## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON**
**TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1130217**
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON**
**TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
|**CONTENTS**|**PAGE**|
|---|---|
|**Annual Report**|**3-8**|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|**9**|
|**Balance Sheet**|**10**|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|**11-15**|
2
**CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2020. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2015 (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
All Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity apart from reimbursed expenses set out in note 4.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
Registered charity name: Churches Together in Essex and East London Charity registration number: 1130217 Contact address: The Salvation Army 3rd Floor Innovation House 97 London Road Bishop's Stortford CM23 3GW Trustees: Rev Dr D Chapman Rt Rev S Cottrell (until April 2020) Rt Rev P Hill Rev L Johnson (from September 2020) Rev N Lear (Chairman from October 2019) Rt Rev R Morris Major N Ord Rt Rev Dr J Perumbalath Rev Dr A Prasad Mr A Smith Rev P Whittle (until November 2020) Rt Rev A Williams Rev Dr Jongikaya Zihle Bankers: Barclays Bank plc 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP
3
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **AIMS & OBJECTIVES**
To advance the work of the Christian churches in Essex and East London by the advancement of the Christian religion, relief of financial hardship and sickness, and the advancement of education and such other charitable purposes as are charitable according to the laws of England and Wales.
The charity will seek to further these objectives by:
1. Facilitating common witness to the Christian religion by the churches;
2. Providing means of consultation between the churches;
3. Working in co-operation with other ecumenical bodies
## **ACHIEVING DELIVERY OF THE TRUST’S AIMS AND PUBLIC BENEFIT**
The church leaders meet regularly, sponsor ecumenical activities and encourage Christian mission in partnership with churches across Essex and East London.
## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE**
**Bradwell Pilgrimage and Gathering –** Although plans had been made for this event in 2020 it had to be cancelled due the Covid-19 pandemic.
**Churches Together Groups –** Support was given to and the relationship between groups nurtured during the year. Prayer requests, information sharing and stories were circulated about local initiatives and opportunities.
**CTEEL Membership –** the London Baptist Association became a member of CTEEL.
**CTEEL Meetings, Annual Gathering and AGM -** The Church Leaders met monthly with the exception of August and December for prayer and breakfast as well as meeting in January, April and July to spend the morning together discussing wider business. The 2020 AGM was held in July with clear reports that evidence the network of Churches Together Groups and Ecumenical Partnership Churches. The Annual Gathering had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
**CEO Training & Development -** The Ecumenical Officer was given the opportunity to work with a team of other Ecumenical Officers from around the country to develop a resource for local ecumenical working. The result was a Flexible Framework Toolkit that was launched by Churches Together in England as a national resource.
The CEO benefited from attending the meeting and training with Churches Together in England regarding racial injustice, social media, and national developments and the impact on churches from the Covid-19 pandemic. The CEO attended quarterly meetings with colleagues who work in similar roles in the country to share initiatives and learn from each other’s experience and knowledge. The supervision of the work undertaken by contractors was also managed by the CEO.
**Recruitment of new Ecumenical Lead** – Trustees reviewed the recruitment and selection process and document to employ a new Ecumenical Lead for Essex & East London.
**Covid-19 Pandemic** – time was given to identifying clergy from each partner church who would volunteer to be a point of contact for those who were bereaved.
4
**Workplace Chaplains in Essex & East London –** An independent piece of research was commissioned to conduct inform the future of this ecumenical partnership. The decision made in April 2020 was to dissolve WPC in Essex & East London.
**Local Ecumenical Partnerships -** The CEO has continued to work with Denominational Ecumenical Officers to support LEPs during the year with more targeted supported given to two LEPs in particular. Work continued to gathering the governance documents to update the records held both locally and centrally by Churches Together in England. A summary of the work done was presented to the Trustees at the AGM.
**Citizens Essex Sponsoring Committee** - The Church Leaders of CTEEL support the work of East London Alliance (TELCO) and the Essex Alliances in Colchester, Southend and Chelmsford. The CEO communicated campaigns and promoted events via Churches Together groups.
## **FUTURE PLANS AND HOPES**
Churches Together in Essex and East London is committed to communicating and demonstrating Christian unity within Essex and East London. The hope is to continue to develop relationships between denominational leaders, churches together groups and new Christian networks in the region to both affirm and grow our unity at every level.
It also hopes to continue to diversify and broaden its relationships so it becomes more inclusive of churches other than the historical denominations, valuing the opportunities for partnership working. To encourage and grow a deeper fellowship with those who have not traditionally been part of Churches Together.
Another hope is to connect and partner with other charities and organisations who share our commitment to ecumenical working to develop opportunities for ecumenical dialogue in association with a diversity of churches and other bodies in the region.
It will support opportunities to sponsor specifically religious events, such as the Bradwell Pilgrimage and Gathering and ecumenical prayer meetings such as Thy Kingdom Come and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
It will also seek opportunities to demonstrate our common witness and voice regarding policies that impact on those face financial hardship, sickness and matters regarding education or other charitable concerns.
We will engage in national and regional matters conveyed through the work of Churches Together and cooperate in matters that grow and foster unity
5
**CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
The financial statements, including the notes, have been prepared in compliance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’2015 (FRS102). The analysis of income and expenditure reflects the classification of activities, together with costs relating to administration. The charity does not sell goods or services, nor are there any other trading activities
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
The Statement of Financial Activities is shown on page 9, with more detailed analysis of income and expenditure on pages 11 to 15.
The total operating income for the year was £30,660 (2019: £30,124), this income is made up of annual subscriptions, the total operating resources expended for the year was £16,780 (2019: £27,364). The expenditure was less in 2020 due to the closures caused by the Corona Virus pandemic, the closures meant we were not able to facilitate the annual Bradwell gathering.
## **Balance Sheet**
The above result led to an increase in reserves of £17,265 (2019: £2,760) which has resulted in a combined fund balance of £77,712 (2019 £60,447) at the year end. The annual subscriptions were not affected by the pandemic, therefore we are showing an increase in overall income. An analysis of the movements of funds can be found in note 5
## **Fundraising Resources**
There are two main sources of income, donations by churches and fundraising.
## **Reserves Policy**
The Trust holds funds on different terms. Funds which are restricted may only be used as directed by the funder at the time they were granted to the Trust. At the year end, the charity held no restricted funds.
The Trustees aim to hold a level of unrestricted funds which enables the charity to have sufficient financial resources to meet various liabilities which would crystallise if the charity were unable to continue operating, together with an allowance to enable the charity to respond flexibly to issues or appropriate initiatives which might be identified outside of its annual budgeting process.
At the year end, general unrestricted funds amounted to £74,327 which is more than sufficient to cover the committed costs should the charity be wound up.
## **Risk Management**
The Trustees regularly review the major governance, operational and financial risks which the charity faces as part of its annual business planning process and confirm that systems have been established to mitigate these risks.
6
Risks identified last year have been resolved by implementing an adequate record keeping system, denominations have continued to financially support the work of the charity, and there has been increased involvement with ecumenical enablers in the region.
Although 2020 suffered a pandemic, this has not had an impact on the financial situation of this charity and the Trustees therefore consider there to be no key risks facing the charity at this time.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The Charity was registered on the 18[th] June 2009 after adopting the constitution on the 28[th] March 2007, amended by a special resolution on the 30[th] April 2009.
Membership is open, on payment of the agreed subscription, to any church interested in furthering the objects of the Association, having at least one congregation in the Area, and is either:
- a member church of Churches Together in England;
- a member church of the Evangelical Alliance or
- a member church of the African Caribbean Evangelical Alliance.
Each member church shall appoint an individual to represent it and to vote on its behalf at meeting of the Association. Each member church (or association) shall have one vote.
## **Governance**
The charity currently has twelve Trustees. The Board meets at least for three ordinary meetings a year and conducts an Annual General Meeting usually in July. Detailed written reports and agendas are prepared by the Chair with the assistance of the County Ecumenical Officer who acts as Executive Secretary. The papers are circulated in advance of these meetings.
## **Appointment and Induction of Trustees**
The Board of Trustees consists of:
- the Church leaders of the churches in membership or persons nominated by them;
- the Chairperson, who will also be chair of the Board of Trustees.
There were two changes during the year:
- The Most Rev’d Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, stood down in April 2020 to assume the appoint of Archbishop of York.
- Rev’d Lee Johnson, Regional Minister, London Baptist Association joined September 2020
## **The Contribution of Volunteers**
The charity makes use of volunteers to support its activities.
7
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **Key Management Personnel**
There are no key management groups within the charity and no one Trustee has any more rights than another.
## **Trustees’ Responsibilities**
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Trust law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of incoming and application of resources, including the net income and expenditure, of the charity for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation.
The Trustees are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In so far as the Trustees are aware:
- There is no relevant information of which the charitable company independent examiner is unaware and
- The Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant independent examiner information and the establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information
## **Signed on behalf of the Trustees by:**
**Trustee ……………………………………………………………………….**
## **Print Name: Rt Revd Roger Morris**
## **Date 24 June 2021**
8
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
|**Note**
**Incoming Resources**
Donation and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other Income
5
**Total incoming resources**
**Resources Expended**
6
Fund raising
Charitable activities
**Total resources expended**
**Net income/(expenditure)**
**before investment gains**
**(losses)**
**Net gains (losses) on**
**investments**
**Net income (expenditure)**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total**
**2020**
**Total**
**2019**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
30,540
30,540
29,866
0
0
0
120
120
258|
|---|---|
||30,660
30,660
30,124|
||10,068
10,068
18,961
6,712
6,712
8,403|
||16,780
16,780
27,364|
|||
||13,980
13,880
2,760
-
-|
||13,880
-
-
13,880
2,760|
The notes on pages 11 to 15 form part of the financial statements. All the activities of the charity are classed as continuing.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised during the year and therefore a statement of total recognized gains and losses has not been prepared.
9
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON BALANCE SHEET**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020**
|**Note**
**Current Assets**
Debtors
**9**
Cash at bank and in hand
**10**
**Liabilities**
Creditors (amounts falling due within
one year)
Accruals
**11**
**Net Current Assets**
**Total Net Assets**
**Represented by:**
Unrestricted - General Fund
8
Designated
Restricted
**Total Funds**|**2020**
2019
**£**
£
0
331
77,712
60,447
77,712
60,778
0
(3,386)
0
(100)
74,327
60,678
74,327
60,678
74,327
60,678
-
-
-
-
74,327
60,678|
|---|---|
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibility for:
**1.** Ensuring that the charity keeps adequate accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
**2.** Preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial period and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 393 of the Companies Act 2006, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charity.
**These financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on and signed on their behalf by:**
**Trustee ……………………………………………………………………….**
**Print Name: Rt Revd Roger Morris**
**Date 24 June 2021**
10
**CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **1. BASIS OF PREPARATION**
## **1.1 Basis of accounting**
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on the 16[th] July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
## **1.2 Going Concern**
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Although 2020 suffered a pandemic, this has not had an impact on the main source of income which is annual subscriptions, therefore no material uncertainties affect the going concern of the charity.
## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
The accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
## **2.1 Income**
## Income recognition
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
## Offsetting
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS102
## Tax reclaims on donations and gifts
Gift Aid receivable is included income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
## Support costs allocation
The charity has incurred expenditure on support costs.
11
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## Volunteer help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.
## Income from interest, royalties and dividends
This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.
## **2.2 Expenditure and Liabilities**
## Liabilities recognition
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
## Governance and support costs
Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resource.
## Redundancy costs
The charity has made no redundancy payments during the reporting period.
## Deferred income
No deferred income has been included in the accounts.
## **2.3 Assets**
## Debtors
Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amounts advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
## Contribution to pension funds
The charity does not participate in either a defined benefit or a defined contribution pension fund.
## Tax
The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the test set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010.
12
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020**
|**ANALYSIS OF INCOMING RESOURCES**||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Note Unrestricted**||**Designated**|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Total**|
|||||**2020**|**2019**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**3. Donations and legacies**||||||
|Membership subscriptions|29,790|-|-|29,790|28,702|
|Other Donations
|750|||750
|750|
|Legacies|0|||0|0|
|**Total donations and legacies**|30,540|-|-|30,540|29,452|
|**4. Charitable activities**||||||
|Donations taken at Bradwell|0|-|-|0|414|
|Advertising campaign|0|-|-|0|0|
|**5**.**Other Income**||||||
|Bank Interest|120|||120
|258|
|**Total other income**|120|-|-|120|672|
|**Total incoming resources**|30,660|-|-|30,660|30,124|
|**ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE**||||||
|**Governance**|||**Support**|**Total**|**Allocation**|
|**6. Resources Expended**|||**Costs**||**basis**|
|Fund Raising|708||9,360|10,068|60:40|
|Charitable Activities|472||6,240|6,712|60:40|
|**Total allocated costs**|1,180||15,600|16,780||
|**Unrestricted**||**Designated**|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Total**|
|||||**2020**|**2019**|
|**Governance**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Meetings|0|-|-|0|274|
|Accountancy|680|-|-|680|400|
|Workplace Chaplaincy|500|||500|0|
|**Total governance costs**|1,180|-|-|1,180|674|
13
|**Support costs**
Administration support
Bookkeeping
Website
Subs and training
Committee Costs
Sundry (Computer Purchased)
Ecumenical officer stipend
Ecumenical officer expenses
Insurance
**Total support costs**|869
0
374
350
0
0
13,160
518
329
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
374
350
0
0
13,160
518
329
2,047
0
2,569
530
0
45
13,133
1,679
329|
|---|---|
||15,600
-
-
15,600
20,332|
## **TRUSTEES’ EXPENSES**
No expenses were paid to trustees during the year.
## **7. EMPLOYMENT EMOLUMENTS**
The Ecumenical Officer is a part time post. For administrative and tax purposes, Jacqui King was employed by the United Reformed Church and seconded to the charity since January 2018.
14
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020**
## **8. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS**
|**_Unrestricted_**
General Fund
**9. DEBTORS**
Debtors
**10. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND**
Barclays Bank
CCLA Fund Managers Ltd|**Balance**
**brought**
**forward**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
**£**
60,447
30,659|**Outgoing**
**Resources**
**Transfers**
**Balance**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
(16,780)
0
74,327|**Outgoing**
**Resources**
**Transfers**
**Balance**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
(16,780)
0
74,327|**Outgoing**
**Resources**
**Transfers**
**Balance**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
(16,780)
0
74,327|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||60,447
30,659||(16,780)|0
74,327|
||||**2020**
**£**
0
0
**2020**
**£**
32,029
45,683|2019
£
331
331
2019
£
14,884
45,563
60,447
£|
||||77,712
**£**||
**11. CREDITORS (AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR)**
|Creditors
Accrued expenses|**2020**
2019
**£**
£
0
0
3,386
100|
|---|---|
||3,386
100|
## **12. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS**
No material financial commitments have been made in respect of future financial periods.
15
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON**
**TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1130217**
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON**
**TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
|**CONTENTS**|**PAGE**|
|---|---|
|**Annual Report**|**3-8**|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|**9**|
|**Balance Sheet**|**10**|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|**11-15**|
2
**CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2020. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities 2015 (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
All Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity apart from reimbursed expenses set out in note 4.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
Registered charity name: Churches Together in Essex and East London Charity registration number: 1130217 Contact address: The Salvation Army 3rd Floor Innovation House 97 London Road Bishop's Stortford CM23 3GW Trustees: Rev Dr D Chapman Rt Rev S Cottrell (until April 2020) Rt Rev P Hill Rev L Johnson (from September 2020) Rev N Lear (Chairman from October 2019) Rt Rev R Morris Major N Ord Rt Rev Dr J Perumbalath Rev Dr A Prasad Mr A Smith Rev P Whittle (until November 2020) Rt Rev A Williams Rev Dr Jongikaya Zihle Bankers: Barclays Bank plc 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP
3
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **AIMS & OBJECTIVES**
To advance the work of the Christian churches in Essex and East London by the advancement of the Christian religion, relief of financial hardship and sickness, and the advancement of education and such other charitable purposes as are charitable according to the laws of England and Wales.
The charity will seek to further these objectives by:
1. Facilitating common witness to the Christian religion by the churches;
2. Providing means of consultation between the churches;
3. Working in co-operation with other ecumenical bodies
## **ACHIEVING DELIVERY OF THE TRUST’S AIMS AND PUBLIC BENEFIT**
The church leaders meet regularly, sponsor ecumenical activities and encourage Christian mission in partnership with churches across Essex and East London.
## **ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE**
**Bradwell Pilgrimage and Gathering –** Although plans had been made for this event in 2020 it had to be cancelled due the Covid-19 pandemic.
**Churches Together Groups –** Support was given to and the relationship between groups nurtured during the year. Prayer requests, information sharing and stories were circulated about local initiatives and opportunities.
**CTEEL Membership –** the London Baptist Association became a member of CTEEL.
**CTEEL Meetings, Annual Gathering and AGM -** The Church Leaders met monthly with the exception of August and December for prayer and breakfast as well as meeting in January, April and July to spend the morning together discussing wider business. The 2020 AGM was held in July with clear reports that evidence the network of Churches Together Groups and Ecumenical Partnership Churches. The Annual Gathering had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
**CEO Training & Development -** The Ecumenical Officer was given the opportunity to work with a team of other Ecumenical Officers from around the country to develop a resource for local ecumenical working. The result was a Flexible Framework Toolkit that was launched by Churches Together in England as a national resource.
The CEO benefited from attending the meeting and training with Churches Together in England regarding racial injustice, social media, and national developments and the impact on churches from the Covid-19 pandemic. The CEO attended quarterly meetings with colleagues who work in similar roles in the country to share initiatives and learn from each other’s experience and knowledge. The supervision of the work undertaken by contractors was also managed by the CEO.
**Recruitment of new Ecumenical Lead** – Trustees reviewed the recruitment and selection process and document to employ a new Ecumenical Lead for Essex & East London.
**Covid-19 Pandemic** – time was given to identifying clergy from each partner church who would volunteer to be a point of contact for those who were bereaved.
4
**Workplace Chaplains in Essex & East London –** An independent piece of research was commissioned to conduct inform the future of this ecumenical partnership. The decision made in April 2020 was to dissolve WPC in Essex & East London.
**Local Ecumenical Partnerships -** The CEO has continued to work with Denominational Ecumenical Officers to support LEPs during the year with more targeted supported given to two LEPs in particular. Work continued to gathering the governance documents to update the records held both locally and centrally by Churches Together in England. A summary of the work done was presented to the Trustees at the AGM.
**Citizens Essex Sponsoring Committee** - The Church Leaders of CTEEL support the work of East London Alliance (TELCO) and the Essex Alliances in Colchester, Southend and Chelmsford. The CEO communicated campaigns and promoted events via Churches Together groups.
## **FUTURE PLANS AND HOPES**
Churches Together in Essex and East London is committed to communicating and demonstrating Christian unity within Essex and East London. The hope is to continue to develop relationships between denominational leaders, churches together groups and new Christian networks in the region to both affirm and grow our unity at every level.
It also hopes to continue to diversify and broaden its relationships so it becomes more inclusive of churches other than the historical denominations, valuing the opportunities for partnership working. To encourage and grow a deeper fellowship with those who have not traditionally been part of Churches Together.
Another hope is to connect and partner with other charities and organisations who share our commitment to ecumenical working to develop opportunities for ecumenical dialogue in association with a diversity of churches and other bodies in the region.
It will support opportunities to sponsor specifically religious events, such as the Bradwell Pilgrimage and Gathering and ecumenical prayer meetings such as Thy Kingdom Come and the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
It will also seek opportunities to demonstrate our common witness and voice regarding policies that impact on those face financial hardship, sickness and matters regarding education or other charitable concerns.
We will engage in national and regional matters conveyed through the work of Churches Together and cooperate in matters that grow and foster unity
5
**CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
The financial statements, including the notes, have been prepared in compliance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’2015 (FRS102). The analysis of income and expenditure reflects the classification of activities, together with costs relating to administration. The charity does not sell goods or services, nor are there any other trading activities
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
The Statement of Financial Activities is shown on page 9, with more detailed analysis of income and expenditure on pages 11 to 15.
The total operating income for the year was £30,660 (2019: £30,124), this income is made up of annual subscriptions, the total operating resources expended for the year was £16,780 (2019: £27,364). The expenditure was less in 2020 due to the closures caused by the Corona Virus pandemic, the closures meant we were not able to facilitate the annual Bradwell gathering.
## **Balance Sheet**
The above result led to an increase in reserves of £17,265 (2019: £2,760) which has resulted in a combined fund balance of £77,712 (2019 £60,447) at the year end. The annual subscriptions were not affected by the pandemic, therefore we are showing an increase in overall income. An analysis of the movements of funds can be found in note 5
## **Fundraising Resources**
There are two main sources of income, donations by churches and fundraising.
## **Reserves Policy**
The Trust holds funds on different terms. Funds which are restricted may only be used as directed by the funder at the time they were granted to the Trust. At the year end, the charity held no restricted funds.
The Trustees aim to hold a level of unrestricted funds which enables the charity to have sufficient financial resources to meet various liabilities which would crystallise if the charity were unable to continue operating, together with an allowance to enable the charity to respond flexibly to issues or appropriate initiatives which might be identified outside of its annual budgeting process.
At the year end, general unrestricted funds amounted to £74,327 which is more than sufficient to cover the committed costs should the charity be wound up.
## **Risk Management**
The Trustees regularly review the major governance, operational and financial risks which the charity faces as part of its annual business planning process and confirm that systems have been established to mitigate these risks.
6
Risks identified last year have been resolved by implementing an adequate record keeping system, denominations have continued to financially support the work of the charity, and there has been increased involvement with ecumenical enablers in the region.
Although 2020 suffered a pandemic, this has not had an impact on the financial situation of this charity and the Trustees therefore consider there to be no key risks facing the charity at this time.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The Charity was registered on the 18[th] June 2009 after adopting the constitution on the 28[th] March 2007, amended by a special resolution on the 30[th] April 2009.
Membership is open, on payment of the agreed subscription, to any church interested in furthering the objects of the Association, having at least one congregation in the Area, and is either:
- a member church of Churches Together in England;
- a member church of the Evangelical Alliance or
- a member church of the African Caribbean Evangelical Alliance.
Each member church shall appoint an individual to represent it and to vote on its behalf at meeting of the Association. Each member church (or association) shall have one vote.
## **Governance**
The charity currently has twelve Trustees. The Board meets at least for three ordinary meetings a year and conducts an Annual General Meeting usually in July. Detailed written reports and agendas are prepared by the Chair with the assistance of the County Ecumenical Officer who acts as Executive Secretary. The papers are circulated in advance of these meetings.
## **Appointment and Induction of Trustees**
The Board of Trustees consists of:
- the Church leaders of the churches in membership or persons nominated by them;
- the Chairperson, who will also be chair of the Board of Trustees.
There were two changes during the year:
- The Most Rev’d Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Chelmsford, stood down in April 2020 to assume the appoint of Archbishop of York.
- Rev’d Lee Johnson, Regional Minister, London Baptist Association joined September 2020
## **The Contribution of Volunteers**
The charity makes use of volunteers to support its activities.
7
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **Key Management Personnel**
There are no key management groups within the charity and no one Trustee has any more rights than another.
## **Trustees’ Responsibilities**
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Trust law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of incoming and application of resources, including the net income and expenditure, of the charity for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation.
The Trustees are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
In so far as the Trustees are aware:
- There is no relevant information of which the charitable company independent examiner is unaware and
- The Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant independent examiner information and the establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information
## **Signed on behalf of the Trustees by:**
**Trustee ……………………………………………………………………….**
## **Print Name: Rt Revd Roger Morris**
## **Date 24 June 2021**
8
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
|**Note**
**Incoming Resources**
Donation and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other Income
5
**Total incoming resources**
**Resources Expended**
6
Fund raising
Charitable activities
**Total resources expended**
**Net income/(expenditure)**
**before investment gains**
**(losses)**
**Net gains (losses) on**
**investments**
**Net income (expenditure)**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Total**
**2020**
**Total**
**2019**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
30,540
30,540
29,866
0
0
0
120
120
258|
|---|---|
||30,660
30,660
30,124|
||10,068
10,068
18,961
6,712
6,712
8,403|
||16,780
16,780
27,364|
|||
||13,980
13,880
2,760
-
-|
||13,880
-
-
13,880
2,760|
The notes on pages 11 to 15 form part of the financial statements. All the activities of the charity are classed as continuing.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised during the year and therefore a statement of total recognized gains and losses has not been prepared.
9
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON BALANCE SHEET**
## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020**
|**Note**
**Current Assets**
Debtors
**9**
Cash at bank and in hand
**10**
**Liabilities**
Creditors (amounts falling due within
one year)
Accruals
**11**
**Net Current Assets**
**Total Net Assets**
**Represented by:**
Unrestricted - General Fund
8
Designated
Restricted
**Total Funds**|**2020**
2019
**£**
£
0
331
77,712
60,447
77,712
60,778
0
(3,386)
0
(100)
74,327
60,678
74,327
60,678
74,327
60,678
-
-
-
-
74,327
60,678|
|---|---|
The Trustees acknowledge their responsibility for:
**1.** Ensuring that the charity keeps adequate accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
**2.** Preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial period and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 393 of the Companies Act 2006, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charity.
**These financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on and signed on their behalf by:**
**Trustee ……………………………………………………………………….**
**Print Name: Rt Revd Roger Morris**
**Date 24 June 2021**
10
**CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## **1. BASIS OF PREPARATION**
## **1.1 Basis of accounting**
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on the 16[th] July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
## **1.2 Going Concern**
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Although 2020 suffered a pandemic, this has not had an impact on the main source of income which is annual subscriptions, therefore no material uncertainties affect the going concern of the charity.
## **2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
The accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
## **2.1 Income**
## Income recognition
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
## Offsetting
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS102
## Tax reclaims on donations and gifts
Gift Aid receivable is included income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
## Support costs allocation
The charity has incurred expenditure on support costs.
11
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020**
## Volunteer help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.
## Income from interest, royalties and dividends
This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.
## **2.2 Expenditure and Liabilities**
## Liabilities recognition
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
## Governance and support costs
Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resource.
## Redundancy costs
The charity has made no redundancy payments during the reporting period.
## Deferred income
No deferred income has been included in the accounts.
## **2.3 Assets**
## Debtors
Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amounts advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
## Contribution to pension funds
The charity does not participate in either a defined benefit or a defined contribution pension fund.
## Tax
The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the test set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010.
12
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020**
|**ANALYSIS OF INCOMING RESOURCES**||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Note Unrestricted**||**Designated**|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Total**|
|||||**2020**|**2019**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**3. Donations and legacies**||||||
|Membership subscriptions|29,790|-|-|29,790|28,702|
|Other Donations
|750|||750
|750|
|Legacies|0|||0|0|
|**Total donations and legacies**|30,540|-|-|30,540|29,452|
|**4. Charitable activities**||||||
|Donations taken at Bradwell|0|-|-|0|414|
|Advertising campaign|0|-|-|0|0|
|**5**.**Other Income**||||||
|Bank Interest|120|||120
|258|
|**Total other income**|120|-|-|120|672|
|**Total incoming resources**|30,660|-|-|30,660|30,124|
|**ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE**||||||
|**Governance**|||**Support**|**Total**|**Allocation**|
|**6. Resources Expended**|||**Costs**||**basis**|
|Fund Raising|708||9,360|10,068|60:40|
|Charitable Activities|472||6,240|6,712|60:40|
|**Total allocated costs**|1,180||15,600|16,780||
|**Unrestricted**||**Designated**|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Total**|
|||||**2020**|**2019**|
|**Governance**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Meetings|0|-|-|0|274|
|Accountancy|680|-|-|680|400|
|Workplace Chaplaincy|500|||500|0|
|**Total governance costs**|1,180|-|-|1,180|674|
13
|**Support costs**
Administration support
Bookkeeping
Website
Subs and training
Committee Costs
Sundry (Computer Purchased)
Ecumenical officer stipend
Ecumenical officer expenses
Insurance
**Total support costs**|869
0
374
350
0
0
13,160
518
329
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
0
374
350
0
0
13,160
518
329
2,047
0
2,569
530
0
45
13,133
1,679
329|
|---|---|
||15,600
-
-
15,600
20,332|
## **TRUSTEES’ EXPENSES**
No expenses were paid to trustees during the year.
## **7. EMPLOYMENT EMOLUMENTS**
The Ecumenical Officer is a part time post. For administrative and tax purposes, Jacqui King was employed by the United Reformed Church and seconded to the charity since January 2018.
14
## **CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020**
## **8. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS**
|**_Unrestricted_**
General Fund
**9. DEBTORS**
Debtors
**10. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND**
Barclays Bank
CCLA Fund Managers Ltd|**Balance**
**brought**
**forward**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
**£**
60,447
30,659|**Outgoing**
**Resources**
**Transfers**
**Balance**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
(16,780)
0
74,327|**Outgoing**
**Resources**
**Transfers**
**Balance**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
(16,780)
0
74,327|**Outgoing**
**Resources**
**Transfers**
**Balance**
**carried**
**forward**
**£**
**£**
**£**
(16,780)
0
74,327|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||60,447
30,659||(16,780)|0
74,327|
||||**2020**
**£**
0
0
**2020**
**£**
32,029
45,683|2019
£
331
331
2019
£
14,884
45,563
60,447
£|
||||77,712
**£**||
**11. CREDITORS (AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR)**
|Creditors
Accrued expenses|**2020**
2019
**£**
£
0
0
3,386
100|
|---|---|
||3,386
100|
## **12. FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS**
No material financial commitments have been made in respect of future financial periods.
15
##
|Lffij*r$l;ffiB|xffifii?;l
accounts|
|---|---|
|Reporttothetrustees/
membersof|It:
Churches together in Essex and East London|
|Onaccounts fortheyear
ended|December 2020
Charityno|1130217
(if any)|
|Setout onpages|1-15|
||Ireport tothetrustees onmyexaminationofthe accountsoftheabove|
||charity("theTrust")fortheyear ended3111212A20|
|Responsibilitiesand|Asthecharity's trustees, you are responsibleforthepreparationofthe|
|basis of rcport|accounts in accordance withtherequirementsoftheCharities Act2011|
||{"theAct").
treport in respect ofmyexaminationoftheTrugt'g accounts carried out|
||under section145 ofthe2011Actand in carrying outmyexamination,I|
||havefollowedalltheapplicable Directions givenbytheCharity Commission|
||under section 145(5Xb)ofthe Act.|
|lndependent
examiner's statement|[Thecharity's gross income exceeded[25,000andIam qualifiedto
undertake the examination by being a qualified memberofAssociationof|
||Chartered CertifiedAccountants(ACCA).|
||Ihave completedmyexamination.Iconfirm that no material matters have|
||cometomyattention in connection with the examination which givesme|
||causetobelieve that in, any materialrespect:|
||.theaccounting records werenotkept in accordance withsection130|
||oftheCharities Act;or|
||.theaccounts didnotaccord withtheaccounting records;or
otheaccounts did not comply with the applicable requirements|
||concerning the form and content of accounts set outintheCharities|
||(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008otherthanany requirement|
||thattheaccounts give a'trueandfair'viewwhich is not a matter|
||considered aspartof an independent examination.|
||ordertoenable a proper un|derstandingoftheaccou|
nts to be reached.|
|---|---|---|---|
|$igned:|ww|Date:|AQlorlw>l|
|Narne:|Rita Nzekwe|||
|Relevantprofessional|AssociationofChartered Certified Accountants(ACCA)|||
|qualification{s} or body||||
|{ifany}:||||
|Address:|12Salcott Creek Court, Braintree, Essex, CM73XE|||
|||Oct|2018|