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2024-07-31-accounts

Grace Church Haywards Heath Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 July 2024

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

COMPANY INFORMATION

Directors/Trustees

Luke Thomas Jonathan Hobbs Victoria Ardran Thomas Burstow Sally Bannister (appointed 21 Feb 2023) Benjamin Read (appointed 15 Oct 2024)

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 2024

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 seven adult growth groups, and 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 events, a youth group and two youth camps, 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. In particular, we are progressing plans to begin a new church that will meet in Burgess Hill led by our current trainee minister. This is to serve the Burgess Hill community and especially the rapidly increasing population through new developments.

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.

Page 2

How our activities deliver public benefit

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 and for those facing key challenges in life. Our youth groups and camps involve social interaction, as well as Bible study and prayer, and seek to provide wisdom to young people as they navigate the personal and cultural challenges of those years. Growth 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 the two youth and children’s camps a year. We occasionally host purely social events where all are welcome, and our Grace Advocacy Group supports those who come to us with particular needs. Our minister also provides some support to staff at the local primary school.

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 2023-24 totalled £117,902 (2022-23: £106,026). The total resources expended for the period was £115,045 (2022-23: £108,791), of which £45,219 (39%) were staff-related costs (2022-23: £53,854 (50%)).

Ben Read continues as our trainee minister 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 £81,911 (2023: £79,053), most of which was cash at bank. Of these reserves, £7,031 (2023: £7,172) 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.

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.

Page 3

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.

  1. 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 and signed on their behalf by:

Luke Thomas

Luke Thomas (Feb 22, 2025 07:27 GMT) ---------------------------------------------------------------Luke Thomas

Date: Feb 22, 2025

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 2024 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

Archie McDowall (Feb 26, 2025 12:35 GMT)

Archie McDowall

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

Date: Feb 26, 2025

Page 5

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

Statement of Financial Activities

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

Including Income and Expenditure Account

Note
INCOME FROM
Donations and legacies
3
Investments
Other income
Total income
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
4
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
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
107,234
8,000
115,234
102,868
991
-
991
282
1,677
-
1,677
2,875
109,902
8,000
117,902
106,026
106,904
8,141
115,045
108,791
106,904
8,141
115,045
108,791
2,998
(141)
2,857
(2,765)
71,882
7,172
79,053
81,819
74,880
7,031
81,911
79,053

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 2024

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
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
2,524
-
2,524
3,378
2,524
-
2,524
3,378
3,935
-
3,935
4,101
70,597
7,031
77,628
73,356
74,532
7,031
81,563
77,457
2,177
-
2,177
1,782
72,355
7,031
79,386
75,675
74,879
7,031
81,911
79,053
74,880
-
74,880
71,882
-
7,031
7,031
7,172
74,880
7,031
81,911
79,053

For the year ended 31 July 2024, 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 (Feb 22, 2025 07:27 GMT) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------Feb 22, 2025 Luke Thomas Date Company number: 8591570 Charity number: 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 2024

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 from donations and legacies includes:

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 2024

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.

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.

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 2024

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.

ntary income
General donations
Tax recoverable
Grants
Total
Total
2024
2023
£
£
80,320
74,384
11,636
9,286
23,278
19,198
115,234
102,868

Page 10

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

Notes to the Accounts

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

4 Charitable activity Total Total
2024 2023
a Direct Charitable Costs £ £
Staff costs 45,219 53,854
Venue and related costs 48,069 31,923
Training costs - -
Church events 3,622 3,159
Travel 749 503
Grants payable Note 3c 8,812 11,371
106,471 100,810
b Support & Administration £ £
Accounts preparation and examination 1,644 1,560
Office and administration 3,626 3,923
Depreciation 854 815
Other costs 2,450 1,683
8,574 7,981
Combined charitable activity cost 115,045 108,791
c Grants 2024 2023
£ £
Grants to institutions:
Missionary support 8,776 8,994
Relief of poverty - 221
Grants to individuals:
Relief of poverty 36 2,156
8,812 11,371
The charity's principal grants to institutions comprised:
£ £
Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches 1,776 1,344
Christ Church 1,200 -
Overseas Missionary Fellowship 2,400 2,400
Sussex Gospel Partnership 1,000 1,000
Igreja Bíblica - Portugal 2,400 3,600
Grants to institutions for less than £1,000 each - 871
8,776 9,215

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 2024

5 Staff & Trustees

f & Trustees
Gross wages, salaries & benefits in kind
Employer's National Insurance costs
Pension costs
Total staff costs
2024
2023
£
£
42,660
50,834
-
-
2,560
3,020
45,219
53,854

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 £29,458 (2023: £29,451) in his capacity as minister, and not as a trustee, as permitted by the governing document. The church also paid employer pension contibutions of £1,767 on behalf of Jonathan (2023: £1,737).

During the year employer's pension contributions totalling £2,560 (2023: £3,020) were payable to defined contribution personal pension schemes. No pension contributions were owing at the balance sheet date (2023: £nil).

Fees payable to Stewardship, other than for the annual accounts and independent examination, for payroll bureau services, totalled £584 (2023: £562) and for consultancy services, totalled £0 (2023: £60).

6 Transactions with related parties

During the year the charity:

7 Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible Fixed Assets
Audio Visual and Office Total
Equipment 2024
Cost £ £
At 1 August 2023 7,590 7,590
Disposals - -
Additions - -
At 31 July 2024 7,590 7,590
Accumulated Depreciation
At 1 August 2023 4,212 4,212
Charge for the year 854 854
At 31 July 2024 5,066 5,066
Net book value
At 31 July 2024 2,524 2,524
At 1 August 2023 3,378 3,378

Page 12

GRACE CHURCH HAYWARDS HEATH

Notes to the Accounts

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024

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
2024
2023
£
£
3,935
3,851
-
250
3,935
4,101
77,628
73,356
77,628
73,356
533
222
1,644
1,560
2,177
1,782

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 2024

12 Funds

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


as follows:
Hardship fund
Training fund
Opening
Incoming
Outgoing
Closing
balance
resources
resources
balance
£
£
£
£
7,172
-
(141)
7,031
-
8,000
(8,000)
-
7,172
8,000
(8,141)
7,031

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:

assets and liabilities represented by the various funds are as follows:
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Fixed
Bank & cash
Other net
Total
assets
balances
assets
£
£
£
£
-
7,031
-
7,031
2,524
70,597
1,760
74,880
2,524
77,628
1,760
81,911

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

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

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
£
£
£
£
-
7,172
-
7,172
3,378
66,184
2,319
71,881
3,378
73,356
2,319
79,053

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 2024

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
2024
£
107,234
991
1,677
109,902
106,904
106,904
2,998
71,882
74,880
Unrestricted funds
Restricted
2024
£
8,000
-
-
8,000
8,141
8,141
(141)
7,172
7,031
Total
2024
£
115,234
991
1,677
117,902
115,045
115,045
2,857
79,053
81,911
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
-
-
8,210
9,377
9,377
(1,167)
8,339
7,172
Total
2023
£
102,868
282
2,875
106,026
108,791
108,791
(2,765)
81,819
79,053

Page 15

Grace Church HH Accounts 23-24 - FINAL FOR SIGNING

Final Audit Report

2025-02-26

Created: 2024-12-20 By: Archie McDowall (archie.mcdowall@stewardship.org.uk) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAsGYyrA4R04Zi9GvbXzavmgvZ16Ng1ku8

"Grace Church HH Accounts 23-24 - FINAL FOR SIGNING" Hist ory

Document created by Archie McDowall (archie.mcdowall@stewardship.org.uk) 2024-12-20 - 14:43:18 GMT

Document emailed to Luke Thomas (lukethomas1979@gmail.com) for signature 2024-12-20 - 14:46:14 GMT

Email viewed by Luke Thomas (lukethomas1979@gmail.com) 2025-02-22 - 07:24:47 GMT

New document URL requested by Luke Thomas (lukethomas1979@gmail.com) 2025-02-22 - 07:24:52 GMT

Document e-signed by Luke Thomas (lukethomas1979@gmail.com) Signature Date: 2025-02-22 - 07:27:16 GMT - Time Source: server

Document emailed to Archie McDowall (archie.mcdowall@stewardship.org.uk) for signature 2025-02-22 - 07:27:18 GMT

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Agreement completed.

2025-02-26 - 12:35:56 GMT