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2023-07-31-accounts

Grace Church Haywards Heath Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2023

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

COMPANY INFORMATION

Directors/Trustees

Luke Thomas Jonathan Hobbs Victoria Ardran Thomas Burstow Angela Weber (resigned 1 June 2023) Sally Bannister (appointed 21 Feb 2023)

Governing Document

Memorandum and Articles of Association

Company Registration Number 8591570

Charity Registration Number 1153108 Registered Office 1 Kingfisher Drive Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 4TX

Independent Examiner

Archie McDowall Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB

Bankers

Lloyds Bank plc 99-101 South Road Haywards Heath RH16 4ND

CONTENTS

Page
Company Information 1
Directors' Report 2-4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Accounts 8-14
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 15

Page 1

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

The Directors have pleasure in submitting the Report and Accounts for the year.

Objects of the charity

Our charity’s objective, as set out in the objects contained in the company’s memorandum and articles of association, is, for the public benefit, to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs in Haywards Heath and Mid Sussex and in such other parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Trustees may from time to time think fit.

Government

The policy and operating decisions of the charity rest with the Directors who meet regularly to monitor the activities of the Company.

Review of Activities

The charity undertakes the following activities to further this objective:

A particular focus of the charity has been to serve the community within Bolnore Village, having deliberately chosen to meet there so that it might benefit from having its own church. Alongside our weekly services there, we run two adult community groups, and are in the process of setting up a Grace Advocacy Group to draw alongside and support those in the community that are in particular need. A number of people from the village as well as wider Haywards Heath are benefiting from other church activities too, including other adult mid-week groups, a youth group, courses investigating and deepening the Christian faith, and evenings that specifically seek to support people in their parenting, marriages and work life.

No targets have been set regarding growth in numbers attending services or other meetings. However the elders are also encouraged by signs of spiritual growth in the church members, the number of newcomers over the last year, and high proportion of children and young people that are involved with the church.

Our plans for the future are to continue to minister to the Haywards Heath and Bolnore area through the running of services, courses, other groups and engagement with the community. We will look for further opportunities to grow in number and to deepen in faith.

Many of the activities of the church were wholly or partially run by volunteer church members. The trustees are very grateful for the dedicated service of so many church members in this regard.

How our activities deliver public benefit

Page 2

Our church meetings are open to all whatever their age, background or faith. We offer courses and one-off events for those investigating the Christian faith. There is a youth group held once a week that involves social interaction for secondary-aged young people, as well as Bible study and prayer. Community groups are held throughout the week and are open to all adults of any faith or none, providing an opportunity for Bible study, mutual support and encouragement, and prayer. Groups are run during the Sunday service for primary-aged children with games, craft activities and Christian teaching. Members of our staff team take occasional assemblies at the village primary school, help with some school activities and the running of Christian Unions in local secondary schools, and with church members are involved in the leading of two children's camps a year. We occasionally host purely social events where all are welcome, and are in the process of establishing a Grace Advocacy Group to support those who come to us with particular needs. Our minister also provides some support to staff at the local primary school where he is a local authority governor.

The church’s website and youtube channel includes resources such as sermon recordings for those who are unable to attend the Sunday services.

Pastoral care is available for anyone, whether a church member or not, who would like to discuss difficult situations in confidence with the church minister. This is advertised on the church website. Over the last year our elders have been involved in supporting those suffering difficulties with work, financial hardship, family members, and marriage, as well as those struggling with mental illness and longer term physical illness.

Other than small charges to cover costs, no charge is made for any service provided by the church. We have been pleased to note a large number of different ages, nationalities and backgrounds continue to be represented within the church membership and those attending services.

In planning the activities the Directors have had regard to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission in December 2008.

Financial Review

Incoming resources in 2022-23 totalled £106,026 (2021-22: £92,780). £12,198 was donated by the Sussex Gospel Partnership in recognition of Jonathan Hobbs’ time spent on training and development for the Partnership and £7,000 was donated by trusts towards the cost of our assistant minister. The total resources expended for the period was £108,791 (2021-22: £98,022), of which £53,854 (50%) were staff-related costs (2021-22: £51,712 (53%)).

The contract of the church’s assistant minister, Tom Vaughan, ended in August 2023 and the church has employed a trainee minister, Ben Read, on a four-year contract from September 2023. This is being funded by pledges alongside grant funding.

Reserves Policy

The charity’s reserves at the balance sheet date were £79,000 (2022: £82,000), most of which was cash at bank. Of these reserves, £7,000 (2022: £8,000) were restricted funds in relation to the charity's hardship fund. The Directors have set a policy of seeking to maintain three months’ expenditure as general reserves and have complied with this policy throughout the year.

Page 3

Risk Statement

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

Directors' Responsibilities

Charity law requires us as Directors 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. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent

  3. State whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts.

  4. Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume 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 was approved by the Directors on 23 January 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Luke Thomas

Luke Thomas

Page 4

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 July 2023 on pages 6 to 15 following, which have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out on pages 8 to 10.

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

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.

Archie McDowall

For and on behalf of: Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage London EC1Y 8AB

Date: 21 February 2024

Page 5

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

Statement of Financial Activities

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

Including Income and Expenditure Account

Note
INCOME FROM
Donations and legacies
2
Investments
Other income
Total income
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
3
Total expenditure
Net Movement in Funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
94,658
8,210
102,868
90,953
282
-
282
11
2,875
-
2,875
1,816
97,816
8,210
106,026
92,780
99,414
9,377
108,791
98,022
99,414
9,377
108,791
98,022
(1,598)
(1,167)
(2,765)
(5,241)
73,480
8,339
81,819
87,060
71,882
7,172
79,053
81,819

Movements on reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above.

The notes on page 8-14 form part of these accounts.

Page 6

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 JULY 2023

Note
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
7
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
8
Cash at bank
9
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Liabilities falling due within one year
10
Net Current Assets
NET ASSETS
FUND BALANCES
Unrestricted funds
12
General Funds
Restricted Funds
12
Unrestricted
Restricted Total funds Total funds
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
3,378
-
3,378
721
3,378
-
3,378
721
4,101
-
4,101
6,008
66,184
7,172
73,356
76,650
70,286
7,172
77,457
82,658
1,782
-
1,782
1,560
68,504
7,172
75,675
81,098
71,882
7,172
79,053
81,819
71,882
-
71,882
73,480
-
7,172
7,172
8,339
71,882
7,172
79,053
81,819

For the year ended 31 July 2023, the company was entitled to the exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Responsibilities of directors/trustees:

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

Approved by the Directors and signed on their behalf by:

Luke Thomas

Luke Thomas
--------------------------------------- Date: 14 February 2024
Luke Thomas
Charity number:
Company number: 8591570 1153108

The notes on page 8-14 form part of these accounts.

Page 7

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

Notes to the Accounts

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

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.

a) Going concern

The trustees (who are the charitable company's directors for the purposes of company law) have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible events or conditions that might cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees have made this assessment for a period of at least one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. In particular the trustees have considered the charity's forecasts and projections and the possible implications should projected income and / or expenditure vary unexpectedly. The trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue to operate for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

b) Income

Income including investment income is recognised in the period in which the charity becomes entitled to receipt, the amount receivable can be measured with reasonable certainty, and receipt is probable. For the most part, income is generally recognised when it is received. Income is only deferred when the charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.

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

Investment income represents income generated by the charity's assets and includes income from bank interest.

Other income represents income receivable from goods, services and facilities supplied in furtherance of the charity's charitable objects. It includes income from church retreats and other events and courses.

Page 8

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

Notes to the Accounts

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

c) Expenditure

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 reliably.

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.

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.

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 £500 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:

Freehold land Is not depreciated (because it is not consumed by use) Freehold buildings Over 50 years after taking account of the building's residual value Leasehold improvements Over the lease term or, if shorter, expected useful life Equipment Over 2 to 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) Investments

Mixed motive investments are investments that are held both to generate a financial return and to contribute to the furtherance of the charity's objects.

Impairment losses and losses arising on the disposal of social investments are included in the Statement of Financial Activities under the heading 'Expenditure on charitable activities'. Gains arising on the disposal of social investments are included in the Statement of Financial Activities under the heading 'Other income'. All other gains and losses on investment assets are included in the Statement of Financial Activities under the heading 'Net gains / (losses) on investments'.

Page 9

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

Notes to the Accounts

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

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.

All differences arising from the application of the above policy are charged (or credited) to the Statement of Financial Activities.

k) Exemption from preparing a cashflow statement The charity has taken advantage of an exemption conferred by the Charities SORP and has not prepared a cash flow statement.

ntary income
General donations
Tax recoverable
Grants
Total
Total
2023
2022
£
£
74,384
69,061
9,286
10,452
19,198
11,440
102,868
90,953

Page 10

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

Notes to the Accounts

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

4 Charitable activity Total Total
2023 2022
a Direct Charitable Costs £ £
Staff costs 53,854 51,712
Venue and related costs 31,923 28,833
Training costs - -
Church events 3,159 1,494
Travel 503 47
Grants payable Note 3c 11,371 6,900
100,810 88,986
b Support & Administration £ £
Accounts preparation and examination 1,560 1,560
Office and administration 3,923 1,753
Depreciation 815 394
Other costs 1,683 5,328
7,981 9,036
Combined charitable activity cost 108,791 98,022
c Grants 2023 2022
£ £
Grants to institutions:
Missionary support 8,994 6,418
Relief of poverty 221 -
Grants to individuals:
Relief of poverty 2,156 482
11,371 6,900
The charity's principal grants to institutions comprised:
£ £
Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches 1,344 1,518
New Life Church Brighton - 1,500
Overseas Missionary Fellowship 2,400 2,400
Sussex Gospel Partnership 1,000 1,000
Igreja Bíblica - Portugal 3,600 -
Grants to institutions for less than £1,000 each 871 -
9,215 6,418

The church supports missionaries in the UK and internationally. Where a particular missionary has been supported by the church for a number of years, strict compliance with the Charities' Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) may suggest some arrangements as constituting constructive obligations such that future years' support is accounted for in these accounts as a liability. Whilst the support has no final end date in some cases, the church officers assess missionary funding on an annual basis and are confident that they have not communicated a specific commitment nor would missionaries view their support as open-ended obligations by the church.

Page 11

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

Notes to the Accounts

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

5 Staff & Trustees

f & Trustees
Gross wages, salaries & benefits in kind
Employer's National Insurance costs
Pension costs
Total staff costs
2023
2022
£
£
50,834
48,624
-
171
3,020
2,917
53,854
51,712

The charity has 2 (2022: 2) full time equivalent employed staff. Its activities are generally carried out by volunteers. No staff received salaries at a rate of more than £60,000 per annum.

Jonathan Hobbs was paid £29,451 (2022: £26,993) in his capacity as minister, and not as a trustee, as permitted by the governing document. The church also paid employer pension contibutions of £1,737 on behalf of Jonathan (2022: £1,620).

During the year employer's pension contributions totalling £3,020 (2022: £2,917) were payable to defined contribution personal pension schemes. No pension contributions were owing at the balance sheet date (2022: £nil).

Fees payable to Stewardship, other than for the annual accounts and independent examination, for payroll bureau services, totalled £562 (2022: £551) and for consultancy services, totalled £60 (2022: nil).

6 Transactions with related parties

During the year the charity:

During the year the charity also made the following payments to, or for, related parties:

7 Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible Fixed Assets
Audio Visual and Office Total
Equipment 2023
Cost £ £
At 1 August 2022 4,118 4,118
Disposals - -
Additions 3,472 3,472
At 31 July 2023 7,590 7,590
Accumulated Depreciation
At 1 August 2022 3,397 3,397
Charge for the year 815 815
At 31 July 2023 4,212 4,212
Net book value
At 31 July 2023 3,378 3,378
At 1 August 2022 721 721

Page 12

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

Notes to the Accounts

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

8
Debtors and Prepayments
Tax recoverable
Other Debtors
9
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Bank operating accounts
10
Creditors: liabilities falling due within one year
Trade Creditors
Accruals
2023
2022
£
£
3,851
6,008
250
-
4,101
6,008
73,356
76,650
73,356
76,650
222
-
1,560
1,560
1,782
1,560

11 Acting as agent

On occasion the charity receives money on behalf of other charities or individuals, which it banks and then pays out to these charities or individuals. This income is received as agent for these other charities or individuals and the income, and the related payments, are excluded from the Statement of Financial Activities; any money that has not been distributed by the year end is recognised as a creditor.

Page 13

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

Notes to the Accounts

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

12 Funds

The restricted funds represent amounts received for specific purposes and the movements in the year are as follows:


as follows:
Hardship fund
Samara appeal
Training fund
Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Closing
balance
resources
resources
balance
£
£
£
£
8,268
1,210
(2,306)
7,172
71
-
(71)
-
-
7,000
(7,000)
-
8,339
8,210
(9,377)
7,172

The Samara appeal fund represents funds received for Syrian refugees The training fund represents grants received towards the cost of ministry training.

The assets and liabilities represented by the various funds are as follows:

Fixed Bank & cash Other net Total
assets balances assets
£ £ £ £
Restricted funds - 7,172 - 7,172
Unrestricted funds 3,378 66,184 2,319 71,881
3,378 73,356 2,319 79,053
e previous year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:
Opening Incoming Outgoing Closing
balance resources resources balance
£ £ £ £
Hardship fund 8,750 - (482) 8,268
Samara appeal - 71 71
8,750 71 (482) 8,339

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

In the previous year, the assets and liabilities represented by the various funds are as follows:

Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Fixed
Bank & cash
Other net
Total
assets
balances
assets
£
£
£
£
-
8,339
0
8,339
721
68,311
(4,448)
73,480
721
76,650
(4,448)
81,819

13 Members

Each member of the company commits to contribute an amount of £1 if the charity is wound up.

Page 14

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES WITH COMPARATIVES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023

Note
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:
Donations and legacies
3
Investments
Other income
Total income and endowments
EXPENDITURE ON:
Charitable activities:
4
Total Expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
General
2023
£
94,658
282
2,875
97,816
99,414
99,414
(1,598)
73,480
71,882
Unrestricted funds
Restricted
2023
£
8,210
-
-
Total
2023
£
102,868
282
2,875
106,026
108,791
108,791
(2,765)
81,819
79,053
General
2022
£
90,882
11
1,816
92,709
97,540
97,540
(4,830)
78,310
73,480
Unrestricted funds
Restricted
2022
£
71
-
-
Total
2022
£
90,953
11
1,816
92,780
98,022
98,022
(5,241)
87,060
81,819
8,210 71
9,377 482
9,377 482
(1,167)
8,339
(411)
8,750
7,172 8,339

Page 15