## **Godly Play UK** **Charity number: 1116846 TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2023** ## Activities - how the charity spends its money Godly Play UK is a Christian movement centred on childhood spirituality providing training, advice and support for those who use the Godly Play method to transform thinking and practice for the whole of life. ## Income and expenditure Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet for financial year ending 31 December 2023 attached. ## People Employees with total benefits over £60,000: No employees have total benefits over £60k for this charity. 8 Trustees 15 Trainers supported by a number of advocates. ## Fundraising This charity raises funds from the public but does not work with professional fundraisers or commercial participators. ## Trading This charity does not have any trading subsidiaries. ## Trustee payments No trustees receive any remuneration, payments or benefits from the charity. ## What the charity does Religious Activities ## Who the charity helps Children, young people and adults ## How the charity helps Provides Services ## Where the charity operates Throughout England and Wales ## Registration history 16 November 2006: Registered Organisation type Trust ## Other names No other names ## Gift aid Recognised by HMRC for gift aid ## Other regulators No information available ## Policies Risk management: Risk Register updated October 2021 Investment: Reserves Policy updated March 2021 Safeguarding vulnerable beneficiaries: Safeguarding Policy updated October 2020 Conflicting interests: Conflicts of Interest Policy Updated March 2021 Complaints handling: Complaints Policy updated January 2021 ## Land and property This charity does not own and/or lease land or property ## Trustees' Annual Report for the period From 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023 ## Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document The objects of the Trust are to advance the Christian faith in particular but not so as to limit the generality of the foregoing by means of a method of Christian education and spiritual direction using religious language and symbol to help people become more aware of the mystery of God's presence in their lives in such parts of the United Kingdom or the World as the trustees may from time to time think fit and to fulfil such other purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the law of England and Wales and are connected with the charitable work of the Trust Declaration of Trust establishing Godly Play UK 25 September 2006 Godly Play UK: taking children’s spirituality seriously Godly Play is a Christian Movement centred on childhood spirituality – providing training to transform thinking and practice for the whole of life ## Vision Godly Play UK’s vision is for childhood spirituality to be taken seriously. ## Aims Godly Play UK is a Christian movement centred on childhood spirituality. Godly Play recognises childhood spirituality as an instinctive and profound capacity that includes a natural, sense of God’s mystery and presence. We provide training, advice and support for those who use the Godly Play method to transform thinking and practice for the whole of life. Through Godly Play theory and practice we advocate and provide for better recognition and care of childhood spirituality – a spirituality for life. Through Godly Play we promote open, creative ways to explore Christian story and practices, so the art of using spiritual language meaningfully in our lives can be enjoyed at all ages. Through Godly Play we offer a well-tested alternative to seeing children as empty vessels, and to the stressful societal cultures of consumerism, measurement and achievement. The Godly Play UK Trust seeks to achieve its aims by: - providing training advice and support for those who use the Godly Play method, working with the worldwide Godly Play community; - working with others: churches, schools, denominations, community groups, training colleges; - raising awareness of the vision and values of Godly Play practice; - seeking to apply GP process and principles to the work of the organisation. Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts The Trustees met formally and virtually twice, with other subgroups working between these meetings to enable progress on specific areas of work. Godly Play UK had 15 Trainers during 2023. Six 3-day face to face courses – Harrow, Sunderland, Wales, Worcester, Preston, Cuddesdon (Oxfordshire) – 78 participants Retreat at Shepherd’s Dene, Northumberland for 9 participants Two making Materials days, Rugby and Cuddesdon - 10 participants Two 4-session online introductions reaching 18 participants One trainer presenting at Head Teachers’ conference online One United Reform Church 3-day course face to face One Salvation Army 3-day course face to face One day Introductory day at St Stephen’s House face to face There are informal networks supporting those involved in Godly Play across the country which are supported by the Trainers, but not all areas of the UK are covered by these. There is also a very active Godly Play Facebook group which is supported by the Trainers. The Trainers are remunerated by the Trust for the work they do on 3-day face-to-face courses and on online introductory courses. Otherwise, the Trainers offer the bulk of their time on a voluntary basis. St Michael’s Workshop in Bowthorpe continues to sell approved Godly Play materials made by their service users. Godly Play UK has no financial arrangement with the Bowthorpe Trust, but there is a good working relationship and a group from each body meets regularly to facilitate development of materials. ## Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit The Charity has due regard to the Charity Guidance on Public Benefit. ## Policy on grant making Godly Play UK will make 10% of its annual gains available to subsidise the cost of attending one of its 3-day training courses. Conditions for this are that applicants must come from a situation where resources are under pressure; joint funding with other bodies is preferable; areas where Godly Play is not yet established are a particular area of interest; applicants who have a plan for use of their learning are preferred. Applications are in writing to the Chair who will seek references. No bursaries were requested in 2023. ## Policy on social investment including programme related investment The social impact of GPUK is the support it provides to individuals to enrich their lives. The core training by a small group of Trainers enables those who have received this training to go out into churches, schools and other settings to work with a wider range of people. The work is supported by our Advocates in their communities and by our Associates who make a modest annual donation which is used to further the aims and reach of GPUK, particularly through the magazine, bursaries and funding for new initiatives. ## Contribution made by volunteers A great deal of the work done by the Trust’s Trainers is undertaken on a voluntary basis: for example, many taster sessions of an hour or more; telephone advice to practitioners; advice via the Facebook group; writing articles for the Trust’s website and magazine. All the trustees are volunteers and some work not only on governance matters but on the practical day-to-day tasks required to ensure the development of the work. ## Other ## Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. GPUK has continued to produce the twice-yearly 28-page magazine for Associates of Godly Play UK, articles from which are then freely available on the GPUK website. The uptake of on-line Introductions to Godly Play has enabled GPUK to continue to reach out to new participants since the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic. Regional network groups have begun to meet again face-to-face and some continue to function virtually online. ## Achievements against objectives set The commitment to keep going during the Covid -19 pandemic required considerable creativity and resourcefulness from all concerned but the positive impact of new offerings will be long-term. The new website has been welcomed by all who use it. ## Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set The Associates scheme of annual donations has continued successfully. There have been a small number of other donations. ## Investment performance against objectives The Trust takes a cautious approach to investment in line with our Reserves Policy. GPUK reserves should be placed so that they achieve a competitive rate of interest but - should be held in an ethical fund - should be held in a secure fund with minimal risk - placement of the reserves should be approved by the Trustees - As such, returns on investment are small. ## Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period The Trust holds reserves of £36,900 built up over a number of years. ## Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held The reserve will be used to further the objects and reach of Godly Play’s charitable objects. The Trust is actively looking at projects which do this. ## Amount of reserves held £36,900 ## The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) The principal sources of funding are: - Course fees – from online and face-to-face courses - Associates ’ fund - Donations ## Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted The Trust takes a cautious approach to investment in line with our Reserves Policy. GPUK reserves should be placed so that they achieve a competitive rate of interest but - should be held in an ethical fund - should be held in a secure fund with minimal risk - p lacement of the reserves should be approved by the Trustees ## A description of the principal risks facing the charity The Trust maintains a Risk Register which covers all aspects of risk. The Register is reviewed twice each year by the Trustees. The coronavirus outbreak had an impact in that it was not possible to run so many courses during the year. The future risks ensuing from a similar outbreak have to some extent been mitigated by the development of on-line resources. The Trust is aware of its reliance on a small number of Trustees and volunteers and intends to try to address this in the coming year. ## Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) Declaration of Trust establishing Godly Play UK 25 September 2006 How is the charity constituted? Unincorporated organisation Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more ## trustees Trustees are approached on the basis of reputation and experience. GPUK welcomes Trustees from all backgrounds and invites individuals to apply through the website. A recruitment process involving application, CV and references is undertaken before potential candidates are invited to meet with other Trustees and gain an understanding of working practices before they agree to become a Trustee. They are then proposed to the Trustees for approval. A new Trustee signs a Fit and Proper Person’s declaration ## Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees The Trust has an Induction process carried out by the Chair of Trustees involving, for those without a background in Godly Play, an exposure to Godly Play values. All new Trustees receive details of financial background and accounts, previous minutes and polices. New Trustees are invited to join a sub-committee where appropriate. New Trustees are invited to observe GPUK training. Trustees have an opportunity to meet and work with the Trainers at the annual Trustee and Trainer get-together. ## The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works The Trust manages the business of the organisation. The Trust outsources some administrative and financial functions such as administration, accounts and website development. The Chair of Trustees and the Lead Trainer meet regularly to plan and discuss developments. The Trainers are a self-supporting college who hold on-line meetings with each other about a variety of issues. The customary annual residential meeting of Trustees and Trainers took place for one day in October 2023 ## Relationship with any related parties Salvation Army St. Michael's Workshop Bowthorpe Community Trust United Reformed Church ## **Balance Sheet** ## **GPUK** ## **As at 31 December 2023** |**Balance Sheet**
**GPUK**
**As at 31 December 2023**|**Balance Sheet**
**GPUK**
**As at 31 December 2023**| |---|---| |**31 DEC 2023**
**31 DEC 2022**|| |**Current Assets**|| ||**Cash at bank and in hand**| ||CAF Cash Account
3,264.23
2,099.18| ||CAF Gold Account
37,844.94
38,132.45| ||**Total Cash at bank and in hand**
**41,109.17**
**40,231.63**| ||615 - Trade Debtors
38.00
217.49| ||620 - Prepayments
212.48
563.31| |**Total Current Assets**
**41,359.65**
**41,012.43**
**Creditors: amounts falling due withinone year**|| |800 - Accounts Payable
457.71
3,642.59|| |805 - Accruals
3,061.50
997.50|| |806 - Accrued Liability: Trainer Fees
117.30
-|| |810 - Income in Advance
882.62
2,139.00|| |840 - Historical Adjustment
(59.95)
(59.95)|| |**Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**
**4,459.18**
**6,719.14**|| |**Net Current Assets (Liabilities)**
**36,900.47**
**34,293.29**|| |**Total Assets less Current Liabilities**
**36,900.47**
**34,293.29**|| |**Net Assets**
**36,900.47**
**34,293.29**
**Capital and Reserves**|| |960 - Retained Earnings
34,293.29
33,700.74|| |Current Year Earnings
2,607.18
592.55|| |**Total Capital and Reserves**
**36,900.47**
**34,293.29**|| 20 Sept 2024 Page 1 of 1 Balance Sheet GPUK ## **Profit and Loss** ## **GPUK** ## **For the year ended 31 December 2023** |**Profit and Loss**
**GPUK**
**For the year ended 31 December 2023**||| |---|---|---| ||**2023**|**2022**| |**Turnover**||| |210 - Sales: Course - Online Introduction|900.00|2,150.00| |220 - Sales: Course - F2F Introduction|-|280.00| |230 - Sales: Course - F2F Core|19,463.59|12,665.00| |240 - Sales: Course - Outsourced|3,713.96|3,439.10| |255 - Sales: Retreat|2,383.00|2,166.00| |257 - Sales: Enrichment|310.99|-| |260 - Sales: Training the Trainer|-|7,447.96| |**Total Turnover**|**26,771.54**|**28,148.06**| |**Cost of Sales**||| |324 - CoS: Postage|21.48|1.99| |330 - CoS: Course - Online Introduction|300.00|1,000.00| |340 - CoS: Course - F2F Introduction|-|262.00| |350 - CoS: Course - F2F Core|14,340.75|9,572.86| |360 - CoS: Course - Outsourced|2,223.50|2,116.62| |375 - CoS: Retreat|2,037.20|1,965.00| |376 - CoS: Enrichment|345.79|-| |380 - CoS: Training the Trainer|-|8,379.23| |**Total Cost of Sales**|**19,268.72**|**23,297.70**| |**Gross Profit**|**7,502.82**|**4,850.36**| |**Administrative Costs**||| |390 - Trustee/Trainer Meeting|250.75|2,358.10| |400 - Advertising, Marketing & PR|204.25|428.47| |401 - Magazine|800.00|-| |402 - Administrator Fees|3,584.76|3,015.54| |403 - Accountancy (& Audit) Fees|1,207.50|823.05| |404 - CAF Bank Charges & Interest|60.00|111.00| |405 - CAF Bank Foreign Exchange Fees|6.00|39.00| |406 - Stripe Fees|126.43|108.85| |407 - Givestar Fees|5.01|0.82| |408 - Paypal Fees|4.21|-| |409 - CAF Donate - DD Admin Charge|4.50|5.00| |410 - CAF Donate - DD Donation Charge|68.55|68.40| |411 - CAF Donate - Gift Aid Charge|4.58|11.48| |418 - Charitable Donations|500.00|-| |425 - Postage, Freight & Courier|5.89|25.00| |429 - General Expenses|7.00|-| |433 - Insurance|442.29|570.30| |456 - Gifts to Donors|-|42.58| |458 - Gifts to Volunteers etc|63.89|100.00| Profit and Loss GPUK 6 Sept 2024 Page 1 of 2 Profit and Loss ||**2023**|**2022**| |---|---|---| |||| |459 - Gifts to Volunteers etc (CASH)|-|500.00| |461 - Printing|89.19|-| |462 - Stationery|25.65|45.96| |463 - IT: Software|563.13|184.35| |478 - Lead Trainer Fees|974.20|2,400.00| |485 - Subscriptions|35.00|16.04| |492 - Travel - National|87.00|-| |494 - Travel - International|-|100.00| |646 - IT: Website|223.00|180.40| |**Total Administrative Costs**|**9,342.78**|**11,134.34**| |**Operating Profit**|**(1,839.96)**|**(6,283.98)**| |**Other Income**||| |120 - Donations: Cash|20.00|-| |140 - Donations: Website Link (Givestar)|180.00|50.00| |144 - Donations: DD|360.00|360.00| |150 - GIFT AID|736.25|510.00| |160 - Donations: International|-|5.00| |180 - Membership|3,225.00|3,551.25| |198 - Associates Fund Course Support|600.00|1,627.00| |270 - Interest Income|725.89|157.28| |280 - Other Income: Trustee/Trainer Meeting|-|116.00| |290 - Other Income: Donations for Volunteers|-|500.00| |**Total Other Income**|**5,847.14**|**6,876.53**| |**Profit on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation**|**4,007.18**|**592.55**| |**Profit after Taxation**|**4,007.18**|**592.55**| Profit and Loss GPUK 6 Sept 2024 Page 2 of 2 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the Irustees Godly Play UK On accounts for the year ended 31" December 2023 Charlty no (if any) 1116846 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'the Trust.) for the year ended 3111212023 Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in a￿OrdanCe with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I'the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounls 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(Sllbl of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material mallers have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause lo believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports} Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that Ihc accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 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 lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Slgned.. Date: 81912024 Name: David Geoffrey Werry Relevant professional qualification{s) or body (if any): ICAEW Address: 3, Laurel Close Lichfield WS13 6rr IER Oct 2018