REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER. 1124067 rian Gos l Trust ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
rian Gos l Trust ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Contents Page Trust Infomiation Trustees Report Independent Examiners Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet 10 Notes to the Financial Statements 11-12
ILLYRIAN GOSPEL TRUST TRUST INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Name: Illyrian Gospel Trust Charity Registration Number: 1124067 Governing Documentation: Declaration of Trust dated 10th March 2008 Trustees during the period: Roger Aldridge Michael Martin Robert Ness Neil Poole Helen Romain (Secretary) Jonathan Gulliford Richard Patterson ( Chairman) Paul Dutton (resigned 3rf April 2025) Tim Rawlinson Bankers: Virgin Money 7 Gold Street Northampton NN1 1EN HSBC Bank 1 Market Pla Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 1DR Independent Examiner: SCM Accountancy Services 39 Silver Birch Avenue Stotfold Hitchin Hertfordshire SG5 4AS
ILLYRIAN GOSPEL TRUST TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Trustees present their annual report and the financial statements for the 31 Dernber 2024. The accounts comply with the requirements of the SORI ear ended FRS102. 1. Structure Governance and Mana ement Governing document The goveming document is the Dedaration of Trust dated 10th March 2008 Recruiknent and appointment of Trustees Trustees are appointed and recruited in accordance with the Declaration of Trust dated 1 Oth March 2008. Recruitment and appointment of Trustees is conducted in accordance with paragraphs 15 & 16 of the said Declarab'on of Trust. Organizational structure The Trustees are responsible for the day to day running of the Trust and maintaining financial and other records for inspection at Trustees Meetings. Due regard has been given to the Charity Commission Guidan on Public Benefit. Trustees The Trustees, for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year were as follows.. - Roger Aldridge Neil Poole Michael Martin Robert Ness ffreasurer) Helen Romain (Secretary) Jonathan Gulliford Richard Patterson (Chairman) Paul Dutton (resigned April 2025) Tim Rawlinson 2. Ob"ectives and Activities Charitable objectsves (a) to advan the Christian faith in accordan with the Statement of Beliets appearing in the Schedule hereto in the United Kingdom, Albania 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 (b) to relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or ServIS of any kind, including through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of the United Kingdom, Albania or the world as the Trustees from time to b.me may think fiL (c) to advance education in accordan with the Christian principles set out in the Statement of Beliets in the Schedule hereto by such means as the Trustees may consider appropriate including by means of establishing and operating any educational establishment or establishments in the United Kingdom, Albania or the world as Ihe Trustees may from time to ts'me think fit. Main activities The easing of the global pandemic allowed the Fier and Patos churches to be able to meet in person. This has also allowed the re-establishment of women's meetings in both towns and meetings for youth and children. 3. Achievements Trainin and education The Field Director was able to teach two times at the Torchbearers Bible school in Ersekè. He also was able to teach at the Torchbearers school in Embu, Kenya, which is an offshoot of the school in Ersekè. He also tsught a group of pastors in Embu at a pastors Conferen and was able to speak at a number of events in the area. He was also able to preach in several churches in Albania. The Trust was able to sponsor a holiday Bible club for young people in Fier that drew folk from both Fier and Patos. The Director visited several churches in England and Scotland during the year both to preach and to promote the work of the Trust. He continues to provide written updates to supporters and to take part In online meetings. The Trust has been able to support the work of translation of Christian literature through IGNIS., an Abanian publishing company. These activities are in accord with paragraph (c) as set out in the objects'ves of the Trust and are designed to train Albanian believers to take over the leadership of the local churches. Relief of sickness and financial hardshi The Trust has been able to support a young teenager in his education in the town of Levan. This young man has been sponsored by the "Body and soul. meeting that Christchurch Baldock have organised. The Field Director and Assistant Field Director serve on the board of an Albanian charity, Light for the Blind, which seeks to serve the spiritual. social and humanitarian needs of the blind and partially sighted community in Albania. During this period we have been able to
sponsor blind people and their families to attend an annual camp. Pro The business creation scheme has been put into action through a grant to SDG3 Nails, a registered company in Albania whose owner is a member of the church in Fier. to open a shop In Tirana. Extensive discussions were held with the owner and the workers to improve upon their business plan and it was possible, through the generosity of a donor in the United Kingdom, to be able to give 20,000 euros as a long ten loan. This is in accord with paragraph (b) as set out in the Objects'ves of the Trust. Co-o erab'on with other bodies The Trust continued to work wtth the Albanian Evangelical Mission and LinkAcross and on a field level. It also supports the work of the Faith Bible Church in Tirana and particular its pastor Fabjon Ivanaj as well as the 'Way of Peace. churches in Fier and Patos. These organisations have objectives which are in line with the Trust's and comply with the Statement of Faith. Church Planb'n It has not been possible to pursue new church plants this year. However the Field Director and Assistant Field Director have continued visits to Levan, Suk and Verri which have the potential for church plants in the future. This is in accord with paragraph (a) as set out in the objectives of the Trust. Leadershi Trainin This year the trust has been able to support financially Lidia Niven and Israel Chijioke as students at the Erseke Bible school. Israel has now on completion of his studies begun a role as intem in the Fier church under the guidan of the Field Director and James Goodman. This is in accordan with paragraph (c) of the objectives of the Trust. Dele ated Authori A contract has been provtded for the Field Director stating the limits of operational and financial responsibility delegated to him by the Board. These are detailed below. nsibilities The responsibilities of the Field Director are as laid out in the Trust Deed of Illyrian Gospel Trust dated 1 Oth March 2008. These are detailed in Paragraph 4 of the Trust Deed. In particular, the activities of the Field Director, acting on behalf of the Trustees must comply with the Statement of Beliefs contained in the Schedule on pages 12-14 of the Trust Deed. In addition to these responsibilities the Field Director is required to submit a written report to the Trustees on the progress of the work of the Trust and any projects that it has undertaken every four months. The levels of delegated responsibility are listed below. 1 . Ministy Activities The Field Director is authorised to undertake any activity which can be shown to be compatible with the Aims and Objectives of the Trust. b) The Field Director is authorised to enter into collaborab.on with other Evangelical organisations whose aims and objecb.ves are not in conflict with those
of the Trust. The Field Director is authorised to invite any Evangelical organisation to cooperate with the Trust in its activities whose aims and objectives are in line with the Trust Deed subject to notification to the Trustees. 2. Financial The Field Director is authorised to commit to Ministy Expenses up to a single value of £250 without prior approval of the Trustees. The cumulative total of such expenses must not exed £1,000 per month. b) The Field Director is allowed one air fare per annum for himself and family for the purposes of visiting the UK. Any other overseas travel must be authorised by the Trustees. 4. Financial Review Fund Position as at 31 December 2024 The fund has £82,927 in hand at the end of the year, £50.579 being unrestricted and £32,348 being designated for specific needs and activities. This represents a reduction in funds of £17,138 compared to 31 December 2023. The principle reasons for this reduction are increased costs of staff in Albania and the publication of the J C Ryle Holiness book in Albanian. During 2024 gifts and donats'ons totalled £62,921, £28,003 for unrestricted use, mainly from supporting churches across the UK and £34.918 for designated use, principally to support Will and Doreta Niven, James Goodman, Bledi Lamaj, but also including a top up of funding for the business loans scheme which as mentioned above CoMmend in 2024. In addition £2,049 (£521. 2023) of interest was eamed from monies held at Virgin Money and Kingdom Bank. Reserves policy Monthly costs to run the Field Directors office are: Field Directorfs Pay £1,520 Assistant Field Directorfs Pay £1,440 Field Workerfs Pay £1,160 Pension and National Insuran Costs £ 420 Insuran costs £ 160 Other Monthly Costs: Support for blind believers Support for the Bledi Lamaj Support for Fabjon £150 £250 £40 £440 Other commitments.. Repatriation costs for Niven family Repatriation of James Goodman £5,000 £2.000
The Trustees consider that in the event of the Trust being closed that it would be prudent to assume it would take six months to enable the Trust to be closed in an orderly manner. Although the expected costs of an orderly closure have increased slightly the trustees still feel a provision of £36,000 from general funds would be sufficient to cover this as there is also a likelihood that additional funds could be raised for this purpose. It should be noted that although still small overall bank charges more than doubled in the year to £199 (£82,. 2023) as banks are now charging charities for their ServIS and we in turn are making some payments directly into Albania which is more expensive. During the year the Trustees opened a deposit account with Kingdom Bank and have deposited the £36,000 closure provision with them. 5. Future Develo ments The Field Director advised the board that from January 2027 he will not hold leadership responsibility in the Fier church. He will be based in Fier, a member of the church and still active in it but he will not be the leader of the church. Some of his responsibilities have already been delegated to others in the church. However there are a number of priorities for the Trust: Recruitment of a full time worker for the Fier church- whether Albanian or expat Recruitment of a fvll time worker for the Patos church- to support Bledi Lamaj Working through the transition in Fier and hand over of responsibilities Seeking to help publish more Christian literature in Albanian Seeking to support Albanian workers in practical ways 6. Risk review considerab.on has been given to risks associated with the promotion of 'Team Albania,. A review has been undertaken on proposed new legislation which it was thought may impact on 'Team Albania,. After careful consideration, it was determined that as 'Team Albania, is not offered as a Package type of activity this legislation did not apply. An Insuran policy is in place to cover the events highlighted in the risk review. The Trustees have insurance policies in place both to cover general liabilities including employee and public liability insuran. Additionally the Trustees have considered the issues and risks surrounding money overseas and have implemented policies to ensure adequate control and checking of payments sent to Albania. 7. Res nsibilities of the Trustses Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its receipt and application of resources including income and expenditure for that period. In preparing these financial ststements, the Trustees are required to Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently", make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
State whether applicable accounts'ng standards and statement of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and Prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the charity will continue in operational existen. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity. They a also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
rlan Gos l Trust INDEPENDEpif EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Iltyrian Gospel Trust I report on the financial statements of the Trust for the year ended 31 Dember 2024. which are set out on pages 8 to 11. These financial statements have been prepared under the histori(xl cost convention and the accounting policies set out therein. Rospective responsibiliti'es of trustees and examiner As the trustees you ar6 responsible for the preparation of the accounts,. you consider that the audit requirement of s144 of the Chartties Act 2011 (the Charitses Act) does not apply. It is my responsibilty to- Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Atx Follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under section 145(5)(b) of the Chartties Act) and State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examinevs Report My examination VRS carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also indudes consideration of any unusual ttems of disclosure in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from the tnjstees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all of the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequently no opinion is given as to whether or not the accounts present a Yrue and fairf view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the stalement below. Independent Examinerfs Statsment In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attentton.. (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in ary material respect the requirements: to keep accounling records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the a(xx)unting records and comply wrth the accounting requirements of the Charlties Act have not been met.. or to which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. (2) 8 August 2025 Sue Matejtschuk FCA SCM Accountancy Services Ltd 39 Silver Birch Avenue Stotfold Hit¢hin Herts SG5 4AS
111 rlan Gos l Trtt STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTMTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Total Funds 2024 Totsl Funds 2023 General Restricted Funds Funds Incoming resources Income resources from generated funds Donations and legacies Investment income and interest Bank interest 28.003 34.918 62.921 81,808 2.049 2,049 521 Total Incoming resources 30.052 34.918 64,970 82,329 Rosour¢es expended Charitable expenditure Staff ¢osts Other Nnning costs 38,186 1,574 19.549 57,735 1.574 52,436 1,409 Grantmaking 2.560 20.235 22,795 13.804 Governan costs Independent examination Trustee's expenses 150 Total resources expanded 42,320 39,784 82,104 67.799 Net Movements in funds {£12.268) (£4,866) {£17,134) 14,530 Total funds at 1 January 2024 62.847 37.214 100.061 85.531 Total funds at 31 December 2024 50,579 32,348 82,927 100,061
nan Gos l Trust BALANCE SHEEr FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 The assets and liabilities of the Ghaiity.. Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 82,927 100,C61 Net current assets 82,927 100,061 Total assets less current liabilities 82,927 100,061 Net assets including pension assot I liabllity 10 The funds of the charity." Unrestricted income funds 50,579 62,847 Restricted income funds 32.348 37.214 Totsl charity funds 82,9 ss Robert Ness Trustee Approved by the trustees on ..... The notes on pages 10-11 form an integral part of these accounts. 10
an Gos Tnt NO S FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basss of preparation The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The aw)unts are in accordance wrth the ComMendatIOnS in Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice issued in March 2005 and c(Imply with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2LM)5 issued under the Charibes Act 1993. The financi81 statements have been prepared in accordan with all applicable accounting standards, as modff*d by the Ststemenl of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting i8sued by th8 Charrty Commissioners for England & Wales, {Tevtsed June 2008). Tr accounts have been drawn up in accordance with the provisions of the Charities Acts . and include the results of djaritys ¢)perations which ale descnbed in the Trustees. Report, all of which are continuing. The charity has taken advantage of the exemplfr)n in Financial Reporting Stsndard No 1 from the requirement to prcduce a cash flow ststemenl. The partirJJlar accounting policies adopt&J are set out belcmf. Fund aGcountlng Unrestricted funds are avaliable for use at the discretion of the Tntstees in the fijrtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are subj'ect to restrictK)ns on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the temis of an appeal. Incoming Tosources Incoming resources are accounted for on a receivab ba¥i8. Resources gxpended All expendtiure recognised in the peri(xJ in which inCUrd and accounted foi on an accnjals basis. This has then been classrfied under headings that aggregate all costs related lo the category. Resources expended include attributable VAT that cannot be Covered. and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. Charitable expenditure compn8es those costs incurred by the charity in the delrvery of its 8dNriies and services for rts beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such athities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Govemance Costs include those costs assocsated wrth meeting the constttutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include the accountancy fees and costs linked to the strategi management of the chanty. The Trustees have been reimbsjtsed £nil expenses (2023.. £nit) STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS Staff costs were as follows". 2024 2023 Pay & Pension Expenses 51.784 5,951 57,735 48,408 4.028 52,436 Of the above. £19,549 P023- £19,296) was sourced through restrirted funds. staff.. Field Director Assistant Fk1 Director Field Evangelist 11
nan Gos l Trust NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 OTHER RUNNING COSTS 2023 Insurance Membership Fees Bank Charges Other Costs 692 533 632 490 82 205 1409 150 1,574 2024 2023 General Restncted Children's Work Project RritJ"a (Fier church) Bledi Brunna Fabi Blind Books for Teaching Food parlS AEP Conference Niko & Ada Light for the Blind JC Ryle Holiness { Albanian) Donsa Axhelo 2,932 331 3,769 2.932 331 4,276 247 828 770 2,861 959 2,712 2,400 1,993 300 296 25 507 247 993 250 993 250 1,924 1,924 9,000 260 400 13,804 2,560 20,235 22,795 Money spent in Abania was £75.213. which represents 92% of total expenditure. RESTRICTED FUND ANALYSIS 2024 Opening Balance 2024 Closlng Income Trdnsfer Expense Balance Funds Project Rritya (Fier church) Bledi Fabi Children's Wo Blind Business Loans Light for the Blind Pastor Training Anxhelo Books for Teaching {Kenya) JC RWe Holiness (Albanian) 3,097 {3311 (3.769) (556) {2,932} {993) 2,984 12 3.781 5.242 1.031 993 4,450 2,235 3,341 12.355 2,920 140 16.805 3,231 980 11,924) {4801 {250) 9,000 (20,235) 27,333 250 32.754 14814 Staff Will and Doreta James Goodman Total 4,214 9,843 246 10,261 37,214 34,918 {9,288) 4,769 10,261 246 139,7841 32,348 12