Trustees' Annual Report for the period
Period start date Period end date From 01 Jan 2020 To 31 Dec 2020
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name Grace Church Beckenham
Other names charity is known by (formerly Park Langley Church until April 2020)
Registered charity number (if any) 1164443
Charity's principal address Grace Church Beckenham Church Office, Highland Road Bromley Postcode BR1 4AA
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Lock | Secretary | |||
| Simon Cooke | ||||
| Michael Downing | ||||
| RosemaryWorboys | ||||
| Matthew Dew-Jones | ex-officio | |||
Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)
Name Dates acted if not for whole year
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser Name Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
2020
TAR
1
Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document Constitution (adopted November 2015)
- (eg. trust deed, constitution) Amended April 2020 for Change of Name
How the charity is constituted Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Foundation)
- (eg. trust, association, company)
Trustee selection methods New Charity Trustees are appointed by existing Trustees, with due regard (eg. appointed by, elected by) to appropriate skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. All Charity Trustees are required to subscribe and adhere to, in belief and lifestyle, the Statement of Faith included in the Constitution.
Additional governance issues (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:
-
policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
-
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
-
relationship with any related parties;
-
trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.
The organisational structure of Grace Church Beckenham is such that the spiritual government and leadership of the Church Fellowship, for the purposes of which the CIO has been established, rests with the Spiritual Leadership and to the extent to which the Charity Trustees are not synonymous with the Spiritual Leadership their powers are confined to the proper management and administration of the CIO and its resources in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and in furtherance of its Objects. In so doing the Trustees have full and proper regard to the Spiritual Leadership provided always that they do not act outside their powers as conferred by the Constitution and by general law.
The Church is affiliated to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC) (Registered Charity 1168037) who, amongst other things, provide a source of practical and legal advice (e.g. on Employment regulations, Data protection etc.). Support is also received from the Bromley Christian Workers Trust (BCWT) (Registered Charity 1183501) and The Co-Mission Initiative Trust (Registered Charity 1157383).
The Trustees have approved/implemented a number of policies including:
-
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
-
Data Protection Policy (Incl. updated GDPR Privacy Statement)
-
Financial Reserves Policy
-
Financial Controls Policy
-
HR Policy (Personnel Handbook) for Employees
-
Health & Safety Policy
-
Complaints Procedure
These are kept under regular review and updated as appropriate. The Trustees also have an established Risk Register to support the regular review and discussion of risk.
On appointment new Trustees are provided with a copy of:
-
The Constitution
-
The Charity Commission’s publication: ‘The Essential Trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do’
-
The latest Trustees’ reports/financial statements
New Trustees are required to assent to and sign the Statement of Faith contained in the schedule to the Constitution. All Trustees have also completed an automatic disqualification declaration .
2020
TAR
2
Section C Objectives and activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document
The Object of the CIO is for the public benefit the advancement of the Christian faith in Bromley and such other parts of the United Kingdom and the world as the Charity Trustees may from time to time decide.
The Trustees have kept in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and in particular guidance on charities for the advancement of religion, in the planning and delivery of all our activities.
Specifically, we aim to help any who are interested to find out more about the Christian faith, and to enable ordinary people to live out the Christian faith and to develop their knowledge and trust in Jesus Christ, through learning about the Gospel as declared in the bible.
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)
The advent of COVID-19 during 2020 has had a significant impact on how GCB has provided its main activities (further detail in Section D) but the key focus remains the provision of a weekly Service of worship, bible teaching and prayer. These meetings aim to provide instruction in the Christian faith both for those wishing to investigate its claims and those already committed to living as Christians, as well as pastoral support and care for all. Children of primary school age have their own activities for part of the time.
GCB also provides a mid-week programme for people to study the Bible and discover the doctrines of the Christian faith in more detail; to hear from and to be updated on the work of our various Mission Partners, and to provide for the mutual encouragement of those attending,
Additionally, we hold a regular series of publically advertised Courses and Special Events specifically for anyone from the local community looking for an introduction to, or to learn more about, the Christian faith. Our website (re-launched during the year) also includes: an ‘Explore’ area for those wishing to discover more about Christianity or to engage with the important questions of life from a Christian perspective.
With the help of a dedicated team of volunteers, we also seek to help support those with young children. Until curtailed by the initial UK coronavirus lockdown in March 2020 this was through a weekly toddler group (Sparklers) where local parents and carers were able to bring their toddlers to a safe environment and enjoy chat and refreshments with one another, toys and activities for the children as well as a little thought each week from the bible.
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)
You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:
- policy on grantmaking;
There is a keen contribution from volunteers at the church, and the Trustees are grateful for the valuable commitment of time and energy from all those involved in running Sparklers during the week, those serving on various Rotas and those involved in Administration, Publicity, Outreach and Finance throughout the year.
-
policy programme related investment;
-
contribution made by volunteers.
2020
TAR
3
Section D Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
Inevitably, the advent of COVID-19 has had a significant effect on the timing and implementation of plans to launch a new church to further our main objective of the advancement of the Christian faith in the Bromley area, and specifically our immediate area of Beckenham.
Prior to the first UK coronavirus lockdown, in March 2020, an introductory event was held in February in the Beckenham Public Halls to provide an opportunity for people to find out more about the proposed new church, but, with the subsequent change in national circumstances, it was decided that the full launch, originally planned for September 2020, should be delayed for 12 months.
In the interim, most activities were moved on-line and, as lock-down restrictions were eased, some physical meetings, mainly involving those committed to the launch team, were established in parallel, within Government COVID secure guidelines.
Weekly Sunday services were run jointly with Christ Church Bromley (with Grace Church employees contributing within a joint team). A programme of Mid-week Grace Groups was also established on-line (and physically where possible). Additionally, some ‘Grace Kid’s’ events were organised specifically for Children.
A particular initiative was the organisation of several Special Events . These included running on-line Christianity Explored courses and a series of topical ‘COVID Conversations’ shown live via YouTube. These explored some of life’s big questions, looked at some of the answers Christianity gives, and the difference this makes in the lives of individual Christians. Subjects covered included:
-
How to cope when everything changes
-
How do we handle anxiety?
-
How do we find hope in a fragile world?
-
Facing unemployment
-
Mental Health
-
Life on the Frontline (with NHS Staff)
Collectively these received something approaching 2,000 views, reaching many more people than might have been the case during normal times. Sadly, a Christmas ‘Carols in the Park’ event had to be cancelled at the last moment due to the imposition of Tier 4 restrictions in London and South-East England in mid-December.
The toddler group (Sparklers) met weekly until the initial Lockdown in March 2020 with an average attendance of about 15 children of preschool age and a similar number of adults. In part due to the complexity of COVID rules for running activities for children and the use of hired premises over which we had limited control, it was decided not to restart this Group. Plans were, however, put in place to begin a new Mum’s and Baby Support Group to help those in the early days of parenting.
The Trustees added and reviewed COVID related risks as part of their overall risk assessments. Specifically: the effects of a delayed launch, the potential pressures on finances, and the operational risks related to both the proper implementation of PHE/Government rules & advice on COVID security, together with those resulting from a reduction in the availability of future venues due to closure/reluctance to hire in the current climate. Careful management of these has enabled the Trustees to be confident that, despite all the challenges presented by COVID, GCB continues to be a ‘going concern’ and that, looking forward, the CIO can continue to meet its objectives, including the launch of the new church.
2020
TAR
4
Section E Financial review
Brief statement of the The Trustees have an approved Policy on Reserves which aims to hold charity’s policy on reserves in reserve sufficient general funds to cover a minimum of three month’s average expenditure. The aim is to mitigate against unanticipated reductions in regular income; significant cash flow fluctuations and/or sudden/one-off unbudgeted increases in expenditure, so as to help ensure stability in the operation of the CIO, particularly in respect of the employment of staff engaged to advance the objects of the Trust. The level of reserves is monitored regularly and reported to the Trustees for review at each of their meetings. At the report year-end date (Dec 2020) the level of the reserves stood in excess of 4 months average monthly spend (all unrestricted funds).
Details of any funds materially in deficit
N/A
Further financial review details (Optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant about:
- the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);
Grace Church Beckenham (GCB) is mainly dependent on regular voluntary giving from members of the congregation (and recovery of associated Gift Aid where appropriate) to sustain its activities. During 2020 GCB was also in receipt of grants totally £3,500 from the Bromley Christian Workers Trust (Registered Charity 1183501) to assist in meeting the costs of an Assistant Minister from August 2020. Over the year, total Expenditure of £75k was matched total Income of £76k.
-
how expenditure has Employees
-
supported the key objectives The charity had one employee (Senior Minister) for the first part of the
-
of the charity; year and two (with the additional of an Assistant Minister) from August.
-
investment policy and The holder of the office of Senior Minister is automatically (“ex-officio”) a objectives including any Charity Trustee paid from the Trust under specific provision in the CIO ethical investment policy constitution (which includes required absence from any adopted. discussion/decisions relating to personal benefit). In 2020 the ex-officio Trustee was in receipt of payments of £28,600 (pay and pension). No employees earn over £60k for this charity.
No other amounts were paid or are payable to any other Trustee or to any person connected to them.
Section F Other optional information
Future Plans – With the easing of COVID restrictions (including the availability of a suitable venue), plans are being implemented to enable the launch of the new Beckenham Church during Autumn 2021. In preparation for the relaunch the Trustees agreed a resolution to change the name of the CIO to Grace Church Beckenham in April 2020, with the Charity Commission public register updated accordingly.
Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s) Stephen Peter Lock
Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Secretary
Date 26 October 2021
2020
TAR
5
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Charity Name
Report to the trustees/ Charity Name members of Grace Church Beckenham (formerly Park Langley Church until April 2020) On accounts for the year Charity no ended 31 December 2020 (if any) 1164443 Set out on pages 8 - 9 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 / 12 / 2020 .
Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
| Signed: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: |
Date: | |
|---|---|---|
| 09/10/2021 | ||
| David Whybrow | ||
| 35 Brockenhurst Road | ||
| Addiscombe | ||
| CR0 7DR |
6
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
7
| Charity Name | No (if any) | |
|---|---|---|
| Grace Church Beckenham | 1164443 | |
| Receipts andpayments accounts | CC16a | |
| Period start date For the period from 01-Jan-20 |
Period end date To 31-Dec-20 |
| Section A Receipts and payments | Section A Receipts and payments | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 56,575 13,391 123 4,525 - - - 74,614 - - - 74,614 35,279 3,586 32,458 565 505 744 282 480 - 73,899 - - - 73,899 715 - 26,461 27,177 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ - - - - 1,293 - - - 1,293 - - - 1,293 - - - - - 1,293 - - - 1,293 - - - 1,293 - - - - |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ 56,575 13,391 123 - 5,818 - - - 75,907 - - - 75,907 35,279 3,586 32,458 565 505 2,036 282 480 - 75,191 - - - 75,191 715 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
| VoluntaryGiving | 56,575 | - - - - - - - - - |
33,205 | ||
| Gift Aid | 13,391 | 8,325 | |||
| Parents & Toddlers(Sparklers) | 123 | 711 | |||
| Events | 85 | ||||
| Other | 4,525 | 830 | |||
| - | - | ||||
| - | - | ||||
| - | - | ||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
74,614 |
43,156 | |||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
|||||
| - | - - - |
- | |||
| - | - | ||||
| Sub total | - | - | |||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
|||||
| - | 43,156 | ||||
Salaries and National Insurance |
35,279 | - - - - - - - - - - |
10,491 | ||
| Pensions | 3,586 | 867 | |||
| Rented Accommodation | 32,458 | 19,988 | |||
| Venue Hire | 565 | 4,401 | |||
| Events & Publicity | 505 | 767 | |||
| Admin & Other | 744 | 357 | |||
| Insurance | 282 | 267 | |||
| Mission Partners | 480 | 1,020 | |||
| - | - | ||||
| **Sub total ** | 73,899 | 38,157 | |||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
|||||
| - | - - - |
- | |||
| - | - | ||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | |||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
|||||
| - | 38,157 | ||||
| 715 | - |
4,998 | |||
| - | - - |
- 26,461 |
- | ||
| 26,461 | 21,463 | ||||
| 27,177 | - |
27,177 | 26,461 |
CCXX R8 accounts (SS)
GCB Accounts 2020
8
| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B1 Cash funds |
Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) December Gift Aid Claim Bank Current Account Details Details Details Signature |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 27,177 - - - - - 27,177 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 1,453 - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name Stephen Lock |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
|||
| Date of approval |
|||
| Stephen Lock | Oct21 | ||
CCXX R9 accounts (SS)
GCB Accounts 2020
9