The Inclusive Church Network (Registered Chority 1102676) Annual Report & Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024 Page Contents Trustees, Annual Report Independent Examlnerfs Report Statement of Financial Activity Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts 9-12
The Inclusive Church Network Trustees. Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2024 Full name: The Inclusive Church Network Other names by whlch the Charity is known: Inclusive Church Registered charity number (England & Wales): 1102676 Registered address: 5 Trinity Churchyard, Guildford, Surrey GUI 3RR Trustees Reverend Danlel Barnes-Davies (Chair) Reverend Dr Evie Vernon (Vice Chair) Michael Bishop (Treasurer) Hanna Yoo (HeartEdge) rh Reverend Alex Clare-Youn8 (Open Table) (until 11 July 24) The Very Reverend Drjonathan Draper ' (until 29 May 24) Fiona Macmillan Alison Webster (Modern Church) Jack Woodruff * Reverend Rosallnd Rutherford {WATCHI Russell Frost ISCM I (until 25th November 24) th Reverend Alex Frost ' (from 11 July2024) th The Venerable Allie Kerr ' (from 11 July 24) {Vice Chairfrom 3(yh September 241 Meredith Ford * (from Iithjuly 24) th Sarah Ball *(from 11 July 24) Reverend Yin-An Chen (Open Table) (from 25 November24) th Reuben Jenkins {SCM) (from 25 November 24) * independent trustee Independent Examlner Mrs Helen Lee MA BFP FC4 55 Wodeland Avenue Guildford GU2 4LA Governance and Management The charity is operated under the rules of its constitution, adopted on 6th October 2003 and most recently amended by the Annual General Meeting on 23, August 2021. The 'Statement th of Belief, was revised on 9 July 2019. In accordance with the constitution, trustees are elected and appointed at the AGM. Some are Independent trustees, and others are appointed by Partner Organlsations. The charity employs a National Co-ordinator, on whom much of the day-to-day work of the charity devolves. The trustees have also appointed a number of Ambassadors who promote the work of the charity locally and regionally.
The Inclusive Church Network Trustees, Annual Report Objectlves and Actlvltles a) To advance the Christian faith for the benefit of the public in accordance with our statement of belief; bl To advance the education of the public in understanding the practice and effects of the statement of belief. Statement of Bellef We believe in Inclusive church- a church which celebrates and affirrns every person and does not discriminate. We will continue to challenge the church where it discriminates against people on grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodlversity or sexuality. We believe in a Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ. We believe in a Church which is scripturally faithful and seeks to proclaim the gospel afresh for each 8eneration. We believe in a Church whlch, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of God. Publlc beneflt statement The Trustees confirm that they have complied wlth the duty under section 17 of the Charities Act 20111"the Act") and the Charitles Act 2022 where relevant, to have due regard to the Charity Commisslon's general guidance on publlc benefit, 'Charitles and Public Benefit,. Summary of the maln artlvltle$ undertaken for the publlc beneflt Developing a network of churches and individuals who subscribe to our statement of belief, and who can prove support and encouragement to each other, and promote the principles of inclusion within the wider church and community. Promoting incl uslve thinking through ta Iks, newsletters and printed publications; Staging an Annual Lecture by a prominent person; Working together with Partner Organisations to promote inclusion in the church; Working with others to stage regional meetings, conferences and attendance at key events such as General Synod and Greenbelt Festival. Church members and the general public are educated regarding the effects of dlscrlrnlnatlon, and the benefits of an inclusive approach. Individuals who have experienced discrimination by the church are offered sUPPOrt and guidance. The church is assisted to adopt a more inclusive approach to minorities, and encouraged to demonstrate that it is welcoming to all, regardles5 of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity or sexuality.
The Inclusive Church Network Trustees, Annual Report Summary of the main achievements during the period (January-Decembef 2024) 2024 has been another year of growth for Inclusive Church, with 122 new churches joining. In February, we hosted an online book launch to mark the publication of How to Build the Church of the Future.. 20 Yeors of Inclusive Church. Several authors spoke about their chapters and we heard from Ruth Wilde (former National Co-ordinator and editor of the book) about her hope and vision for the book. In July, our Annual General Meeting was held online and coinclded with our Annual Lecture. This year previous trustee Alex Clare-young gave an engaging lecture titled Faith in Transition. The AGM Saw the appointment of 4 new independent trustees who brin8 a breadth of experience in communications, strategic management and human resources. In Au8USt, we successfully appointed a new Natlonal Co-ordlnator on a 12-month flxed term contract. The Revd Chantal Noppen has been an excellent addition to the Incluslve Church team and brings her experience of estates ministry and ecumenical communities to the organisation. As usual, we had a presence at Greenbelt through sharing a stall with Modern Church. We also launched the "Are You In?" suniey which ran through to advent. This was an opportunity for our supporters and others to tell us what they know about Incluslve Church, what their priorities are in terms of inclusion and what they would Ilke to see us do. In the Autumn, a new Vice-chair and Hon, Secretary were elected a5 Officers and a Strategic Plannlng working group and a Database & Membership working group were formed. By the end of 2024, the strategic planning is well underway with a timeline for producing a new strategic plan in place. The 13 annual Disability Conference wlth St Martin-In-the-Fields took place again this year, titled Blessed are the Weary.. Rest & Reflection on Disability, Value & God. This was online for the fifth year and drew 110 people from across the UK for a weekend of retreat, worship and reflection. Ahead of Advent, led by Chantal, we released the "Make Room in the Inn" vldeo serles that provided practical tips on how churches could be more inclusive during advent. Towards the end of the year, we said goodbye to Divya who was our clerk/administrator. This has left a gap in our administrative processes that we are seeking to fill. With the reinstatement of a National Coordinator, we have begun to identify operational gaps and processes and are continuing to work to improve the behind-the-scenes efflciency of the organisation. With a new strategic plan expected to come within the first half of 2025, The Inclusive Church Network is soon to be at the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Thank you for your continued support in our work to see a church that is Inclusive of all peoples.
Financial review The trustees are pleased to report another surplus for 20241£14,750 compared with £18,700 for 20221. Contributing factors include: Individual giving (including online and Gift Aid) declined slightly (2024.. £22,304: 2023.. £23,542). Online donations via the 'Donate' button on the webslte decreased (with no National Co-ordinator in postl.12024'. 18 donations totalling ££725; 2023.'.22 donations totalling £1,587). Corporate giving (from churches) decreased to £23,10012023- £26,660). A Significant proportion of members churches have not yet taken up our request for an annual donation {£5 to £5001, so there Is room for an increase herel Bank interest and other income increased to £1,370 {2023'. £1,325), but with lower Interest rates this may decline in 2025. We set a cautious budget (about £7,000 above 2023, and breaking even with expenditure}, but underperformed the income budget by £3,250. On the expenditure side, the delay in appointing a new National Co-ordinator resulted In under-expenditure of about £7,700 on employment costs. A similar saving against budget resulted from the re-scheduling of the strate8y conference to 2025, Project costs (Annual AGM/Lecture, Greenbelt, Dlsabil ity Conference, etcl were about £1,300 below budget, resulting in an overall saving of £18,800 on expenditure and surplus a8ainst bud8et ot some £15,600. As we look to put our staffing on a more realistic level to meet the work we need to do in furtherance of our aims, we need to increase our income. We have set a deficit budget for 2025 Iwith some increase in projected incomel to allow some time for this to develop. This will be supported by the surpluses we have made in recent years, but that is seen as a short- term measure. The General Fund reserve stands at £77,6401£62,890 in 2023). The Charlty's pollcy on reserves We aim to ma intain a balance of at least three months running costs, so that if we ever had to close down, we could do so in an orderly way. Flnanclal rlsk The trustees have reviewed financial management policies and are satisf led that risks involved are at a manageable level. Signed on behalf of the charltvs trustees., Signed Date 1 June 2025 The Reverend Dan Barnes-Davies, Trustee
Independent Examinerfs Report to the trustees of The Inclusive Church Network For the year ended 31 December 2024 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Incluslve Church Network 'the charl} for the year ended 31 December 2024. Responsibilities and basls of report As the trustees of the charity, you are responslble for the preparatlon of the accoullts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111'the ACVI and the Charities Act 2022 where relevant. I report In respect of my examination of the charivs accounts carried out under sectlon 145 of the Act and In carrylng out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Comm15slon under section 1451511bl of the Act. Independent Examlnerfs statement I have completed my examination. I conflrm that no rnatters have come to myattention in connection with the examination giving me cause to belleve that in any mater131 respect: l. Accountlng record5 were not kept In respect of the charity as requlred by sectlon 130 of the Act; or 2. The accounts do not accord wlth those records. I have no concerns and have come across no other rnatters in connectlon wlth the examination to which attentlon should be drawn in this (eport in order to allow a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Sig ILL. Date 16F Ju4 2oZ Helen Lee MA BFP FCA
The Inclusive Church Network Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024 ststement of Financial Activities Note Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds 2024 2023 Incomlng resources Donations and grants Charitable activities Fundra ising Other income 45,402 43 281 1,369 45,402 43 281 1,369 50,202 112 625 Total Incomlng resources 47,095 47.095 51,527 Outgolng resources Cost of Fundraising Cost of Charitable activities Governance 216 31,529 600 216 31,529 600 216 27,818 4,793 Totsl outgolng resources 32,345 32.345 32,827 Net surplus/(deficit) 14.750 14.750 18,700 Transfers Balance b/f 62,890 1.539 64,429 45, 729 Balance c/f 77.640 1.539 79.179 64,429
The Inclusive Church Network Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2024 Balance Sheet Note Unrestricted Restricted Funds funds Total funds Totolfunds 2024 2023 Current assets Cash/bank Debtors Stock Total current assets 73,082 2,795 1,539 74,621 2,795 60,439 2,552 10 li 78,269 1,539 79,808 65,650 Llabllltles Accrued expenses Cred itors Total liabilities 12 13 629 629 1,221 629 629 1,221 Net current assets 77.640 1.539 79,179 64,429 Represented by: General Fund Restricted Funds 14 15 77,640 77,640 63,116 Totulfunds 77.640 1,539 79,179 64,429
The Inclusive Church Network Financial Ststements For the year ended 31 December 2024 Notes to the Financial Statements l. Accountlng Polides The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards and the Charities SORP. The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basls under the hlstorical cost convention. Funds The general reserve includes the funds of the Charity that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application on the general purposes of the Charity. Funds designated for a partlcular purpose by the trustees are also unrestricted. Funds given for a particular purpose are restricted to use for that purpose. The accounts include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the Charity IS responsible in law. Incornlng resources Voluntary Income and capital sources Donations are recognised when received by or on behalf of the Charity. Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised in the same accounting year as the assoclated income Is received. Grants and legacies to the Charity are accounted for as soon as the Charity is notified of its legal entitlement and the amount due. Funds ralsed by events are accounted for gross wherever posslble. Sales of books are accounted for gross. Other ordinary income I nterest is recognised in respect of the perlods for whlch It Is earned that fall within the accounting year.
The Inclusive Church Network Notes to the Financial Statements Unrestricted Funds Restricted funds Total funds 2024 Totolfunds 2023 2. Donations. grants Ind ividual donations Gift Aid on donations Online donations Corporate donations Grants 15,066 3,133 4,106 23,097 15,066 3,133 4,106 23,097 17,605 3,239 2,698 26,660 45,402 45,402 50,202 3. Charltable actlvltles Events 43 43 588 4. Fundralslng Book sales, Royalties 281 281 112 5. Other Income Bank interest 1,369 1,369 625 6. Cost of Fundralslng Just Giving subscription 216 216 216 216 216 216 7. Cost of Charltable attivltles Grants Cost of events Cost of Education projects Publicity lincl website) 2,664 Postage, Admin 705 Employment {incl expenses) 25 957 31,529 750 1,453 750 1,453 2,362 2,820 2,664 705 2,184 841 30,638 27,818 8. Governance HR support Trustees, expenses Independent Examiner 4,193 600 600 600 600 600 4,793 io
Cash/bank Unrestricted {£) Restricted (£) Total 1£) 2023 (£) CAF current account CAF current account (Expenses) CAF Gold deposit account 15,636 597 1,539 17,175 597 24,257 656 73,082 1.539 74,621 60,439 10. Debtors Prepayments (Eventbrite feel Gift Aid (donations Apr-Dec 2024} Gift Aid lon Just Giving not yet paid) Corp. Donations via Stripe not yet paid 2024 Donation banked January Benevity {2023) 2023 (£) 2,152 2,152 2,218 98 540 98 540 98 220 2,552 2,795 2,795 11. Stock Books for resale 20231£) 2,659 2,392 2,392 12. Accrued expenses Unrestricted 1£) Restricted (£) Independent Examination (2024 accounts) 600 Payroll bureau (December 20241 29 Employment costs (December 2023) Total 1£) 2023 {£) 600 600 29 621 1,221 629 629 13. Creditors Unrestricted {£) Restricted {£) Total (£1 2023 (£J 14. Designated Fund The trustees have designated an unrestricted corporate donation {from a Trust) to cover the cost of revising several of our series of booklets, originally scheduled to begin in 2023, but now expected to bè 2025 or later. That work has not yet incurred any expenses, but the fund has been used to cover the cost of purchasing 100 copies of the IC 20th Anniversary book, "How to Build an Inclusive Church" £1,625 of this fund is now held as stock. li
- Restrirted Funds Opening Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Closing balance SWS Booklet 1,539 1,539
- Trustees. Expenses During the year, no trustee's travelling expenses were relrnbursed (2023: £01.
- Related party transactlons There were no related party transactions in the period. 12