**Annual Report and Accounts**
**Charity No. 1124548**
**Company No. 6563119**
**year ending 31st December 2023**
## **Buxton Church in the Peak**
**Directors’ Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023**
## **Contents**
1. Reference and Administrative Details
2. Structure, Governance and Management
3. Objectives and Activities
4. Achievements, Performance and Public Benefit
- 4.1 The Source
- 4.2 Buxton Partnerships
- 4.3 National & International Partnerships
5. Financial Review
6. Plans for the Future
7. Acknowledgements
## **1. Reference and Administrative Details**
|Charity name:|**Buxton Church in the Peak**|
|---|---|
|Registered Charity Number:|**1124548**|
|Company Limited by Guarantee
Registered Number:|**6563119**|
|Charity's Registered Ofce:|**The Source**
**7, Terrace Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 6DR**
Tel: 01298 71975 (church ofce)
Email:buxtoncitp7@gmail.com|
|Directors (Trustees):|Mr Jon Parsons
Mrs Jo Parsons
Mr Charles Oakley
Mr Simon Graham
Mr Julian Hayes
Mr Mat Baker
Dr Helen Bradbrook|
|Company Secretary:|Mr Charles Oakley
116, Macclesfeld Road, Buxton, SK17 9AD
Tel: 01298 23935
Email:chas_oakley@yahoo.co.uk|
|Finance Director:|Mr Jon Parsons (actng)|
|Bankers:|The Co-Operatve Bank|
## **2. Structure, Governance and Management**
## **Introduction**
The Directors of Buxton Church in the Peak are pleased to present their Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.
The Directors confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity’s governing document, the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in March 2005 and the requirement to report on “Public Benefit.”
## **Governing Document and Constitution**
Buxton Church in the Peak became a registered charitable trust on 5[th] August 2001 governed by a Declaration of Trust and became a Company Limited by Guarantee from 1[st ] January 2009. The church is now governed by a Memorandum of Articles and Association with a board of Directors and a church leadership team.
Throughout 2023 Mr Jon Parsons continued to serve as Trustees & Directors. Mrs Jo Parsons, Mr Charles Oakley, Mr Simon Graham and Mr Julian Hayes served as Trustees and Directors until 1[st] July 2023. Mr Matt Baker and Dr Helen Bradbrook were appointed as Trustees and Directors on 1[st] July 2023. Mr Jon Parsons was Chair of the board throughout 2023. Mr Charles Oakley continued to serve in the post of Company Secretary until 1[st] May 2023. Mr Jon Parsons served as acting Finance Director throughout 2022.
## **Management**
When the church was first established, a leadership model typical of churches in the ‘New Frontiers’ group (to which Buxton Church in the Peak is affiliated) was adopted, with Elders overseeing the church. The Lead Elder of the church had principal responsibility for determining the spiritual vision and strategic direction of the church and was responsible for the management and pastoral oversight of the church and its ministries. This model of leadership was followed until the end of 2017.
Jon & Jo Parsons were appointed as joint leaders of the church at the start of 2018, supported by a leadership team which was expanded to 6 people plus Jon & Jo themselves at the start of 2020; no elders were appointed during 2023 and the leadership team has continued to discuss the most appropriate future governance model for the church in the light of biblical concepts and other church organisations.
In July 2023 Jo Parsons stepped down from her role as Trustee and Director having previously stepped down as a leader of the church.
Jon Parsons was responsible for the strategic direction of the church during 2023 along with overall management and pastoral oversight of the church and its ministries. The leadership team met regularly to ensure the effective management of church affairs and pastoral responsibilities.
## **Selection and Recruitment of Directors**
The “Articles of Association” states that "a new Trustee may be appointed by a resolution of the Trustees passed by a majority of the Trustees". A candidate's suitability for trusteeship is considered on the basis of their character, spiritual maturity and experience, both within the church and within their wider activities. The role of a church Director is explained to the candidate and their willingness and ability to serve the church by handling its financial and legal affairs is discussed with the leadership team and the existing Directors.
All Trustees are Directors and vice versa.
## **Induction and training of Directors**
Induction of new Directors is achieved through discussions and meetings with the existing Directors and by making relevant internal documents and Charity Commission publications available to familiarise new Directors with current organisational issues and relevant charity legislation.
All Directors are encouraged to check updates on the Charity Commission website and attend training seminars on an on-going basis where these are relevant to their work.
## **Risk management**
The Directors meet on a regular basis to consider the financial, legal and organisational business of the church and are responsible for managing all risks relating to church activities and The Source premises (see Section 4.1). On-going activities of the church which may present a risk are regularly reviewed and measures are put in place to manage the risk: staff training, internal policies, public liability insurance, employer's liability insurance, indemnity policies, etc.
The church has a Child Protection Policy with written guidelines for those working with under 18's. DBS checks and child protection training sessions are arranged for those working with under 18's. The church also has a Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy, accompanied by practice guidelines.
There have been no “Serious Incidents” to report in 2023.
## **3. Objectives and Activities**
## **Charitable Objects and Aims**
The “Memorandum of Association” states the Objects of the Charitable Company as:
- (a) “to advance the Christian faith”
- (b) “to relieve sickness and financial hardship”
- (c) “to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare”
As a Christian charity we aim to clearly proclaim the gospel message in a relevant and lively way and show the love of Jesus by bringing love, hope, peace and encouragement to people, especially where there has been despair, grief, loneliness, poverty and other negative life experiences.
## **Vision and Strategy**
We aim to be a church that sees lives changed, by Jesus, one at a time by being:
- a community where people from all backgrounds can come, just as we are, and feel welcome to **belong**
- somewhere that we can discover and experience God’s love, forgiveness and kindness towards us, through Jesus, that we may **believe** and trust in Him
- a place where we can put our faith and trust in Jesus, where He can transform us by his love, through the Holy Spirit, that we may **become…** the people that God always intended us to be
We want to serve our town and beyond by working alongside other churches, charities and organisations, that we might provide caring support for those in need in Buxton, the surrounding area and beyond.
## BUXTON church in the peak
a community where people can belong, believe and become…
## **4. Achievements, Performance and Public Benefit**
The Directors confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. At Buxton Church in the Peak, we believe that we provide a range of significant public benefits through our activities:
- _providing several contexts throughout the week, where Christians can worship_
- _enabling local Christians to put their faith into action through a variety of social projects both locally and overseas_
- _providing financial support to organisations helping local people in difficult circumstances such as Choices Counselling and the Buxton Food Bank_
- _resourcing charitable works overseas which aim to improve public health and develop sustainable communities_
- _providing humanitarian aid to overseas charities and disaster appeals_
As a charity the impact we want to make is difficult to measure in qualitative or quantitative terms but can be observed over time by seeing individual lives improved and circumstances transformed. Regular attendance and growth in numbers is a helpful indicator that an activity is working well, but would not be our sole measure of effectiveness as our objectives relate mainly to having a beneficial effect on people's lives, which often involves small changes over time.
The amount of charitable giving and the willingness of church members to give their time, skills and money to help others can also be seen as a measure of success, for without their commitment and faithful service, we could accomplish very little.
Throughout 2023 Buxton Church in the Peak was meeting in 2 congregations, both at the Source; on Sunday mornings and midweek in the evening. In total the church was regularly gathering about 4050 adults and children across both of its meetings.
Each congregation provided a different context and environment for people to meet and worship God. Sunday morning is a more conventional modern church meeting with lively worship and a sermon and the mid-week meeting in the Source is led by Mr Jon Parsons based around a committed and diverse group of people meeting each week to share a meal together before having a time of worship and bible study.
In addition to the 2 church meetings, a number of Life Groups regularly met throughout the year to share together, pray and study the Bible. Occasional midweek evening meetings also take place at the Source to draw the whole membership together and to discuss church activities, finance, vision and strategy.
## **4.1 The Source**
The Source building is wholly owned by Buxton Church in the Peak. It is equipped to operate as a café from the ground floor and has offices used for church administration. It also has a small counselling room, a larger training room, lift access and toilet facilities for the disabled. During 2023 a significant refit of the main downstairs room was undertaken, with the café services being removed and a more traditional kitchen being installed, which is more in line for use as per the needs of the church.
During 2023 the building was used exclusively for the purposes of the church meeting together and no rooms were hired out.
In 2023 the church once again supported an initiative to provide both ingredients and fully packaged hampers at Christmas to local families and individuals who were known to be in difficult financial circumstances, or who were going to be alone on Christmas day. This was all undertaken in collaboration with the Residents of Fairfield Association who support people living under challenging conditions.
For the first half of 2023 we continued to advertise the building for sale for an asking price of £500,000. Despite continued interest the building remained unsold and the leadership were considering the continued advertising of the building and discussed a potential reduction in price. In June 2023 the leadership felt directed to take the building off sale and re-invest into its maintenance and refit, more closely aligning its facilities with the main purpose of the church.
## **4.2 Buxton Partnerships**
We have been privileged to support and work in partnership with several other local groups with which we have much in common:
- As part of our efforts to offer pastoral care to the community of Buxton we have actively supported a **Churches Together in Buxton (CTiB)** initiative to form a **Town Chaplaincy** : a group of volunteers drawn from the churches of Buxton who make weekly visits to willing businesses in the town to offer practical care and prayer support.
## **4.3 National and International Partnerships**
Buxton Church in the Peak is a member of the Catalyst network, part of the New Frontiers family of churches. As such, throughout 2023 we were involved with a range of activities in conjunction with ‘Catalyst’ and benefitted from events and support provided by them.
In 2023 we continued our support for the Turning Point Trust (TPT). TPT is a Christian charity working in the Nairobi slums. Their mission is to demonstrate God’s heart for the poor through programmes that relieve poverty, restore hope and transform live amongst vulnerable children and their families. We see this partnership as very significant in the future of Buxton Church in the Peak.
## **5. Financial Review**
## **Financial Position**
Our income for 2023 was £32,609 (£45,424 in 2022) and our expenditure was £39,533 (£56,464 in 2022); of this expenditure Church staff costs were £13,631* (£36,619* in 2022).
During the year we gave £4,447 to support the work of other churches and charities in Buxton, the UK and in Africa.
At the end of 2023 the Church’s assets, including the Source building and its contents, totalled £477,029 (£488,069 at end 2022).
Throughout 2023 we continued to see regular numbers of church members decline and this contributed to our worsening financial position continue from 2022 through 2023, with regular giving falling
Expenditure through the year remained roughly in line with that of 2022 leading to an overall decrease of our cash in bank of £11,040.
_* this figure includes National Insurance and PAYE tax_
## **Remuneration of Trustees**
The governing document for Buxton Church in the Peak allows for the renumeration of trustees where those in receipt are either church leaders, or providing specialist skills.
The following Trustees were remunerated for the stated amounts during 2023 for services to the church, _excluding_ their Trustee activities for which they were _not_ renumerated: Jon Parsons (church leader): £ 5,229 Jo Parsons (church leader): £ 1,792 Julian Hayes (specialist skills): £ 3,557
## **Reserves Policy**
The Directors have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs, based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments held. Our current policy, and practice, is to maintain the reserve at £9,000.
## **6. Plans for the future**
For 2024 our plans include the following:
**Church vision** : to develop a vision for the future of the church that will engage and enthuse church members and guide strategy and decision making over the coming years.
**Church unity** : to continue to look for opportunities to work more closely with other local churches and regional churches (including Church in the Peak Matlock and Chesterfield).
To seek ways to build church ‘community’ amongst the membership and provide pastoral support where there are needs amongst our membership.
**Local support** : to continue to look for ways to support local charitable works with a Christian ethos.
**Leadership** : to involve more church members in the running of the church by serving in various capacities and taking responsibility for ministries.
**Overseas links** : to explore the possibility of developing closer links with the Turning Point Trust, working with the poor in Kenya.
**Longer Term Plans** : to pray for, and follow leads, for a new church building out of which we can run a range of ministries and also meet on Sundays.
**Finance:** to sell the source building and bring ongoing costs in line with forecast income.
## **7. Acknowledgements**
The Church relies on the generous hearts of individuals and God’s provision to fund its activities. So much of the work done by the church is done voluntarily by an incredibly committed church membership. The Directors are very grateful to all those who have contributed with finance, prayer, gifting and time throughout the year to enable us to have achieved so much.
## **BUXTON CHURCH IN THE PEAK Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2023**
|**Notes**
**Incoming resources**
**Voluntary income:**
Donations and legacies
**1**
Tax Reclaimed
**Investment income:**
Bank Interest
**2**
**Total incoming resources**
**Expenditure on:**
Church running costs
**3**
The Source building running costs
**4**
Charitable activities
**5**
Support costs
**6**
**Total resources expended**
**Net incoming/(outgoing) resources**
**For year**
**Total funds brought forward**
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
Total
**Funds**
**Funds**
**Funds**
Funds
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
2022
**£**
**£**
**£**
£
20,036
6,939
26,975
35,856
5,484
-
5,484
9,549
-
150
150
19
25,520
7,089
32,609
45,424
17,709
-
17,709
40,715
12,573
4,216
16,789
6,045
3,997
450
4,447
8,688
588
-
588
1,016
34,868
4,666
39,533
56,464
**(9,348)**
**2,423**
**(6,924)**
**12,611**
22,195
454,834
477,029
488,069
**12,848**
**457,258**
**470,105**
**477,029**|
|---|---|
1
## **BUXTON CHURCH IN THE PEAK Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2023**
|**Notes**
**NON CURRENT ASSETS**
Tangible assets
**8**
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
**9**
Cash at bank and in hand
**10**
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling
due within one year
**11**
**Net Current Assets**
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS**
**CURRENT LIABILITIES**
**INCOME FUNDS**
Restricted funds
**12**
Unrestricted funds|**£**
**£**
£
£
450,000
450,000
1,190
1,188
18,915
26,139
20,105
27,327
0
297
20,105
27,029
**470,105**
**477,029**
453,450
451,177
16,655
25,852
**470,105**
**477,029**
**31.12.23**
31.12.22|
|---|---|
These financial statements were approved by the trustees on and signed on their behalf by:
2
## **BUXTON CHURCH IN THE PEAK**
## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2023**
## **1. DONATIONS AND GRANTS**
|Offerings not gift aided
Offerings gift aided
Designated gifts
Gift Aid claimed
**2. INVESTMENTS**
Interest
**3. CHURCH RUNNING COSTS**
Salaries
Payroll fees
Venue rents
Office & administration
Children & youth
Sunday meetings & Pastoral
Training & conferences
Computer equipment
Window cleaning
**4. THE SOURCE BUILDING COSTS**
Repairs
Water & rates
Telephone & internet
Gas & electricity
Insurance|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
5,040
-
5,040
21,935
-
21,935
(6,939)
6,939
-
5,484
-
5,484
**25,520**
**6,939**
**32,459**
**Total**
**2023**
**£**
150
**150**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
13,631
-
13,631
459
-
459
-
-
-
171
-
171
386
-
386
478
-
478
1,179
-
1,179
-
-
-
1,404
-
1,404
**17,709**
**-**
**17,709**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**£**
**£**
**£**
6,326
4,216
10,542
961
-
961
494
-
494
3,487
-
3,487
1,305
-
1,305
**12,573**
**4,216**
**16,789**|**Total**
**2022**
**£**
4,355
28,696
2,805
9,549
**45,405**
**Total**
**2022**
**£**
19
**19**
**Total**
**2022**
**£**
36,619
335
330
69
407
1,089
483
26
1,357
**40,715**
**Total**
**2022**
**£**
766
1,268
403
1,913
1,084
**6,045**|
|---|---|---|
3
## **BUXTON CHURCH IN THE PEAK**
## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2023**
## **5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES**
|Colin Baron
Thomas Theyer
Turning Point Trust
Choices & Little Blessings
Other gifts
Christmas for the Community
**6. SUPPORT COSTS**
Accountancy
Advertising|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**£**
-
-
-
170
-
170
3,077
-
3,077
750
-
750
-
-
-
-
450
450
**3,997**
**450**
**4,447**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**2023**
**2023**
**2023**
**£**
588
-
588
-
-
-
**588**
**-**
**588**|**Total**
**2022**
**£**
1,475
-
3,000
4,210
3
-
**8,688**
**Total**
**2022**
**£**
588
428
**1,016**|
|---|---|---|
## **7. TRUSTEES**
The following Trustees were remunerated for the stated amounts during 2022:
Jon Parsons (church leader): 5,229 Jo Parsons (church leader): 1,792 Julian Hayes (specialist skills): 3,557 **10,578**
## **8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**
**Land & Buildings £ Cost** At 31 December 2022 450,000 At 31 December 2023 450,000 **Depreciation and impairment** At 31 December 2022 Depreciation charged in the year At 31 December 2023 - **Carrying amount** At 31 December 2023 450,000
4
## **BUXTON CHURCH IN THE PEAK**
## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2023**
## **9. DEBTORS**
|**Amounts falling due within one year:**
Outstanding Gift aid
**10. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND**
#1 Current Account (Unrestricted Funds)
#2 Current Account (Restricted Funds)
BCITP Reserve account
Cash in hand
**11. CREDITORS**
**Amounts falling due within one year:**
Accruals and deffered income
**12. INCOME FUNDS**
**Restricted funds**
#2 Current Account (Restricted Funds)
Tangible assets
**Unrestricted funds**
#1 Current Account (Unrestricted Funds)
BCITP Reserve account
Cash in hand
Creditor
Debtors|**2023**
**£**
1,190
1,190
**2023**
**£**
5,597
3,450
9,868
-
18,915
**2023**
**£**
0
0
**2023**
**£**
3,450
450,000
453,450
5,597
9,868
-
-
1,190
16,655|2022
£
1,188
1,188
2022
£
12,042
1,177
12,920
-
26,139
2022
£
297
297
2022
£
1,177
450,000
451,177
12,042
12,920
-
(297)
1,188
25,852|
|---|---|---|
5
## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Buxton Church in the Peak**
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 December 2023.
## **Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner**
The trustees (who are also the directors of the company) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an Independent Examination is needed. The charity’s gross income has not exceeded £250,000. I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ICAEW.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
- Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
- Follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act
-
- State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
## **Basis of independent examiner’s report**
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
In connection with my examination, no matter have come to my attention:
1. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
- To keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006
- To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
Have not been met; or
2. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Name: Robert Layton
Relevant Professional qualification or body: ICAEW Address: 6 Manchester Road, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 9SB Date: 15 November 2024