Company Registration Number 06751712 Charlty Reglstratlon Number 1127204 T,he Ascension Trust Report and Financial Statements 31 December 2023 ASCENSION
The Aseension Tru8t Report and account$ for the year endetl 31 De¢ember2023 Contents Page Charty Informatron Trustees, Annual Report Statement of directors. responsibilities Indopandènt Examlner's Rèport Funds Stattmènts.. ststemenl of Flnanci8lActivrties Sterernent of FinancialActiviEi8s-. Prior Y8ar Balafice sheet Cash Flow Statement Notes to the accounts 11 13 14 15 18 19
The ASnSIon Trust Annual Report 2023 Reference and Admlnlstrative Detsils Company Registration Number 06751712 Charity Registration Number 1127204 Trustees: Mr O Lad6ga. Chalr Dr C C Ekhator Depltty Chair Rev L W Isaac OBE (President) Mrs C C8to Mr T Mathias-Nwaulune Ms J Hedman Rev A M Bacon r C R Donnan (Appointed on 28 November 20231 Mr J O Ogunji {Appointed on 28 Novetnber 20231 Se¢retsry: MrAWHCrow Chlèf Exéeutive Officer: MrBHPa Ragist8red Office: Alpha Hous8 Alpha Place. 58 Garth Road, M(Kden, Surrey SM4 4TQ Independent Exarniner: Freé Larnptsy & Co, Chartered Certified Accountants, 28 Felstead Way Luton. LU2 7LH
The Ascension Tnjsl Anntjal Report 2023 Tyustees. Report Th8 truste8s, who are directors for the purpooes of company law, present the annual report l¢)ggther wtt) the financ81 staternents and Independent Examinels r6port of The Ascension Trust Ihereinafter called 'AT'I for the year ended 31 December 2023. This RerM)rt snd the Accounts hava been prered to comply wlh the SORP FRS 102. strUCre. govÈrnance and management AT is a ch8ri1able company limited by guaranteè, govemed by ils Mernorandum an(J Articles of Assouation adopted on the 8 October 2008. It has no share capital and the liability of each member in the event of winding-up is limited to £10. Piior lo this, AT was 8 ¢h8ritable trust but Converted to a Ch8rilable CnpanY limited by guarantee duè lo the rapid expansion of the Trust. Recrultment and appolntment of trustees AT is run by a board of directors whi¢h comprises nine directors (frust88sI. The Trustees are both Trusteas of thè Charity and Directors of the Con)psny. whe there is a need for new Trustèas. these would be identified and appointed by the Current Trustees. Organisational Structure At present, the nlne Trustees come from 8 variely of professional backgrounds, e8eh relevant to Ihe activities of the charity. The Board ol Trustees meets 81 least four limes a year, receiving reports frorn the Chief Executive Offi¢er ICEOI about the acUvlties ol the charity through its various proje¢ls set out below. Th8 day-to-day management of the organisalion 1$ shouldered by a staff team, headed by the CEO. Such day-lo-day managèmént is supervised by the C,EO and a Senior Management Team ISMTI that includes the Chief Operations Officer. the Legal & Policy Officer, Financ8 Manager. Office Manager and a volunt86r legal consultant. the Company Secretary. The SMT reiVeS regular reports lat least monlhlyl from thg FInan Manager and serious (x>nsideration 15 giv8n to the stale of the charills finances wilh 8ppropriate reports being mad8 to the Board of Dir8Ctors for decisions to be made for the continuing financial viabilily of the ¢harity. The r8muneralion of the paid SMT members is r8viewed annually by the Board of Trustees who t8k8s into consideration the level of pay accorded lo peopl6 in similar positions within the Third Sector. The (*8rity wholly owns ils subsidiary trading cornpany, Ascension Comtnercial Ltd, of which the CEO is also a director. The principal business of the tradlng subsidiary is the supply of unrfoms to Street Pastors, School and College Pastors, Rail Paslors, and R&spon8e Pastors iogether with merchandise that womot8S the work of the charity trrough Its various inrtiatwes.
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2023 Induction and tralning of tTUStees Th8 chair of Trustees is r88ponsible for the induction of any new Trustee. This involves awareness training of a Trustee's duties and r•sponsibili118S, the governing docJJment, administrative predUres. as well as the history and ethos of the charity. A new Trustee will also receive a copy of the charity's goveming do¢umenl and the previous yea¢s annual report and a copy of tha Chadty Commi$8ion leaflet The Essential Twstee: What you need to know, what you need to do. Public benefit AT has a nurnber of sthemes in operation *thich actively serve the public, narnely Street Pastors, Re8ponse Pastors, School and Colleg8 Pastors, Urban Youth Missiorn. Rail Pastors, the 60140 Youth Projed, the Synergy Neiwork. Oyibi Projecl, Five2Medics and The Beacon Project, and Bridge Watch. More detkils are promded bel¢)w. Thè trustèès confim that th8y have compli8d with th8 raquirem8nis of seCtn 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit gUanCe published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Objectives and a¢tivifjes The prin¢ipal objective ol AT ¢on¢ems the advancement of the tommunity through outreach and training. Each year Ihe trustees review the objectives and activities to ensure that they continue to reflect our aims. Duririg this review, th8 trustees consider the Charity Commission's guidanc8 on public benefit The aims of AT as set out in the charity's Memorandum of Association arè summsri$8d as follows: lal To advanc8 the Christian faith. Ibl To relieve sickness and linarKial hardship. Icl To prornote and pras8rv8 good physic81, rn8ntal and emolional health. This is achieved in thg following ways.. For the beneflt of the publSc, transforming th6 dir6etknn of not only somebodys nlght but somebody's lrfe. Offering hurnan contact which rUCeS socsal Lsolation and provides connection within COmrnLtnthe5. Strengthening and preseNng good phy51Gal. mental and emotional health of communitie8.
The ASnSIon Trust Annual Report 2023 By th8 usg of volunteers. influenng and glvlng power to individuals over own lives and communities. Building strong $llent comrnunitie8. Building positive relationships with the police, Local AUthoritS and those who.wish to partner with the Trust to reduce the challenge5 whirth is fa¢8d by all communities. AT has demonstrated its power and ability lo mobilise communities and build positiv8 r6latSonships with ils partners. parti¢ularfy the Police. local authorit$ and chuheS that together we call 'Th¢ Urban Trinity.. As set out below (Achievemants and PerfOr[n8nI. the charty aims to 8Nsure and increase the safety of communities Sn the nlght-tlrne enomY, safety in schools and colleges. to pievent suicides at train stations, to support and ¢ounsel those traumatised by national tragic events, engaging young people in positwe communlty activit$ rather than gang-relaterl violenee and drawng out the enormous potenti81 Ihal young people have lo impact their peers and the wider cofflmunity for good, b.uilding solidarity and Gooperaion belwe8n Charities, community ag¢nc48s. the police and local authorities i addressing all the above issues. MLKe det8ils are given in the Achievements and Perfomian¢e" SÈ¢lion below. Volunteers Volunteers perform a key tssk on behalf of AT. They are therefore centr81 to meeting the aims and obje¢bves of AT. It would be impossible to deliver our mission with1 them. At present, there are approxlm8tely 14.000 trained volunteers in England and Wales working for bcal charilie5 opeTating under the AT umbrella as Street Pastors. School and College Pastots, Rail Pastors and Response Pastors. AT aims 10 8UStain and increase its volunteer bas8. AT aims. through its social action initiatives, to train individuals for relevant and informed interaction at local, national international levels. Achievements and perfomiance Tralnlng AT through ils so¢ial action Initbtlves alms to tr&in 1ndNU81s fcr relevant and informed interactDn at local, national and intemational level$. A number of new Street Pastors were added to the pool of Street Pastcts serving UK during 2023. The individua15 train1r were able to attend and cOmete their training through the Ascension Trust Online Training. The online training was launched in Octobei 2020 with the hope of delivering training to all for Street Pastors, School, Leadership Gourses, Equaliiy Course and other b6spok8 training courses to both our Pastor'5 iniltaliv88 and to the public in general.
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2023 New School Pastors trained online alongslde Street Pastors In mental health, youth culture listening skills in 2023. In person training events took platre across the ne¢works in the areas of Rdes & Responsibilities, Ref$her coursEs and School Pastors. Projects Street Pastors Streèt Pastors arè trained volunteers who typScalty patrol Ihe Streets between the hours of 10pm and 4am lallhough this varies in som8 areas according to local needs). Ai pr8sent there are approximately 230 local initiatives up 8nd down the country and more intèrnationally. Iwebsite.. ww.str88t astors.or Rosponso Pastors Response Pastors deliver hdp lo those tho are traum8tised by major disasters at evenis such as terrorist 8tt8di$, crashes and other incidents. They werelgsl deployed for the Queen's lying In stste an<J funeral. Sehool and College Pastors As of 31 Deeèmber 2023, there were 31 nlativeS in the UK. School Pasto meet Students at the hool gate, at the bus stop and go into schools with a caring and listening ear, ready to help staff in encouraging Yng people who are hurting and vulner8bl8. IW8b$ile.' bww.school stors.o Rall Pastors Rail P8Stors hglp lo patrol on 30M7$ and like Street Pastors they listen, care and help, thereby reducSng Ask malnlalniw the 8af6ty and wellbeing of the travèll6r8. 60140 Youth Proloct Working in p8rtnership with the Lambeth MethL1St Circuit, and Young Life Intemalional, thls prolect 8quips young people in the Borough of L8mb8th ta realis¢ their lull potential and develop as responsible members ol their community. Two full time youth wort(ers a wort<ing within the church and WKler community to equip and empower young people to play their p8rt in community life. The Synergy Network Af leads this nelwark bringing together organisalions and individua15 lo work collaboratively to address youth violenc6. curntlY working in London, relationship is kèy as we a stronger together. The Synergy Network brillgs all voices to the tsbl8 SO that we unite behind one cry to bring peaee and hope back to our streets and communlty.
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2023 Five2Medlcsifhe AT Beacon Prol•ct Building wellness and resilièn¢8 in comrnunthes tscing ehalleng6s, disadv8ntage and requiring 8UPPOrt, Five2Medies aim to irnprove lives. dismande health inequalities 8nd disparities and to reduce the impact of physical, psychological and social issues. Fiv82Medi¢s deliver projects and initiatiV8S that ease the health burd6ns on sy5tem8, ¢ommunlties and IndvIdual8. We promote health, dismantle misinfonnation and protect wellbeing in response to SOC18tal Challenges, inequilies. dis8dvantage and deprivation. We dellver thesè initiatives in partnership wth key stakeholders thr(yJgh Cornmlssiong, Collaboration, Partnership and Enterprise. The AT Beacon Proje¢t is working currentw across Lambeth, hawng Health and Well-being Hubs, provSdlng accass to tru8t8d sour¢es on health 3nd well-being. The AT Beacon Project supw)rts people to make healthy Choi$, provide5 m8ntal hèalth and peer support, and f2cililates education an webinars for chur¢hes. falth groups and bcal communities. Iw8bsite'. www. beacon ect. IThe Project works closely wth Lambeth Public Health and Impact on Urban Health It has opèrated a joint Initiauve with th& Alexander Rose Charfty on the charity's Fruit & Veg Rose Vtsucher Scheme providing a fiuil and vegelab18s on prescription. The AT Beacon ProjeGt work5 wlh a number of other organisations. A key objectNe of its work is to build trust in Black and other ethni¢ mtnoriiy communities in Lambelh. Brldga Watch AT 15 workin9 with a number of agenGies inGluding Ihe RNLI. the Port of London AutlK)rlly, the Police, the Flre Brlgade, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency and thg City of London Corporatlon to provid8 a servic8 through volunteers who patrol the Thames biidges in London where there have been frequent sulcides wilh a view to seeking to prevent these happening. Volunteers hav8 been trained and th¢ first patrol on one of the bridges took place in Dember 2023. Funding has been provided by the Cty Brfdge Truslfor £65,000 over 2 years payable in quartedy instalments. Over8¢as Mi$$ion Thls yaar, AT org8nised a mission to Chana in October wllh 2 team of 17 Individuals which includefl dcrtors, nurses, an othalrDI0glst and a pharmacist as well as ministers of religion and other professionals. Thls wa$ the Mission team's first return to Gh3na slnce the COVID-19 pandernic &nd induded the resutnption of work with th8 Kay8yei Youth Associatbn IKYAI based in the Agbogbloshi6 ar88 of Ac¢ra. and a retum to the ¢8ntral r8glon viThage of Brem8n Fawomanyo. During the two days at thè Old Fadama Clini¢ in Agbogbloshle, mlsslon 162m members worked along8ide the KYA, officials from the Ghanaian National Health Insuran¢$ Scheme INHISI and workers at th8 Old F8dama Clinic providing health checks whilst 315 Kay8yei w0rn8n and childr8n were registered with the NHIS after sponsorship bythe ASnSI¢ Trust. The mission team spent three days in the village of BMan Fawomanyo where the rnedical pr8¢titioners hek1 health dinics supported in the work by 8 méd¢Jl team from 8 neighbouring village. The edu¢ation team w85 led across the three days by an educational consultant and fomler executive
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2023 head teacher from the UK who worked alongside teaching staff al the village school dernonstrating how STEM could bÈ emb8dded in the curriculum acm8s age groups, with limited reSoUrs. At th8 end of their IITne in Breman F8wom8nyO the mission tèarn left educ811onal 8nd medirAI resources, including exercise Ex)oks for each of the school's pupils, text books and equipment for the continuation of the STEM work al the villag8 school,. blood pressure monitoring machines for the local health team, and clothing lor the local vitlagers. Oyibi Project Situated in Grtsater Accra gIon, Ghana. Oyibi is workiro With exploited youtrvJ woman. Principal funding sources though we generate income by way of donatiorTrs from the public and ¢hurch8S, the principal funding source for the charity ara Contribulions from ils various initiatives lincluding Street Pastors Inilialivesl in the forrn of licen fees. The licence fee income, when compared lo the prewous years has r6du¢ed. However, we would like to thank our initiatives who. notwithstanding their stressed fi'nanaal cireumstances, continue to oontribute ¢0 the ntral funds so that AT can malnt8in its serv$ to the whole neiwork. AT Beacon has te1Vad substantial grants to fund its work. The Boar<1 and ils Finance Sub-cornmittee remains vigilanl in their eommiimènt to the work of AT, seeking to idèntify new opportunities to increase revenue and to review fundraising options. We ad(n0edge ancl thank all those individuals, church8s. and companies, ¥tho have supported the work ol AsnSIOn Trust in the past years through their kind donations of funds, advice and time. Our specific thanks to th& f(Ilowing 4xgani58tions.' Churth Communities UK st Marf(s Kennington PCC Chrlstkqn Life Fellowship P8ro¢hkal Church Coun¢s1 Thg Jerus81 Trust New Testament Church of God Mlcah Chdstlan Berrymead EvangelKal Church The Apostolic Church Perry Rise Bapti8t Church Christ Church Purley
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2023 Financial Revlew The charlty$ flnanclalposition at the end of the year ènded 31 Decémber 2023 The financial position of the charity at 31 December 2023 and comparatives for th8 prior period, as more fully detailed in the accounts, can bé summarised as follows.. 2023 2022 Net income Unr8$tiicted Revenuè Fund8 availablg For th8 general purposes of the Charity Restricted Revenue Funds 919.365 885,461 Total Funds Reserves The Management and Trustees examined the charity's requtremenls for reserves in the light of the main risks to the org8nisaUon. It h8s eslablish8d a poIY whereby thè unrestricted funds not committed Qr inv¢sted in 18ngible fixed assets held by AT is not less Ihan 12 months of expenditure. This will allow AT to function property, even if there is a signrfiGant downtum in incorne in the pres8nt e¢onomi¢ circumstan¢8s. As at 31 December 2023, Asc&nsion Trust had free reserves, being unrestricted funds not designated for a specific purpose, tolalling £919,35512022'. £885,461). Thls represents about 11 monihs of expected ovethèad expenditure. The Management and Trustees acknowledge the signific8nt shortfall of its target level and plan to ntinue lo build ieserve5 through oper81ing surpluses and targeted funding applications. In the short t8rm. the Management and Trusle&s have also considergd the extent to whi¢h existing activities and axpènditure could be curtailed. should such cwcyjmstances aris8. Investment policy and objectives To date Ihere has been very little financkgl headroorn to considér any significant lono-lerm investment opportunities. Thè Senior M8nagement T8am 8nd Trustees remain active in exploring ways lo improve th8 r8tums on c8sh reserves.
The Ascension Trusl Annual Report 2023 Major rlsks and management of those risks The CEO. along wth lh8 directors, routindy examine$ the business, rèpulaiion and operational risks when preparing strategie plans and budgets. and when considwing forttteoming projects. In particulaT, AT is aware of ihe risks involved in working with its varlous constituenues, including.. Associ8t8d projects afou[ the UK Vulnerable people ineluding young people iii. Individual Street Pastors Sv. Flnaneial procedures Intemats'onal development The SMT reviaws the finanaal posillon of th8 charity on a monthly basis with th8 Finance Manager. The CEO seeks to rai funds in the many m88lings he has across the UK. The Finan team regularly chase local Street Pastor initiatiV8s lor the payment of licence fees. The Board of Trustees receives financial reports al each tsf their rneetings and will advise the CEO ol strategies that need to b8 EEnd8rtaken to address potentAI shortfalls in incomo. The Board of Trustees is awar& of the pattem of the plateauing of licence lee ineome frorn the longer estsblished Streat Pastor initiatives. The CEO and mernbers ol tho SMT regularly speak lo the coordinators and Chairs ol the M8nagement Teams ad, wher8 necessary and possible. mest with local initiatives to stimulale growth through fresh oulworking of local charitable objectives. A careful watch Is kept upon the use of uniforms by local InativeS to ensure no undermining of AT'S repLrt8tion or brands. Furtheimore, AT carries out Quality Assurance R8VI8W8 With l(Kal Initiatives, partieulaAy where con¢ems arlse Sn dealings between AT and a local initiative. The Refreshor Courses addr8ss the key i%sue of Safety on the streets for all our Street Pastor3 and School and College Pastor inltiatives. Plans for future periods AT wlll conkn'nue all Ils proleets Ilsléd In the section above"AchlevèmÈntS 8nd Perfomiance - Projects" seeking, where the demand is expre55ed by loGal churches, to grow the number of Street Pastor Initiatives nationally internation8Y and School and Ctsllege Pastor initiatives throughout the UK. Particular work will be continued lo grow th8 60140 Youth Project, the Synergy Nètwork And AT Baacon Project. Further training of Response Pastors will be undertaken. AT will continuè to Provid8 onling training for new Street Pastors and School Pastors nationally and int8mationalty. The Board of TnJstees and the SMT will work with the AT Praygr Repr9S8lltalives lo grow prayer for all its projects.
The ASnSIon Trust Annual Report 2Q23 Disclosure of Infomiation to Independent Examlner Each Iwst$e has taken steps that they ou9ht to have taken a$ a trLtste¢ in order to make themselves aware of 8ny r8levant independent examination information and to establish that the charivs independent examiner 15 aware of that information. The Irustees confimi Ih8t there is no relevant informat*)n that they know of ènd of which they know the independent examiner is unaware. Support Having read this Report, please ¢onsider supporting the work of AT. Through our various projects, we are addressing k8y issues affecllng our society today and the number of years that we have been operating is testirnony to th8 effectiveness of our projects and methods of working. Thgr$ is Still much work to be done and your support will be Invaluable to our conthbuting our part in improving the lives of young people and the wider community. Please ¢ontad us on 020 8330 2e09 or by email at finance donation or set up a stsnding order. ascensiontrust.o .uk to mak8 a The annual report was approved by the trustees of th8 charity on behalf by.. nd signed on ts ne drnan ee 10
The Ascension Trusl AnnL1 Report 2023 Statement of the Dlrectors Trustees. Re$ponsibilities Thè charity's trustees are résponsible for the preparation of the ac£ounts in aCCordare with the t8rms of th6 Cornpanies Act 2006, the Charities Ad 2011 and th& Charities (Accounts and Raportsl Regulations 2008. NOlthstanding the explicit requirement in the extsnt slatulory regulations, the Charitles IAceounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, to prepare the finan¢ial statements in accordance with the SORP 2005, in view of the fart that the SORP 2005 has been wthdrawn, the Tnjstees determined lo interpret this responsibility as requiring them to fOlW current best practice and prepare the accounts according to the FRS 102 SORP IStatem8nt of Recommended Practice for A0tIng and Réporting by Chariliesl 2015, las 8m8nded by the Bulletin issued in October 2018 and appllcable to all account'ng perfods boginning on or Bfter 14 January 20191. (Th'e SORPI, In particular, the Companiès Act 2006 and charity law require the Board of Trust88S to prepare finanaal statern8nts for each financial y88r which give a true 8nd fair view ol the state of affairs of the charity as al the end ol the financial year and of the surplus or deficit ol the charity. In preparing those finoncial 8taternenls the Board required to.. Prepare the a¢counts In accordance wth United lQwdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practi Iunited Kingdom Accounting Standards arnd applicabl8 law}. S81ecl suilable accoLtnts"ng policies and apply tham con¥isiently. Maktrludgernents and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. Prepare the fin£ncial statemen& on the going COnM basis un1è85 It B inapproprfate to prosuffle that t1 charlly wlll ¢ontinue in busine&8. state whether applic8ble accounting stand8rds and statements of recomm8nded Pf8¢tice had been followed. Subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the fin8nrAal statements. The law requlres that the trustees must not approve the accounts unless théy 8re satisfied that they gtwe a true and f8ir VI of the slate of affairs of charity and of the surplus or deficit or tha charity for the year. The Trustee5 are a150 responsible lor maintaining adequate aOuntIng records which dls¢lose th reasonable accuracy at any time ihe financi81 position ol the charity and which are sufficient lo sh(w 8nd explain the charity's transactions and enable them lo ensure that the financial Statements cornply with th8 Companles Act 2006 and comply wlth regulations made under the Charitiès ACL They ar9 also responsib18 for safeguarding the assets of th8 charity
The Ascension TnJ81 Annual Report 2023 and hence for taknng raasonable steps for the pravention and detection of fraud and other irre9ulari1185. The Trustees arè also re8ponsiNe for the Contents of the Trustees, rèport, snd the statutory re5pon5ibility of the Ind6p6nd8nl Ex8miner in relation to the Trustees, reFort is limited to examinin9 the report and ensuring that. the r6port is consSstent with the figures discbsed in the financial statem8nts. Method of preparation of aeeounts- Srnall company promsions The financial $tstements are set out on page5 14 to 27. The financial statements have been prepared irnp18m8nting the FRS 102 SORP ISlatern8nt of Recommended Piactice for Accountino and Reportlno by Charities) 2015, las amended by the Bulletin issued in October 18 3nd applicab to all accounting periods beginning on or after 191 January 20191. (The SORPI. and in accordance with the Financial Reportin9 Standard 102, (offective 1st J8nuAry 20161. These financial st2tèménts have been prepared in accordante with tho provisions in Part I S of the Companies Ael 2006 8pplicable to cornpaniessubjecl to thé small COTnpanies' regime. )proved by the trustèè5 of th8 charity on ........ ....................... .. and signed on it5 behalf by.. Jul eHe man 12
The ASnSIon Trust Annual Report 2023 Indendent ExaminaS Rèport to the trustees of Thè Ascension Trust I report to the charity trustee5 on my examination of th& accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 14 to 27. The charity's gross income Èxcèèded 50,000 and I am qualified lo undertake the examination by being a qualified member of Institute of chartered Aeu)unlants ol England and Wales. Respective responsibilities of tru$tee8 and examiner As the charity's trustees of The A5eension Trust land also ils directors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparab'on of the accounts in acwidance with the requiremènts of the Companies Act 20Ce I'the 2006 Aol'l. Having satisfied myself that the accounts of Thè As¢ension Trust are not required to be audited under Pari 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts a5 carried out under section 145 of the Chaiilies Act 2011 I'the 2011 Acl'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity commison under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I conffirm that no matters have come lo my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believa". 1. accounting r6cords ware not kept in respect of The Asconsion Trust as required by section 386 of the 2006 A¢t,' or 2. the accounts do not accord with those reGords,' or 3. the accounts do not mplY with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2008 Act othèr than ally requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair view, which is not a matter consided as Part of an independent examination, or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance wrth the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Pra¢tioe for accounting and reporting by charities lapplicable to charities preparing thèir accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standaid applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 10211. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters In cwnectiori wrth the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understsnding of the a¢¢ounls to be re8cheil. F Lamptey Fred Lamptey & Co Chartered Certified Accountant and Independent Examiner 26 Fe151ead Way Luton, LU2 7LH Dat8.. b3 24L 13
The ASnsIOn Trust Statem&nt of Financial Artivitlos Ilncluding the Income and oxpendlturo account) for Ihg year ended 31 DecÈmb?r 2023 Nota8 Unreslrf¢t?d Funds Restrl¢t•d Fund5 Total Funds rotal Funds 2023 2023 2023 2022 Incomo & Endowments Donations & Legades CharitaLAe activities Othèr trading activllies Inv8slnMnts Othèr 424,206 390,114 43.892 7,780 2,374 73,011 497,217 390,114 43,892 7.780 2,374 434,812 333,392 38.282 1,474 2,332 Total Incomo 73,011 941.377 808.292 EXndItre on: Raising funds Charitable activi118S 13 12 136,241 698,231 136,241 785,323 74,213 837,018 87.092 Total expendilule 834.4T2 921.564 711231 Npt Income forthe year 33,894 114,0811 19,813 97.061 Net movement in funds 33,894 114,0811 19.813 97,061 Recon¢lliation of funds.. Total hjnds brought lOard 885,461 40.392 925.853 828.792 Total funds ¢arried fotwartl 919,355 26,311 925,853 The notes attachtrd on pag¢$ 19 to 27 form an integral part of thÈ$fy a¢ctsunt8. 14
Tha Ascension Trust statem&nt of Financial Activities (including the income and èxpenditure account) for the ygar 9nrled 31 Decomber 2023 Analy&8 ofpriorye8r Note Unr•strl¢tèd Funds Total R8Strfcted Fund$ 2022 2D22 2022 Incorno & Èndowrnents from: Oonations & Leyaue5 Chaiilab18 aclivities Other trading a¢tivilies Investments Other 393,509 333,392 36,282 1,474 2,332 41.303 434,B12 333,392 36,282 1,474 2.332 Total in¢om? 766,989 808 292 Expenditure on.. Raising fund5 Charrtsble activitie5 13 12 74,213 583,988 T4.213 63T.Q1B 53,030 Total 8xpendltur• 658,201 53,030 711231 Net Income lorthe year 108,788 111.7271 97,061 Net Sncome after transfÈrs 108.788 111,7271 97.061 Net movement In funds 108,788 111,7271 97,061 ReronGiliation of funds- . Total fund$ brought forward 776,673 52.119 828,792 Totsl fund5 carrled fOard 885.461 4D.392 15
The Ascension Trust Balance Sheet as at 310ecembpr 2023 Note5 2023 2022 Fixed assets Tangible assets Investments held as fixed assets 17 213.681 219,664 18 Total fixed as$ets 213,682 219,665 Current ass•ts Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 19 187,510 177,257 847,577 665,538 Total ¢urr*nt assets 1.035,087 842,795 Creditors: amounts falllng due withln one ygar 20 287,448 110.599 Net current assets 747,639 732.196 Net assets 961,321 951.861 Creditors.. amounts falling due after more than one year 21 115,655} 126,0091 Thè total net assots of thè charlty 945,666 925,853 Tho total n¢t assets of thej ¢harity are funded by the fund5 of the charlly. as follows: . Restricted funds Restricted Revenue Funds 22 26,311 40.392 Unrestricted Funds Unrestricted Revenue Funds 22 919.355 885,461 Total charlty funds 945,666 925.853 16
Thè directors a satisfied that the company is eTrtilled lo exemption frotn the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the company lo obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of thè Act. The directors acknowle(Jg& their iesponsibilrfiies for complying wllh the qUIre[entS of th8 Companies Act 2006 with iespect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. The charty is subject lo audit uryjer charity legislation. and the report of the Charhies Act auditor on page 11. The financial statements have been prepared in accoidancè with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. applicable to companies subj6Ct lo the small mpaleS, regime. The notes attached on pagès 19 to 27 form an integral part of th8sg accounts. Jul an rustee Approved by b08td of trustees on . 2024 17
The As¢enslon Trust Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31 Dg¢ember 2023 2023 2022 Cash flows from operatlng activities Net cash pmKlecl by op8raling 8¢tiwtles as shDWll below 178113 Cash flows fmm Invgstlng aGtlvllles Int&rest received 7,780 1.474 Purchase of property, plgnt and equiprnent Nèt cash provided by investing activitre5 3.923 I1.9? Cash infiowrfs frotn n8w iK)rrowngs 19,6291 Overall cash provldtrd by all activltlos 182.043 219,926 Ca$h movements Ch8n9È in cash and cash equivalents from acl1v1t in th8 year 8nded 31 De¢ember2023 181043 219,926 Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 2023 665,534 445,608 Cash at bank and In hand less overdrafts at 31 D•cembgr 847 397 665,534 Analy$15 of cash and cash •quivalent5 2023 2D22 C88h in hand at for the yearended 31 D6c&wI)er 2023 847.397 865,534 Totsl cash and cash equlvalents 847 397 665,534 18
The Ascension Trust Annual Rewrt 2023 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 Dernber 2023 AGGountlng Policies 1.1 Basis of Preparation The accounts have been prepared on the accruals basis, under the historical cost conventitsn, and in accordance with the Finan¢ial Reporting Standard 102, 'FRS 102 SORP Islalemenl of RoCQffltnended Practice for Accounting and Reportin9 by Chariliesl 2019. 1.2 Going Concem The Trustees of the charity have concluded that there arè no material un¢ertainlies related to events or conditions that may cast signifi¢anl doubl on the ability of the chaiity lo conlinue as a going concern. 1.3 Income recognition Income. whether from exchange or non*xchange transactions, is recognlsèd in the staternpnt c>f ff nanclal adivities ISOFAI on a receivabb basis. when 8 transaction or other event Tesults in an increase in the charity's assets or a redu¢tion in ils liabilities and only when the charity ha¥ legal enlillement, the income is probable and can be measured reliably. Infjome subject lo terms and Conditions which must be rnel beforè the Charity is entitled to the resources is not reoognised until the conditions have be8n met. All inwme is accounted for gros5, before deducting any related fees or costs. 1.4 Deferred incorne Where terms and Cond10n$ relating to income have not been met or uncertainty exists as to whether the charity can meet any temis or conditlons othenlSe wllhln its control, income is not recognised bul is deferred as a liabilrty until it is probable that th8 terms or condibons imposod can mel. 1.5 Fund accountin9 Unrestricted funds are available for uso at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives ol the cherity. Restricted funds are donations which donors have spe¢ified are solely used for a partlcular areas of the charty work or for spectfic projects béing undertaken by the charity. 1.6 Recognillon of liabillues and expenditur8 A liablllty, 8nd the related expenditure, is recognised whèn a legal or constru¢tive obligation exists es a rgsull of a past event. and when it is more likely than nol that a transfer of economic benefits will b8 requirèd in settlemènt, and when the amount of the obligation can be measured or reliably eslitnated. All liabilitses are measured al fair value. 1.7 Allocating Costs to activities Diroct costg th3t arg spocifically relat to an acb'vity are allocated to that activity. Shared direct cost5 an support costs are apportioned betsveen activities. Th8 basis for appDrtionmenl. which is consistently applied, and proporlionale lo the cireumslances, is'.- Staffing - on a per capita basis. based on the number of people employed within any particular activity. Pigtnises related and non-specific 5UPPOrt COStS on the basis of a certain percontage based on the estimation ol time spent in th8 office and work Carried out during the year. 1.8 Volunteers In accordance with the SORP. and in recognition of the difficulties in placing a monetary vslue on the contribution from volunteers, the conlrlbution ol volunteers is not included within the income of the charity. 1.9 Tangible fixed asse15 Tangible fixed assfris are rneasured al their original ¢ost value, or siJb5equenl revaluation, or rf donated, as desciibed above. Cost value includes all oosls expended in bringing the asset into ils intended working condition. 19
The Ascgnsion Trust Annual Report 2023 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 Freehold premlsès Office Equipment Furniture & Fixtures 2% strèighl line 15Vo Straight linè 20% reducing balancg 1.10 Cash al bank Cash held by the charity is included in the atnounl actually held and counted at the year end. Bank balances, whether in credit or overdrawn, are shown al amounts properly reconciled lo the bank slat&manls. 1.11 Debtors Debtors ar& maasured al their r8coverablè arnounts al the balance sheet date. 1.12 Pensions defined contribution schemes The charity operates a defined contribution pension schemè. Contributions are charged to tho profit 8nd loss ae¢ounl as they become payable in accordance wtth the rules of the herne. 1.13. Creditors Trade eredilors are retognised initialty at the transaction price and subsequentty measured at arnortised ¢osl using effective interest m8lh(Kl. 2. Legal status of thg ¢harity The charity b a company limited by guarantoe and has no shar¢ capital. The liability of 8ach membei in the event ol winding-up is limited to £10. 3. Income from donations and l•ga¢ies unstriCted Restricted Total 2023 Total 2022 Public donation8 25,410 15,595 41,005 37,425 Grants." Govt & public bodles Private sectors donations 331,525 31,125 362,650 341,543 47,799 26,291 74,090 45.303 Misslon Income 14,165 14,165 4,190 Gift Aij Recelvable 5,307 5,307 6.351 424,206 73,011 497,217 434.812 4. Incom from charltable activltles- Tr8ding actlvlties Unr8slrthd Raslricled Total 2023 Total 2022 Licence fve 232,920 232,920 237.972 Training Income Other trading incomg 30,672 30,672 41.937 126,522 126,522 53,483 390,114 390.114 333,392 20
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2023 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 Dembe1 2023 S Inromg from other non-¢harltable actlvEtles Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023 Total 2022 Income frc¥n various events Income from letting from charitable purpose 32,677 32,677 26.198 11,215 11215 10,084 43,892 43,892 36,282 6. Investm•nt Income Unrestrided Restrlcted Total 2023 Total 2022 Bank Interest 7,780 7,780 1,474 7,780 7,780 1.474 7. Other Income galn Unr8sthcted Restrlcted Total 2023 Total 2022 Employment Mlowancè 2,374 1374 2,332 2,374 2,374 2.332 8. Expendlture on charltsble actlvltles- Direct spendlng Unrestrict8d Restrictéd Total 2023 Totsl 2022 Bridge Watch Operation Restoration 11,293 11,293 10,283 10,283 9,956 Synergy Network 420 420 828 Oppralion Savo Jamaica 60=40 Youth Project Street Pastors 1,885 1.885 2,257 2.257 2,628 50.857 50,857 53,933 Prayer Paslots 464 464 854 51.321 26.138 77,459 68.199 21
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2023 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 g. Expendlture on charitable activities- Charitablo tradlng Unrestricted Restricted Total Total 2023 2022 Tr8lnlng Expendthre Annual events cost 9,099 9,099 10.479 21,232 21.232 869 Gross wag?s and salarl&8 Employers, Nl Definèd contribution pensiors ¢08ts UK Vision 2D30 180,833 48,562 229,395 171.822 14,011 4.190 18.201 13,372 2,251 1,078 3,330 3,162 4,952 4,952 Mission 13.805 13,805 241,231 58,T82 300,013 199.704 10. Support costs for charitable activities Unrèstricted Restricted Total 2Q23 Total 2022 Employees cogls not included in direct costs: Salaries- Administratlve staff 198,550 198,550 170,202 Defined contribution pension costs Employers, Nl f& Insuranc 5.580 5.580 3.896 17,683 17,683 16,798 300 Volunteeis cost 450 450 727 Premises expenses AdminislratNe overheads 21,337 660 21,997 19,342 34,758 1.073 35,831 32,774 Legal & Professlonal fee Bank charges Depreciation Bank intaresl payabl8 637 547 3,560 110 3,670 3.049 9.543 295 9,838 9.837 754 23 T77 1,019 292.852 2,172 295,024 258,489 22
The Ascen8ion Trust Annual Report 2023 Notes lo the Accounts for the year ended 31 D8mber 2023 11. Oth*r Expendlture- Governjnce costs Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023 Total 2022 Independent Examiner's fees Trustges, remunèration 1,800 1,800 1.8(X) 42,500 42,500 43,700 NIC on Trustees remuneration 4,687 4,687 4,973 Trustees defined contribution Pènslon costs 816 816 Benefits paid to trustees Profrssional & Consultancy feo 55,980 55,980 57.092 7,044 7.044 3.061 112,827 112,827 110,626 12. Total Expènditure 2023 2022 Dir&¢t charitable cost 51.321 26,138 77,459 68,199 Trading cost Support cost Govemance cost 241,231 58,782 3LIO,013 199,704 292,852 2.172 295,024 258,489 112,82T 112,827 110,626 Total 698,231 87,092 T85,323 637,018 13. Expenditure on raising funds and cost of projèct managèment UnrBstricled Reslrlcted Totsl Total 2023 2022 AT Beacon Project 136,241 136,241 74,213 136,241 136.241 74,213 23
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2023 Notes lo the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 14. Net Income lor the year Thls Is stsled after charglng: 2023 2022 Depreciation ol own8d fixed assets 9.838 9,837 Independent Examinerfs fee Pension costs 1.BOO 1,800 8,910 7.058 20,548 18,695 15. Staff Numbers The average monthly headcounl was 20 staff12022.. 17 staff) and th& av&rag8 monthly number of full- limè equivalent employees lincluding part-time staffl during the year a5 ftsllows= 2023 2022 Number Numbèr Average number c>f full-tiFlle employees in the year was No employee r8ceiv@d èmoluments18xcluding pènsion Costs) in @xcass of £60,OOCI per annuffl. 16. Related pat1y transactFons One of the Iruslees. Dr Ekhalor, is a director of Dr Ekhalor & As$(lat&s. During the year a sum of £55.98012022.' £57,092) was paid lo Dr Ekhator & Associates for services rended as a GP clinical lead for AT Beacon Project. 15 13 17. Tangible fixgd assgls Cuttènt Year Land and Bulldlngs Offi¢e Equlpment Furnltur& & Fixtures Total At 1 January 2023 Addition5 283,476 50,147 3.857 4,609 338.232 3,857 At 31 Docomber 2023 2B3 476 54.004 4.609 342.089 r)epreclatlon At 1 Jznuary 2023 Chaige for th8 year At 31 December 2023 Net book value 79,262 5,670 84,932 35.121 4.084 4.188 118,569 9.839 At 31 Docèmbor 2023 1BB.544 14,799 338 213681 At 31 DecembEr 2022 204.214 15.026 423 219663 24
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2023 Notes to the AGGounls for the year ered 31 December 2023 18. Invostmgnt held as assets Invostments in stjbsidiaries Carrying value ol inv8slmenis Al 1 January 2023 At 31 December 2023 19. Debtor 2023 2022 Amounts owèd by group undertoklngs Prapayments and accrued interest Other debtors 118,507 99.644 61.958 60,301 7,045 17.312 187,510 177.25T 20. Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year 2023 2022 Bonk loans and overdraft 10,112 9.629 Accruals for grants payat)1g Trade creditors 235,463 62.740 17.225 21.lJ42 Accruals 5.140 5,196 PAYE, NIC, VAT and other tsxes 10,676 10.255 Other Creditors 8.832 1,737 287,448 110.599 21. crlIOrs.. amount falling due aftor one year 2023 2022 Bank108ns and overdrdfts 15,655 26,009 25
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2023 Notes lo the Accounts for the year ended 31 Dernber 2023 22. Analysls of ¢haritable funds Balanc6 0110112023 IrKoming resour Resources Fund$ expended 3111212023 Unrestricted funds 885,463 868.366 1834,4721 919.357 R¢$trictod funds.. Operation Save Jamal¢a 2,058 360 11,8851 110,2831 115,4181 110,8301 533 Operation Restr)r8tion 60=40 Methodist project Synergy Network Jerusalem Trust (1,3201 10,283 11,320) 1101 1271 10,373 15,409 1791 10,373 10,882 8ridg9 Wai¢h UK Vision 2030 31,125 131,2891 14,9521 112,43SI 1164) 4,952 otr réstricted funds 29,3S9 16,924 Total restricted funds 40,390 73,011 187,0921 26.309 Total charity funds 925,853 941,377 1921.5641 945.666 Operation Save Jamaica is the umbrella body that operates Str8el Pastors initialives In Jatnaica under Master Operator Agreement with Ascension Trust. Operatlon Restoratlon Christian Sehool 1$ a School in Trench Town, Kingston, Jamaica which Ascgnslon Trust has partnered wth lo raise funds towards the school's running costs. 60..40 Pll&thodist Project IS gn initiativg gf Asc&nsDn Trust based in the London Borough of Larnbeth in partnership with the Methodi51 Church. Th& project has be6n established lo cBre ftsr, equip and empower young people in the borough of Lambeth. Jerusalem Trust provided funding for the Synergy Network initiative of Ascension Trust whtch 18ckles youth violence and knlfe crime. Synergy Notwork is the initiatives ol Ascension TIu51 together in assodation with South London Churoh Fund & Soulhwark DiDcesan Board ol Finan¢tt, Lor)don City Mission and Churches Together ill Britain nd Ireland. The aim is lo tackle and Impad in a positive manner on the levels of violence and societal dysfunction, to help vulnerable individuals and benefit society- Bridge Watrh Programme 15 an initiative of As¢ension Trust in èSSOGialion with City Bridge Trust.11 aims to provide a physical presence of t@ams ol volunteers thal patrol the areas on and around the bridges of LondDn and who have a brief lo engage with anybody Indlcating intent lo enter the walgr. Other restricted fvnds are reslricled funds from previous projects. 26
TheAsnSIon Trust Annual Report 2023 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 23. Roconclliation of not movomont of net cash flow from operating activilits 2023 2022 Net movement in funds per SOFA Depreciation charges Decreasellincreasel in debtors Increaselldecreasel in creditors) Interest 19,813 97,061 9.838 9,837 110,2531 166,495 89.573 36.517 17.780) (1.4741 178,113 231,514 24. Analysis of Net Assets B8lw•&n Funds Unrestrl¢le(f Funds Restricted Funds Totsl Fund5 Tangible Fixed Assets 213.681 213.681 Investments Current Assets 1,008.605 26,302 1,034.907 Current Liabilities 1287.2681 115.6551 1287,268} Long Term Liabilities 115,6551 At 31 Dec&mber 2023 919,364 26.302 945,666 27