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2025-03-31-accounts

The River Church Chelmsford Ltd

Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2025

1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

COMPANY INFORMATION

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Trustees

J Godward M Smith P Seeley R Brackley (appointed April 2024) L Davis (appointed July 2024) A Uwadiae (appointed July 2024)

Key Staff

P Bardwell - Lead Elder - full time employed R Leverett - Foodbank manager - part time employed

Governing Document

Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 28 June 2011 as amended 22 July 2022 , 17 April 2024 and 6 July 2025

Company Registration Number

Company Registration Number 07685257
Charity Registration Number 1144804
Principal Address & Registered Office North Avenue Christian Centre
7 North Avenue
Chelmsford
CM1 2AL
Independent Examiner Sarah Crispin ACA
Stewardship
1 Lamb's Passage
London
EC1Y 8AB
Bankers HSBC Kingdom Bank
99 High Street Media House
Chelmsford Padge Road
Essex Beeston
CM1 1EQ Nottingham
NG9 2RS
Contents Page
Company Information 1
Trustees' Annual Report 2-6
Independent Examiner's Report 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9
Cashflow Statement 10
Notes to the Accounts 11-18
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities with Comparatives 19

Page 1

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCORPORATING DIRECTORS’ REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees, who are the charity’s directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year to 31[st] March 2025.

OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY

The charity/company objects are principally-

  1. to advance the Christian faith and to further the Gospel of God and His Son the Lord Jesus Christ and

to preach and teach the Christian Faith in such parts of Chelmsford, the United kingdom or the world as the Board may from time to time think fit and to fulfil such other purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the law of England and Wales and are connected with the charitable work of the charity/company,

  1. to relieve persons who are in conditions of need, financial hardship or sickness and who may be aged and to relieve stress caused hereby in the said location and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or world as the Board may from time to time think fit,

  2. to advance the education of adults and children (above or below compulsory school age),

  3. to provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation OR other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such by reason of their youth, age, infirmity, disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life, and

  4. such other charitable purposes as determined fit by the Board from time to time.

In planning the activities, the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.

THE MAIN ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The River Church (The River)

Following the objects of the charity (see above) our aim is to advance the Christian faith in order to proclaim and further the good news of God and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to preach the Christian faith through the power of His Spirit. In so doing, we aim to continue to grow as a vibrant, life-giving community.

The River exists both for those who would consider themselves members and for ‘our neighbours’; those who are part of the city and wider region but may not yet know Jesus personally. To that end, April 2024 started with doing follow-up after a very successful City wide Easter Celebration in which we took an active lead facilitating with Christians Together in Chelmsford. This gathering of up to 1000 believers from many denominational and non-denominational churches was a powerful witness and outreach event as we sought to share the message of Easter with the hundreds of shoppers passing by, many of whom stopped to chat and receive prayer as well as a free burger or hotdog!

The year has seen us continuing to work with several other churches in Chelmsford, the local area and wider afield, particularly with other churches that we relate to within the ‘Kingdom Legacy’ network (a network of churches from different cities, towns and countries). We also are a core church within ‘Transforming Essex’, a collaboration of churches and individuals across Essex to see ministries and projects established. Our relationship with other churches in the town has continued to develop as part of Christians Together in Chelmsford (CTiC)

Page 2

Throughout the year we hosted several guest ministers from ‘out of town’ to come and equip us with bible teaching and prayer ministry. The result of which saw us grow in faith and expectation. These included Mike Van t’hul from the US in April, Paul Manwaring from London in June, Jan MacFarlane and Andy and Theresa Merrick from Scotland in July, Rodney Hogue and Joanne Moody from the US in November and Paul and Sarah Oakley from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex.

During 2024 we introduced a course for those who are new or interested in finding out more about Christian faith. It runs over a six-week period and has been well attended as we have seen more than 10 new people receive Jesus for the first time and others make recommitments to their faith.

We have continued to run our Tuesday evening ‘Refresh’ coffee lounge with Chelmsford Foodbank. This has been stable in terms of the numbers of people served but we have seen several individuals make connections with the church and decide to become Christians. It has been thrilling to see their lives impacted and personal circumstances improve as they have grown in their faith.

At the end of the year in question the charity/company employed one full-time employee and seven parttime employees covering various roles.

Youth and Children’s Work

We remain invested in our children and youth work, which continues with leadership from our full-time church leader and volunteers with experience in working with youth and children. Our youth and children's ministries have been going well as we have seen growth in both age groups.

We arranged several social activities for our children and young people including beach trips during the summer and trips to local parks for wide games and picnics. We saw several of our young people as well as several adults deciding to get baptised through 2024/2025.

We took Wildfire (our youth group) to ‘The Chosen’, a youth camp run by Chroma Church Leicester in August where they engaged in various sporting and social activities as well as worship and teaching sessions aimed at their age group. This event was hugely appreciated and has had a lasting impact on our young people.

Chelmsford Foodbank

Chelmsford Foodbank provided over 8770 emergency food parcels to people facing hardship between April 2024 and March 2025, with 3265 of these provided for children. This represents a slight decrease in the number of emergency food parcels distributed compared to last year. Despite this slight dip, Chelmsford has seen persistently high levels of food bank need over the last five years, this being the second highest number of parcels distributed in it's nearly 13 years of existence. We continue with one warehouse and seven centres open at different times across the city, with around 90 volunteers staffing them. There are 5 part-time salaried members of staff. Our newest staff member is employed through funding from Trussell to look at the main drivers for Foodbank use in Chelmsford, to begin to address these through influencing and campaigning locally and nationally. Over the past year we have worked on our relationship with Citizens Advice Chelmsford (CAC) to make sure we have a CAC presence at every Foodbank centre, whether it be the welfare benefit specialist advisor or a cost-of-living advisor. This has proven very effective and we have seen significant financial gains and holistic support for clients since this was implemented. It also helps strengthen the signposting that our own volunteers do, so if there are things they cannot deal with, we have someone there that is a specialist in information, advice and guidance.

The partnership with NHS IPS (Individual Placement Service) has also been revisited to help engage with clients on their journey back into employment, this has been effective in some ways/spaces, and in other ways/spaces not so. It depends on the client’s season of life, circumstances, number of clients at a given centre, and the willingness to engage, and the skill set from the agency to interact with clients.

Page 3

We have worked closely with our South Woodham Ferrers centre on galvanising the team there with the stepping down of the centre manager and the introduction of a new manager. Work continues to help and strengthen communication and relationship with all centre leads.

We continue to have the privilege of working with around 90 amazing and committed volunteers, some new team members have come on board whilst a few have retired during the year. We have extended safeguarding courses to all new volunteers and regular training updates to all others. Our volunteer brunch in January celebrated volunteers and their families and continues to build relationships.

We participated with a stall at Volfest, a day in the High Street to raise awareness and celebrate a wide range of volunteering organisations. We attended a county wide day's conference on modern slavery and were invited to share our experiences in spotting potential slavery and continue to develop collaboration in this area.

Our children's talks team has been rebuilt with some new team members to share enthusiasm for the young people in our community helping the wider community.

The number of referral agencies grew to well over 100 with around 20 who are regularly active, and we have held two online updating and networking meetings, which are always very well received. Connections with referral agency teams at all levels of the organisations are becoming stronger as we build relationships with these partnerships to help clients move forward in a multi-agency approach.

Community Money Advice Chelmsford (CMA Chelmsford)

In the 2024–2025 financial year, CMA Chelmsford opened 12 new cases, supporting clients with a combined total debt of £142,985.07. Most of these clients were referred through the Cost-of-Living Advisors at Chelmsford Foodbank or via other local agencies using the Frontline Essex referral platform.

We saw real progress this year in building stronger relationships with the Citizens Advice Bureau and other local organisations. Our team also continued to grow in their understanding of debt issues and how best to support clients.

From the cases we were able to close, seven clients were helped to apply for a Debt Relief Order, and one client began a Debt Management Plan. Other cases either didn’t go as far as formal debt advice or were focused on budgeting support. Some clients unfortunately disengaged before we could fully help.

Our volunteers worked incredibly hard and gave their all to support those in need. However, over time it became clear that the operational model in place wasn’t sustainable in the long term. After much thought and prayer, we made the difficult decision to close the CMA Chelmsford project on 31 January 2025. Any open cases were carefully referred on to CAP Chelmsford or the Citizens Advice Bureau to ensure continued support.

We’re deeply grateful to God for everything that was achieved during the time CMA Chelmsford was running, and for the lives that were touched through this work.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The overall policy and operating decisions of the charity rest with the trustees who meet regularly to monitor the activities of the charity. Responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the charity is delegated to the leadership teams of the activities previously mentioned. The spiritual leadership rests with the church leadership team led by Peter Bardwell. When a vacancy for potential new trustees arises, the current trustees seek recommendations from the leadership teams for potential candidates. The trustee board may interview any or all of the recommended candidates and appoint by the existing board by a majority vote. Ongoing

Page 4

training for all trustees is made available to all trustees by way of the Charity Commission and other organisations.

VOLUNTEERS

Most of the charity’s activities are undertaken by volunteers and the charity could not operate effectively without their efforts. The Foodbank has the highest number of volunteers as the warehouse is open five mornings every week and the Distribution Centers cover 9 sessions a week. Each Centre session usually has 3 to 6 volunteers per session, and the warehouse is 5 to 8.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During the year income has increased by £78,826 to £659,741, and the expenditure increased by £71,948 to £609,254. As a result, the surplus for the year increased by £6,878 to £50,487 and the charity’s net assets increased by the same amount to £502,633.

The main source of income for The River church is by donations from its congregation. Where possible His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Gift Aid scheme is applied to identifiable donations to increase the donation amount. The Foodbank sees a lot of donations from individuals and organisations and again, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) Gift Aid scheme is applied to identifiable donations to increase the donation amount.

RESERVES POLICY

The trustees have established a policy whereby free reserves held by the charity should be maintained at between 3-6 months of committed monthly expenditure. We continue to work positively towards this goal, whilst balancing the on-going work of the charity commitments. At the end of the year the charity held unrestricted cash of £30,918 and the charity is complying with its reserves policy.

RISK STATEMENT

The Directors have reviewed the risks to which a small charity operating with few employees are exposed. Appropriate procedures are in place to identify, monitor and review these risks on a regular basis.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

The Relatonship with The U.R.C.

We reported last year that the 5-year Mission Partnership with the Eastern Synod of the United Reformed Church which started in September 2018, came to an end in September 2023. It was set up to recognise the relationship between the two organisations and their commitment to continue existing positive, kingdomdriven work from the premises of North Avenue Christian Centre.

The Partnership Agreement was extended by another year to September 2025 during which the Synod and The River would look at options for The River to remain using North Avenue Christian Centre for an extended time. We are currently exploring ways we might acquire the building at North Avenue and to that end we launched a fund to sow into this. Many of our church members and other friends have given generously into that fund and conversations with the URC Synod are ongoing.

DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which give a true and fair view of the state of the charity and of its income and expenditure for the year.

  1. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

  2. Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

  3. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

Page 5

  1. State whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material

departures disclosed and explained in the accounts; and

  1. that the charity will continue in business.

We are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy, at any time, the financial position of the Company and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006.

We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.

APPROVAL

This report, which has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

R.K. Brackley

…………………………………………………………………………….. R.K. Brackley (Nov 16, 2025 16:43:57 GMT) R.K. Brackley

Date: Nov 16, 2025

Page 6

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2025 on pages 8 to 19 following, which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out on pages 11 to 12.

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 the Company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I 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.

Sarah Crispin

Sarah Crispin (Nov 17, 2025 09:06:43 GMT)

Sarah Crispin ACA The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage London EC1Y 8AB

Date: Nov 17, 2025

Page 7

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations
3
Charitable activities
Investments
Other income
4
Total income and endowments
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
13
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
13		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
121,762
197
3,499
6,185
131,643
144,025
144,025
(12,383)
(257)
(12,639)
45,837
33,197		 Restricted
Funds
£
528,098
-
-
-
528,098
465,229
465,229
62,869
257
63,126
406,310
469,436		 Total
Funds
2025
£
649,860
197
3,499
6,185
659,741
609,254
609,254
50,487
-
50,487
452,146
502,633		 Total
Funds
2024
£
576,110
4,522
283
-
580,915
537,306
537,306
43,609
-
43,609
408,537
452,146

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing operations.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account required by the Companies Act 2006.

The notes on page 11-18 form part of these accounts.

Page 8

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
CURRENT ASSETS
Stock
8
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
10
CREDITORS: Amounts falling
due within one year
11
Net current assets / (liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
TOTAL NET ASSETS
FUND BALANCES
13
Unrestricted Funds
General funds
Restricted Funds		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
5,307
30,918
36,225
(3,028)
33,197
33,197
33,197
33,197
33,197
-
33,197		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
44,893
9,501
417,604
471,998
(2,562)
469,436
469,436
469,436
-
-
469,436
469,436		 Total
Funds
2025
£
-
-
44,893
14,808
448,521
508,223
(5,590)
502,633
502,633
502,633
33,197
33,197
469,436
502,633		 Total
Funds
2024
£
-
-
53,721
5,944
396,231
455,896
(3,750)
452,146
452,146
452,146
45,836
45,836
406,310
452,146

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 however, in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011, the accounts have been examined by an independent examiner and their report has been included in these financial statements.

The directors (who are the charitable company's trustees for the purposes of charity law) acknowledge their responsibilities

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and were signed on its behalf by:

R.K. Brackley R.K. Brackley (Nov 16, 2025 16:43:57 GMT) --------------------------------------R K Brackley Nov 16, 2025 Date: _______

Company number: 07685257

The notes on page 11-18 form part of these accounts.

Charity number: 1144804

Page 9

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

CASH FLOW STATEMENT

Note
2025
£
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
a
48,791
Cash flows from investing activities:
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
3,499
Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities
3,499
52,290
b
396,231
b
448,521
Analysis of changes in net debt:
At start of
year
Cash-flows
£
£
Cash
396,231
52,290
Total net funds / (debt)
396,231
52,290
Note a: Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities
2025
£
50,487
Adjustments for:
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
(3,499)
(Increase)/decrease in stocks
8,827
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(8,864)
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
1,840
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
48,791
Note b: Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
2025
£
Cash at bank with immediate access
448,521
Total cash and cash equivalents
448,521
Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period (as per the statement of financial
activities)
Cash and equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
Change in cash and equivalents in the reporting period		 2024
£
47,089
283
283
47,372
348,860
396,231
At end of
year
£
448,521
448,521
2024
£
43,609
(283)
15,471
(2,051)
(9,658)
47,089
2024
£
396,231
396,231

Page 10

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Statutory Information

The charity is a charitable company limited by guarantee and is incorporated in the United Kingdom. The company's registered number and registered office address can be found on the Company Information page.

2 Accounting Policies

These financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis, under the historical cost convention.

These 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) ("the Charities SORP"), with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland ("FRS 102"), with the Companies Act 2006 and with the Charities Act 2011. The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity as set out in FRS 102.

The principles adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.

Income from donations includes:

The charity relies on volunteers to carry out many of its activities, particularly the Foodbank project. However, in accordance with the SORP, the value of these services has not been included in these financial statements as they cannot be reliably

When donated goods, services and facilities are distributed or consumed, an expense in respect of those items is included in the Statement of Financial Activities. At the year end any goods that have not been distributed or consumed are recognised as stock.

Expenditure, including irrecoverable VAT, is recognised when it is incurred or, if earlier, when a legal or constructive obligation for a payment arises provided that it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured

The charity makes grants to other institutions and individuals to further its charitable objectives. Grants payable are recognised as constructive obligations arise, which is generally when the charity expresses a commitment to the recipient that can be measured reliably and then only to the extent that any conditions associated with the grant are outside of the control of the charity.

The cost of raising funds is not significant and has not been separately disclosed.

The charity's overheads, being costs that have not been incurred directly on a charitable activity, have been disclosed separately in the notes under the heading 'Costs incurred on support and administration'. Where these costs are shared between activities, they have been allocated based on income.

Governance costs, which are included in expenditure on charitable activities but are identified separately in the notes to the accounts, includes costs associated with the independent examination of the financial statements, compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements and any other expenditure incurred on the strategic management of the charity.

Page 11

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2 Accounting Policies (cont.)

d) Fund accounting General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.

e) Tangible fixed assets

Items purchased or donated for the charity's own use are capitalised when the cost of purchased items, or the fair value of donated items, is more than £2,000 and the item is expected to benefit the charity over more than one accounting period. Depreciation is charged on a straight line basis so as to write down the value of each asset to its estimated residual value (if any) over its expected useful economic life. To achieve this objective the following rates of depreciation are charged:

Vehicles Over 5 years

The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed for impairment in periods when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.

f) Stocks Stocks of donated items held for distribution to beneficiaries are measured at fair value. Foodbank stock is valued using the Trusell Trust estimation of £2.37/kg

g) Pension scheme arrangements The charity operates defined contribution pension schemes for its employees. Obligations for contributions to these schemes are recognised as an expense when the liability arises. The assets of these schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds.

h) Taxation The company is a registered charity; it has taken advantage of the various reliefs from taxation available to charities and no tax is payable on the charity's income.

j) Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement The trustees do not consider that there are any material sources of estimation or uncertainty at the balance sheet date that could result in a material adjustment to the carrying values of assets and liabilities in the next reporting period.

3 Donations

ations
Donations of cash and similar
Donations in kind (note 3a)
Other grants receivable
Income tax recoverable
ations in kind comprise:
Goods donated for:
Distribution to beneficiaries
Donated facilities		 The River
Church
184,573
-
-
25,140
209,714		 Foodbank
115,178
215,430
109,158
380
440,146		 2025
£
299,752
215,430
109,158
25,520
649,860
2025
£
207,410
207,410
8,020
215,430		 2024
£
255,162
219,351
83,726
17,872
576,110
2024
£
197,931
197,931
21,420
219,351

a Donations in kind comprise:

Donated facilities comprise 6 distribution centres which provide their facilities on a rent-free basis. A donation was made to each of these centres during the year and deducted from the value of donated facilities' gift in kind income.

Page 12

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

4 Other income

r income
Reimbursement of maintenance costs for North Avenue Christian Centre
Miscellaneous income		 2025
£
5,432
753
6,185		 2024
£
-
-
-

5 Analysis of expenditure

Analysis of expenditure
Incurred directly on activities
Employment costs (note 6)
Premises costs
Church ministry costs
Foodbank running costs
Donations in kind expensed
Grants payable (note 5a)
Support costs
Insurance and finance charges
Office costs
Governance		 The River
Church
86,109
7,829
27,608
-
-
13,169
2,873
7,310
1,278
146,176		 Foodbank
111,973
21,367
-
74,396
246,983
-
2,593
3,204
2,562
463,078		 Total
Charitable
Expenditure
2025
198,082
29,196
27,608
74,396
246,983
13,169
5,466
10,514
3,840
609,254
Incurred directly on activities
Employment costs (note 6)
Premises costs
Church ministry costs
Foodbank running costs
Donations in kind expensed
Grants payable (note 5a)
Support costs
Insurance and finance charges
Office costs
Governance		 The River
Church
61,077
15,704
15,760
-
-
15,416
2,693
2,632
902
114,184		 Foodbank
61,436
34,400
-
81,778
234,822
1,300
1,579
4,961
2,848
423,122		 Total
Charitable
Expenditure
2024
122,513
50,103
15,760
81,778
234,822
16,716
4,272
7,593
3,750
537,306

The fee payable to the independent examiner for preparing and examining the accounts was £3,840 (2024: £3,750); in addition the charity paid £1,245 (2024: £1,042) to Stewardship for payroll bureau and consultancy services.

Page 13

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5a Grants payable

Grants payable
Institutions
£
Grants for UK and overseas mission
7,894
Grants for the relief of poverty
1,743
9,637
The comparatives for the previous year are as follows:
Institutions
£
Grants for UK and overseas mission
5,197
Grants for the relief of poverty
2,039
7,236
The charity's principal grants to institutions comprised:
New Life Church (Transforming Essex)
Eastgate (Living Fire)
Hope Church
St. Marys Church Baddow PCC
Grants to institutions for less than £1,000 each
Gross wages and salaries
Social security
Pension costs
Analysis of staff costs, the cost of key management personnel and trustee remuneration		 Individuals
£
1,322
2,210
3,532
Individuals
£
6,589
2,890
9,479
2025
£
2,700
-
4,150
-
2,787
9,637
2025
£
183,244
9,854
4,984
198,082		 2025
£
9,216
3,953
13,169
2024
£
11,787
4,929
16,716
2024
£
1,500
625
2,375
1,300
1,436
7,236
2024
£
116,484
1,667
4,361
122,513

6 Analysis of staff costs, the cost of key management personnel and trustee remuneration

The average monthly number of employees during the year was 9 (2024: 5). Most of the charity's activities are carried out by volunteers.

No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum.

The charity's key management comprise the trustees and the key staff named on the Company Information page. Total employment benefits payable to key management for the year were as follows:

Other
Employer
Wages &
employment
pension
salaries
benefits
contributions
Trustees:
Roy Brackley
28,215
-
-
Other members of key management
83,061
-
4,341
following amounts were payable in the previous year:
Other
Employer
Wages &
employment
pension
salaries
benefits
contributions
Other members of key management
70,225
-
3,819		 2025
£
28,215
87,402
115,617
2024
£
74,043
74,043

The following amounts were payable in the previous year:

Page 14

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 April 2024
Additions
At 31 March 2025
Accumulated depreciation
At 1 April 2024
Charge for the year
At 31 March 2025
Net book value
At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
8
Stock
Donated goods
For distribution to beneficiaries
9
Debtors
Falling due within one year:
Tax recoverable
10
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Cash at bank with immediate access
11
Creditors: liabilities falling due within one year
Accruals		 Vehicles
£
22,822
-
22,822
22,822
-
22,822
-
-
2025
£
44,893
44,893
2025
£
14,808
14,808
2025
£
448,521
448,521
2025
£
5,590
5,590		 Total
2025
£
22,822
-
22,822
22,822
-
22,822
-
-
2024
£
53,721
53,721
2024
£
5,944
5,944
2024
£
396,231
396,231
2024
£
3,750
3,750

12 Pension commitments

During the year employer’s pension contributions totalling £4,984 (2024: £3,819) were payable to defined contribution personal pension schemes. Pension contributions of £nil were owing at the balance sheet date (2024: £nil).

Page 15

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

13 Funds

During the year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:

General Unrestricted Funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Foodbank funds:
Chelmsford Foodbank
Chelmsford Foodbank - donations in kind
Financial inclusion project
Organising & Local Mobilisation
Strategic Resources Fund
Other funds:
Emergency Relief Fund
Love offerings & other restricted donations
Building Fund
Mission Fund
Aggregate of funds		 Opening
balance
2025
£
45,837
45,837
277,806
53,721
43,777
21,381
8,599
1,227
(200)
-
-
406,310
452,146		 Incoming
resources
2025
£
131,643
131,643
115,558
215,430
100,200
-
8,959
-
1,300
75,814
10,838
528,098
659,741		 Outgoing
resources
2025
£
(144,025)
(144,025)
(151,928)
(246,983)
(61,538)
-
(67)
(1,250)
(1,334)
-
(2,128)
(465,229)
(609,254)		 Transfers
in the year
2025
£
(257)
(257)
-
-
-
-
-
23
234
-
-
257
-		 Closing
balance
2025
£
33,197
33,197
241,436
22,168
82,439
21,381
17,490
-
-
75,814
8,710
469,436
502,633

Analysis of net assets by fund

The assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:

lysis of net assets by fund
assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:
Tangible fixed assets
Stock
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors falling due within one year		 Unrestricted
General
funds
£
-
-
5,307
30,918
(3,028)
33,197		 Restricted
funds
£
-
44,893
9,501
417,604
(2,562)
469,436		 2025
£
-
44,893
14,808
448,521
(5,590)
502,633

Page 16

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

In the previous year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:

General Unrestricted Funds
Total Unrestricted Funds
Restricted Funds
Foodbank funds:
Chelmsford Foodbank
Chelmsford Foodbank - donations in kind
Financial inclusion project
Organising & Local Mobilisation
Strategic Resources Fund
Other funds:
Emergency Relief Fund
Love offerings
Aggregate of funds		 Opening
balance
2024
£
21,486
21,486
276,063
69,192
39,569
-
-
2,227
-
387,051
408,537		 Incoming
resources
2024
£
132,603
132,603
147,362
219,351
44,430
21,381
8,599
-
7,189
448,312
580,915		 Outgoing
resources
2024
£
(108,642)
(108,642)
(146,189)
(234,822)
(39,264)
-
-
(1,000)
(7,389)
(428,664)
(537,306)		 Transfers
in the year
2024
£
389
389
569
-
(958)
-
-
-
-
(389)
-		 Closing
balance
2024
£
45,837
45,837
277,806
53,721
43,777
21,381
8,599
1,227
(200)
406,310
452,146

Analysis of net assets by fund

In the previous year, the assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:

lysis of net assets by fund
e previous year, the assets and liabilities of the various funds were as follows:
Tangible fixed assets
Stock
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors falling due within one year		 Unrestricted
General
funds
£
-
-
4,700
44,886
(3,750)
45,836		 Restricted
funds
£
-
53,721
1,243
351,346
-
406,310		 2024
£
-
53,721
5,944
396,231
(3,750)
452,146

Page 17

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

13 Funds (cont.)

The Chelmsford Foodbank funds are to be spent on the work of the Chelmsford Foodbank

The Financial inclusion project is funded by the Trussell Trust and will provide three levels of support for our Foodbank customers to ensure that anyone who needs income maximisation and financial inclusion advice will receive the appropriate support directly and accessibly within our Foodbank. We aim to fund 1) a Financial Inclusion Co-ordinator to signpost & triage referrals for us and 2) a specialist debt/welfare rights casework service (both from Chelmsford Citizens Advice and 3) a CMA debt project run by a small team of volunteers to provide further, flexible money advice support

The Organising & Local Mobilisation Community Fund: mobilisation and social mobilisation are two approaches that, through funding a Part-time organiser, we aim to bring about positive change within the communities and society that we are a part of as a whole. While community mobilisation focuses on empowering and engaging individuals within our specific community, social mobilisation seeks to mobilise society at large towards a particular cause or issue, that being to bring about a time when Foodbanks are no longer necessary. Our local organiser will be responsible for building and leading a volunteer team to develop and deliver local campaigning strategies in and with Chelmsford Foodbank, organising in our community to create change. They will be the link between Chelmsford food bank and the Organising and Local Mobilisation team at Trussell Trust, as we build a movement to end the need for food banks.

The Strategic Resources Fund grant is to enable our Foodbank to release existing capacity and bring in new capacity to:

The Building Fund is to build a reserve of funds for when the opportunity to buy our current venue or another one arises.

The Mission Fund is to build a fund base to support leadership (and others) on mission matters at home and abroad. The Emergency Relief Fund is for immediate financial support for those in need. The Love Offerings Fund represents appeals for specific purposes.

14 Rental commitments

The charity has entered into a partnership agreement with the Eastern Synod of the URC to occupy a building at North Avenue Christian Centre, under which it pays £12 per year for rent up until 30 September 2025.

15 Transactions with related parties

During the year the charity:

16 Members

Each member of the company commits to contribute if the charity is wound up an amount of £10.

Page 18

THE RIVER CHURCH CHELMSFORD LTD

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES WITH COMPARATIVES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations
3
Charitable activities
Investments
Other income
4
Total income and endowments
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities:
5
Total Expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
13
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
13		 General
Designated
2025
2025
£
£
121,762
-
197
-
3,499
-
6,185
-
131,643
-
144,025
-
144,025
-
(12,383)
-
(257)
-
(12,639)
-
45,837
-
33,197
-
Unrestricted funds		 Restricted
2025
£
528,098
-
-
-
528,098
465,229
465,229
62,869
257
63,126
406,310
469,436		 Total
2025
£
649,860
197
3,499
6,185
659,741
609,254
609,254
50,487
-
50,487
452,146
502,633		 General
Designated
2024
2024
£
£
127,798
-
4,522
-
283
-
-
132,603
-
108,642
-
108,642
-
23,961
-
389
-
24,351
-
21,486
-
45,837
-
Unrestricted funds		 Restricted
2024
£
448,312
-
-
-
448,312
428,664
428,664
19,648
(389)
19,258
387,051
406,310		 Total
2024
£
576,110
4,522
283
-
580,915
537,306
537,306
43,609
-
43,609
408,537
452,146

Page 19