Report and Accounts Year ended 30th September 2025
WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
INDEX
| ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE | ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE | Fulling Mill Lane | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welwyn | |||
| Herts. AL6 9NH | |||
| GOVERNING DOCUMENT | With effect from 6th May 2010, the Church was registered | ||
| with the Charity Commission (reg. No. 1135832). | |||
| It is governed by a new Constitution dated 11th July 2009, | |||
| (as updated by amendment | dated 20 February 2019), | ||
| and revised Rules of Practice which were adopted | |||
| by the church in November 2009 and May 2022. | |||
| Prior to this the church was | an excepted charity, governed by | ||
| the Trust deed dated 12 November 1892, and the associated | |||
| schedule of Articles of Faith, The Rules of Practice, | |||
| and The Procedures for the | management and | ||
| administration of the church as a charity. | |||
| CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER | 1135832 | ||
| TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE | FOR | Jamie Campbell | Elder and Pastor |
| MANAGING THE CHARITY | Christopher Pountney | Elder | |
| Nigel Pountney | Deacon | ||
| Anthony Hendley | Deacon | ||
| Andrew Ward | Deacon | ||
| Stephen Coombes | Deacon | ||
| HOLDING TRUSTEES | Wendy Evers | ||
| Andrew Ward | |||
| Carolyn Clark | |||
| Simon Barfoot | |||
| BANKERS | Barclays Bank | ||
| The Welwyn Group | |||
| 12/12A The Howard Centre | |||
| Welwyn Garden City, Herts. | AL8 6ER | ||
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER | Sarah Crispin ACA | ||
| Stewardship | |||
| 1 Lamb's Passage | |||
| LONDON | |||
| EC1Y 8AB | |||
| Page 2 | Legal & Administrative Details | ||
| Pages 3-4 | Trustees' Report | ||
| Page 5 | Independent Examiner's Report | ||
| Page 6 | Receipts and Payments Account | ||
| Pages 7-8 | Statement of Assets & Liabilities | ||
| Pages 9-10 | Notes to the Accounts |
Page 2
WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
The Trustees have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2025.
Objects of the charity
The charity, which is a church, is governed by a Constitution and is constituted as a Trust. The church's principal object, as set out in its governing document, is the advancement of the Christian religion as defined by the Schedule of Articles of Faith , both in the Welwyn area and elsewhere. This purpose is achieved by:
a) Regular meetings for public worship and for Bible teaching
b) Financial support for our pastor and others so that they can devote themselves to the ministry of preaching, teaching and pastoral care; this includes support to train others for this work
c) Evangelistic activities in the community
d) Production and distribution of Christian literature
e) Practical help to those in need, especially to fellow believers
Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements
To further the objects and vision, the charity’s main activities and achievements were as follows: The Church continued to meet for worship and “teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ”. It placed a strong emphasis on all the means of grace and regularly met for prayer and Bible study. The Sunday services were also Livestreamed and the midweek Bible Studies and prayer meetings used Zoom to include folk who were unable to attend. During the year, the church premises were used for the teaching programme including Sunday Bible classes, and weekday evening activities for children and young people. A number of other activities for different interest groups was arranged, and the Church continued to evangelise and to show the love of Christ to the local community.
The Church took an active interest in missionary work at home and overseas by prayer and financial support.
In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
Financial review
Unrestricted voluntary receipts were just over £107,400, which is slightly higher than the previous year. Restricted voluntary receipts were lower at £3,400. Receipts from charitable activities were slightly lower than the previous year at £700. A sum of approx £12,800 was received from interest on investments. Overall, the total receipts increased by £14,000 compared to the previous year. Direct charitable activity payments were lower than the previous year by £6,400 at just over £90,800. Grants paid were lower at £18,500. Overall, total voluntary receipts exceeded total payments by £14,900. The capital proceeds from the sale of the Program related investment of £341,040 are being held for a similar purpose to enable the new Pastor to complete the purchase of a property in Welwyn. Note - This purchase was completed on the 31st October 2025 using £290,000 of the capital.
Future Plans
The key strategies for the church are to remain the same.
Grants Policy
In keeping with the Aims of the Charity, the Church supported a number of institutions and individuals both at home and overseas. The Church business meeting determined those causes to which grants are made, based upon either an annual review of previous recipients or as a new cause. No ongoing commitment is given to any recipient prior to renewal.
Page 3
Investments Policy
The Deacons have pursued an investment policy which provides shorter and longer term returns in vehicles specifically set up for Charities. Risk is reduced by spreading across different schemes.
Reserves policy
The Officers have agreed a policy on reserves such that unrestricted funds are maintained at a level to: a) Cover ministerial, care, local outreach, administration and support costs without which the Church could not function.
b) Provide funds which can be designated to specific projects to enable these projects to be undertaken at short notice.
At the year end, the unrestricted net reserves were in the region of £427,000. This sum is being held to provide funds for future use, including a program related investment of £290,000, unplanned maintenance projects, and for the ministry. The trustees believe the charity will need £427,000 to meet these requirements.
The level of reserves is monitored and reviewed by the Charity Trustees twice annually.
Governance
The names of the Trustees who served since 1st October 2024 are listed on Page 2. They were elected by a majority of the Members in accordance with the provisions of the governing documents. The Trustees meet regularly to monitor and review activities in accordance with existing policy and decisions, and propose new or modifications to existing policy and decisions for adoption at the Church members meeting.
Organisational structure
All Members subscribe to the Rules of Practice , which cover the administration of the Church and its Officers. The roles of Elders and Deacons within the Church are described in that document and are based on the New Testament teaching. The scope of the authority of the Church Officers in the discharge of their legal responsibilities is documented in the Procedures for the management and administration of the Church as a charity, Fifth Edition (March 2024) as amended.
Risk statement
All major insurable risks are subject to normal Churches' and employers' insurance. Contractual risks are reviewed before being entered into to assess that they could not significantly impact upon the Church's ability to fulfil its objectives.
A review is undertaken during the year of the major risks to which the church is exposed. The officers have taken appropriate steps to mitigate these risks. One safeguarding issue was recorded and managed in accordance with the Church's safeguarding policy.
Responsibilities of trustees
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
_____ Jamie Campbell (Mar 20, 2026 16:26:16 GMT) Jamie Campbell ____N.D.Pountney (Mar 21, 2026 09:22:46 GMT) N.D.Pountney Jamie Campbell Nigel Pountney Mar 20, 2026 Mar 21, 2026 Date:____ Date:___
Page 4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Welwyn Evangelical Church ('the charity') for the year ended 31 September 2025 on pages 6 to 10 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Sarah Crispin
Sarah Crispin (Mar 31, 2026 10:17:35 GMT+1)
Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date: Mar 31, 2026
Page 5
WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Notes Income receipts Gifts and Donations Gift aid tax receipts Legacies Government grants Other grants Income from events Income from literature sales Interest received Other Capital and similar receipts Total receipts Payments 2 3 Total payments Transfers between funds 5 Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end A Sale of fixed assets Loan repayments Net of receipts / (payments) before Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Purchase of fixed assets Sale of investments Purchase of investments Loans made |
Unrestricted General Funds £ 88,414 18,960 - - - 625 34 12,750 - 120,782 - 341,040 - 341,040 461,822 90,837 14,487 105,324 - - - - 105,324 356,498 (711) 355,787 71,844 427,631 |
Restricted Funds £ 3,420 - - - - - - - - 3,420 - - - - 3,420 - 3,971 3,971 - - - - 3,971 (551) 711 160 300 460 |
2025 £ 91,834 18,960 - - - 625 34 12,750 - 124,202 - 341,040 - 341,040 465,242 90,837 18,458 109,296 - - - - 109,296 355,947 0 355,947 72,144 428,091 |
2024 £ |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87,662 18,466 1,000 - - 471 14 2,069 500 |
||||||
| 110,182 | ||||||
| - - - |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| 110,182 | ||||||
| 97,286 21,860 |
||||||
| 119,147 | ||||||
| - - - |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| 119,147 | ||||||
| (8,965) - |
||||||
| (8,965) 81,109 |
||||||
| 72,144 |
The notes on pages 9-10 form part of these accounts.
Page 6
WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
| Notes A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access Notice deposits Investments Petty cash - bookstall B Other monetary assets Book Stock - valuation at cost Gift aid due to charity Other debtors C Liabilities Falling due within one year Loans Trade creditors Taxes due Fee for Independent Examination Accrued expenses Falling due after one year: Loans Total D Assets retained for charity's own use Freehold Property Refurbishments and improvements Machinery/Equipment |
Unrestricted General funds £ 25,113 52,461 350,010 47 427,631 181 3,248 - 3,429 - - 985 960 206 2,151 - - 2,151 Totals |
|
|---|---|---|
Current values have not been quoted because reliable valuations are not available.
Page 7
E Investment assets
A Program Related Investment in the form of an advance was made in September 1999 for £100,000 on a property for the then Pastor who held the registered title. The church made available an additional sum of £15,000 in March 2006 towards part-equity in the property extension. Subsequently, the new evaluation and redistribution in the share of ownership was calculated as 55.08% of the proceeds of sale in favour of the church. In March 2016 the Pastor increased his share of ownership by paying the church £35,000, thereby reducing the church's share to 48.72%. In Summer 2024, the Pastor advised the church that he would be putting the property up for sale on the open market. On completion of the sale on December 11th 2024, the Legal Charge was discharged and the church received £341,040. It incurred costs and fees of £956.
The Trustees are confident that the current market value of the freehold property is above cost.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
_____Jamie Campbell (Mar 20, 2026 16:26:16 GMT) Jamie Campbell _____N.D.Pountney (Mar 21, 2026 09:22:46 GMT) N.D.Pountney Jamie Campbell Nigel Pountney Mar 20, 2026 Mar 21, 2026 Date:___ Date:___
The notes on pages 9-10 form part of these accounts.
Page 8
WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received
| Unrestricted General funds £ 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Employment costs (see note 4) 61,630 Youth/Adult work 1,377 Local Evangelism 1,989 Church Teaching & Pastoral 3,913 Maintenance of buildings & equipment 5,988 Utilities 6,676 Insurance 2,004 Independent examination 924 Administration 1,962 Legal fees 4,374 90,837 |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total 2025 £ 61,630 1,377 1,989 3,913 5,988 6,676 2,004 924 1,962 4,374 90,837 |
Total 2024 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70,518 632 2,445 5,721 5,325 8,210 1,898 943 1,593 - |
||||
| 97,286 |
3 Grants paid in relation to charitable activities undertaken by others
| Grants for: European Mission Fellowship Mercy Ships Mombasa Mission The Christian Institute Soldiers and Aviators Scripture Readers Association The Gaius Trust Overseas Missionary Fellowship United For Mission Gospel Grace Church, Sri Lanka Pastors Academy |
5,097 - - 320 330 320 2,292 2,298 2,050 1,780 14,487 |
- - 3,971 - - - - - - - 3,971 |
5,097 - 3,971 320 330 320 2,292 2,298 2,050 1,780 18,458 |
5,760 4,535 - - - - 2,625 5,100 2,500 1,340 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21,860 |
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WELWYN EVANGELICAL CHURCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
4 Transactions with related parties
The Church has one employee, the Pastor (2024:1), with most of the church's activities being carried out by volunteers. The Pastor, JP Campbell, is both a church leader and a trustee. His gross salary, paid in his role as a church leader, is allowed by the governing document, and was within a salary band of £50,000 to £60,000.
No remuneration was paid to any other trustee during the year nor to any person connected to them. No trustee expenses were paid to any trustee during the year.
5 Movement of funds
| ovement of funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds General funds Restricted funds Harvest 24 - Mombasa Mission Harvest 25 - Farming Christian Link Total funds |
Opening balance £ 71,844 300 - 300 72,144 |
Receipts £ 461,822 2,960 460 3,420 465,242 |
Payments £ (105,324) (3,971) - (3,971) (109,296) |
Transfers £ (711) 711 - 711 0 |
Closing balance £ 427,631 - 460 |
| 460 | |||||
| 428,091 |
The transfer was made from General Funds equal to the Gift Aid Tax to be recovered on donations
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