• ASCOT LIFE CHURCH (A Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee) TRUSTEES'/DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ending 31" MARCH 2025 Registered Charity Number 1140436 Registered Company Number 07411973 175 New Road Ascot Berkshire SL5 8PX
TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS. ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ending 31" March 2025 Contents GENERAL INFORMATION............................................... . ......... ...... ... .... REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES & DIRECORS.............................................. Our prSe5 and Activilies......................................................................... Aims.............................................................................................................. Activilies.....................................-......-..............-........................................... Our Volunteer5 ....................................-........................................................ Achievements and Performance...... Financial Review....-.-................................................................................... Investment powers and wlicy...................................................................... Funds...................................................-..-..-....-............................................. Reserves Policy and Going Concern............................................................ Structure, Governance and Management...................................................... Reference and Adminislrative Details..... 10 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT..................................................12 Respective Responsibililies of Trustees and EXnIner..............................12 Ba515 of Independent Exarninerfs Report....................................................12 Independent Examinerfs slement.... 13 STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES...........................................14 Suininary ollncome and Exp¢nditurc........................................................ 14 BALANCE SHEET........................................................................................15 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS........-..................................17 Accouniing Policies. Legal Stalus of the Charity.............................................. Incorne....................................................-..-................................................20 17 19 Expenditure............-.....-.................................................................-.......-.... 21 Fixed A55¢15....-....-....-....-......-..-.-.......................-..-.....-..........-.......-.......-.... 22 Debiors........................................................................................................ 22 Creditors: Amounls Falling Due Within One Year....................................22 Analysis of Net Assets by Fund .. .22 Net Movement in Funds. .23 Trustees, Staff and Related Parties Remuneration and Benefits................ 24 Related Charities...............-...-.-..............................-..-.-.......-.......-......-........ 24 Financial Cominitments.............................................................................. 25 Independeni Exaininaiion........................................................................... 25
TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS. ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Year ending 31" March 2025 GENERAL INFORMATION TRUSTEES I DIRECTORS Mr P. Newman Mr P. Foster Ms N. Gwati Mrs S. Hale Mr D.J.Hew50n Chairman Treasurer ELDERS / COMPANY MEMBERS Mr S. Argent Mr P. Draper Mr. J.Liddiard Elder Elder Elder {from 231041241 BANKERS Barclays Bank PLC I, Churchill Place London E14 5HP INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Mr Philip Mount 54, Dedworth Road Windsor Berkshire SL4 SAY
TRUSTEES, AND DIREcfoRS' ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES & DIRECORS The Trustees. who are also the Directors of the charity for the purF)ose5 of the Companies Art 2C6, present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31, March 2025. which are also prepared to meet the requirements for a Directors, Report and Accounts for Companies Act purposes. The Trustees have prepared the finant131 statements to comply wtth the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006. the Memorandum and Articles of Association. and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitie5 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) leffeciive l January 2015, updated l January 20191. Our Purposes and Artivities The purp05es ofthe charity are: to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs in the Memorandum and Articles of Association- to fulfil such other purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the13w of England and Wales and are connected with the work of the charity for the public benefit in and around Ascot and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit. Aims The Church'5 main aim is to be 'a church that responds to and shares the love of Gcrfl. following a New Testament pattern whilst engaging with our 21" Century culture. based on the values of Worship, Communitvi Transformation, Serving and Mission. A5COt Life Church IALCI has the general aim of contributing to the lives of people of all ages from Ascot and the surrounding area5 by cornrnunicating the Christian faith to them in ways they can relate to, and by involving as many people as possible in Christian worship and in the practical outworking of the Christian faith. Everyone is welcome to participate in the life of the church arKI to benef it from being part of this faith community. Activities The Church's Sunday rneetin8s have a contemporary feel reflecting the relevance of faith in Je5US Christ to modern living. These meetings include a time of praise and worship followed by 8ible- based teaching. During the week, small groups called 'Life Groups. meet with the aim of encouraging those involved in the life of the church to develop a deeper relationship with Christ. to experience his life-transforming power and to share their faith with others. Online morning prayer meetings using Zoom video conferencing software are also held on weekdays. Ascot Life Church is a public benefit entity and the TrusteeslDirertors regard serving the surrounding community a5 an important aspect of the church's activity. In ensuring that this remain5 a significant feature of the life of the church they have considered the Charity
TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Commi55i0n'5 guidance on public benefit. including the guidonce 'Public benefit.. running a harity IPB21'. Our Volunteers Most of the activities of the church are dependent on volunteer5 With the church's staff team playing a complementary facilitating and organising role. The church would not function effectively without the contribution of volunteers and a significant proportion of the regular participants in the life of the church play some kind of voluntary role. An assessment of the number of people involved in volunteer roles during 2024-25 identified around 130 such contributors to the life of the church. around 50% of adults or teenagers who regularly participate in church life. Achievements and Performance The church meets on Sunday mornings at Ascot Racecourse, which provides a larger venue than the church buildings to accommodate growth in the number of people participatin8 in the life of the church over the last few years. Throughout the year. several 8ible-based teachin8 series Vre presented aimed at helping people of all background5 to understand the me55a8e of the Bible better enabling them to grow in their faith. in their relationship with God and with one another. In the spring of 2024. after celebrating Easter. the church worked through a teaching series in the first few chapters of the Old Testament book of Judges entitled 'Ruin and Restoration., This series allowed pastors to conffont challenging apologetic topics such as the occurrence of warfare and judgement in the Old Testament. as well as teaching repeatedly into the importance of whole-life worship, and God's grace in restoring us when we fail. The church then spent the summer holidays covering the biblical theme of 'rest' over 4 weeks. DurinE the autLbmn of 2024 the church began a series called Yeach us to PraTrl, with the purpose of both bringing scriptural teaching on prayer. and giving practical guidance on building a personal life of prayer. This series was accompanied by indtvidual weekly practices such as praying the Lord's Prayer once a day- and some communal practices. such as 'Week of Prayer. held in the middle of November. Over the Christmas season. we held 4 services to celebrate the wonder of Jesus becoming human, helping people from both the church and the surrounding community to connect with God by responding to the good news of the gospel wherever they may be in their journey of faith. Copies of short evangelistic books were 3150 distributed at the Carol Concert on 15 December to help newcomers, in particular. to continue their faith journey. From January 2025 until March. the church re-entered the Book of Judges in a series called 'Weakness and Strength, which followed the life of Gideon and his legacy. This was another challenging and inspiring series which revealed God's grace in Working with weak and broken people - people just like us. As a continued investment in the life and gr0h of the church. a staff member was taken on as a Media and Communications Officer in August 2024, after having served as an intern for the previous year. This staff member took on various responsibilities. tv primary ones being the
TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS co-ordination the church's communications, and resourcing of children's groups on Sundays. In addition to thi5. a new Youth Worker was also ernployed on a part-time basis in December 2024. This appointment was made to release another staff member into a full-time role as Operation5 Manager to facilitate the growing numbers and artivity of the church. One major responsibility of the new Operations Manager was the oversight of renovations to the church premises. This was named the 'Hub for Mission, project, as the aim was to develop the current premise5 at 175 New Road to serve as a centre for training the church in gospel outreach. as well as a place to serve the IIKal tommunity through multiple ongoing and future project5. such as Community Cafe (launched in (ktober 20231 and Sunbeams parent and toddler group Ilaunched in Sepiember 20241. The restricted funds for this project were raised at two 'Gift Days, on Sundays Ortober 13, and 20, 2024. Towards the close of the previous financial year. a new elder proposed in December 2023 was affirmed by members. This elder was then appointed at the beginning of the new financial year. on Sunday 23rd April. In September 2023 the ALC Elders offiually took on transitional leadership for three years of The 8rook Church Bagshot. following their pastorfs retirement. ALC Elders were appointed Spiritual Leaders of this separate charitable legal entity with its own financial records and Trustees. with the aim of reinvigorating and renewing the church after numerical decline going back some years. This second year of transitional leadership has consisted of steadily developing a strategy for relaunching the church under new leadership. namely the curient Ministry Trainee on the staff of Ascot Life Church. During 2024-25, the number of those regularly involved in church life was around 200 adults and teenagers with an additional 120 or so aged 18 and under. Attendance at the main Sunday morning meetings typically ranges between 190-240 people of all ages. The church remains committed to supporting Christian organi5ations and ministrie5 both in the UK and overseas and provides grants to Commission Apostolic Trust. TEAR Fund, Wycliffe Bible Translators and Operation Mobilisation. Benevolent donations are also rnade by the church to support the welfare of people experiencing financial hardship. Financial Review Dvring the year ended 31, March 2025 the church received a total of unrestricted income from dorsations. Gift Aid and bank interest amounting to £253.580. Income tax recovered on unrestricted Gift Aid donations was £45.876 Total unrestricted expenditure for the year was £269.884. Total restricted income was £73.418 including income tax recovered on restricted Gift Aid donations amounting to £11,628. £28,564 was expended from restricted funds. Investment powers and policy The Trustees/Oirectors aim to employ available funds towards the charitable aims of the church and towards enhancing the viability of the church's work for the future. Irb view of this policy and the relatively short time between the receipt of funds and their expenditure, all funds are held in cash. Funds not immediately required are held on deposit.
TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Funds Funds are allocated to the activities of the church from donations and from Gift Aid tax refund5. 64% of unrestricted income was allocated to staff costs to enable the attivities of the church to be implemented effectively, with a further 16.4% used to cover the running costs of the church buildings and rental of premises for Sunday morning meeting5. 11.1% of unrestricted income Was allocated to grants for the support of organisations and individuals within the UK and overseas that are directly involved in Christian Vrk and whose objectives the Elders and Trustee5 consider to be compatible with the charitable aims of the church. The remaining unrestrirted funds were allocated to the general operating costs of the church. Restricted funds in response to appeals to meet specific needs or where donors have specified the purpose for which the funds should be used are allocated accordingly. Reserves Policy and Going c0ftrn The level of activity of the church is dependent upon voluntary donations from church members and attenders together with tax reclaimed on donations made under the Gift Aid scheme. To adequately cover the month-by-month operating costs of the church, the Trustees/Directors onsider that the amount of unrestricted funds that should be immediately available at all times as a reserve should equate to at least two months of Core Monthly Operating Costs ICMOCI, which are defined as essential expenses such a5 those for salarie5. Utilitie5, essential property maintenance, office costs. essential travel and necessary professional services. This level of reserves is calculated each year after approval of the annual budget and is 5tress-tested against the maximum liabilities of the church including such items a5 Statutory staff redundancy payments and contractual obligations such as venue hire. This level of reserves is considered adequate by the Trustees/Directors as it would be possible. although not desirable, to reduce the level of activity of the church and its corresponding outgoings in various ways Should reserves fall to such a level. Should available funds fall below two rnonths CMOC. fund-raising appeals and cost-reduction plans affecting non-core costs would be prepared and implemented if necessary to maintain reserves above the set threshold. The church's general fund balance has been maintained at a good level Such that the Trustees/Directors considered that it was important to invest more of the Church's funds in employing and developing staff to enable the work of the church to be enhanced. The budget for 2024-2S wa5 therefore intentionally structured to enhance the staff team and to provide staff training with the expectation that expenditure would exceed income thereby reducing the general fund balance. At the end of the financial year 2024-25. the expected reduction in the general fund balance remained within Reserves Policy tolerances. The Trustees/Directors have no immediate concern5 regarding the financial viability of the church as a going concern for the foreseeable future. Restricted funds are allocated for amounts raised in response to appea15 to meet specific needs or where donor5 have designated their contributions for specific purposes. Most the church's restricted funds active during 2024-25. were used for the 'Hub for Mission. project to develop the current premises at 175 New Road. Further funds were used in support of Christian mission work, to help those in need and to support an annual youth camp event.
TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Structure. Governonce and Management Governing Document The charity's governing document is its Memorandum and Articles of Association, constituting a Choritable Company Lirnited by Guarantee, as defined in the Companie5 Art 2011. Appointment of New Trustees As set out in the Articles of Association. the charity may by ordinary re501ution appoint a person who is willing to act as a trustee. providing that they also become a director of the Charitable Company and that they subscribe to the church's Statement of Beliefs. Trustee Indurtion and Training New Trustees are provided with terms of reference defining their role and are briefed by the existing Trustees on the nature of their responsibilities. They are a150 encouraged to review the information on the role of Trustees available on the Charity Commission website and are encouraged to attend relevant external training events that will facilitate the undertaking of their role. Organi5ation At the outset of the period covered by this report there were fNe Trustees. all church members including D.J.Hew50n who joined within the 2024-25 period. The Trustees also Serve as Directors of ALC a5 a Charitable Company. The Trustees/Directors take prime responsibility for ensuring that Ascot Life Church fulfi15 Its charitable objetts and legal responsibilities and meet at least three times a year. For the period covered by this report, the church had three Elders who are also the Company Members. The Elders meet bi-weekly and have responsibility for the spiritual oversight of the church and oversee the day-to-day running of the church. Under the oversight of the Elders. the responsibilities for runninE various church activities and ministries are further delegated to staff members and to volunteer activity and group leaders. The church had six employed members of staff at the start of the period covered by this report: one Elder/Minister. one staff member covering a combined Youth Work and Operations role, a part-time Children's Worker, one Ministry Trainee. a Church and Community Worker la previous intern), and a new intef n. In July 2024 the part-time Children's Worker went on maternity leave and their role was covered by a Maternity Cover appointment. At the end of this period there were eight employed members of staff: one Elderlminister. one Operations Manager, one Ministry Trainee, one Church and Community Worker. two part-time Children's Workers lone a maternity cover), one Media and Communications Officer, and one part-time Youth Worker. Financial matter5 are dealt with by a treasury team co-ordinated by the Treasurer who provides reports to the Trustees/Dirertors and to the Elders. Salaries and other staff benefits are agreed by the Trustees/Directors who conduct an annual review of staff remuneration taking accovnt of price and wage inflation and the responsibilities
TRUSTEES, AND DIREcfoRS' ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS of each role. They also periodically review available information on remuneration and benefits for comparable roles. Related Partie5 and Coperation with Other Organi54tions None of the Trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charitv. Any contractual relationship or similar connection between the charity and a trustee of the charity, its management personnel or a related party must be disclosed to the full board of Trustees. In the current year no such related party contract5 or transactions were reported.
TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Refrrence ond Administrative Detoils The charlty is registered under the name 'Ascot Life Church.. Registered Charity Number.. 1140436 Registered Company Number: 07411973 (England and Wales) egistered Office.. Ascot Life Church. 175 New Road. Ascot. Berkshire. SL5 8PX Trustee5lDirertors'. Mr P. Foster Ms N. Gwati Mrs S. Hale Mr P. Newman Mr D.J.Hewson Property Tru5tee.' Baptist Union Corporation Limited Company Mernbers and Key Management Personnel.. Mr S. Argent Mr P. Oraper Mr J.Liddiard Trustees'loirectors, Responslbllltles In Relatiort to Financial Statements The charity Trustees Iwho are also the Directors of Ascot Life Church for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing a Trustees. Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards Iunited Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prartice). Company law require5 the charity Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charitable company for that year. In preparing the financial statements. the Trustees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,. ob5erye the methods and principle5 in the Charities SORP: make judgement5 and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.. state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disc105ed and explained in the financial statements,. prepare the financial statements on the 8oin8 concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial p051tion of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statement5 comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charitable Company 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 corporate and financial io
TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS. ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS information included on the charitable company s web51te. Legislation in the United Kingdom 80verning the preparation and disseminatiOD of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdiction5. Statement as to Olsclosure to Our Independent Examiner In so far as the Trustees are aware at the time of approving our Trustees'/Directors' Annual Report.. there is no relevant information. being information needed by the Independent Examiner in connection with preparing his report, of which the charitable company's Independent Examiner is unaware. and the Trustees/Dirertors. having made enquiries of fellow Directors and the church's Independent Examiner that they ought to have individually taken. have each taken all steps that he/she is obliged to take as a Oirector in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Independent Examiner is aware of that information. Independent Examiner The Independent Examiner. Mr Philip Mount, will continue his appointment as per his letter of engagement. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities. and in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small entities. By order oAthe b¢rd 5tee5/Dirertors Signatur Tru ee/Director Name.. AJ L Date: li
TRUSTEES. AND DIREcfoRS' ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT Report to the Directors / Trustees of Ascot Life Church. I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31st March 2025, which are set out from Page 14. Respertive Responsibilities of Trustees ond Examiner The Trustees Iwho are also the Directors of the company for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for the preparation of the account5. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144{21 of the Charities Act 2011 {the 2011 Act) and that an Independent Examination is needed. Although the charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 by a small margin. the level of assets held was well below the £3.26M threshold that requires an audit. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 1451Sllbl of the 2011 Act: and to State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Exominer's Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commi55ion. 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 vou as Trustees concernin8 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 th05e matters set out in the statement below. 12
TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Independent Examiner s Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 111 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requifements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice-. AccountinE and Reporting by Charities have not been met- or (21 to which, in my opinion, attention Should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed.. Mr Philip Mount TD AFA MIPA 54, Dedworth Road Windsor Berkshire SL4 SAY Dated.. 13
TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES For the Year Ending 31" March 2025 lincludin8 summary income and expenditure account) Summary of Income and Expenditure Total funds Year endSn8 Mar-24 Unrestrkted Restrirted fund5 funds Mar-25 Mar-25 Total funds Year endlne Mar.25 Notes INCOME & EXPENDITURE Income from: tk)nations and legacies Investments 252,033 1.547 73,418 325.451 1.547 255.046 310 Total Income 253.580 73.418 326.998 255,356 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4a&b 269.884 28,564 298.448 251,142 Tolal Expend5ture 269.884 28.564 298.448 251,142 Nei In¢omel{expendituTel 116,3041 44,854 28,550 4,214 Transfers between funds Net movement Sn funds 116.3041 44.854 28.550 4,214 Reconclllatlon of fvnds: Total funds brought forw3rd 64.962 5,198 70,160 65,946 Total lunds rrIed forward 48.658 50,052 98,710 70,160 14
TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS BALANCE SHEET A5 at 31SI Mah 2025 Total funds Mar-25 Total lunds Mar-24 Notes Flxed Assets Tangible fixed assets Total fixed assets Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 24.271 76.037 I(KI.308 9,385 61,666 71.051 Total Current Assets Ilabllltles Creditors= Amounts falling due within one year Net current assets or liabilities 11.5981 98,710 18911 70.IfiJ Total assets less current liabllitles 98.710 70,160 Total net assets ty Ilabolltles 98,710 70.160 The funds of the charity: Restricted incomè funds Unrestricted funds SO,052 48.658 5,198 64,962 To Charity Funds 98.710 70,160 15
TRUSTEES, AND DIREcfoRS' ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the period ending 3110312025 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2(K16 relating to small companies. Directors'nru5tees' responsibilities.. the Members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act.. the DirertorslTrustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Art with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies. re8ime. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees/Director5 On: Director's Na ector's Name= ........................................... . Signed.. Si8ned-............. ... 16
TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the Year Ended 3151 March 2025 Accounting Policies The following accounting policies have been used in the preparation of the financial 5tatements- 8asls of Preparntlon 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 IFRS 1021 {effective l January 2015, updated l January 20191- (Charities SORP IFRS 10211, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the Companies Act 26. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The accounts are prepared on an accruals basis and include income and expenditure as they ore earned or accrued. Preparation of the Accounts on a Goin8 Concem Basls In view of the continued health of the church's general fund balance for 2024-25 the Trustees/Directors have no concerns at present regarding the financial viability of the charity and are satisfied that the reserves held by the charity are more than sufficient to ensure its financial health for the foreseeable future. Income Donations under Gift Aid and all other donations and income are recognised as income when they are received. The income tax recovery ass¢xiated with Gift Aid donations is accrved to the sarne month in which the donations are received. Interest Receivable Interest on funds held on deposit is induded when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity- this is nomially upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank. Receipt of Donated Services and Facilities The church benefits greatly from the involvement and support of its many volunteers and the Trustees, Annual Report provides information about their contribution. In accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021. the general volunteer time of people involved with the church is not assessed in economic terms and is therefore not recognised in the accounts. Fund Accounting Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Oesignated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the Trustees/Directors have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for specific purp05es. 17
TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS. ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Restricted funds are donations that the donor has specified to be solely used for specific purposes as part of the church's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the church. Expenditure Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, that it 15 probable that Settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is on charitable activitie5 including the cost5 Of activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated 5UPPQrt costs. Grants The church makes donations to other organisation5 whose charitable objects complement its own and to people involved in Christian work. These donations are accounted for when paid over. In accordance with the purposes of the charity to advance the Christian faith and to fulfil other charitable purposes connected with the work of the charity {see 'Our purposes and activitie5, in the report of the Trustees/Directorsl, the church made donations from its unrestricted funds as shown in the table below during the reporting year=_ Commission Apostolic Trust £12.600 Wycliffe Bible Translators É2,652 Operation Mobilhsation £2.652 Tearfund 00natiS £1.896 Trinity Church Canada Support E7,71)J Baptist Union £445 Oiher small donation5 £2(Ll Total £28,145 Operating Leases The charity classifies the lease of printing and photocopying equipment as an operating lease. The title to the equipment remains with the lessor and the equipment is replaced every few year5 whenever technology advancements make such replacement economically advantageous. Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the expected settlement amounts due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. Creditofs and Provislons 18
TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS. ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of fund5 to a third party and the amount due to settle the obli8ation can be measured or estimated reliablv. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their expected settlement amount. Flnanclal Instruments The charity only ha5 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. m. Penslons Following the introduction of pen5i0n auto enrolment, the church set up an account with the National Employment Savings Trust INESTI. the workplace pension scheme set up by the government especially for auto enrolment. New employees are automatically enrolled into the NEST pension scherne at a basic level but have the flexibility to make contributions at a level that suits their circumstances. or to opt out if they wish to do so. The church makes corresponding employer contributions in accordance with terms agreed ID the relevant contracts of employment. The employer contributions made by the charity to the above schemes in 2024-25 and treated as an expense amounted to £10.602. The aggregated amount paid to key management personnel in 2024-25 amounted to £2.956. Pension premiums for the charitable company's employees are paid from unrestricted funds and are accounted for in the same month as the employees, related remuneration. Legal Status of the Charity The church is a Charitable Company Limited by Guarantee and has no Share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up. the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per Member of the charity. 19
TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Income Income from l)onations and Legaties Vnre5tri¢ted Restrlrted Funds Funds Totsl Funds Total Funds Mar-25 Mar-24 Unrestrlcted lunds:_ Donations under Gift Aid Gift tax recovered Donations- General 176.153 45.876 30,tN>I 252,033 176,153 45.876 30.1))4 252.033 168.826 44,157 36.819 249,802 Restrlrted lunds:. Building Works Furbd Newday Youth Camp Fund Benevolent Fund Connect Festival Event Fund 59.442 4,490 1.875 875 59,442 4.4 1.875 875 1,875 375 Dave Betts Support Other Restricted Funds (Mar-251 2S2.033 73.418 325.451 255,046 Investment Income Bank interest 1.547 1.547 1.547 1,547 310 310 Total Income 253.580 73.418 326,998 255,356 All the church's investment income arises from money held in interest bearing deposit accounts. Gift Aid tax recovered on restricted donations amounted to £11.628 and is induded in the restricted fund totals in the above table. Further details on the variou5 re5trirted funds can be seen under note 9. No income from legacies was received in 2024-25. 20
TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Expenditure Expenditure on Charltable Artivities- Unrestricted Funds Unrestylcd Restrlcted Funds Funds Total Fvnds Toial Funds Mar-24 Mar-25 Stafl salaries and wage5 Employer's Nl Efflployer pensSon contrlbutloThs Churth house iosts Grants 138.669 6.107 10.602 3.%3 28.14S 41.464 20.751 5.516 138.669 6,107 10.602 3.563 28.145 41.464 20.751 S.S16 108.331 3,311 8,139 21,698 29,339 40,744 8.625 5,748 3.164 3,214 4.420 6.260 645 Costs ol premises Churth equipment and ItsteS Admlnistration and IT costs Siaff resources and travel Trainlng and Conferences Siudents, yOh and Children's work Outreach and Commtsnhywork Gues1 speakers Professional fees 3.622 3.969 3.057 535 3,622 3.969 3,OS7 S35 263 269.884 269.884 243,9)1 'Church house costs, relate to the house beneficially owned by the church as a manse for a minister's living accommodation and include costs such as property insurance. council tax and maintenance. 'Costs of premises, relate to the running costs of the church building5 and to the rental of prernises at A5CQt R3cecour5e used for Sunday morning Services. Notable variances: 'Staff salaries and wage5, increase in staff employed from six to eight and inflation including National Living Wage increases. 'Church house costs, returned to March 2023 expenditure levels following refurbishment during the 2023 - 2024 period. 'Church equipment and resources, one-off costs including new commercial tooker and tents. b. Expendlture on Charftable Actlvltles- Restrfcted Funds Total Funds Mar-25 Total Funds Mar-24 Unrestrlcted Restricted Funds Funds Bullding Works Fund Newday Youth Canw Fund Benevolent Fund Connect Femlval Event Fund Other restricted lunds exp <£500 (Mar-2S) 19.61KI 3.111 4.50S 19.6C 3.111 4.S05 2.810 1.810 466 2,155 7.241 28,564 28.564 21
TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS. ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Further details on the various restritted funds can be seen under note 9. Fixed Assets The company has the beneficial use of a church property and manse by virtue of a trust established in 1921. The title deeds to these freehold properties are held by the Baptist Union Corporation. The church buildings are located at 175, New Road. Ascot. Berkshire, SL5 8PX and had a buildings insurance valuation of £1,466,528 declared by Baptist Insurance effective in April 2024. The manse is located at 3, Whitelands Drive, Ascot. Berkshire, SL5 8LS. The buildings insured sum was £420,(KM) IAXA Insurante Limited) as of April 2024. These valuations have been used for the purposes of this Annual Report. Debtors Mar-25 Mar-24 Gift Aid lax recoverable due Prepayment5 Other debtors and payments 21.617 2.654 B.188 1.197 24.271 9,385 Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year Mar-25 Mar-24 Incomè tsx and Nl due Other creditors 1.598 891 1.598 891 Analysls of Net Assets by Fund Umestrkned Restricted Totsl Funds Total Funds Funds Funds Mar-25 Mar-24 Fixed assets Current assets 50.256 11.5981 48,658 50,052 I,308 11.5981 98.710 71.051 18911 70.160 Current liabililies Fund Balances 50,052 22
TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS. ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Net Movement in Funds Openkng Balance b•l¥n¢e 31103124 Re50ur(es EXpendire Transfers IV0312S UnrestTl¢ted 8enÈval funds Restrlrted ful:. Blhilding Works Fund Newdayyouth Camp Fund Youth Events 64,%2 253.580 269.884 48.658 S9.442 4.4 19.61 3.111 39.842 1,759 275 275 Benevolent Fund Mens 8reakfast Connect Festival Event Fund Community Work Fund Dave Betts Support YWAM T & D Breen Support 4.010 1.875 4.505 1,380 48 125 875 16 16 391 6.731 70.1[j 326.998 298.448 98.710 Net movement in funds - previous year Balan In¢om Balante 3V03123 Resources Emperrfllture Transfer$ 31103124 Unrestrlcted general funds Restricted fund5:. Newday Youth Camp Fund Youth Events Benevolent Fund 8ible Reading Notes Fund Commission Festival Fund CommLbnity Work Fund Trinity Church. Canada Support T&D Breen Support PR Retirement Gift5 58,751 250.112 243.9Jl 64,962 29) 2.810 380 275 275 3.945 61 1.875 1,810 61 4.010 216 37S 125 22 16 931 540 391 1.189 250 L282 250 255.356 2SI.142 70,160 The Youth Events fund is used for incoming and outgoing funds for Christian youth events that take place throughout the year. 23
TRUSTEES, AND DIRECTORS, ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The Newday Youth Camp fund is used for incoming and outgoing funds for the ALC youth group to attend ihe 'NewdaW annual Christian youth festival The Benevolent Fund is used for donations designated for the support of those in need. Where such need5 arise and the amount available within the restricted fund is insufficient, these needs are covered from the church's general funds. The Bible Reading Notes Fund is used to provide people with explanatory note5 about the Bible to promote greater understanding of the Christian faith and of the Bible's relevance to everyday living. This fund has now been closed as the note5 are now available free of charge. The Commission Festival fund 15 used for incoming and outgoing funds for the Commission Festival at which Ascot Life Church joins with other churches from across the UK for Christian worship, teaching and fellowship. Additional event expenses were covered from general funds to meet the full costs of thi5 event. The Community Work fund was derived PTimarily from donations received from a monthlv community lunch run by ALC until the pandemic lockdown in the spring of 2020. These donation5 often exceeded the cost5 of the food for the lunches so the excess funds are used towards the cost5 of other community artivities provided by the church. The Trinity Church, Canada support fund Iforrnerly Dave 8ett5 Support fund) ori5e5 from donations from church members designated to support Trinity Church in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, led by Dave 8etts as he works to rejuvenate what was a Struggling church. TheT&D 8reen fund Iformertythe Tazmin Foster Support fund) arises from donations from church member5 designated for Tazmin and Daniel 8reen's support as they work with Youth With A Mission. based in Perth. Australia. Trustees, Staff and Related Parties Remuneration and Benefits None of the Trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefit5 from employment with the charitable company or a related entity. No trustee expenses have been incurred. The number of church employees was six at the start of the reporting year and eight at the end of the year. Further details are given in the section about Organisation on pages 8-9. No employee received emoluments in excess of £60.(XX) during the year. The total remuneration received by the salaried church minister who deals with the day- to-day management of the church's activities amounted to £42,741. The remunerated church minister has beneficial use of the hosjse owned by the church as a manse for INing accommodation, the rental value for which is included in the above figure. There were no related party transactions in the reporting period that require disclosure. The aggregated total donations received from rustees and related parties la5 defined in the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 Appendix 11 during 2024-25 amounted to £36,889. Related Charities 24
TRUSTEES. AND DIRECTORS. ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The custodian truslee of the church buildings. including the church manse. rs the Baptist Union Corporation knmited (Charity number 2496351, which is controlled by the Baptist Union Council. The church is affiliated to Commission Apostolic Trust (Charity number 11500171 and is a150 a member of the 8apti5t Union of Great Britain (Charity number 11259121 and the Southern Counties Baptist Association (Charity number 10910661. The church is also a member of The Evangelical Alliance Icharity number 2123251. Flnancial Commitments The Charitable Company leases an office photocopierlprinter for which a total of £1,690 (including VATI was charged in the financial year 2024-25. Independent Examination The fee for independent examination of the church's accounts is expected to amount to £250. 25