CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON TRUSTEE’S ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1130217
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON
TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| 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 2025
Registered charity name: Churches Together in Essex and East London Charity registration number: 1130217 Contact address: 41 Kynaston Road Panfield, Braintree, Essex CM7 5AQ Trustees: Rt Rev R Morris (Chair – stepped down June 2024) Rev Claire L Blatchford (Chair – appointed June 2024) Rev Dr D Chapman (Deputy Chair) Rt Rev A Williams David Bareham Mark Barford Rev Dr Jongikaya Zihle Rev’d George Watt Rt Revd Dr Guli E Francis-Dehqani Revd Lythan E Nevard Rt. Revd. Lynne Cullens Major Howard W Russell Rev Lucy Wright Rt. Rev. Adam Atkinson Philip Norton 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 2025
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025. 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.
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:
-
Facilitating common witness to the Christian religion by the churches
-
Providing means of consultation between the churches
-
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 – The Bradwell Pilgrimage ran again as an in-person event, with keynote speaker, Elaine Storkey. Around 300 Christians attended from across Essex and East London.
Churches Together Groups – Support was given to other churches and the relationship between groups nurtured during the year. Prayer requests, information sharing and stories were circulated about local initiatives and opportunities.
CTEEL Meetings, Annual Gathering and AGM - The Church Leaders met monthly except for August and December for prayer. In January, April and June they also enjoyed breakfast and spent the morning together discussing wider issues and opportunities. In October 2025, the Trustees spent 24 hours together on retreat at The Diocesan Retreat House at Pleshey to deepen their relationships with one another and were led by The Very Rev. Dr. Jessica Martin. The 2025 AGM was held in June. The Annual Gathering was held in person bringing together around 30 Christians involved or interested in local Ecumenism to reflect on Racial Justice, led by Rev. Sharon Quilter from the Diocese of Chelmsford and Shemara Fletcher Hoyte from CTE.
CEO Training & Development - The Ecumenical Officers were given the opportunity to attend training with other Ecumenical Officers from around the country to develop a resource for local ecumenical working.
The Ecumenical Leads 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.
4
Stansted Airport Chaplaincy – Stansted Airport Chaplaincy continues to be a part of CTEEL and is thriving. Work is being done on the legal requirements so that a separate charity can be set up.
Local Ecumenical Partnerships - The Ecumenical Leads have continued to work with Denominational Ecumenical Officers to support LEPs during the year with more targeted supported given to two LEP’s, work continued to gather the governance documents to update the records held both locally and centrally by Churches Together in England.
FUTURE PLANS AND HOPES
Churches Together in Essex and East London are 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 continues to hope 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 continue 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 facing 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 2025
FUNDRAISING RESOURCES
There are now four main sources of income, donations by churches in the form of subscriptions and public donations collected at the Bradwell event, as well as grant funding from the Foreign Office and donations from organisations.
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 £37,174 (2024: £33,798), this income is made up of associate fees, interest and public donations. This includes accrued income of £10,498 from late subscription payments.
The total operating resources expended for the year was £42,804 (2024: £30,444). These costs include the Chaplaincy account movement as well as cover staff and expenses incurred to cover the cost of the Bradwell event.
CTEEL have been put in charge of the Essex and East London Workplace Chaplains, formerly known as Essex Churches Council for Industry and Commerce (ECCIC) funds, for the 4th year running.
The funds managed in this group are grant funding from the Foreign Office, which is restricted funds in that they can only be spent on deportees and donations that are unrestricted funds.
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.
Balance Sheet
Restricted reserves
Chaplaincy restricted reserve balance £2,006 (2024: £13,232)
Included in the balance £556 (2024: £10,542) relates to the dissolved ECCIC chaplaincy group and £1,449 (2024: £2,690) relates to funding from the Foreign Office.
Unrestricted reserves
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
6
to issues or appropriate initiatives which might be identified outside of its annual budgeting process. CTEEL unrestricted funds balance is £42,464 (2024: £37,198)
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.
Denominations have continued to support the work of the charity, there has also been increased involvement with ecumenical enablers in the region, therefore the Trustees 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 ] of June 2009 after adopting the constitution on the 28[th ] of March 2007, amended by a special resolution on the 30[th] of 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 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:
-
Major Howard W Russell, a Trustee appointed in 2023, is now also a signatory on the bank account.
-
Rev. Lucy Wright, Regional Minister, London Baptist Association, became a trustee
-
Rev. Claire Blatchford, Regional Minister, Eastern Baptist Association, was appointed chair at the AGM
The Contribution of Volunteers
The charity makes use of volunteers to support its activities.
Key Management Personnel
7
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 financial situation 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 charity 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:
Revd. Claire Blatchford Trustee: Print Name: …………………………………................
25th June 2026
Date: …………………………………
8
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| **Note ** | Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Incoming Resources | ||||||
| Donations/Subscriptions | 1 | 33,859 | 33,859 | 31,175 | ||
| Charitable activities | 2 | 591 | 591 | 562 | ||
| Other Income | 3 | 1,724 | 1,724 | 2,061 | ||
| Grant funding | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Donations | 5 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 0 | ||
| Total incoming resources | 37,174 | 37,174 | 33,798 | |||
| Resources Expended (See pg14) | 6 | |||||
| Fund raising | 18,947 | 18,947 | 16,269 | |||
| Charitable activities | 12,631 | 11,226 | 23,857 | 14,176 | ||
| Total resources expended | 31,578 | 11,226 | 42,804 | 30,445 | ||
| Net income/(expenditure) | 5,596 | (11,226) | (5,630) | 3,554 | ||
| before investment gains | ||||||
| (losses) | ||||||
| Net gains (losses) on | - | - | ||||
| investments | ||||||
| Net income (expenditure) | 5,596 | - | (11,226) | (5,630) | 3,554 |
The notes on pages 11 to 15 form part of the financial statements. All the activities of the charity are classed as continuing.
9
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON BALANCE SHEET
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
| Note Current Assets Debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand 10 Liabilities Creditors(amounts falling due within one year) Accruals 11 12 Net Current Assets Total Net Assets Represented by: Unrestricted - General Fund 8 Designated Restricted 8 Total Funds |
2025 2024 £ £ 0 0 34,121 50,430 34,121 50,430 0 10,349 0 (131) 44,470 50,299 44,470 50,299 42,464 37,198 - - 2,006 13,232 44,470 50,430 |
|---|---|
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 25/06/2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Trustee ……………………………………………………………………….
Revd. Claire Blatchford
Print Name: ……………………………………………………………………….
25th June 2026
Date ……………………….……………………………………………...
10
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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 accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis; the trustees have considered that there are no uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
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 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 2025
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
Costs have been allocated between governance costs and support costs. 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.
2.4 Liabilities
Contribution to pension funds
The charity contributes to a defined contribution pension fund, namely the HMRC recommended NEST pension scheme. Contribution costs incurred during the year amount to £840.
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 and is therefore not subject to National Insurance contribution.
12
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
ANALYSIS OF INCOMING RESOURCES
| **Note ** | Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Total | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| 1. Donations/Subscriptions | |||||
| Membership subscriptions | 33,859 | - | - | 33,859 | 30,425 |
| Other Donations | 1,000 | 1,000 |
750 | ||
| Total donations and legacies | 34,859 | - | - | 34,859 | 31,175 |
| 2. Charitable activities | |||||
| Donations taken at Bradwell | 591 | - | - | 591 |
562 |
| 3.Other Income | |||||
| Bank Interest | 1,724 | 1,724 | 2,061 | ||
| Total other income | 2,315 | - | - | 2,315 | 2,623 |
| Total incoming resources | 37,174 | - | - | 37,174 | 33,798 |
13
ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE
| Governance Meetings Accountancy Workplace Chaplaincy Total governance costs Support costs Website Subs and training Sundry Staff Costs Working expenses Insurance Bradwell Event Total support costs Based on above figures resources 6. Resources Expended Governance Support Costs Total allocated cost (See pg9) |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total 2025 Total 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 1,401 1,650 - - - - 11,226 1,401 1,650 11,226 1,583 1,650 3,331 3,051 - 11,226 14,277 6,564 366 1,279 54 22,989 228 472 3,139 366 1,279 54 22,989 228 472 3,139 422 1,875 61 19,070 620 444 1,389 28,527 - - 28,527 23,881 expended are split at a 60:40 ratio Fundraising Charitable Activities Total Allocation basis 1,831 17,116 1,220 11,411 3,051 28,527 60:40 60:40 18,947 12,631 31,578 |
|---|---|
TRUSTEES’ EXPENSES
No expenses were paid to trustees during the year.
7. EMPLOYMENT EMOLUMENTS
The Ecumenical Officer position is a paid part time position that is covered by two employees.
14
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
8. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS
| Unrestricted General Fund Restricted General Fund ASSETS 9. Debtors – accrued income 10. Cash at bank and in Hand Barclays Bank CCLA Fund Managers Ltd LIABILITIES 11. Creditors 12. Accrued expenses 13. FINANCIALCOMMITMENTS |
Balance brought forward Incoming resources £ £ 37,198 37,174 13,232 0 |
Outgoing Resources Accrual Transfers Balance carried forward £ £ £ (31,577) (331) 42,464 (11,226) 0 2,006 (42,803) (331) 44,470 |
Outgoing Resources Accrual Transfers Balance carried forward £ £ £ (31,577) (331) 42,464 (11,226) 0 2,006 (42,803) (331) 44,470 |
Outgoing Resources Accrual Transfers Balance carried forward £ £ £ (31,577) (331) 42,464 (11,226) 0 2,006 (42,803) (331) 44,470 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50,430 37,174 |
(42,803) | |||
| 2025 £ 10,499 10,499 2025 £ 2,182 31,939 |
2024 £ 0 0 2024 £ 9,215 41,215 50,430 2024 £ 0 331 331 |
|||
| 34,121 2025 £ 0 (150) |
||||
| (150) |
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 2025
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1130217
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON
TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| 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 2025
Registered charity name: Churches Together in Essex and East London Charity registration number: 1130217 Contact address: 41 Kynaston Road Panfield, Braintree, Essex CM7 5AQ Trustees: Rt Rev R Morris (Chair – stepped down June 2024) Rev Claire L Blatchford (Chair – appointed June 2024) Rev Dr D Chapman (Deputy Chair) Rt Rev A Williams David Bareham Mark Barford Rev Dr Jongikaya Zihle Rev’d George Watt Rt Revd Dr Guli E Francis-Dehqani Revd Lythan E Nevard Rt. Revd. Lynne Cullens Major Howard W Russell Rev Lucy Wright Rt. Rev. Adam Atkinson Philip Norton 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 2025
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025. 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.
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:
-
Facilitating common witness to the Christian religion by the churches
-
Providing means of consultation between the churches
-
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 – The Bradwell Pilgrimage ran again as an in-person event, with keynote speaker, Elaine Storkey. Around 300 Christians attended from across Essex and East London.
Churches Together Groups – Support was given to other churches and the relationship between groups nurtured during the year. Prayer requests, information sharing and stories were circulated about local initiatives and opportunities.
CTEEL Meetings, Annual Gathering and AGM - The Church Leaders met monthly except for August and December for prayer. In January, April and June they also enjoyed breakfast and spent the morning together discussing wider issues and opportunities. In October 2025, the Trustees spent 24 hours together on retreat at The Diocesan Retreat House at Pleshey to deepen their relationships with one another and were led by The Very Rev. Dr. Jessica Martin. The 2025 AGM was held in June. The Annual Gathering was held in person bringing together around 30 Christians involved or interested in local Ecumenism to reflect on Racial Justice, led by Rev. Sharon Quilter from the Diocese of Chelmsford and Shemara Fletcher Hoyte from CTE.
CEO Training & Development - The Ecumenical Officers were given the opportunity to attend training with other Ecumenical Officers from around the country to develop a resource for local ecumenical working.
The Ecumenical Leads 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.
4
Stansted Airport Chaplaincy – Stansted Airport Chaplaincy continues to be a part of CTEEL and is thriving. Work is being done on the legal requirements so that a separate charity can be set up.
Local Ecumenical Partnerships - The Ecumenical Leads have continued to work with Denominational Ecumenical Officers to support LEPs during the year with more targeted supported given to two LEP’s, work continued to gather the governance documents to update the records held both locally and centrally by Churches Together in England.
FUTURE PLANS AND HOPES
Churches Together in Essex and East London are 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 continues to hope 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 continue 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 facing 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 2025
FUNDRAISING RESOURCES
There are now four main sources of income, donations by churches in the form of subscriptions and public donations collected at the Bradwell event, as well as grant funding from the Foreign Office and donations from organisations.
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 £37,174 (2024: £33,798), this income is made up of associate fees, interest and public donations. This includes accrued income of £10,498 from late subscription payments.
The total operating resources expended for the year was £42,804 (2024: £30,444). These costs include the Chaplaincy account movement as well as cover staff and expenses incurred to cover the cost of the Bradwell event.
CTEEL have been put in charge of the Essex and East London Workplace Chaplains, formerly known as Essex Churches Council for Industry and Commerce (ECCIC) funds, for the 4th year running.
The funds managed in this group are grant funding from the Foreign Office, which is restricted funds in that they can only be spent on deportees and donations that are unrestricted funds.
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.
Balance Sheet
Restricted reserves
Chaplaincy restricted reserve balance £2,006 (2024: £13,232)
Included in the balance £556 (2024: £10,542) relates to the dissolved ECCIC chaplaincy group and £1,449 (2024: £2,690) relates to funding from the Foreign Office.
Unrestricted reserves
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
6
to issues or appropriate initiatives which might be identified outside of its annual budgeting process. CTEEL unrestricted funds balance is £42,464 (2024: £37,198)
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.
Denominations have continued to support the work of the charity, there has also been increased involvement with ecumenical enablers in the region, therefore the Trustees 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 ] of June 2009 after adopting the constitution on the 28[th ] of March 2007, amended by a special resolution on the 30[th] of 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 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:
-
Major Howard W Russell, a Trustee appointed in 2023, is now also a signatory on the bank account.
-
Rev. Lucy Wright, Regional Minister, London Baptist Association, became a trustee
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Rev. Claire Blatchford, Regional Minister, Eastern Baptist Association, was appointed chair at the AGM
The Contribution of Volunteers
The charity makes use of volunteers to support its activities.
Key Management Personnel
7
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 financial situation 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:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity 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:
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There is no relevant information of which the charitable company independent examiner is unaware and
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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:
Revd. Claire Blatchford Trustee: Print Name: …………………………………................
25th June 2026
Date: …………………………………
8
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
| **Note ** | Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Incoming Resources | ||||||
| Donations/Subscriptions | 1 | 33,859 | 33,859 | 31,175 | ||
| Charitable activities | 2 | 591 | 591 | 562 | ||
| Other Income | 3 | 1,724 | 1,724 | 2,061 | ||
| Grant funding | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Donations | 5 | 1,000 | 1,000 | 0 | ||
| Total incoming resources | 37,174 | 37,174 | 33,798 | |||
| Resources Expended (See pg14) | 6 | |||||
| Fund raising | 18,947 | 18,947 | 16,269 | |||
| Charitable activities | 12,631 | 11,226 | 23,857 | 14,176 | ||
| Total resources expended | 31,578 | 11,226 | 42,804 | 30,445 | ||
| Net income/(expenditure) | 5,596 | (11,226) | (5,630) | 3,554 | ||
| before investment gains | ||||||
| (losses) | ||||||
| Net gains (losses) on | - | - | ||||
| investments | ||||||
| Net income (expenditure) | 5,596 | - | (11,226) | (5,630) | 3,554 |
The notes on pages 11 to 15 form part of the financial statements. All the activities of the charity are classed as continuing.
9
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON BALANCE SHEET
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
| Note Current Assets Debtors 9 Cash at bank and in hand 10 Liabilities Creditors(amounts falling due within one year) Accruals 11 12 Net Current Assets Total Net Assets Represented by: Unrestricted - General Fund 8 Designated Restricted 8 Total Funds |
2025 2024 £ £ 0 0 34,121 50,430 34,121 50,430 0 10,349 0 (131) 44,470 50,299 44,470 50,299 42,464 37,198 - - 2,006 13,232 44,470 50,430 |
|---|---|
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 25/06/2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Trustee ……………………………………………………………………….
Revd. Claire Blatchford
Print Name: ……………………………………………………………………….
25th June 2026
Date ……………………….……………………………………………...
10
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025
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 accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis; the trustees have considered that there are no uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
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 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 2025
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
Costs have been allocated between governance costs and support costs. 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.
2.4 Liabilities
Contribution to pension funds
The charity contributes to a defined contribution pension fund, namely the HMRC recommended NEST pension scheme. Contribution costs incurred during the year amount to £840.
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 and is therefore not subject to National Insurance contribution.
12
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
ANALYSIS OF INCOMING RESOURCES
| **Note ** | Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Total | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| 1. Donations/Subscriptions | |||||
| Membership subscriptions | 33,859 | - | - | 33,859 | 30,425 |
| Other Donations | 1,000 | 1,000 |
750 | ||
| Total donations and legacies | 34,859 | - | - | 34,859 | 31,175 |
| 2. Charitable activities | |||||
| Donations taken at Bradwell | 591 | - | - | 591 |
562 |
| 3.Other Income | |||||
| Bank Interest | 1,724 | 1,724 | 2,061 | ||
| Total other income | 2,315 | - | - | 2,315 | 2,623 |
| Total incoming resources | 37,174 | - | - | 37,174 | 33,798 |
13
ANALYSIS OF EXPENDITURE
| Governance Meetings Accountancy Workplace Chaplaincy Total governance costs Support costs Website Subs and training Sundry Staff Costs Working expenses Insurance Bradwell Event Total support costs Based on above figures resources 6. Resources Expended Governance Support Costs Total allocated cost (See pg9) |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total 2025 Total 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 1,401 1,650 - - - - 11,226 1,401 1,650 11,226 1,583 1,650 3,331 3,051 - 11,226 14,277 6,564 366 1,279 54 22,989 228 472 3,139 366 1,279 54 22,989 228 472 3,139 422 1,875 61 19,070 620 444 1,389 28,527 - - 28,527 23,881 expended are split at a 60:40 ratio Fundraising Charitable Activities Total Allocation basis 1,831 17,116 1,220 11,411 3,051 28,527 60:40 60:40 18,947 12,631 31,578 |
|---|---|
TRUSTEES’ EXPENSES
No expenses were paid to trustees during the year.
7. EMPLOYMENT EMOLUMENTS
The Ecumenical Officer position is a paid part time position that is covered by two employees.
14
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN ESSEX AND EAST LONDON
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
8. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENTS
| Unrestricted General Fund Restricted General Fund ASSETS 9. Debtors – accrued income 10. Cash at bank and in Hand Barclays Bank CCLA Fund Managers Ltd LIABILITIES 11. Creditors 12. Accrued expenses 13. FINANCIALCOMMITMENTS |
Balance brought forward Incoming resources £ £ 37,198 37,174 13,232 0 |
Outgoing Resources Accrual Transfers Balance carried forward £ £ £ (31,577) (331) 42,464 (11,226) 0 2,006 (42,803) (331) 44,470 |
Outgoing Resources Accrual Transfers Balance carried forward £ £ £ (31,577) (331) 42,464 (11,226) 0 2,006 (42,803) (331) 44,470 |
Outgoing Resources Accrual Transfers Balance carried forward £ £ £ (31,577) (331) 42,464 (11,226) 0 2,006 (42,803) (331) 44,470 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50,430 37,174 |
(42,803) | |||
| 2025 £ 10,499 10,499 2025 £ 2,182 31,939 |
2024 £ 0 0 2024 £ 9,215 41,215 50,430 2024 £ 0 331 331 |
|||
| 34,121 2025 £ 0 (150) |
||||
| (150) |
No material financial commitments have been made in respect of future financial periods.
15
(HARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustee81 memborn of Churches together in Essex and East London On accounts for the year ended December 2025 Charity no (if any) 1130217 I rep)rt to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charty ('the Tfusf) for the year ended 3111212018 R8spon8ibiliti08 and ba818 of rnport As the charity's trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act"). I report in respect of my 8xamination of the Trust's accounts Carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applThble Directs'ons given by the Charity Commission Independent he charity's gross income exceeded £25.000 and l am qualified lo oxamlnorfs ststemont undertake the examination by being a qualified member of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the acrounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not comply wilh the applicable requirements concerning the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 olher than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair. view which is not a matter consid8Ted as part of an ind8pend8nt 8xamination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to en8bte 8 proper under8tanding of the accounts to be reached. 1816 Name: Rrta Nzekwe Relevant professional qualification{sl or body Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Addr•u: 12 Salcott Creek Court, Braintree. Essex, CM7 3XE IER Oct 2018