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2024-12-31-accounts

2024 ANNUAL REPORT

Aldates Community Transformation Initiatives

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024

ACT Oxford exists to help people find a hope and a future after prison, addiction or homelessness.

Our welcoming community includes many with lived experience and inspiring stories of how we have encountered the love of God and been changed by it.

Through street and prison outreach, the hosting of community spaces and meals, mentoring and housing in 11 properties across the city, we give people the support they need to rebuild their lives.

CONTENTS

ANNUAL REPORT

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CHAIR OF HAIR OF TRUSTEESTRUSTEES

Thank you for your support and interest in ACT’s work to help people find a hope and a future. I hope you enjoy reading about all that’s happened throughout the year in the pages that follow.

Of note was the appointment of our brilliant Head of Charity, Alex Brazier, who joined in November. The ACT team had done an amazing job of holding the many activities and communities we serve, and Alex’s appointment is a step towards a new season of growth and reach. It’s great to see him settle in and engage with those ACT supports.

Alongside this, it was a delight to see the exciting new ACT Women community emerge from years of prayer by the team and supporters. This is a significant expansion of the organisation’s ability to serve people in our city. It’s so encouraging to see it take shape in an organic and effective way.

Throughout 2024, ACT continued our meaningful work with the ACT Family of men in supported housing, and across the other communities we serve.

This was made possible by the generosity of our donors, the prayers of our supporters, and the governance of a Board of Trustees who diligently support and guide all ACT does.

As we look ahead to a season of exploration and renewed vision, I’d like to say a huge thank you to the ACT staff, our trustees, and of course all of you – our supporters. Without you, ACT couldn’t do what we do.

Those we serve are truly grateful for ACT’s support, as I am to you.

Revd Stephen Foster

Chair of Trustees

1

HEAD OF ACT

Joining ACT has already shown me how deeply committed you, our supporters, are to spreading a message of hope to those we support. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about all that’s happened as much as I have enjoyed being part of it.

Joining at the end of 2024, I’ve been blown away by the stories and breakthroughs, the new shoots emerging in the lives of those we serve.

The team were really welcoming as I settled, and I relished getting to know them all in what was a very busy end to 2024. Christmas is a lively season throughout our communities, but for some it can be challenging.

The love shown to them gave me such a clear picture of what ‘community’ means here at ACT. From shared meals and Christmas gifts, to being dragged up to sing karaoke – the sense of family fun was inspiring.

A particular highlight for me has been getting to know our ACT Family members. While there’s always some adjustment when stepping into any established community, they’ve welcomed me with warmth and humour. Serving at our Monday Night and monthly Community Meals has kept me connected with those I’d got to know over my years of volunteering there.

As we continue to water and nourish the community we currently serve, we’re also exploring the right ways to expand our reach, and I’m excited to see what feels right for this next season.

Thank you so much for your support. I hope you’ll continue to join us for the journey ahead.

Alex Brazier

Head of ACT

2

A YEAR IN NUMBERS 30% INCREASE IN MONDAY NIGHT GUESTS +4 STAFF 130

NIGHT SHELTER GUESTS

OVER 3000

MEALS SERVED

96 VOLUNTEERS 19 GUESTS AT ACT WOMEN UNIVERSITY EVENTS 1 GRADUATION CUPS OF HOT CHOCOLATE SERVED 350 CHRISTMAS HAMPERS PACKED 1900

OUTREACH

MONDAY & COMMUNITY MEALS

The community at our weekly Monday Night and monthly Community Meals continued to flourish. Well over 3,000 delicious meals were cooked from scratch by a team that includes ACT members who’ve previously been homeless themselves.

Some guests arrive not having eaten or spoken to anyone during the day. An opportunity to enjoy a filling meal and a friendly chat can make such a difference. One guest, Mick, said, ‘However bad I feel when I get here, I always leave feeling lifted.’

From Lancashire hotpot to goat curry and a summer barbecue, guests got to exercise choice and vote for their favourite meal for the following week. Attention to detail shows people they matter – and tables set with crackers and flowers for our Christmas Community Meal prompted one guest to exclaim, ‘I thought we were coming to a wedding!’

PRISON

Prison ministry gives people hope that they have friends out in the community who won’t judge them for their past. ACT’s Rob Rogers served the chaplaincy in HMP Spring Hill by leading Bible studies and Alpha each week. It was a significant time to help men prepare for life after prison, and often their first chance to feel like free men in the presence of God.

A long connection with HMP Grendon – a therapeutic Category B jail – led to an exciting new invitation to expand ACT’s outreach there.

WINTER NIGHT SHELTER

In the biting cold of the winter months, we collaborated with a network of churches for the Oxford Winter Night Shelter – opening our doors to offer food, a warm bed and a safe place to sleep for rough sleeping guests.

5

“ I thought we were coming to a wedding! MAEVE, COMMUNITY MEAL GUEST ”

DESER FLOWER BE VERY SHOUT ISAIA

ACT WOMEN

After years of praying and months of planning, it was a joy to see ACT’s new community of support for women start at the end of the year.

Women facing multiple disadvantage often find themselves at extra high risk, hidden, isolated, and their needs unmet. ACT Women exists instead to invite women into a place of safety, warmth and welcome.

Alongside 1:1 journeying with individual women, we launched four new streams:

WELLBEING DAYS

With a complimentary café, clothing, toiletries and therapeutic treatments.

‘My cloud lifted. You wouldn’t believe what a difference it made to me,’ said one guest, Jessie.

BREAKFAST CLUB

For women in the criminal justice system, in partnership with Oxford Probation Service.

CREATIVE DAYS

Working with Wilder Flower Farm to put on a floristry worshop.

WORSHIPPING COMMUNITY

Of women with lived experience who want to see others find a hope and a future.

9

‘Women facing really tough situations like addiction or homelessness can feel so judged and alone. We want to invite them into community and show them that they have friends, there’s hope, and they’re loved.’

JO MITCHELL, ACT WOMEN

COMMUNITY + SUPPORTED HOUSING

ACT’s 11 houses are ordinary places where extraordinary things happen. They offer people space and peace to heal, and security and support to start to hope again.

Housing Manager Abel Carkett joined us at the start of the year. Since then, our residents have flourished, and their homes have been refurbished and maintained with care.

That flourishing looks different for each person. It’s varied, sometimes surprising and always joyful.

Over the course of the year, it involved individuals:

- writing a book

- meeting a new granddaughter

- running a clothes donation campaign

- composing poetry

- going to a school parents’ evening for the first time

- helping to shape national homeless policy

- redecorating

- winning a place to study theology at Wycliffe College

- moving on to live independently

- getting invited to an event at the House of Lords!

It wasn’t all straightforward, of course – people also journeyed through loss, disappointment and poor health. But, as Abel puts it, ‘ACT’s a community where you’re invited to bring your whole self, your vulnerability, your brokenness – we’re all seeking healing together and it’s beautiful.’

It takes intentionality, attention and love to build a community like this – plus plenty of fun. So, alongside our regular rhythms of gathering through the week, we got active and creative with events including a sunny Cotswold hike, fresh trout barbecue, festival trip to David’s Tent and a bonfire in the woods with s’mores and spontaneous singing.

Thank you to every generous property owner who helped make this possible.

Abel Carkett ACT Housing Manager

12

MY STORY

ACT FAMILY

‘I don’t know where I’d be without ACT.

They loved me when I didn’t love myself.

I spent 32 years drinking, taking drugs and then dealing them, getting jobs and losing them.

I burned every bridge I had and ended up homeless.

But going on the ACT retreat last year really changed things.

I prayed for God to help me, to take away what needed taking away.

I truly believe that when we drove through the gate of the retreat centre on that last morning, I had a new start in life.

Cooking is my passion and having a mentor has been massive. Jamie cooks at church and he’s helped take what I make to a whole new standard. I’ve just been accepted on a college course.

I used to come for food at Monday Night and now I cook it.

Today, with God in my life, I have a purpose – and I will keep following that and serving for as long as I can.’

Craig, ACT Member + Monday Night Chef

15

I don9t know where Igd be without ACT.

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MY STORY

VOLUNTEERING

‘Monday Night meals are often the highlight of my week.

Sometimes simply listening, with full attention, to someone who arrived downhearted and withdrawn has led them to engage with others on the table – and by the time they leave they are upbeat and hopeful.

My ACT supervisor for my mentoring role has been essential in developing my perspective, both of the individuals I support and the challenges they face.

Caring deeply is costly at times, but well worth it for the progress I see in the lives of committed, compassionate and clearly gifted individuals, who are now helping others overcome hurdles they once faced themselves.

The payback in friendship and in my own growth is far more than I put in.’

Ted, ACT Mentor + Monday Night Volunteer

18

MENTORING, EDUCATION + EMPLOYMENT

‘ACT helped uncover the gold within me that I couldn’t see myself. They didn’t just show me the way, they walked it with me.’ – ACT mentee Steven

Seventeen mentors – from fields including the law, education, farming and business – met with mentees throughout the year. After years spent living on the margins, the impact of feeling seen and supported in this way can’t be overstated.

For some, holding on through the storm has been the achievement – like Joe who faced and found a way through a series of crises thanks to the gentle, affirming presence of his mentor Gerald.

Alex Brazier, new Head of ACT and longstanding volunteer mentor, helped Christopher navigate a successful move-on into independent accommodation.

Another three-year mentoring relationship came to a happy close with mentee Steven’s graduation, as he completed degree studies he’d started on a mobile phone.

He’s now looking outwards, exploring ways to draw on his own experience to make a difference to others: ‘Now, it’s my mission to help others see their worth, and remind them that with God’s grace, faith, community, and a little education, even the heaviest burdens can be lifted.’

19

BEEF

“ACT HELP UNCOVER T WITHIN ME COULDN’T S MYSELF. THEY DIDN SHOW ME T THEY WALK WITH ME.”

’T JUST

ACT MENTEE STEVEN

SUMMER HOLIDAY

The volume of our worship almost lifted the rafters at Quinta Hall in Shropshire when 23 ACT community members, staff and volunteers went on a four-day retreat in Shropshire in June.

There was a strong sense of belonging, deepening trust and friendship, and breakthrough times of prayer, tears and laughter.

Together, we ate, talked, walked, swam, barbecued, kayaked and tried our hands at archery and axe-throwing.

ACT’s former Director, Dave Portway, returned to lead some teaching sessions and small group work, and we toasted marshmallows and told stories around an evening campfire. We are grateful to the supporters who made such a strategic, significant and joyful time possible.

23

“I’VE NEVER DANCED OR SUNG SO MUCH IN MY ” LIFE!

•7do•

CHRISTMAS

‘For many, Christmas can be complicated by the coldness of rough sleeping, realities of poverty, and difficult memories. In light of this, ACT aims to redeem what it means to be family – from belly laughter over a warm meal to giving just the right gift, the Christmas season at ACT is filled with intentionality, belonging and good food.

On our Christmas Monday Night meal, we gave out over 80 gift bags filled with hot water bottles, flasks and handwarmers to people affected by housing instability and poverty.

Thirty-two volunteers helped create 350 hampers with food and Christmas toys for families around the city.

Our annual Christmas Dinner brought together 22 ACT members for a three-course meal, personalised gifts, festive games and ear-ringing renditions of “All I Want for Christmas”.

It was a night to remember, and a season we won’t forget.’

Phoebe, ACT Intern

26

2024 OBJECTIVES

The trustees agreed the following objectives for the year:

All objectives were met throughout the year, with some being ongoing commitments.

2025 OBJECTIVES

Ongoing exploration of additional houses to expand our capacity

Development and strengthening of the new women’s ministry

THE FUTURE

With a new Head of ACT, significant growth in the staff team and a solid financial position, we are ready to set sail into a new season. However, whilst the new and the next are alluring, we remain committed to the core of what we do. The year ahead sees us focus on community to establish a secure base on which to build. Our 2025 objectives allow us to strengthen what we already have whilst exploring areas of growth.

28

OUR PEOPLE

Having the support of a strong, committed community around you can be life changing – especially for people who have been isolated and marginalised for years.

We want to pay tribute to our 96 volunteers and the amazing skill, time and care they have invested.

SUPPORTERS + PARTNERS

Thank you to the individuals, trusts and organisations whose generosity funded the work and achievements of the ACT community over the year, including:

You played a central role, and we couldn’t be more grateful. It’s also been a privilege to work alongside a number of partners, including:

#WeAreFamily

30

INA

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 and comply with the charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) – (Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102)).

INCOME

Overall income for the year decreased to £431,707 (2023: £630,931), due mainly to a large one-off grant in the prior year which was not expected to repeat but also due to a lower level of donations.

Income from the letting of properties to community members continues to be an important source of income. Lettings income covers the rent, as well as contributing to the costs of supported housing services, utilities and upkeep of the properties.

Donations and grants make up a significant part of ACT’s income. These gifts are crucial in enabling our staff and volunteers to support people in prison, prison leavers and people who are or have been street homeless.

Interest (4%) Lettings (47%) Donations (18%) Grants (31%)

EXPENDITURE

Expenditure for the year was £416,421 (2023: £416,412).

Our supported housing programme continues to form the most significant part of our financial operation. We have grown this programme from our first two-bedroom house in January 2012 to ten houses or flats in 2024.

Our other main cost is related to our staff team, without whom our programmes would not be able to function.

Fundraising (3%)Fundraising (3%) Lettings Expenditure (44%)Lettings Expenditure (44%) Staff Costs (35%)Staff Costs (35%) Ministry Costs (15%)Ministry Costs (15%) Overheads (3%)Overheds (3%)

33

RESULTS

We funded an unrestricted deficit of £7,940 from reserves (2023: surplus of £64,533). The deficit was in line with expectations. As in previous years, the charity received additional donations in kind in the form of office accommodation and office services from St Aldates Parochial Church Council.

Trustees have considered likely future income and expenses and consider that the going concern basis continues to be appropriate for preparing our financial statements.

RESERVES

The charity had total funds at the year-end of £381,462 (2023: £386,469), of which £196,583 (2023: £204,523) were unrestricted general funds with the balance comprising designated and restricted funds. Reserves are held to ensure the stability and continuity of our work, primarily by helping to cover the future cost of employment for several of our team, whose salaries are dependent on the charity continuing to raise funds.

The trustees consider the level of unrestricted general reserves to be adequate for this stage of the charity’s development. Trustees, along with the Head of Charity, are considering the best uses of the unrestricted designated reserves.

34

RISK MANAGEMENT

ACT is exposed to risks associated with operational activity, raising sufficient funds, managing scarce resources, the external environment, governance, and legal compliance. Risk in each of these areas is assessed in the light of changing circumstances and any necessary mitigating action is taken. The risks considered by the trustees to be the most significant are set out in the table below:

RISK EXAMPLES OF MITIGATING ACTIONS
Members aren’t adequately safeguarded
or enabled to fourish in their physical,
spiritual or mental wellbeing		 • Regular staff meetings as a forum to raise concerns
• Client contact recording system
• Informal categorisation of members and needs
• Training on de-escalation methods and suicide warning
• Referrals to/from external agencies for support services
• Weekly intercession process
• Approach benchmarked against similar groups through
www.clinks.org or a risk assessment process
• Ensuring that over a four-week period house visits are
conducted by more than one member of staff
Staff/volunteers aren’t adequately
safeguarded or enabled to fourish in their
physical, spiritual or mental wellbeing		 • All residents risk assessed thoroughly before taking them into
our houses
• Regular staff meetings as forum to raise concerns
• Clinical supervision for certain members of staff
• Volunteer and mentor training
• Regular catch-ups for key volunteers with their point person
• Weekly intercession process
We can’t raise suffcient funds within St
Aldates or externally		 • St Aldates regularly informed about ACT’s work
• Annual vision night or fundraising event
• Appointed a Fundraising and Communications Manager
• Fundraising remains a key focus for the ACT Head of Charity
Sensitive or personal data could be lost,
leaked, or accessed by unauthorised
individuals, leading to a data breach.		 • Role-based access to all sensitive data
• Storage of all sensitive data in a secure, encrypted cloud
system (e.g. OneDrive with MFA)
• Inclusion of necessary details only – avoiding names or
sensitive identifers unless essential
• Annual basic data protection training for anyone with access.

As the organisation grows and develops, the trustees will continue to build appropriate risk management policies and processes to reflect the changing scale and nature of the organisation.

35

LEGAL AND GOVERNANCE INFORMATION

Registered Company number: 07279350 (Limited by Guarantee)

Registered Charity number: 1143136

Registered Office: 40 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP

The current trustees, who are also the directors, and those who served during the year were,

We had an average of five paid members of staff (seconded from St Aldates Parochial Church Council (‘PCC’)), and are grateful for the contributions of our team of 96 volunteers.

METHOD OF APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES

One trustee shall be the Rector of St Aldates Church (or their nominee) and a further trustee is a nominee of St Aldates PCC. There must be a minimum of four trustees. Vacancies are filled either by personal invitations made to individuals known to have relevant skills matching current needs, or by advertisement. All trustees must subscribe to the charity’s ethos statement. Appointments follow an assessment meeting with at least two Board members.

INDUCTION AND TRAINING OF TRUSTEES

Relevant training and induction are offered to new trustees in line with their experience and knowledge of the work of ACT.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

ACT’s primary aim is the relief of people in need, particularly offenders, former prisoners, those who are homeless, asylum seekers, and people suffering from addiction or mental illness. Our ethos and approach are set out in a separate document known as the ACT Ethos Statement, available to download from the charity’s website (actoxford.com).

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

REMUNERATION OF SENIOR MANAGERS

The ACT Head of Charity is the only senior manager, and on appointment their remuneration package was benchmarked against comparable roles, such as CEOs of small to medium-sized charities and senior managers within the probation service.

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is materially relevant to the financial statements, which is not mentioned in this report or the accounts themselves.

SMALL COMPANY PROVISIONS

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

On behalf of the Board of Trustees

Stephen Foster Chair of Trustees

DATE:

36

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ALDATES COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION INITIATIVES

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ALDATES COMMUNITY TRANSFORMATION INITIATIVES (‘THE COMPANY’)

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT

As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT

Since your charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Andrew Churchill Stone FCA

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

DATE:

37

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted
General Funds
Unrestricted
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
2024
General
Funds
Unrestricted
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
2023
Note
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
82,617
-
49,759
132,376
11,200
157,846
59,200
228,246
58,688
-
19,519
78,207
130,898
-
2,250
133,148
3
-
-
-
-
58,550
-
-
58,550
16,332
-
-
16,332
2,752
-
-
2,752
204,792
-
-
204,792
208,235
-
-
208,235
362,429
-
69,278
431,707
411,635
157,846
61,450
630,931
13,847
-
-
13,847
16,285
-
-
16,285
2
102,521
-
50,173
152,694
92,980
-
45,702
138,682
187,580
-
5,904
193,484
191,414
-
2,285
193,699
52,679
-
10,268
62,947
22,572
-
16,332
38,904
5,334
-
-
5,334
5,238
-
-
5,238
7,178
-
-
7,178
22,653
-
-
22,653
1,230
-
-
1,230
960
-
-
960
356,522
-
66,345
422,867
335,817
-
64,319
400,136
370,369
-
66,345
436,714
352,102
-
64,319
416,421
(7,940)
-
2,933
(5,007)
59,533
157,846
(2,869)
214,510
-
-
-
-
5,000
-
(5,000)
-
(7,940)
-
2,933
(5,007)
64,533
157,846
(7,869)
214,510
204,523
163,999
17,947
386,469
139,990
6,153
25,816
171,959
196,583
163,999
20,880
381,462
204,523
163,999
17,947
386,469
Income
Voluntary Income -
Grants
Voluntary Income -
Other
Voluntary Income -
Donated in Kind
Investment Income
Lettings Income
Total Income
Expenditure
on external
communications
and raising grants
Expenditure on
Charitable Activities
Staff costs
Lettings expenditure
Other ministry
expenses
Travel and
subsistence
Other administrative
costs
Governance costs
Total Expenditure
Net income/
(expenditure)
Gross Transfers
between funds
Net movement in
funds
Total funds brought
forward
Total funds carried
forward

38

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
2023
Note
£
£
Fixed assets
Motor vehicles
6
11,694
-
Current assets
Debtors
7
24,456
16,391
Cash at bank and in hand
359,565
383,650
Total current assets
384,021
400,041
Creditors: amounts due within one year
8
(14,253)
(13,572)
Net current assets
369,768
386,469
Net assets
381,462
386,469
Funds
Unrestricted - General
10
196,583
204,523
Unrestricted - Designated
10
163,999
163,999
Restricted
10
20,880
17,947
381,462
386,469

For the year ending 31 December 2024, the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

Registered Company Limited by Guarantee. Number: 07279350

Registered Charity. Number: 1143136

Registered office: 40 Pembroke Street, Oxford, OX1 1BP

Approved by Aldates Community Transformation Initiatives on and signed on its behalf by:

Stephen Foster Chair of Trustees

39

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
2023
Note
£
£
Cash fows from operating activities:
Net cash (used in) / provided by operating activities
12
(26,727)
218,475
Cash fows from investing activities:
Purchase of motor vehicles
(13,690)
-
Bank interest
16,332
2,752
Net cash provided by investing activities
2,642
2,752
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period
(24,085)
221,227
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the
reporting period
383,650
162,423
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting
period
12
359,565
383,650

40

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2024.

The charity constitutes a public benefit as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, as the trustees believe that no material going concern uncertainties exist.

RESOURCES EXPENDED

Grants

Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when awarded, if that award creates a binding obligation on the charity.

Support Costs

There were no specific support costs for the year ended 31 December 2024. Support functions are provided by St Aldates PCC and the trustees do not consider it possible to reliably estimate the value of these costs.

Governance Costs

Governance costs comprise the fee paid to the Independent Examiner.

Lettings Expenditure

JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

Estimation of useful economic life of fixed assets (note 6)

As noted in the fixed asset accounting policy below, fixed assets totalling £11,694 (2023: £nil) are depreciated on a straight-line basis based on an initial estimate of their useful economic lives.

INCOMING RESOURCES

Voluntary Income

Planned giving receivable under Gift Aid is recognised only when received.

Income tax recoverable on Gift Aid donations is recognised when the donation income is recognised.

Lettings Income

Lettings income comes from the management of houses used to provide supported accommodation to people recently released from prison. The charity collects rent as lettings income for a number of properties in Oxford on behalf of the landlords but does not itself own any property.

The charity pays landlords for the use of their properties.

ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Fixed Assets

Vehicles are depreciated on a straight-line basis over 4 years. Individual items with a purchase price of £1,000 or less are written off when the asset is acquired.

Current Assets

Any amounts owing to the charity at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors less any provision that might be required for amounts that might prove uncollectable.

Current Liabilities

Liabilities are recognised as resources expended as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to expenditure.

Income from investments

Dividends and interest are accounted for when received.

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2 SALARY AND PENSION COST

Staff costs comprise £8,607 (2023: £nil) charged to expenditure on external communications and fundraising and £152,694 (2023: £138,682) charged to expenditure on charitable activities.

The charity staff are employed by St Aldates PCC and seconded to the charity at no charge. The average number of staff seconded to the charity from St Aldates PCC was 5 (2023: 3).

However, to the extent it can afford to, the charity has a policy of making a grant to St Aldates PCC equal to the direct costs of employment of those staff. The amount of the grant in 2024 was £157,576 (2023: £88,474). This is the only grant to an institution. All long-term pension liabilities remain with St Aldates PCC.

3 DONATIONS-IN-KIND

In the prior year certain of the activities of the ACT Community were funded by and undertaken by the St Aldates PCC although governance of those activities rested with the trustees. The value of these activities to the charity was considered to be the same as the cost to the PCC and they were accounted for in the charity’s SOFA as donated-in-kind income with the corresponding cost recorded within the applicable expenditure category. In the current year all activities were funded by the charity. The PCC made an unrestricted grant of £10,000 (2023: £nil) to the charity.

4 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REMUNERATION

Fees totalling £1,230 (2023: £960) were due to the Independent Examiner for the year.

5 TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION

No remuneration was paid or expenses reimbursed to the trustees during the current or preceding year.

42

6 FIXED ASSETS

2024
2023
£
£
Motor vehicles
Cost:
Additions
13,690
-
Cost c/f
13,690
-
Depreciation:
Charged in year
1,996
-
Depreciation c/f
1,996
-
Net Book Value
11,694
-

7 DEBTORS

2024
2023
£
£
Trade Debtors
6,950
5,607
Income tax recoverable
1,148
256
Other debtors and prepayments
16,358
10,528
24,456
16,391

43

8 LIABILITIES: AMOUNTS DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2024
2023
£
£
Due to St Aldates PCC
5,543
3,856
Trade creditors
3,558
4,089
Accruals and other creditors
5,152
5,627
14,253
13,572

9 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

31 December 2024
Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
£
£
£
£
Fixed assets
11,694
-
-
11,694
Current assets
199,142
163,999
20,880
384,021
Less: Current liabilities
14,253
-
-
14,253
Fund Balance
196,583
163,999
20,880
381,462
31 December 2023
Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2023
£
£
£
£
Current assets
218,095
163,999
17,947
400,041
Less: Current liabilities
13,572
-
-
13,572
Fund Balance
204,523
163,999
17,947
386,469

44

10 ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENT IN RESERVES

Year to 31 December 2024 Balance at
start of year		 Income for
the year		 Expenditure Transfers
between
funds		 Balance at
end of year
£ £ £ £ £
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
General Fund 204,523 362,429 (370,369) - 196,583
Designated Fund: New Projects 163,999 - - - 163,999
TOTAL UNRESTRICTED FUNDS 368,522 362,429 (370,369) - 361,082
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Bail Project 3,000 - - - 3,000
Employment Project 4,907 - - - 4,907
Christmas Gifts - 809 (809) - -
Housing Project Costs 1,000 2,500 (1,000) - 2,500
Bicycles for Housing Clients 63 - (63) - -
Gardening Equipment 911 - (394) - 517
Homeless Support - 3,250 (3,000) - 250
Outreach - 34,000 (34,000) - -
House Maintenance 5,965 - (5,965) - -
Retreat - 2,500 (2,500) - -
Household Equipment 101 - - - 101
Mentoring and Back to Work 2,000 - (2,000) - -
Energy Costs - 750 (750) - -
Women’s Ministry - 25,469 (15,864) - 9,605
Total restricted funds 17,947 69,278 (66,345) - 20,880
Total funds 386,469 431,707 (436,714) - 381,462

45

Year to 31 December 2023 Balance at
start of year		 Income for
the year		 Expenditure Transfers
between
funds		 Balance at
end of year
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted Funds
General Fund 139,990 411,635 (352,102) 5,000 204,523
Designated Fund: New Projects 6,153 157,846 - - 163,999
Total Unrestricted Funds 146,143 569,481 (352,102) 5,000 368,522
Restricted Funds
Bail Project 3,000 - - - 3,000
Employment Project 5,389 - (482) - 4,907
Contributions to Core Costs 5,078 - (5,078) - -
Street Food 5,000 - - (5,000) -
Housing Project Costs - 14,000 (13,000) - 1,000
Emergency Food for Housing Clients 174 - (174) - -
Bicycles for Housing Clients 63 - - - 63
Gardening Equipment 911 - - - 911
Homeless Support 1,387 6,400 (7,787) - -
Outreach - 8,000 (8,000) - -
House Maintenance - 8,250 (2,285) - 5,965
Retreat - 1,000 (1,000) - -
Household Equipment 911 - (890) - 101
Mentoring and Back to Work 3,823 23,800 (25,623) - 2,000
Women’s Ministry - - - - -
Total restricted funds 25,816 61,450 (64,319) (5,000) 17,947
Total funds 171,959 630,931 (416,421) - 386,469

During the prior year a review of historic documentation identified that the Street Food restricted fund was in fact utilised in 2021. Accordingly, it was released to unrestricted reserves.

46

10 ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENT IN RESERVES CONT.

Designated Funds

New Projects

The trustees are considering a number of new initiatives and have created this fund to ensure funding is available once suitable projects are identified.

Restricted Funds

Bail Project This fund comprises income received which must be used to support those
on bail.
Employment Project This fund comprises income received which must be used to assist prison
leavers back into work.
Contributions to Core Costs This fund represents income specifcally given to support the charity’s core
operating costs.
Christmas Gifts This fund represents money donated for the purpose of buying gifts at
Christmas for those in the charity’s supported housing programme.
Street Food This fund comprises income received to support the provision of food
during the Covid lockdowns.
Housing Project This fund comprises income received to support the charity’s work
providing supported housing.
Emergency Food for Housing Clients This fund comprises donations which enable the charity to provide food for
housing clients when necessary.
Bicycles for Housing Clients This fund enables the purchase of bicycles so as to provide transport for
clients.
Gardening Equipment This fund is to enable the purchase of tools to assist clients in returning to
work.
Homeless Support This fund is to purchase items for the homeless in cases of immediate
need.
Outreach This fund is funding to support the provision of an outreach meal on
Monday nights and once a month on Sunday lunchtimes.
House Maintenance This fund is funding to support the maintenance of the houses used in the
housing project.
Retreat This fund is funding to support an annual retreat for residents of the
supported housing programme.
Household Equipment This fund is funding to support the provision of equipment within the
supported houses.
Back to Work This fund is funding to support the mentoring of members of the
community and assisting them into paid work.
Energy Costs This fund is funding to assist with rising energy costs of the supported
houses.
Women’s Ministry This fund is funding to support the newly established ACT Women Ministry
(see page 9).

47

11 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

St Aldates PCC (registered charity 1131154) are deemed a related party of the charity as they have a number of common trustees.

During the year, St Aldates PCC paid expenses totalling £74,365 (2023: £44,141) on behalf of the charity and these amounts were recorded as owing to the PCC. During the year the charity paid £3,856 (2023: £1,728) to the PCC in settlement of the opening amount due to the PCC and a further £70,509 (2023: £40,285) in part settlement of the expenses incurred. An amount of £5,543 (2023: £3,856) remained outstanding at the year-end.

During the year the charity awarded and paid a grant of £157,576 (2023: 88,474) to the PCC in respect of staff seconded by the PCC to the charity (see note 2).

St Aldates PCC made a donation of £10,000 to the charity out of its general funds. The PCC also made a donation of £59,567 (2023: £157,846) to the charity comprising gifts made to the PCC for the purpose of supporting ACT.

During the year a close relative of a trustee was paid £4,400 (2023: £16,285) for provision of fundraising and communications services on normal commercial terms.

48

12 NOTE TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities.

2024
2023
£
£
Net (expenditure) / income for the reporting period
(as per the statement of fnancial activities)
(5,007)
214,510
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
1,996
-
Bank interest
(16,332)
(2,752)
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(8,065)
56
Increase in creditors
681
6,661
Net cash (used in) / provided by operating activities
(26,727)
218,475

49

ps

HELLO@ACTOXFORD.COM | ACTOXFORD.COM REGISTERED CHARITY 1143136 I REGISTERED COMPANY 07279350