Charity number: 1138996
Taunton Family Church
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 August 2023
Taunton Family Church Contents Page
For the year ended 31 August 2023
| Report of the Trustees | 3 to 5 |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner's Report to the | 6 |
| Trustees | |
| 7 to 9 | |
| Statement of Financial Activities | |
| 10 | |
| Notes to the Financial Statements |
Taunton Family Church Report of the Trustees
For the year ended 31 August 2023
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for the church for the year ended 31 August 2023.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Charity registration number 1138996 Principal address The Willows, Regent Street Bradford on Tone Taunton TA4 1HB Trustees Mr C Tancock (Chair) Mr P Collings Mr R Shaw Independent examiners Cooper Associates Accountants Ltd 40 St James Buildings St James Street Taunton Somerset TA1 1JR
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES
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 (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The Trustees are required 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 of the charity for that period. In preparing those 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 accounting standards and statements of recommend practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that this basis applies.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. 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.
Taunton Family Church Report of the Trustees Continued
For the year ended 31 August 2023
Governing document
Taunton Family Church is constituted by Deed of Trust dated 31st August 2010 and was formally registered as a charity by the Charity Commission on 12th November 2010.
Organisational structure
The charity trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity. The trustees give their time freely and receive no remuneration or other financial incentives.
The trustees meet regularly during the year, at least on two occasions, but more often as the needs of the charity demand. In doing so the trustees conduct the legal obligations with due regard to the spiritual direction of the church, which is determined by the spiritual leadership. At present the spiritual leadership rests upon Richard Shaw, Paul Collings and Chris Tancock, the former being employed by the trust on a full time basis as a Pastor and thereby oversees the church and its activities. This includes the holding of meetings, the appointment of volunteers and the pastoral care of both church and non-church members.
The church's trust deed allows for the employment of a trustee where it is in the interests of the church to do so and where the terms of employment are reasonable and subject to objective review. In keeping with the responsiblities which fall upon the trustees regular communication between the church leadership and the board of trustees is maintained to ensure that activities remain within the remit of the Deed of Trust.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The existing trustees, along with the church leadership, are responsible for the recruitment of new trustees from within the church membership. In doing so the trustees believe that any new trustees are respected members of faith and ensures that good relations are maintained with the local church the charity seeks to serve.
In selecting new trustees, the spiritual leadership seeks to identify people who regularly attend meetings and events organised by the church and are willing to volunteer to help in our broader community work. Potential trustees are invited to attend trustees' meetings as observers and are given more details of the charity's aims and activities and, if all agree, they are then proposed as new trustees at the subsequent trustees meeting. This process allows due consideration of the persons eligibility, personal competence, specialist knowledge and skills.
Risk Management
The trustees have undertaken an assessment of the risks the charity faces through its regular activities. A risk matrix has been constructed which identifies the major risks by area of activity, the nature of those risks, the likelihood of this
risk occurring and the measures taken to manage them. The trustees regularly review this matrix and are duly satisfied that systems and practices are in place to manage all identified risks. Risk assessments are consistently reviewed as practices change.
Disclosure and Barring Services checks are carried out on individuals who work with children and other vulnerable groups within the church.
The church has purchased insurance cover for all activities and the finance of the charity is reviewed on a monthly basis to ensure the charity is spending within its means.
Objectives and activities
Our aims
The objectives of the charity are set out in the charity's trust deed and are summarised as follows:
To advance the Christian faith for the benefit of the public, through education and discerning scripture, worship and prayer.
To relieve sickness and hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods and services including through the provision of counselling and support where support exists within the church membership.
Our objective
Our objective is to enable as many people as possible to worship at our meetings, providing teaching which enables them to develop their knowledge and trust in Jesus. Our meetings, held weekly on Sunday mornings and throughout the week in our members homes, put faith into practice through worship, prayer and scripture.
It is intended that in each subsequent year the trustees intend to review our objectives and activities to ensure that they continue to reflect our aims. In performing this duty the trustees will consider the Charity Commissions general guidance relating to public benefit and in particular its supplementary guidance on the advancement of religion for the public benefit
Taunton Family Church Report of the Trustees Continued
For the year ended 31 August 2023
Objectives and activities continued Activites and achievements
Richard Shaw continues to lead the church with the support of a leadership team comprised of Trustees: Chris Tancock and Blake Robinson. Paul Collings stepped down after serving as a Trustee for many years.
This has been a year of having to establish community after Covid and making real change to ensure we are able to grow and provide a strong, well-resourced community, active in Taunton.
We decided in 2021 to join with Canon Street Church and start a new church together with the congregations of Taunton Family Church (TFC).
Canon Street Church joined the Catalyst group of churches – the same network as TFC, so it seemed natural for us to join together as the churches were similar in size. It was felt that coming out of Covid, this was an opportunity to do something new. As a result, New Creation Church was born.
A large part of 2022 was spent in preparing for, and launching, the new church.
We also moved out of The Albemarle Centre due to refurbishment work being undertaken by the centre. The lack of facilities in Taunton resulted in us using the Living Light Church facilities. Afternoon services were challenging, but we knew that at the beginning of 2023 we would be joining Canon Street and begin meeting in their building.
We held successful free community events for families over Easter and Christmas. As part of our community activity, we financially supported the Taunton Foodbank, and Howard Mathers continues to serve as Chair of the Foodbank Trustees.
We also continued running monthly network gatherings with many Christian ministries in Taunton attending regularly.
As a team of Trustee’s, we met on a regular basis to the lead up to the two church’s becoming one, this to ensure a smooth transition for TFC to join Canon Street Church, this was well planned and expedited without fuss.
The Trustees ensured the relevant employment discussions were held and agreed, as well as asset transfer obligations also took place in the build up to the church’s becoming one.
The Trustees were also made aware that the CSC finance person had been ill, as such the accounts were not up to date and required attention.
Three months before the two church’s, began to meet together, the TFC finance administrator began her involvement in the analysis of the CSC accounts, this was to ensure both church accounts were clean and understood, and any unfinished or incomplete obligations were fully known.
During the early part of 2023, any CSC outstanding obligations we settled and met, also new trustees were appointed.
In summary, 2022 was a year of transition, with a fresh vision for the way forward and an excitement to know that God had joined us two fellowships to become one.
Financial review
In the year the church made a deficit of £9,347 (surplus £5,097 - 2022). Total income and expenses were lower but were broadly similar for the year.
Reserves policy
There has been no change to the reserves policy in the year. The unrestricted cash balances carried forward totaling £32,192 are the reserves. These are sufficient to cover employment costs and venue hire for between 8 and 9 months. The trustees would wish to see further funds added to provide a stronger reserve which would facilitate the many opportunities to serve the community in the coming vear.
Taunton Family Church Report of the Trustees Continued
For the year ended 31 August 2023
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Mr C Tancock
Trustee
Date 23/07/2024
Taunton Family Church
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees
For the year ended 31 August 2023
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011;
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follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioner under section 145 (5) (b) of the Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison on the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you the trustees concerning any matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material aspect, the requirements;
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a) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act: and
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b) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Mr K Parsons Cooper Associates Accountants 40 St James Buildings St James Street Taunton Somerset TA1 1JR
Date 25/07/2024
Taunton Family Church
Receipts and Payments Account
For the year ended 31 August 2023
| Restricted fund 0 0 |
Unrestricted funds 63,493 12,426 75,919 12,876 38,507 14,410 19,473 85,266 |
Total Funds 2023 63,493 12,426 75,919 12,876 38,507 14,410 19,473 85,266 |
Total Funds 2022 72,627 18,367 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90,994 | |||
| 16,218 39,705 28,629 1,345 |
|||
| 85,897 | |||
5,0970 |
|||
| 36,422 | |||
Taunton Family Church
Notes to Receipts and Payments Account
For the year ended 31 August 2023
| Note 1 (Running Costs) Administration/General Expenses Repairs and Renewals Communications (incl website) Insurance Licences / CCPAS Independent Exam Fee Fellowship Travel, Food and Accommodation Publicity and Advertising Venue Hire Note 2 (Giving and Support) Oversees Support Catalyst / Newfrontiers Support Visiting Preachers Persons within TFC Persons and Ministries outside TFC Special Ministries within TFC (Cry) Conference and Training Note 3 (Assets) Computers and Software Office and other equipment PA/Music Equipment |
2023 4,597 878 2,247 414 676 350 2,815 57 42 800 12,876 2,200 1,560 790 2,300 1,836 4,148 1,576 14,410 582 16,449 2,442 19,473 |
2022 1,901 246 2,544 385 905 600 3,324 2,033 742 3,538 |
|---|---|---|
| 16,218 | ||
| 7,079 8,860 400 6,689 4,980 82 539 |
||
| 28,629 | ||
| 828 - 517 |
||
| 1,345 |
Taunton Family Church
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
For the year ended 31 August 2023
| Cash funds Bank Current Account Total Cash Funds Other Monetary Assets Gift Aid Tax Repayments Total Other Monetary Assets LIABILITIES Ministries Running Costs Employment Giving and Support Office Equipment PA Equipment Independent Examination Fee TOTAL LIABILITIES |
Restricted funds 0 0 0 0 |
Unrestricted funds 25,561 25,561 6,631 6,631 0 0 |
Unrestricted funds 25,561 25,561 6,631 6,631 0 0 |
Total funds 2023 25,561 25,561 6,631 6,631 0 0 |
Total funds 2023 25,561 25,561 6,631 6,631 0 0 |
Total funds 2022 33,539 |
Total funds 2022 33,539 |
Total funds 2022 33,539 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33,539 | ||||||||
| 8,000 | ||||||||
| 8,000 0 |
||||||||
| 0 |
Assets retained for own use
The charity holds PA, computer, and office equipment.
Trustee
Date
Taunton Family Church
Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 August 2023
1. Accounting Policies
Accounting convention
The financial statements are prepared under the receipts and payments basis and comply with the Charities Act 2011. In preparing the financial statements the charity follows best practice as laid down in the Statement of Recommended Practice 2005 and the 2008 regulations.
2. Trustee remuneration and expenses
Richard Shaw, a trustee, is employed by the church as pastor. The chruch’s trust deed allows for the employment of a trustee where it is in the interests of the church to do so and where the terms of employment are reasonable and subject to review. The church's trust deed also determines that where a trustee has a personal interest in a matter, they need to withdraw from any relevant meeting where this is being discussed.
3. Restricted funds
We continue to support the work of the Good News Church in Goa, India and all monies received for this work was given to them in the year and no balance was carried forward.