Thames Valley Churches of Christ
(A company limited by guarantee)
Registered Company Number: 04767513 Registered Charity Number: 1099382
TRUSTEESREPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
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CONTENTS
Page Legal and Administrative Details 3 Trustees’ Report 4 - 7 Independent Examiners Report 8 Statement of Financial Activities 9 Balance Sheet 10 Notes to the Financial Statements 11 - 16
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Thames Valley Churches of Christ
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
TRUSTEES
Dr Jasminder Mankoo Mr. Christopher Birtles
MINISTERS
Mr. Timothy Dannatt Mrs. Siobhan Dannatt
COMPANY SECRETARY AND ADMINISTRATOR
Dennis Obongonyinge
REGISTERED OFFICE
137 Deepcut Bridge Road Deepcut Camberley Surrey GU16 6SD
LEGAL STATUS
Thames Valley Churches of Christ is a company limited by guarantee incorporated on 16th May 2003, Registration No.04767513. Registered with the Charity Commission - Registration No 1099382
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Thames Valley Churches of Christ
Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 December 2020
The Trustees present their annual report and independently examined financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019
Structure, governance and management
Thames Valley Churches of Christ is a company limited by guarantee (Company Number 4767513). It is also a registered charity (Charity Number 1099382). Both registrations are in England and Wales. The organisations registered address is, 137 Deepcut Bridge Road, Deepcut, Camberley, surrey, GU16 6SD.
Because of its ' dual status as a company and a charity, the same people serve as its company Directors and charity Trustees. A list of those serving is given on page l. In this document, the term "Trustee" is used, but this should also be taken to imply the role of "Director". Trustees meetings are held face to face at least four times per annum. The day to day administration of the charity is delegated to the "Company Secretary". The day to day "spiritual" leadership and guidance of the charity is delegated to "the Ministry leader and the women’s ministry leader".
Thames valley Churches of Christ continues to have warm links with other churches in the International Churches of Christ, in the UK and overseas. Joint events are arranged with between them from time to time. Thames Valley Churches of Christ also has similarly warm and independent links with a povertyrelief charity called HOPE worldwide and continues to encourage its members support their work.
Public benefit
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 by the commission. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefit from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity by the trustees are set out in note 6 to the accounts.
Objectives and Activities
The objects of Thames Valley Churches of Christ are defined in its Articles of Association as follows:
"the advancement of the Christian religion and the relief of poverty in the United Kingdom and elsewhere throughout the world"
The main ways in which Thames Valley Churches of Christ accomplishes its objects are through:
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adult ministry (this includes prayer, teaching, preaching, counselling and evangelism)
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youth and children’s ministry
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assistance to the needy and the sick
Prayer, teaching, counselling and evangelism
Thames Valley Churches of Christ continues to focus on small groups in the counties of Surrey, Hants, Berkshire, Dorset and Buckinghamshire. The charity employed a fulltime pastoral worker and a women’s leader. It also continued to use the services of a teaching and worship leader on a consultancy (self-employed) contract. With the help and support of members of the congregations the Sunday worship services and mid week meetings are open to members of the wider community and visitors are welcome. All these activities aim to foster and promote the everyday application of Christ’s teachings.
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Thames Valley Churches of Christ
Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 December 2020
Youth and Children’s ministry
As in previous years the charity has put resources into building an effective youth ministry for families within the congregations and their surrounding neighbourhoods. All youth and children’s activities are organised with the safety and security of the children at its heart. The charity has subscribed to the services of the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service who provide an invaluable service in supporting this work. Weekly classes this year were focused on creating an encouraging environment in which children can build an understanding of God and grow in their confidence and self-esteem and develop an appreciation of the relevance and usefulness of Christ in their everyday lives. The children are encouraged to invite their friends and family along to these events.
Assisting the Needy and the Sick
As in previous years the charity aims to meet the local needs among its members and in the local community. The Charity strives to imitate Jesus concern for those in need by supporting and partnering with HOPE Worldwide (a UK registered charity). This year the charity continued to support the work of HOPE Worldwide in the UK, HOPE Worldwide in India (support for the “Village of Hope”), HOPE Worldwide in Croatia (Orphanage Programme) and HOPE Worldwide in Nepal (support for the school and community projects). As in previous and despite the Covid-19, members of the congregations are encouraged to volunteer their time and to contribute resources to support the work of HOPE Worldwide.
Achievements in the year
Like all other organisations, 2020 was a remarkable and challenging year due to covid-19 and the various Government responses to curb its spread. The small groups developed capabilities to meet weekly online and the small groups continue to thrive and grow in membership. The youth ministry continued to engage and inspire young people from within the church and the local community by using online resources.
Leaders continue to rise up in the small groups and locations and a wealth of talent that is needed for the church to continue to thrive is very encouraging.
Financial review
In overseeing the finances and administration of the charity, the Trustees wish to ensure that it complies with all relevant legislation and regulations. However, they also seek to apply a high standard of selfregulation, as they seek to imitate the standard set in the Bible by the Apostle Paul:
"We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." 2 Cor 8:20-21,
Most donations are received from congregational members by standing orders..
The Trustees do not believe the charity is involved in risky activity. All necessary employers and public liability insurance policies are held and under constant review.
The organisation was in good financial health during the year ended 31 December 2020. The accumulated funds of £93,776 as at 31 December 2020 [2019: £49,341]
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Thames Valley Churches of Christ
Trustees’ report for the year ended 31 December 2020
Future Plans
The trustees continue to endorse "the 2020 Vision" within the international Churches of Christ family which incorporates plans including the following:
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encourage and support continued growth in our current congregations
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continue to seek new outreach and church plantings within the Thames Valley region - continued support for the needy and the sick.
Principle risks
The Trustees periodically review and update the organisation’s risk register. Two headline risks concern safeguarding, and maintaining the goodwill of church members. These risks and a summary of our mitigation plans are described as follows:
• Safeguarding the well-being of children (and vulnerable adults) in church care: the Trustees want to have (and be seen to have) the highest standards in child protection. We are informed by advice from Thirtyone:eight (formerly Churches Child Protection Advisory Service). All staff are required to attend suitable training (both on appointment and periodically thereafter), and we are expanding the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks to include all members regularly involved in such activities.
• Trust and goodwill of church members: the financial and operational continuity of the charity is intrinsically tied to the continued trust and goodwill of the church members towards the charity, its leadership and its effectiveness in carrying out its purpose. We seek to protect and strengthen that goodwill through upholding the expectation of wholehearted participation in the life of the church by all its members, healthy engagement with church leadership, and forums such as the Annual Church Meeting where questions about the church's finances and impact can be raised and addressed.
Impact of COVID-19
The ‘lockdown’ restrictions that came in to force in late March 2020 prevented our churches from conducting their meetings in the usual ‘face to face’ manner, but they quickly adapted to provide ‘online’ meetings, which have been very successful. Income dropped slightly compared to the year before due to members who had to reduce their giving as a result of the challenges they were facing. Expenditure reduced significantly through their being no need to rent venues for meetings, and there was less travel and other physical activity resulting in a drop in reimbursable expenses. Consequently the charity’s finances saw a noticeable improvement which continued into 2021.
Conclusions
This report has demonstrated that Thames Valley Churches of Christ is accomplishing its objectives to spread the message and teachings of Jesus Christ, and to help those affected by poverty and sickness. In so doing, it is bringing benefits to wider society and community through its activities. The organisation is in a sound financial position and is well placed to build on its work in 2020.
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Thames Valley Churches of Christ Trustees. report for the year ended 31 December 2020 Statement of trustees, responsibilities Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial slalements that give a true and fair view of the stsle of affairs of the charity al the end of the financial year and of ils surplus or deficit for the financial year. In doing so the Tnjstees are required to.. Select sultable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.. Make sound judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., and Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless il is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose within Teasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enables them lo ensure that the financial slalemenls comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In accordance with company law. as the company's Directors, we certify that.. so far as we are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors are unaware., and as the Directors of the company we have taken all the steps that we ought lo have taken In order to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and lo establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that in formation. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 applicable lo company's subject lo the sm811 companies, regime. Approved by the Trustees, and signed on their behalf on 31 October 2021 by Mr Christopher Birtle$ Trustee pg.7
Independent Examiners Report Independent Examinerfs Report to the trustees of Thames Valley Churches of ChrisL I reF)Ort on the accounts for the year ended 31 st December 2020 which are sel out in the The Trustees Report & Financial Statements" for year ended 31 St December 2020. Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Independent Examiner The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audrt is not required for this year under section 14412) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Acll and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act., follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners section 145{5)Ibl of the 2011 Act,. and state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examinerfs Statement My examination was carried out in accordance wilh the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the management committee Conrning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do nol provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent Examiners Statement In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention which give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements lo keep accounting records in accordance with s.130 of the 2011 Act., or to prepare accounts which accord with Ihese accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met.. or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the arxounts to be reached. Johanna Tebbs (Accountant) 31st October 2021 pg.8
Thames Valley Churches of Christ
Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2020
| Notes Income from: Donations 2 Total Income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Preaching, teaching, evangelism & counselling 3 Kingdom kids & youth ministry 3 Benevolence & Missions 3 Total expenditure Net income / (Expenditure) Balances brought forward at 1 January 2020 Balances carried forward at 31 December 2020 |
2020 2020 2020 2020 2019 Unrestricte d funds Restricted HOPE Worldwide Projects funds Restricted Benevolenc e funds Total Funds Total Funds £ £ £ £ £ 179,120 24,500 20,894 224,514 258,648 |
|---|---|
| 179,120 24,500 20,894 224,514 258,648 128,594 128594 184,310 5880 5880 25,603 5405 40,200 45,605 30,094 |
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| 139,879 40,200 180,079 240,007 |
|
| 39,241 (15,700) 20,894 44,435 18,641 (4,157) 27,502 25,996 49,341 30,700 |
|
| 35,084 11,802 46,890 93,776 49,341 |
There were no recognised gains and losses for the year other than those included in the Statement of Financial Activities. All activities of the charity were derived from continuing activities.
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Thames Valley Churches of Christ Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2020 Note5 2020 2019 FIXEO ASSETS Tangib assets for use by the charty 3.6 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Ca$h at bank and In hand 34.668 69.219 39,953 25,681 103.887 65,634 CREDITORS.. amounts lalllng due within onè yèar 19.976 Net Current Assets 93.776 45,668 NET ASSETS 93,776 49,341 FUNDS Reslrthd HOPE WorlLlwide Projects Restricted Benevolence Unrestricted 11,802 46,890 35.084 27.502 25.996 14.1571 These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject lo the small companies, regime., Approved by the Trustees, and signed on their behalf on 3151 October 2021 by Christopher Birtles Trustee pg. 10
Thames Valley Churches of Christ
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020
1 Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted by the Trustees in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year.
a) Basis of Accounting
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with 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 I02), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS I02) and the Charities Act 2011. They are drawn up on the historical accounting basis. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS I02.
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
b) Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when the conditions for receipt have been met and there is reasonable assurance of receipt and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Where a claim for repayment of income tax has or will be made, such income is grossed up for the tax recoverable.
The following specific policies are applied to categories of income:
Donations
Voluntary income is received by way of donations and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Donations to which the charity is entitled but which have not been received by the year end are included in income in the Statement of Financial Activities and shown as debtors
in the balance sheet.
Tax reclaimed on monies donated under the Gift Aid scheme
Income under this category is recognised in the financial statements on the date that the underlying donation is received by the charity, where the tax reclaim is made within three months of the end of the financial year.
HOPE worldwide UK
Collections are taken up on the Sunday services of the charity on behalf of HOPE worldwide UK to support the work of HOPE worldwide UK and other HOPE worldwide affiliates around the world. These amounts are not included in the accounts of this charity.
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Thames Valley Churches of Christ
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 (continued)
c) Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis when a liability is incurred. Expenditure include any VAT which cannot be fully recovered and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
Expenditure on charitable activities comprise those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
All costs are allocated between expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Costs relating to a activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis.
d) Volunteers
The value of services provided by volunteers is not incorporated into these financial statements. Further details of the contribution made by volunteers can be found in the Trustees' report.
e) Fund accounting
The charity maintains various types of funds as follows:
Unrestricted fund
This represents unrestricted income which is expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objectives of the charity. Such funds may be held to finance both working capital and capital investment. The charity at present has no designated funds.
Restricted fund – HOPE Nepal & India Projects
This represents donations which are given by the donors for work with Hope Nepal and India Projects and are restricted to this use.
Restricted fund – Benevolence
This represents donations which are given by the donors for benevolence work within the church and local communities and are restricted to this use.
g) Tangible Fixed Assets
The charity acquired no large assets during the year. Fixed assets that cost less than £1,000 are written off in the year in the statement of financial activities.
h) Pension costs
The charity operates a defined contribution scheme through a registered company of investment specialists. Contributions are made on behalf of all qualifying employees who have elected to join the scheme. All required contributions during the period were accrued in accordance with the scheme's rules and charged to the Statement of Financial Activities for the year.
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Thames Valley Churches of Christ
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2020 (continued)
i) VAT
The charity is exempt from VAT under HMRC registration threshold.
j) Charitable commitments
Charitable commitments which are legally binding on the Trustees are accounted for as expenditure in the Statement of financial Activities. Where the promise of financial support is not binding on the Trustees, such intentions are accounted for by a transfer to a designated reserve. Activities that are to be wholly financed from future income do not form part of such designation and are disclosed in a note to the accounts.
2 Donations
Donations represent restricted and unrestricted income donated by members of the church and visitors at midweek and Sunday meetings of the charity in its various locations and by standing order
| Donations | 2020 Total £ 224,514 |
2019 Total £ 258,648 |
|---|---|---|
3 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Direct charitable expenditure: Preaching, teaching, evangelism & counselling Kingdom kids & youth ministry Benevolence & Missions |
Staff Costs £ 79,560 79,560 |
Support Costs £ 49,034 5,880 54,914 |
Direct Costs £ 45,605 45,605 |
2020 Total £ 128,594 5,880 45,605 180,079 |
2019 Total £ 184,310 25,603 30,094 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 240,007 |
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Thames Valley Churches of Christ
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2020 (continued)
Support costs comprise the following:
| Hall hire Insurance & finance charges IT & Office costs London group support Administration costs Church supplies Freelance contractor Kids kingdom/Youth ministry supplies Pastoral care |
Preaching, teaching, evangelism & counselling Kingdom kids & youth ministry Benevolence and missions Total £ £ £ £ 4,559 4,559 869 869 4,756 4,756 23 23 7,200 7,200 121 121 29,759 29,759 5,880 5,880 1,747 1,747 |
|---|---|
| 49,034 5,880 0 59,914 |
4 Employees & trustees
| Staff costs comprise: Gross wages and salaries Employer's National insurance Pension contributions |
2019 Total £ 66,766 2,800 4,490 74,057 |
2019 Total £ 89,176 5,177 4,779 |
|---|---|---|
| 99,131 |
No members of staff earned more than £60,000 during the year to 31 December 2020 or in the previous year.
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Thames Valley Churches of Christ
Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 (continued)
Trustees
No Trustee or person related to or connected by business to them has received any remuneration from the charity during the year for carrying out their duties as Trustees .
5 Debtors
| Gift Aid Recoverable Other debtors |
2020 £ 27,871 6,797 34,668 |
2019 £ 29,250 10,703, |
|---|---|---|
| 39,953 |
6 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| Other taxes and social security costs Accruals |
2020 £ 4,577 5,534 10,111 |
2019 £ 9,260 7,578 |
|---|---|---|
| 15,942 |
7 Restricted funds
| Brought forward as at 1 January 2020 Income Expenditure |
2020 Restricted HOPE Worldwide Projects £ 27,502 24,500 (40,200) 11,802 |
2020 Restricted Benevolence funds £ 25,996 20,894 46,890 |
2020 Total £ 53,498 45,394 (40,200) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59,692 |
The HOPE Worldwide Projects restricted fund represents funds donated by members of the congregation to support the charity’s HOPE Worldwide projects in UK, Nepal, India and Croatia.
The Benevolence Fund represent donations which are given by the donors for benevolence work within the church and local communities and are restricted to this use.
pg. 15
Thames Valley Churches of Christ
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 December 2020 (continued)
8 Taxation
The charity's activities are exempt from taxation under Section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1998.
9 Related parties
During the year £7,200 (2018 £7,200) was paid to ATB support LTD for Accountancy and management services. The Company secretary is a director and shareholder in ATB Support LTD.
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