(A company limited by guarantee)
Report and Financial Statements For the period 1 September 2023 to 31[st] August 2024
Registered Charity Number: 1140387 Company registration Number: 7448668
Objectives, Activities, Achievements and Performance
The purposes of the charity are, for the public benefit:
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to advance the Christian religion in particular, but not exclusively, in schools; and
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to relieve poverty, suffering and distress among children and young people.
These objectives have been pursued throughout the reporting year as follows:
Personnel
In August 2023 there was an addition to the staff team - Hemara Earl joined OSC as fulltime Co-Director, Development. Her role has been to develop our work in sharing the Christian faith with students and staff across the City of Oxford and strengthen links with partner churches. This has released Paul Sparrey as full-time Co-Director, Wellbeing to focus on developing a programme of mentoring and mental health support. Jo Curtis is our part-time Office and Volunteers’ Administrator, providing assistance and front-line support for Christian Unions and lessons in particular.
Christian Union’s (CU’s) in schools continued to be supported by OSC across the city, with good attendance from students, and support from Christian staff and OSC volunteers. A CU in the city’s FE college was refreshed and re-envisioned. Parent/staff prayer groups and CU picnic events for young people and their parents were supported; CU school outreach events were delivered, as well as year six transition lessons to primary schools. Easter and Christmas lessons were provided to secondary schools as well as to an additional school, and a Forgiveness lesson was delivered to one school, and The Problem of Suffering lesson to a new school; mentoring and ‘Listening Ear Support’ was provided to many students, as well as mental health support sessions to small groups.
Further links have been forged with schools, and this has resulted in more lessons being delivered. We have again been blessed to see God provide just the right number of volunteers needed at just the right time required for lessons and for wellbeing sessions. New OSC volunteers have been recruited and OSC continues a good relationship with outside organisations such as Wycliffe Theological College, giving students experience in schools and benefitting from their training and expertise.
Other positive developments have been made in our working relationships with Festive, OCCA (Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics), and Good News for Everyone (formerly Gideons) amongst others.
Throughout the year, our staff undertook various online and in person courses to ensure continuing professional development. In addition, the Co-Directors attended annual youth work conferences. The Co-Director, Wellbeing has termly supervision meetings with a school counsellor and networks with others in the Oxford area, as well as with STEP, based
in St. Albans. The Co-Director, Development has been growing connections with other Christian Schools Work ministries nationally to share resources and expertise.
The OSC team are supported by a leadership team of five trustees and one special advisor to OSC which meets every term. Meetings of the full trustee body are focussed more at a higher level of oversight. One trustee remains a line manager of the Co-Directors and being responsible for safeguarding issues; another trustee as pastoral care both to the employees and volunteers.
The OSC model is to leverage its activities by mobilising volunteers from local churches. Our Office and Volunteer’s Administrator manages a pathway for volunteers who apply to work with OSC which provides an efficient system to ensure appropriate vetting and training both in relation to Safeguarding, Prevent, best practice in schools, lesson content and presentation. A supporter organises our weekly term-time OSC prayer meeting. It continues to remain our objective to grow OSC’s activities by increasing the volunteer base, providing good quality training and preparation and supporting their Christian faith journey. We keep our supporters updated with newsletters and updates distributed via email on a regular basis.
Our Office and Volunteers’ Administrator manages our policies and procedures, ensuring that these are kept up to date and that we are compliant. We take our safeguarding responsibilities very seriously and provide safeguarding training to all our volunteers who all undergo required checking. Our safeguarding trustee is Moira Dorey.
Prayer is a fundamental element of OSC. A weekly OSC prayer meeting has continued throughout the year with a small, committed group. Our annual Prayer for Schools Event had representatives of seven schools and twelve local churches. A further four community prayer groups have been established by the Co-Director, Development which have been meeting regularly. Staff prayer groups have also been formed, meeting in schools, and six schools’ prayer meetings are now supported.
Relationships with Churches and Supporters
OSC seeks to partner with all churches in the Oxford area who share our vision. The CoDirector Development has made a number of church visits throughout the year to explain the work of OSC and encourage support. They have also been invited to attend the Love Oxford network meeting of local pastors to encourage local church support for the work of OSC. We were supported financially throughout the year by local churches and attracting volunteers and prayer support from many. In supporting Christian Unions in schools, OSC worked together throughout the year with youth workers from many local churches and partner charities. Our staff participate in the Oxford church youth workers’ group, ‘Soulnet’ which is a venue for discussion, ideas, resources and prayer.
Premises
The Parish Church Council of St. Andrew’s, North Oxford make available an office for OSC staff in their parish centre at Linton Road, Oxford at no cost. Other rooms in the Parish centre are used for a weekly prayer meeting and for other ad hoc meetings and training events.
Activities
OSC supports existing Christian Unions (CUs) at senior state schools in Oxfordshire. As well as starting a new CU at the City’s FE College, this year we have also been supporting two CUs at the Cherwell School, one at Gosford Hill School, The Swan School and The Cheney School, established a new Sixth Form CU at The Oxford Academy, and provided peripheral support at Spires Academy, Matthew Arnold and Wheatley Park school.
The OSC approach to CUs is that these should ideally be led by the pupils with a school staff member prepared to be present with OSC volunteers/local church support/other Christian agencies to help run them. OSC provides continuity and active support and encouragement for CU leaders and members. This includes help to organise, set up/ provide support for developing termly programmes/ planning leadership succession and training/ teacher liaison/coordinating external support from church youth workers and volunteers/ seeking to resolve issues arising which may be detrimental to the future of CUs.
Our Co-Director, Development has attended weekly at four of the schools, with regular visits to the others; it is a priority to encourage and develop Bible centred CUs in which both committed Christian students and those exploring the faith can come together in a welcoming, well led (ideally student led, teacher supported) group in every school. A Student Leadership Training Programme has been launched for the Sixth Formers who step forward to lead the CU’s, bringing students together from across the city, equipping and encourage them to take a leadership role in their schools and beyond. The Student Leadership group has met three times this academic year, with attendance growing from an initial six students, reaching twenty-three young people at the most recent meeting. A pattern of termly outreach events have been established in each school, in which the existing CU students are able to invite friends and classmates to hear an outside speaker present the gospel and take questions from visiting speakers. This year approximately five-hundred students have attended such events across the nine school sites.
OSC aims to develop good quality/curriculum friendly lessons on aspects of the Christian faith, presented by OSC staff and trained volunteers from local churches and to find opportunities to present these in secondary schools in Oxford. This year we delivered lessons at Christmas and Easter to The Oxford Academy (Forgiveness lessons also delivered at TOA), Gosford Hill School, Matthew Arnold School and The Cheney School, as well as two year group assemblies at Gosford Hill School. Year six transition lessons were delivered to five primary schools – John Henry Newman, Beckley, Garsington, St. Michael’s, Wheatley Primary.
The Co-Director, Wellbeing continues to spend two days a week in two senior schools providing listening ear/mentoring support to individuals. With the support of OSC volunteers, seven Kintsugi Hope Youth Wellbeing courses have been delivered, with potential for offering this support to other schools.
Financial Review
Donations and legacies from individuals (£78,757) was greater than the previous year. Grant income (£100) was less. Income from churches was increased (£9,846) compared to the previous year. Total income for the year was £92,761 an increase of £43,561 on the previous year. Income is higher than the previous year as a result of a particularly generous donation from one individual. The increased income was received at the start of the financial year and allowed OSC to go ahead and appoint to the new director role. Staff costs were increased by £38,480 due to the new director post. Total expenditure for the year was £90,602.
Overall there was a surplus of income over expenditure for the year of £2,159 which was added to reserves. Total reserves at the year-end stood at £43,286 largely represented by cash at bank. Restricted funds now make up just 14% of the reserves compared to 45% last year. This is due to a reallocation of restricted funds after consultation with the donor for funds to the Oxford Academy which are now no longer needed.
Reserves Policy
The trustees regularly monitor OSC’s finances and reserves. The trustees regard long term viability to be dependent on achieving a balance between regular expenditure and regular donations from individuals and churches/trusts. This is currently not the case and the reserves provide the shortfall. Ideally the trustees would like the level of the reserves to be able provide the shortfall for about 6 months. Currently the reserves of the general fund represent about 5 months expenditure.
OSC’s strategy envisages an increase in personnel. If and when reserves would provide sufficient cushion for increased regular expenditure, the trustees would propose to increase staffing.
Structure, Governance and Management
Oxford Schools Chaplaincy is a company limited by guarantee. Its governing document comprises its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Trustees are elected by Members by simple majority or co-opted by existing Trustees for the remainder of the year in which they are co-opted. Trustees must be no less than 3 nor more than 12 in number. One third of Trustees (commencing with last to be appointed) must resign at each annual general meeting. Their names can be submitted for re-election.
Reference and Administrative Details
Name of Charity: Oxford Schools Chaplaincy (no other name used)
Charity Registration Number: 1140387 Company Registration Number: 7448668
Principal Office and Registered Office: St. Andrew’s Church, Linton Road, Oxford OX2 6UG
Names of Trustees (during reporting period)
Kenneth MacRitchie (Chair) Frances Down (Treasurer) Moira Dorey Rev. Dan Heyward Mandy Myatt
Special adviser to OSC - Rev. Charlie Kerr
Names of Directors on date of approval of report
Kenneth MacRitchie Frances Down Moira Dorey Rev. Dan Heyward Mandy Myatt
OSC holds no property other than office equipment of Schools Worker. Exemptions from Disclosure : None Claimed Funds held as Custodian Trustee on behalf of Others: None
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Report to the trustees of Oxford Schools Chaplaincy (Registered Charity Number 1140387) on accounts for the period ended 31[st] August 2024 set out on pages 8 to 16 inclusive.
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 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) 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,
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such 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 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: A Maxfield
Date: 6 April 2025
Name: Ms Anne Maxfield
Relevant professional qualification: MA ACA
Address: 151 Windmill Road, Headington, OXFORD, OX3 7DW
Statement of Financial Activities 31 August 2024 2024 2023 T1 FuTh15 Fund5 Fund5 Incrm DDnatitrs and Iyies Income frcffi drible artlt Income frton invÈstmhts 88,306 1698 L360 397 88.703 2,698 37,016 1444 414 9326 46,342 1444 Totsl In¢ome 397 91761 3974 9316 492 Ralslng hjnds Charitat4e adkbos 2.018 88.207 2,018 13 47.545 13 76 47.621 376 Totsl t¥penditure 326 376 47,557 47.633 fr4et Mty4*ment olfvnds 113B zi 1,159 -7,683 L567 Net M¢y4offlent of funds BalaeS broh1 forw¥d at i Sept TraAslÈr tWert funds Zl474 11760 18.653 -12.760 41.127 ).157 9M03 39.560 8alances carried forvrdrd at 31 AUgt 37372 5914 43286 U474 18.653 4L127 l the abo¥e results are derlved from contlThulng actfv#e5 AW eains and knses¥e rttwised inthe yearatsA inckthd abo¥t
Balance Sheet at 31 August 2024
These accounts were approved by the Trustees at their meeting on 29[th] April 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Mr Kenneth MacRitchie (Chair)
Mrs Frances Down (Treasurer)
Dated 29[th] April 2025
Income and Expenditure account for the year ended August 2024
Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 August 2024
Notes on the Financial Statements for the year ended August 2024
1. Explanatory notes to the financial statements
Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern:
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (2019) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
2. Accounting policies
a) Income
All the income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, and it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Voluntary Income:
Donations are recognised when received by the charity.
Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the donation is received.
Legacies: entitlement is the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received.
b) Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the expenditure heading for which it was incurred.
Notes on the Financial Statements for the year ended August 2024
c) Fund accounting
General Funds (unrestricted) represent the funds of the charity that are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes of the charity.
Restricted Funds represent those funds to be used for specific purposes as requested by the donor.
The charity does not usually invest for each fund separately and interest is attributed to the General Fund.
d) Current assets
Amounts owing to the charity at 31 August 2024 in respect of gift aid recoverable or other income are shown as debtors less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectible.
e) Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered.
f) Creditors
Creditors 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 are normally recognised at their settlement amount.
g) Grants
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the charity.
h) Pensions
Contributions are made to a defined contribution scheme on behalf of the Schools Director and Administrator and are included in the accounts when payable.
Notes on the Financial Statements for the year ended August 2024
| 3. Debtors HM Revenue & Customs re Gift Aid 4. Creditors Pension creditor Accruals Total |
2024 2023 £ £ 258 517 £ £ 620 250 0 1,254 |
|---|---|
| 620 1,504 |
The charity contributes 5% on behalf of its employees to an auto-enrolment compliant NEST pension scheme. Pension contributions owing to the pension scheme at 31 August 2024 were £620 (2023 - £250).
5. Staff Costs and Trustee Remuneration
| 5. Staff Costs and Trustee Remuneration Salaries Employers NI Pension Payroll services Recruitment costs Total Equivalent full time staff |
2024 2023 £ £ 77,679 41,589 577 0 3884 1,979 676 565 0 203 |
| 82,816 44,336 |
|
| 2.35 1.35 |
The Charity considers its key management personnel to comprise the Schools Directors and a volunteer trustee, Moira Dorey.
No member of staff was paid more than £60,000. No remuneration was paid to any of the volunteer Trustees and no expenses were reimbursed to any of the Trustees during the current or preceding year.
6. Related Party Transactions
The Charity received donations totalling £4,260 (2023: £3,665) from individuals serving as Trustees during the year. No restrictions were imposed on the use of the donations which were made to the general fund.
Notes on the Financial Statements for the year ended August 2024
7. Resources Expended Detail
| Ministry Costs Schools work costs Yr 6 Leaving gifts Hospitality Events run Miscellaneous (inc DBS) Training & Travel Costs Training courses costs Travel costs Other Overheads Mobile Phone Office Costs Computing Fees & subscriptions |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023 £ £ £ £ £ £ 655 290 946 362 0 362 0 86 86 0 38 38 316 0 316 215 0 215 203 0 203 296 0 296 392 0 392 216 0 216 |
|---|---|
| 1,567 376 1,943 1,089 38 1,127 |
|
| 802 0 802 129 0 129 1,062 0 1,062 567 0 567 |
|
| 1,865 0 1,865 696 0 696 |
|
| 95 0 95 135 0 135 140 0 140 118 0 118 678 0 678 190 0 190 1,047 0 1,047 980 38 1,018 |
|
| 1,960 0 1,960 1,423 38 1,461 |
Notes on the Financial Statements for the year ended August 2024
8. Restricted Income Funds
| Fund restricted to :- Roadshow costs Laptop Appeal Yr 6 Leaving gifts Kintsugi Chaplaincy TOA Total Restricted Funds |
Brought forward at 1 Sept 2023 Income in- year Expenditure in-year Transfers between funds Carried forward at 31 Aug 2024 £ £ £ £ £ 132 0 0 132 10 0 0 10 0 346 -86 -260 0 0 51 -51 0 18,511 0 -239 -12,500 5,772 |
|---|---|
| 18,653 397 -376 -12,760 5,914 |
Chaplaincy TOA represents donations made to OSC to further its support for the Chaplaincy Team Leader employed by The Oxford Academy (TOA) with the support of the Oxford Diocese Development Fund. During the year TOA announced that the chaplain was leaving and that they would fund the post themselves with no contribution required from OSC. TOA have asked OSC to support events in the future and £6,000 donated by St Andrews church (less spend to date) remains restricted for chaplaincy work at TOA. However, the other donor to the restricted fund for TOA work has agreed that their donations in previous financial years (£12,500 in total) could be for the general use of the charity. The donor having released the restriction, £12,500 has been moved to the general fund.
9. Analysis of Net Assets by Fund
| Current Assets Current Liabilities At 31 August 2024 |
Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2024 2024 2024 £ £ £ 37,992 5,914 43,906 -620 0 -620 37,372 5,914 43,286 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 42,631 -1,504 |
|---|---|---|
| 41,127 |