Company Registration Number 06751712 Charity Registration Numbgr 1127204 The Ascension Trust Report and Financial Statements 31 December 2024 ASCENSION TRUST
The Ascenslon Trust Réport and accounts for the year ended 31 Decgmbgr 2024 Contents Page Charity Information Trustg95' Annual Report Statement of directors, responsibilities Independgnt Examlnafs R8POrt 12 14 Funds Statsm•nts'. Stalgm&nl of FinancialActivit5 &alemenl of Finèneial Activiti&s- Prior Year Balancè shèèt Cash Flow Statement Notss to th8 accounts Is 16 17 19 20
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Reference and AdminSstratlve Detalls Company Registration Number 06751712 Charity Registrauon Number 1127204 Trustees.. Mr S Aiyere Ilnlerim Chairman) (Appointed 12 January 20241 Rev A M Bacon Miss V V Cameron (Appointed 5 November 2024} Mrs C Cato Mr C R Donnan (Resigned 31 December 20241 Dr C C Ekhalor (Deputy Chairperson) Ms J Hedman Rev L W Isaac OBE IPresident} Mr O Ladega Mr T A Malhias-Nwaulune Mr J O N Ogunji Mr A F SaSmon (Appointed 5 November 20241 Secretary.. r A W H Crow (Resigned 31 De¢•mber 20241 Chlef ExecLrtlve Offic9r: MrBHPal Registèred Office: Alpha House, Alpha Pla, 58 Garth Road, Morden, Surrey SM4 4TQ Indepgndènt Examiner: Fred Lamptey & Co, Chartered Certified Accountants, 26 Felstead Vvay. Luton. LU2 7LH
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Tru$tses' Report The trustses. who are directors for the purposes ol company law, present the annual report together th the financial statements and Independent Examiner's report of The AsnsIOn Trust Ihereinafter called "AT") for the year ended 31 December 2024. This Report and the Accounts have been prepared io comply wth the SORP FRS 102. Structure, govemance and management AT is a charitable company limited by guarantee, govemed by ts Memorandutn and Articles of Association adopted on the 8 O¢lober 2008. 11 has no share capital the liability of each membèr in the event of wnding-up is limited to £10. Prior to this. AT wa5 a charitable trust but converted to a Charitable Company limited by guartets due to th8 f¥F*d expansion of the Trust. Recruitment and appointment of trustees AT Is run by a btsard of directors which comprise3 11 directors Urusteesl. The Trustees are both Trustees of the Charity and Directors of the Company. Where there is a need lor new Trustee8, Ih85e would be identth'ed and appointéd by the current Trustees. Organisational Structure Al present. the 11 Trustees come frorn a variety of professional backgrounds, each relevant to the activities of the charity. The Board of Trustees meets at least four limes a year, receiving reports from the Chief Executive Officer ICEOI about the activities of the charity through its variou5 project5 set out below. The day-to-day managtrtnent of the or9anisation is shouldered by a staff team, headed by the CEO. Such day-lo-day management is supervised by the CEO and a Senior Management Team ISMTI that ia¢lude5 the Chief Operations Offi'cer, the Legal & Policy Officer. Finance Manager. Office Manager and a volunteer legal Consultant, the Company Secretary. The SMT ièceives regular reports lat least monthly) from thè Finance Man8ger and serious consideration is given lo the state of the charity's financès with appropriate reports being made to the Board of Directors for decisions to be made for the continuing financial viability ol the charity. The remuneration of the paid SMT members is reviewed annually by the Board ol Trustees who takes into consideration the level ol pay accorded to people in similar positions within the Third Sector. The charity ¥tholly owns its sub51diary trading company, Ascension Commercial Limrted, of which the President is also a director and lo whose meetings the CEO regularly attends. The prlncipal business ol the trading subsidiary is the supply of unifoirlls lo Street Pastors, School and College Pastors, Rail Pastor8, and Response Pastors together with merchandise that PTomote5 the work of the charity through ils various initiatives.
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Induction and training of trustees The chairman of Trustees 15 responsible for the induction of any rEw Trustee. This involves awareness training Of a Trustee's duties and re$ponsibililies, the gtsveming document, administrative procedures, as well as the history and ethos ol the charity. A new Trustee wrill a150 receive a oopy of the charity's governing document and the pVrouS year's annual report and a copy ol the Charity Commission leafiet'The Essential TNstee'. Vvhat you ne lo know, what you need to do. Public benefit AT has a number ol schemes in operation which actively serve the public, narnely Street Pasiors. Prayer Pastors, Response Pastors, School and College Pastors, Urban Youth Mission, Rail Pastors, the 60140 Youth Project, the Synergy Network, Oyibi Project. Five2Medi¢s and the AT Beacon Project, and Bridge Watch. More details are provided below. The trustees confimi that they have wmplied with the requirements of section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the publi¢ benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Objectives and activities The principal objective of AT concerns the advancement of the cornmuHty through outreach and training. Each year the trustees review the objectives and activities lo ensure that they ¢onlinu& lo reflect our aims. During this review, the Irusiees consider the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The aims ofAT as set out in the ¢harty'$ Mernorandum of Associatton are summarised as tollows.. lal To advance the Christian faith. Ibl To relieve sicknes$ and financial hardship. {cl To promote and preserve good physical, mental and emotional health. This is achieved in the ftsllowing way5'. For the benefit of the public, transfoming the direction of not only som&body's night but 50rnebody's Ikfe. OfFering hurnan contact which reduces social isolation and provides conneotion within commun(tSes. Strengthening and preserving good physical, mental and emotional heah of cornmunilies. By the use of volunteers, influencing and glvbng power lo individua15 tsver own lives and communities.
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Building strong resilient wmmunrties. Building positive relationships wth the poli, Local Authorities and thosa who wish to partner th the Trust to reduce the challenges which 13 faced by all communities. AT has demonstrated rts power and ability to mobilisè wmrrunib'es and build positive relationships with its partners, particularfy the Police. I1 aulhorth8 and churches that together we call 'The Urban Trinity.. As set out beFow (Achievements and Perfomiancel, the charity aims to ensure and increase the safety of communities In the night-time econorny, safety in schools and colleges, to prevent suicides at train stalSon$ and on central London bridges, to support and counsel those traurnatised by national tragic events. engaging young people in positive community activities ratrer Ih8n gang-relaled violence and drawng out the enormous potential that young people have lo impact their peers and th¢ wider Community for good, building solidarity and cooperation between charities, communty agencies, the police and local authorities in addréssing all the above issues. More details are given in the "Achievements and Perfomiance Section below. Volunteers Vdunteers perforrn a key task on behalf of AT. They are therefore central to meeting tre aims and objectives of AT. 11 would b& impossible lo ddiver our rnission without them. Al present, there are approximately 14.000 trained volunteers in England and Wales working lor local charities operating under the AT umbrella as Street Pastors, S¢hool and College Pastors, Rail Pastors and Response Pastors. AT aims to sustain and increase its volunteer base. AT aims, through its social action initiatives, to train Indlvklugls for rolevant and informed interath.on at local. national and Intematsonal levels. Achievements and p&rforman¢e Tralnlng AT through ils social action initiatives aim$ lo train individuals for relevant and infomied interaction al local. national and international levels. A number of new Street Pastors volunteers were addeil to the pool of Street Pastors setving the UK during 2024. The individuals being trained were able lo attend and ¢()mplete their training through the Ascension Trust's online tiaining. Online tr31ning was launched in October 2020 writh the hope of delivering training lo all for Street Pastors, School, leadership courses. Équality courses and other bèspoke training courses lo both our Paslor initiatives and to the public in general. New School Pastors trained online alollgside Street Pastors In mental health, youth ¢ullure and Ilslening skills in 2024.
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 In-person training events look place across the networks in the areas of Roles & Responsibilities, Refresher courses and School and College Pastors Roles & Rèsponsibilities. In 2024 AT resumed the provision of tiaining for the coordinators and trustees of the Pastor initiatwes. The training cover5 all aspects of the day-104ay running of local initiatives. In the past the one-day training course delivered in person at the AT offices, or a team from AT travelled to different parts of th* county to deliver the training regionally. In 2024 AT Irialled delivering the training online in bite-sized evening ses5i0ns which included governance, website and s(Kial media managernent, the management of volunteers, reeruilrnent, training, finance, and fundraising. The online spnng and auturnn sessions were well received and will be repealed in 2025. Projects Street Pastors Street Pastors are trained volunteer8 who typically patrol the Streets between the hours of 10pm and 4am, but local area5 Can vary their patrol limes according lo local needs, wth some areas patrolling during the day or early evening. At present there are local Street Pastor inilialives across the country with more inlernalionally. (Website.. .street r5.or .uk Response Pastors Response Pastors deliver help lo those who are impacted by malor disasters at events $u¢h as terrorisl attacks, crashes and other indentS. They were last deployed in August 2024 following the Soulhport attad<s. htt ".Ilwww.ascensiontrusl.o .uklres on$e- aslorsl School and Collog• Pa8tors School Pastors meet students at the gate, al the bus stop and go into schools offering fiiendship, safety and care, and ready to help staff providing additional pastoral support in the school environment and in encouraging young people who are hurting and vulnerable. School Pastors also patrol l¢)cal town centor5 and transport tiubs where students congregate outside of school hours. There ar& a growing nymber of School Pastor initiatives in the UK and Snlernationally. (Website.. ¥MWW.school astors.or Rall Pastors Rail Pastors help lo patrol on train statlon platfomis and in trains and like Street P8Stors they offer a caiing. listening and helping presence, thereby reducing risk maintainlng the safety and wellbeing of rail travellers on rail neorkS. During the COUT5e of the year IoGal teams reported intervention5 where individuals had been Intending to take their lives on railway tracks, but the teams, interventions we ab to help individuals to step back from the edge and prevent this from taking pla¢è. htl s'.Ilwww.as¢ensiontrus1.or .uklrail as 60140 Youth Project Working in partnership with the Lambeth Methodist Cir¢uil, and Young Llfe International, this proje¢l equips young people in the Borough of Lambeth to realise their full potential and develop as
The ASnSIon Trust Annual Report 2024 responsib members of their Community. Two full-lime youth workers are working within the churd) and wider community to equip and empower young people to play their part in cornmunity life. htt s'.Ilw.asCenSionIruSI.0r .UkI60-4 outh- ecVmeet-the.tearnl Th• Synergy Network AT leads this network bringing together organisations and individuals to work collaboratively to addres5 youth violenoe. Currently rkiThg in London, relationship is key as we are stronger together. The Synergy Network brings all voices to the table so that we unite behind onè ery lo bring pÈaee and hope back to our streets Ènd cornrnunrty. In June 2024 the Synergy Nerk held an event exploring trauma and its impact on young people which also offe¥ed the opporturrily foi young people lo explore issues around street violence. In December 2024 the Synergy Network launched its One Pledge One Change campaign aimed at reducing or aradicating violen¢e against young people. Participants were invited to make one pledge that will lead to one ch8nge in addressing the violence that is affecting young peopk across the naton. Ivvebsile". h Iweares ner .or The AT Beacon Prolect Building wellness and resilien in conmunilies facing challenges, disadvantage and requiring support, Five2Medics aims to irnprove lives, dismant16 health inequalities and disparities and to reduce the impact of physical, psychologal and s¢aal issues. Five2Medics dèlivèr projocts and initiatives that ease the health burden6 on systems, communities and individuals. We promote health, diSMane rnisinformation and protect wellbeing in response 10 50cietsl challenges. inequities. disadvantage and deprivation. We deliver these in¢(iatives in partnership with key stakeholders through eornmissionin9. collaboration. partnership and enterprise. The AT Beacon Project continues to work acros5 Lambelh, holding health and wellbeing hubs in local communities, providing access to tiusled sources on health and wellbeing. The AT Beacon Project supports people to make healthy choices. provides mental health and peer support, and faeilitates education and weblnars for churches, faith groups and loeal eommunltie5. (Website.. .atbeaGon ro ecl.or l. The Beacon Projeci works closely urilh Larllbeth Public Health and Impact on Urban Health. 11 has operated a joint initiative with the Alexander Rose Charity on the charity's Fruit & Veg Rose Voucher Scheme providing a frutt and vegetables on prescripts'on. Frorn March to October 2024 the AT Beacon Project worked alongsKle the Alexandra Rose Charity and Lambeth Council on delivering the Fruit and Vegetsble on Prescriptlon Pilot Project, which fomied part of Lambeth Public Heabth's wder plans to tackle food poverty and insecurity in the boiwgh as
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 part ol the councll's Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The pilot was deemed succe88fv1, amongst othe¥ things providing holistic support through weekly face-lo-f8¢e check-ins wth the AT Beacon Project team. The AT Beacon Project team took part in the Lambeth Country Show offering blood pressure checks, èyè heatth assessments, kidney health evaluations. general health and nulrilional advice, and ferials to other social sekvices in the borough. In June 2024 the team saw the launch of a new outreach hub at SVV9 Learning Centre in Stockwell broadening the team's services for rèsidènts in the Brixlon. Other events supported by the team during the year included the Inspire event with the Lambeth Together team, the Wellness Saturday at The Black Famier's Market in Brixton, a 10-year ¢elebra*on oflhe Community Shop in Wesl Norwood where the team runs a health and wellbeing hub, and a surnmer community lair in Sladè Gardens with SW9 Community Housing. The team's work was recognised when Dr Chi-chi Ekhalor, the GP lead for the AT Beacon Project rec&ved the Health and Soci81 Care Award al the Zenith Global Award cerèmony in Septembér 2024 and AT also received a Certificate of Achievement in recognrtlon of its team's ou151anding commitrnenl and Contributn lo exCelnCe in heallh¢are. The AT Beacon Project works with a number of other organisations. A key objeetniè of 11$ work continues to be building trust in Black and other ethnic minority communitie5 in Lambeth. AT Beaoon has received subslanlial grants to fund its work. Bridge Watch AT is working with a numbei of agencies including the Royal Natlonal Lifeboat Institution IRNLII, the Port of London Authority. the City of London Police, the London Fire Brigade, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency, Thrive LDN and the City of London Corporation to provid& a service through volunteers who patrol th6 Thames bridge5 in London where there have been frequent suicides with a view to seeking lo prevent these happ?ning. Volunteers have been trained and the first patrol on one of the bridges took place in December 2023 and in the time since the patrols started, thè volunteers have intetvened to prevent the loss of life on the bridges. From the outset the City Bridge Trust provided funding for this wotl(. htt s.'Ilbrid ewa h.ukl Ovgrseas Mission This year, AT organised a mi38ion lo Ghana in October wth a team 0118 individuals which included doctors. nurs65. an ophthalmologist and a pharrnacist as well a$ ministw$ of religion and other professionals. The mission team resumed work with the Kayay6i Youth Association IKYAI based in the Agbogbloshie area of Accra and also worked with the Apostolic ChLirch in the Accra region of Ghana. During the two days at the Old Fadama Cllnlc in Agbogbloshie, mission team n7embers worked alongside the KYA. officials from the Ghanaian National Health Insurance SchenE INHIS) and workers at the Old Farna Clinic providing health checks whilst 300 Kayayei women and children were registered or re-registered wlh the Ghanaian National Health Insurance Scheme after
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 sponsorship by the Ascension Trust. The mission team spent 10 days wlh the Apostolic Church in Accra. The educats'on team was led aeross the 6 days by an educational consultant and former executive head teacher from the UK who worked alongside teaching staff at the local school demonstrating how STEM could be embedded In the curriculum across age grwps, with limited resources. Oyibi Project Situated in Greater Accra region. Ghana. Oyibi is worknng with explotsd young women. Principal fundlng sourc•s Although we generate income by way ol donab'ons from the public and churches, the principal funding source for the charity are contributions from rts various initiatives linclLJding Street Pastors Initiatives) in the forrn of licence fees. The licence lee income. when compared to th6 previous years has reduced. Howewer. we would like to thank our initiative5 who, notwithstanding their Challenging circumstances. continue to ntribute lo the ¢enlral funds so that AT can maintain its services to the whole network. The Board and rts Finance Sub-committee remains wgilanl in their commitment lo the work of AT, seeking to idents'fy new opportunities to increase revenue and lo review fundiai3iny options. We acknowledge and thank all those individuals, churche$, and ¢ompani¢s, who hav¢ supported the work of Ascension Trust in the past years through their kind donations of funds, advice and time. Our speCe thanks lo the tollowng organisalions.. Church Cornrnunilies UK St Marks Kennington PCC Parochial Church Council Christian L1fè FellOhIp The Jerusalem Trust New Testsmenl Church of God icah Christian Berrymead Evangeli¢al Church Perry Rise Baptist Chureh St John's PCC Pewsey Crty Gatè Church ILford Harringay Unlted Church The Apostolic Church Christ Church Purley Brandon Baptist Church Benefa¢l Trust Church gf St Thomas
The ASnSIon Trust Annual Report 2024 Financial Revlew The ¢harity s financialposition at thè ond of the y•ar ended 31 December 2024 The financial position of the charity at 31 December 2024 and comparatives for the prior period. as rnore fully detailed In the accounts. can be sumrnarised as follows.. 2024 2023 Nel income 128,964} 19,813 Unrestricted Revenue Funds available For the general purpose5 01 the charity Restricted Revenue Funds 478.140 495,422 450 244 Totsl Funds ReseNes The Mana9emenl and Trustees examined the charity's requremenls for reserves in the Ilghl of the main risks to the organisalion. It has established a policy whereby the unr¢slricled funds not committed or invè$led in tangible fixed assets held by AT is not less than 12 months of expenditure. This will allow AT lo function properly, evèn If there is a signffjcant downturn in income in the present economic ¢ircumstan¢es. As al 31 December 2024. Ascension Trust had free reserves, being unreslriGled funds not designated for a speclfic purpose, lolalling £478,14012023'. £495,422). This represents about 11 months of expeed overhead expenditure The Managernent and Trustees acknOedge the significant 8hortfall of its target level and plan lo continue to build reserves through operating surpluses and tsrgeted fundirTrg applications. In the short tem), the Management and Trustee8 have also considered the extent to which existin9 activities and expenditure Could be curtailed. should such Gir¢umstances arlse. Investment policy and objectives To dale there has been very little financial headroom to ¢onsider any significant long-lerm investment opportunities. The Senior Management Team and Trustees remain activ8 In exploring way8 10 improve the relums on cash reserves.
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Major risks and managgmont ofthose risks The CEO, along wlh the directors, routinely examines the business, reputation and operational risks when preparing strategic plans and budgets, and when ¢onsidering forthcoming projects. particular. AT is aware of the risks involved in working wlh its variou5 conststuenc*s. including.. Associated projects around the UK Vulnerable people Including young people iii. Individual Streel Pastors iv. Financial procedures International development The SMT reviews the finanrAal position of the charity on a monthly basis with the Finance Manager. The CEO seeks to raise funds in the many meetings he has across the UK. The Finance team gularty ¢hase local Street Pastor Initiatives for the payment of linTr fees. The Board of Trustees reiVeS financjal reports al each of Iheii meetings and will advise the CEO of strategies that need lo be undertaken to address potential shortralls ir? income. The Board of Trustees is aware of the pattern of the plateauing of licence fee income from the longèr established Street Pastor initiatives The CEO and members of the SMT regularly speak to Ihe coordinalors and Chairs of the Management Teams and, where necessary and possible, meet wth local initiatives Ici stimulate growth through fresh outworkin9 of local charitsble objectives. A careful watch is kept upon the u$e of uniforms by local initiatives lo ensure no undermining of AT'S reputation or brands. Furtherrnore, AT carries out Quality As$uran¢e Reviews wth local initiab'ves, particulady where conM$ arise in dealings between AT and a l(Kal inilialive. The Refresher courses address the key issue of safety on the streets for all our Street Pa$lors and School and colge Pastor inilialives. Plans for future periods AT will ¢onlinue all its projects listed in the section 8bove"Achievemenls and Performance- Projects. seeking, where the demand is expre55ed by local churche5, to grow the number of Street Pastor inili8tives nationally and internationally and School and College Pastor inilialives IhroughoLJt the UK. Particular work will be continued to grow the 60140 Youth Project. the Syn?rgy Network and AT Beacon Project. Further training of Response Pastors will be kJndÈrt2ken. AT will contsnue to provide online training for new Street Pastors and School Pastors nationally and internati(allY. The Board of Trustees and the SMT will work wi(h ttie AT Prayer Representstives to grow prayer for all ils projects. 10
Thè Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Dlsclosure of Informatlon to Independent Examiner Each trustee ha$ taken step5 that they ought to have taken as a tru81ee in order lo make themselve5 aware of any relevant independet)t examination informats'on and to establish that the charty's independent examiner is aware of tral inforrnalion. The trustees eonfirm that the 18 no relevant information that they know of of which they know the independent exarniner is unaware. Support Having read this Report, please consider suppx)rting the work of AT. Through our various projects, we are addressing key Issues affecting our society today and the number of years that we have been operating is testlmony to the effectiveness of our projects and methods of working. There is still much work to be done, and your support wll be invaluable lo our conlribuling our part in improving the lives of young people and the rider community. Please contact us on 020 8330 2809 or by email at finance donation or sel up a standing order. asGensionlru .uk lo make a The annu81 report was approved by the trustees of the charity cm 0910712025 and signed on its behalf ine edman 11
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 statement of the Diroctors Trustees. Responsibilities The Charity's trustees are responsible for the preparab'on of the accounts in 8ccordanee wrth the terms of the Companies Act 20C6, the Charities Art 2011 and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Notwithstanding the eXpl1t requirement in the extant statutory re9ulations, the Charities (Accounts and Report51 Regulab'ons 2008, to preparè the financial statements in accordance wth the SORP 2005, in view of the lacl that the SORP 2005 has been wthdrawn, the Trustees determined to inlerpret this responsibility as requiring them lo follow current best practice and prepare the accounts according to the FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Practi for A¢¢ounllng and Ret)orting by Gharf(iesl 2015, las amended by the Bulletin issued in October 2018 and appll¢able lo all a¢counb"ng periods beginning ofj or after 151 January 20191, IThe SORPI, In particular, the Companies Act 2006 and charity law require Ihe Board of Trustees to prepare nancial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view ol the state of affairs of the charity as at the end ol the financial year and of th¥ surplus or dèficlt of the charily. In preparing thos& financial slalemenls the Board Is required lo.. Prepare the ac¢ounl$ in accordance wrth United Kingdom Generally Accepted A¢¢ounling Pracli¢e Iuniled Kingdorn Accounting Standards and applicable lawl. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them conslslenlly. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. ppare the financial slaternents on the going concern t)asis unless il is inappropriate lo presume that the charty wlll continue In business. State vthelher applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice had been followed, subject lo any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial staternents. The law requires that the Iwstees must not approve the accounts unless they are satisffied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and ol the surplu8 or deficit of the charity for the year. The Trustees are also responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable a¢¢uiacy al 8ny tirre the financial posilion of the charity and which are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and enable them lo ensure that the financial st8t&m&nts comply with the Companies Act 2006 and comply with regulations made under the Charities Act. They are also responsible lor safeguarding th¢ assets of the charity 12
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 and hen for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other Irregularit$. The Trustees are also responsible for the contents of the Twstee5' report. and th$ slaluloTy responsibility of the Independent Examiner in relation to the Trusteès, report is limited to examining the report and ensuring that, the report is ¢on8islent with the figures disclosed in the financial statements. Melh¢d of preparation of a¢¢ounts- small company provisions The financial stalemenl$ are set out on pages 14 to 29. The flnancial statements have been prepared implementing the FRS 102 SORP IStatem8nt of R¢¢ommended Practlce for Accounting and Reporting by Chariliesl 2015, las amended by the Bulletin is5uod in October 2018 and applicable lo all accounting periods beginning on or after 141 January 20191, (The SORPI. and in accordan¢e Mlh the Financial Reporting Standard 102, (effectivè 1 $1 January 20161. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 applicable to eompanies subject to the small companies, reglrne. Approved by the trusteè5 of the charriy on 091071202S and signed on its behaM by.. Sam Aiyere Tru81ee 13
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Indepèndent Examinerf$ Report to the trust$ ol The Ascension Tru#1 I report to the charity tnjstees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 14 to 29. The charity's gross income exceeded £250 000 arTrd I am qualified to undertako the examination ty being a qualthed member of the Association Chartered Certified Accountants. Respectlve responslbililles of trustees and eXaMir As the ¢harity's trustees of The Ascension Trust land also ils dir6Ctors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation ol the accounts in a(£ordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 20061'lhe 2006 Act'l. Havirng satisfied myself that the accounts of The Ascension Trust are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and a eligible for independent exatnination, I report in respect of my examinaiion of yr chaiity's a¢Gounts as carried out under sedion 145 of the Charities 2011 I'the 2011 Ac¥l. In arrying out my examination I have followed the Di¢0n$ given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. In(l*pendent examiner's Stat•ment I have completed my examination. I confirm that no rnatter5 have conE to my attentA)n in connection with th& examination giving tne cause lo believe". 1. accounting records weie not kept in respe¢l of The ASnSIon Trust as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act,. or 2. the ac¢ounts do not accord with those records., or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'truè and fair whi¢h is not a matter considered as part of an independent examlnation., or 4. the aGcounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Ststement of Recommended Piaclice for accounl"n9 and reporting by charities lapplicable to charities pieparing their accounts in accor#ance with the Financial Reporting Standard app11¢8ble in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 10211. I have no concerns and have come across no other tnatters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this repori in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Fred Lamptey Fred Lampley & Co Chartered Certified A¢tr)unknt and Independent Examiner 26 Felslead Way Lulon, LU2 7LH Date.. 14
The Ascension Trust Statemgnt of Financial Activities (including the Income and expendlture account) for the year ended 31 De¢embor 2024 Notes Unr06tr1¢t ¢d Funds Re$tridèd Fund5 Total Funds Total Fursds 2024 2024 2024 2023 In¢om¥ & Endowments Donations & Legac4es Charitable aclivrties Other trading ath"vili*s Investments Other 76,742 348,989 34,453 10,980 486,166 562,908 348,989 34,453 10,980 497,217 3W.114 43,892 7,780 480 660 966 826 941 377 Expendlture on.. Raising ILmds Charitable activities Total èxp8nditure 13 114,604 114.604 136,241 12 Net Income for the year Net mov•mont in fund8 (17,2821 {11,682} 128,9641 19.813 ReconciliatK)n of Yunds Total funds brought lotward The notes attached on pages 19 to 29 form an integral part of thes¢ a¢¢ounts. 15
The Ascension Trust statement of Financial Activities Ilncluding the income and exppndlture account) for the year ended 31 December 2024 Analysis ofprioryear Not•$ Unrostrictsd Funds Restrlctsd Funds 2023 Totsl Fund$ 1023 2023 Income & Endowm•nts Donations & Legaries Charitable activities Other trading actsvitie8 Investments 424,205 390,114 43,892 7.780 73,012 497,217 390,114 43,892 7.780 Other 941 Expenditure on.. Raising funds Charit8ble activities Total expenditure 13 12 136,241 898 231 138,241 785 323 834 472 921 Net income for tha ygar Net movement in funds 33.893 114,0801 19,813 Recon¢iliation of funds Total funds brought fotward 16
The Ascension Trust Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Fixed assets Tangible assets Investments held as fixed assets Totsl fixed assets 17 204.023 213,681 18 204,024 213,682 Current a$$ots Debtors Cash al bank and in hand Total curront assets 19 205,829 187,510 812 745 1.018,574 1,035,087 Credltors: amounts falling de within one y•ar 20 300 355 287 448 Net current assets 718 219 922.243 747 639 961,321 Ngt assets Creditors". amounts falling due after more than one year The total net assets of the charlty 21 Thè totsl net assets of the charlty are funded by thè funds ol thg charity, as follows: _ Rgstricted funds Restricted R8vonuÉ Funds 22 438,562 450,244 Unre$triGted Funds Unrestricted Revenue Funds Total charity funds 22 478 140 495 422 The directors are satisfied that the company is enlided lo exemption from the requirement to obtain an audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in a¢cordance with section 478 ol the Act. The directors acknowledge their responsibilits'es for complyir7g with the requirements of the Companies Act 20C6 with respect lo accounbng records and the pparatIOn of accounts. 17
The charity is subject lo audit under charity18gislalion, and the report of the Charities Act auditor is on page 11. The financial statements have be&n prepared in accordance with the provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. applicable lo companies subjèct lo the small companies, regime. The notes attached on pages 19 10 29 form an integral part of these accounts. Sam Aiyere Trustee Approved by board of tnJslees on 0910712025 18
The Ascension Trust Cash Flow Ststement for the year ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Cash flows tor operatlng acttvltl•s 91 cash provided by operating activrties 178 113 Cash flows from investing activities Interest received Purchase of property. pknt and equipment Net cash provided by investing activities 10,980 7,780 134,8321 182,043 Cash inflows from new borrowings Overall cash provided by all actlvltlos 182 043 Cash movements Change in cash and cash equivalents from activities in the year ended 31 December 2024 134.8321 182.043 Cash and ¢ash equivalent 1 January 2024 Cash at bank and in hand less overdraft as at 31112124 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents 2024 2023 Cash In hand for the year ended 31 Dember 2024 Total cash and cash gqulvalents 812745 19
The Ascènsion Trust Annual Report 2024 Notes lo the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Accounting Policies 1.1 Basis of Preparation The accounts have been prepared on the accruals basis, under the historical (x)st convention, and in accordan with the Financial Reporting Standard 102, 'FRS 102 SORP (Slalement of Recommended Practice for Accounting and Reporting by Charities) 2019 1.2 Going Concern The Trustees of the charity have eoncluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or condrtions that may cast significant doubl on the ability of the charty lo continue as a going concern. 1.3 InGome recognition Income, whether from exchange or nonthexchan9e transactions, is recognised in the slalemenl of financial activities ISOFAI on a recÈivable basis. when a transaction or other event results in an increase in the charity's assets or a reduction in ils liabilities and only when the charity has legal entitlement, the income is probable and can be measured reliably. Income subject to lem5 and conditions which must be met before the charity is enlilled lo the resources is not reeognised until the conditions have been mel. All income is accounted for gross, before deducting any related fees or costs. 1.4 Deferred income Where terms and conditions relating lo income have not been mel or UnGertainty exists as lo whether the charity can meet any terms or conditions olhenMise within ils control, income is not recognised but is deferred as a liability until il is probable that the terms or conditsons imposed can be mel. 1.5 Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use al the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Reslri¢led funds are donations which donors have specified are solely used for a particular areas of the charty work or for specffic projects being undertaken by the charity. 1.6 ReCognlOn of liabilitie5 and expenditure A Ilabllity, and the related expendf(ure, is recognised when a legal or construclNe obligation exists as a result of a pa51 event. and when it is more likely than not that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in selllemenl, and when the amount of the obligation can be measured or reliably esb"Tnated. All liabilities are measured at fair value. 1.7 Allocating costs to activities Direct costs that are specrfically related lo an activity are allocated lo that activity. Shared direct costs and support costs are apportioned beeen aclivilies. The basis for apportionment, which is consislenlly applied, and propDrtionale lo the circumstances, is'.- Stsffing on a per capila basis, based on the number of people ernployed within any particular aclivily. Premises related and non-specific support costs on the basis of a certain perntage based on the esbmation ol time spent in the Offi and Work carried oul during the year. 1.8 Volunteers In accordance with the SORP. and in recognib'on of the difficulties in placing a monetary value on the contribution from volunteers, the contribution of volunteers is not included within the income of the charity. 1.9 Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed asse15 are measured al thelr origin* ¢o5t value, or subsequent revaluation, or if donated. as de8crib abovè. Cost value indudes 811 costs expended in bringing the sssel into ils intended working ¢ondition. 20
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Freehold premis8S Office Equipment Furniture & Fixtures 2 /0 slraighl line 1 SOA straight line 20% reducing balan 1.10 Cash atbank Cash held by the charity is included in the amount actually held and counted al the year end Bank balances, whether in credit or overdrawn, are shown al amounts properly reconciled lo the bank slalements. 1.11 Debtors Debtors ar8 measured at their Tecoverable amounts at the balance sheet dale. 1.12 Pensions defined contribution schemes The charity opeffiles a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged to the profit and loss aecounl as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme. 1.13. Creditors Trade creditors a reGognisèd initially al the transaction price and subsequently measured at amorti58J cost using effective interest method. 2. Legal status of the charlty The charity is a company limited by gu8ranlee and has no share capital. The liability of each mernber in the event of winding-up is limited to £10. 3. Income from donallons and19gacles Unrestricted Reslrlcled Total 2024 Total 2023 PLiblic donations 33,258 14,145 47.403 41,005 Legacies 180 180 Grants.. Govl 8 public bodies Private sectors donations 382,479 382,479 362.650 11,178 89,542 100,720 74,090 Mission in¢ome 23.973 23,973 14,165 Gift Aid Receivable 4. Ineome from charitabla acttvitios- Trading activities Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Total 2023 Licence fee 218,568 218.568 232,920 Training income 34,178 34,178 30,672 Other trading income 126 522 21
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Notes lo the Accounts for the year ended 310ecember 2024 5 Income from other non-charitablo activities Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Totsl 2023 Income from various events Income from lelling from charitable purpose 22,374 22.374 32.677 6. Investm8nt Income Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Total 2023 Bank interest 7. Othor Income gain Unreslricled Reslricled Total 2024 Tot81 2023 Employment Alowan Stalulory Pay Received 1,955 1,955 2,374 8. Expgndlture on charitable actlvities- Dlrect spendlng Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Total 2023 Brge Watch Operation Resloration Synergy NeOrk Operatign Save Jamaica 60.'4D Youth Project Street Pastors 24,300 24.300 11,293 10,380 10,380 10,283 7,928 1.928 420 1,885 1.126 1,126 2,257 61,994 61.994 50,857 Prayer Pastors 464 22
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 Dember 2024 9. Exp•ndltur• on charitable activities- Charitable trading Restricted Unreslricled Total Total 2024 2023 Training expenditure Annual gvents cost 11.843 11,843 9,099 900 900 21,231 Gross wages and salaries 228,362 228.362 229,395 Ernployers, Ni Defined contribution pension costs 18,030 18,030 18,201 3,427 3.427 3,330 UK Vision 2030 3.515 3.515 4,952 Mission 19 696 10. Support Costs for charitable activities Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Total 2023 Employees, costs not included in direct costs.. Salaries- Administrative staff 235,413 235.413 198,550 Defined contribution pension costs 5,446 5,446 5.580 Employers, Nl 20.618 20.618 17,683 Voluntsers cosl 911 911 450 Premises expenses 26,934 272 27,206 21,997 Administrative overheads 47,416 475 47.891 35,831 Legal & Professional fee Bank charges 622 626 648 3.433 35 3.468 3,870 Depreciation 9,562 97 9.659 9,838 Bank interest payable 533 535 777 23
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 11. Other Expendlture- Governance costs Unreslricled Restricted Total 2024 Total 2023 Independent Examiner's fee 1,950 1,950 1,800 Charity Admin cost 48,722 48,722 48,003 Benefits paid to twslees Professional & consultancy fee 91,291 91,291 55,980 882 882 12. Total Expendlture 2024 2023 Direct charitsble cost 63,[1 37,734 100,795 77,459 Trading cost 32,439 253,334 285,773 300,013 Support cost 350,888 885 351,773 295,024 Govemance cost 51 112827 13. Exp•nditure on raising funds and eo¥t of project managgmgnt Unrestricted Reslricled Tots Total 2024 2023 AT Beacon Project 114604 24
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 14. Net Incom& for the year This is ststed after charging.. 2024 2023 Depreciat'on of owned fixed assets 9,659 9,838 Independent Examinerfs fee Pension costs 1,950 1,800 91 15. Stafl Numbers The average monthly head¢ounl was 20 slaff12023.' 20 stsffj and the average monthly number of fvll- lime equivalent employees (including part~lime staffi during the year as follows.. 2024 2023 Numbor Number Average number of full-time employees in the year was No ernployee reGeived emoluments (excluding pension costs) in excess of £60.000 per annum. 16. Trustee remuneratlon and expense3 No remuneration was paid to any individual in connection with their service5 as trustee5 except one of the trustees, Dr Ekhator, is a director of Dr Ekhalor & Associates. During the year a sum of £91,291 12023.. £55,980) was paid lo Dr Ekhalor & Associates for services rendered as a GP clinical lead for AT Beacon Project. Tolal payment made to Rev Les Isaac in his role as an employee. 2024 2023 Gross salary Employer Pension contribution 42.950 42.500 816 25
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Notes lo the Accounts for Ihe year ended 31 December 2024 17. Tangiblo flxad assets Land & Buildings Offlee Equipment Furniture & fixtures Total At 1 January 2024 Additions At 31 December 2024 283,476 54.005 4,609 342,089 283 476 DepCIation At l January 2024 Charge for the year At 31 D¢cgmbor 2024 Nel book value 84,932 39.205 4,271 67 128,408 127 138068 At 31 Decemb8r 2024 At 31 Dèeèmbef 2023 18. Invgstment held as assets Investments in subsidiaries Carrying value of investments Al 1 January 2024 Al 31 Decémber 2024 19. Debtors 2024 2023 Amount owed by group undertakings Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors 133.724 118.507 65,150 61,958 26
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 20. Creditors.. amounts falllng due wlthln one year 2024 2023 Bank loans and overdraft 10.112 10.112 Accruals for grants payable Trade creditors 245.638 235,463 23.081 17.225 ArualS 5.846 5.140 Social security and other tsxes 10,380 10.676 Other creditors 8832 21. Credltors: amount falllng duè after one year 2024 2023 Bank loans 2nd overdraft 22. Analysls of eharitable funds 88lance Incoming ReSoueS 0110112024 resources expended Fund$ 3111212024 Unrèstricted lunds 495.422 480,660 {497,9421 478.140 RestrScted funds: OrEralion Save Jamaica 533 250 783 Operation Restoration 11,3201 10.380 110,3801 11.320) 60.'40 Melhodisl Project Synergy Nelwork 1101 1.179 11.1261 43 1271 17,737 117.7371 1271 Jerusalem Trust 10,373 10,373 Bridge Watch 11641 70,626 170.4621 UK Vision 2030 3,515 13.5151 Other restricted funds 16.924 112.1491 4.775 AT Beacon Project Inilrative reslricled funds 382,479 1382,4791 423 935 423 935 Total reslricled funds Total charity funds 27
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 D@mber 2024 Operation Save Jarnaica is the umbrella body that c)perales Street Pastors initiatives in Jamaica under a Master Operator Agreement with Ascension Trust. Opgratlon Restoratlon Christian School is a school in Trench Town, Kingston, Jamaica which Ascension Trust has partnered with lo raise funds t(ywards the school's running costs. 60-40 Idlethodtst Project is an initiative of Ascension Trust based in the London Borough of Lambelh in partnership with the Melhodlst Church. The project has been established lo care frjr, equip and empower young people in the borough of Lambelh. Jerusalem Trust provided fvnding for the Synergy Network initiative of Ascension Trust which tsckles youth violence and knife crime. Synergy Network is the inilialives of Ascension Trust together in association with South London Church Fund & Southwark Diocesan Board of Finance, London City Mission and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. The aitn is lo tackle and impact in a positive manner on the levels of violence and societal dysfunGlion, to help vulnerable individuats and benefit society. Bridge Watch Programme is an initiative of ASnSion Trust in association with City Bridge Trust.11 aims lo provide a physical presence of teams of volunteers that patrol the areas on and around the bridges of London and who have a brief to engage with anybody indicating intent lo enter the water. AT Beacon Project IS afi initiative works across Larnbeth, holding health and wellbeing hubs in local communities, Providing a$$ lo trusted sources on health and wellbeing. The Beacon Project across Lambeth is funded by Lambelh Council and the Impact on Urban Health. Othgr restrlcted funds are restricted funds from previous project8. Initlatlves reslricled fvnds are restricted funds held on behalf of ASnsiOn Trust inits'alives that are under the Gredilors in the balance sheet and prior years Testrictsd funds for AT Beacon Project funds that were previously in the unreslricled funds but now transferred and Glassified as restricted funds. 23. Reconciliation of net movement of net cash flow from operating a¢tivities 2024 2023 Net movement in funds per SOFA Depreciation charges Decreasellincreasel in debtors Increaseldecrea8el in creditors Interest 128,964) 19,813 9.659 9,838 118.319} 110,2531 2,793 166,495 28
The Ascension Trust Annual Report 2024 Notes to the ArKounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 24. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Fund3 Total Funds Tangible fixed assets Investments 204.023 204,023 Current assets 580,012 438,562 1.018,574 Current liabilities 1300,3551 1300.3551 Long term liabilities At 31 De¢èmb9r 2024 29