Trustees' Annual Report for the period
Period start date Period end date Day Month Year Day Month Year From 1[st] January 2024 To 31[st] December 2024
Section A Reference and administration details
| Charity name UNITY CHURCH ORPINGTON |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other names charity is known by | ||||
| Registered charity number (if any)1151334 Charity's principal addressRYE CRESCENT ORPINGTON Postcode BR5 4NH ~~——~~ |
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| Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity | ||||
| Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole year Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) 1 PETER PRICE Trustee/Director UnityChurch Members 2 NEIL MALTMAN Trustee/Director UnityChurch Members 3 PETER BELL CHAIR of Trustees/Directors Unity Church Members 4 MASSIMO MASSARO Trustee/Director Unity Church Members 5 AMY KOLVER Trustee/Director UnityChurch Members Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) ~~===>~~ |
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| Section B Structure, governance and management | ||||
| Description of the charity’s trusts | ||||
| Type of governing document (eg. trust deed, constitution)Articles of Association How the charity is constituted (eg. trust, association, company) Charitable Company Trustee selection methods (eg. appointed by, elected by) Elected by Members ~~oo~~ |
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Additional governance issues (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:
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policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
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the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
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relationship with any related parties;
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trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.
Unity Church is a mission initiative commenced June 2012, supported by two partner churches, Christ Church (Orpington) and Hope Church (Bromley & Orpington). The church building is owned by the Diocese of Rochester and is in the parish of All Saints. The Church operates under a Mission Order from the Bishop of Rochester.
The church is affiliated to the Regions Beyond group of churches. Church leaders from the group meet on occasions during the year to encourage, support and pray for each other. The church is also part of Churches Together in Orpington.
David Bell is employed as church leader of Unity Church and is responsible for day to day running of its ministries.
A significant number of volunteer members of the church lead, sustain and develop ministries and activities of the church.
The Trustee/Directors are responsible to ensure the charity complies with all applicable regulations and governance. They are also responsible for monitoring risk and a Risk Register has been compiled and is reviewed at least annually. All major insurable risks are covered by a bespoke church insurance policy including building, contents and liability sections. The Trustee/Directors are responsible for all legal and governance aspects.
Section C Objectives and activities
| Section C | Objectives and activities |
|---|---|
| Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit) |
To advance the Christian faith for the benefit of the public in Orpington, Kent and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees of the charity may from time to time think fit in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs. In furtherance of these objects the charity operates a church in the local area offering a range of activities and pastoral support to both church members and the wider community. When considering the aims, objectives and activities run by the charity, the trustees have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. |
| Regular activities undertaken by Unity Church include: Weekly services of worship, open to all. Children’s teaching groups operate on Sundays. Growth Groups met to explore the Bible, discuss various topics, encourage one another and pray together in the church building. Twice weekly community food distributions from the Community Fridge took place from outside the premises to 40 to 60 people representing 50 to 70 households consisting of 100 to 150 householders for each distribution. After each distribution a Community Café with free refreshments is provided for 25 to 50 people. Youth Club (called Catalyst) run weekly during term time for 10 to 15 secondary school aged young people. In addition trips organised using funds provided by Jack Petchey Foundation. Community Garden providing a space for the community to be engaged in gardening skills, growing vegetables that are given to the community. It is also a place to meet and chat with each other. Men Utd group to engage with men from the church and community. Quarterly social events at the church have been run for approx. 18 men. |
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Section D Achievements and performance
*Women Utd group to engage with women from the church and community. Quarterly social events at the church have been run for approx. 20 women.
The Alpha course offering friendship and opportunity to explore and develop Christian Summary of the main faith have been run five times during the year. Church’s work and ministries. achievements of the During the year we have maintained a steady increase in the charity during the year Tuesday morning online prayer meetings. numbers of people attending the church, both on Sundays (50-
80) and for our weekly events. (20 - 40) *Monthly prayer meetings (called the Engine Room) in the church
We have seen more people from the community engaging with *Occasional activities undertaken in conjunction with other Orpington churches through the auspices of Churches Together in Orpington.our weekly ministries, especially Job Club and Life Skills (10-
20), Alpha (4-8) Community Fridge (60-90) and have continued * Job Club eight-week course, under the auspices of Christians Against Poverty (CAP), to help and care for many in need in the area. and with financial and personnel support from other Orpington churches. This gives help to those who are out of work to writWe have continued to s e ek new ar CV’s and l ea s in which we can impact rn interview techniques. One-to-one coaching is provided.upon the community to provide both practical and spiritual help. We ran the Time for Me programme in 2024 which was health * Two Life Skills ten-week courses, under the auspices of CAP, helping people to know and wellbeing course. how to plan and budget better.
Policy reviews and updates. *Get Active sessions for adults have been held separately over an 8-week course to help with physical health, nutrition and well-being. Approx 8 adults have attended. During the year, we reviewed/produced:
Get Active Dance, a weekly free dance session for 10 to 20 local women. Equal Opportunities Policy reviewed Feb 2024 Whistleblowing Policy reviewed Feb 2024 The church provided facilities and support for local community groups: Equal Opportunities Policy reviewed Feb 2024 Ministerial Review completed Nov 2024 Conditioned Fitness, personal trainer sessions during various days in the week. GDPR Personal Data usage reviewed Feb 2024 Lone Working Policy reviewed Feb 2024 Ad-hoc use of premises for children’s parties for those connected with the church. The Grievance Policy reviewed April 2024 hire fees are kept at a very reasonable rate for the good of the community. Disciplinary Policy reviewed April 2024 Statutory Sick Pay Policy reviewed April 2024 Fire Evacuation Routes Plan reviewed April 2024 Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)* Working at Height policy reviewed April 2024 ~~ Bank Business Card Policy reviewed August 2024~~ GDPR Privacy Policy reviewed August 2024 PAT Testing carried out May 2024 Anti-Bribery Policy reviewed Oct 2024 Health and Safety Policy reviewed Oct 2024 Risk Register reviewed and updated Jan 2024 Safeguarding Policy and Procedures reviewed and updated Oct 2024
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
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Internal Financial Controls Recording reviewed and updated Nov 2024
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Fire Risk Assessment reviewed and updated Dec 2024
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policy on grantmaking;
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policy programme related investment;
Building and grounds Improvements:
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We removed some boundary trees * We replaced roof hoppers and resurfaced some roof areas to reduce possible water ingress * We installed outside signage to make the church more visible to the community.
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- We replaced a door on one of the cabins. * We installed new audio-visual screens and sound equipment in the church.
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contribution made by volunteers.
Section E Financial review
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Brief statement of the The reserves policy of the charity is to maintain a minimum of two months charity’s policy on reserves expenditure on salaries, running and maintenance costs, which would amount to approximately £11,500. Unrestricted reserves on the General Fund amounted to at the end of the year.
Details of any funds materially in deficit
NONE
Further financial review details (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:
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the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
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how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;
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investment policy and objectives including any ethical investment policy adopted.
The Charity’s principal source of funding comes from regular giving and donations from members and the offerings taken at Sunday services.
This is supplemented by income from lettings.
During the year, we also received a grant towards the Get Active project, Community Fridge, CAP Life Skills ministry and some individual donations for other specific ministries. We also received individual donations and grants for the kitchen refurbishment project taking place in 2025.
There are no investments.
~~SSS~~ Section F Other optional information
Section G Declaration ~~eee~~ The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) ~~ee~~ Full name(s) Neil Maltman
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Position (e.g. Secretary, Chair of Trustees Chair, etc)
Date
3.6.2025
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Accounting period 01/01/24 to 31/12/24
Statement of Financial Activities
Unity Church, Orpington
Charity Number: 1151334
| Unrestricted | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | |||
| Total Total 2023 | |||
| Incoming resources | £ £ |
£ | £ |
| Donations and Grants (1) | 64514 1700 | 66214 | 96578 |
| Tax Refund | 8396 0 | 8396 | 15842 |
| Lettings | 5100 0 | 5100 | 4200 |
| Job Club | 0 0 | 0 |
0 |
| Life Skills | 0 0 | 0 |
0 |
| Other | 0 0 | 0 | 381 |
| Building (insurance) | 0 0 | 0 | 5975 |
| Get Active -Gym | 0 1180 | 1180 | 0 |
| Get Active-Dance | 0 1610 | 1610 | 0 |
| Together 23 | 0 0 | 0 | 600 |
| Time 4 Me | 0 7550 | 7550 | 0 |
| Building Project | 0 2275 | 2275 | 0 |
| Kitchen Project | 0 34268 | 34268 | 0 |
| Community Fridge (extra food) | 0 1650 | 1650 | 315 |
| Bank Interest |
1543 0 |
1543 | |
| Total incoming resources | 79553 50233 | 129786 | 124732 |
| Resources Expended | |||
| Salaries, pension contribution & NI | 53940 0 | 53940 | 50014 |
| Cleaner | 1430 0 | 1430 | |
| 2904 | |||
| Running expenses (2) | 9273 0 | 9273 | 8642 |
| Grounds | 2048 0 | 2048 | 1448 |
| Window Cleaning | 264 0 | 264 | 320 |
| Building maintenance | 3779 947 | 4726 | 9860 |
| Building Project | 0 5563 | 5563 | 0 |
| Equipment |
3854 | 0 | 3854 | |
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| Church Leader expenses | 886 | 0 | 886 | 1383 |
| Children's Work | 298 | 0 | 298 | 142 |
| Youth (Pulse) | 1798 | 0 | 1798 | 2319 |
| Gas | 1000 | 450 | 1450 | 1285 |
| Electricity | 1239 | 350 | 1589 | 1527 |
| Kitchen Project | 0 | 4953 | 4953 | 0 |
| Job Club | 0 | 545 | 545 | 480 |
| Life Skills | 70 | 920 | 990 | 880 |
| Petchey Foundation | 104 | 1823 | 1927 | 1791 |
| Together 23 | 0 |
0 | 0 | 1698 |
| Donations to charitable causes (3) | 7036 | 1722 | 8758 | 6426 |
| Miscellaneous cash expenditure | 18 | 0 | 18 | 10 |
| Catering/Hospitality | 777 | 0 | 777 | 0 |
| Get Active - Dance | 0 | 915 | 915 | 0 |
| Get Active – Gym | 0 | 1674 | 1674 | 1625 |
| Training | 2441 | 0 | 2441 | 1512 |
| Community Garden | 0 | 0 | 0 | 303 |
| Community Fridge | 102 | 991 | 1093 | 668 |
| Other Ministry (Outreach) | 1093 | 0 | 1093 | 2525 |
| Time for Me | 0 | 6302 | 6302 | 192 |
| Community Fridge Xtra Food | 0 | 1319 | 1319 | 220 |
| Total resources expended | 91450 | 28474 | 119924 | 103111 |
| Net incoming resources | (11897) | 21759 | 9862 | 21621 |
| Total funds brought forward | 61209 | 8137 | 69346 | 47725 |
| Total funds carried forward(4) | 39312 | 39896 | 79208 | 69346 |
Balance Sheet
Current Assets
Cash at bank and in hand 79208 Total Assets 79208 Represented by General Fund 72695 Building Repair Fund 6513 Total Funds 79208
Notes to accounts
- Donations and grants include:
-offerings £ 2752 (£100 of which is restricted) -regular gifts (gift aided) £ 51238 -donations £ 10624 -grants & one-off gifts £1600 (Jack Petchey grant) Total £66214
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Running expenses include waste disposal, boiler maintenance and inspection/replacement of fire protection equipment. Gas and electricity costs are recorded separately.
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Donations to charitable causes includes £3240 to Regions Beyond, £1150 to Release International, £1440 to Starfish Malawi, £1620 to Bromley CAP Partnership and JW Taminga £300.
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Restricted funds of £39896, to be carried forward into 2025, to be used as follows :-
£617 for Job Club, £501 for Get Active, £265 for Get Active Dance, £426 for Community Food Xtra, £924 for Clarion Grant, £606 for Time 4 Me, £39335 for Kitchen Project & (£3288) for Building Project.
- For the purposes of this SOFA a total income of £1543.84 was ignored and a total expenditure of £1543.84 was ignored as follows:
| Refunds/Income | Refunds/Income | Expenditure | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23.1.24 | Other | £25.60 | 11.1.24 | Training |
| 28.2.24 | Other | £12.00 | 23.2.24 | Running |
| 1.5.24 | Other | £15.00 | 25.4.24 | Other |
| 7.5.24 | Other | £24.00 | 30.4.24 | Youth Ministry |
| 13.5.24 | CF Xtra | £17.89 | 14.3.24 | CF Xtra |
| 14.11.24 | Other | £34.00 | 2.9.24 & 1.10.24 | Running |
| 12.12.24 | Kitchen Project | £1405.36 | 23.9.24 | Kitchen Project |
| 24.12.24 | Other | £9.99 | 18.11.24 | Equipment |
Basis of preparation
These accounts have been prepared on an historic cost basis in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards for Small Enterprises in Charity Commission Statement of Recommended Practice.
Accounting Policies
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Incoming resources are included in the SoFA when received.
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Grants and donations are included in the SoFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
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Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA at the time of receipt by the charity.
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Any capitalised expenditure is depreciated over 4 years.
Trustee expenses
No expenses were paid to trustees.
Staff Costs
Gross wages, salaries and benefits in kind £ 49412
Employer’s National Insurance costs £0 (after deduction of Employment Allowance totalling £5000) Pension costs £4529
Employees
Minister (full-time)
Administrator (part-time)
Defined contribution Pension Scheme
10% of the Minister and Administrator’s salary was paid to Legal and General.
Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Exarniner's Rèport ReF)Ort to the tru8teesl members of Unlty Church Orpington On a¢counts lor the yr 131 December 2024 endod L Set out on page8 Charity TIO lif any) 1151334 Re5PGtive The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of th8 accou nts. 8ponsibilities of The charity's tTuStees CODsider that ap audrt is not r4uired for thi8 yèar trustees artd examlner under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act} thot an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to". examine the accounts undei section 145 of the Charities A¢t, to follow the procedurw318KI down in the geneial Directions glven ty the Charity Commission (under sedion 145(5){b) of thè Chaiities Ad, and to stale whethei parti¢ular matters have come to my attention. 8a$fjs of independent My examination was carried out in arLordanG¢ with general Directions given examiner'8 Statement by the Charity Commission_ An examination includes a review of the ac¢ounting records kept by the Ghaiity and a ¢omparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration ol any uDdSU31 items or disclosures in the a¢counts, and Seeking èxplanations from the Irustèes ¢on¢aining any such matters. The procedures undertaken do nol provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts piesent a 'liue and fair, view and the ieport is limited to those mottets Set out in th& ststemenl below. lthdependent In connection wrth my examination, no matter has wtne to my attention examinerfs statement (other than that disclosed below ') 1. which gives me Feasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the iequiretnents- to keep accounting records in accordan¢e with section 130 of the Chatities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord wth the accountirtg recoids and ¢omply with the aGcountin9 requirem8nts of the Charities Act have not been met. or 2. to which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in older to enable a proper undeTstsnding of thè accounts to be reached. Please dglete th& words in the brackets rf they do not apply. Dato: Signed: Name: ' TANYA WARDLEY Association of Accounting Technicians Relevant professional qualification{s) or body lif any): Addr9$8: 13 RINGMER WAY OROMLEY 8RI 2TY