Hertford Baptist Church
‘Leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ’
Port Hill Hertford
A registered place of worship Registered Charity No 1131979
Report of the Trustees
&
Accounts
1 January - 31 December 2025
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
| C O N T E N T S | ||
|---|---|---|
| Page | ||
| Trustees’ Report | 1 – 9 | |
| Independent Auditor’s Report | 10 – 12 | |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 13 | |
| Balance Sheet | 14 | |
| Notes to the Accounts | 15 - 29 | |
| Summary of Accounts | 30 |
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Report of the Trustees and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
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The trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the financial statement of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 which is also prepared to meet the requirements for the trustees’ report and accounts for submission to the Charity Commission.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, and the 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) (effective 1 January 2019). The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved the adoption of the 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) for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has been
In preparing this report, the trustees have taken note of all the requirements and guidance issued by the Charity Commission including the specific guidance for religious charities on public benefit. The charity’s policy is to prepare its accounts on an accruals basis and comply with approved accounting standards.
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HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Report of the Trustees and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
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OUR PURPOSES AND ACTIVITIES
The Core Purpose of the Church is “Leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.” Our vision and value statements define the nature of the Church and its vision for growth. The church seeks to encourage individual members to demonstrate these values in their own lives and the Calls to Action of the Church are expressed as ‘Meet God’, ‘Make Friends’, ‘Make a Difference’ .
The Church follows the doctrinal basis contained in its governing document and seeks to apply this in today's society and culture.
The Church's principal aim is to advance the Christian faith in Hertford and surrounding areas and through the Christian church nationally and worldwide, and to serve the spiritual, emotional, moral and physical needs of the local community. To help fulfil these objectives, Hertford Baptist Church maintains a registered place of worship and associated buildings, for Christian worship, fellowship, teaching and community activities.
Public worship services are conducted every Sunday morning on the premises, which attract around 150 people from the local community each week. In addition, a range of evening and weekday activities are provided for all ages and many sections of society, to which all are welcome. To achieve the benefits of smaller scale group activities, Midweek Communities meet weekly for learning, mutual encouragement and, support and play a vital role in welcoming and integrating new people into the church family. In addition to our core purpose of the advancement of the Christian faith , and as an expression of that core purpose, the church seeks to provide additional public benefit through the provision of activities such as lunches for the elderly and breakfasts for men (both once a month), Baby and Toddler groups and a youth club run on the premises in conjunction with Hertford Young Life, Home Start meet weekly in the church premises and Place of Welcome, a weekly coffee drop-in centre.
We continue engagement with the local community through projects including the Food Bank, Street Pastors and Future Hope (working with young people dealing with crises such as addiction, mental health problems and family breakdown), and facilitating a branch of a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) centre. The church also supports a variety of projects caring for the poorest and neediest around the world through social action and evangelism.
In shaping the charity’s objectives and planning activities for the year, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance on public benefit for charities advancing religion. The trustees are satisfied that the activities undertaken during the year further the charity’s aims for the public benefit.
Staff
Rev. Dr Alan Ward, Baptist Minister and Ministry Team Leader
Helen Ward, Ministry Leader for Families, Young People and Community Outreach
Dawn Weston, Ministry Leader for Pastoral Care & Prayer
John Goligher, Finance Administrator (retired 31.7.25)
Cheri Pienaar, Church Administrator
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HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Report of the Trustees and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
2025 has been a significant and encouraging year for Hertford Baptist Church, marked by sustained prayer, spiritual growth, increasing engagement with the local community, and a noticeable rise in attendance, particularly among children, young people and families.
Prayer has been central to the life of the church throughout the year. A whole-church Call to Prayer, supported by regular rhythms of prayer, extended use of the Prayer Room and two 24/7 prayer events, drew wide participation across all ages. This season led to a shared sense of God calling the church to deepen its relationship with Him and to step out more boldly in mission.
This spiritual focus has been reflected in growing engagement with discipleship and teaching. Sunday sermon series, including Following the Way, God Speaks, and Ordinary People: Empowered and Unstoppable, alongside the Talking Jesus course in Midweek Communities, have helped equip over 150 people to grow in faith and confidence in sharing it. Midweek Communities continue to play a vital role in fostering belonging, spiritual growth and pastoral support.
The church has seen steady numerical growth, with increasing numbers of new people attending, including many exploring faith for the first time. This has been particularly evident in the expansion of children’s and youth work. Weekly toddler and baby groups regularly welcome 100–120 children, providing an important point of connection with local families. In response to growth, children’s and youth provision has been expanded, including restructured Sunday groups, a new youth discipleship group, and participation in the Satellites festival, where young people experienced significant spiritual development.
Outreach and engagement with the local community have been a consistent priority. The church has strengthened its presence in Hertford through events such as the Teddy Bears Picnic, Easter gatherings, and Christmas activities, alongside ongoing partnerships with organisations including CAP, Street Pastors and local schools. Seasonal outreach has been particularly effective, with over 400 attending Family Nativity services and 1,800 goodie bags distributed during the Hertford Christmas Gala and Markets, creating meaningful opportunities to connect with those who would not otherwise engage with church.
There are encouraging signs of deepening faith and commitment. A baptism service held in October saw eight people baptised, reflecting both spiritual growth and the church’s widening reach. The church has also demonstrated strong generosity, raising over £10,000 for the Kazakh Child Development Project and £2,000 for the BMS Harvest Appeal. Regular giving has grown significantly, with overall income matching expenditure despite a planned deficit.
To support continued growth, the church has invested in infrastructure and capacity, including appointing a Finance Assistant, establishing a new Prayer Room and completing improvements to the church’s outdoor space to enable greater community use.
Alongside these positive developments, the growth experienced during the year has highlighted important challenges around capacity, leadership and space. These areas will be key priorities moving forward, as the church seeks to respond faithfully to increasing opportunities for mission and discipleship.
Overall, 2025 has been a year characterised by prayer, growth, generosity and a deepening commitment to “live the gospel and love the town.” The church looks ahead with hope and expectation as it continues to build on these foundations.
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HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Report of the Trustees and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE and MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Hertford Baptist Church is a charity registered with the Charity Commission No. 1131979, constituted as an Unincorporated Charitable Association. It is governed by a Foundation Trust Deed dated 16 November 1903 enrolled in the Central Office of the Supreme Court of Judicature on the 21 November 1903, by a constitution approved by the Charity Commission on 5 October 2009 and by Declaration of The Baptist Trusts for Churches 2003 and the Baptist Trusts for Manses 2004, dated 18 April 2006. The church is the beneficial owner of freehold property in Hertford, the legal title to which is held by the church’s custodian trustee, the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd.
Appointment of trustees
Hertford Baptist Church is a fully independent organisation and the Church Members’ Meeting, normally held four times a year, is the decision-making body. The Church Members' Meeting appoints Deacons who act as trustees. The appointment of trustees requires the support of not less than 50% eligible votes cast. Deacons are appointed for a period of three years and may serve for two consecutive periods of three years before being required to stand down for a minimum of one year. Two officers, a Secretary and a Treasurer, are elected annually and are ex officio deacons and trustees. Information is provided for those considering offering themselves for election as deacons and trustees, as is induction and ongoing training for those elected.
Organisation
The day-to-day programme and spiritual welfare of the church is the responsibility of the Ministry Team, in consultation with the Leadership and Staff Teams.
Individual deacons have a lead role in various aspects of the church's ministry. The Ministry Team, deacons and trustees meet monthly to determine, approve and monitor the strategy and programme of the church, to receive financial reports, and to undertake the management responsibilities of the charity, and for prayer. They meet annually for an extended meeting to consider strategic development.
Hertford Baptist Church is a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, its regional organisation the Central Baptist Association, and a number of other organisations with which it identifies, including the Evangelical Alliance and the local ecumenical group, Hertford and District Churches Together.
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HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Report of the Trustees and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
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Related parties and co-operation with other organisations
With the exception of Ministry Team Members, who by nature of their appointment are trustees and also paid employees, none of the charity’s other trustees receive remuneration or other benefits from their work with the charity as trustee. John Goligher was employed as the financial administrator for the church until July 2025, having been appointed to this position in November 2014. He retired from the role of Church Treasurer at the AGM in May 2025, a role for which he was not remunerated and which he had held since January 2021. Pauline Strong was appointed to the volunteer role of financial assistant for the church in July 2025.
Any connection between a trustee or senior manager of the charity with a supplier or external organisation must be disclosed to the full board of trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. In the current year, no such related transactions were reported.
Various organisations are associated with the church and their leaders are appointed by the Church Members’ Meeting. Some of these small organisations keep their own accounts and have separate bank accounts; none exceed £5,000 in income or expenditure per annum. Other unrelated organisations, which are compatible with the church’s values, use the church premises and usually pay a nominal fee for doing so. There are no other legal or formal links with related parties.
Pay policy for senior staff
The pay of senior staff is reviewed annually and normally increased in accordance with average earnings. In view of the nature of the charity, the trustees consider the advice of ‘The Baptist Union of Great Britain’ when setting pay levels.
Risk management
A policy of continuous risk assessment and review is adopted. A suite of policies has been agreed by the Church Meeting, including a Health & Safety Policy. These policies are reviewed annually, and any revisions reported to the members at the AGM in May.
A range of risk assessments, action plans and work activities are carried out periodically. Built on a model document from the Baptist Union, a combined Safeguarding Policy and Procedures for Children, Young People and Adults at Risk has been adopted and is reviewed and adopted annually.
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HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Report of the Trustees and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
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FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial income is derived from voluntary donations and regular giving by church members and those who attend the church, supplemented by contributions to activities by those taking part, and some income from the hiring of the premises . Donations during the year of £185,320 were received through regular offerings. This was an increase on the previous year and the budgeted target.
A significant proportion of the church's income is given, by way of donations, to Christian mission and relief groups and training colleges, to individuals in training for Christian service; people engaged in Christian work, mostly overseas and through their commissioning organisations. These grants are approved annually by the Church Members’ Meeting and no commitment is made to grants in advance or to future funding, with the funding for such grants being received during the year of payment . During 2025 the church was able, through the generosity of members and friends, to make donations to external causes amounting to £41,975 or about 13% of total non-capital expenditure. In 1997 Hertford Baptist Church made a grant of £34k to a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) in Ware called Emmanuel Share Church (ESC). This was a joint venture between the Baptist denomination and Christ Church Ware, the local parish church. The purpose of the grant was to assist with the purchase of a Manse to be used by the Minister of ESC. In 2022, the members of ESC decided to close the church and following the sale of the property, Hertford Baptist Church received a percentage of the proceeds, proportional to the original contribution, as per the grant agreement.
As a result, in the year 2023 the charity received £171k on the closure of Emmanuel Shared Church. The trustees have decided to invest these funds with CCLA for a long-term return.
RESERVE POLICY Reserves at the end of the year stood at £321,505.
The trustees consider the free reserves of £321,505 to be adequate for the future purposes of the church for the coming year.
Funds are ‘restricted’ when given for a specific purpose and generally these are disbursed before the end of the financial year. 'Designated' funds are funds designated by the trustees for a particular purpose, and in the interests of clarity, the tangible fixed assets of the church (land, buildings, fixtures, and fittings) which are not normally available for general purposes are held as designated funds. The expectation is that funds will be used for the furtherance of the church’s objectives in the year received and there are no specific investment powers. The policy is that reserves of unrestricted funds (free reserves) should normally be not less than the equivalent of 3 months’ expenditure and not exceed 12 months’ expenditure. Reserves are currently the equivalent of just over 11 months budgeted expenditure, and the trustees consider this adequate for the year ahead. Reserve funds should be readily accessible. Cash investments should be retained in high interest, instant access, bank accounts.
Hertford Baptist Church owns three freehold houses in Hertford originally purchased for use as Manses to further the objectives of the church. This continues to be the intended long-term use, meanwhile these properties are temporary vacant and let short term under the management of Sage Ward, with the income used for the general purposes of the charity. Because they meet the SORP/ FRS 102 definition of investment properties, these houses have been reclassified as Investment Assets. Should any of these properties return to use as a Manse, they will return to classification as Fixed Assets.
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HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Report of the Trustees and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
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PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
As the church looks ahead, 2026 will be a significant season of consolidation and development, as we seek to steward growth well and respond faithfully to the opportunities before us.
A key priority will be the clarification and articulation of the church’s vision and values. This process will involve continued prayer, reflection and engagement across the church family, with the intention of establishing a clear and shared sense of identity, direction and purpose for the future.
In response to ongoing growth, the church will focus on increasing capacity across all areas of ministry. This will include strengthening and expanding volunteer teams and continuing to review how our buildings and facilities can best support both church life and community engagement.
The church will also seek to develop new and creative expressions of mission. This will include creating accessible and relational opportunities for people to engage with the Christian faith, building on our work with seniors and younger generations.
Midweek Communities will continue to play a central role in discipleship and belonging. The intention will be to support and develop leaders, while exploring opportunities to grow and multiply communities so that all those connecting with the church can form meaningful relationships and grow in faith.
Investment in younger generations will remain a key strategic focus. The church will move forward with plans to appoint a Ministry Lead for Young Adults, with the aim of developing discipleship, fostering community, and creating new opportunities for outreach among those aged 18–30.
The trustees will also give ongoing attention to leadership and governance structures, ensuring that they are fit for purpose and able to support the continued growth and development of the church.
Overall, the intention for the coming period will be to establish strong foundations for the future, ensuring that the church is well aligned, well resourced, and well positioned to continue growing in both depth and impact.
CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE
No funds are held on behalf of others as Custodian Trustee.
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HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH Report of the Trustees and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 ____________
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Charity number: 1131979 Church office: 13/15 Chambers Street, Hertford SG14 1PL Telephone: 01992 582951 Email: theoffice@hertfordbaptist.org.uk Website: www.hertfordbaptist.org.uk Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc, 68 High Street, Hoddesdon EN11 8EZ Solicitors: Longmores, 24 Castle Street, Hertford SG14 1HP Auditors: SCB (Accountants) Limited, 31 Sackville Street, Manchester, M1 3LZ. TRUSTEES Rev. Dr Alan Ward Baptist Minister Helen Ward Ministry Leader for Families, Young People and Community Outreach Dawn Weston Ministry Leader for Pastoral Care & Prayer Jemma Chandler Ian Davis Hannah Harding Sheila Knowles John Low Church Secretary * Claire Mabbett Clare Macpherson Michael Clifford Nigel Hollingsworth (appointed 20[th] May 2025)
- Church officers are appointed or re-appointed annually by members vote at the Annual General Meeting in May. The office of Treasurer is currently vacant.
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HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Report of the Trustees and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
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Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities:
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (the United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources for that period. In preparing these accounts, 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 of the Charity SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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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 responsible for keeping accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the Constitution as Amended 22[nd] March 2022. 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.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
In so far as the trustees are aware:
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there is no relevant audit information of which the charity’s auditors are 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 audit information and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information.
Approved by the Trustees on the 19 May 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
John Low
Chair of Trustees
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Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hertford Baptist Church For the year ended 31 December 2025
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Hertford Baptist Church (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 December 2025, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the trustee’s annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
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Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hertford Baptist Church For the year ended 31 December 2025
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees’ report; or
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the charity has not kept adequate accounting records; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
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certain disclosures of Trustee’s remuneration specified by law are not made; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.
We gained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the charity and sector in which it operates, and considered the risk of acts by the charity that were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud. We discussed with the Trustees the policies and procedures in place regarding compliance with laws and regulations. We discussed amongst the audit team the identified laws and regulations, and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance.
During the audit we focussed on laws and regulations which could reasonably be expected to give rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements, including, but not limited to, the Charities Act 2011 and SORP 2019. Our tests included agreeing the financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation and enquiries with management.
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Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members of Hertford Baptist Church For the year ended 31 December 2025
Our procedures in relation to fraud included but were not limited to: inquires of management whether they have any knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud, and discussions amongst the audit team regarding risk of fraud such as opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of financial statements. We determined that the principal risks related to posting manual journal entries to manipulate financial performance and management bias through judgements in accounting estimates. We also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including testing journals and appropriateness of other entries in the nominal ledger; reviewing transactions around the end of the reporting period; and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the trustees that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of noncompliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' Report.
Use of our report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only for the charity’s trustees as a body in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and regulations made under section 154 of that Act (Regulation 30 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Mr Jeffrey Bor FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of SCB (Accountants) Ltd 31 Sackville Street Manchester M1 3LZ
Date: 20/05/2026
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HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2025
| Income from: Donations and legacies Regular Offerings Special Gifts & Legacies Thankoffering Gift Aid recoverable Charitable activities Investments - bank interest and dividends Other Use of property Repayments Total Expenditure on: Charitable Activities Local Ministry Note 3 Support Costs Note 4 Grants payable: National Mission Note 5 World Mission Note 5 Future Mission Note 5 Thankoffering & Special Note 5 Total Note 6 Net Income/(expenditure) Transfers between Funds Other recognised Gains/(losses): Net Movement in Funds Reconciliation of funds: Total Funds Brought Forward Notes 17, 18 & 19 . Total Funds Carried Forward Notes 17, 18 & 19 Gain/(loss) in value of Fixed Asset Investments |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 185,320 - - 185,320 155,374 18,284 120 15,670 34,074 17,617 - 7,478 - 7,478 5,093 34,912 1,678 1,454 38,044 31,954 6,868 - - 6,868 4,465 9,337 - - 9,337 8,606 64,001 - - 64,001 55,216 4 - - 4 100 |
|---|---|
| 318,726 9,276 17,124 345,126 278,425 |
|
| 267,082 72,209 813 340,104 348,730 10,044 - - 10,044 8,980 9,999 - 678 10,677 10,800 15,134 - 3,476 18,610 23,689 3,000 - - 3,000 - - 9,688 - 9,688 6,239 |
|
| 305,259 81,897 4,967 392,123 398,438 |
|
| 13,467 (72,621) 12,157 (46,997) (120,013) (580) 11,083 (10,503) - - |
|
| 12,887 (61,538) 1,654 (46,997) (120,013) (8,824) - - (8,824) 1,500 |
|
| 4,063 (61,538) 1,654 (55,821) (118,513) 317,442 1,904,796 2,172 2,224,410 2,342,923 |
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| 321,505 1,843,258 3,826 2,168,589 2,224,410 |
There are no recognised gains and losses other than the result for the year. All of the Church's activities are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 15 to 29 form part of these accounts
Analysis of the comparative funds in the previous year (2024) is provided in Note 9.
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HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Balance Sheet at 31 December 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | ||
| Fixed Assets: | ||||
| Tangible Fixed Assets | Note 11 | 905,391 | 1,853,183 | |
| Fixed Asset Investments | Note 12 | 163,676 | 172,500 | |
| Investment properties | Note 13 | 886,184 | - | |
| Total fixed assets | 1,955,251 | 2,025,683 | ||
| Current Assets: | ||||
| Debtors | Note 14 | 41,355 | 34,288 | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | Note 15 | 182,943 | 174,498 | |
| Total current assets | 224,298 | 208,786 | ||
| Liabilities: | ||||
| Creditors falling due within 1 | year | Note 16 | (10,960) | (10,059) |
| Net current assets | 213,338 | 198,727 | ||
| Net Assets | 2,168,589 | 2,224,410 | ||
| The funds of the charity: | ||||
| Unrestricted | Note 17 | 321,505 | 317,442 | |
| Designated | Note 18 | 1,843,258 | 1,904,796 | |
| Restricted | Note 19 | 3,826 | 2,172 | |
| 2,168,589 | 2,224,410 | |||
| These accounts were approved by the Board of Trustees on19 May 2026and signed | on | |||
| their behalf by: | ||||
| John Low | ||||
| Chair of Trustees |
The notes on pages 15 to 29 form part of these accounts
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HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
1. Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
Basis of Preparation
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) (effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations, but which has since been withdrawn
Hertford Baptist Church meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis
The Charity’s Financial Statements show net deficit before investment losses of £46,997 for the year and free reserves of £321,505.
In order to assess the appropriateness of the going concern assumption basis, the Trustees have considered the church’s financial position, liquidity, unrestricted reserves and forecasts for the foreseeable future taking into account the principal risks to which the charity is exposed. The Trustees have considered the impact of a severe economic outcome on Hertford Baptist Church and the effectiveness of management actions that might be taken to mitigate the impact of this stress. Trustees have also considered the circumstances under which the activities of the church would be unable to continue. After taking into account the current level of the charity’s cash and reserves and the financial performance since 31 December 2025, the Trustees have concluded that the risk of this situation occurring is remote.
Accordingly, and after making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity will be able to continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due for at least twelve months from the date of signing of this report.
On this basis these financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.
Page | 15
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is more likely than not that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
Income from government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is more likely than not that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
Legacies are accounted for when probate has been completed, the amount of the legacy can be reliably quantified and the conditions of the legacy are within the control of the church. Three such legacies have been notified for the current year (2025). One such legacy was also notified in the previous year (2024).
In 1997 Hertford Baptist Church made a grant of £34k to a Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) in Ware called Emmanuel Share Church (ESC). This was a joint venture between the Baptist denomination and Christ Church Ware, the local parish church. The purpose of the grant was to assist with the purchase of a Manse to be used by the Minister of ESC. In 2022, the members of ESC decided to close the church and following the sale of the property, Hertford Baptist Church received a percentage of the proceeds of the house sale proportional to the original contribution, as per the grant agreement. As a result, in the year 2023 the charity received £171,000 on the closure of Emmanuel Shared Church. The Trustees have invested these funds for a long-term return.
Donated services and facilities
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity, which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt. No such services or facilities have been donated in the current (2025) or previous (2024) years.
In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the general volunteer time of the church members and wider church fellowship is not recognised in financial terms. Refer to the trustees' annual report for more information about their contribution.
Interest Receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
Page | 16
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
Fund Accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the church.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. In the event of the intended purpose not requiring the money such funds could be returned to general use. The aim and use of each designated fund are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the church's work or for specific projects supported by the church. The aim and use of each restricted fund are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
The church has no endowment funds.
Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure, it is probable settlement will be required and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:
-
Costs of charitable activities, including local ministry and outreach activities undertaken directly in furtherance of the charity’s objectives;
-
Grants payable, representing donations and support provided to mission organisations and related charitable causes;
• Support and governance costs allocated to charitable activities.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
Allocation of support costs
Support costs are those that assist the work of the church but do not directly represent charitable activities. Support costs include office costs, payroll and other professional services and governance costs which support the church's activities. These costs have been allocated entirely to local ministry. Decisions on the awarding of grants do not incur support costs as they are made by the church members in the church meeting, based on information provided by the trustees and other members. No support staff time is attributable to the grant awarding process.
Operating leases
The church classifies the lease of the office printer/copier as an operating lease; the title to the equipment remains with the lessor and the equipment is replaced every 5 years while the economic life of such equipment is normally 5 years.
Rental charges are charged on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Page | 17
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold land and buildings used directly in furtherance of the charity’s objectives are classified as tangible fixed assets.
In December 2011 all freehold land and buildings were surveyed and revalued at current market rates by Iain Davies MRICS and on the advice of the auditors, values for land and buildings were assessed separately. The church and halls are shown at their fair value for realistic alternative use of £600,000. 13/15 Chambers Street, Hertford, currently used as offices and meeting rooms, are shown at the fair value assigned to them if they were to revert to residential use. Buildings’ improvements, fixtures, fittings and equipment costing £4,000 or more are capitalised at cost.
Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or deemed cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment.
Freehold land is not depreciated. Other fixed assets are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight-line basis as follows:
Freehold buildings classified as tangible fixed assets are depreciated over 50 years following the revaluation in 2011.
Fixtures, fittings and equipment are depreciated at a rate of 10% per annum. On this basis, the organ, pews and other fixtures and fittings within the church would have been fully depreciated at 31 December, 2019. As these items are all in continuing use, they were revalued at their insurance valuations at 31 December 2019; organ £146,748 (2018 NBV £4,485) pews, etc. £121,480 (2018 NBV £2,062). They have been depreciated in the current year at a rate of 10% per annum.
Fixed asset investments
Investments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at fair value at the balance sheet date.
Realised and unrealised gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they arise.
Investment Property
Investment property comprises residential properties held primarily to generate rental income. Investment property is initially recognised at cost and subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date, with changes in fair value recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Investment properties are not depreciated in accordance with FRS 102.
Where an investment property subsequently becomes owner-occupied or is used directly in furtherance of the charity’s objectives, it is reclassified as a tangible fixed asset at the date of change in use.
The trustees have considered the fair value of the investment properties at the reporting date and are satisfied that the carrying value is not materially different from fair value.
Debtors
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Page | 18
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening the deposit or similar account. These short term highly liquid investments are valued at the initial investment value.
Creditors and accruals
Creditors and accruals are recognised when the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party, and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and accruals are normally estimated at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
Pensions
Employees are enrolled in the statutory pension scheme and the pension costs charged in the financial statements represent the contributions payable by the charity during the period.
Related Charities
The custodian Trustee of the church is the Baptist Union Corporation Limited which is charity number 249635, and which is controlled by the Baptist Union Council. The church is also a member of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, and the Central Baptist Association. The church made a donation to the Baptist Union Home Mission Scheme as set out in note 5.
Tax Exemption
The charity is exempt from taxation in respect of income and gains arising on its charitable activities to the extent that these are applied for charitable purposes.
Financial Instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. The charity’s basic financial instruments include trade debtors, accrued income, cash and bank balances, and trade creditors.
Judgement and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the charity is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Page | 19
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
The trustees have exercised judgement in assessing the classification of freehold properties between tangible fixed assets and investment property based on the intended use of the properties.
The trustees have also assessed whether the carrying value of investment properties approximates fair value at the reporting date.
Key sources of estimation uncertainty are as follows:
-
I. Useful economic lives of tangible assets- Depreciation of tangible fixed assets has been based on estimated useful lives and residual values deemed appropriate by the trustees. Estimated useful lives and residual lives are reviewed annually and revised as appropriate. Revisions take into account actual asset lives and residual values as evidenced by disposals during current and prior accounting periods.
-
II. Valuation of investment property - Investment properties are carried at amounts which the trustees consider approximate to fair value at the reporting date. In determining fair value, the trustees consider available market information and comparable property values.
2. Legal Status of the Church
Hertford Baptist Church is a registered charity no. 1131979 and the church building is a registered place of worship.
Page | 20
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
| 3. Local Ministry Premises Depreciation Ministry Church Activities Outreach Activities Enabling Activities Bank charges Totals for the year ended 31 December 2024 |
Unrestricted DesignatedRestricted Total 2025 2025 2025 2025 £ £ £ £ 60,035 - - 60,035 - 72,159 - 72,159 134,605 - - 134,605 18,075 - - 18,075 6,572 50 646 7,268 47,791 - 167 47,958 4 - - 4 |
Total 2024 £ 58,870 71,825 146,441 14,379 5,687 51,429 99 |
|---|---|---|
| 267,082 72,209 813 340,104 273,539 72,436 2,755 |
348,730 | |
| 348,730 |
4. Support costs including governance costs
| pport costs including governance costs | |
|---|---|
| Audit fee Professional fees Secretarial |
2025 2024 £ £ 6,940 6,550 1,104 401 2,000 2,029 |
| 10,044 8,980 |
Governance costs are attributed entirely to local ministry and unrestricted funds in both 2025 and 2024. The Professional fees include pension providers' and consultancy fees. Letting agent's fees are now included in Premises costs (note 3 above). The 2024 comparative figures have been adjusted to reflect this here and in note 9.
Page | 21
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
| 5. Grants for Mission National Mission Baptist Home Mission (CBA) Future Hope Hertford Young Life Others 2 World Mission BMS World Mission BMS Relief Fund Other societies SIM (to support 1 person) Interserve (M LeRoy) Matiza Family Agape (P & S Weston) Future Mission Spurgeons College All Nations Christian College Thankoffering & Special Appeal Thankoffering Totals for the year ended 31 December 2024 Totals for the year ended 31 December 2024 Totals for the year ended 31 December 2024 Totals for the year ended 31 December 2024 People International (to support a couple) |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Total 2025 2025 2025 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 4,640 - - 4,640 5,800 2,500 - - 2,500 2,500 2,500 - - 2,500 2,500 359 - 678 1,037 - |
|---|---|
| 9,999 - 678 10,677 10,800 |
|
| 10,800 - - 10,800 |
|
| 5,800 - 1,895 7,695 9,393 - - 1,390 1,390 - - - 191 191 1,580 308 - - 308 3,690 2,061 - - 2,061 2,061 1,365 - - 1,365 1,365 3,600 - - 3,600 3,600 2,000 - - 2,000 2,000 |
|
| 15,134 - 3,476 18,610 23,689 |
|
| 19,629 - 4,060 23,689 |
|
| 1,500 - - 1,500 - 1,500 - - 1,500 - |
|
| 3,000 - - 3,000 - |
|
| - - - - |
|
| - 9,688 - 9,688 6,239 |
|
| - 9,688 - 9,688 6,239 - 6,239 - 6,239 6,239 |
16 (2024: 13) separate grants were paid out to institutions. Some single grants are paid in monthly or quarterly instalments. No support costs are apportioned to the payment of grants to Mission.
Page | 22
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
6. Total Expenditure
| Local Ministry National Mission World Mission Future Mission Thankoffering Governance |
Staff Premises Other Total Total Costs Costs Costs 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 154,603 132,194 53,307 340,104 342,289 - - 10,677 10,677 10,800 - - 18,610 18,610 23,689 - - 3,000 3,000 - - - 9,688 9,688 6,239 - - 10,044 10,044 15,421 |
|---|---|
| 154,603 132,194 105,326 392,123 398,438 |
Total expenditure was £392,123 (2024: £398,438) of which £305,259 was unrestricted (2024: £312,948), £81,897 was designated (2024: £78,675) and £4,967 was restricted (2024: £6,815).
7. Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses and the cost of key management personnel
| personnel | |
|---|---|
| Wages and Salaries Social Security Costs Pensions Costs |
2025 2024 £ £ 141,614 150,868 5,808 8,541 7,181 7,323 |
| 154,603 166,732 |
No employees had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2024: nil). Pension costs are allocated to activities in proportion to the related staffing costs incurred and are wholly charged to unrestricted funds.
3 pastors were remunerated £110,466 (2024: 3 pastors £106,801) using scales recommended by the Baptist Union and according to the relevant agreement with the Charity Commission. 1 trustee was remunerated £12,948 (2024: £25,041) during the year for work not related to his role as a trustee.
In total, all trustees, including pastors, were remunerated £123,414 (2024: £131,842).The remunerated trustees received remuneration in their capacity as employed ministers and staff of the church. Such remuneration is permitted under the governing document and was authorised in accordance with the charity’s conflict of interest procedures.
No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2024: nil).
During the year, travel and meal expenses totalling £711 were reimbursed to 3 pastors and no trustees (2024: travel and meal expenses of £1,030 to 3 pastors and 1 trustee). In addition, 3 pastors and 2 trustees made purchases totalling £7,305 on behalf of the church and were reimbursed (2024: 3 pastors and 3 trustees, £4,928).
In addition to the trustees, the key management personnel of Hertford Baptist Church comprise the church office secretary (who is an employee) and the finance administrator, the two cashiers and the youth and children's work administrator (who are volunteers). The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the trust who are not trustees (1 individual) were £18,200 (2024: 2 individuals, £19,026). During the year, travel expenses totalling £71 were reimbursed to one member of key management personnel (2024: nil). In addition, 3 key management personnel (non-trustees) made purchases totalling £1,016 on behalf of the church (2024: nil).
Page | 23
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
8 Staff Numbers
Average Number of Employees
2025 2024
Number Number
Ministers 3 people 3 3
Secretaries/Administrators (all part-time) 1.5 2
4.5 5
----- End of picture text -----
Page | 24
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
9 Comparative figures (2024) for the separate classes of funds shown in total on the face of the SOFA
| Income from: Donations and legacies Regular Offerings Special Gifts & Legacies Thankoffering Gift Aid recoverable Charitable activities Investments - bank interest Other Use of property Sundry Total Expenditure on: Charitable activities Local Ministry Support Costs Grants payable: National Mission World Mission Thankoffering & Special Total Net Income/(Expenditure) Transfers between Funds Other recognised Gains/(losses): Gains in value of Fixed Asset Investments Net Movement in Funds Reconciliation of Funds: Total Funds Brought Forward at 1 January 2023 . Total Funds Carried Forward at 31 December 2024 |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds Funds 2024 £ £ £ £ 155,374 - - 155,374 13,042 110 4,465 17,617 - 5,093 - 5,093 30,112 1,146 696 31,954 1,993 - 2,472 4,465 8,606 - - 8,606 55,179 - 37 55,216 100 - - 100 |
|---|---|
| 264,406 6,349 7,670 278,425 |
|
| 273,539 72,436 2,755 348,730 8,980 - - 8,980 10,800 - - 10,800 19,629 - 4,060 23,689 - 6,239 - 6,239 |
|
| 312,948 78,675 6,815 398,438 |
|
| (48,542) (72,326) 855 (120,013) - - - - |
|
| (48,542) (72,326) 855 (120,013) 1,500 - - 1,500 |
|
| (47,042) (72,326) 855 (118,513) 364,484 1,977,122 1,317 2,342,923 |
|
| 317,442 1,904,796 2,172 2,224,410 |
Page | 25
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
10 Related party transactions
Close family members of the trustees and key management personnel of Hertford Baptist Church are regarded as related parties for the purposes of these accounts. The majority of these people are themselves members of the church.
The total amount of donations received without conditions from trustees and connected parties was £35,647 (2024 £20,470).
No expenses were paid to any related party (2024: nil). 2 people related to the trustees made purchases on behalf of the church and were reimbursed £1,180 (2024: 1 person, £429).
1 person related to the key management personnel made purchases on behalf of the church and was reimbursed £135 (2024: nil).
A payment of £353 was made to the Laurel Education Trust (LET) for the hire of the Simon Balle School hall for a baptismal service. One of the Trustees of Hertford Baptist Church is also a Trustee of LET.
11.Tangible Fixed Assets
| Tangible Fixed Assets | |
|---|---|
| Cost/Valuation At 1 January 2025 Additions Disposals Transfer to investment property At 31 December 2025 Depreciation At 31 December 2024 Charge for the year Disposals Transfer to investment property At 31 December 2025 Net Book Value At 31 December 2025 At 31 December 2024 |
Freehold Freehold Fixtures, Land Buildings Fittings & Equipment Total £ £ £ £ 468,000 1,595,220 483,701 2,546,921 - - 10,551 10,551 - - - - (328,000) (770,220) - (1,098,220) |
| 140,000 825,000 494,252 1,459,252 |
|
| - 410,802 282,935 693,737 - 31,904 40,255 72,159 - - - - - (212,036) - (212,036) |
|
| - 230,670 323,190 553,861 140,000 594,330 171,062 905,391 |
|
| 468,000 1,184,418 200,765 1,853,183 |
Freehold Land and Buildings
In December 2011 all freehold land and buildings were surveyed and revalued at current market rates by Iain Davies MRICS and on the advice of the auditors values for land and buildings were assessed separately.
The church and halls are shown at their fair value for realistic alternative use of £600,000. 13/15 Chambers Street, Hertford, currently used as offices and meeting rooms, are shown at the fair value assigned to them if they were to revert to residential use.
During the year, certain residential properties previously included within tangible fixed assets were transferred to investment property following a review by the trustees of the use and purpose of the properties.
The properties were transferred at their net book value at the date of transfer, which the trustees consider to approximate fair value.
The reclassification has been treated prospectively and comparative figures have not been restated.
Certain properties are currently held to generate rental income pending their potential future use in furtherance of the charity’s objectives. Where a change in use occurs, the relevant property will be reclassified from investment property to tangible fixed assets in accordance with FRS 102.
Page | 26
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH
Notes to accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 12. Fixed Asset Investments
| Cost/Valuation Income units in the COIF Charities Ethical Investment Fund estment Property At 1 January 2025 Additions Disposals Transfer from tangible fixed assets Fair value movement At 31 December 2025 |
At 1 January 2025 Acquisitions Revaluations Disposals Transfers £ £ £ £ £ 172,500 - (8,824) - - |
At 31 December 2025 £ 163,676 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 £ - - - 886,184 - |
||
| 886,184 |
13. Investment Property
Investment property comprises residential properties held primarily to generate rental income.
During the year, certain residential properties previously included within tangible fixed assets were transferred to investment property following a review by the trustees of the use and purpose of the properties.
The properties were transferred at their net book value at the date of transfer, which the trustees consider to approximate fair value.
The reclassification has been treated prospectively and comparative figures have not been restated. Certain properties are currently held to generate rental income pending their potential future use in furtherance of the charity’s objectives. Where a change in use occurs, the relevant property will be reclassified from investment property to tangible fixed assets in accordance with FRS 102.
The trustees have considered the fair value of the investment properties at the reporting date and are satisfied that the carrying value is not materially different from fair value.
14. Debtors
| 14. Debtors |
|
|---|---|
| Accrued Income Prepayments Income Tax Recoverable Other Debtors 15. Cash at Bank and In Hand Bank Accounts Petty Cash 16. Liabilities Payroll liabilities Accruals |
2025 2024 £ £ - 2,334 981 - 37,814 31,954 2,560 - |
| 41,355 34,288 2025 2024 £ £ 182,790 174,429 153 69 |
|
| 182,943 174,498 2025 2024 £ £ 3,313 2,789 7,647 7,270 |
|
| 10,960 10,059 |
Page | 27
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH Notes to accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
17. Unrestricted Funds
| General Church Funds | Balance Balance 1.1.25 Incoming Outgoing Transfers Gains and Losses 31.12.25 £ £ £ £ £ £ 317,442 318,726 305,259 (580) (8,824) 321,505 Movement |
|---|---|
18. Designated Funds
| Thankoffering Training Support Other designated donations Tangible fixed assets Investment Property |
Balance Balance 1.1.25 Incoming Outgoing Transfers 31.12.25 £ £ £ £ £ £ - 9,156 9,688 532 - - 2,160 120 - - - 2,280 49,453 - 50 - - 49,403 Gains and losses |
|---|---|
| 51,613 9,276 9,738 532 - 51,683 1,853,183 - 72,159 (875,633) - 905,391 - - - 886,184 - 886,184 |
|
| 1,904,796 9,276 81,897 11,083 - 1,843,258 |
The Thankoffering funds are raised each year for specific causes. The funds raised in 2025 were given to the Mongolia Project. The Training Support Fund supports individuals training for Christian service through full or parttime courses or on training placements.
The Tangible Fixed Asset Fund represents the net book value of freehold land and buildings, fixtures, fittings and equipment used directly in furtherance of the charity’s objectives.
During the year, certain residential properties previously included within the Tangible Fixed Asset Fund were transferred to the Investment Property Fund following a review by the trustees of the use and purpose of the properties.
19. Restricted Funds
| Baptist societies Others |
Balance Balance 1.1.25 Incoming Outgoing Transfers 31.12.25 £ £ £ £ £ £ 1,452 3,728 3,476 15 - 1,719 720 13,396 1,491 (10,518) - 2,107 Gains and losses |
|---|---|
| 2,172 17,124 4,967 (10,503) - 3,826 |
Baptist societies and other funds are ongoing funds held for specific societies, the majority of which are paid out in the course of the year.
Page | 28
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH Notes to accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025
20. Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds
| Tangible | Investment | Net Current | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Assets | Property | Assets | Assets | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted Funds (note 17) | - | - | 321,505 | 321,505 |
| Designated Funds (note 18) | 905,391 | 886,184 | 51,683 | 1,843,258 |
| Restricted Funds (note 19) | - | - | 3,826 | 3,826 |
| 905,391 | 886,184 | 377,014 | 2,168,589 |
21. Operating lease commitments
At 31 December 2025 there were commitments under operating leases
| Expiring within 1 year Expiring within 2-5 years |
2025 2024 £ £ 2,520 907 8,820 1,134 |
|---|---|
| 11,340 2,041 |
22. Ultimate Controlling Party
The Charity was under the control of the Board of Trustees throughout the year.
Page | 29
HERTFORD BAPTIST CHURCH - Summary of Accounts
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2025
| INCOME & EXPENDITURE Income from: Donations and legacies - Regular Offerings - Special Gifts & Legacies - Thankoffering - Gift Aid recoverable Charitable Activities Activities which generate funds - Use of property - Repayments - Bank interest Total Expenditure on: Charitable Activities Local Ministry Governance Costs Grants payable: - National Mission - World Mission - Future Mission - Thankoffering & Special Total Net Income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Gain/(loss) on revaluation of fixed asset investments Net Movement in Funds Total Funds brought forward at 1/1/24 Total Funds carried forward at 31.12.25 |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 185,320 - - 185,320 155,374 18,284 120 15,670 34,074 17,617 - 7,478 - 7,478 5,093 34,912 1,678 1,454 38,044 31,954 6,868 - - 6,868 4,465 64,001 - - 64,001 55,216 4 - - 4 100 9,337 - - 9,337 8,606 |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted Total Funds Total Funds Funds Funds Funds 2025 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 185,320 - - 185,320 155,374 18,284 120 15,670 34,074 17,617 - 7,478 - 7,478 5,093 34,912 1,678 1,454 38,044 31,954 6,868 - - 6,868 4,465 64,001 - - 64,001 55,216 4 - - 4 100 9,337 - - 9,337 8,606 |
|---|---|---|
| 318,726 9,276 17,124 345,126 278,425 |
||
| 267,082 72,209 813 340,104 348,730 10,044 - - 10,044 8,980 9,999 - 678 10,677 10,800 15,134 - 3,476 18,610 23,689 3,000 - - 3,000 - - 9,688 - 9,688 6,239 |
||
| 305,259 81,897 4,967 392,123 398,438 |
||
| 13,467 (72,621) 12,157 (46,997) (120,013) (580) 11,083 (10,503) - - |
||
| 12,887 (61,538) 1,654 (8,824) - - |
(46,997) (120,013) (8,824) 1,500 |
|
| 4,063 (61,538) 1,654 317,442 1,904,796 2,172 321,505 1,843,258 3,826 |
(55,821) (118,513) 2,224,410 2,342,923 2,168,589 2,224,410 |
|
| Page | 30 Balance Sheet at 31 December 2025 Fixed Assets Tangible Fixed Assets Fixed Asset Investments Investment Property Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank & in hand Liabilities amounts falling due within 1 year Net Current Assets Net Assets Funds Unrestricted Designated Restricted |
|
| 213,338 198,727 |
||
| 2,168,589 2,224,410 321,505 317,442 1,843,258 1,904,796 3,826 2,172 |
||
| 2,168,589 2,224,410 |