BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRIES (a company limited by guarantee) Company number: 07336077 TRUSTEES, REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 24 AAZ
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTrIES (a company limited by guarantee) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Registered Charity no: 1145235 Company Registration no: 07336077 Trustees: Revd Stephen Cobbin Ven Nicola Groarke Robert Quarton Revd Ruth Whitehead Revd Andrew Corsie Liz Griffiths (resigned as Trustee on 31" March 2024) Executive Director Llz Griffiths Registered Office: 16 Horse Fair Lane Cricklade Swindon SN6 6BN Bankers: The Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Delf House Southway Skelmersdale WN8 6V Independent Examiners: RD Accounting 12C Two Locks, Hurst Business Park. Brierley Hill. DY5 IUU
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRIES (a company limited by guarantee) TRusfEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024- continued The trustees, who are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of the Companies Act, submittheir annual report and the financial statements forthe year ended 31 August 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practi (SORP): Accounting and Reportlng by Charities (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. Trustees and Directors The Trustees who served duringthe year were: Ven Nicola Groarke (appointed 26 September 2018) Revd Stephen Cobbin (appointed 26 September 2018) Robert Quarton {appointed 11 April 2019) Revd Ruth Whitehead {appointed 11 April 2019) Revd Andrew Corsie (appointed on l March 2020) Elizabeth Griffiths resigned as a trustee and Company Director on 31 March 2024 and continues in her role as Executive Direttor- which she was appointed to on I" November 2019. Objectives and Actlvlties The charity's objectives are: 'to advance the Christian faith and in particular the gospel of redemption and reconciliation forthe benefft ofthe public. byevery available means but particularly Iwlthout limiting the generality of the foregoing) by the provision of training and education in the prlnciples and practice of Christian community-building and peace-making, and (in furtherance of Christian community-building and pea-Making} by the provision of advice, mediation, consultanvi and other seniices, to Christian church leaders members and others,. Arising from this, Bridge Builders, vision is to see people resourced to live the tronsfom7ing Gospel of reconciliotion in every aspect of their lives,. Bridge Builders seeks to achieve its objecttves primarily by running a programme of training courses and workshops for those in churches. charities, and other Chrlstian organisations. Additionally, it provides mediation. coaching, consultsncy and other services for church leaders. Christian organisations, and individuals. The full range of Bridge Builders, attivities is covered on its website: www.bbministries.or In exercisingtheir powers or duties, the trustees confirm thatthey have complied with theirduty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission. Structure, Governance and Management Bridge Builders Ministries is a charitable company limited by guarantee. Itwas formed on 4 August 2010 and is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Assoaation and operates under the name 'Bridge Builders,. It was registered with the Charity Commission with effect from 29 December 2011.
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRIES (a company Ilmited by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGusf 2024- contlnued Structure. Governance and Management (continued) The work known as 'Bridge Builderg was originally set up in the UK by the London Mennonite Centre in 1996, drawing much of its inspiration from pioneering work in conflict transformation by Mennonttes in the USA. The charty became independent during 2011, and the work was transferred to it from the London Mennonite Centre on 31 August 2011. Trustees are appointed by invitation of the existing trustee5, subject to a satisfactory interview. Prospective new trustees are invited to attend a Trustee< Meeting prior to formal appointment, and to attend one of Bridge Builders, courses, for induction and training purposes. The governance of the charity is vested In the Board of Trustees. The full Board of Trustees continues to meet at least two times per year as per the Charitvs Articles of Associatlon. Day to day operational management responsibility is held by the Executive Director (Liz Grifftths) Achlevements and Perforniance A full programme of open residential courses was run duringthe year with a total of 55 participants: 3-8 September 2023: Transfomiing Conflirt 1 13 participants 18- 24 February 2024: Transforming Confiict 1 19 participants 9 - 14 June 202: Transformlng Conflict I for Senior Chrfstian Leaders 23 participants We ran an open online workshop and continued the new programme of short online workshops (entitled "Just Remind Me") asfollow-on support forthose who have attended the foundation residential training. 16 May 2024: Just Remind Me - Advanced Open Workshop 8 participants 4 July 2024: Family Systems- Open workshop 14 participants We also ran 26 training workshops around England, Wales and in Europe, with some online sessions of half-day to four days in duration, at the request of the following range of church bodies: Frinton Free Church North- West Europe Archdeaconry Church in Wales Holy Trinity Church, Brussels Archdeacons National Training Programme Wycliffe Hall Theological College St Gabrlel's Cricklewood Bangor Diocese Senior Leadership Team and the Church of England dioceses of: Bath and Wells Winchester Guildford Manchester St Alban's Diocese in Europe Liverpool Norwich Rochester
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINisfRIES (a company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024- continued Achievements and Perforrnan (continued) These workshops were for a range of different participants including curates, diocesan staff, parish clergy, local church ministers, senior clergy, training incumbents, those training for ordained ministry and local church leaders, both lay and ordained. A total of 612 people participated in these workshop5 {566 in person, plus 46 online). This means that during 2023-24. 689 people attended Bridge Builders training. Alongside the training. we also provided coachin& mediation and otherservices atthe request of church organisations and individuals. In thinking both about the sustainability of resources for mediation work, and the efficacy of these as stand-alone interventions, we have limited the number of large scale group interventlons, and reduced the amount of mediation work, instead offering support through coaching and exploring wider systemic issues. During the year. Bridge Builder5: condurted 6 Interventions either directly or uslng Bridge Builders, partners, with other enquiries handed on to Bridge Builders, partners as outside referrals led a number of work consultancy or coaching sessions for individuals and groups in church leadership roles Bridge Bu51ders' work continues to be very well received with positive feedback highlighting both the quality and the impact of the training for those in ministry. The following quotes from evaluation forms give a flavour: A course to prioritise whatsver your stage in ministry or background. Packed full of content, well thought out and deliVed by people who have real insights to offer. A course which will offer many treasures, personal and vocational, one to live with and which will live and grow with you if you want it to. Church of England Vicar (Sept 2023, Tmnsforming Conflict l) "SO manyskills for mangingsituations of conflict- but more importantly a vision for being a disciple of Christ." Ministry Team Leader {Nov2023, Working Together. I day workshop) his short workshop packs a punch. It gave me time and space to consider challenging personal situations otjtside of their context. as well as reflecting on what skills/in5ights I can utilise in future." Church and Charity Leoder (M¢ry 2024, Just Remind Me Advanced Work5hopJ Brilliant for self awareness and will have a profound effect on my leadership". Church of Englond Archdeocon (June 2024, Transforming Conflict I for Senior Christian Leaders)
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRIES (a company Ilmlted by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUSf 2024- continued Financlal Review Bridge Builders generated a deficit forthe year ended 31 August 2024 of £12,648 - compared to a deficit of £19,979 in 2023. Total income for the year was £124,518- an increase of 18.5% from £105,104 in 2023. The principal sources of funding during the year were; fees from training courses and workshops of £90,407 (2023 £89,330); rnediation fees of £11,457 (2023 £6,522); grants of £1,500 (2023 £1,200); and donations. and Gift Aid income received of £16,446 {2023 £6,764}. Total expenditure for the year was £137,166- an increase of 9.1% from £125,672 in 2023 - principally derived from increased costs of hiring venues for training courses, and for development work on refreshing our website to enable improved communication of our training offering and booking onto course. The principal items of expenditure were: staff costs £65,467 venue costs for courses £40,358 training partner service costs £12.242 operating costs £16,105 12023 £65,374) (2023 £34,356) (2023 £13,383) (2023 £10,082) Net assets of the charity at the year-end were £54,219 (2023 £66,867). As on 31 August 2024 there are no monies in restricted funds. The trustees. policy has been to hold an unrestricted operational reseNe representlng a minimum of six months, worth of expenditure. Based on expenditure levels associated with the current operating model, on 31st August 2024 this has been achieved. Plans for the Future Our residential courses continue to remain popular with existing and new clients. However, we are experiencing a growth in requests for training specifically commissioned by our clients, often growing out of the regular residential courses. This enables training to be tailored to the needs of our particular clients and allows a broader representation of people at this bespoke training. The investment in bespoke training is also allowing Bridge 8ullders to continually bring the benefits of this work into the ongoing development of resources for residential courses. Both commissioned and regular residential training allow usto use the breadth of skills and experience of our staff. Bridge Builders continues to provide a range of mediation services, although these are under revlew, as we explore how to provide sustainable and more effective support for those facing conflict situations. Whilst clients continue to experience challenges in their budgets, we strongly believe that Bridge Builders has the skills and capabilities to meet the current and emerging needs of both existing and new clients in an increasingly tense and anxious world.
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRIES (a company limited by guarantee) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THEYEAR ENDED 31 AUGusf2024- continued Trustees, Responsibllltles The trustees (who are a150 the directors for the purpose of company law) are responsible for preparing their report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial ststements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees must prepare the financial statements in accordance with Unlted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the trustses must not approve the financial statements unless they are satlsfied that they give a true and fairview 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 period In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select Suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue to operate. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable companvs transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 21)06. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps forthe prevention and detertion of fraud and other irregularities. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companies subject to the small companies, regime within Part 15 of the Companies Att 2006. This report was approved by the Board on 14 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by; Chair of Trustees Rev. Steve Cobbin
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTrIES (a company limlted by guarantee) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRIES I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 August 2024 which are set out on pages 10 to 17. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companie5 Act 2006 ('the 2006 ACV). 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 examlnation of your companws accounts as carried out under section 145 of the CharitiesAct 2011 ('the 2011 Act'l. 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 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 that in any material respect: 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 thatthe 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 1021]. 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. Richard Dunkley FCCA cfA RD Accounting Limited 12C Two Locks Hurst Business Park Brierley Hill DY5 IUU th Date......10 April 2025
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRIES (a company Ilmited by guarantee) STATEMEiirr OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR END 31ST AUGUST 2024 Income Fund Operational Reserve Totsl Unrestricted Funds Total Unrestricted Funds 2024 2024 2024 2023 Note INCOME FROM Charitable attlvities 104,629 104629 96,595 Grants 1,200 Donations 16,446 16A46 Interest 1.943 1.943 1134 124,518 124.518 105,693 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 120,263 120,263 115,117 Operating costs 16,103 16.103 10.082 Management and adminlstration 81Xi 473 137,166 137.166 125,672 NEf IEXPENDITURE)IINCOME -12,648 .11648 -19,979 Fund balances atstart of year 66,867 6667 86,846 FUND BALANCES AT END OF YEAR 54,219 54219 66,867 io
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINisfRIES (a company limited by guarantee) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST AUGU5f 2024 Company Number: 07336077 2024 2023 FIXEDASSETS Tangible Assets CURRENT ASSErs Debtors IIA12 16,160 Cash at bank and in hand 62.974 78,340 74.386 94,500 CURREMf LIABIUTIES Creditor5: amounts falling due within one year 20,167 27,633 NET CURRENT ASSEfS 54.219 66,867 TOTAL NEf ASSETS 54.219 66,867 Representing: UNRESTRICTED OPERATIONAL RESERVE 54.219 66,867 For the year ended 31 August 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for: (al ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Art 2006 and li
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRIES (a company Ilmlted by guarantee) Ibl preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to companie5 subject to the small companies, regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. The financial ststements were approved by the trustees on 14 April 2025 and signed on their behalf by: Chair of Trustees Reverend Steve Cobbln 12
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTrIES (a company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 l Accounting policies (al Basis of Preparation The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise ststed in the relevant note(s). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charitie5 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements do not include a cash flow ststement asthe Company hastaken advantage of the exemption available to it within the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). The preparation of financial statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires the trustees to exercise their judgements in the process of applying the Company's accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant to the financial statements, are disclosed in note 2. The trustees have prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis. (b) Income recognition Course fees are invoiced in advance and only recognised once the course has been run. Grants and donatlons relating to specific activltles are deferred until the related expenditure is incurred. Interest is accounted for on an accruals basis. (c) Expenditure recognition Resources expended are accounted for on an accruals basis. (d) Computer equipment All computer equipment costing less than £2,1)00 is charged In the Statement of Financlal Activities in the year of acquisition. (el Taxatlon The company is a reglstered charity under the Charities Act 2011 and therefore no liability to taxation arises. In Public benefit entity The charity is a public benefit entity. 13
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRIES (a company limited by guarantee) NOTE5 TO THE FINANCIAL SYATEMENTS- continued. YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 l Accounting policies- contlnued (gl Flnancial Instruments The Charity has chosen to adopt Sections 11 and 12 of FRS 102 in respect of Financial Instruments. Short term debtors ond creditors Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impaimient are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activlties in 'operating costs,. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand. Offtetting Financial assets and liabilities are offset, and the net amounts presented in the accounts when there is a legally enforable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. {hl Fund structure The Company's Funds constitute unrestricted funds, whlch the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charitsble objectives. 2 Judgements in applying accounting pollcles and key sources of estimation uncertainty In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities as at the balance sheet date and the amounts reported for income and expenses during the year. However, the nature of estimation means that actual outcomes could differ from these estimates. Whilst the trustees have made judgements, estimates and assumptions in preparing the financial statements, they consider that these have not had a significant effect on amounts recognised. 2024 2023 3 Charitable activities whlch generate funds Course fees 90,407 89,330 Medlation fees 11457 6,522 Consultancy 90 Other income 165 653 104.629 96,595 14
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRIES (a company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENfs- continued YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 2024 2023 4 Grants received Grants 1,500 1.200 1,500 1,200 2024 2023 5 Charltable expenditure Staff costs 65.467 65,374 Venue costs 40.358 34,356 Training costs 12,242 13,383 Travel and subsistence 464 527 Bursary Fund Books and stationery 1.332 1,477 120.263 115,117 2024 2023 6 Operating costs Office Expenses 4.818 4,810 Professional Fees 1.805 1,807 Banking and Bookkeeping 1.104 812 Hardware and software support 8,378 2,653 16,105 10,082 15
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINlSfRIES (a company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued YEAR ENDED 31 AUGusf 2024 2024 2023 7 Management and administration Staff welfare 473 800 473 2024 2023 8 Debtors Trade debtors 2.685 11,654 Other debtors 7,025 2,804 Prepayments and accrued income 1,702 1,702 11,412 16,160 2024 2023 9 Creditors Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income (see note 10) 19.840 28,255 Other creditors 327 1622) 20.167 27,633 16
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINISTRIES (a company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 10 Deferred income movement At I September 2023 28,255 Released in year (51,090) Deferred in year 42,675 At 31 August 2024 19,840 Deferred income 15 recognised when funds are received in advance of a course being run. The deferred income is released once the course has run, in accordance with the income recognition accounting policy of the Company. 11 Staff Costs 2024 2023 Gross wages 62.380 59,934 Employers National Insurance Defined contribution employers pension costs 1,871 1,717 64,251 61,651 The average monthly number of employees during the year was 3 {2023: 3). No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,(XX) during the year {excluding employerfs pension contributions). The charity contributes to individual pension schemes, which are defined contribution pension schemes, and the amounts charged tothe income and expenditure accounts for the year are as stated above. 17
BRIDGE BUILDERS MINisfRIES (a company limited by guarantee) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 12 Fixed Assets Tangible fixed assets have a £NIL net book value. They consist of office equipment with an original cost of £3,980. 13 Examiner Fees During the year the company incurred an expense of £600 in respect of the independent examinerfs accountancy fee. 14 Trustees remuneration and expenses In accordance with authorty contained with the charities Articles of Association. Elizabeth Griffiths was paid a salary of £41,463 (Excluding Employers National Insurance & Pension) in respect of her employment as the Director of Training. She was also pald expenses totalling £2,711 during the year. No other trustees have received any remuneration or any other benefits from employment with the charity. 15 Related party transactions The total aggregate value of donations received during the year from trustees or other related parties where no conditions have been placed on such donations is £2,636. 18