ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 SKYLARK CHURCH (A company liinited by guarantee) CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1109961 COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 05442866
SKYLARI< CHURCH CONTENTS Page 2 Reference and Administrative lirformatioii Page 3 Independeiit Examiner's Report Pages 4 to 7 Dii'ector's Report Page 8 Statement of Fiiiancial Activities Page 9 Balance Sheet Pages 10 to 19 Notes to Ilie Financial Statements Page I
SKYLARIC CHURCH REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS WORKING NAME Skylark Cliurcli CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1109961 COMPANY NUMBER 05442866 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st April 2023 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st Marcli 2024 John Gj'aysloii Peter Siiiis Nicola Siins Cliarles Keinp Wendy Ward Wayi)e Bisliop The existlll8 directors appoint any new directors, Eollowing the provisions laid out iii tlie Articles of Association LEGAL STATUS Coi)Ipany Liiiiited by Guai'antee GOVERNING INSTRUMENT Registered as a Company 011 4tli May 2005 and as a cl)arity on 10th June 2005. OBJECTS Tlie adiTance of tl)e Christian faitl) in Essex and other parts of tlie United Kiiigdoin or the World as tlie Directoi's niay froni lime lo tiiiie Iliink fil aiid other such pui'poses wliicli are exclusively cliaritable according to the law iii Ensl¢ind aiid Wales and are connected with tlie charitable woi'k of the Chai'ity. REGISTERED AND MAIN ADDRESS Unit 4 Haiibui'sy Way Cl)eln)sfoi'd Essex CMI 3AE BANKERS HSBC 99 Higli Street Clielmsford CMI IEQ INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS Xeiiiadiii Soutli East Tlie Old Gi'anse Lordship Road Wi'ittle Clielinsfoi'd Essex. CMI 3WT LENDLRS Kiii8dom Batik Ltd Media House Padge Road Beeston Nottiiigham, NC9 2RS Page 2
SKYLARK CHURCH INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 I report on tlie aceouiits ol the company for tl)e year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 8 to 19. Respective responsibilities of ITU$tees and exaininer The trustees Iwlio are also the directors of tlie company for tlie purposes OE coinpajiy lawl are respoiisible Eor tlie pi'eparatioii of he accounts. Tjie trustees coiisider that ali audit is iiot i'eqiiired for this pei'iod under section 144(21 of the Charities Act 2011 {tl)e 2011 Act) and that ali indepeiideiit examination is needed. Tlie charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l ani qualified to undei'take tl)e examinatioii by beiii8 a qualified member of the Institute of Cliartei'ed Accouiitaiits in England and Wales {ICAEWI. Havin8 satisfied myself tliat the chai'ity is iiot subject to audit under compaiiy law and is eligible for independent examination. it is my I'esponsibility to.. to follow the pi'ocedures laid dowii in tlie genei'al directions given to me by the Charity Conimission under section 145{51(bl of tl)e 2011 Act,. aiid to state whether particular matters l)ave coine to iiiy attejition Basis 0£ independent exaniiiier s report My exaiiiiiiation was cari'ied out iii accordance witli the general directions given by the Charity cominiss101i. An exainiiiation ineliides a review of the aceountiiig records kept by tlie charity and a conipai'isoii of the accounts pi'eseiited with t1105e i'ecoi.ds. It also includes coi)sidei'ation of any unusual iten)s oi" disclosui.es in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as 'ustees concei'iiins aiiy sucli in<lttei's. Tlie procedures uiidei't<ikeLi do iiot provide all the evidence tliat would be requii'ed iii an audit aiid coi)sequei)tly iio opinioii is given as to wliether tlie accoui)ts preseiit a 'ti'ue aiid fair view. aiid tlie i'eport is liinited to Iliose Inatters set out iii tlie slateinent beloMI Independeiit examiners statements In coiinection wit11 rny examination, no mattey l)as cotne to niy attention: 11) wliicli gives iiie reasonable cause to believe tliat iii any matei'ial respect the i'equireiiieiits.. to keep accouiitii)g records iii accordaiice with section 386 of the Conipanies Act 2006. and to prepare accounts wliich accord witli tlie accounting I'ecoi'ds, coinply with tlie accouiiting requii'eineiits of section 396 of the Coiiip8Jiies Act 2006 and with tlie rnetliods and principles of the Statemeiit OE Recoinmeiided Practice.. Accountiiig and Repoi'ting by Cl)ai'ities' aiid that tlie accounts have iiot been prepai'ed in accordante with the Chai'ities SORP IFRS 102} have iiot been iiiel- or 121 to wliich, iii iny opinioii, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understaiiding of tlie accounts to be reaclied. Andrea Kaley Cliartered Accouiitaiit for aiid on belialf of Xeinadiji Soutli East Tlie Old Grange Wiiyreji Estate Wi'ittle Chelinsfoi'd Essex, CMI 3WT Date: Ka-. Pase 3
SI<YLARIC CHURCH DIRECTORS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Tlie Boai'd of Trustees, who are also directors of the Conipany for the purpose of the Conipcinies Act 2006, present their annual report and fijiaiicial statements of the Cliai'ity for the year ended 31 Marcl) 2024. Tlie finaiicial statements coinply willi the Charities Act 2011, tlie Coinp81iies Act 2006, the Meinoraiidum and Ai'ticles of Association, and Accouiiting aiid Reportins by Cliarities.. Statement of Recoinrneiided Pi'actice applicable to charities pi"ep31'in8 theii- accounts iii accordance with the Financial Reporliiig Standai'd for Smaller Entities (FRS 1021 leffeclive l January 20151- Structlii'e, Goveriianee and Management 'L'he Meinorandum and Ai"tieles ot Association adininistei'ed by a Boai'd ol Directors govern the Lenh'e. Dui'iiig tlie yeai. these Directoi"s wei'e.. John Grayston Cliarles Kemp Peter Siins Nicola Siins Wendy Ward Wayne Bisliop Otliei. OfficeL'S of the Centre are.. Seci'etaiy.. Lesley Keinp Admiiiistratoi.: N Ragselt {i'esigiied 19110/2023) C Kowlaski (appointed 0110612024) Treasurei.: Marcus Wai'd Tlie Cliai'ity is a Public Benefit Eiitity Organisational structure aiid appoiiitnient of trustees Newly appointed directoi's are pi'ovided MTlth an inEoi'inal iiiduction to the charity and meiitOl'lll8 by establislied dii'ectors. Tlie coinpaiiy eiideavours to maintaiii a balance of skills aiid expertise when seeking new or replaceinent directors. NeMI dii'ectors undei'go ali iiiduction pi'ocess whicli involve5 Ineeliiig with directors and senior ti'ust staff and are pi'ovided witli an infoi'incitioii pack detailins theii. i'espoiisibilities, 8overnaiice, financial and oilier infoi'niation i'el<iling to the structui'e and opei'atioii of tlie coinpaiiy. All direcloi's are iiivited to attend a i'ajige of training events relating to both govei"nance issues and specific are?¢ s of tlie cl)arity's work. Tlie Board is coiistituled with a nunlir of directors to bl'ing a bleiid of diffei'ent experience and capacities to n)ake good judgenieiil aiid contributions. New dii'ectors Iiiay be recruited froni leadei's withiii the chLlI'clI, key pei'sonnel of Skylark Iiitei'iiatlOl)<il, Ineiiibers of others chui'clies iii Ilie locality oi. C[lS11a1)S in tl)e local busiiiess coiiimuiiity. F,ollowins pi'oposal by one of tlie existing directors, new directors are appointed aftei. review by tlie wliole board, aiid are subject to inductioii h'aiiiing aiid conliiiuous involveinent in viewiiig tlie activities of Ilie cliarily and uiiderstandiiig of its objectives. Tlie directoi's present Ilie attaclied fiiiancial statements foi. the year ended 31st Marcli 2024. ActivAties, AcliievenieElts aiid Perforinaiice Wlieii reviewiiis tlie ain)s and objectives of tlie ceiitre ajid wheii plamiiiig ftstui'e activities. we liave i'eferred to tl)e suidaiice coiitaiiied in tlie Cliarity Coiiuiiissioii's geiieral gLiidance oi) public benefit. Tlie ciiins of the Cenli'e al'e lo advaiice the Clvistian faitli, to fui'thei. Clu'isliaii educcitioii, to i'elieve pei'soiis in need <11id to pi'ovide facilities loi. Ilie coinInuiiity. The Chiii'ch continues ils liybrid Sunday Gatheriligs with betweeiTr 30 and 80 people watching live onlii)e dui'ing <ll) aveL'age Suiiday service, with the ability to engage online fter the sei'vice Ii<iS elided. lii-peisoii attendance oli a Sunday lias also contiiiiied to gi'oiii £1nd we fiiid oui'selves iiearly at capclCItST foi. our lai'gei. sei'vices t10slI0ut tlie ye¢ir siicli as Chi'istnias and E<lStei'. We liave ruli populai. connect luiiclies thi'ougli tlie yeai. to eiicoui'age coiiiiectioll ¢ind i'elationship witlTriii tlie Cliuicli con81'egation. Towards advancing tlie Cliristiaii faitli, tlie Cliurcli continues 115 regular Sunday services tliat al'e also accessible via Live StreaLn (iiid aftei. tlie sei'vice has eiTrded. We V4Tere able to ruli ai) Eastei. sei'viee and inultipile Clv'istiiias celebi'atioii services, all live sti'eanied. KTliicli wei'e well atteiided aiid Yeceived by i'egulai. chut-cli Ineinbejs aiid visitors alike. Page 4
SI<YLARK CHURCH DIRECTORS REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Activities, Achievements aiid Perforniance (continued) We conttnue to engage iii overseas mission, drawing oii the resources and experieiice of several congregational meinbers and partner organisations. We continue to support ovei'seas oiganisations Clierish Ugaiida and l Got Shoes, as well as in the UK, Kintsugi Hope, CHESS, Care for the Family and Lighthouse Family Trust. Towai-ds fui'thering Cliristian education, Life Groups i'einain the principle mid-week meetings for Church and some continue to ofEei' online engagement as well as in pei'son to facilitate oldei. people oi families with young cliildien. Tliese provide a sinaller forum aiid eiiic ble tlie coiigiEgalion to grow together in tlieir education. The gloups are Elexible in Style and conteiit, to cater for a wide l'ange of needs and we currently hic ve 17 groups across tlie life of the Church. Witliin tliis framewoi'k, one group, DNA, exists for tlie beiiefit of new ineiiTrbei's, to give them an overview of the various events and ministries happening within the cliurch aiid also to find out our core vision and values. We liave continued lo see new people seek out chui-ch aftei. enga8ins iii service online or via social media. Tlie Chui'cli has also run a nuTnbeT of inens aiid woniens brunclies/breakfasts with between 40 aiid 80 attendees to foster i'elationship aiid discuss aiid equip people on specific topics i'elevant to the Clu-istian life. The senior generation continue tlieii. twice rnonthly in-pei'son meeting, providing a time OE worsliip and fellowship Miith oiie another for between 10 and 20 meinbei's. Our deaf congregation contiiiue to meet in- person again and liave ioughly 20 attendees. Monthly BSL intei'pi'eted services are provided, and our Christmas and Eastei services have onliLie BSL inteTPI-etation. Skylark Kids continues to facilitate kids work at Sutiday services. Little OLies toddler group coiitinues, with mol'e tlian 70 young cliildien aiid pai.ents/carers attendtng. Tlieie L'eniains over 200 cliildi'en on our i'esistei. at present and we have converted a iiew room to f1£ cilitate kids woi'k on a Sunday. Skylai-k Youtli have expaiided theii. Tuesday eveiiing sessions so as to be niol'e accessible foi. tliose youiig people wlio don't come to Chui'ch, providiiig a vital link foi. youth within the Church as well as fi'om oui. Tider local cominunity. Oui. No Limits wider youtli event lias i'un twice aiid eiigaged young people fi-orn aci'oss the commuiiity as well as the local chiirch. The Young Adults group coiitiiiues to nieet moiitlily with between 10 aiid 15 ineinboi's uiidertal<iLig events OL beiiig liosted in homes by chuich members. For those wlio al'e in Einancial need, tlie cliuicli gives gilts to Jneinbeis and othei's locally on an ad-hoc basis in respoiise to known cii'cumstances. Meals are also delivered to people who liave had new babies, moved house, al'e unwell due to mental oi physical sickness oi. just havin8 a difficult tiiiie. Food box piovision has riseii with the referral of iiew families from local schools, wl]ilst we contiiiue to provide pi-e-paid supermai'ket cards on ali ad-lioc basis and to suppoit faii]ilies in exti'eine need ovei. the Ckn'istmas pet'iod. The churcli's pastoi'al and counsellilig sei'vices have beeii able to continue. We wei-e also able to continue ru11ng oidine iiiai'i'iage courses as well as a bereavenieiit coui'se to lielp those sti'uggling witli gi'ief. Demaiid foi. oui. Eloui'isli self-esteem course continues to grow aiid we have appoiiited a new facilitator. We coiitinue to be a Restored Beacoii" Cliurcli to SLlPPOI-t those who al-e victim to doiiiestie vÉolence, as well as i'uiuiiiis Kiiitsugi Hope gloups to support tliose witli mental healtli aiid welliiess cliallenges. In pai'biei'ship witli tlie NHS, Saiictus Ir lid CHESS we launched a oiie~stop heic Ithcai'e for tlie liomeless sei'vice whicli has seen over 300 people so fai.. A iiew gi'oup Belong, lias been foriiied to cre<lte intergenei'ational J'elationships witliin the coiniiiuiiity aiid bui'sary fund setup for schools to Iiccess fuiidiiig Eoi tliose cliildreii aiid fainilies most in need. Page 5
SKYLARI< CHURCH DIRECTORS REPORT {continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Activities, Achievenients aiid Perforniance (continued) This yeai we have coiitinued oui. woi'k alongside Teseo to i'egulai'ly distribute food to those in need, including sorne )'efugee fainilies, Safer Places Womeii's l<efuge aiid to Chess, a Clielmsford local hoineless cliarity, aloiig witli oiir food parcels and vouchei-s. We still maintain oui- suppoi't of Lightliouse Fainily Trust, an independent chai'Lty i'esponding to need in tlie area of crisis pregnaiicy and loss. The chiii'ch is in healthy i'elationship with Skylark International, {formerly CGI), a growing oi'ganisation currently ovei'seeing a number of churches iii the UK and ovei'seas as well as utliL'I' Clii'islian ministi'ies. The churcli draws supporl., encouragement, inspiration from Skylark Interiiational and is pleased to give a miiiiiiium of IO% of its offei'ing to it to Iielp facilitate the wol'l< of oui. widei. moveinenl. The cliurch i-einains dependent on volunteers for a gi'eat number of its activities It is iinpossible to gaiige the finaiicial benefits of sucli acts of seivice, bul tlie spii'itual retiii'ns al'e exponentially greatei.. Witlioul tlie volunteei's, the church would iiot be able to fLiiictioii at its cui'reiit level of output aiid tlie directoi's wish to take this oppoi'tunity to expi'ess their lieaitEelt tliaiiks to all wlio have given freely of their tiine, talents, resoui'ces and eiiergy, alid for those who have stepped iiito new challenges aiid voluiileeriiig roles. Futui'e Plans Since taking ownei-ship of the buTlding in Hanbury Road we have assessed tlie suitability of the buildiiis Eoi. oui. future requiremeiits aiid a Jiumber of impi'ovenieiits to the buildiiig. Furtlier iinpi'ovemeiits may take place depeiidiiis oli funding. We will contiiiue to grow our preseiice iii the community, iiicliidiiig lookiiig to start ruiiiiing services iii Chelmsford Pi'ison, iiicludiiig a Kintsugi Hope gi-oup. We aini to stai't piovidilig bieakfasts foi a local school, and to grow Life Groups iii iiumbei. as well as those who are in eacli group. Aiiother room is iii plans to be converted Eor use witli kids on a Sunday to lielp witli gl'owing nuinbeis and we ale planning a Chl'istmas Day Lneal foi. those withiii the coinmuiiLty wlio are lonely aiid isolated on Christiii#s Day. Major Risks and Coiitrols The inajor i'isk is iii respect of the value aiid volatility of incoine, as the chai'ity is depeiidaiit oli voluntary givitig. Tliis is pai'tly managed thi'ough casli Elow monitoi'ing and altei'ing the timiiig of expenditui'e to i'eflect tliat on the incoine. Finaiicial Review The Centre's fuiids al-e applied to support Christian MissioLI t.Ough local teacliiiig aiid woi'sliip, Christian missionaiy woi'k in tlie UIC and abioad. Iii tlie year ended 31st March 2024 majoi. expenses were applied as follows.. lii support OE full aiid paj-t tinie st<iEf £284,197 By way of a titlie to Skylai'k Iiitei'aialioiial £54,731 MaiiiteLiance of premises foi. woi'ship aiid teaching locally, iiicludiiig iiioi'tgage interest of £35,230 Iti suppoi't of Chi'istllc n Miiiistiy workei's in the UK and abioad £26,800 Duiiiig the year tliei'e was a sui'pliis of £73,210 Aceouiitiiig pi'actices reiiiiiiiied unclilc iiged foi. tlie fiiiii IICllr l yeai.. Tlie i-osci'ves policy is stated iii iiole 15 to tlie finaiicial stcltenieiits. Sundi'y i'ests'icted fiinds weie coiitiiiued duriiig tlie P1< St financial yeai foi. tlie piiiposes of r£lisiiig fuiids foi- specified iiidividuals aiid ciiruinstli lices, as detailed iii tlie iiolos to tlie Eiiiaiicial statemeiits. Page 6
SICYLARK CHURCH DIRECTORS REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Stateinent 0£ Dii'ectors, ResponsAbilities Tlie ti'ustees (who al'e also diiectoi's of Skylai'l< Cliurch foi. tlie pui'poses of eoinpaiiy law) al'e respoiisible Eor the overall inaiiagemetit of the Charity, eiisui'itig coinpliance with the Cliai'ity's objects aiid relevaiit legislation and also to define and agree the strategic aims and objectives of the Cliarity. Tlie ti'ustees are responsible for prepai'ing the A]Ual Report and Financial Statements in accoi-daiice with applicable law aiid UIiLted Kingdoin Geiiei'ally Accepted Accouiiliiig Praeliee. Company law i'equires tlie ti'ustees to pj'epare flliancial statenients Eoi- eacli financial yeai., which give a true and fair view of the charitable Company's finaiicial activities dui'iiig tlie year and its fiiiancial position al tlie end of tlie yeai.. In prepaTiiig tliose financial stateinents, the trustees are required to.. Select Sultable accounting policies aiid apply tliem consistently,. Observe the methods aiid principles iii tlie Cliarities SORP 2015 Make judgements and accounting estiiiiates that are i'ei¢ soiiable and priident,. Prepai'e the finaiicial statements oil Ilie going eoncern basis unless it is inappropriate to presuine that the charitable compaliy will coiitiiiue to operate The h'ustees eonEirm that they have coniplied with the above i'equirement5 iii pi'epaiing the fiiiancial statements. Tlie trustees are i-espoiisible for ensui'iiig tliat proper accounting i'ecords are kept whicli disclose with i'easonable aeeuraey at any time the Einancial position of the charitable Coinpany and enable tliem to ensui-e tliat tlie flliancial stateineiits comply with tlie Compaiiies Act 2006. Tliey are also responsible for safegiiarding tlie assets of the Chai'ity alid hence for taking reasonable steps for the pi-evention aiid detection of fi'aud and other irregulai-ities. Statenient as to Disclosiire of Inforination to Independent Exaininers So far as the Dkrectors al'e awai'e, tliei'e is iio i'elevant audit information (as defiiied by section 418 of tlie Coinpanies Act 2006) of whicli tlie cliai'ilies independeiit examiiiei s al-e unaware, aiid each dii'ectoi. has taken all the steps they oiiglit to have tal<eii as directoi. in ordei. to make tliemselves awai'e of any relevant exai?unatioii inforination and to establisli that tlie cliarity's indepeiident examiiiers are awai'e of that infoi'matioti. Approval of Annual Report Tliis i-eport has beeii pi'epared iii accoi'daiice witli tlie special pi'ovisioiis of Pai't 15 of tlie CompLinies Act 2006 J'elcltlll8 to small conipaiiies. Appi'oved by tlie Board of Directois oli . 2311212024 PL:lei' Siills Sigiied oil belitilf of tlie Boai'd of Dit'ectoi's Page 7
SI<YLARK CHURCH (Company nuxiiber 5442866) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Incorporatiiig an Income and Expenditure Account) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 Total to 31 Total to 31 March Mareh 2024 2023 Uiu'esti'icted Restricted Funds Funds INCOME Notes Iiicojiiiiig resources from senerated funds Donatinns aiid legacies Other ti'ading activities Investmeiit income 561,826 30,655 1,955 27,490 589,316 30,655 2,607 499,994 31,610 447 2b 652 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 594,436 28,142 622,578 532,052 EXPENDITURE Cost of generating funds Cliarilable activities Govei'iiance costs 499,535 9,156 40,228 450 539,763 9,606 517,760 8,659 3b TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 508,691 40,678 549,369 526,420 NET IOUTGOING} / INCOMING RESOURCES BEFORE TRANSFERS 85,745 112,536) 73,210 5,632 Ti'ansfei's between £unds (16,858) 16,858 NET {OUTGOINGI INCOMING RESOURCES FOR YEAR 68,887 4,323 73,210 5,632 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 382.250 61,491 443,740 438,108 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 451,136 65,814 516,950 443,740 Tlie notes oli pages 1110 19 foriii part of tliese finaiicial stateiiienls Page 8
SKYLARK CHURCH (Company iiumber 5442866) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2024 Unrestricted Funds Resti'ieted Total 31 Mai'cli 2024 Total 31 March 2023 Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible Assets 275,653 490,001 765.654 784,124 CURRENT ASSETS Debtoi's Casli al bank and in hand TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 11,357 167,409 178,766 11,357 203,887 215,244 10,470 124,371 134,840 io 36,478 36,478 LIABILITIES Credilois-. ainouiits fallins due wiiliin one year 11 18,960 1,531 20,491 20,354 NET CURRENT ASSETS 159,806 34,947 194,753 114,487 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 435,460 524,948 960,408 898,611 Creditors.. amounts falling due aftei- one year Creditoi's-. ainouiits falling due after five years 12 12 58,587 384,871 58,587 384,871 53,984 400,887 NET ASSETS 435,460 81,490 516,950 443,740 THE FUNDS OFTHE CHARITY Um'estricted incoine funds Resti'icted income lLinds 451,136 451,136 65,814 382,250 61,491 65,814 TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS 451,136 65,814 516,950 443,740 The chai'itable coinpaiiy is entitled to exeinplioii froni audit undei. sectioii 477 of the Compaiiies Act 2006 foi. tlie year ended 31st March 2024. The niember5 have iiot required the chai'itable coinpaiiy to obtain ali aLidit for its financial statemeiits foi. the finaiicial yeai. ended 31st Mai'ch 2024 iii accoi'dance with section 476 of the Coinpaiiies Act 2006 The ti'ustees aclcnowledge their i'esponsibilities for.. {a) ensuring that the coinp2£ ny keeps accountiiig records whicli colPIY with Sections 386 and 387 of tlie Compaiiies Act {bl prepariiig fiiiancial slateii)ents wl)ich give a true and fair view of Ilio state of affairs of Ilie coinpai)y as at the end OE each finaiTrcial yeai. aiid ils sui'plus of deficit foi. eael) Eiiiancial year iii accoi'daiice witli Ilie i'equii'einei)Is of sectio]1$ 394 aiid 395 <ind wliicli oilierwise coiiiply with Ilie J'equii'eineiits of tlie Coiiipiaiiies Act 2006 relating to fii)ancial slateiJ)ents so far as applicable lo tlie conip)aiiy 'rhese financial stateineiils li<ive beeii pi'epai'ed iii accoi'dance with the sp)ecial pi'ovisioiis of Pai-t 15 of the Coinpaiiies Act 2006 I'elatiiig to siiiall chcll'il12ble coinpaiues. Appi'oved by the Boai'LI c)f Dii'ectoi's oli 2311212024 Pelei. Siiiis Signed on behalf of the Board of Dii'ectors T]ie notes oli Pciges 10 to 19 foi'iii pai-l of Iliese fiiiaiicial stateinents Page 9
SICYLARI< CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Accounting Conveiition The fiiiaiicial statements have beeii prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Pi'ilctice applic¢ible to cliai'ities prepai-ing tlieir accounts in accoi'd¢iiice with the provisions of Section IA 'Small Entities" of Financial Reporting Staiidai'd 102, 'The Finaiicial Reportlllg Standaid applicable iii the UI< and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006. Assets aiid liabilities rll'e iiiitially recogiiised at liistoi'ical cost or traiisaclion value unles5 Otlierwisc stated iii tlie relevant accounting policy note. Fund Accounting Unrestricted tunds al-e available tor use at the discretion ot the trustees in the tUTtherance ot the geiieral activities of tlie chaiity. Reskn'icted fuiids ale subject to restiictions placed on theil expendituie imposed by the donor. There al'e iio deSIated funds tliat the dii'ectors liave earmarked for specific purposes. Incoming resoui-ces al'e included in the Stateinent of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the clicll'ily becoInes entitled to the resoui'ces, the directors are vii'tually certain they will receive the resources aiid the monetary value can be measuied witli sufficieiit i'eliabilily. Whei'e incoiniiig i'esources have related expeiiditui'e ( as with tundraisiiig or contract income), the llicoiiiing resoui'ce and i'elated oxpÈiiditure al'e iepoi'ted si'oss in the SOFA. Giants aiid donations are oidy iiicluded iii the SOFA wlieii tlie cliai'ity lias unconditional entitlement to the resource. Incomiiig i'esoui'ces from tax reclaiins are included in the SOFA at the same tiine as the gift to wliich they i'elate. GiEts in kind al'e accouLlted for at a i-easonlÉ ble estllllll te of theii. value to the eliarity oi. amouiit actually i'eic lised. Gifts in kind foi- sale oi- disti'ibution ¢l1'e iiicluded iii the <lCCOUlItS Ils gifts oiily wlieii sold oi. distributed by tlie chai'ity. Gifts iii kiiid for use by the chai-ity are included iii the SOFA as incomins resoui-ces wlien i'eceivable. Doiiated sei-vices aiid facilities al'e included in iiicomiiig iesoui'ces (witli ali equivalent ainouiit iii resources expended), wlieie the benefit to tlie cliarity is i'easonably quantifiable, iiieasurable and inateiiaE. The value placed oli tliese resources is the estiiiiated value to tlie cliarity of the sei'vice or facility i'eceived. 'I'he value ot voluiiteer Iielp received is iiot included in the biiiancial Statements, but is described iii the du'ector's i'epoi't. Investment liicoine is included in the Fiiiaiicial Stateinents when receivable. Resources Expeiided aiid Creditors Liabilities Ili-e recognised wlieii iiicui'red oi. a coiniiiilinent is inade. Govei-iiaiice costs iiiclude costs of tlie pi'epai'iltion aiid examination OE statutoi'y Eiiiancial staleineiits. tlie costs of directoi s meetiiigs ¥liid legal advice to dii'ectoi's 011 govei'tiaiice oi- coiistitiitioiial inattei-s. Wliei'e the charity hrls giveii a graiit with coiiditions foi. ils payiiieiit beitig a specific leiiel OE sei'vice oi. outPLlt to be piovideil, such gi'aiits al'e oiily i-ecogiiised iii tlie SOFA once the i-ecipient of tlie grant has pi'ovided IhL SPLcified seL'vice or OLltput. Page 10
SI<YLARII CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS {continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 I. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued) Resources Expended aiid Creditors (Cont.) Grants inade oi ieceived without peifoi'niance conditions are only recognised in the SOFA, when a coinmilment lias been made and there al-e no conditions to be inet t'elating to a gi'aiit wliicli i-einain in tlie conti'ol of the charity. Support costs including centi'al functions have been allocated to activity cost categoi'ies on a basis consistent witli the use of rosoui'ces. Value Added Tax The Cliai-ity'5 activities ale classified as exempt foi tlie puiposes of value added tax and tlie Cliarity is uiiable to reclaiin the value added tax which it suffers oil its expenses. Expenditure in these fiiiaiicial statements is tlierefore shown inclusive of value added tax. Tangible Fixed Assets Tangible fixed assets foi use by tlie cliai'ity al-e capitalised if tliey cali be used for mol'e tlian oiie yoai and cost at least £500. They are valued at cost oi. if gifted at tlie value to the charity on receipt. Depi'eciation is calculated at a l'ate to write off the cost of the tangible fixed asset on a sh'aiglit liiie basis ovei. tlieii. estimated useful life. The rates applied pei. aiinum al-e as follows.. FAxed Asset Class Depreciation Rate Fi-eeliold Laiid Freehold Buildiiiss Fixtures, Fittiiigs aiid Eqiiipment T.easeliold building iniprovements Motoi. Veliicles 2.5° 331 33Y. 25°A There lias been no clianges to tlie accounting policies ( valiiation i'ules and niethods of accounting) siiice last yeai-. The legal, bankitig, valualioii aiid otliei. expeiises related lo tlie pui'chase are expensed i'atliei than eapitcllised. Pen8ion Seheme The charity contributes to a Skylai'k liiteriiational group sclieine witli Royal Loiidon at rates set by the scheme actuai'y and advised to the board by tlie sclieme admiiiistratoi.. The scheme is a multi einployer cliarity Sclienie aiid advice to the board is by the sclieine aclllary. lil accoi'danee with FRS17 tlie scheine is accounted for as a defiiied coiiti'ibutioii selienie. Operatiiig Leases Reiitals payable linder opei'ating lease agi'eeinents are charged as expenditure on a straighi. line basis ovei. the tei'in of tlie lease. Debtol's Slioi't tei'Ln debtois are ineasui'eLI at the transaction pi'ice, less any impaii'meiit. Fiiiaiicial Iiistsunients Tlie coiiipany oIily enlei-s iiilo basic fiiianciii l iiistt'umeiit traiisactioiis tliat i'esult in tlie i'ecognition of finc111cial assets £iiid liabilities like olliei. debtoi's, crcditoi's, loans fi'oin baiiks. Page 11
SKYLARIC CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 2. INCOME Unrestricted Resti'icted Total to 31 Funds Fuiids Marcli 2024 Total to 31 Maicli 2023 a) Donations and Legacies Geiiei'til aiid Weekly Offerinss Donations and CAF Vouchei's ' Tax Recovei'ed Visioii Offei'ings 409,130 65,863 79,423 7,411 561,826 10,064 17.426 419,194 83,289 79,423 7,411 589,316 360,415 41,893 84,983 12,703 499,994 27,490 bl Otlier Trading Activities Fees Received Sales Rental Incorne 19,153 10,337 1,165 30,655 19,153 10,337 1,165 30,655 18,772 12,394 445 31,610 c) Investment Income Baiik Interest 1,955 1,955 652 652 2,607 2,607 447 447 dl Otliei- liicome None 594,436 28,142 622,578 532,052 Donations included this year a legacy totalling £59,130. Page 12
SI<YLARI< CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 3. EXPENDITURE UnTestricted Restricted Fuiids Funds Total to March 2024 Total to mai.ch 2023 Note al Costs of Charitable Activities Salaries Natioiial liisuraiice and Peiisioiis Tiaining and Education Mission aiid Support Gi'aiits.. Building Mortgage inteiest Building Repaii's and Maintenance Cleaniiig Security aiid Safety Watei., Heat and Liglit Baiik Chai-ges Books, CD'S and DVDS Computei. and Intei-iiet Depreciatioii EnteTtainment and Cateriiig EqiiipineRIt aiid Matei'ials Food aiid Accommodatioii Hire of Facilities Insui-ances Outside Support Services Pastoial GiEts and Expenses Postage ciiid Courier Pi'iiitiiig and 5tationei'y Outside Speakers Telephonc aiid Filx Ti'avel Cusls Vehicle Rurniing Costs Event & Errol Refuiids 5) 284,197 1,250 81,431 35,230 5,919 4,688 2,892 12,055 496 685 1,166 4,876 2,855 8,314 18,794 1,445 8,983 10,106 804 25 2.921 750 7,527 2,119 1,071 1,064 284,197 1,250 81,531 35,230 5,919 4,688 2,892 12,055 496 685 1,166 22,798 2,988 9,171 24,788 1,445 8,983 16,996 9,056 25 2,921 830 7,527 2,119 1,071 1,064 285,538 2,129 55,800 27,401 2,924 5,982 1,132 17,158 481 359 2,033 23,386 3,767 8,444 21,158 3,856 8,914 17,035 11,660 64 4,651 1,610 6,916 3,352 954 1,056 3c) loo 17,922 133 857 5,994 6,890 8,252 80 499,535 40,228 539,763 517,760 b) Goverliance Costs Siibsei'iptioiis aiid Liceiises Indepeiideiit Examiiiatioii fees - current yecir 6,653 2,503 450 7,103 2,503 6,126 2.533 9,156 450 9,606 8,659 508,691 40,678 549,369 526,420 Page 13
SICYLARI< CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 3 c) Missioii and Support Grants: Uiiresh'icled Resti'icted Total to 31 Total to 31 Funds Funds Marcli 2024 Marcli 2023 Loeal and UK Organisations Skylark International Liglitliouse Family Trust 54,731 1,200 1,200 1,200 3,000 54,731 1,200 1,200 1,200 3,000 loo 3,000 2,000 500 37,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 3,000 150 Care foi. the Faiiiily KintSU8i Hope Restoi-ed Made foi" Mol'e Stewai'dship - Martiii Youiig Cliiirclies Together in Clielmsfoi'd Ovei'seas Mission Orgai]isations aieiish a Child l Got Shoes Bev Muri'ill loo 3,000 2,000 500 250 6,600 5,000 3,000 6,600 5,000 3,000 6,600 5,000 81,431 loo 81,531 55,800 The Inissioii and suppoi't grants are for the followiiig purposes.. -Tlie titlie to Skylai'lc Inlei'iialional is towards suppoi-tiiis tlie inoveineiit to wliicli SC belongs. Liglitliouse Family Ti'ust is a pi-egnancy advice seivice operating in Clielmsfoi'd. CHESS is a cliaiity pioviding sheltei. and 5UPPOI't foi. tlie hoiiieless. Care foi. tlie FamÉly's aim Is to promote strong Eamily life aiid to Iielp those wlio f<1ce family difficulties. Kiiitsugi Hope exists to create safe aiid suppoitive spaces foi. those expeiiencing iiieiital aiid einotional liealth cliillleiiges Cliei'isli a Cliild suppoi'ts AIDS oi'plians iii Ugaiida. Cliui'clies Togetliei. in Clielinsfoi'd ai'i'anges joint events and pi'ovides a foium foi churclies aiid Christian orgc211isatioiis to woi'k together iii Chelnisfoi'd. Made foi. Mole pi'ovide mental liealili, mentoi'ing and Cliristiaii suppoi't to thLJ secondai'y scliools iii Chelnisford, Essex. l Got Slioes clSSlSts and eiiables the educatioii of childreii iii Ugatida, pi'ovidiiig grants, supplying shoes, unifoiiiis and scliool fees. Martiii Young has been leadiiig rlnd planting chLirclies foi. 25 years aiid iiow woi'ks with chui'ches aiid leadei's oli ci-eative ways to pi'esent the Cl)i-istian inessage. Bev Mui'i'ill co-Eouiided Clii'istiaii Gi'owth Ceiitre which becaine Skylai'l< Chui-cli and is active in teachiiig and encouraging chuicli leadei-s interiiationally fi'om hei. Iiome base iii Aust?'alia - tliis gift was to assist witli fui-tliei. acadeinic study. Restoi'ed is a cliai-ity wliich speaks up abolit violeiice agaiiist womeii and equips cliui-clies aci'oss tlic UK to respoiid to doiiiestlc clbuse and Provide support foi victiins OF abuse. Page 14
SI<YLARIC CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 4. FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Opening Balance at I Incoming April 2023 Resources Closiiig Balaiice at 31 March 2024 Resources Expeiided Transfers Restricted Funds Commuiiily Fuiid Pastoial Fund Pctcliey Achievement Awai'ds 43,228 14,966 2,338 10,789 17.353 {13,268) {9,910) (142) 40,607 22,409 2,338 Other 959 61,491 (17,500) (40,6781 17,000 16,858 459 65,814 28,142 Ultrestricted FuAid 382,250 594,436 (508,691) {549,369 (16,858) 451,136 443,740 622,578 516,950 The Coinmunity fund covers work that Skylark Church pei'foi'ms in aiid for the Community and includes assets tiansfei'ied Eiom ROC Chelmsfoid. Tlie Pastoral fund liolds donations for pastoi'al care of individuals witliiii tlie Cliurcli aiid to support llidividuals in tlie coinmunity and homes i'un by local chai'ities. Tlie Petchey acliievemetit awai'ds selieme is to support moiitlily awai-ds to youth gi'oups. Tlie Other Crltegory coiitaiiis i'estricled funds for items i'elated to buildiiigs. 5. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS 31-Mar-24 31-Mai'_23 Gloss Wages Élnd Salai'ies Employer's Natioiial Insuiance Einployer's Pension CoIiti'ibution 246,031 13,613 24,554 284,197 247,277 13,538 24,723 285,538 Tlie avelage nuinbei. of employees who wei'e engaged in tlie yeai. is as follows.. 31-MaT-24 31-Mai'_23 Activities in fui'tlierance of organisation's objects Full tiine equivalent Tlie cliarity operates a PAYE sclieme to P1( y all employed members of staff. No iiidividual einployee i-eceived einoliiinents ovei. £60,000. 13 14 The charity coiiti'ibutes to a Peiision Fuiid with Royal Londoii (pi'eiliously braiided <iS Scoltisli Life). Contributiotis ai'o ivade by the eiiiployees at 4 10 aiid i.lie employei. at 10 / for tliose einployees who are niembeis of the sclieme. Page 15
SI<YLARIC CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Freehold Land and Buildiiigs Fixtui-es Building Fittings and Renovations Equipmeiit Tot¢11 Cost At 31st Mai-cli 2023 Additions Disposals 965,074 28,093 114,773 4,328 1,107,940 4,328 As at 31st Marcli 2024 965,074 28,093 119,101 1,112,268 Depreciatioii As at 1st April 2023 Cli¢lTge for tlie yecll. Eliinination oli disposals 188,642 17,500 24,351 1,726 110,823 3,572 323,816 22,798 As at 31st Marcli 2024 206,142 26,077 114,395 346,614 Net Bool< Value At 1st Api'il 2023 At 31st Mai-cli 2024 776,432 3,742 3,950 4,706 784,124 765,654 758,932 2,017 The freehold laiid and buildings comprise of the chapel on Chiyal Road, Clielmsford aiid Uiiit 4 011 Haiibury Road, Chelinsfoi'd. Tlie unit at Haiibui'y Road was pui'cliased foi- £845,000 in June 2012. Tlie directoi's liave allocated £145,000 to laiid cliid £700,000 to tlie building, witli tlie building beiiig depi'eciated. Both pi'emises al'e used foi. tlie chai'ity's activities and tliei'efoi'e al'e included at eost. As tliere are few similar pi-opei-ties iii tlie area tlie market value is difficult to calciilate. As part of Ihe purchase of Haiibui'y Road tlie chapel was valued by the bank securiiig the loaii against it and the diiecloi's believe thic t tlie valucltioii is similar to the £120,000 wliicli is iiicliided in the al)ove. The additioiis this yeai. i'elate to tlie purcliase of fiii'thei. lighting and video equipinent to SUPPOTt oiiline bioadcasling of services and cliairs foi- couiiselliiig I'ooins. 7. COMMITMENTS UNDER OPERATING LEASES The Cliai'ity had a i'enlal and copy ehaiges on a photocopiei. in the office foi. five yeai's wliicli £tai-ted in 2017 aiid was due to expire in Api'il 2022. A i-enewal of tlie pliotocopiei. reiital was a'eed in Oclobei- 2020 witli tlie lea.se coininencing in Novembei. 2020. The new lease is due to expii-e iii Noveinbei. 2025. At year end the Ininiinuiii lease paynieiits undei lion caiicellable opei'ating leases fall due as Eollowq: 31-Mrqr-24 31-Mai'_23 Obligation per aiiiium.. Witliin One Year Betweeii one and five yeai's 873 1,454 873 2,327 2,327 3,200 Page 16
SI<YLARI< CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 8. TAXATION As a charity, Skylark Church is exempt from tax on incoine aiid gaiiis falling within section 478 of Ilie Coi'poration Tax Act 2010 (CTA 2010) to the extent that tliese ale applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have aTiseii iii the Charity. 9. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS 31-Mar-24 31-Mar-23 Tax Recoverable Suiidry Debtors and Prepaymeiits 8,985 2,372 11,357 8,466 2,004 10,470 10. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND 31-Mai'_24 31-Mai'_23 Cui-rent Accouiit Deposit Account Cominunity Accouiil Cash 13,943 153,437 36,478 29 203,887 17,106 65,883 41,349 34 124,371 11. CREDITORS AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31-Mar-24 31-Mai-23 Acci'uals Audit and Accountancy Ci'edit Cards Mortgage payable withiii oiie year 2,451 2,400 3,425 12,215 20,491 2,941 2,310 2,998 12,105 20,354 12. CREDITORS AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFfER ONE YEAR 31-Mai'_24 31-Mai'_23 Mortgage repayable over 30 years to Julie 2042 due as follows: Betweeii oiie aiid five yeai's In mol'e thÉ111 five ye¢irs 58,587 384,871 443,458 53,984 400,887 454,871 The moi'tgiige is cl repayRneiii Iocin aT)d beai's a intei'est of 7.75 % at 31st March 24 Page 17
SICYLARIC CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2024 13. RISIC ASSESSMENT The dii'ectors actively i'eview tlie inajoi. i-isks wliicli the chai'ity faces on a resulai. basis and believe that imaintaining the free resei'ves slated, eombined witli tlie aniiual review of the controls ovei. key financial systeins cari'ied out, will pi'ovide sufficieiil resources in tlie eveiit of adverse coiiditions. Tlie dii'ectors liave also exaniiiied oilier operational aiid busiiiess risks which they face aiid coirfii'm that they have established systems to mitigate the si11£1cal1I risks. 14. RELATED PARTIES Tlie EolIowing amouiits were paid to oi. oil behalf of relii ted pai'ties.. Total to 31 Mai'ch 2024 Peiision conti'ibutions Total to 31 March 2023 Related Party Salai'y Gi'ant Otlier Petei. & Nicola Siins Lesley Kernp Skylark liileriialioiiaL 74,719 6,067 7,472 607 493 82,684 6,674 54,731 78,032 6,296 37,200 54,731 80,787 8,079 54,731 493 144,089 121,528 Subject to cei'taiii conditions, tlie Memoi'aiidum of association pei'mit5 dii'eeloi's who offer theii. sei'vices to the Chai'ily as a religious pastor, to be reiiiunerated out OE income or property of the cliai'ity. Iii the Related Party list above, Petei- & Nicola Siins al'e Pastoi's & Trustees, Lesley Keinp is tlie wife of Cliarles Kemp who is a ti'ustee. Skylark liiternatioiial is a charity whicli supports a iielwoi'k of churches Iiiid miiiistries, orgaiiisiiig joiiit events, leadei'sliip conEerences aiid trainin8. Its pi'iinary funding coines fioin conti-ibutions inade by tlie churclies witliin the Skylai'k Inlei'nalional netwoi'k. Skyl¢irk Cliui'cli is one of tliese chui'ches. Peter & Nicolci Sinis al'e also Leadei's & Ti'ustees of Skylark liiteriialioil Two of the dii'ectoi's liave i'eceived paymeiit foi. travel, subsisteiice aiid study expenses totallin8 £374 (prior yeai. £493) in J'elatioii to services provided to the Compaiiy. Durin8 tlie yeai. the following amounts wei'e i'eceived fi-oin i'eliiled parties.. Total to Mil rch 2024 Total to Mai'ch 2023 Related Party Skylai'k liiteriiatioiial - Payrnenl Eor Adiniii Support 15,675 17,167 15,675 17,167 Pase 18
SKYLARI< CHURCH NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (coiitinued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2023 15. RESERVES POLICY The directors have considei'ed tlie level of i'esei'ves they wish to i'etain, appi'opi'iate to tlie chai'ity's needs. The dii'ectors coiisidei. it appi'opi'iate to i'etain a level of i'eserve5 held 121 liquid assets equal to oiie week of ruiiiiing eosls. Tliis is based oli the chai'ily's size aiid Ilie Level of coinmtln)eiils Iield. The dii'ectors aim to ensure the charity will be able to coiiliiiue to fulfil theii. charitable objectives even if Iliei'e is a teinporai'y shoi'ifall in incoine. The dii'ectoi's will endeavour to not 'Slt' on funds uniiecessarily. Page 19