission personnel and financial gifts, so that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can continue to be shared in the UK and abroad; 

- co-operate with other Baptist organisations and other denominations where this supports the objects of the Association; 

- receive and consider reports from Working Groups and the Regional Ministers, enabling the Charitable Company to maintain effective governance, including receiving reports on the staff appraisals, budget proposals, safeguarding issues and other work with Churches as appropriate; 

- encourage Churches to consider issues of justice through the work of the Justice Hub, the Disability, Racial and Women’s Justice Task Groups; 

- support the staff employed by the Charitable Company through the provision of appropriate training and support, and provision of clear and effective staffing and other policies; 

- seek appropriate and timely professional, including legal advice on issues having a potentially wideranging effect with a view to understanding and, where possible, mitigating their risk; and 

- continue to explore ways in which the Trustee Board can become even more effective in governing the Charitable Company and in their strategic planning. 

The Trustees reviewed nearly forty policies and procedures as part of a full overhaul of the Staff Handbook. These included various leave policies, anti-bribery, data protection, delegation of authority, flexible working, health and safety, staff performance and development, safeguarding and social media. 

Revd Neil Le Tissier retired in June 2025 and having reviewed the regional staff team, the Trustees agreed to recruit local Pastoral Ministers and a part-time Regional Minister to support the work of the Association. Revds Katherine Pickford, John Bernard and John Mall were appointed Pastoral Minister of three pastoral groups, and Revd Dr Denise Dobie, having completed her term as a Trustee of the Association, was appointed part-time Regional Minister for two years from October 2025. 

## **Public Benefit** 

The Trustees, having regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance document, ‘public benefit: running a charity (PB2)’, continued to provide public benefit by seeking to advance the Christian faith and practice in accordance with the Objects of the Charitable Company. 

The Trustees sought to achieve this in several ways including: 

- encouraging Churches to adopt robust safeguarding policies and practice through the provision of training for Church members, ministers and pastors; 

- keeping appropriate safeguarding records, including documents kept in long-term secure systems; 

- acting to provide help and support to Churches seeking to improve their own governance, projects or buildings; 

- holding staff accountable for their support for Churches seeking to advance the Christian faith in their communities; 

- funding - in partnership with other organisations - the continued provision of a Baptist minister for Deaf and deafened people in Stafford; 

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## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

- encouraging Churches - through the annual Ministers’ Conference, theological reflection days, interaction with Regional Ministers and other staff to engage effectively and serve God and their local communities; and 

- continuing to use an outside company to support them in maintain Health & Safety in the Association Office. 

## **Achievements and Performance** 

The Trustees have sought to support their staff as they use the Association Office and in their working practice. Members of the staff team work from the office each Wednesday and other times as appropriate, and use of the office for meetings of groups of volunteers as well as appropriate outside groups has been encouraged and is increasing. The entire staff team was encouraged to take their full annual leave allocation and released for training and occasional spiritual development, which includes a day retreat with the staff team of the East Midlands Baptist Association. 

The Trustees supported the three Regional Ministers (RMs) in their work through the provision of assistance in housing, in training and in permitting them to take sabbatical leave: Revd Neil Le Tissier took sabbatical leave during 2025. They also encourage them through prayer and receive appropriate reports as they engage with Church leadership teams, congregations and ministers, including helping with the movement of ministers and pastors and offering mediation and comfort to members and ministers. Each of the Regional Ministers are members of National Baptist Groups and they, along with other staff and volunteers, attended gatherings in person and on-line during the year. 

The Trustees continued to follow through their commitments to Project Violet. This work was spearheaded by Revd Denise Dobie RM and included encouragement of women ministers in HEBA both socially and spiritually and hosting a gathering open to all interested parties. 

The Trustees also continued to support online and in person training, meetings and conferences for Church members during the year, including a Ministers’ Conference, a Governance training day for Church Secretaries, two gatherings over lunch for retired ministers, and members of staff and Churches were encourage to attend and support the Baptist Assembly which was held in West Bromwich in May 2025. Three symposiums were held in 2025. These are theological reflection days with newly accredited ministers expected to attend but also open to all those serving as ministers in HEBA Churches. Following the sudden closure of Spurgeon’s College, the staff team worked hard to assist students whose ministerial training was at risk and also to roll out modules for those who would not be seeking accreditation, under the heading of ‘Learning @ the Heart’. 

The HEBA Justice Hub and Justice Task Groups continued to provide a focus for justice-orientated Baptists in the Association with the aim that the Churches’ mission will make a difference for everyone. The Racial Justice Group was the focus group for the first part of the year and the Disability Justice Group from September onwards. The latter group’s disability storytelling series was extremely well received, with around 100 people attending the events held on zoom in September, October and November 2025. 

The Trustees continued to use their social media channels to encourage Churches and promote the work being done for the Gospel throughout the region. Staff learned to update the new website and this is kept up-to-date. The Trustees considered draft Communications Strategy which they will work on during 2026. 

The Charitable Company, through its Regional Ministers, continued to support ecumenical work across the whole area of the Association, for example, all RMs serve on ecumenical bodies in the region during the year and financial assistance is granted to some ecumenical bodies through the Grants Group. The Trustees ecumenical and Baptist partners continue to collaborate in supporting the ministry of Revd Susan Myatt, Baptist Minister Amongst the Deaf, financially and through prayer. 

Page 3 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

**TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

In 2025 the Ministerial Recognition Group interviewed 4 people for full ministerial accreditation, 3 commended to colleges (2 for St. Hild and 1 for Bristol) and 1 commended to RSC (Residential Selection Committee). The Group held first interviews for 5 people on the recognised local minister (RLM) pathway and a celebration was held for three ministers completing their ‘newly accredited minister’ period. All 3 were commended to the Baptist Union to become fully accredited ministers. There was also a meeting held to receive reports on NAM’s and RLM’s. These reports came from ministers, mentors, Churches and Regional Ministers. 

The Charitable Company continued to model an organisational culture which prioritises safeguarding through their encouragement and support of Churches to provide a safe and trusted environment for all those they come into contact with, particularly children, young people and Adults at Risk. During 2025, the Charitable Company provided safeguarding training for 690 individuals from 70 Churches/organisations at 23 Level 2 training events and 16 Level 3 training events. Mrs Joanne Green served as Trustee for Safeguarding and Mr Keith Baldwin continued to serve as Safeguarding Officer and also delivered training. The Trustees are grateful to all the volunteer trainers who provide excellent training to the Churches of the Association. 

The Charitable Company, through its Trust Working Group (TWG), gave consideration and practical assistance to over 35 Churches involved in building purchase, disposal and development; changing their legal structure and amending their structure. It continued to offer support to Churches with dilapidated burial grounds and buildings, sold properties as required and signposted Churches to changes in legislation or good practice that affect them. The Trustees agreed to appoint Anthony Collins as their Legal Advisors following a robust process of interviews. 

The Charitable Company, through its Grants Group, provided grants to 13 Churches and projects, 6 grants to individuals and 6 grants to organisations (see appendix 1). Having consideration for the budgetary constraints of the Association and the need to manage the grant funds available to Churches, the new system of grant application and allocation, matching grants to funds available (50% of funds received from BUGB) continued to be applied during this year. 

The work of the Grants Group is directly overseen by the Finance Group, which ensured that all funds were being held and spent appropriately. 

The Charitable Company’s book-keeping service to member Churches continues to be available. The payroll service offered to Churches and projects also continued, and at the end of the year, payroll services were being undertaken for 55 Churches/projects (89 individuals). 

Through our new programme ‘Learning at the Heart’ we facilitated three modules with an average of 7 attendees per module. Uptake has increased during 2026 with 12 attendees at the April module. 

During the year, the following of the previous year’s targets were started/completed: 

- piloting of the new pastoral group/minister structure for the Association; 

- virtually completing the Review of the Staff Handbook; 

- continuing to work on Project Violet; and 

- continuing to encourage the work of the Justice Groups. 

## **Risk Review** 

A full review of HEBA’s risks and risk management was begun and continues, under the guidance of the Association Treasurer and includes discussions with all staff and regular reviews by the Board of Trustees. 

Page 4 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

Significant risks identified during the year were: 

- insolvency leading to closure; 

- financial strategy is inadequate and ineffective; 

- poor management of a safeguarding incident (internal or Church incident); 

- senior management capacity; and 

- ineffective succession planning. 

## **Financial Review** 

During 2025 the overall funds of the Association increased by £365,553 to £3,141,227 (£2,775,674: 2024). 

General fund income was £572,092. Expenditure totalled £618,944 resulting in a deficit of £46,852. Net gains on investment assets totalled £262,737 reflecting improved performance in the financial markets during 2025. The General Fund at the year end was £823,430. 

The Net Movement on Designated Funds was £72,669 surplus of income over expenditure. This was primarily related to a reduction in the payment of grants under the revised allocation system. At the year end the total balance of designated funds was £848,657. 

Other income and expenditure in the Restricted Funds primarily relate to income and expenditure for the Retired Ministers and Missionaries Housing Fund. There have been no loans from the Heart of England Loan Fund. The net movement across the restricted funds was an increase of £76,999 as a result of the sale of a retired ministers housing fund property in Hall Green, Birmingham. At the year end the balances across the restricted funds was £1,469,140. 

The Association is part of a very complex multi-employer defined benefit pension scheme comprising approximately 1200 employers. See note 25 in the financial statements. 

## **Investment powers, policy and performance** 

The Trustees have appointed Redmayne Bentley as Investment Managers for the Association’s investment portfolio. The managers have discretionary powers to invest in line with the Investment Policy which is classed as medium risk and aims for moderate growth in income whilst at least maintaining capital values over the medium to long term. 

Reflecting the ethos of the Association, an ethical investment policy is in place to guide the investment manager. This focuses on positive aspects such as good governance and good working practices as well as excluding sectors which do not fit with the Association’s ethos. 

During the year, the portfolio return (total return basis) was 12.59 %, against the portfolio benchmark return of 8.68 %. 

The Association continued to maintain substantial balances on notice and term deposits. Most of these funds represent balances held on behalf of Churches where minimal capital risk is important. 

Page 5 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

**TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **Reserves policy** 

The Trustees consider a reserve of one year’s costs is required to ensure a managed exit from all existing agreements and contracts. One year’s costs is the total general fund expenditure excluding one-off events and including one year of grant funding from the Association’s own resources, where grants are expected to be needed beyond the current year. This latter is to reflect commitments, often staff related, which have been entered into by grant-receiving Churches. On this basis reserves of £0.704m are required. Excluding fixed assets and restricted funds the Association’s free reserves improved from £0.109m in 2024 to £0.572m in 2025. This was as a result of a combination of the sale of a property in the year, a significantly improved investment performance and the implementation of a revised/stricter cost controls (including Grants). This positive movement is an encouragement and although still below our required level of reserves, it is in line with the Trustees’ intentional strategy to utilise the reserves on a managed basis whilst ensuring capacity to generate sufficient funds in the future. The Trustees continue to seek to redress reserves to acceptable levels through the sales of properties, undertaking a review of the future costs and structure of the Association, cash levels and improved investment performance. 

## **Plans for future periods** 

During 2026, the Charitable Company will seek to continue to fulfil its objects in creative ways that will assist in the advancement of the Christian faith and the enrichment of Church and community life in the Heart of England. 

This will include: 

- adoption of new Articles at the Annual General Meeting 2026; 

- continue to work on Project Violet; 

- continue to support and encourage the work of the Justice Groups; 

- implementation of the Communication Strategy; 

- effective and efficient management of human and financial resources; 

- review phase one and implement phase two of the Pastoral Ministers’ structure; 

- prepare for the retirement of the current Regional Minister Team Leader; and 

- continuing to focus on Companionship as its foundational value. 

## **Structure, Governance, Management** 

The Charitable Company is governed by its Articles of Association and Rules of 20 April 2022. 

The Objects of this Charitable Company are the advancement of the Christian faith, particularly in the Heart of England and especially by the means of and in accordance with the principles of the Baptist denomination as set out for the time being in the Declaration of Principle of The Baptist Union of Great Britain. 

## **Trustees’ Interests** 

No Trustee had any beneficial interest in the Charitable Company or in any contract or arrangement of a material nature with the Charitable Company during the year under review. Declarations of Loyalty and Interest are required at the start of every meeting of Trustees and Working Groups and the Association Administrator also asks Trustees to update their written Declarations of Loyalty and Interest on an annual basis. 

## **Recruitment, appointment, induction and training of Trustees** 

The Charitable Company is run by its Board of Trustees who are also directors. They held nine meetings during 2025. 

Page 6 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

The Trustees use their Skills Audit in the process of recruiting new members of the board out of member Churches. Churches and individuals can nominate prospective Trustees, who are sent copies of the Charitable Company’s Articles of Association and its conflict of loyalty and interests policy and are asked to complete and sign the declaration of qualification to serve as a Trustee. They usually have a meeting with the moderator of the Board of Trustees and are advised that appropriate checks will be undertaken to confirm that they are eligible to serve in this capacity. If, after this, they still wish to serve, the Churches of the Association are invited to affirm the nominees by email or letter to the administrator/Company secretary. On appointment, they are invited to a formal induction meeting with the administrator/Company secretary who signposts essential documents available from the Charity Commission, Companies House and BUGB websites, as well as providing an overview of the activities of the Charitable Company. 

The Association administrator who is also the Company secretary assisted all Trustees by signposting documents and conferences to help them in their work. This includes circulating information from the Charity Commission, Companies House, some third sector organisations and the Churches’ Legislation Advisory Service, and advising them of seminars and training that they could attend. 

## **Trustees as at 31 December 2025** 

The Moderator and Treasurer are elected triennially by the members of the Association. 

Mrs Judith Miller                               Moderator of the Board of Trustees/Directors 

Mr Christopher Knight                         Treasurer Affirmed by the members of the Charitable Company Revd Adrian Argile Regional Minister – Team Leader Revd John Bernard Affirmed by the members of the Charitable Company Mrs Joanne Green Affirmed by the members of the Charitable Company Revd Terry Lockyer Affirmed by the members of the Charitable Company Revd Antony Maude Affirmed by the members of the Charitable Company Revd Simon Jay Affirmed by the members of the Charitable Company Appointed 3 March 2026 

Trustees that served during 2025 The Revd Dr Denise Dobie Retired 25 September 2025 The Revd Amy Wearing Retired 22 May 2025 

## **Association Information** 

Registered Charity Number 1080529 Registered Company Number 00238738 Registered Office 480 Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 5BP Other Office Holders Company Secretary/Administrator Miss Karen Martindale 

Page 7 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

**TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** Regional Ministers serving the The Revd Adrian Argile Association during 2025 The Revd David Ellis The Revd Neil Le Tissier to 30 June 2025 The Revd Dr Denise Dobie from 1 October 2025 Legal Advisors                                  Shakespeare Martineau to 22 July 2025 Waterfront House, Waterfront Plaza, Nottingham, NG2 3DQ Anthony Collins from 22 July 2025 Billiards Building, 134 Edmund Street, Birmingham, B3 2ES Auditor MHA, The Pinnacle, 150 Midsummer Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 1LZ Bankers HSBC Bank plc, 186 Broadway, Didcot, OX11 8RP Stockbrokers/Investment Advisors Redmayne-Bentley LLP, 9 Bond Court, Leeds, LS1 2JZ 

## **Related Parties** 

The Charitable Company is a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB), paying a subscription to this Charity. Funds from the Home Mission Fund, which is the principle working fund of the BUGB, are received by the Charitable Company and dispersed by its Grants Group. 

The Registered Office of the charitable company is in property owned by the Charitable Company. 

The Charity has a linked Charity, the HEBA Loan Fund (1080529 -1) and the Trustees are also Trustees of the Umberslade Church Endowment (255061) and Directors of the CST Corporate Trustee Limited (11454313). The Trustees are joint Trustee with two individuals of Selly Park Baptist Church Manse (516796). 

## **Key Management Personnel remuneration** 

The Charitable Company consider their key management personnel to be: 

The Charitable Company’s Board of Trustees 

The pay and remuneration of the employees of the Charitable Company is set by the Charitable Company through the Board and its Finance Group and is based upon the Baptist Home Mission recommended stipend. 

## **Persons of Significant Control (PSC) Register** 

The Charitable Company has established a Register and there is currently no PSC recorded thereon. 

## **Directors’ responsibilities in relation to the financial statements** 

The Trustees (who are also directors of HEBA for the purposes of Company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

Page 8 



THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
IA Company Limited by Guarnntso)
TRUSTEES. REPORT IcontinuÈd)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 202S
Company law requires the Trustees to Pfepaie financial statements ft>r each financial year, which give a true and
fair view of thè state of affairs of the Chantable Company and of the incoming resources and application of
resources, including the income and expendrture, of the Charitable Company for Ihal period. In preparing these
financial statements, the Trustees are required to..
select suitable accounting poliaes and then apply them consi$lÈnUy-
observe the methods and principles in the Charitie5 SORP {FRS 102)-,
rnake judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.,
ststè whether applicable UKAccounling Sl8ndards have been foblowed. subject to any material departu￿8
disctosed and explained in the financial statements-, and
prepare the financial statements on the going concem basi5 unlèss it is inappropriate to presurne that the
Charrtable Company will continuè in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accura
at any lime the financial position of the Charrtable Comp8ny and enabEe theffl lo ensure that the financial
slalemenls comply with the CompanFes Act 2W6. They are aLso responsible for safeguarding the assets of thè
Charitable Company and hence fr)r tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other
irregularities.
In so far as the Trustees are aware-.
there is no Teievanl audiÉ infomiation of which the Charitable Company's auditor is unaware., and
the Trustees havè taken all steps that they ought lo havè tsken to make theMse￿9S aware of any relevant
audit infomiation and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.
A resolution to reappoint MHA Audit Services LLP as independent audrtor was approved at the Annual General
Meeting.
This report was approved by the Board on 28 May 2026.
Signed
dith Miller
Trustee and Moderator of the Asso¢18tion
Page 9

## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **Opinion** 

We have audited the financial statements of The Heart of England Baptist Association (the 'Charitable Company') for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and the related notes, 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: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the Charitable Company's affairs as at 31 December 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended; 

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

- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 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 United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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. 

Page 10 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (CONTINUED)** 

## **Other information** 

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report other than the financial statements and our Auditor's Report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether 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. 

We have nothing to report in this regard. 

## **Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006** 

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit: 

- 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 

- 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 our 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 Trustees' Report. 

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: 

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

- sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or 

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

- certain disclosures of Trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or 

- the Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the Trustees' Report and from the requirement to prepare a Strategic Report. 

Page 11 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (CONTINUED)** 

## **Responsibilities of Trustees** 

As explained more fully in the Trustees' Responsibilities Statement, pages 8 and 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** 

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. 

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below: 

- obtaining an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that the Charitable Company operates in, focusing on those laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the financial statements; 

- enquiring of management and Trustees around known or suspected instances of non-compliance of laws and regulations and fraud; 

- discussing amongst the engagement team regarding how and where fraud might occur in the Charitable Company financial statements and any potential indications of fraud; 

- reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance; and 

- performing audit work in relation to the risk of management override, including testing of journal entries and other adjustments for appropriateness and reviewing accounting estimates or bias. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditor's Report. 

Page 12 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (CONTINUED)** 

## **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. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charitable Company's members 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 and its members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 


## **Elizabeth Newell BA (Hons) FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)** 

for and on behalf of **MHA** 

Statutory Auditors 

Milton Keynes, United Kingdom 

## Date: 29 May 2026 

MHA is the trading name of MHA Audit Services LLP, a limited liability partnership in England and Wales (registered number OC455542). 

Page 13 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

|**Note**<br>**Income from:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>4<br>Charitable activities<br>5<br>Investments<br>6<br>Other income<br>7<br>**Total income**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Raising funds<br>8,9<br>Charitable activities<br>10<br>**Total expenditure**<br>Net gains on investments<br>16<br>**Net income**<br>Transfers between funds<br>20<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**Reconciliation of funds:**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>Net movement in funds<br>**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**302,511**<br>**54,368**<br>**227,772**<br>**132,067**<br>**716,718**<br>**117,752**<br>**571,760**<br>**689,512**<br>**262,737**<br>**289,943**<br>**(1,389)**<br>**288,554**<br>**1,383,533**<br>**288,554**<br>**1,672,087**|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**4,255**<br>**88,500**<br>**92,755**<br>**-**<br>**17,145**<br>**17,145**<br>**-**<br>**75,610**<br>**1,389**<br>**76,999**<br>**1,392,141**<br>**76,999**<br>**1,469,140**|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**302,511**<br>**54,368**<br>**232,027**<br>**220,567**<br>**809,473**<br>**117,752**<br>**588,905**<br>**706,657**<br>**262,737**<br>**365,553**<br>**-**<br>**365,553**<br>**2,775,674**<br>**365,553**<br>**3,141,227**|Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>270,857<br>52,666<br>198,132<br>15,060|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||536,715|
|||||141,021<br>557,453|
|||||698,474|
|||||196,116|
|||||34,357<br>-|
|||||34,357|
|||||2,741,317<br>34,357|
|||||2,775,674|



The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. 

The notes on pages 18 to 45 form part of these financial statements. 

Page 14 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 00238738** 

## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

|**Note**<br>**Fixed assets**<br>Tangible assets<br>15<br>Investments<br>16<br>**Current assets**<br>Debtors<br>17<br>Investments<br>18<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Current liabilities**<br>Creditors: amounts falling due within one<br>year<br>19<br>**Net current liabilities**<br>**Total assets less current liabilities**<br>**Total net assets**<br>**Charitable Company funds**<br>Restricted funds<br>20<br>Unrestricted funds<br>20<br>**Total funds**|**142,629**<br>**1,628,209**<br>**414,926**<br>**2,185,764**<br>**(3,785,825)**|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**1,100,057**<br>**3,641,231**<br>**4,741,288**<br>**(1,600,061)**<br>**3,141,227**<br>**3,141,227**<br>**1,469,140**<br>**1,672,087**<br>**3,141,227**|197,068<br>1,258,380<br>366,489<br>1,821,937<br>(3,444,340)|2024<br>£<br>1,163,210<br>3,234,867<br>4,398,077<br>(1,622,403)<br>2,775,674<br>2,775,674<br>1,392,141<br>1,383,533<br>2,775,674|
|---|---|---|---|---|



Page 15 



THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATIOM
{A Company Llmited by Guarantè•l
REGISTERED NUMBER: 00238738
BALANCE SHEET ICONTINUEDI
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025
The Trusteès acknowledge their responsibilities for Complying with the requirements ofthe Companies Act 2006
with respect lo accounting records and PTepafation of financ5al statements.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject lo
the small companies regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by..
udith Miller
Trustee and Moder8lor of the Association
Date.. 28 May 2026
The notes on payes 18 to 45 forrn part of these financial stslements.
Page 16

## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

|**Cash flows from operating activities**<br>Net cash used in operating activities (note 22)<br>**Cash flows from investing activities**<br>Dividends, interests and rents from investments<br>Proceeds from the sale of tangible fixed assets<br>Purchase of tangible fixed assets<br>Proceeds from sale of investments<br>Purchase of investments<br>**Net cash provided by investing activities**<br>**Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year**<br>Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year (note 23)**|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**176,221**<br>**232,027**<br>**151,500**<br>**(2,155)**<br>**652,236**<br>**(1,005,927)**<br>**27,681**<br>**203,902**<br>**1,972,727**<br>**2,176,629**|2024<br>£<br>(351,529)<br>198,132<br>180,000<br>(1,594)<br>229,802<br>(234,380)<br>**371,960**<br>**20,431**<br>1,952,296<br>1,972,727|
|---|---|---|



The notes on pages 18 to 45 form part of these financial statements. 

Page 17 



**THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **1. General information** 

The Heart of England Baptist Association is a private Company (limited by guarantee) incorporated in England and Wales, registration number 00238738, and is also a registered Charity in England and Wales, registration number 1080529. The registered office is 480 Chester Road, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B73 5BP. 

The principal activities of the Charitable Company are the employment of a Regional Ministry and administrative staff team and the involvement of a number of volunteers, working in groups or individually, to offer support and guidance, training and financial resources to advance the Christian faith in a way which benefits Baptist churches and the communities they serve. 

## **2. Accounting policies** 

## **2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. 

The Heart of England Baptist Association meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. 

The financial statements are prepared in British Pound Sterling (£), which is the functional and presentational currency of the Charitable Company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. 

The Charitable Company has taken exemption from the requirement to prepare consolidated financial statements on the grounds that the subsidiary is immaterial to the Group. 

## **2.2 Company status** 

The Charitable Company i s limited by g uarantee. The members of the Charitable Company a re theTrustees named on page 7. In the event of the Charitable Company b eing wound up, the liability i nrespect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Charitable Company. 

## **2.3 Going concern** 

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The Trustees have considered budgets, cash flows and the impact of subsequent event. The Trustees are satisfied that the Charitable Company has sufficient available resources, both in terms of cash and investments that can be converted to cash, such that there is no material uncertainty and the going concern basis of preparing the financial statements continues to be appropriate. 

Page 18 



**THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **2. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **2.4 Income** 

All income is recognised once the Charitable Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. 

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charitable Company has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charitable Company, can be reliably measured. 

Donated services or facilities are recognised when the Charitable Company has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the Charitable Company of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102). 

On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charitable Company which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt. 

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. 

## **2.5 Expenditure** 

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. 

Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Company. 

Costs of generating funds are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. 

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

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT. 

Page 19 



**THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **2. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **2.5 Expenditure (continued)** 

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charitable Company to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and noncharitable trading. 

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charitable Company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs. 

## **2.6 Interest receivable** 

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charitable Company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. 

## **2.7 Operating leases** 

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight-line basis over the lease term. 

## **2.8 Taxation** 

The Charitable Company is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a Charitable Company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charitable Company is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. 

## **2.9 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation** 

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost. 

At each reporting date the Charitable Company assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined to be the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount. 

No value is attributed to burial grounds owned by the Charitable Company as the original cost is not known and due to the nature of the asset it is not considered possible to determine a fair value. 

Page 20 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

**(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **2. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **2.9 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)** 

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives. 

Depreciation is provided on the following basis: 

Freehold property - 2% Straight-line* Fixtures and fittings - 10% Straight-line Computer equipment - 33% Straight-line 

* The depreciation charge for freehold property is £nil due to the residual value of the properties being assessed at a value at least equal to cost. 

No depreciation is charged on the freehold land. 

## **2.10 Investments** 

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘gains/(losses) on investments’ in the Statement of Financial Activities. 

## **2.11 Debtors** 

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. 

Loans to churches are concessionary loans made in furtherance of the Charitable Company's purposes. Loans are recognised at cost as adjusted for any repayments made less impairment. 

## **2.12 Cash at bank and in hand** 

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. 

Page 21 



**THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **2. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **2.13 Creditors and Provisions** 

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Company has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. 

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charitable Company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide. 

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost. 

## **2.14 Financial instruments** 

The Charitable Company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value. 

## **2.15 Pensions** 

The Charitable Company participates in a defined contribution plan for its employees. A defined contribution plan is a pension plan under which the Charitable Company pays fixed contributions into a separate entity. Once the contributions have been paid the Charitable Company has no further payment obligations. The contributions are recognised as an expenditure when they are due. Amounts not paid are shown in accruals in the Balance Sheet. The assets of the plan are held separately from the Charitable Company in an independently administered fund. 

Prior to 2012, the pension provision was made through two multi-employer defined benefit pension plans.  Where it is not possible for the Charitable Company to obtain sufficient information to enable it to account for a plan as a defined benefit plan, it accounts for the plan as a defined contribution plan. Where the plan is in deficit and where the Charitable Company has agreed, with the plan, to participate in a deficit funding arrangement, the Charitable Company recognised a liability for this obligation. The amount recognised is the net present value of the contributions payable under the agreement that relate to the deficit.  This amount is expensed in the Statement of Financial Activities. 

Page 22 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **2. Accounting policies (continued)** 

## **2.16 Fund accounting** 

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charitable Company and which have not been designated for other purposes. 

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charitable Company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. 

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

## **3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement** 

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 

Judgements in applying the entity's accounting policies: 

Multi-employer defined benefit pension schemes - certain employees participate in multi-employer defined benefit pension schemes with other organisations. In the judgement of the Trustees, the Chartable Company does not have sufficient information on the plan assets and liabilities to be able to reliably account for its share of the defined benefit obligation and plan assets. Therefore the schemes are accounted for as defined contribution schemes. 

Page 23 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement (continued)** 

Critical accounting estimates and assumptions: 

Multi-employer defined benefit pension scheme - the Charitable Company has an obligation to pay a deficit funding arrangement in respect of two-multi employer defined benefit pension schemes (Baptist Pension Scheme and Baptist Union Staff Pension Scheme). The present value of the obligation depends on a number of factors including the RPI rate and the discount rate on corporate bonds. Management estimates these factors in determining the new pension obligation in the Balance Sheet. 

Useful economic lives and residual values of tangible assets - the annual depreciation charge of tangible assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives and the residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are re-assessed annually. They are amended when necessary to reflect current estimates, based on economic utilisation, physical condition and future investments of assets. 

## **4. Income from donations and legacies** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>Donations<br>13,259<br>Home Mission Fund Grant<br>144,626<br>Home Mission Grant for mission<br>144,626<br>302,511<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>Donations<br>1,796<br>Home Mission Fund Grant<br>134,531<br>Home Mission Grant for mission<br>134,530<br>270,857|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**13,259**<br>**144,626**<br>**144,626**|
|---|---|
||**302,511**|
||Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>1,796<br>134,531<br>134,530|
||270,857|



Page 24 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **5. Income from charitable activities** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>Minister's Conference<br>16,390<br>Other activities<br>37,978<br>**Total 2025**<br>54,368<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>Minister's Conference<br>12,600<br>Other activities<br>40,066<br>Total 2024<br>52,666|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**16,390**<br>**37,978**|
|---|---|
||**54,368**|
||Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>12,600<br>40,066|
||52,666|



## **6. Investment income** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>Retired Minister housing income<br>16,784<br>Dividends and bond interest<br>210,988<br>Interest on loans<br>-<br>**Total 2025**<br>227,772|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>4,135<br>-<br>120<br>4,255|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**20,919**<br>**210,988**<br>**120**|
|---|---|---|
|||**232,027**|



Page 25 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **6. Investment income (continued)** 

|Retired Minister housing income<br>Dividends and bond interest<br>Interest on loans<br>Total 2024|Unrestricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>5,580<br>186,104<br>-<br>191,684|Restricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>6,328<br>-<br>120<br>6,448|Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>11,908<br>186,104<br>120|
|---|---|---|---|
||||198,132|



## **7. Other incoming resources** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>Payroll service<br>13,685<br>Other activities<br>118,382<br>Profit on disposal of fixed assets held for sale<br>-<br>**Total 2025**<br>132,067|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>88,500<br>88,500|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**13,685**<br>**118,382**<br>**88,500**|
|---|---|---|
|||**220,567**|



|Payroll service<br>Other activities<br>Total 2024|Unrestricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>12,444<br>2,616<br>15,060|Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>12,444<br>2,616|
|---|---|---|
|||15,060|



Page 26 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **8. Expenditure on raising funds** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>Payroll scheme expenses<br>11,013<br>Interest on funds held for churches<br>86,338<br>**Total 2025**<br>97,351<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>Payroll scheme expenses<br>9,211<br>Interest on funds held for churches<br>113,048<br>Total 2024<br>122,259|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**11,013**<br>**86,338**|
|---|---|
||**97,351**|
||Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>9,211<br>113,048|
||122,259|



## **9. Investment management costs** 

||**Unrestricted**|**Total**|
|---|---|---|
||**funds**|**funds**|
||**2025**|**2025**|
||**£**|**£**|
|Investment management fees|20,401|**20,401**|



Page 27 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **9. Investment management costs (continued)** 

||Unrestricted|Total|
|---|---|---|
||funds|funds|
||2024|2024|
||£|£|
|Investment management fees|18,762|18,762|



## **10. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities** 

## **Summary by fund type** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>Regional Ministry Team<br>171,066<br>Grants<br>80,107<br>Subscriptions<br>2,199<br>Minister's Conference<br>16,905<br>Association activities<br>301,483<br>**Total 2025**<br>571,760<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>Regional Ministry Team<br>180,596<br>Grants<br>93,236<br>Subscriptions<br>6,154<br>Minister's Conference<br>16,199<br>Association activities<br>245,317<br>Total 2024<br>541,502|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>17,145<br>17,145<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>15,951<br>15,951|**Total**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**171,066**<br>**80,107**<br>**2,199**<br>**16,905**<br>**318,628**|
|---|---|---|
|||**588,905**|
|||Total<br>2024<br>£<br>180,596<br>93,236<br>6,154<br>16,199<br>261,268|
|||557,453|



Page 28 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **11. Analysis of expenditure by activities** 

|Regional Ministry Team<br>Grants<br>Subscriptions<br>Minister's Conference<br>Association activities<br>**Total 2025**|**Activities**<br>**undertaken**<br>**directly**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>170,904<br>-<br>2,199<br>16,897<br>21,145<br>211,145|**Grant**<br>**funding of**<br>**activities**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>-<br>80,107<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>80,107|**Support**<br>**costs**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>162<br>-<br>-<br>8<br>297,483<br>297,653|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**171,066**<br>**80,107**<br>**2,199**<br>**16,905**<br>**318,628**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**588,905**|



|Regional Ministry Team<br>Grants<br>Subscriptions<br>Minister's Conference<br>Association activities<br>Total 2024|Activities<br>undertaken<br>directly<br>2024<br>£<br>180,596<br>-<br>6,154<br>16,199<br>15,951<br>218,900|Grant<br>funding of<br>activities<br>2024<br>£<br>-<br>93,236<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>93,236|Support<br>costs<br>2024<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>245,317<br>245,317|Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>180,596<br>93,236<br>6,154<br>16,199<br>261,268|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||557,453|



A detailed analysis of grants paid during the year is included at Appendix 1. 

Page 29 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **11. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)** 

## **Analysis of direct costs** 

|Staff costs<br>Minister's Conference<br>Regional Ministry Team<br>Subscriptions<br>Association activities<br>**Total 2025**<br>Staff costs<br>Minister's Conference<br>Regional Ministry Team<br>Subscriptions<br>Association activities<br>Total 2024|**Regional**<br>**Ministry**<br>**Team**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>148,154<br>-<br>22,750<br>-<br>-<br>170,904<br>Regional<br>Ministry<br>Team<br>2024<br>£<br>146,796<br>-<br>33,800<br>-<br>-<br>180,596|**Subscriptions**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2,199<br>-<br>2,199<br>Subscriptions<br>2024<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>6,154<br>-<br>6,154|**Minister's**<br>**Conference**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>-<br>16,897<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>16,897<br>Minister's<br>Conference<br>2024<br>£<br>-<br>16,199<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>16,199|**Association**<br>**Activities**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>21,145<br>21,145<br>Association<br>Activities<br>2024<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>15,951<br>15,951|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**148,154**<br>**16,897**<br>**22,750**<br>**2,199**<br>**21,145**<br>**211,145**<br>Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>146,796<br>16,199<br>33,800<br>6,154<br>15,951<br>218,900|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|



Page 30 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **11. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)** 

## **Analysis of support costs** 

|Staff costs<br>Depreciation<br>Regional Ministry Team<br>Payroll scheme expenses<br>Premises costs and administration<br>Other staff costs including training<br>Property<br>Working groups<br>IT<br>Board expenses<br>Legal and professional<br>Other<br>Audit and accountancy fees<br>Profit on disposal of fixed asset held for sale|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**137,899**<br>**2,308**<br>**162**<br>**2,258**<br>**18,960**<br>**14,286**<br>**12,797**<br>**672**<br>**12,458**<br>**205**<br>**5,905**<br>**63,367**<br>**26,376**<br>**-**<br>**297,653**|Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>133,609<br>5,758<br>-<br>3,813<br>22,043<br>15,478<br>7,266<br>1,554<br>8,685<br>156<br>11,430<br>45,275<br>21,250<br>(31,000)|
|---|---|---|
|||245,317|



## **12. Auditor's remuneration** 

The auditor's remuneration amounts to an auditor fee of £18,750 (2024: £17,750), and non audit services of £3,750 (2024: £3,710). 

## **13. Staff costs** 

|Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Pension costs (note 25)|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**242,072**<br>**18,233**<br>**25,748**<br>**286,053**|2024<br>£<br>236,641<br>17,633<br>26,131|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||280,405|



Page 31 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **13. Staff costs (continued)** 

The average number of persons employed by the Charitable Company during the year was as follows: 

|**2025**|2024|
|---|---|
|**No.**|No.|
|**9**|8|



No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year. 

During the year The Rev Adrian Argile, a Trustee of the Charitable Company, received remuneration for his role as Regional Minister Team Leader and travel expenses in connection with that role. He was not remunerated for Trustee duties. The cost to the Charitable Company of the remuneration (gross pay plus employer's national insurance and pension) was £67,751 (2024: £54,308) and expenses were £3,889 (2024: £3,607). 

Key Management Personnel of the Charitable Company are considered to be the Trustees. No other Trustee received any remuneration. 

## **14. Trustees' remuneration and expenses** 

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024: Nil),except as disclosed above. 

During the year ended 31 December 2025, expenses totalling £205 were reimbursed or paid directly to 7 Trustees (2024: £861 to 2 Trustees). 

Page 32 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **15. Tangible fixed assets** 

|**Cost or valuation**<br>At 1 January 2025<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>At 31 December 2025<br>**Depreciation**<br>At 1 January 2025<br>Charge for the year<br>At 31 December 2025<br>**Net book value**<br>At 31 December 2025<br>At 31 December 2024<br>**16.**<br>**Fixed asset investments**<br>**Cost or valuation**<br>At 1 January 2025<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>Unrealised gains<br>Realised losses<br>At 31 December 2025|**Freehold**<br>**property**<br>**£**<br>**1,152,733**<br>**-**<br>**(63,000)**<br>**1,089,733**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**1,089,733**<br>1,152,733|**Fixtures and**<br>**fittings**<br>**£**<br>**23,918**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**23,918**<br>**15,519**<br>**1,116**<br>**16,635**<br>**7,283**<br>8,399<br>**Listed**<br>**investments**<br>**£**<br>**2,887,009**<br>**1,050,093**<br>**(692,102)**<br>**267,037**<br>**(4,300)**<br>**3,507,737**|**Computer**<br>**equipment**<br>**£**<br>**19,870**<br>**2,155**<br>**-**<br>**22,025**<br>**17,792**<br>**1,192**<br>**18,984**<br>**3,041**<br>2,078<br>**Other fixed**<br>**asset**<br>**investments**<br>**£**<br>**347,858**<br>**835,730**<br>**(1,050,094)**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**133,494**|**Total**<br>**£**<br>**1,196,521**<br>**2,155**<br>**(63,000)**<br>**1,135,676**<br>**33,311**<br>**2,308**<br>**35,619**<br>**1,100,057**<br>1,163,210<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**3,234,867**<br>**1,885,823**<br>**(1,742,196)**<br>**267,037**<br>**(4,300)**<br>**3,641,231**|
|---|---|---|---|---|



Page 33 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **16. Fixed asset investments (continued)** 

All fixed asset investments are held in the UK. 

Subsidiary undertaking: 

The CST Corporate Trustee Limited (Company number 11454313), a Company limited by guarantee, is a subsidiary by virtue of the Charitable Company being the sole member. 

Its sole purpose is to act as a corporate Trustee in respect of the assets of the Cannon Street Trust. 

The subsidiary is not material to the Group and has therefore not been included in the financial statements. 

## **17. Debtors** 

|Trade debtors<br>Other debtors<br>Prepayments and accrued income|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**25,805**<br>**35,902**<br>**80,922**<br>**142,629**|2024<br>£<br>14,498<br>117,499<br>65,071|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||197,068|



Included within other debtors are loans to Churches of £35,902 (2024: £117,499) which are generally expected to be received after one year. 

## **18. Current asset investments** 

||**2025**|2024|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|£|
|Deposits held on behalf of Churches|**1,628,209**|1,258,380|



Page 34 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

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

|Trade creditors<br>Other taxation and social security<br>Other creditors<br>Accruals and deferred income|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**6,164**<br>**6,200**<br>**3,754,228**<br>**19,233**<br>**3,785,825**|2024<br>£<br>4,656<br>12,400<br>3,414,232<br>13,052|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||3,444,340|



Included within other creditors is an amount of £3,753,120 (2024: £3,414,232) held on behalf of certain Churches and the Cannon Street Trust. The Churches are required to give due notice before withdrawal of these amounts. 

Page 35 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **20. Statement of funds** 

## **Statement of funds - current year** 

|**Designated**<br>**funds**<br>Church<br>Resources Fund<br>Minister's<br>Resources Fund<br>Regional<br>Ministry Fund<br>Mission<br>Development<br>Monks path<br>Fund<br>Mission Grant<br>Funds<br>Pension reserve<br>**General funds**<br>General Funds<br>**Total**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**|**Balance at 1**<br>**January**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**38,634**<br>**32,055**<br>**186,543**<br>**382,540**<br>**90,387**<br>**-**<br>**45,829**<br>**775,988**<br>**607,545**<br>**1,383,533**|**Income**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**144,626**<br>**-**<br>**144,626**<br>**572,092**<br>**716,718**|**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**(162)**<br>**(25,295)**<br>**-**<br>**(46,500)**<br>**-**<br>**(71,957)**<br>**(617,555)**<br>**(689,512)**|**Transfers**<br>**in/(out)**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**98,126**<br>**-**<br>**(98,126)**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**(1,389)**<br>**(1,389)**|**Gains/**<br>**(losses)**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**262,737**<br>**262,737**|**Balance at**<br>**31**<br>**December**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**38,634**<br>**32,055**<br>**186,381**<br>**455,371**<br>**90,387**<br>**-**<br>**45,829**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**848,657**|
|||||||**823,430**|
|||||||**1,672,087**|



Page 36 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **20. Statement of funds (continued)** 

|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>Heart of England<br>Loan Fund<br>Retired Ministers<br>& Missionaries<br>Housing Fund<br>Westmancote<br>Baptist Trust<br>Benevolent Fund<br>Flood Fund<br>**Total of funds**|**Balance at 1**<br>**January**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**850,863**<br>**522,564**<br>**12,390**<br>**-**<br>**6,324**<br>**1,392,141**<br>**2,775,674**|**Income**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**92,635**<br>**-**<br>**120**<br>**-**<br>**92,755**<br>**809,473**|**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**(15,636)**<br>**-**<br>**(1,509)**<br>**-**<br>**(17,145)**<br>**(706,657)**|**Transfers**<br>**in/(out)**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**1,389**<br>**-**<br>**1,389**<br>**-**|**Gains/**<br>**(losses)**<br>**£**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**-**<br>**262,737**|**Balance at**<br>**31**<br>**December**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**850,863**<br>**599,563**<br>**12,390**<br>**-**<br>**6,324**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||**1,469,140**|
|||||||**3,141,227**|



Page 37 



**THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **20. Statement of funds (continued)** 

## **Church Resources Fund** 

Funds grants for equipment and local mission work. 

## **Minister’s Resources Fund** 

Funds grants to ministers in training and post ordination training for ministers. 

## **Regional Ministry Fund** 

This fund was created during 2015 to provide funds for the ongoing funding of four Regional Ministers across the Association. 

## **Mission Development** 

Funds designated for mission projects in a Church or Churches or for Church planting in areas with no Baptist witness. The fund was created by a one off transfer of £1.9m. 

Note: Trustees have designated 50 % of BUGB funding (income) to HEBA for Grant purposes. 

## **Monks path Fund** 

Funds raised by the Local Ecumenical Project at Monks path with a view to erecting a Church building. As the building project has not proceeded the Charity Commission produced a scheme in 2011 splitting the funds between the local Methodist District and the Association. The Trustees have designated the Association share for work at Monks path. 

## **Pension Reserve** 

The Trustees have decided that certain funds will be designated to assist Churches in the process of closure in meeting outstanding pension liabilities (cessation event in relation to defined benefit pension deficit). 

Note: Defined benefit pension scheme no longer exists. Fund to be closed in 2026. 

## **Unrestricted Funds** 

Charitable funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charitable Company and which have not been designated for other purposes. 

## **Heart of England Loan Fund** 

Created in 2010 by the amalgamation of all previous loan funds into the former Worcestershire Loan Fund which has been renamed to reflect the new fund being available to all Churches across the Association. Purpose is for making loans to churches and others for new building and major refurbishment work. 

(The Heart of England Baptist Association Loan Fund Scheme ordered by The Charity Commission of England and Wales of 2 March 2010 applies). 

## **Retired Ministers & Missionaries Housing Fund** 

Assists ministers who have served Churches in the West Midlands and missionaries from West Midlands Churches by entering into joint ownership of their retirement homes or purchasing properties for retired ministers and missionaries to rent. Balance relates to 3 properties 2 of which are managed by the Retired Baptist Ministers Housing Association Ltd, the third property is 2 Home Close (sold during 2025). 

Page 38 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **20. Statement of funds (continued)** 

## **Westmancote Baptist Trust** 

For the upkeep of the Westmancote Burial ground and in furthering religious and other Charitable work in the area formerly encompassed by the Worcestershire Baptist Association (see note below). 

Note - Worcestershire Association Churches -These are the Worcestershire Association Churches at the amalgamation with the West Midlands Baptist Association and therefore include the Warwickshire Churches which belonged to that Association (i.e. Stratford, Alcester, Dunnington and Studley Baptist Churches) and also Kington, Ledbury and Lyonshall Baptist Churches in Herefordshire. 

## **Benevolent Fund** 

Fund to be used at the discretion of an appropriate Regional Minister in a confidential way to assist ministers. 

## **Flood Fund** 

Donations received from Churches/individuals. Expenditure to aid victims of flood requested from Churches who disburse funds to individuals. 

## **Statement of funds - prior year** 

|**Designated**<br>**funds**<br>Church<br>Resources Fund<br>Minister's<br>Resources Fund<br>Regional<br>Ministry Fund<br>Mission<br>Development<br>Monks path<br>Fund<br>Mission Grant<br>Funds<br>Pension reserve|Balance at<br>1 January<br>2024<br>£<br>41,634<br>33,055<br>186,543<br>336,086<br>90,387<br>-<br>45,829<br>733,534|Income<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>134,530<br>-<br>134,530|Expenditure<br>£<br>(3,000)<br>(1,000)<br>-<br>(35,507)<br>-<br>(52,569)<br>-<br>(92,076)|Transfers<br>in/(out)<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>81,961<br>-<br>(81,961)<br>-<br>-|Gains/<br>(losses)<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|Balance at<br>31<br>December<br>2024<br>£<br>38,634<br>32,055<br>186,543<br>382,540<br>90,387<br>-<br>45,829|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||775,988|



Page 39 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **20. Statement of funds (continued)** 

|**General funds**<br>General Funds<br>**Total**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>Heart of England<br>Loan Fund<br>Retired Ministers<br>& Missionaries<br>Housing Fund<br>Westmancote<br>Baptist Trust<br>Benevolent Fund<br>Flood Fund<br>**Total of funds**|Balance at<br>1 January<br>2024<br>£<br>608,652<br>1,342,186<br>Balance at<br>1 January<br>2024<br>£<br>850,863<br>529,554<br>12,390<br>-<br>6,324<br>1,399,131<br>2,741,317|Income<br>£<br>395,737<br>530,267<br>Income<br>£<br>-<br>6,328<br>-<br>120<br>-<br>6,448<br>536,715|Expenditure<br>£<br>(590,447)<br>(682,523)<br>Expenditure<br>£<br>-<br>(13,318)<br>-<br>(2,633)<br>-<br>(15,951)<br>(698,474)|Transfers<br>in/(out)<br>£<br>(2,513)<br>(2,513)<br>Transfers<br>in/(out)<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2,513<br>-<br>2,513<br>-|Gains/<br>(losses)<br>£<br>196,116<br>196,116<br>Gains/<br>(losses)<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>196,116|Balance at<br>31<br>December<br>2024<br>£<br>607,545|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||1,383,533|
|||||||Balance at<br>31<br>December<br>2024<br>£<br>850,863<br>522,564<br>12,390<br>-<br>6,324|
|||||||1,392,141|
|||||||2,775,674|



Page 40 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **21. Analysis of net assets between funds** 

## **Analysis of net assets between funds - current year** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>Tangible fixed assets<br>1,100,057<br>Fixed asset investments<br>3,641,231<br>Current assets<br>(3,036,496)<br>Creditors due within one year<br>(32,705)<br>**Total 2025**<br>1,672,087|**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>5,222,260<br>(3,753,120)<br>1,469,140|**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**1,100,057**<br>**3,641,231**<br>**2,185,764**<br>**(3,785,825)**<br>**3,141,227**|
|---|---|---|



## **Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year** 

|Tangible fixed assets<br>Fixed asset investments<br>Current assets<br>Creditors due within one year<br>**Total 2024**|Unrestricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>1,163,210<br>3,234,867<br>(2,984,436)<br>(30,108)<br>1,383,533|Restricted<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>4,806,373<br>(3,414,232)<br>1,392,141|Total<br>funds<br>2024<br>£<br>1,163,210<br>3,234,867<br>1,821,937<br>(3,444,340)<br>2,775,674|
|---|---|---|---|



Page 41 



## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **22. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities** 

|Net income for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)<br>**Adjustments for:**<br>Depreciation charges (note 15)<br>Gains on investments (note 16)<br>Dividends, interests and rents from investments (note 6)<br>Profit on the sale of fixed assets (notes 7 and 11)<br>Decrease/(increase) in debtors (note 17)<br>Increase in creditors (note 19)<br>**Net cash provided by operating activities**<br>**23.**<br>**Analysis of cash and cash equivalents**<br>Cash in hand<br>Notice deposits (less than 3 months)<br>**Total cash and cash equivalents**<br>**24.**<br>**Analysis of changes in net debt**<br>**At 1**<br>**January**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**366,489**<br>Liquid investments<br>**1,606,238**<br>**1,972,727**|**2025**<br>**£**<br>**365,553**<br>**2,308**<br>**(267,037)**<br>**(232,027)**<br>**(88,500)**<br>**54,439**<br>**341,485**<br>**176,221**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**414,926**<br>**1,761,703**<br>**2,176,629**<br>**Cash flows**<br>**£**<br>**48,437**<br>**155,465**<br>**203,902**|2024<br>£<br>34,357<br>5,758<br>(191,398)<br>(198,132)<br>(31,000)<br>(46,212)<br>75,098<br>(351,529)<br>2024<br>£<br>366,489<br>1,606,238<br>1,972,727<br>**At 31**<br>**December**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>**414,926**<br>**1,761,703**<br>**2,176,629**|
|---|---|---|



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## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **25. Pension commitments** 

The Association is a participating employer the Baptist Pension Scheme (“the Scheme”), which is a separate legal entity administered by the Pension Trustee (Baptist Pension Trust Limited). The assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the Employer and the other participating employers. 

The Scheme, previously known as the Baptist Ministers’ Pension Fund, started in 1925, but was closed to future accrual of defined benefits on 31 December 2011. Prior to this date the main benefit provided through the Defined Benefit (DB) Plan was a pension of one eightieth of final minimum pensionable income for each year of pensionable service together with additional pension in respect of premiums paid on Pensionable Income in excess of Minimum Pensionable Income. 

From January 2012, pension provision is being made through the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan within the Scheme. In general, members pay 8% of their Pensionable Income and employers pay 6% of members’ Pensionable Income into individual pension accounts, which are operated and managed on behalf of the Pension Trustee by Broadstone Corporate Benefits Ltd. In addition, the employer pays a further 4% of Pensionable Income to cover Death in Service Benefits, administration costs, and an associated insurance policy which provides income protection for Scheme members if they are unable to work due to long-term incapacity. This income protection policy has been insured by the Baptist Union of Great Britain with Aviva Limited. Members of the Basic Section pay reduced contributions of 5% of Pensionable Income, and their employers also pay a total of 5%. 

The Scheme is considered to be a multi-employer scheme as described in Section 28 of FRS 102. Because it is not possible to attribute the Scheme’s assets and liabilities to specific employers, the scheme is accounted for as if the Scheme were a defined contribution scheme. 

The Regional Ministers and members of the Association staff team are eligible to join the Scheme. 

As there are numbers of contributing employers participating in the pension scheme, the Charitable Company is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme. Accordingly the SoFA charge for the year represents the employer contributions payable. The total pension costs for the Charitable Company in the year were £25,748 (2024: £26,131) for the BPS. 

## **26. Operating lease commitments** 

At 31 December 2025 the Charitable Company had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows: 

||||**2025**|2024|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**£**|£|
|Not later than|1|year|**-**|1,242|



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## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **27. Related party transactions** 

The Charitable Company is a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and is in receipt of grants from the Home Mission Fund which is part of the Baptist Union. Grants of £289,252 (2024: £269,060) were received in this respect. 

Trustees of the Charitable Company are drawn from the membership of the local Baptist Churches and there are therefore, from time to time, grant awards made to benefit either the individual or the Church. There is a formal process in relation to grant applications which helps to ensure that any conflict of interest is mitigated by the exclusion of the conflicted individual in the decision making process. 

Transactions during the year involving Trustees acting in non-trustee capacities included: (i) an invoice of £210 issued to Rev Adrian Argile in relation to attendance by his wife at the Ministers’ Conference connected to his employed role as Regional Minister; and (ii) an invoice of £150 issued to Limbrick Wood Baptist Church for payroll services, where Mr Christopher Knight acts as Treasurer. The Trustees consider these transactions to have been undertaken in the ordinary course of the Charitable Company’s activities and on normal terms. 

## **The CST Corporate Trustee Limited** 

The CST Corporate Trustee Limited is a Trust corporation constituted as a Company limited by guarantee of which The Heart of England Baptist Association is the sole member and director. 

Included within other creditors is an amount of £1,392,920 (2024: £1,380,579) held on behalf of the Cannon Street Trust. 

The Company's objects are specifically restricted to acting as and performing the office and duties of Trustee of the Cannon Street Baptist Chapel Trust 1877. As part of these duties The CST Corporate Trustee Limited is responsible for the properties in Trust. Funds generated from any sale of these properties are held for charitable purposes. The properties held on the Cannon Street Trust are: 

## **Name** 

Birmingham Central Baptist Church Cannon Street Memorial Baptist Church Castle Bromwich Baptist Church and Manse Church of the Redeemer City Road Baptist Church People's Chapel and Manse Small Heath Baptist Church Smethwick Baptist Church 

## **Umberslade Endowment Charity** 

The Trustees of The Heart of England Baptist Association are also Trustees of the above named Charity which is registered with the Charity Commission. There are no transactions between the two entities but The Heart of England Baptist Association oversees the activity of the Charity. 

## **28. Controlling party** 

The Charitable Company is ultimately controlled by the Board of Trustees. 

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## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** 

**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025** 

## **29. Company limited by guarantee** 

The Charitable Company is a Company limited by guarantee and does not have share capital. 

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## **THE HEART OF ENGLAND BAPTIST ASSOCIATION** 

## **Appendix 1 - Grants Paid during the year (includes Subscriptions and Ministry among Deaf expenses)** 

|**Grants to Churches**<br>Black Country Urban Industrial Mission<br>Castle Bromwich<br>Chorley Chapel<br>Cookhill<br>Chelmsley Wood<br>Darkhouse<br>Delves, Walsall<br>Cole Valley Cluster<br>Far Forest<br>Gateway to Hope<br>George Road Community Church<br>Glebe Farm Pioneer<br>Keele University LEP<br>Limbrick Wood Pioneer<br>Limbrick Wood, Coventry<br>Madeley<br>New Life<br>Wednesbury<br>Wolston<br>**Grants to Individuals**<br>Rev Jason Borlase<br>Rev Andy  Browning<br>Chrissy Remsberg<br>Rev Stephen Bentham (Sabbatical) Smethwick BC<br>Rev, Dr, Gale Richards<br>Chrissy Remsberg (Sabbatical) Beacon Church<br>Rev Patrick Agyeman (Sabbatical) New Christ Church<br>Rev Kevin Johnson (Sabbatical) Castle Hill BC<br>**Grants to Organisations**<br>B.C.C.E. & C.L.A.S.P.<br>Churches together in Hereford<br>Birmingham Churches Together<br>Faith at Work in Worcestershire<br>Urban Expression<br>WorkCare West Midlands<br>Ministry among the Deaf Expenses|**Unrestricted**<br>**Designated from**<br>**Missions Grant**<br>**Designated**<br>**Restricted**<br>**2025 Total**<br>**2024 Total**<br>-<br>3,120<br>-<br>-<br>**3,120**<br>3,094<br>-<br>9,717<br>-<br>-<br>**9,717**<br>12,367<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>1,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>1,000<br>-<br>-<br>1,000<br>-<br>**1,000**<br>-<br>-<br>2,000<br>-<br>-<br>**2,000**<br>2,000<br>-<br>4,500<br>1,000<br>-<br>**5,500**<br>5,000<br>-<br>-<br>1,000<br>-<br>**1,000**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>7,567<br>-<br>6,700<br>-<br>-<br>**6,700**<br>7,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>3,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>4,290<br>-<br>4,000<br>-<br>-<br>**4,000**<br>6,600<br>-<br>9,000<br>-<br>-<br>**9,000**<br>10,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>1,000<br>-<br>6,000<br>-<br>-<br>**6,000**<br>-<br>-<br>5,000<br>-<br>-<br>**5,000**<br>-<br>-<br>4,000<br>-<br>-<br>**4,000**<br>4,000<br>-<br>2,500<br>-<br>-<br>**2,500**<br>7,000<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>250<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>250<br>-<br>-<br>500<br>-<br>**500**<br>500<br>-<br>-<br>250<br>-<br>**250**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>2,000<br>-<br>**2,000**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>250<br>-<br>**250**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>250<br>-<br>**250**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>250<br>-<br>**250**<br>-<br>755<br>-<br>-<br>**755**<br>719<br>-<br>-<br>800<br>-<br>**800**<br>800<br>-<br>-<br>4,020<br>-<br>**4,020**<br>4,020<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**-**<br>4,875<br>-<br>-<br>7,570<br>-<br>**7,570**<br>7,570<br>-<br>4,680<br>-<br>-<br>**4,680**<br>3,713<br>32,036<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**32,036**<br>30,242<br>**32,791**<br>**61,217**<br>**18,890**<br>**-**<br>**112,898**<br>**127,857**|
|---|---|



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## **PROPERTIES FOR WHICH HEBA WAS OWNER/HOLDING TRUSTEE 31.12.2025** 

**C** = Conservation area **L** = Listed 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Name Details<br>Acocks Green             L Chapel, School Hall,  Manse<br>Alvechurch                 C Chapel, Schoolrooms, land at rear, Manse<br>Attleborough                         Church, other properties, Manse<br>Ashmore Park Chapel, Hall<br>Austrey                            L Church Buildings<br>Baddeley Edge  Chapel<br>Baptist Church Centre Handsworth  Church, Legal charge held by Birmingham City<br>Council against this property<br>Barnt Green Chapel, land at rear<br>Bearwood Church and School Hall<br>Bedworth Chapel and School Hall, Manse<br>Bilston Church and halls, Manse<br>Binley Woods (LEP) Manse<br>Bridgnorth                             L Chapel,   Offices<br>Brierley Hill, South Street Chapel, Schoolrooms, Burial ground<br>Bromsgrove Chapel and School Hall<br>Manse<br>Butt Lane, Stoke-on-Trent Chapel and School Hall<br>Cannon Street Memorial Manse and house, Legal charge held by<br>Birmingham City Council against the Church which<br>is held by Cannon Street Trust Corporate Trustee<br>Limited<br>Carters Lane Chapel and School hall<br>Castle Hill, Warwick                                C Church, other properties, Manse<br>Catshill Chapel and halls, burial ground, Manse<br>Cedar Church, Kingstanding Chapel and Hall<br>Chadsmoor Chapel, Schoolrooms<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Chase  Church<br>Chelmsley Wood Church Centre, Manse<br>Chester Road Chapel, Manse<br>Chorley Chapel, Burial Ground<br>City Road                    Manse<br>Darkhouse  Chapel, School Hall and small burial ground<br>Graveyard, Bell St<br>Dawley Church, School Hall and Burial Ground, Manse<br>Donnington Wood Chapel<br>Edward Rd                           L                         Chapel and Schoolrooms<br>Erdington, Six Ways Chapel, School Halls, Manse<br>Ewyas Harold Church, Manse and Land adjoining<br>Far Forest  Church<br>Fordhouses Wolverhampton Chapel and School Hall, Manse<br>Four Oaks Chapel and Halls, House<br>George Road  Community Church Church and hall<br>Grenfell Chapel, Land adjoining, House<br>Hall Green, Christchurch LEP Chapel, Hall, Manse<br>Hope  Stourbridge Chapel, School Hall, Manse<br>Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent Church Centre<br>Harborne Church and Halls, other properties, Manse<br>Hearsall Manse<br>Highgate Church, hall and flat above.<br>Hockley Heath         Church Hall, land Adjoining<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Kenilworth Church<br>Kings Community Church  Church and Schoolroom<br>Kings Norton Chapel, School Hall and land adjoining, Manse<br>Ledbury                            L Church, Manse and additional house<br>Lentons Lane, Coventry Church, School Hall, additional land, Manse<br>Limbrick Wood Church and Hall,  Manse<br>Londonderry Church and hall<br>Longbridge Chapel and Hall, Manse<br>Longford Salem: School Halls<br>Union Place: Church, hall and burial ground<br>Ludlow Church Centre (Long lease)<br>Marston Green Baptist Free Church Chapel, Hall<br>Netherton, Ebenezer Chapel and Schoolroom<br>Netherton, Lodge Farm Church Hall<br>Netherton Messiah Burial Ground<br>New Christ Church, Aston Chapel, Manse<br>Newbridge                              Chapel, School Hall, Manse<br>Newcastle-under-Lyme Church<br>New Life,  Church, Manse and 2 houses<br>Kings Heath<br>Newport Church Building and site<br>Northfield Church and halls, manse, Other land<br>Olton Offices<br>Overslade Church Hall<br>Perry Beeches Chapel<br>Providence, Coseley Chapel, and burial ground, Manse<br>Polesworth Church, School Hall and  burial ground<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Pontesbury Chapel and Burial Ground, Manse<br>Rugby             L Chapel and School Halls<br>St Peter’s Worcester Church, Manse<br>Saltley Chapel, Manse<br>Sandon Road, Stafford Chapel and School Hall, 2 Houses<br>Selly Park Chapel and School Hall, Manse (co-trustee)<br>Shilton Chapel<br>Shrewsbury          C Claremont site (C): Chapel<br>Crowmoor site: Church and car park<br>Stechford Chapel, Manse<br>Stoke Baptist Church Church,<br>Tabernacle Wolverhampton Chapel and School halls, car park, Manse<br>Tamworth Chapel<br>Walsall, The Delves Site, Chapel, Church Hall, Manse<br>Walsgrave Chapel and School Hall,  Manse<br>Warley Chapel and School Halls and land adjoining, Manse<br>Wednesbury Chapel, Manse<br>West Bromwich Chapel, Manse<br>Westmancote Burial Ground CC Order 2004. Co-Trustees with Official Custodian<br>Wolston                          C Chapel, Burial Ground<br>Word of Spirit and Life Church Church<br>Yardley School Hall,  Manse<br>Yardley Wood Chapel, Manse<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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