2024-12-31-accounts - Worcester Park Baptist Church

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Worcester Park Baptist Church

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024

Charity Number: 1128662

www.wpbc.org.uk

WORCESTER PARK BAPTIST

CHURCH

ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL

STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED

31 DECEMBER 2024

Contents

Reference and Administrative Details Trustees’ Annual Report Independent Examiner’s Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements

WORCESTER PARK BAPTIST CHURCH REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Trustees	Rev Gavin Carpenter (Minister)
	Mr David Hicks (Treasurer and deacon)
	Mr Jonathan Hill (deacon)
	Dr Ian McLenaghan (deacon)
	Mr Alastair Mills (deacon)
	Mr Robert Mills (Secretary and deacon)
	Mrs Rowena Mills (deacon)
	Mr John Smith (deacon)
	Mrs Sarah Thacker (deacon)
	Mr Girvan Thompson (deacon)
Charity number	1128662
Other names	WPBC
Main address	2 The Avenue Worcester Park
	Surrey KT4 7EW
Banks	HSBC
	75-77 High Street
	Suton SM1 1DU
	Barclays Bank
	London Baptst Property Board
	Epworth Cash Plus Fund for
	Charites
Trustee for propertes	London Baptst Property Board
	Unit C2, 15 Dock Street
	London E1 8JN
Independent Examiner	Chaweevan Williams FCCA
	20-22 Wenlock Road
	London N1 7GU
Key management personnel	The Trustees

The Trustees present their Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The accounts are prepared in accordance with the Accounting Regulations set out under the Charities Act 2011, and with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing accounts in accordance with FRS102.

Charitable Objective

Worcester Park Baptist Church is a charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales. Charity Registration number 1128662

The Charity is governed by an Approved Governing Document which states that the principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination to include the advancement of education, community service and such other general charitable purposes in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Church shall determine.

The Church occupies premises, and provides a manse, both of which are held by the London Baptist Property Board, on Trusts which are entirely compatible with the above objective.

Organisational Structure and Decision-Making Processes

Members of the Church are accepted in accordance with the Constitution which requires them to have been publicly baptised (as in the manner described in the Baptist Union’s Declaration of Principle) or on their public profession of faith in Jesus Christ subsequent to other modes of baptism or no baptism.

The Church is a charitable unincorporated association governed by the Constitution approved at a Special Church Meeting on 25[th] February 2009, approved by the Charity Commission and entered on the Central Register of Charities from 19[th] March 2009.

The Constitution was amended on 17[th] March 2021 to permit online and hybrid meetings; this followed guidance provided by the Baptist Union during the Covid pandemic.

By decision of the Special Church Meeting in February 2009, the Church Meeting and the Trustees abided by those clauses in the previous Church rules which were not in conflict with the new Constitution. These rules were systematically considered by the Trustees and recommendations were brought to Church meetings; in the main the decisions made were to update or confirm the previous policies that were outside of the wording of the constitution.

The members’ meetings normally take place five or six times per year. The constitutional requirement is for a minimum of four general meetings. These meetings have responsibility for the overall policy of the Church. In accordance with the Constitution, the members at Special Church Meetings may appoint, by secret ballots, ministers who are automatically Trustees. The members also appoint up to ten deacons to act as Trustees; the deacons are normally appointed at an election meeting in November by secret ballot (including permitted postal votes) to serve three-year terms of office. The Church Meeting elects a church secretary and a treasurer (the church officers) to serve for a year, from among the elected deacons. The deacons’ and officers’ normal periods of office commence in January. The Trustees are responsible for the day to day running of the church’s work and witness, and the financial and legal aspects of the charity. All church members are encouraged to take an appropriate part in the spiritual and practical tasks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objective.

Relevant matters may be submitted to the Church Meeting by the Trustees for guidance or may be raised by members in the Church Meeting for further consideration by the Trustees. Though the Constitution

permits decisions to be made at Church Meetings by appropriate majorities, the Church seeks to work by consensus wherever possible. The trustees invited the Family and Children’s Worker (Charis Lambert) to their meetings; from June 2023 a Minister-in-Training on placement (Makeda Hewitt) was also invited. During the year meetings of trustees were held in hybrid meetings, and in person. Members’ meetings were held as hybrid meetings, though most attendees were in person.

Objectives and Activities

The stated aim of Worcester Park Baptist Church was reaffirmed in September 2013 and confirmed in subsequent updates of proposed actions to achieve the aim.

"As individuals and as a church together, we want to be open to and relying on God's leading and equipping in our lives."

We would do this in the following ways: -

by deepening our relationship with God (this section highlighted worship in all our lives, and growing in understanding and experience of God as revealed in the Bible and relying on the Holy Spirit).
by being a church community that reflects God's love and has deeper relationships with each other (this section highlighted sharing God's welcome and inclusion for all, building a community that values giving and receiving from each other and the churches around, and fosters a community where people's gifts are discerned and used).
by sharing God's love, healing and forgiveness found in Jesus within the world in which we live (this section highlighted sharing love in word and action with our neighbours and the Worcester Park community, wherever we go, and in the world around including through the support of overseas mission work).

When considering the building improvements required to meet the aim above, the church’s vision was expressed as to be a “beacon of light in the community”.

The main purpose is normally achieved through a programme of weekday and weekend activities for all ages and through the provision and maintenance of an accessible worship area and range of rooms of different sizes. The church employed a full-time minister and a full-time Families and Children’s Worker. Epsom & Ewell Cleaning company had won the contract for cleaning after Practical Completion in August 2022.

Services and Connect Groups

Central to the work and witness of the Church is the provision of regular public services of Christian worship. These services take place each Sunday at 10.30am and are streamed via YouTube to those unable to attend.

A Worship Leaders’ Group meet at regular intervals.

There is a children’s programme for 4 –12-year-olds during the morning services. Usually on the second Sunday of the month the whole worship time is an all-age event led by the Families and Children’s Worker. Parents and carers are encouraged to sit with children during the all-age communion services. The Brigades' Parade services are held on such Sundays. The church seeks to be a friendly and welcoming community, and anybody is free to attend any of these services.

The church runs a series of small daytime and evening Connect groups, for the growth of faith and discipleship, in the homes of some members and at the church premises; further details of these can be obtained from the Trustees on request, at the Sunday services of worship, or from specific advertising. These meet weekly or fortnightly; they are mainly in person meetings - but use is made of Zoom links as appropriate.

The Sunday service sermons and Connect groups had teaching and learning together, beginning 2024 with a ”First Steps” course by Third Space Ministry. This gave a gentle introduction to sharing the good news of the gospel. Also, during 2024 there was a series on the book of Amos, the Diary of a Disciple (using 5 disciples and excerpts from “The Chosen” series); and themes from the Baptists’ Declaration of Principle.

During the Advent period a London Institute of Contemporary Christianity course – “Down to Earth” – was used. The church also experimented with a daily Bible study app linked to the course.

The church for the first time hosted a multi-cultural carol service using English, Korean and Portuguese languages with input from the three churches using the premises on Sundays.

Mission interest was maintained by the work of the Mission Forum and by the good relationship with the Cowies (BMS World Mission), who attended services, Zoom calls and participated in a WhatsApp prayer group. This contact with the Cowies continued after they left BMS (World Mission) and Jutta Cowie commenced studies at Bristol Baptist College for the Baptist ministry. A bring and share lunch was held with them in July. Jutta was inducted as a Minister-in- Training at Emersons Green Baptist Church in September. Genesis Acaye (an agriculturalist specialising in agroforestry, and based in Gulu, Uganda) became the new BMS link missionary.

Children's activities

Toddlers continued to attend the Carers & Toddlers and Twins & Multiples weekly term-time sessions. A well-attended Pancake Day party was held in February. The Christmas Experience was repeated for families with toddlers.

A one-person performance of “A Christmas Carol” was presented in December for young families.

For Young People the church runs weekly meetings of Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade Companies during school term-time. A Brigades’ Awards evening was held on a regular Thursday meeting evening in June. Junior boys attended a joint BB camp. Four adults were trained as GB assistants to enable the ministry to continue. The oldest members of Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Brigade meet together as You-Nite every four weeks under the guidance of BB leaders and the Family & Children’s Worker to discuss their choice of topics. A Korean para-church organisation, Ezemiah, met on Fridays in term time for discipling 11-15 year old Koreans in English language groups.

The Open the Book team’s weekly visits to the whole school assembly at Malden Manor Primary School continued with use of material from the Bible Society. Most members of the team also assisted in presentations of the Easter Experience by Sutton Schoolswork, for Sutton primary schools in local churches, reaching c.2,000 children.

Youngsters involved in the Youth Alpha course meet approximately every six weeks under the title of #DSSB (Don’t Stress, Stay Blessed).

A new outreach to children with little or no church contact was begun in July and advertised through internal groups and local primary schools. SC24 (Summer Club 2024) for one week in July was attended by c.50 children. Lunch was provided for them and their parents. The theme was based on Luke’s gospel with sessions entirely led by WPBC volunteers and staff. This successful venture was planned to be repeated in 2025.

The Church has adopted the Baptist Union “Safe to Grow” policy and operates systems to ensure that all people working with children are appropriately vetted through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The policies and procedures are put under regular review by the church and aim to be consistent with the latest Baptists Together guidance.

Copies of the guidelines are issued to leaders and helpers of children's work and a reference manual is made available for all parents, leaders, and helpers.

The church used the online DBS application and verification service provided by Due Diligence Checking Ltd. on behalf of the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

Adults

The church began to explore how to build upon those already attached to it in the 20-40 year old age groups in order to reach out to others. The initial meetings began with board game evenings.

Older people are catered for by the Thursday Fellowship and Lunch Break organisations, and an increasing number in the fortnightly Friday morning Connect Group. A Holiday @ Home event was held on a day in August.

The church’s presence at the Big Day Out in a local park in June was used to advertise SC24, with a sandpit beach and free drinks. Nine members of the church participated in the team for Love All, Serve All run by Third Space Ministries to serve the evening queues for tickets at the Wimbledon tennis championships.

Communications

Use of SMS (particularly for prayer texts) and email messages (including the WPBC Weekly) via ChurchSuite and Mailchimp continued. Both the Weekly and the bi-monthly magazine moved to a digital display format.

The church meeting approved a Hybrid Church Charter in which the church agreed to meet ten proposals affecting everybody being able to access events in person or on-line. A TV screen monitor was installed in the Prayer Hub to allow for sharing of such events as lunch-time communion.

A new large-scale poster was display externally on the Purdey Court side of the premises. This provided details of regular church events, the two hosted churches and provided A4 space for one-off events to be inserted.

Minister

The minister, Rev. Gavin Carpenter, has led many Facebook Live meditations (e.g. during Lent weekdays), in-person prayer times in the Prayer Hub, and Zoom prayer times.

Gavin was the placement supervisor for Makeda Hewitt, a Minister-in-Training, from Spurgeon’s College. Her work at WPBC included attendance and participation on Sundays and the equivalent of two half days per week participating in and leading different ministries of the church. She became involved in chairing the deacons’ meetings. In the autumn she joined the BU settlement process for a first ministerial appointment.

Families and Children’s Worker

The Families and Children’s Worker, Charis Lambert, continued her regular support to Carers and Toddlers and the Twins and Multiples Group, spent time working with Girls’ and Boys’ Brigades supporting their leaders, and liaising and working with helpers in Sunday’s children’s church sessions.

She spent time continuing the relationship with Cuddington Community Primary School and working with Spinnaker and was a useful back-up member of the Open the Book team for Malden Manor Primary School. She assisted other churches in transition lessons for Year 6 pupils, led in the Christmas Journey at WPBC and acted with the Open the Book team in Easter Experience performances in Sutton.

She has worked with a member of staff of London Baptists on peer support arrangements for Family and Children’s Workers. She attended a two session course on domestic abuse.

As part of the intergenerational life of the church she assisted the minister at Thursday Fellowship. She is also a member of the Worship Leaders team.

She has continued with the task of overseeing the Hub and its use, liaising with the secretary and other leaders who provided their expertise on heating and audio-visual services and with the person taking over the booking of premises by external agencies. She has been proactive in enabling community use of the Hub.

Grants

Grants to external agencies and projects accounted for 7.8% of voluntary income to the General Fund income for the year. In addition, there were other designated gifts not from the General Fund, including those listed in the attached accounts. The Trustees alone take action for urgent appeals (e.g. Disaster Emergency Committee appeals) and for grants to people on short term placements with Christian organisations in the UK or overseas. There were nine missions supported by the church as a whole.

Public benefit

The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and are confident that the church acts in accord with those guidelines.

Achievements and Performance

Attendance and membership

Attendance at services is difficult to record accurately when services are online or hybrid. The congregation is about 90 for a normal service. This is supplemented by viewing of the YouTube broadcast which typically attracts 50-60 views.

At the end of the 12-month period, the church membership had decreased by three – two deaths, three resignations, and two new members) and new member. On 31 December 2024 the membership stood at 79. There was one baptism in the period.

The church has recorded its contact with known individuals via the church database, WhatsApp, etc. The statistical return to the Baptist Union showed WPBC had regular contact with the following identified individuals:

Children 0-10 200 Young people 11-17 18 Adults 241

The estimated average attendance at services was 78 people per week plus 69 views via YouTube.

Twenty-two adults and children attended Welcome Teas to get to know people and to hear an explanation of the ethos of the church.

Plans and actions

The major ongoing items from January 2024 to December 2024 included continuing to work with the consultants and contractors, running new and old ministries, particularly the Hub Café and The Living Room.

The Big Day Out in Shadbolt Park run by Cuddington Residents Association was used to promote SC25 (a summer holiday Bible Club for primary school children).

Various policies, procedures and assessments required by law or recommended by the Baptist Union or Charity Commission were reviewed, commenced or acted upon in 2024. These included the Internal Financial Controls Policy, a general Risk Assessment, a Fire Risk Assessment, a Health and Safety Assessment, a Baptistry Risk Assessment.

An Actions Register tracking deacons’ meeting discussions was commenced.

Pastoral care

The Pastoral Care Team network for members and non-members attending the church continued functioning with the team working with the Minister and Pastoral Care Team coordinator.

Twenty two newcomers (adults and children) were welcomed with a Welcome Tea, giving a chance for social exchange, and exploring the ethos and work of the church.

Public flower bed

The flower border on a piece of local public land was regularly maintained. Again, it was used for promoting the message of Easter with a large wooden cross and the addition of flowers on Easter Sunday (after permission from the Council) by members. At Christmas 2024 the church again erected (with Council permission) a Christmas tree with greetings from WPBC.

Premises: equipment and maintenance

A further three pairs of large colourful banners were designed by Jonathan Hill and displayed either side of the front of the main hall: These included one giving an illustrated narrative of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection and sets for harvest and the Christmas story.

The community Automated External Defibrillator (AED) was installed on an external wall of the church building and a St. John’s Ambulance trainer from the church provided teaching on its use for church members and users of other AED’s in the locality. The assistance of Councillor Massimi was appreciated.

The leaking baptistry was repaired at a cost of £7,128 by a specialist company providing insulation and nonslip surfaces. The church was pleased to be able to use the refurbished facility in April 2024.

The heating system was flushed, heat exchangers in boilers were replaced, and new low surface temperature radiators were installed in the Pentagon. New radiator control values with wi-fi control were installed in the older part of the premises.

It was agreed that acoustic panels for the Pentagon should not be progressed.

More security cameras were installed to the rear and sides of the premises, and a PIN-operated magnetic lock was installed on the gates leading to the flat’s front door. This included a vandal resistant keypad, exit button, and a break glass unit for the fire escape route.

Quotes for the maintenance of mechanical and plumbing systems, fire alarm system, automatic front doors and the intruder alarm were obtained and contracts signed.

New larger nappy bins were provided in four locations.

Two small monitor screens were installed on the main hall platform to assist service leaders.

The rented coffee machine and milk cooler used in the Hub Café was purchased outright now that it had been established that use justified the cost.

An air fryer and a replacement microwave oven were purchased for the kitchen.

The Hub Project

The contractor, Bryan & Langley, has intermittently undertaken rectification of many of the snagging and defects identified since Practical Completion in August 2022. Some retention monies associated with the vinyl flooring and metal cladding have been released. By the end of 2024, the works were inspected again, and a schedule of outstanding items, including warranties, was agreed with the contractor. WPBC and B&L intend to agree on a financial adjustment for many of the items that B&L no longer wishes to complete. However, WPBC has asked B&L to complete the remainder of items, including the remedial work to the single-ply membrane roofing, so that a warranty can be issued, and also to provide a design portion warranty for the screed.

Sufficient funds have been held in the retention funds to deal with any outstanding issues if B&L does not complete their work.

WPBC has entered into maintenance contracts with Sale Group for the boiler and mechanical systems, and with TSF for the fire alarm, intruder alarm, access Control, and the automatic system controlling the front door.

The Hub: a beacon of light and a place of welcome and belonging.

The church’s vision is of being a beacon of light in the community, a place of outreach, open to all, and being a safe community hub at the heart of the neighbourhood. The Hub development had created a place that has added flexibility for many activities by all ages including prayer, worship, learning, study and especially interaction. One of the design objectives of the project was to provide more transparency of the work and activity in the church, to make it more appealing and inviting to those in the community.

The Hub café continued opening on Mondays to Wednesdays from 10am – 2pm. Use by those attending activities on the premises and coming by word of mouth increased. The church is indebted to the volunteers who operate the café and seeks to gain more volunteers to open for more days of the week. The café offers an attractive limited range of paninis, snacks, cakes, soups, hot and cold drinks, etc. It has made a significant financial contribution to the church as well as being a much-enjoyed community facility attracting regular visitors.

The “Living Room” (part of a national ministry of Wellbeing Cafes, where it is “ok not to be ok”), operates in the Hub café area and the prayer Hub. Links continued with Mind in Kingston and the Mary Frances Trust (Epsom-based).

There continued to be a good uptake of the capacity for lettings; this has included external pre-school children’s groups, an Alcoholics Anonymous group, sessions by one-to-one counsellors, various Pilate and Keep Fit groups. These have provided much needed income.

It was agreed to permit an external children’s party organiser to use the Hub and the church main hall on two Saturdays per month (decided by the church in advance) except for the summer holiday period and December, with strict requirements concerning security and cleaning in the absence of cleaning contract staff between Friday and Sunday mornings.

At the end of the year, an external dementia support group started a weekly Memory Cafe within the Tuesday opening hours of the Hub café. This group provided support to people with memory loss who came with their carers.

Linden Bridge School (a special school for children and young people (4-19 years) with complex social communication needs) began bringing an older pupil for work experience in the Hub café once a week, with support from their staff.

A significant feature of the Hub décor is the exhibition display place for artwork. An open afternoon event was held for parents and friends of children from Cuddington Community Primary School whose differing age-group classes had provided artwork demonstrating what Christmas meant to the children. The Hub also hosted a model Christmas village display with lights and actions.

From November, the Hub continued to be used for Church Members’ Meetings gathering round tables. The November meeting began an introduction to the care of members of the LGBTQ+ communities.

The Hub project - fundraising (see separate section in Financial Review below)

Financial Review

The Church continues to raise the funds it needs to carry on its activities from within its own membership and congregation, who are encouraged, if possible, to employ Gift Aid in their giving, to maximise the benefit to the Church.

The church benefits from the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme. The various church organisations, in particular the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades apply for, and from time to time receive, grants from Local Authorities or Charitable Organisations.

The Church expressed its part in the life of the wider church by making grants to local, national, and international Christian organisations and societies with Christian aims and objectives compatible with the church’s own charitable purpose. It will also, occasionally, make grants to individuals who have been identified by the minister as needing particular and urgent financial support.

Charitable giving from outside of the General Fund (i.e., raised by voluntary giving to specific identified needs) during the period January to December 2024 raised gifts including:

Pentecost – Tearfund’s North Africa appeal - £1,551

Harvest Thankoffering – 276.8kg of food and dried food for Epsom & Ewell Foodbank. Pre-Christmas offering of food and dried goods to Epsom & Ewell Foodbank. Christmas Offering/Tearfund 2,068

In addition to the above organisations, gifts were also supplied to missions from the General Fund.

The Church is heavily dependent on its membership, and others, working as volunteers in all aspects of the church’s activities, many of which run with little or no impact on the church’s expenditure, but nevertheless contribute substantially to the achievement of the church’s objectives. Over 60 of the church family regularly contribute their time to running activities.

In 2024 working capital was kept on deposit with HSBC, surplus funds were mainly deposited with the London Baptist Property Board. The Trustees have, however, a policy that requires at least half of these deposit funds to be in the LBPB account where it can be used for the benefit of other Baptist churches.

The Trustees have an established Reserves Policy which requires £25k of liquid assets. They are satisfied that they have sufficient reserves at the Balance Sheet date, together with ongoing anticipated income, to enable the Church to function effectively in the coming year.

The financial results for the period, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted, are set out in the accompanying financial statements. At the year end, the charity held total cash funds of £219,714 of which £172,232 were restricted , and £47,482 were unrestricted.

The church had been running a deficit current General Fund for a few years, but since 2023 this has been reversed. Data showed that in common with many churches, over 25% of donated general fund income comes from a very small number of families or individuals.

The church gratefully acknowledged the continued receipt of donations from the two hosted Churches (Korean and Portuguese-speaking).

A 3.4% increase in the stipend for the Minister and the salary of the Families and Children’s Worker was agreed for 2025, in line with the Baptist Union rise in minimum stipend.

Funding for church maintenance was increased to £15k with a sinking fund being used for all year-end unexpended funds.

The 2025 General Fund budget was approved with a target of increasing income by 3% over 2024 and included an increase in mission giving from £8k to £9k towards replacing previous reductions.

The Trustees, having made an assessment of any financial risk the church might face, are satisfied that all reasonable steps have been taken to minimise that risk and that adequate insurance policies are in place.

The Hub project – fundraising

The church continued to encourage members to gain commission for WPBC on on-line orders by using the Easyfundraising website.

At the start of 2024 the church had an outstanding debt of over £195k for an interest-free loan of £241k repayable by May 2027. By the year end, this had been reduced to under £125k. The income to the Hub fund had come from one-off gifts, regular standing orders, legacies, special fund-raising events (quiz evening, car boot and tabletop sale, and craft fair), the sale of scrap metal and the Cash in the Attic scheme. The last two means raised £19,104 in the period.

The special gift day in September 2024 raised £17,120. £625 was given in memory of Tom Hellings.

Future Plans

We will continue to pursue our stated aim: “As individuals and as a church together, we want to be open to and relying on God’s leading and equipping in our lives.” We will do this by deepening our relationship

wlth God, by belng a church tommunlty that reflecls God's love and has deeper relation5hlps with each other. and by sharln8 God's tove. heallng and forgiveness found In Jesus wlthln the world In whlch we Ibve. The major tasks for 2025 are lo: l. Complete snagglngldefert work and make final payments on the bulldlng contract 2. Pro8re55 the fundraising for the Hub, raislng sufficientfund5 10 pay off the remaining interest-free loans by May 2027 3. Confjnue to provlde the Mlnlster4n-Tralnln8 wlth opportunrtles In dlfferent aspects of WPBC'S ministries and prtsde mentorlng vla the Mln15ter 4. Maintaln access to online servlces 5. Malnlaln contsrt wlth users of church faclltiies 6. Continue teathin8 and dlscusslon on dlscipleship. includln8 plannlng a Church Famify Weekend on the premlses In June 2Q25 wtth celebration. teachin8 and fun, and supportin8 Christians on thelr frontllnes (Whe they re8ularly meet people). 7. Run a "Creatin8 knctuarf course for members looking at undeystsnding pasioral issues relatlng to LGBTQ+ communltfjes. 8. Further progress the mini51rie5 serving the soclalty Isolated and those with mentsl health ts5ue5 9. Continue maklng the Hub a place of welcome and belon8in8 10. Malntslning or increasin8 current lettfjng Income 11. Contlnue the development of a 205-405 age group gatherlng. 12. Run 5C25 for prlmary school chlklren for about a week in the summer school holiday Approved by the Tru5ttt5 on 12kA OckLJ 202 nd 5i6ned on thelr behalf by. Davkl Hicks Trustee

Worcester Park Baptist Church

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

For the year ended 31 December 2024

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Worcester Park Baptist Church (Charity no. 1128662) for the year ended 31 December 2024, as set out on pages 15 to 27.

Responsibilities and basis of report

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). The Charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act, and state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Independent examiner’s statement

Where the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a registered member of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that:

(1) In connection with my examination, no matters have come to my attention which give me cause to believe that, in any material respect:
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of the accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Report) Regulation 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
(2) I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Chaweevan Williams FCCA Verdant Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 20-22 Wenlock Road, London N1 7GU

Date: 16[th] October 2025

Worcester Park Baptist Church

Statement of Financial Activities

For the year ended 31 December 2024

			2024			2023
		Unrestricted	Restricted	Total	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total
	Notes	Funds	Funds	Funds	Funds	Funds	Funds
		£	£	£	£	£	£
Income from:
Donations and legacies	2a	102,171 45,190 147,361	102,171 45,190 147,361	102,171 45,190 147,361	111,323 169,030 280,353	111,323 169,030 280,353	111,323 169,030 280,353
Charitable activities	2b	14,005 22,991 36,996	14,005 22,991 36,996	14,005 22,991 36,996	10,089 37,447 47,536	10,089 37,447 47,536	10,089 37,447 47,536
Other trading activities	2c	62,603 - 62,603	62,603 - 62,603	62,603 - 62,603	55,054 - 55,054	55,054 - 55,054	55,054 - 55,054
Investments	2d	676 7,663 8,339	676 7,663 8,339	676 7,663 8,339	893 3,498 4,391	893 3,498 4,391	893 3,498 4,391
*Total income*		179,455 75	455 75,844 255	844 255,299	177,359 209	359 209,975 387	975 387,334
Expenditure on:
Raising funds		- - -	- - -	- - -	- -	- --	-
Charitable activities	3	192,346 9,453 201,799	192,346 9,453 201,799	192,346 9,453 201,799	148,332 14,179	148,332 14,179162,511	162,511
Change in pension provision	11	- - -	- - -	- - -	- -	- --	-
*Total expenditure*		192,346 9	346 9,453 201	453 201,799	148,332 14	332 14,179 162	179 162,511
Gains/(loss) on investment
assets	7	238 - 238	238 - 238	238 - 238	19 - 19	19 - 19	19 - 19
Net income before transfer		(12,653)	66,391 53,738	66,391 53,738	29,046 195,796 224,842	29,046 195,796 224,842	29,046 195,796 224,842
Transfers between funds		20,743 (20,743)	20,743 (20,743) -	-	- - -	- - -	- - -
Transfers between funds	13	(3,546)	3,546 -	3,546 -	158,841 (158,841)	158,841 (158,841) -	-
Net movements in funds		4,782 49,194 53,976	4,782 49,194 53,976	4,782 49,194 53,976	187,906 36,955 224,861	187,906 36,955 224,861	187,906 36,955 224,861

Total funds carried forward at 31 December 2024		2,130,906 172,232 2,303,138	2,130,906 172,232 2,303,138	2,130,906 172,232 2,303,138	2,126,124 123,038 2,249,162	2,126,124 123,038 2,249,162	2,126,124 123,038 2,249,162

Worcostsr Park Baptlst Church Balance Sheet A6 at 311t Decber 2024 2023 Flx•d A$s•ts Tangible tsed as#et8 Invostrn8nt8 Tolal fix•d as8•ts 2.387,BS8 2.367,674 319 2,387,993 2,388.416 Curr•nt Ass•ts Debtors Cash at bonk $rKI In hand Tot•1 Curr•nt Awts 12a rJ1.832 231,832 194.227 198.INI Cunent Uabllltle• cred115.. •nount8 falllng due within one year 171710) ,491) N•t currnnt aM•t• 159.122 125,569 Tot•1 Asuts IM• Curr•nt Ll•blllll•s 2,547.538 2.493.562 Cr•dltorJ: amounts falllng du• aft•r mor• than one yo•r 10 {225.000) (225,OW) Provlslon¥ for I1•blllll •nd c•% 11 (19AOO) (19,400) N•t A•*•ts 12 2 303 131 2 249 182 R•pr•s•nt•d by: Retstri¢thl fundB DeBrgnated funds Unrestrict8d fund$ 13 13 13 171232 46,416 108&490 123,038 31,991 2.094,133 2.249.162 Approved ty the Trustee8 on J4Jl OcLth 2uLS 8rKI 8igned on Ih8ir b¢hair ty.

Worcester Park Baptist Church Notes to the Financial Statements

For the year ended 31 December 2024

1 Accounting policies

Worcester Park Baptist Church is a charity registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales, charity registration number 1128662. The registered office is 2 The Avenue, Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 7EW.

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

1a Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost basis of accounting. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102).

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts are prepared in pounds sterling rounded to the nearest pound.

1b Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the church has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1c Fund Accounting

The funds held by the church are either:

Unrestricted general funds — these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charity's objects at the discretion of the Trustees.

Designated funds — these are funds set aside by the Trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific

future purposes or projects.

Restricted funds — these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

1d Income

Donations and other income (including legacies) are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the church has entitlement to the income, it is probable the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be reliably measured.

Grant income is recognised when the formal offer of funding is communicated to the charity and any conditions which must be met are fulfilled.

All expenditure is accrued as soon as a liability is considered probable and has been headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Charitable activities include governance costs.

1f Grants Paid

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the church.

1g Freehold Property and Depreciation

The original cost of the church building and land is not valued in the financial statements as the historical cost is unknown. Any original costs of the building would already have been substantially depreciated and carrying amounts are therefore unlikely to be material. The manse is included at cost. Subsequent improvements are recognised at cost.

Worcester Park Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements (cont’d)

For the year ended 31 December 2024

1 Accounting policies (cont’d)

1g Freehold Property and Depreciation (cont’d)

No depreciation is provided on the land or buildings, The Trustees adopt a policy of maintaining the buildings to a high standard which prolongs their useful lives and enhances their residual values and accordingly the Trustees consider any depreciation arising or accumulated depreciation to date to be insignificant and immaterial.

1h Furniture and Equipment

Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost or valuation less estimated residual value of all other assets as follows:

Furniture & fittings 10% on cost
Office equipment 33% on cost
Audio visual equipment 33% on cost
Kitchen equipment 25% on cost

1i Pension Scheme

The church makes contributions into pension schemes which are accounted for as they are paid. The church also makes contributions towards the deficit on the Baptist Pension Scheme under the deficit reduction plan. A provision has been made for the total contributions due.

1j Taxation

The church is not liable for tax on its charitable activities

1k Investment

Quoted investments are stated at fair value and any gains or losses are posted to the Statement of Financial Activities.

1l Debtors

Grants receivable and other debtors are included at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid,

1m Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of the opening of the deposit.

1n Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the church has a present obligation arising from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are recognised at their settlement amount. Provisions have been calculated at the best estimate of the settlement amount and then discounted back to present value at the reporting date.

1o Financial Instruments

The church only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value

1p Volunteers

Much of the management of the church is carried out free of charge by volunteers. This intangible cost is not included in the Financial Statements since there is no measurable cost to the volunteers for their service.

Worcester Park Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements (cont’d)

For the year ended 31 December 2024

2	Income	Unrestricted	Restricted Total Funds	Total Funds
		Funds	Funds 2024	2023
		£	£ £	£
2a	Donations and legacies
	Donations	85,701 38,374 124,075	85,701 38,374 124,075	243,597
	Grants	300 - 300	300 - 300	300
	Legacies	- - -	- - -	5,200
	Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid	16,170 6,816 22,986	16,170 6,816 22,986	31,256
		102,171 45,190 147,361	102,171 45,190 147,361	280,353
2b	Charitable activities
	Fundraising	- 3,887 3,887	- 3,887 3,887	4,884
	Cash in the attic	- 19,104 19,104	- 19,104 19,104	32,563
	Rental income	6,596 - 6,596	6,596 - 6,596	2,970
	Subscription income	7,409 - 7,409	7,409 - 7,409	7,119
		14,005 22,991 36,996	14,005 22,991 36,996	47,536
2c	Other trading activities
	Hall lettings	23,265 - 23,265	23,265 - 23,265	22,461
	Flat rental income	18,307 - 18,307	18,307 - 18,307	18,260
	Other income	21,031 - 21,031	21,031 - 21,031	14,333
		62,603 - 62,603	62,603 - 62,603	55,054
2d	Investment income
	Other income	659 7,663 8,322	659 7,663 8,322	4,375
		676 7,663 8,339	676 7,663 8,339	4,391
	Total Income	179,455 75,844 255,299	179,455 75,844 255,299	387,334

Worcester Park Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements (cont’d)

For the year ended 31 December 2024

3	Charitable Expenditure On:		Unrestricted	Restricted	Total Funds	Total Funds
		Notes	Funds	Funds	2024	2023
3a	Ministry costs		£	£	£	£
	Staff costs	4	75,771 -	75,771 -	75,771	70,109
	Manse maintenance		600 -	600 -	600	1,039
	Manse running costs		17,082 -	17,082 -	17,082	16,376
	Adult evangelism & discipleship		1,744 -	1,744 -	1,744	838
	Brigades		1,846 -	1,846 -	1,846	2,550
	Fellowship costs		1,497 -	1,497 -	1,497	1,390
	Subscription exp		1,458 -	1,458 -	1,458	1,372
	TV and Music		2,073 29	2,073 29	2,102	2,151
	Visiting speakers		- -	- -	-	723
	Youth group		2,244 -	2,244 -	2,244	753
	Other ministry expenses		2,053 -	053 -	2,053	1,197
			106,368 29 106	368 29 106	368 29 106,397	98,498
3b	Mission
	Grants	5	8,182 3	182 3,982 12	982 12,164	9,731
3c	Establishment
	Church maintenance		30,809 4,979	30,809 4,979	35,788	11,842
	New building work		- 20,744	- 20,744	20,744	-
	Capitalised new building work	6	- (20,744)	- (20,744)(20,744)	(20,744)	-
	Church running costs		40,009 -	40,009 -	40,009	31,164
	Depreciation	6	560 -	560 -	560	953
	Printing, postage & photocopying		944 -	944 -	944	1,067
	Independent Examination		2,760 -	2,760 -	2,760	2,640
	Sundry expenses		701 -	701 -	701	1,908
	Telecoms & computers		1,244 -	244 -	1,244	2,861
			77,796 5	796 5,165 82	165 82,961	53,301

3d	Raising funds		- 277 277	- 277 277	- 277 277	981

	Total Expenditure		192,346 9,453 201,799	192,346 9,453 201,799	192,346 9,453 201,799	162,511
4	Staff costs and related party transactions				2024	2023
					£	£
	Salaries and stipends				66,679	61,784
	Employer’s national insurance				1,353	982
	Pension				7,739	7,343
					75,771	70,109

The average number of employees during the year was 2 (2023:2). There were no employees with emoluments above £60,000 (2023: none). There were no termination payments in 2024 (2023: nil).

Worcester Park Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements (cont’d)

For the year ended 31 December 2024

				Total	Total
5	Mission Giving	Unrestricted	Restricted	Funds	Funds
		Funds	Funds	2024	2023
	Institutions:	£	£	£	£
	Baptist Missionary Society	2,000	- 2,000	2,000 2,000	2,000
	London Baptist Association	2,000	- 2,000	2,000 1,500	1,500
	Insight (Kingston Schools)	1,000	- 1,000	1,000 700	700
	Sutton Schools Christian Workers Trust	1,000	- 1,000	1,000 700	700
	Others < £1,000 each	2,000	3,982 5	5,982 4	4,312
		8,000	3,982 11	11,982 9	9,212
	Individuals:	182	- 182	182 519	519
	Total Expenditure	8,182	3,982 12,164	12,164 9,731	9,731
6	Tangible fixed assets
	Tangible fixed assets – for use by the Church

	Church	Church	Furniture &
	Premises	Manse	Fittings	Equipment	Total
	£	£	£	£	£
Cost
At 1 January 2024	2,324,669 40,758	40,758	3,593	6,613	2,375,633
Additions	20,744		-	-	20,744
At 31 December 2024	2,345,413 40	40,758	3,593	6,613	2,396,377
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024	- -	-	1,576	6,383	7,959
Charge for the year	- -	-	330	230	560
At 31 December 2024	- -	-	1,906	6,613	8,519
Net book value
At 31 December 2024	2,345,413 40,758	40,758	1,687	0	2,387,858

At 31 December 2023	2,324,669 40,758	40,758	2,017	230	2,367,674

Worcester Park Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements (cont’d)

For the year ended 31 December 2024

		Listed
7	Investments	Investments
	Fair value	£
	At 1 January 2024	320
	Unrealised gains/(loss)	238
	At 31 December 2024	558
		2024	2023
8	Debtors	£	£
	Income tax recoverable	- 2,368	2,368
	Prepayments	- 1	1,465
		- 3,833	3,833
		2024	2023
9	Creditors: amounts falling due within one year	£	£
	Trade creditors	1,008 1,008	1,008
	Tax and social security	4,569 4,470	4,470
	Accruals	51,133 51,013	51,013
	LBPB loan	- -	-
	Interest free loans	16,000 16	16,000
		72,710 72,491	72,491

The interest free loans are from three church members. These are unsecured and repayable within three months of a written request or the lender's death.

10 Creditors: amounts falling due more than one year

Creditors: amounts falling due more than one year
	£	£
LBPB loan	- -	-
Interest free 5 years loan	225,000 225	225,000
	225,000 225,000	225,000

Worcester Park Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements (cont’d)

For theyear ended 31 December 2024
11 Provision for liabilities and charges				Total	Total
				Funds	Funds
				2024	2023
				£	£
Liabilities brought forward			19,400 19,400	19,400 19,400	19,400 19,400
Deficiency contributions paid in year			- -	- -	- -
Charge for the year			- -	- -	- -
Liabilities carried forward			19,400	19,400	19,400
12 Analysis of net assets by Fund			Unrestricted	Restricted	Total
			Funds	Funds	Funds 2024
2024			£	£	£
Fixed assets			2,388,416 - 2,388,416	2,388,416 - 2,388,416	2,388,416 - 2,388,416
Current assets	12a		59,600 172,232 231,832	59,600 172,232 231,832	59,600 172,232 231,832
Current liabilities			(72,710) - (72,710)	- (72,710)	- (72,710)
Provisions			(244,400) - (244,400)	- (244,400)	- (244,400)
At 31 December 2024			2,130,906 172,232 2,303,138	2,130,906 172,232 2,303,138	2,130,906 172,232 2,303,138
			Unrestricted	Restricted	Total
			Funds	Funds	Funds 2023
2023			£	£	£
Fixed assets			2,367,993 - 2,367,993	2,367,993 - 2,367,993	2,367,993 - 2,367,993
Current assets			75,022 123,038 198,060	75,022 123,038 198,060	75,022 123,038 198,060
Current liabilities			(72,491) - (72,491)	- (72,491)	- (72,491)
Provisions			(244,400) - (244,400)	- (244,400)	- (244,400)
At 31 December 2023			2,126,124 123,038 2,249,162	2,126,124 123,038 2,249,162	2,126,124 123,038 2,249,162
12a Analysis of cash at bank and in hand		General	Designated	Restricted	Total
		Funds	Funds	Funds	Funds 2024
2024		£	£	£	£
		26,911	32,688	172,233	231,832

Worcester Park Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements (cont’d)

For the year ended 31 December 2024

13 Statement of funds

Restricted Funds

The Building Fund (also known colloquially as The Hub Fund) are funds donated for our building work. The expenditure on the church premises has been transferred out of the fund this year as it has been capitalised.

During the course of the year we run various appeals typically for Tearfund, Christian Aid and other similar selected organisations which we collect in a Missions fund and likewise an annual Harvest appeal.

Designated Funds

The Boys' Brigade, Girls' Brigade, Thursday Fellowship (this is a weekly meeting for seniors), and Carers & Toddlers all manage their own finances during the year and their funds are designated for that purpose. The Special Purposes Fund consists of any legacies, or other unexpected significant donations, for use by the church may decide when a need arises.

The Repairs and Maintenance is an annual budgeted amount set aside towards general church maintenance.

The Pastoral Vacancy Savings Account was set up during a period when the church had no minister to save the money that would have been spent on their stipend. Most of this has been spent on refurbishing the manse during the year.

The Pastoral Assistance reserve was money set aside to enable the minister, with the agreement of the treasurer, to make small personal gifts to individuals or families identified as being in need.

Worcester Park Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements (cont’d)

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Statement of funds (cont’d)
2024	Balance				Balance
	b/fwd	Income	Expenditure		c/fwd
	1 Jan 2024	& gain	& loss	Transfers	31 Dec 2024
	£	£	£	£	£
Unrestricted funds:
General	2,094,133 170,547	170,547	(138,161) (28,300)	(28,300)	2,098,219
Special purposes fund -	- -	-	- (12,729)	(12,729)	(12,729)
	2,094,133 170	170,547	(138,161)	(41,029)	2,085,490
Designated
BB general fund	2,266 1,903	1,903	(1,816) 254	254	2,607
Building fund	97 -	-	- (97)	(97)	-
Carers & Toddlers (GT Gen Fund)	781 3,816	3,816	(667) (2,500)	(2,500)	1,430
Charity reserve fund	25,000 -	-	- -	-	25,000
GB general fund	1,667 1,173	1,173	(1,115) -	-	1,725
Insurance claim -	- -	-	- -	-	-
Pastoral assistance -	- -	-	- -	-	-
Pastoral vacancy -	- -	-	- -	-	-
Repairs & Maintenance	900 -	-	(28,202) 28,097	28,097	795
Other society -	- -	-	- -	-	-
Thursday Fellowship(TF Gen Fund)	935 1,105	1,105	(596) (1,000)	(1,000)	444
Space 2 Create	345 1,146	1,146	(805) -	-	686
Special purposes fund -	- -	-	- 12,729	12,729	12,729
	31,991 9	9,143	(33,201) 37	37,483	45,416

Total unrestricted funds	2,126,124 179	179,690	(171,362)	(3,546)	2,130,906
Restricted funds:
Building fund -	- -	-	- -	-	-
Security deposits re lettings	250 -	-	- -	-	250
Tearfund	1,629 1,622	1,622	(2,245) -	-	1,006
Hub Loan Repayment Fund(LRF)	113,842 72,481	72,481	(21,204) 3,546	3,546	168,665
Turn on Tap	83 -	-	- -	-	83
Hub Fit Out	7,234 -	-	(5,006) -	-	2,228
Harvest -	- -	-	- -	-	-
Pentecost -	- 1,553	1,553	(1,553) -	-	-
Mission fund -	- 187	187	(187) -	-	-
Total restricted funds	123,038 75	75,843	(30,195) 3	3,546	172,232

Total Funds	2,249,162 255,533	255,533	(201,557) -	-	2,303,138

Worcester Park Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements (cont’d)

For the year ended 31 December 2024

Statement of funds (cont’d)
2023 Comparative	Balance				Balance
	b/fwd	Income	Expenditure		c/fwd
	1 Jan 2023	& gain	& loss	Transfers	31 Dec 2023
	£	£	£	£	£
Unrestricted funds:
General	1,903,485 167,890	167,890	(139,283) 162,041	162,041	2,094,133
	1,903,485 167	167,890	(139,283) 162	162,041	2,094,133
Designated:
BB general fund	1,540 1,851	1,851	(2,265) 1,140	1,140	2,266
Building fund	4,087 -	-	- (3,990)	(3,990)	97
Carers & Toddlers	478 3,978	3,978	(675) (3,000)	(3,000)	781
Charity reserve fund	25,000 -	-	- -	-	25,000
GB general fund	790 1,374	1,374	(1,147) 650	650	1,667
Insurance claim	- -	-	- -	-	-
Pastoral assistance	15 -	-	(15) -	-	-
Pastoral vacancy	61 -	-	(160) 99	99	-
Repairs & Maintenance	2,129 -	-	(3,130) 1,901	1,901	900
Other society	- -	-	- -	-	-
Thursday Fellowship	633 1,291	1,291	(989) -	-	935
Special purposes fund	- 994	994	(649) -	-	345
	34,733 9	9,488	(9,030)	(3,200)	31,991

Total unrestricted funds	1,938,218 177	177,378	(148,313) 158	158,841	2,126,124
Restricted funds:
Building fund	40,558 102,760	102,760	(4,025) (139,293)	(139,293)	-
Security deposits re lettings	250 -	-	- -	-	250
Special purposes fund	819 3,485	3,485	(2,675) -	-	1,629
Hub Loan Repayment Fund	31,741 102,916	102,916	(1,267) (19,548)	(19,548)	113,842
Turn on Tap	50 33	33	- -	-	83
Hub Fit Out	12,665 -	-	(5,431) -	-	7,234
Harvest	- 781	781	(781) -	-	-
Total restricted funds	86,083 209	209,975	(14,179)	(158,841)	123,038

Total Funds	2,024,301 387,353	387,353	(162,492) -	-	2,249,162

Worcester Park Baptist Church

Notes to the Financial Statements (cont’d)

For the year ended 31 December 2024

14 Pension commitments and other post-retirement benefits

Defined benefit scheme

The Church is a participating employer the Baptist Pension Scheme (“the Scheme”), which is a separate legal entity administered by the Pension Trustee (Baptist Pension Trust Limited). The Scheme, previously known as the Baptist Ministers Pension Fund, started in 1925. At the beginning of the financial year, the scheme comprised of a defined benefits scheme which was closed to future accrual on 31 December 2011 and a defined contribution plan which was opened in January 2012.The assets of the Scheme are held separately from those of the Employer and the other participating employers.

For the current financial year, the pension provision for members of the Scheme is being made through the Defined Contribution (DC) Plan. In general, members pay 8% of their Pensionable Income and employers pay 6% of members’ Pensionable Income into individual pension accounts, which are operated and managed on behalf of the Pension Trustee by Broadstone Corporate Benefits Ltd. In addition, the employer pays a further 4% of Pensionable Income to cover Death in Service Benefits, administration costs, and an associated insurance policy which provides income protection for Scheme members if they are unable to work due to long-term incapacity. This income protection policy has been insured by the Baptist Union of Great Britain with Aviva Limited. Furthermore, members of the Basic Section pay reduced contributions of 5% of Pensionable Income, and their employers also pay a total of 5%.

In October 2024, the insurance company Just Group completed a buy out of the liabilities of the closed defined benefit scheme. From that date any remaining liability of the participating scheme members to defined benefit scheme ceased and the £1 per month deficit contributions payable by the participating employers which were agreed in the recovery plan approved in August 2022 also ceased from that date. Administration of the closed defined benefit scheme transferred from the pension trustees to Just Group from that date. The Minister and Families and Children's Worker are members of the scheme.

15 Capital Commitments

At the year end the charity had a capital commitment of £59,000 (2023 £80,000 relating to Phase 3 of the Hub building project).