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← Godfirst Christchurch

2024-12-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1090933

Company Registration No. 04343888 (England and Wales)

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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10 Bridge Street
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 1EF
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GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

CONTENTS

Page
Company informaton 1
Trustees' report 2 - 7
Independent examiner's report 8
Statement of fnancial actvites 9
Statement of fnancial positon 10 - 11
Statement of cash fows 12
Notes to the fnancial statements 13 - 27

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees K Hudson
D R Kemp
A Chapman
R Haton-Bird
S Harden
S Bannister (Appointed 24 September
2024)
Secretary A Chapman
Chairman D Kemp
Key management personnel Duncan Lee (Pastor and Lead Elder)
Morne Smit (Assistant Pastor)
Justyn Pride (Operatons Manager)
Charity number 1090933
Company number 04343888
Registered ofce 15 Airfeld Road
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 3TG
Independent examiner TC Group
10 Bridge Street
Christchurch
Dorset
BH23 1EF
Bankers Lloyds, 4 Castle Street, Christchurch, BH23 1DU

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)

Objectives and activities

A summary of the objects of the charity as set out in its governing document.

The principal activities of this charitable company are the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs, in Christchurch and in such other parts of the UK or the world as the trustees from time to time think fit, and such other purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the law of England and Wales and are connected with the work of the charity.

The elders regularly review the objectives and activities in line with strategies designed to achieve our vision and communicate this with the trustees and the wider leadership teams at least on an annual basis. We seek to further these objects by providing meetings for corporate worship, fellowship and prayer. Further fellowship and sharing opportunities come in the form of weekly connect group meetings across the conurbation and there are specific training courses sponsored by the church for new Christians and for various ministry skills useful in the church.

The charity's aims including the changes or differences it seeks to make through its activities:

1. Reaching the Local Community for the advancement of the Christian faith

This has been achieved through our involvement with different age-groups and types of people. While our focus is the advancement of the Christian faith, this is seen through the lens of relieving poverty and seeking greater community cohesion. We measure this partly by the numbers of people we regularly interact with as a church community and ultimately in the numbers of these people who see themselves as belonging to GodFirst.

We give financially to various local charities that share our ethos including Christchurch Foodbank Plus, Faithworks CMA (Community Money Advice) [Debt & Money Advice], The Water Lily Project [outreach to women in crisis] and this is backed-up by our own people giving their time and skills to help in these charities including those who serve as governors in local schools. Children and young people are a key priority for this charity; not only those of our own members but the wider community. Our toddler group, First Steps, which is now regularly reaching over one hundred families most of whom are outside of the immediate church family.

  1. Reaching the Global Community for the advancement of the Christian faith We do this by encouraging, supporting and visiting Christian churches in other nations where we either have a connection or there is another link.

  2. 2 -

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

The charity's aims including the changes or differences it seeks to make through its activities:

3. Membership of a wider network

GodFirst Christchurch is wholly independent, but it is affiliated to the Evangelical Alliance of Great Britain which represents us at government level and provides training, support and information on ethical, legal and social issues. Additionally, we are part of the Christchurch Fellowship of Churches that seeks to provide a forum for fellowship and joint projects across all Christian churches in Christchurch. Also leaders of church teams have the opportunity to gain wider experience and training from a wide range of contacts and this keeps us grounded and equipped for the strategies we have to reach our vision. We also regularly partner and collaborate with other charities and organisations as can be seen below.

Public Benefit

Through this report, we have illustrated the impact we are having on the local and global community. We exist to benefit the wider community but a by-product of this objective is that we benefit those that join us as members and are gathered in to the family of God, who in turn multiply the impact on the wider public. The trustees have complied with the duty set out in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission and also the specific guidance on the advancement of religion for the public benefit. The following information demonstrates this duty and measurement of impact as a pro-active part of managing the charity.

Achievements and performance

During 2024 the number of activities based in our building have increased from previous years. The level of skills and cooperation between the main teams has been exemplary and has led to many people joining us and the ‘family’ of the church holding together and growing both ‘in-person’ and online. So much so, that several of our activities have seen increased attendance such as First steps, as mentioned above and our initiative called Thrive that is well into its third year, that seeks to enhance physical wellbeing in the community. Also, our PopIn Café continues to reach those who are isolated in our community, and this is growing well and having an impact on those attending. Our partnership with the Christchurch Foodbank Plus [CFB+] in providing meals for families identified by CFB+ from within the community who do not normally get together with each other for meals.

These broad-ranging activities are all based in our building called ‘The Runway’ at Airfield Road which has seen substantial refurbishment in the last 6 years [24,000 sq ft over 2 floors]. This year was all about using the building, so we have expanded the number of weekly activities to utilise the various spaces available.

This year also saw more rental contracts for other entities to utilise the building which has increased the income we have to continue growing. The next phase of the refurbishment is focused on the first floor and includes the third stairway, further office and breakout spaces, and development of more corridors to connect these areas together.

Our Welfare Fund established in 2018 has continued to be used over the year where we have helped several people in financial need or who needed items or services that they could not afford e.g. professional counselling, rent deposit, car repairs, emergency funding through illness etc. We regularly review this fund and provide top-ups as necessary.

Our Children’s Leader is focused on the 0 to 11 age range and has been involved in local schools teaching and taking assemblies; and making an impact in the community with initiatives such as organising activities for families and children of all ages.

During the year we recruited a Youth Leader on a part-time basis to focus specifically on serving young people aged 11 to 18. This addition to the team has shown growth in young people attending the midweek youth club and increased engagement of this age group on Sunday mornings.

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

In the last year we have demonstrated our involvement globally through visits or financial gifts to churches, individuals and charities in Uganda, The Balkans, Brazil, Cambodia, and Myanmar. We also help overseas leaders to come to the UK for refreshment and provide opportunities for them to attend relevant conferences.

Financial review

The Trustees and Elders continue to be grateful for the sacrificial giving of those belonging to GodFirst Christchurch. Our total income this year consisted of General Offering Income £452,327 (2023: £445,135) and restricted gifts to the Building Fund and Mission Fund of £243,531 (2023: £190,663).

The Trustees consider that the financial performance by the charity has been satisfactory and achieved the target of delivering a net income for 2024 of £143,289 (2023: £129,247).

The Statement of Financial Activities shows total income for the year of £755,060 (2023: £688,624) and total expenditure of £611,771 (2023: £559,377). Part of these resources, £39,266 has been spent on the refurbishment of our building. Costs for the purchase and refurbishment are being capitalised and are shown as at 31 December 2024 as £2,364,833 (2023: £2,399,686). The original mortgage of £770,000 has now been reduced to £ 566,139 by scale repayments. Additional interest has been paid in 2024 on the loan that is baserate-linked following increases in the Bank of England base rate.

The total of funds at the end of 2024 stands at £2,235,227 (2023: £2,091,938).

Reserves Policy

The trustees intend to maintain a Contingency Reserve in order to manage short-term financial obligations of the charity in the event of income being curtailed. The following factors govern the review of what is required by way of a reserve:

At the end of the year the charity holds total unrestricted funds of £1,924,679 of which -£532,939 are negative free reserves. However the Trustees have assessed the level of Reserves to be maintained at a level of three months’ routine expenditure, approximately £90,000. The Contingency Reserve stands at £70,980 and will be added to as surplus funds allow and is regularly reviewed by Trustees as a standing item in their meetings. We have had to use some of the Contingency Reserve to assist in the building work in 2021 and this may happen again, but the Trustees have resolved not to allow this to fall below £27,000 temporarily. Currently, all other reserves shown in other funds are allocated to the general operations of the charity as indicated by the fund titles.

Availability and adequacy of assets in each of the funds

The Trustees are satisfied that the charity’s assets in each fund are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations in respect of each fund including contracts entered into.

The charity does not currently have sufficient funds to complete the development of The Runway, 15 Airfield Road, Christchurch but because we continually manage this project in planned phases funded by additional gifts from individuals and grant-making trusts, we are confident that we can continue to completion in this way. The fund allocated for the refurbishment as at 31st December 2024 stands at £280,610.

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The major risks to which the charitable company is exposed and reviews and systems to mitigate risks

The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charitable company is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Generic risks as set out by the Charity Commission covering risks of Compliance, Environmental, Financial, Governance and Operational have been reviewed and risk assessments redrawn.

It is considered that the major risks are those associated with finance, employment, property, safeguarding and health and safety issues. Each risk area is allocated to Trustees within the team and these risk areas are discussed as standing items at each Board meeting.

Financial risk is mitigated through careful budget planning and monthly monitoring of financial performance by the Trustees and management teams. Financial resources are protected through a system of internal controls.

Employment risks are managed in accordance with legislation and specialist HR (Human Resources) advisers are consulted as required.

Appropriate insurance is maintained on our property and equipment together with cover for public and employer’s liabilities.

The risks surrounding safeguarding issues for both children and vulnerable adults are minimised through our Safeguarding Policy and procedures.

It is considered that there are no high risks to manage at present and the medium risk assessmentshave been mitigated by robust strategies that are adequate. However, management of these risks is an ongoing task and this subject is not only covered as a standing item at Board Meetings, but specific risk assessments are drawn up in response to events as they arise e.g. trip abroad, adventure weekend for young people, community events etc.

Future Plans

Our main objectives for the coming year are:

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Structure, governance and management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, the Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 20th December 2001, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

K Hudson

D R Kemp A Chapman R Hatton-Bird S Harden S Bannister (Appointed 24 September 2024)

Governance Arrangements

The Elders of the Church appoint the Trustees, who remain in office for a period of three years, after which time they can offer themselves for re-election to serve for a further period reviewable every three years. The Trustees are drawn from the active attenders of the Church with the appropriate skills for Board membership. The Elders are the spiritual leaders of the charity and are the Members of the Charitable Company.

Recruitment and selection of Trustees is undertaken when required to either replace those trustees who are retiring or to add new skills to the Board. Nominees that are approached to consider standing will be subject to scrutiny under the provisions of the Articles of Association and a process of induction is put in place together with an invitation to sit in on meetings.

The Trustees focus on governance and policy issues including key financial decisions. Operational matters are delegated to staff and the Senior Leadership Team. The Trustees meet regularly with the Lead Elder to ensure that decisions are consistent with the spiritual aims of the Church the trustees have an invitation to attend meetings conducted by the Senior Leadership Team for the same purpose.

The Elders of the Church, who are also Members, as at the end of the financial year were Duncan Lee, Morne Smit, Earl Gooden, and Andrew Blick.

Duncan Lee [Lead Elder] and Morne Smit [Assistant Pastor] are employed to oversee the day-to-day management of the Charity and are assisted by the Operations Manager, Justyn Pride.

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The training of Elders, Trustees and Senior Leadership Team members is considered and reviewed and the Church budget includes a provision for the costs of any required training to be met. A distinction is made in the Governing Document between the spiritual oversight of the Church and the management of assets and legal compliance but the Trustees have the power to delegate aspects of management of the charity to others as appropriate. These officers currently are:

Volunteers

The church is involved in a wide range of service to the local community and internationally. This would not be possible without the voluntary efforts of a large number of the members of the church. With only 8 paid staff currently, the volunteers number more than 100 to achieve this.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

D R Kemp

Chair of Trustees Dated: 22 May 2025

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Godfirst Christchurch (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

James Paget TC Group

10 Bridge Street Christchurch Dorset BH23 1EF

Dated: 3 June 2025

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted
funds
2024
Notes
£
Income from:
Donatons and legacies
4
452,327
Charitable actvites
3
30,899
Other trading actvites
5
27,520
Investments
6
783
Total income
511,529
Expenditure on:
Charitable actvites
7
565,645
Net (outgoing)/
incoming resources
before transfers
(54,116)
Gross transfers between
funds
6,083
Net (expenditure)/income for
the year/
Net movement in funds
(48,033)
Fund balances at 1
January 2024
1,972,712
Fund balances at 31
December 2024
1,924,679		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
243,531
-
-
-
243,531
46,126
197,405
(6,083)
191,322
119,226
310,548		 Total Unrestricted
funds
2024
2023
£
£
695,858
445,135
30,899
27,700
27,520
24,586
783
540
755,060
497,961
611,771
511,006
143,289
(13,045)
-
81,286
143,289
68,241
2,091,938
1,904,471
2,235,227
1,972,712		 Restricted
funds
2023
£
190,663
-
-
-
190,663
48,371
142,292
(81,286)
61,006
58,220
119,226		 Total
2023
£
635,798
27,700
24,586
540
688,624
559,377
129,247
-
129,247
1,962,691
2,091,938

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Current assets
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
16
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilites
Creditors: amounts falling due afer
more than one year
17
Net assets		 2024
£
£
2,364,833
9,320
451,449
460,769
(46,723)
414,046
2,778,879
(543,652)
2,235,227		 2023
£
£
2,399,686
8,604
289,904
298,508
(38,067)
260,441
2,660,127
(568,189)
2,091,938

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (CONTINUED)

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Income funds
Restricted funds
18
Unrestricted funds-general
Designated funds
19
General unrestricted funds		 2024
£
£
310,548
92,785
1,831,894
1,924,679
2,235,227		 2023
£
£
119,226
73,936
1,898,776
1,972,712
2,091,938		 2023
£
£
119,226
73,936
1,898,776
1,972,712
2,091,938
2,091,938

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 22 May 2025

K Hudson D R Kemp Trustee Trustee Company Registration No. 04343888

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Cash fows from operatng actvites
Cash generated from operatons
24
Investng actvites
Purchase of tangible fxed assets
Interest received
Net cash used in investng actvites
Financing actvites
Repayment of bank loans
Net cash used in fnancing actvites
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2024
£
(40,136)
783
(22,486)		 £
223,384
(39,353)
(22,486)
161,545
289,904
451,449		 2023
£
(78,786)
540
(20,437)		 £
203,087
(78,246)
(20,437)
104,404
185,500
289,904

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Godfirst Christchurch is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 15 Airfield Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3TG.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds which have been earmarked for a particular purpose, within the objects of the charitable company, by the Trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charitable company. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Income from grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.

1.5 Resources expended

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required insettlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel and payroll etc which supports the church's activities. All support costs are deemed to relate to the charitable activity of the church. Governance costs are those support costs incurred to meet the statutory and constitutional requirements of the charitable company.

The charity classifies the lease of property and photocopying equipment as operating leases; the title to the equipment remains with the lessor. Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over term of the lease.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold land and buildings Between 5-50 years on cost Fixtures and fittings Between 3-8 years on cost

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

Assets with a value of less than £500 are not capitalised. Freehold property is shown at cost less depreciation. No depreciation has been provided on leasehold property as it remains under construction.

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

1.10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on it charitable activities.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

The charitable company operates a Workplace Pension scheme administered by National Employment Savings Trust [N.E.S.T.]. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. Some staff opt-out of the Workplace Pension scheme but the charitable company still makes contractual employer- contributions to these staff members' private pension schemes.

1.13 Donated services and facilities

Donated services or facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. On receipt, donated services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity 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.

The time of volunteers is not recognised, refer to the trustees' annual report for more information about their contribution.

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.14 Cash at bank and in hand

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

1.15 Debtors and creditors

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Charitable activities

Church Work
Church Work
2024
2023
£
£
Youth & Children
12,538
12,157
Events
18,361
15,543
30,899
27,700		 Church Work
Church Work
2024
2023
£
£
Youth & Children
12,538
12,157
Events
18,361
15,543
30,899
27,700		 Church Work
Church Work
2024
2023
£
£
Youth & Children
12,538
12,157
Events
18,361
15,543
30,899
27,700
2024
£
12,538
18,361
30,899		 2023
£
12,157
15,543
27,700

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

4 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
general
2024
2024
£
£
Donatons and gifs
-
43,209
General ofering
399,770
-
Special ofering - Building
Fund
-
177,252
Gif Aid recovery
52,557
23,070
Other
-
-
452,327
243,531		 Total Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
general
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
43,209
-
62,006
399,770
390,579
-
177,252
-
112,131
75,627
54,556
13,534
-
-
2,992
695,858
445,135
190,663		 Total
2023
£
62,006
390,579
112,131
68,090
2,992
635,798

There were no donated goods and/or services in the year. The church is involved in a wide range of service to the local community and internationally. This would not be possible without the voluntary efforts of a large number of the members of the church. With only 8 paid staff at the balance sheet date, the volunteers number more than 100 to achieve this. The monetary value of the time of volunteers is not recognised.

5 Other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2024 2023
£ £
Letng and licensing arrangements 10,574 6,513
Car park rental income 16,946 18,073
Other trading actvites 27,520 24,586

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6
Investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
general
2024
2023
£
£
Interest receivable
783
540
7
Charitable actvites
2024
2023
£
£
Children's work
3,353
2,439
Youth work
15,787
13,899
Events
42,290
35,493
Mission Fund
44,162
46,900
105,592
98,731
Grant funding of actvites (see note 8)
26,170
18,677
Share of support costs (see note 9)
477,849
438,729
Share of governance costs (see note 9)
2,160
3,240
611,771
559,377
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
565,645
511,006
Restricted funds
46,126
48,371
611,771
559,377		 6
Investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
general
2024
2023
£
£
Interest receivable
783
540
7
Charitable actvites
2024
2023
£
£
Children's work
3,353
2,439
Youth work
15,787
13,899
Events
42,290
35,493
Mission Fund
44,162
46,900
105,592
98,731
Grant funding of actvites (see note 8)
26,170
18,677
Share of support costs (see note 9)
477,849
438,729
Share of governance costs (see note 9)
2,160
3,240
611,771
559,377
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
565,645
511,006
Restricted funds
46,126
48,371
611,771
559,377		 6
Investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general
general
2024
2023
£
£
Interest receivable
783
540
7
Charitable actvites
2024
2023
£
£
Children's work
3,353
2,439
Youth work
15,787
13,899
Events
42,290
35,493
Mission Fund
44,162
46,900
105,592
98,731
Grant funding of actvites (see note 8)
26,170
18,677
Share of support costs (see note 9)
477,849
438,729
Share of governance costs (see note 9)
2,160
3,240
611,771
559,377
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
565,645
511,006
Restricted funds
46,126
48,371
611,771
559,377
2024
£
3,353
15,787
42,290
44,162
105,592
26,170
477,849
2,160
611,771
565,645
46,126
611,771		 2023
£
2,439
13,899
35,493
46,900
98,731
18,677
438,729
3,240
559,377
511,006
48,371
559,377

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

8 Grants payable

Grants to insttutons:
Christchurch Food Bank
PACE Trust
Waterlily project
An African Dream - Ministry gif
Apostolic Sphere
Grants to individuals		 2024
£
2,500
1,000
-
6,550
8,399
18,449
7,721
26,170		 2023
£
1,000
1,000
500
-
10,880
13,380
5,297
18,677

Grants issued to the institutions stated above were given for the following causes: Christchurch Food Bank - emergency food for individuals and families PACE - salary support for a part time schools worker Water Lily Project - a Christian charity supporting local women in Christchurch An African Dream - Christian based education and healthcare charity

Apostolic Sphere - supporting and facilitating church planting and development nationally and internationally

Other - small grants made in accordance with our stated objects

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9
Support costs
Staf costs
Depreciaton
Elders, staf & volunteers
expenses
Ofce expenses
Ground rent & hire of
premises
Light, heat and water
Insurance
Other expenses
Repairs and maintenance
Computer and related
costs
Licenses, publicity and
professional fees
Mortgage interest
Independent
examinaton fees
Analysed between
Charitable actvites		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
252,437
-
74,989
-
17,691
-
5,700
-
34,500
-
33,240
-
3,932
-
454
-
16,752
-
2,575
-
3,721
-
31,858
-
-
2,160
477,849
2,160
477,849
2,160		 2024Support costs Governance
costs
£
£
£
252,437
228,225
-
74,989
73,438
-
17,691
18,593
-
5,700
6,132
-
34,500
34,500
-
33,240
23,212
-
3,932
3,809
-
454
664
-
16,752
11,772
-
2,575
2,779
-
3,721
2,531
-
31,858
33,074
-
2,160
-
3,240
480,009
438,729
3,240
480,009
438,729
3,240		 2023
£
228,225
73,438
18,593
6,132
34,500
23,212
3,809
664
11,772
2,779
2,531
33,074
3,240
441,969
441,969

Support costs relating to non charitable activity costs and grant making activities are deemed to be immaterial. Mortgage interest and fees of £ 31,858 (2023: £33,074) were expensed in the year due to the cessation of construction at 15 Airfield Road, Christchurch. This year and last year £0 interest was capitalised.

Governance costs relate to the independent examination fees.

10 Net movement in funds 2024 2023
£ £
Net movement in funds is stated afer charging/(creditng)
Fees payable to the company's independent examiner 2,160 3,240
Depreciaton of owned tangible fxed assets 74,989 73,438

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

11 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

Expenses of £Nil (2023: £Nil) were reimbursed to Trustees for other expenses.

12 Employees

Number of employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2024
Number
8
2024
£
223,942
16,804
11,691
252,437		 2023
Number
8
2023
£
202,996
14,589
10,640
228,225

No employee received benefits of more than £60,000.

Total remuneration of key management personnel during the year was £155,422 (2023: £145,129 ) and employers pensions of £7,771 (2023: £7,289 ). Pension contributions were paid to 8 (2023: 8) staff under a defined contribution scheme. There were £3,776 (2023: £4,033) of accrued pension costs at the balance sheet date.

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13 Tangible fixed assets

Leasehold land
and buildings
£
Cost
At 1 January 2024
2,600,378
Additons
39,266
At 31 December 2024
2,639,644
Depreciaton and impairment
At 1 January 2024
200,692
Depreciaton charged in the year
74,699
At 31 December 2024
275,391
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
2,364,253
At 31 December 2023
2,399,686		 Fixtures and
ftngs
£
64,901
870
65,771
64,901
290
65,191
580
-		 Total
£
2,665,279
40,136
2,705,415
265,593
74,989
340,582
2,364,833
2,399,686

Capitalised leasehold purchase and improvement costs for 15 Airfield Road include mortgage interest and fees of £116,471 (2023: £116,471). Depreciation has been included on the completed building works, construction for the upper floor is paused at a stage of completion and depreciation will be provided until works recommence.

14 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2024
£
7,167
2,153
9,320		 2023
£
6,652
1,952
8,604

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15 Loans and overdrafts

Bank loans
Payable within one year
Payable afer one year		 2024
£
566,139
22,487
543,652		 2023
£
588,625
20,436
568,189

The charity completed on the purchase of 15 Airfield Road, Christchurch on 23 April 2018, at a cost of £1.1m plus fees, partly financed by two mortgage loans totalling £770,000 on an interest-only basis for the first 12 months to 23 April 2019 as follows:

1) £385,000 over 25 years fixed for 12 years 6 months @5.42%, secured against 15 Airfield Road Christchurch, (£333,203 outstanding at the balance sheet date), and

2) £385,000 over 25 years at 3.1% above the Bank of England base rate, secured against 15 Airfield Road, (£232,936 outstanding at the balance sheet date).

The loans are repayable by instalments.

16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Notes
Bank loans
15
Other taxaton and social security
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Creditors: amounts falling due afer more than one year
Notes
Bank loans
15		 2024
£
22,487
5,525
719
17,992
46,723
2024
£
543,652		 2023
£
20,436
5,047
624
11,960
38,067
2023
£
568,189

17 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Restricted funds The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donatons and grants held on trust for specifc purposes: Movement in funds
Movement in funds		 Balance at
Incoming
Resources
Transfers
Balance at
Incoming
Resources
Transfers
Balance at		 1 January 2023
resources
expended
1 January 2024
resources
expended
31 December		 2024 £
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£		 Building fund
46,041
122,021
-
(78,786)
89,276
197,417
-
(6,083)
280,610		 Restricted gifs
8,300
2,470
(1,471)
-
9,299
6,920
(1,964)
-
14,255		 Community Pastor Fund
2,500
-
-
(2,500)
-
-
-
-
-		 Mission fund
1,379
66,173
(46,900)
-
20,652
39,194
(44,162)
-
15,684		 58,220
190,664
(48,371)
(81,286)
119,226
243,531
(46,126)
(6,083)
310,548		 Building Fund- For the conversion of the current premises to a church and for community use. Restricted Gifs- Specifc donatons received and paid over. Community Pastor Fund- Now spent. Mission Fund- For mission abroad covering conferences and pastor support. Restricted fund transfers - The £6,083 transfer represents £39,266 of capitalised building and equipment costs of the redevelopment of 15 Airfeld Road, these funds become unrestricted when expended, and £33,183 transferred from unrestricted funds (2023: £78,786). There were no transfers from the Community Pastor Fund during the year (2023: £2,500).
18

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

19 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

Movement in
funds
Balance at Incoming Balance at Transfers Balance at
1 January 2023 resources 1 January 2024 31 December 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Contngency reserves 52,131 - 52,131 18,849 70,980
Staf sabbatcal reserve fund 6,056 - 6,056 - 6,056
Welfare fund 4,647 - 4,647 - 4,647
Apostolic fund 11,102 - 11,102 - 11,102
73,936 - 73,936 18,849 92,785
Apostolic Fund- Reserve created from remaining funds allocated to future Apostolic input.
Welfare Fund- Legacy supplied for welfare of needy in the local community.
Contngency Reserve Fund- contngency reserve in line with our Reserves Policy, see Report to Accounts.
Staf Sabbatcal Fund- to give pastoral staf a sabbatcal every 7 years.
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Fund balances at
31 December
2024 are
represented by:
Tangible assets 2,364,833 - 2,364,833 2,399,686 - 2,399,686
Current assets/
(liabilites) 103,498 310,548 414,046 141,215 119,226 260,441
Long term liabilites (543,652) - (543,652) (568,189) - (568,189)
1,924,679 310,548 2,235,227 1,972,712 119,226 2,091,938

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

21 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

2024 2023
£ £
Within one year - 794

In addition annual ground rent of £34,500 is payable on 15 Airfield Road over its remaining 85 year lease (from 2018) term, reviewed every 5 years.

22 Related party transactions

Donations received from Trustees in the year totalled £35,728 (2023: £41,801), of this £6,620 was specifically for the building fund.

23 Ultimate controlling party

The charitable company is controlled by the Trustees.

24
Cash generated from operatons
Surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of fnancial actvites
Depreciaton and impairment of tangible fxed assets
Movements in working capital:
(Increase) in debtors
Increase in creditors
Cash generated from operatons		 2024
£
143,289
(783)
74,989
(716)
6,605
223,384		 2023
£
129,247
(540)
73,438
(15)
957
203,087

GODFIRST CHRISTCHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

25
Analysis of changes in net (debt)/funds
At 1 January 2024
£
Cash at bank and in hand
289,904
Loans falling due within one year
(20,436)
Loans falling due afer more than one year
(568,189)
(298,721)		 Cash fows
At 31 December
2024
£
£
161,545
451,449
(2,051)
(22,487)
24,537
(543,652)
184,031
(114,690)