2025-12-31-accounts - Faith Christian Group (Reading) CIO

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REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025

FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1163355

FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Other working names

Trustees at 31[st] December 2025

Faith Christian Group Faith ReadiFood ReadiStreet B4N Bed for the Night Reading Pantries Mr Oliver Davidson Mr David Green Mrs Helen Martin Mr Edward Rundell

GOVERNING INSTRUMENT

Faith Christian Group is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation whose only voting members are its trustees. It was registered with the Charity Commissioners on 1[st] September 2015.

OBJECTS

The objects of the CIO are, for the public benefit:

a) to advance the Christian faith in Reading and other parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the charity trustees may from time to time determine; and

b) to relieve persons in conditions of need, hardship or distress or who are aged or sick in Reading and other parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the charity trustees may from time to time determine.

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FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Faith Christian Group (Reading) CIO for the year ended 31[st] December 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts are eligible for independent examination. I report in respect of my examination of the CIO’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable 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 material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.

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.

Mr Michael Homer AFA MIPA

Independent Examiner MCH Accountants Ltd 68 Charlton Road Andover Hampshire SP10 3JN

Dated: 5[th] June 2026

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FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2025

Organisation

Faith Christian Group’s objects are for the public benefit 1) to advance the Christian Faith in Reading and other parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the charity trustees may from time to time determine; and 2) to relieve persons in conditions of need, hardship or distress or who are aged or sick in Reading and other parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the charity trustees might from time to time determine.

This translates into a vision for Faith Christian Group in 2025:

‘Our vision is to reflect the love of Jesus in Reading by meeting urgent needs for shelter and food and by supporting people to overcome poverty and homelessness. We do this collaboratively and in partnership, maintaining high standards in our work and building trust to make Jesus known.’

2025 Review

In 2025 we continued our work with the hungry and homeless on the streets of Reading through:

“ReadiStreet” which involves the distribution of food to those on the streets. On Tuesday – Friday evenings, the support of Reading Minster Church gives us a town centre base from which we offer free sandwiches (kindly donated by Pret a Manger) and hot soup to the hungry and homeless of Reading. We have different partners who come on different evening offering hot food. On Sundays, we run the Tea Bar to provide free hot and cold drinks and soup and rolls. A key element of this work is to demonstrate to everyone we meet on the streets that they are valued individuals.
“Bed for the Night” which is a winter night shelter. In 2025 we opened two models; one for the rough sleepers of the town and, for the second year, one for refugees who are homeless. We opened 7 nights a week from JanMarch offering an evening meal, warm space, bed and breakfast. Each shelter is located at different churches across the town on different evenings and they are largely staffed by volunteers from those churches. They are both supported financially by Reading Borough Council. The refugee shelter was run in partnership with Care 4 Calais, Greyfriars Church and Resettlement. Referrals for both shelters were via Reading Borough Council.
Partnership with another local charity, CIRDIC to run a day centre for anyone who needs help and support where guests get breakfast and lunch as well having access to baths, showers, clothing, hairdressers and medical help. We also took over operating a lunch club in Caversham from another charity, where those who are either homeless or hungry can get a hot meal.

In addition to this, we support those struggling to buy food through:

“ReadiFood – Reading's Food Bank” which is a service delivering food parcels to families and individuals in need throughout the town. Those in need are referred by RBC Social Services, Job Centre, Citizens Advice and other charities, agencies and churches.
“Reading Pantries” which are a network of membership-based food shops where, for a nominal subscription, members can buy subsidised goods, thereby giving choice and support for those on low incomes or on benefits. We now have over 500 members able to use these shops. Pantries are hosted by local churches and have a café running alongside which creates a setting where members can be supported and signposted to other partner agencies if additional help is needed. This year saw us add Emmanuel to our existing pantries at St Barnabas, Wesley, Southcote, Coley Park, Whitley Wood, Hexham, Pavilion and Norcot.

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FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO

Charities impact

We continue to support numerous individuals living in poverty with physical provision and, as appropriate, befriending, practical and emotional support. Guests of our projects can often access other services onsite as well as being signposted to further support services. We also seek to build communities, in particular through the pantries where the host church provides a café and other opportunities for customers to spend time and build connections. We have seen a number of pantry customers starting to attend wider church activities.

During 2025 we served approximately 18 000 meals to the homeless, gave out 7 500 food parcels and there were approximately 8500 shopping trips to our pantries.

Finances

Faith Christian Group has three types of funds:

1 Unrestricted funds which can be used for any purpose and which make up the charity’s general reserves;
2 Designated funds which have been set aside by the trustees for a particular purpose and require the trustees’ permission to be used for any other purpose. At this time, no funds are designated;
3 Restricted funds that are given for a specific purpose and require the permission of the giver or the Charity Commission to use them for any other purpose. Restricted funds include Readifood and Bed for the Night.

The charity needs general reserves to cover expenditure in the event of an unexpected decrease in income or other change in circumstances. The trustees have defined the minimum level of reserves permissible as £70,000, being enough to cover 2 months of core operating expenditure to allow the charity to continue to operate in the extreme scenario that its income reduces materially over a short period of time. The trustees consider this level appropriate given the stability and diversification of the charity’s income base, which is supported by a large number of regular donors and is not dependent on any single major funder.

At 31 December 2025 the charity held reserves of £127k, which is above the target level. In 2025 our outgoings continue to exceed our income which means we are drawing down our reserves, which were largely built up during the Covid pandemic when donors were particularly generous. We remain above our reserves policy and have intentionally been managing the level down; over 2026 we are actively looking to build our income to sustainably remain above our minimum level of reserves.

Future Plans

With the expansion of our pantry network we expect to see more of our clients accessing them rather than using the foodbank. We therefore expect foodbank usage to continue to fall, until it is just supporting those in immediate crisis, with longer term support coming via the pantries. We are aiming to have a pantry within a 20 minute walk of all areas of Reading.

Relationships

We continue to have excellent working relationships with relevant agencies and organisations in the town, including the various sections of Reading Borough Council such as Social Services, Housing, Homeless and Housing Pathways.

During the year, the charity worked with and made a number of donations to partner organisations and community projects. These contributions enable us to deliver our charitable objectives collaboratively, supporting specialist partners who are well placed to provide frontline assistance to those in need. This approach reflects our commitment to working in partnership across Reading to maximise impact and ensure that individuals receive the most appropriate support

The growth of the pantry network has enabled us to build stronger links into more local churches, working in partnership with them. We continue to enjoy support from the Christian community in Reading.

In 2025 we also grew our support from local business both financially and through the provision of volunteers.

We were also one of the chosen charities of the Mayor of Reading.

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FArfH CHRISTIAN GROUP IREADINGI CIO Governance and Stafflng During 2025 our former Director, Malcolm Peirce, tirert and our Chair of Trustees, Pete Horne stood down. We wotjld like to thank them both for their dedication and oulslanding service lo the charity and to our town. We welcomed David Green as a new trustee to serve alongside Edward Rundell. our treasurer, Oliver Davidson and Helen hAartin, our new Chair. We are looking to recruit further trustees in 2026. Andy Dickens continues to be our CEO and is supported by a team of 12 members of slaff. We have support frorn over 400 volunteers. Signed on behalf of the Trustees Page 6

FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025

Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2025	Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2025	Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2025	Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2025	Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2025	Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2025	Analysis of Total Income and Expenditure by Activity - 2025	2024
General Funds	Street work	Bed for the Night	Readifood	Food Pantries	Day Drop- In Centres	Total Funds Unrestricted and Restricted	Total Funds Unrestricted and Restricted
2025 £ 27,230 25,604 164,340 13,620	2025 £ 300 2,907	2025 £ 500 1,800 21,528 1,712	2025 £ 5,429 16,349 11,333 41,936 6,695	2025 £ 4,106 1,398 22,590 1,079 42,566 1,258	2025 £ 877 1,512 8,500	2025 £ 38,141 46,964 63,951 211,974 42,566 21,573	2024 £ 48,682 76,437 32,000 185,123 23,460 17,305
230,794	3,207	25,540	81,742	72,997	10,889	425,169	383,007
209 79,536 13 5,914 1,480 2,595 6,035 3,670 1,497 6,269 4,853 3,651 466 2,812 1,653 6,376 950	4,045 24,880 42 3,400 1,457 289 134 1,866 616 463 17	3,087 15,479 13,758 69 1,159 383 287	6,197 75,014 32 2,400 2,700 2,184 2,196 23,115 1,854 1,393 149 203 404 133	52,812 61,472 478 2,754 13 4,602 1,519 1,142 25 76 418 185 5,140	995 9,787 840 111 733 242 182 43 152 18,080	67,345 266,168 15,163 2,400 6,100 9,554 4,704 4,938 37,510 8,284 4,963 6,501 5,284 4,055 1,017 2,812 1,838 29,596 950	53,223 251,338 13,097 2,400 6,100 8,762 5,250 3,600 39,842 11,205 6,865 6,106 5,285 3,815 2,668 1,741 561 18,827 925
127,979	37,209	34,221	117,973	130,635	31,164	479,183	441,609
102,815 (158,148)	(34,002) 34,002	(8,682) 8,682	(36,232) 36,232	(57,638) 57,638	(20,275) 21,594	(54,014) -	(58,602) -
181,276 125,943	- -	- -	- -	- -	- 1,319	181,276 127,262	239,878 181,276

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FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025 BALANCE SHEEYS as at 31 Dtcembèr 2C125 31 De¢•mber 2024 FIXED ASSETS Flx¢d ASS at Cost or Valuati Accurnulated Depretlation Total Flxod As8ets 45,823 25.4641 20,359 45.823 117.8841 27.939 Sundry DebtOTS Prepaymtrnts C98h at bank and in hand Current Assets Taxation and sLTrcial $TY Deferred Income Other creditors Credltors due wlthln a year 18,104 15.013 151.044 184,161 5.541 13,752 208,283 227.577 13,8281 135.1821 1,848 12.6361 131,7031 3,500 140.8581 137.8391 Cr8dFtor5 due after a year 36,400 36,4001 NET ASSÈTS 106903 127,262 153,337 181.278 Strtret Worf( Rgstylcted Fund B414 Restricted Fund Readrfood Restrict?d Fund Food Pantrles RBstricted CIRDIC Restrlcted Fund Caversham Drop4n Restrict¥d Fund G8neral Fund CHARITY FUNDS 1.319 125.943 127 262 181.276 181 278 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The trustees have consiclered the best approach to present the accounts to give a fair view of the charity's financial results for the calendar year ended 31 December 2025 and to allow proper comparisons with the res in 2024. Approved by the Trustees OTr 1516/L6 and Signed on Iheir behaK by Trustee Page 8

FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO

NOTES to the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025

Note 1 Basis of preparation

1.1 Basis of accounting

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

The accounts 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) issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

1.2 Going concern

The accounts are prepared on a "going concern" basis. The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated combined with an annual review of the controls over key financial systems will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.

Note 2 Accounting Policies

The Accounting Policies, used and applied consistently throughout the period, are set out below. The Trustees have reviewed the other accounting policies covered by the Financial Reporting Standard and consider they are not applicable to this period's accounts.

2.1 Income recognition

Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, the monetary value can be measured and it is more likely than not that the charity will receive the resources.

2.2 Offsetting

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS 102.

2.3 Grants

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income recognition criteria are met. In the case of performance-related grants, income is only recognised when the performance-related conditions are met. The charity has received a local government grant in the reporting period.

2.4 Tax reclaims on donations and gifts

Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.

2.5 Donated food, goods and services and volunteer help

The value of any donated food, goods and services and volunteer help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.

2.6 Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

2.7 Redundancy cost

The charity made no redundancy payments during the reporting period.

2.8 Deferred income

As at 31 December 2025, £33,472 was held as deferred income in respect of Bed for the Night, which was scheduled to take place in early 2026. This balance includes £28,472 of grant funding received from Reading Borough Council

2.9 Tangible fixed assets for use by charity

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or valuation. The depreciation rates and methods used are disclosed in Note 6.

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FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO

NOTES to the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025

2.10 Debtors

Debtors and loans receivable are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.

2.11 Creditors

The charity's creditors are measured at settlement amounts less any trade discounts.

2.12 Volunteer Help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.

Note 3 Restricted Funds

3.1 Restricted Funds for the year ended 31st December 2025

3.1 Restricted Funds for the year ended	31st December 2025	31st December 2025	31st December 2025	31st December 2025
Balances at 31 December 2024 2025 Donations from Churches Organisations Grants Individuals Membership Subscriptions Other including Interest Total Receipts Contribution towards Staff Costs Property Costs Vehicle Costs Other Costs Total Payments BALANCES at 31 December 2025					Day Drop-In Centres
	Street Work	Bed for the Night "B4N"	Readifood	Food Pantries	CIRDIC	Caversham Drop-In	Total Restricted Funds
	£ -	£ -	£ -	£ -	£ -		£ -
	300 2,907	500 1,800 21,528 1,712	5,429 16,349 11,333 41,936 6,695	4,106 1,398 22,590 1,079 42,566 1,258	8,500	877 1,512	10,911 21,359 63,951 47,634 42,566 7,953
	3,207	25,540	81,742	72,997	8,500	2,389	194,374
	2,441 289 477	15,479 1,828 8,233	56,431 19,831 5,479	61,472 7,263 4,262	7,621 878	1,070	143,445 30,090 5,956 13,564
	3,207	25,540	81,742	72,997	8,500	1,070	193,055
	-	-	-	-	-	1,319	1,319

3.2 Restricted Funds Details

The Street Work Restricted Fund represents donations to support the distribution of food and drink to those on the streets.

The Bed for the Night Restricted Fund - funds donated towards the cost of running the night shelter or drop-in Hub. Preparation and training costs can be incurred in the prior year in preparation for the "B4N" in the following winter.

The Readifood Restricted Fund represents funds donated specifically for use for the food parcel service. Expenses related to Readifood include contribution to salaries for those working for Readifood.

The Food Pantries Restricted Fund represents donations to support the provision of food distribution through Food Pantries.

The CIRDIC Restricted Fund represents donations to support the collaboration with CIRDIC in providing a drop-in Hub.

The Caversham Drop-In Restricted Fund represents donations to support the collaboration with Churches Together in Caversham to provide a drop-in Hub.

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FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO

NOTES to the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025

3.3 Unrestricted Funds Details

The General Fund represents income donated which is not given for a restricted purpose. In the Income and Expenditure Statement any costs that cannot be readily allocated or apportioned to the activities of the Streetwork, Bed for the Night, Readifood or Food Pantries are shown under General Funds. Any deficits on the activities are funded by transfers from the General Fund.

Note 4 Staff Costs and Numbers

Gross Wages and Salaries Employer's National Insurance Costs (net of Employment Allowance) Pension Contributions Number of employees Full Time Part-time Temporary - Part time	CIO 2025 £ 236,959 21,365 (10,500) 18,343 266,168 - 13 5 18	CIO 2024 £ 227,695 14,328 (5,000) 14,315
		251,338
		1 12 3
		16

No employees received employee benefits for the reporting periods of more than £60,000 per annum.

Note 5 Pension Scheme

The Charity operates a Defined Contribution scheme, and contributions are charged to the SoFA as incurred. The charity enrols all employees that meet the criteria for automatic enrolment and pays employer’s contributions.

Note 6 Tangible fixed assets

2025 2025 £ £ 30,500 15,323 - - - - Motor Vehicle Fixtures & Fittings	2025 Total £ 45,823 - -	2024 2024 £ £ 26,094 15,323 13,500 - (9,094) - Motor Vehicle Fixtures & Fittings	2024 Total £ 41,417 13,500 (9,094)
30,500 15,323	45,823	30,500 15,323	45,823
13,200 4,684 6,100 1,480 - -	17,884 7,580 -	16,194 3,204 6,100 1,480 (9,094) -	19,398 7,580 (9,094)
19,300 6,164	25,464	13,200 4,684	17,884

11,200 9,159	20,359	17,300 10,639	27,939

Basis of depreciation – straight line

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FAITH CHRISTIAN GROUP (READING) CIO

NOTES to the Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025

Note 7 Creditors falling due after one year

On 31 March 2016, the FAITH Christian Group rented 33 Boulton Road under a Full Repairing and Insuring lease. In March 2021 the lease was extended for 5 years. The Trustees resolved to provide for the Full Repairing obligation by providing for the repairs through the life of the lease. In 2025 the provision was reviewed and assessed reasonable to hold at £36,400 going forward.

Note 8 Payments to Trustees

No payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period other than purchases made on behalf of the charity for which a trustee has been reimbursed. No other material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee, or any person connected with them.

Note 9 Fees for examination of the accounts

Fees towards independent examination of £950 were accrued for in 2025 (2024 fees £925).

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