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2024-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1164459

Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2,The Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF

1

CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

CONTENTS

----- Start of picture text -----
Page 3 Legal and Administrative Information
Page 4 to 6 Trustees' Report
Page 7 Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees
Page 8 Statement of Financial Activities
Page 9 Balance Sheet
Pages 10 to 15 Notes to the Financial Statements
----- End of picture text -----

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CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CHARITY NUMBER 1164459 DATE OF REGISTRATION 18th November 2015

START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st January 2024 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st December 2024

TRUSTEES AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 S.T. Aellen (Elder) N.P. Bridges (Elder) J.D.S. Faux (Pastor, Elder) M.D. Hill (Elder) D.M. Lawson (Elder) F.E.O Saer (Pastor, Elder) J.E.P. Taylor (Pastor, Elder)

LEGAL STATUS Charitable Incorporated Organisation

GOVERNING INSTRUMENT CIO Foundation Registered 18th November 2015

OBJECTS

1) THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BASIS OF FAITH PRIMARILY BUT NOT EXCLUSIVELY WITHIN SOUTHAMPTON AND THE ADJACENT AREAS.

2) SUCH OTHER CHARITABLE PURPOSES AS SHALL, IN THE OPINION OF THE CHARITY TRUSTEES, FACILITATE THE WORK OF THE CHURCH, PROVIDED THAT SUCH PURPOSES MUST FIRST BE APPROVED BY A RESOLUTION OF THE PARTNERS OF THE CHURCH AND MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THE BASIS OF FAITH.

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS Burgess Road Library Burgess Road Southampton SO16 3HF PRIMARY BANKERS CAF Bank Ltd West Malling Kent ME19 4TA

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Independent Examiners Ltd The Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF

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TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Charitable Objects

The objects of the church are

1) The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the basis of faith primarily but not exclusively within Southampton and the adjacent areas.

2) Such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the charity trustees, facilitate the work of the church, provided that such purposes must first be approved by a resolution of the partners of the church and must be carried out in a manner consistent with the basis of faith.

Structure, Governance and Management

The Church as a legal entity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, affiliated to the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches (FIEC). It is governed by a Constitution dated 4 November 2015.

Registered Charity status was granted on 18 November 2015 under Registration Number 1164459.

The Charity is also Corporate Trustee for Freemantle Evangelical Church through a Pre-merger Vesting Declaration signed 7 May 2020.

The Charity is governed by a board of Trustees who also constitute the members of the Charity and the leadership of the Church. They meet regularly (normally fortnightly) to set policy and review the activities of the Church, and their decisions are subject to the scrutiny of the members of the Church body (normally twice yearly) in accordance with ‘Church Life and Conduct’, a document which sets out the practical workings of the Church.

Significant financial decisions are taken with the approval of the members of the Church body through a formal vote.

Trustees are appointed by existing trustees where they have satisfied themselves of the need of further trustees and the qualifications – spiritual and otherwise – of the person proposed for the role, through consultation with the Church body as specified in ‘Church Life and Conduct.’

All trustees served without remuneration in their capacity as Trustees. Those Trustees who are Pastors receive remuneration in that capacity at levels determined by non-Pastor Trustees, as well as – in some cases – rent payments in connection with the Church Manses at levels determined by the non-Pastor Trustees, meeting separately, at or below the appropriate market levels for the relevant property. The Pastors themselves do not participate in any determination of the remuneration they receive. No other Trustees have a beneficial interest in the Charity.

Review of Activities

When planning and reviewing the objectives of the activities of the Church, due consideration has been given to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, the church sets out to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our church in their local communities.

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The Church is committed to reaching, teaching, discipling and training Christians to carry out Gospel ministry in Southampton and further afield. The Church welcomes members and attendees from all backgrounds and actively seeks to invite members of both the Church and the local community to benefit from its ministries.

The ministries of the Church are overseen by its leadership, and are carried forward both by the Church staff and by the extensive involvement of over 150 volunteers drawn from Church members and other regular attendees. This pattern is seen in all areas of the life of the Church.

Through the year, the Church held a series of weekend and midweek meetings and activities in Southampton, and in addition provided financial support and pastoral care to individuals and also supported other individuals and organisations involved in Christian mission and training.

Activities included student groups meeting on Sundays, reading groups, retreats, conferences, small groups and individual meetings. International students were taught about English culture and the Christian faith. English language lessons were provided free of charge to those recently arrived in the UK, often connected with the neighbouring university.

The children’s and families' work also continued to develop. As well as Sunday activities for children and young people, special events for members of the local community were held. A weekly Toddlers group was held for local parents/carers and their children.

A number of other small groups met to teach enquirers about the Christian faith, and to nurture those who are already committed to the faith. These included groups for women (at which a crèche is provided), a network of groups for those in their 20s, a youth group, other groups with more general membership and regular ‘Partnership Courses’ for those exploring becoming a member of the Church.

A community library was operated by the charity in cooperation with Southampton City Council and the Burgess Road Library Management Team.

There is a strong training ethos, and opportunities are provided for self-funded, full-time volunteers, generally known as ‘Ministry Trainees’, to learn about Christian ministry in the context of the church. Other volunteers are given training in various areas, including music, children’s work, student work, group leadership, safeguarding and general Christian ministry. Some of this is provided in-house; other elements are achieved through attendance at conferences and training courses further afield.

The Church used a number of venues to host their various activities. However, most activities took place in a community library and a secondary school in Southampton.

Finance

Receipts, outgoings and balances are as shown in the statement of financial activities and balance sheet appended.

The Charity’s funding principally came from gifts and donations made by members of the congregation together with associated Gift Aid. In addition, some funds came in the form of grants from external bodies.

A reserves policy exists whereby – in normal circumstances – cash reserves should be retained amounting to 3 months basic operating costs (such costs being estimated at a nominal 80% of the full current-year charity budget. In the 2024 financial year this target was again met.

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Responsibilities of the Trustees The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prep3re financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that period. In preparing the financial ststements the Trustees are required to.. select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. and prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it 15 inappropriate to assume that the Charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the f inancial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2CQ8 and the provisions of the governing document. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Ch3rity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's websites. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. This report was approved by the Trustees of the Church and signed on their behalf by.. Signed Name . N. P. Bridges Date .

CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS

Report to the trustees/ members of Christ Church Southampton CIO on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 set out on pages 8 to 15.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As the charity’s Trustees of Christ Church Southampton (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 Christ Church Southampton 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

Since Christ Church Southampton gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

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:

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.

Signed :

18.7.25

Date :

K Gomes FCIE MAAT

Independent Examiners Ltd The Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF

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CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Notes
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming Resources from Generated Funds
Donations, Legacies & Similar Income
4a
Investment Income
4b
Charitable Activities
4c
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Costs of Generating Funds
Charitable Activities
5a
Governance Costs
5b
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
NET INCOMING (OUTGOING) RESOURCES
Total Funds Brought Forward
Gain on Disposal of Fixed Assets
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
545,255
154,089
699,344
531,750
7,771
-
7,771
6,042
35,602
-
35,602
52,770
588,628
154,089
742,717
590,562
519,065
35,612
554,677
546,046
2,093
-
2,093
2,394
521,158
35,612
556,770
548,440
67,470
118,477
185,947
42,122
282,486
297,580
580,067
534,876
-
-
-
3,070
349,959
416,056
766,015
580,067

Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.

The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

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CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON IcharitablÈ lTh(orptyratsd Organisation) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 vnrestrftted Funds Restrfcted Funds 31-Dec-24 TtstJl 31-Dec-23 Total Flxed Assets Tangible A55ets Investments 3,810 254,018 257.828 264,702 Total Flxed Assets 3.810 254.018 257,B2B 264.702 Current Assets Debtors & Prepayrnents Cash at Bank and in Hand 87,921 271,876 87,921 433,914 27,961 297 903 162,038 Totsl eurrent Assets 359,797 162,038 521 835 325,864 Credltor$: amounts falling due within one vear 13.648 13,648 10,499 NET CURRENT ASSETS 346,149 162,038 508,187 315,365 TOTAL ASSETS less current Ilabiliues 349,959 416,056 766.015 580,067 Credltors: amounts falllng due in fflore than one year io NET ASSETS 349,959 416,056 766,015 580,067 Funds of the Charlty General Funds Restricted Funds 349,959 349,959 416,056 282,4B6 297,580 416,056 Total Funds 349.959 416,056 766,015 580,067 Approved by the Trustee5 On Slgned on thelr behalf by Trustee Prfnted Name-. /•// 16éL P4uL 6 L i)C*£S

CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Preparation & Assessment of Going Concern

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes. The 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 (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP - FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Assessment of Going Concern

Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Transition to FRS102

The Charity has presented its results under FRS102 and Charity SORP (FRS102). The trustees have considered whether in applying the accounting policies required by FRS 102 and the Charities SORP FRS 102 a restatement of comparative items was not needed. No restatements of the previous period results were required.

Incoming Resources

Recognition of Incoming Resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

▪ the charity becomes entitled to the resources;

▪ the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and

▪ the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability

Incoming Resources with Related Expenditure

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.

Grants and Donations

Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts

Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.

Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants

This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services has been delivered.

Gifts in Kind

Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable.

Donated Services and Facilities

These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

Volunteer Help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.

Investment Income

This is included in the accounts when receivable.

Investment Gains and Losses

This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

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CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Expenditure and Liabilities

Liability Recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Governance Costs

Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees meetings and cost of any legal advise to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

Grants with Performance Conditions

Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.

Grants Payable without Performance Conditions

These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.

Support Costs

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of the resources, e.g. allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capital employed, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees' best estimate of market value.

Pensions

Pension contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable.

Unrestricted Funds

These funds can be used for the general objectives of the charity as set out in the trustees report. The movements of the unrestricted funds are given in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Restricted Funds

These funds are where the donor has specified a purpose for the donation made. These restrictions often arise as a result of the regular appeals for special offerings made at the Sunday fellowship meetings.

Designated Funds

These funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific purposes or projects.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.

Stock

Stock is held at the lower of cost and net realisable value.

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets on a straight line basis over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied per annum are as follows:

Land & Buildings 2% Motor Vehicles 20%

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CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Cost
01-Jan-24
Additions
Disposals
Cost Value at
31-Dec-24
Depreciation
01-Jan-24
Charge
Disposal
Depreciation at
31-Dec-24
Net Book Value
31-Dec-24
Net Book Value
31-Dec-23
Fixtures
Land &
Motor
Fittings &
2024
Building
Vehicles
Equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
280,167
6,350
-
286,517
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
280,167
6,350
-
286,517
20,545
1,270
-
21,815
5,604
1,270
-
6,874
-
-
-
-
26,149
2,540
-
28,689
254,018
3,810
-
257,828
264,702
-
-
264,702

The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows: 31st December 2024 : None

31st December 2023 : None

3. INVESTMENTS

The CIO held no fixed investments during this or the previous financial period.

4. INCOMING RESOURCES

Note
a) Donations, Legacies & Similar Income
Gifts, Tithes & Offerings
6
Gift Aid Tax Recovered
Building Fund
Grants
6
b) Investment Income
Interest Received
c) Charitable Activities
Activities & Events
Weekend Away Event
Bookstall Income
Food Contributions
Residentials
Other Income
Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
402,682
18,720
421,402
386,717
95,159
742
95,901
73,323
-
115,716
115,716
-
47,414
18,911
66,325
71,710
545,255
154,089
699,344
531,750
7,771
-
7,771
6,042
7,771
-
7,771
6,042
4,025
-
4,025
2,338
-
-
-
18,637
1,631
-
1,631
2,895
9,273
-
9,273
10,034
19,924
-
19,924
18,064
749
-
749
802
35,602
-
35,602
52,770

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CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

5. RESOURCES EXPENDED

Note
a) Charitable Activities
Church Activities
Staff Costs
11
Ministry Support to Members
6
Church Costs
Depreciation Expense
6
Premises Costs
6
Office Costs
6
Vehicle Costs
2
Venue Hire
Cost of Activities
Bookstall Costs
Food Costs
MYC
Activities & Events
Weekend Away Event
Running Costs
External Expenses
External Ministry Support
6
Affiliations
`
b) Governance Costs
Independent Examiners Fees
Legal & Professional Fees
Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
374,274
18,911
393,185
348,870
-
-
-
-
1,270
5,603
6,873
6,873
22,880
3,140
26,020
24,577
11,260
1,158
12,418
9,759
2,198
-
2,198
2,397
19,951
-
19,951
15,695
5,026
-
5,026
6,031
23,482
-
23,482
21,290
23,354
-
23,354
20,821
9,924
-
9,924
6,986
-
-
-
20,655
8,431
-
8,431
13,290
8,019
6,800
14,819
42,390
8,996
-
8,996
6,412
519,065
35,612
554,677
546,046
1,560
-
1,560
1,440
533
-
533
954
2,093
-
2,093
2,394

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CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

6. FUNDS MOVEMENT

6. FUNDS MOVEMENT
Restricted Funds
Christ Church Southampton Funds
Building Fund
Freemantle
Balance
Balance
01-Jan-24
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
31-Dec-24
£
£
£
£
£
20,309
25,128
22,085
-
-
23,352
-
115,716
-
-
115,716
277,271
13,244
13,527
-
-
276,988
297,580
154,089
35,612
-
-
416,056

Unrestricted Funds

The restricted funds held are wholly represented by the cash reserves of the CIO.

7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

Cash at Bank & in Hand
8. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS
Sundry Debtors
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
271,876
162,038
433,914
297,903
271,876
162,038
433,914
297,903
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
87,921
-
87,921
27,961
87,921
-
87,921
27,961

9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Sundry Creditors
Deferred Income
PAYE & NI
Independent Examiners Fees
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
2,928
-
2,928
511
2,471
2,471
3,075
8,129
-
8,129
5,474
120
-
120
1,440
13,648
-
13,648
10,499

10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR

Sundry Creditors Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

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CHRIST CHURCH SOUTHAMPTON

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

11. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS

2024
£
Gross Wages & Salaries
278,775
Staff Accommodation Costs
82,413
Social Security Costs
17,846
Pension Contributions
14,151
393,185
Employees who were engaged in each of the following activities:
2024
TOTAL
Activities in furtherance of organisation's objects
11
11
2023
£
229,304
90,509
15,895
13,162
348,870
2023
TOTAL
10
10

No employees received emoluments in excess £60,000 (2023: None)

12. PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

During the financial year Trustee F.E.O. Saer received £34,369 (2023:£33,125) in salary-related payments and £5,292 (2023:£5,100) in pension contributions in his capacity as Senior Pastor of Christ Church Southampton. He and his spouse also received £30,000 (2023:£30,000) in rental payments in connection with provision of a manse.

During the financial year Trustee J.P. Taylor received £30,774 (2023:£29,660) in salary-related payments and £4,000(2023:£2,919) in pension contributions in his capacity as Assistant Pastor of Christ Church Southampton. He and his spouse also received £16,655 (2023:£16,353) in rental payments in connection with provision of a manse. During the financial year Trustee J.D.S Faux received £30,390 (2023:£28,800) in salary related payments, £2,431 (2023:£864) in Pension Contributions and was provided with accommodation at a cost of £21,108 (2023:£20,392) in his capacity as Pastor of Christ Church Southampton.

The payments of £6,007 made to three trustees, consisted of reimbursements for items purchased on behalf of the Church in furthering the Charity's objects.

No other payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial year. No other material transactions took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them. No other trustees received any remuneration or benefits in kind during the financial year.

13. RISK ASSESSMENT

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 the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis 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.

14. RESERVES POLICY

The trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the CIO's needs. This is based on the CIO's size and the level of financial commitments held. The trustees aim to ensure the CIO will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

15. PUBLIC BENEFIT

The CIO acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the CIO has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.

15