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2024-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31ST DECEMBER 2024

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1100358

Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 The Broadbridge Business Centre

Delling Lane Bosham West Sussex PO18 8NF

1

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

CONTENTS PAGE
Pages 2 to 9 Report of the Trustees
Page 10 Statement of Financial Activities
Page 11 Balance Sheet
Pages 12 to 25 Notes to the Financial Statements
Page 26 Statement of Cashflows
Page 27 Independent Examiners Report

2

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CHARITY NUMBER 1100358 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st January 2024 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st December 2024 TRUSTEES THAT SERVED DURING YEAR Mr G J Holt TO 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Mr D J Bower (resigned 19 November 2024) Mrs JE Ahumibe Mrs L Wiseman (resigned 26 March 2024) Mr J Walsh Rev T Crowe (Chair) CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS St Johns Church St Johns Road Sparkhill Birmingham B11 4RG DATE OF REGISTRATION 28th October 2003 GOVERNING DOCUMENT CIO - Foundation conversion dated 9th April 2019 BANKERS TSB Sparkhill Birmingham INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham West Sussex PO18 8NF

OBJECTS

(i) The promotion of the benefit of, and facilitation of inter cultural harmony between the inhabitants of Birmingham, and in particular the inner city area of Sparkhill, and the neighbourhood ("the beneficiaries") without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions, by associating together the said inhabitants and the local authorities and health authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for advancement, recreation and leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions and quality of life for the said beneficiaries (ii) the promotion for the public benefit of urban regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation and in particular in the inner city area of Sparkhill, Birmingham by all or any of the following means (a) the advancement of education, training or retraining (b) the creation of training and employment opportunities by the provision of workspace, buildings and/or land for use on favourable terms (c) the maintenance, improvement or provision of public amenities (d) the provision or assistance in the provision of recreational and community facilities for the public at large and/or those who, by reasons of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances, have need of such facilities; and (e) such other means as may from time to time be determined subject to the prior consent of the Charity Commission for England and Wales (iii) promote such other charitable purposes as may from time to time be determined.

3

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

TRUSTEES REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Structure, governance and management

The charity is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation - Foundation conversion dated 9th April 2019.

Trustees are appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.

In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the exisiting charity trustees have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO.

Upon appointment, all Trustees are provided with:

Management of the Charity’s Finances is overseen by our Finance and General Purposes Committee, ensuring that funds are Restricted or Designated where appropriate, only allocated for the specific purposes for which they were given, and that supporting accounting records are maintained and subject to Independent Examination and scrutiny. This Committee reviews and sets levels of pay for all Narthex staff, benchmarking with comparable Third Sector organisations and taking into account Living Wage Foundation recommendations.

Achievements and Performance

Breaking the Cycle: From Crisis Response to Lasting Change

A Strategic Revolution

In 2024, Narthex fundamentally reimagined how we address poverty. Rather than perpetuating a cycle of emergency food distribution, we transformed into a comprehensive service that tackles the root causes keeping people trapped in crisis. Our food banks now serve as entry points to lasting solutions, rather than perpetuating endless dependency.

We are reviewing our Charitable Objects, as defined in our governing document, to reflect this key change.

Transforming Lives Through Numbers

Immediate Relief Delivered

We distributed 17,174 food parcels, containing a total of 80,400 kg of food, with 5,684 parcels specifically designed to support children. Since 2020, we've provided 542 tonnes of food to our community.

Financial Freedom Achieved

Our team of five advisers supported 1,255 individuals and families, generating £1.5 million in life-changing financial gains:

£830,000 secured through income maximisation

£625,000 in debt relief

These figures represent more than statistics—they represent families moving from survival to stability.

4

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

TRUSTEES REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Innovation in Action

The Food Distribution Hub

Launched in August 2024, our hub revolutionised food access across Birmingham. We are now positioned to serve 68 food banks and 42 pantries, saving each organisation an average of £500 weekly. This network approach multiplies our impact while reducing costs for frontline services.

Community Food Pantries

Our two pantry locations, launched in March 2024, serve 150 families with subsidised food options that preserve dignity while providing choice.

Rapid Response System

In September 2024, our Telephone Referral Service was launched, offering immediate intervention and connecting individuals to comprehensive support networks. This service addresses critical gaps created by the financial constraints of Birmingham City Council.

Building Community Power

Our community engagement strategy, launched in September 2024, created "Friends-of-Friends@Narthex"—a movement addressing systemic poverty through grassroots action. Our first community-led environmental improvement project in Sparkhill is set to launch in March 2025, demonstrating how local voices drive lasting change.

Breaking the Dependency Cycle

The most significant achievement of 2024 was halting the relentless growth in food bank usage. After experiencing a 25% annual increase in 2022, with projections reaching 30,000 food parcels annually, our new model began reducing emergency food dependency by addressing the underlying reasons why people need help in the first place.

Objectives and Activities

The CIO's charitable objects are shown on page 3.

The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Our Trustees continue to provide good governance for the Charity, bringing a range of relevant skills, experience and backgrounds in order to make informed decisions about the future direction of Narthex, with designated Trustee Champions having particular areas of responsibility and focus.

5

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Financial Review

The Trustees report an overall surplus of income over expenditure of £12,984 for the year ended 31st December 2024, after attributing £9,921 to depreciation of fixed assets. This is compared to a surplus of £11,190 in 2023 after attributing £11,462 to the depreciation of fixed assets. Free reserves as at 31st December 2024 as represented by unrestricted (including designated) net current assets were £135,247 (2023: £221,555).

Principal funding sources are grants received from our funders, as detailed in Note 6 to the financial statements.

The Trustees believe there are no uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Reserves Policy

Why we need Reserves

Narthex Sparkhill runs social outreach projects including Sparkhill Foodbank and is dependent on grants, commissioned income, donations and ‘earned income’. This means that if income was to drop it would be likely that the Charity would have to restrict its operations and possibly reduce staff numbers.

Level of Reserves

The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the Charity’s needs. This is based on the Charity’s size and level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure that the Charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives for a period of three months even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. While cash in the bank may be included in the calculation of the reserves figure it will also include all promised restricted and unrestricted income as well as promised donations and potential ‘earned’ income.

Cash Flow

The importance of Cash Flow is recognised, particularly to ensure staff salary payments are made promptly each month. A priority is therefore to ensure that cash in the bank is held to cover at least one month’s salary payments at any one time.

The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

6

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

TRUSTEES REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

The steps the charity is going to take

As a matter of policy the Trustees have decided that multiple income streams shall be sought, to include a balance between the following:

The Trustees are of the opinion that by maintaining a balance, the risk of experiencing a financial shortfall is minimised.

Monitoring and reviewing the Policy

The Finance Committee will meet before each full Trustee’s meeting and will prepare a review of the current financial position for presentation at the Trustee’s meeting.

Steps to be taken if the level of reserves falls below that set in this policy

The Finance Committee will draw the Trustee’s attention to the reserves position and if it falls below three months will require the development of an Action Plan to bring the reserves back to at least three months. Should the reserves position reduce to two months the Trustees will take actions to reduce the levels of expenditure to an acceptable level. If this is not practical then actions will be taken to reduce the activities and staffing levels of the Charity.

Designated Reserve Fund

A Designated Reserve Fund has been set up to provide a contingency or buffer for potential future cash flow issues arising from potential peaks and troughs in the receipt of grant funding.

Going Concern

The Trustees believe there are no uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Plans for the future

The Vision Ahead: 2025-26

Scaling Success

As demand continues to outpace capacity by 25% annually, while food donations decline, we're pioneering an approach that breaks rather than manages the crisis cycle.

Our ambitious 2025 commitments:

Support 2,000 households (60% increase from 2024) Generate £2.4 million in financial benefits for families Reduce food bank dependency by one-third within 12 months Achieve £4-7 social return for every £1 invested

7

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Four Strategic Pillars

1. Holistic Support Pathways We're implementing comprehensive support that addresses mental health barriers, housing instability, and debt cycles—the root causes that trap people in poverty.

2. Community-Centred Solutions Expanding our multicultural team and creating safe spaces for addressing women's health, intergenerational trauma, and community healing through informal networks and peer support.

3. Strategic Partnerships Formalising relationships with referral agencies through Memoranda of Understanding, ensuring seamless support journeys and strengthening Birmingham's safety net during public service reductions.

4. Sustainable Innovation: Developing evidence-based models that demonstrate cost savings to public systems, positioning our approach as a cost-effective alternative to traditional crisis intervention that commissioners can confidently invest in.

Building Resilience

We've developed comprehensive strategies to navigate rising demand, funding challenges, and Birmingham's evolving landscape through diversified income streams, scenario planning, and staff wellbeing initiatives.

Mission Fulfilled

"To stop helping people in poverty and start helping them out of poverty"—this mission guides every decision we make. By combining immediate crisis support with long-term solutions that address housing, debt, employment, and community resilience, we're not just changing individual lives but creating a replicable model for sustainable poverty alleviation.

Narthex 2024 demonstrated that when we address the causes rather than the symptoms, transformation becomes possible. Our 2025-26 strategy positions us to scale this impact, creating lasting change that ripples through families, communities, and systems.

The future of poverty alleviation isn't about managing crisis—it's about preventing it.

Toby Crowe

Chair of Trustees

8

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities:

The Charities Act require the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the CIO as at the end of the financial year and of the surplus or deficit of the CIO. In preparing those financial statements the Board is required to :-

state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

The trustees are also responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the CIO and which are sufficient to show and explain the CIO'S transactions and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the regulations made under the Charities Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the CIO and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees are also responsible for the contents of the trustees' report, and the responsibility of the independent examiner in relation to the trustees' report is limited to examining the report and ensuring that, on the face of the report, there are no inconsistencies with the figures disclosed in the financial statements.

I approve the attached statement of financial activities and balance sheet for the year ended 31 December 2024, and confirm that I have made available all information necessary for its preparation.

Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees by G Holt

Print name: G HOLT

Date: 14 August 2025

9

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Notes
INCOME
Income and Endowments from:
Donations, Grants and Legacies
2a
Charitable Activities
2b
Investment Income
2c
Donated Goods
5
TOTAL
EXPENDITURE
Expenditure on:
Raising Funds
3a
Charitable Activities
3b
Donated Goods
5
TOTAL
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Transfers Between Funds
13,14
OTHER RECOGNISED GAINS/(LOSSES)
Revaluation of Stock held
5
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Reconciliation of funds:
Total Funds Brought Forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
295,559
-
435,819
731,378
637,941
17,972
-
37,324
55,296
29,087
3,408
-
-
3,408
-
-
-
121,619
121,619
198,805
316,939
-
594,762
911,701
865,833
3,396
-
-
3,396
4,120
291,387
-
481,401
772,788
617,900
-
-
122,533
122,533
232,623
294,783
-
603,934
898,717
854,643
22,156
-
(9,172)
12,984
11,190
(66,134)
-
66,134
-
-
-
-
(19,350)
(19,350)
-
(43,978)
-
37,612
(6,366)
11,190
91,555
100,000
92,313
283,868
272,678
47,577
100,000
129,925
277,502
283,868

Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.

The notes on pages 12 to 25 form part of these financial statements.

10

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Designated|Restricted|31-Dec-24|31-Dec-23| |Funds|Funds|Funds|Total|Total| |Note|£|£|£|£|£| |Fixed Assets| |Tangible assets|8|12,330|-|-|12,330|8,611| |Current Assets| |Debtors|9|3,734|-|-|3,734|144,135| |Donated Goods held in stock|10|-|-|30,690|30,690|50,954| |Cash at bank and in hand|40,525|100,000|135,594|276,119|97,054| |Total Current Assets|44,259|100,000|166,284|310,543|292,143| |Creditors:|amounts falling due|11|9,012|-|36,359|45,371|16,886| |within one year| |NET CURRENT ASSETS|35,247|100,000|129,925|265,172|275,257| |TOTAL ASSETS|less current liabilities|47,577|100,000|129,925|277,502|283,868| |Creditors:|amounts falling due in|12|-|-|-|-|-| |more than one year| |NET ASSETS|SS|47,577|100,000|129,925|277,502|283,868| |Funds of the CIO| |General Unrestricted Funds|15|47,577|-|-|47,577|91,555| |Designated Funds|15|-|100,000|-|100,000|100,000| |Restricted Funds|15|-|-|129,925|129,925|92,313| |Total Funds|47,577|100,000|129,925|277,502|283,868| |SNee|

----- End of picture text -----

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 14 August 2025

Signed on their behalf by Trustee G Holt

Print Name: G HOLT

11

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND BASIS OF PREPARATION

Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with: Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102 (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

The CIO constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

Changes to accounting estimates

No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period.

Material prior period errors

No material prior year errors have been identified in the reporting period.

Preparation of accounts on a going concern basis

Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The Trustees are of the view that the level of reserves will support the CIO going forward.

Recognition of Income

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

Offsetting

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FRS 102.

Grants and Donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met (5.10 to 5.12 FRS 102 SORP).

Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts

Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.

Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants

This is only included in the SoFA once the CIO has provided the related goods or services or met the performance related conditions.

Gifts in Kind

Gifts in kind for use by the CIO are included in the SoFA as income from donations when receivable.

Legacies

Legacies are included in the SOFA when receipt is probable, that is, when there has been grant of probate, the executors have established that there are sufficient assets in the estate and any conditions attached to the legacy are either within the control of the CIO or have been met.

Government Grants

The CIO has received government grants in the reporting period.

12

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Donated goods

Donated goods are measured at fair value (the amount for which the asset could be exchanged) unless impractical to do so.

The cost of any stock of goods donated for distribution to beneficiaries is deemed to be the fair value of those gifts at the time of their receipt and they are recognised on receipt. In the reporting period in which the stocks are distributed, they are recognised as an expense at the carrying amount of the stocks at distribution.

Donated goods for resale are measured at fair value on initial recognition, which is the expected proceeds from sale less the expected costs of sale, and recognised in 'Income from other trading activities' with the corresponding stock recognised in the balance sheet. On its sale the value of stock is charged against 'Income from other trading activities' and the proceeds from sale are also recognised as 'Income from other trading activities'.

Goods donated for on-going use by the CIO are recognised as tangible fixed assets and included in the SoFA as incoming resources when receivable.

Donated Services and Facilities

Donated services and facilities are included in the SOFA when received at the value of the gift to the CIO provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably.

Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with an equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the SOFA.

Volunteer Help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the Trustees' annual report.

Income from interest, royalties and dividends

This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.

Investment Gains and Losses

This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

Insurance claims

Insurance claims are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met (5.10 to 5.12 FRS 102 SORP) and are included as an item of other income in the SoFA.

Expenditure and liabilities

The CIO has opted to prepare its accounts using natural categories.

Liability Recognition

Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the CIO to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Governance and Support Costs

Support costs represent the cost of central functions, for example governance costs, payroll administration, information technology. Governance costs are those support costs which relate to public accountability of the CIO and its compliance with regulation and good practice.

13

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Grants with Performance Conditions

Where the CIO gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.

Grants Payable without Performance Conditions

Where there are no conditions attaching to the grant that enables the donor to realistically avoid the commitment, a liability for the full funding obligation must be recognised.

Employee benefits

Short term benefits including holiday pay are recognised as an expense in the period in which the service is received.

Redundancy cost

The CIO made no redundancy payments during the reporting period.

Deferred income

Deferred income has been included in the accounts and is shown in Note 11a.

Creditors

The CIO has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

Provisions for liabilities

A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date.

Fixed Assets

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the CIO on receipt.

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied per annum are as follows:

Equipment 33% Fixtures and Fittings 33% Motor Vehicles 25%

Legal status of the charity

On the 9th April 2019, Narthex Sparkhill converted from a charitable company to a CIO under section 228 of the Charities Act 2011 and in line with the CIO conversion regulations 2017.

14

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

2. INCOME
Notes
a) Donations, Grants and Legacies
Donations and Gifts
Gift Aid Donations and Reclaimed Tax
Grants
6
b) Charitable Activities
Other Income
Project Income
Rental and Administration Income
c) Investment Income
Bank Interest
3. EXPENDITURE
a) Raising Funds
Publicity and Fundraising		 Unrestricted Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
40,837
5,493
46,330
60,108
13,714
-
13,714
16,022
241,008
430,326
671,334
561,811
295,559
435,819
731,378
637,941
14,500
13,505
28,005
10,599
-
23,819
23,819
16,989
3,472
-
3,472
1,499
17,972
37,324
55,296
29,087
3,408
-
3,408
-
3,408
-
3,408
-
Unrestricted Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
3,396
-
3,396
4,120
3,396
-
3,396
4,120

15

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

3. EXPENDITURE

Notes
b) Charitable Activities
ClothesBank
Depreciation
8
Establishment:
Cleaning and Kitchen Supplies
Insurance
Rental and Utilities - St Johns
Foodbank and Pantry:
Running Costs and Premises Rental
Food purchased for Pantry
Distribution Costs
Vehicle Leasing Costs
Gifts and Grants
Project Activities
Staff Costs:
Contractor Fees
Employers National Insurance
16
Employers Pension Contributions
16
Payroll Processing Fee
Training Costs
Wages and Salaries
16
Support costs
4
Trustees Training course
Volunteer and Staff Expenses		 Unrestricted Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
59
-
59
-
9,921
-
9,921
11,462
1,407
-
1,407
750
5,431
-
5,431
9,607
12,013
-
12,013
12,000
-
113,718
113,718
110,794
2,888
-
2,888
-
-
25,696
25,696
.
-
4,896
4,896
3,158
-
-
-
625
317
3,118
3,435
8,968
38,992
-
38,992
13,321
25,490
-
25,490
22,473
8,877
-
8,877
7,333
983
-
983
761
5,518
-
5,518
1,449
122,306
333,973
456,279
384,704
49,841
-
49,841
28,969
-
-
-
1,080
7,344
-
7,344
446
291,387
481,401
772,788
617,900

4. ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS

Office costs
Telephone and Broadband
Office refurbishment Costs
Bank and Card Charges
Office Supplies, Equipment, Stationery and Postage
Placement Fees
Equipment Lease
IT Software
Website Costs
Governance costs (breakdown shown below)
Governance Costs
Independent Examiners Fees		 Staff
Other
and related
direct
costs
costs
£
£
-
12,995
-
13,657
-
370
-
5,192
1,674
-
-
12,070
-
582
-
1,591
-
1,710
1,674
48,167		 2024
2023
£
£
12,995
13,691
13,657
-
370
240
5,192
2,052
1,674
372
12,070
10,372
582
562
1,591
-
1,710
1,680
49,841
28,969
2024
2023
£
£
1,710
1,680

16

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

5. DONATED GOODS

The Statement of Financial Activities includes the estimated value of food that has been donated and subsequently distributed by the Foodbank.

Stocks of Food at 1.1.24
Stock revalued
Donated Food
Distributed Food
Disposed as waste
Stocks of Food at 31.12.24		 Weight
Value
kg
£
21,500
50,954
-
(19,350)
82,734
121,619
(80,000)
(117,600)
(3,356)
(4,933)
20,878
30,690

The estimated cost of food has been calculated through our internal procedures under which when we purchase stock, we count and record physical records. The rate of £1.47 is an average value of actual stock in determining parcels being created for distribution (2023: we used the Trussell Trust estimated average cost per kg of £2.37)

6. GRANTS RECEIVED

Alfred Haines Charitable Trust
Access To Justice Foundation
Asda Foundation
Ashiana
Aylesforel Family Charitable Trust
Bayfield Charitable Trust
Bernard Piggott Charitable Trust
Birmingham Common Good Trust
Birmingham City Council
BVSC Ageing Better
Cadbury Charitable Trust
CB & HH Taylor Trust
Charles Brotherton Trust
CJW Turner Trust
Comm MA Ltd (grants for clients)
Cole Charitable Trust
D M F Ellis Charitable Trust
DWF Foundation
Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust
EH Smith Charitable Trust
Energy Saving Trust
Eric F Sparkes Charitable Trust
Eric W Vincent Trust Fund
Eveson Charitable Trust
Fenthams Trust
Fitton Trust
GE Gee Trust
Carried forward to next page		 2024
2023
£
£
-
750
130,000
-
1,000
1,000
-
50,000
-
1,000
2,500
2,000
3,000
-
600
-
89,990
45,042
-
17,910
-
3,000
-
2,000
-
275
3,000
-
-
680
2,500
-
25,000
-
1,500
-
4,000
-
15,000
15,000
15,940
-
-
1,100
600
-
30,000
5,000
-
2,000
350
350
1,000
1,000
325,980
148,107

17

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

6. GRANTS RECEIVED (continued)

Brought forward from previous page
George Henry Collins Registered Charity
George Fentham Birmingham
GJW Turner Trust
Goodenough Charitable Trust
Gowling WLG (UK) Charitable Trust
Grantham Yorke Trust
Grimmitt Trust
Grimley Charity
Groundwork UK
Heart of England Community Foundation
IMI Kynoch Ltd
JF Measures
J.C. Secombe Charitable Trust
Joseph Hopkins Charity
Keith and Joan Mindelsohn Charitable Trust
Knowle PCC
Ladbrokes Coral
Leigh Trust
LG Harris Trust
Lillie C Johnson Trust
Lord Austin Trust
Lord Mayor of Birmingham Charity
Lottery Cost of Living
M Trust
Marsh Christian Trust
Marshalls Solicitors
MEL Research
Mills and Reeve Charitable Trust
Montal Charitable Trust
Platform Housing
Prosperity Law LLP
Richard Cadbury Charitable Trust
Richard Kilcuppes Registered Charity
Roughley Trust
Rowlands Trust
Sainsburys
Shirley Parish Church
Shirley Lions Club
Small Heath Community Forum/Police &
Sobell Foundation
Souter Charitable Trust
Sparkhill Trust
Squire Patton
Carried forward to next page		 2024
2023
£
£
325,980
148,107
2,000
3,000
4,000
-
-
3,000
2,500
3,000
500
500
1,000
-
3,000
3,000
1,000
1,000
500
-
19,789
30,000
-
1,000
1,500
-
-
150
1,200
700
-
500
1,102
4,000
-
382
2,000
1,500
2,500
-
-
500
-
2,000
2,000
-
-
74,974
-
1,500
700
700
-
250
4,038
-
-
1,044
1,000
-
250
-
-
450
500
500
1,000
1,000
3,000
-
10,000
-
-
5,000
-
1,000
1,000
500
-
17,970
5,000
1,500
2,000
-
750
-
-
250
399,809
308,977

18

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

6. GRANTS RECEIVED (continued)

Brought forward from previous page
Trussell Trust
Turner Trust
WED Charitable Trust
Wilkes Partnership
Wilmcote Charity Trust
Big Lottery
TOTALS
7. NET INCOME FOR THE YEAR
This is stated after charging:
Independent Examiners Fees
Depreciation		 2024
2023
£
£
399,809
308,977
134,966
126,426
3,000
3,000
-
1,000
6,225
5,300
-
750
544,000
445,453
127,334
116,358
671,334
561,811
2024
2023
£
£
1,710
1,680
9,921
11,462

19

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Cost
01-Jan-24
Additions
Cost at
31-Dec-24
Depreciation
01-Jan-24
Charge
Depreciation at
31-Dec-24
Net Book Value
31-Dec-24
Net Book Value
01-Jan-24		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Equipment
Motor
Equipment
Fixtures &
Total
Fixtures &
Vehicles
Fittings
Fittings
£
£
£
£
£
99,930
25,000
14,830
3,807
143,567
13,640
-
-
-
13,640
113,570
25,000
14,830
3,807
157,207
95,929
20,486
14,830
3,711
134,956
5,311
4,514
-
96
9,921
101,240
25,000
14,830
3,807
144,877
12,330
-
-
-
12,330
4,001
4,514
-
96
8,611

The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows:

At 31st December 2024 : Ongoing quarterly vehicle finance lease payments of £574.80 Ongoing quarterly office equipment lease rentals of £654.88 Ongoing quarterly telecom system lease rentals of £1,800 Ongoing monthly premises rental of £1,000

Ongoing monthly office equipment lease rentals of £129.02

9. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS

Grant Funding
Employee Loan
Project Income
Tax Recoverable		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
104,974
-
-
-
1,000
3,734
-
3,734
36,315
-
-
-
1,846
3,734
-
3,734
144,135

10. STOCK

Charitable activities:
Opening
Revaluation
Added in period
Expensed in period
Impaired/Disposed as waste
Closing		 For
For
distribution
resale
£
£
50,954
-
(19,350)
-
121,619
-
(117,600)
-
(4,933)
-
30,690
-
Donated goods and stock

20

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

11. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Independent Examiners Fees
Accounts Payable
Deferred Income		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
1,710
-
1,710
1,680
3,661
-
3,661
15,206
3,641
36,359
40,000
-
9,012
36,359
45,371
16,886

11.a DEFERRED INCOME

The following income has been deferred as there are conditions attached to the income that activities must take place in future accounting periods (i.e. the donor has specifically stated it must be used in future accounting periods).

Deferred income brought forward 1-Jan-24
Utilised in the year
Receipts in 2024 for 2025
Deferred income as at 31-Dec-24		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-24
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,641
36,359
40,000
3,641
36,359
40,000

12. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER ONE YEAR

The CIO had no long term liabilities at the end of this or the previous financial year.

21

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

13. RESTRICTED FUNDS

----- Start of picture text -----
CURRENT YEAR Balance Donated Distributed Revaluation Balance
01-Jan-24 Transfers Income Expenditure goods goods of Stock 31-Dec-24
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Foodbank Fund 92,313 - 329,714 (271,747) 121,619 (122,533) (19,350) 130,016
Advice Work Fund - 66,134 143,429 (209,654) - - - (91)
92,313 66,134 473,143 (481,401) 121,619 (122,533) (19,350) 129,925
PREVIOUS YEAR Balance Balance Donated Distributed Fixed Balance
01-Jan-23 02-Jan-23 Income Expenditure goods goods assets pchsed 31-Dec-23
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Foodbank Fund 133,391 133,391 251,320 (258,580) 198,805 (232,623) - 92,313
Advice Work Fund - - 15,000 (181,325) - - 166,325 -
133,391 133,391 266,320 (439,905) 198,805 (232,623) 166,325 92,313
----- End of picture text -----

The Foodbank Fund relates to:

Income and Expenditure for the operation of a warehouse and supply of a network of foodbank satellites, providing emergency food for individuals and families in crisis.

The Advice Work Fund relates to:

Income and Expenditure for the provision of Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) and Money and Debt Advice (MDA) services, with a view to supporting individuals and families out of financial difficulties, crisis and debt.

The restricted funds are represented by:

Donated goods held in stock
Debtors
Creditors
Cash at bank and in hand
Fixed assets		 31-Dec-24
31-Dec-23
£
£
30,690
50,954
-
64,542
(36,359)
(15,206)
135,594
(12,587)
-
4,610
129,925
92,313

22

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

14. DESIGNATED FUNDS

CURRENT YEAR
Reserve Fund
PREVIOUS YEAR
Reserve Fund		 Balance
Donated
Distributed
Transfer
Balance
01-Jan-24
Income
Expenditure
goods
goods
btw funds
31-Dec-24
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
100,000
-
-
-
-
-
100,000
100,000
-
-
-
-
-
100,000
Balance
Donated
Distributed
Transfer
Balance
01-Jan-23
Income
Expenditure
goods
goods
btw funds
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
60,000
-
-
-
-
40,000
100,000
60,000
-
-
-
-
40,000
100,000

The Trustees agreed in 2020 to set aside £50,000 of General Funds as a Reserve Fund, as a protection against future potential peaks and troughs of grant funding and other income. In the financial year to 31st December 2021, the Trustees agreed to transfer an additional £10,000 to this fund and in 2023 the Trustees agreed an additional transfer of £40,000 to this fund.

The designated funds are represented by:

Cash at bank and in hand
Fixed assets
15. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
CURRENT YEAR
Tangible Fixed Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets/(liabilities)
TOTAL
PREVIOUS YEAR
Tangible Fixed Assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Other net current assets/(liabilities)
TOTAL		 2024
2023
£
£
100,000
100,000
-
-
100,000
100,000
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
TOTAL
Fund
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-24
£
£
£
£
12,330
-
-
12,330
40,525
100,000
135,594
276,119
(5,278)
-
(5,669)
(10,947)
47,577
100,000
129,925
277,502
Unrestricted Designated
Restricted
TOTAL
Fund
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
4,001
-
4,610
8,611
9,641
100,000
(12,587)
97,054
77,913
-
100,290
178,203
91,555
100,000
92,313
283,868

23

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

16. ANALYSIS OF STAFF COSTS, TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES AND THE COST OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL

THE COST OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23
£ £
Gross Wages and Salaries 452,144 384,704
Employer's National Insurance Costs (after allowance) 27,541 22,473
Employer's Pension Contributions 8,877 7,333
488,562 414,510
Average number of employees who were engaged in each of the following activities:
31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23
TOTAL TOTAL
Furthering the charitable objectives 23.83 20.75

Staff numbers represent 20 being on payroll at the start of the year and 28 at the end of the year (2023: 20 at the start of the year and 20 at the end of the year).

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. All staff are paid through the PAYE system. The CIO also engaged the services of subcontractors to deliver services. The total amount paid to sub contractors in 2024 was £38,992 (2023: £13,321).

The key management personnel of the CIO comprise the Trustees, Director of Finance, CEO, Narthex Project Manager and Strategic Project Manager. The Trustees and Director of Finance are not remunerated. The total employee benefits (including employer national insurance and employer pension contributions) of the key management personnel of the CIO were £53,668 (2023: £73,062). Contractor fees of £38,992 were also paid to a limited company of which one member of key management personnel is a director, for their professional services rendered.

A related party to Trustee L Wiseman (her spouse) received remuneration (including employer national insurance and employer pension contributions) totalling £13,922 (2023: £31,656) for his role as Strategic Project Manager.

A related party to Trustee G Holt (his son) received remuneration (including employer national insurance contributions) totalling £28,099 (2023: £25,265) for his role as Foodbank Co-Ordinator.

The CIO relies on the provisions contained in their governing document when paying related parties to Trustees.

The CIO currently pays pension contributions on behalf of 17 employees (at 31 December 2023: 16 employees). An automatic enrolment workplace pension scheme is available and eligible employees were enrolled with the option of opting out if they so wish. The scheme is administered and managed through the Diocese of Birmingham.

One Trustee donated an amount of £120 to the CIO during 2024 (2023: One Trustee donated an amount of £120). There were no conditions attached to these donations. No Trustees made any loans to the CIO during 2024 or 2023.

There were no other payments made to Trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period apart from reimbursement of items purchased on behalf of the CIO. During this financial year reimbursements totalling £698 were paid to two trustees. No other material transaction took place between the CIO and a trustee or any person connected with them (2023: None)

17. RISK ASSESSMENT

The Trustees actively review the major risks which the CIO faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.

24

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

18. RESERVES POLICY

This is described in detail in the Trustees annual report.

19. PUBLIC BENEFIT

The CIO acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the CIO has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.

25

NARTHEX SPARKHILL

STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

2024
£
Cash used in operating activities
(a)
192,705
Cash used from investing activities
Interest income
-
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(13,640)
Cash provided by (used in)
investing activities
(13,640)
Cash flows from financing activities
Introduction/(Repayment) of long term borrowing
-
Cash used in financing activities
-
Increase/(decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents in the year
179,065
Cash and cash equivalents at the
start of the year
97,054
TOTAL cash and cash equivalents
at the end of the year
(b)
276,119
(a) Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities
2024
£
Net movement in funds
(6,366)
Add back depreciation charge
9,921
Deduct interest income shown
in investing activities
-
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
140,401
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
28,485
Decrease/(increase) in donated goods stock
20,264
Net cash used in operating activities
192,705
(b) Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2024
£
Cash at bank and in hand
276,119
Total cash and cash equivalents
276,119		 2023
£
(54,290)
-
(1,049)
(1,049)
-
-
(55,339)
152,393
97,054
2023
£
11,190
11,462
-
(119,508)
8,748
33,818
(54,290)
2023
£
97,054
97,054

26

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Narthex Sparkhill, Charitable Incorporated Organisation ("the CIO") for the year ended 31st December 2024.

As the CIO's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report in respect of my examination of the CIO's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

The CIO's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a fellow member of the Association of Charity Independent Examiners.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives 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 accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Name: J Irvinesmith FCIE

Date: 20 August 2025

Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham West Sussex PO18 8NF

27