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2025-03-31-accounts

Pregnancy Centres Network Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the year ending

31[st] March 2025

Charitable Incorporated Organisation No 1164610

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INTRODUCING PREGNANCY CENTRES NETWORK (PCN)

PCN was set up in 2014 in response to a request from representatives of numerous independent pregnancy centres operating with a Christian ethos. We are currently in touch with around 40 centres. PCN was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in November 2015.

PCN is run by a board of Trustees, united with a passion to increase the support available to those facing unplanned pregnancy and pregnancy loss concerns, and to young people and vulnerable adults making vital decisions regarding sex and relationships. Between us we combine relevant professional expertise and many years of experience working in this field. 

PCN Vision

…is that no-one in the UK has to face unintended pregnancy, abortion, or other pregnancy loss alone and that teenagers and vulnerable adults are empowered to make healthy decisions about relationships and sex.

PCN Mission

…is to resource local pregnancy centres working to relieve psychological, emotional, and spiritual distress related to unplanned pregnancy, post abortion issues or other pregnancy/child loss by:

  1. Assisting and encouraging pregnancy centres to maintain best practice in their non-directive work of supporting those facing unplanned pregnancy, struggling after abortion or with pregnancy/child loss concerns with care and compassion based on Christian principles.

  2. Supporting centres in raising their profile locally and online to increase their reach.

  3. Providing foundational accredited training which is relevant and accessible to independent crisis pregnancy centres regardless of size or location, thereby increasing resilience and availability of high professional standards in independent, counselling support.

To realise our mission, PCN will:

PCN Ethos

PCN is a Christian-based organisation supporting pregnancy centres practising with a Christian ethos and therefore upholds principles of non-judgmentalism, compassion, care and respect derived from a Christian understanding. Recognising that abortion is a controversial issue that can provoke strong reactions, PCN’s purpose is to support centres in avoiding ideological polarisation and in offering compassion, information and practical support at the point of need. PCN and the centres it supports are not campaigning organisations, do not have a political agenda and do not seek to impose values or beliefs on others.

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We uphold the following values:

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REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Pregnancy Centres Network was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on November 30[th] , 2015. The working name for the charity is PCN.

Registered Charity No: 1164610
Registered Office: Bradbury House
Durngate Place
Winchester
SO23 8DX
E-Mail admin@pregnancycentresnetwork.org.uk
Website www.pregnancycentresnetwork.org.uk
Director: Alice Czajka
Trustees: Anne Wallace (in post until July 2024) Chair
Helen Turley (in post from July 2024) Chair
Celia Wyatt Vice Chair
Alistair Fraser (in post from Oct 2024) Treasurer
Carol Steinbrecher (in post until Nov 2024)
Catherine Kimbangi
Ali Thompson
Mary Bevan
Judy McGibbon (in post from Nov 2024)
Volunteers: Lloyd Mushambadzi (in post until May 2024) Treasurer
Jason Jervis (in post from May - Sept 2024) Treasurer
Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ
National Westminster Bank
250 Bishopsgate,
London,
EC2M 4AA
Independent examiner: Mark Jones FCA

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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

The Need

“ I came away feeling emotions that I had obviously kept to the back of my mind. It opened my eyes to how I was feeling, and I felt listened to. I felt really safe there which I hadn't felt for the last few weeks.”

- a centre client

B. Statistics

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C. Research

“I feel the support I received from this service quite literally saved my life. I feel so grateful for the support I've received, and in particular when I felt alone and lost. I felt valued, seen and it was the first time my emotions following my termination felt valid and accepted.”

- a Centre Client

Strategic aims

PCN’s strategic aim is to support our network to grow to 150 thriving centres, whose services include online client support, so that no woman is further than 20 miles from her nearest centre or can easily access online support.

Five key objectives were identified to progress this strategic aim over the next 5 years (2023-2028)

Objective 1: Grow our current support for existing centres

Objective 2: Develop infrastructure to support future network growth

Objective 3: Greater financial stability

Objective 4: Develop and deliver core training courses

Objective 5: Open new centres

The main aims related to these objectives were as follows.

Objective 1: Grow our current support for existing centres

Objective 2: Develop infrastructure to support future network growth

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in an efficient way

Objective 3: Greater financial stability

Objective 4: Develop and deliver core training courses

Objective 5: Open new centres

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE MEASURES

This is our ninth Annual Report, and we are very appreciative to everyone who has given time, money, and professional advice during 2024-2025, enabling us to engage in these activities. Although recent times have brought challenges to small charities, we are encouraged by our progress in the last year and the steps taken to fulfil our vision and mission.

Objective 1: Grow our current support for existing centres

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Objective 2: Develop infrastructure to support future network growth

Objective 3: Greater financial stability

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month in regular donations.

Objective 4: Develop and deliver core training courses

Objective 5: Open new centres

“Discussion about abortion and issues related to a crisis pregnancy are very emotive issues in both secular and church settings. As a church leader it can feel easier just to avoid this topic as we can often fear dealing with the aftermath, so to speak.

I am so thankful I was put in touch with Alice from PCN. The talk she delivered was scripture lead, factual and most of all had the right balance of both grace and truth. The ‘aftermath’ was all fruitful from both those who were directly affected by these issues, those who hadn’t been aware or those who were misinformed. I look forward to working with PCN again in the future and using the resources they provide.” 

- Church Leader

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All of the above have continued to establish the reputation and reach of PCN, enhancing our effectiveness as a catalyst to grow the family of independent crisis pregnancy centres, both in resilience and best practice and in numbers, throughout the UK.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. The trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

Unplanned pregnancy, abortion and miscarriage are common experiences which can be hard to cope with alone and can be a mental health risk without appropriate support. In addition to this, young people and vulnerable adults now face the challenge to navigate social media at the same time as sex and relationships issues.

Clients come to centres from all walks of life and from every ethnic background, including services provided in prisons.

We provide public benefit by resourcing and equipping independent centres across the UK engaged in activities which advance education about sex and relationships, pregnancy and termination of pregnancy, and support anyone challenged by pregnancy crisis or loss. Centres do this by delivering sex and relationships education to young people in schools and youth clubs and by providing support and information to clients experiencing pregnancy crisis and loss, including unplanned pregnancy, foetal abnormality, abortion, miscarriage, and stillbirth.

Our support significantly impacts the ability of practitioners in independent centres (whether staff or volunteers) to set up and run resilient organisations while providing professional standards of non-directive care to clients. As the sole organisation which fulfils this role, we consider that we provide significant public benefit as we enable centres to be better equipped, resulting in better outcomes for their clients who in turn are more able to engage with and contribute to their community and society in general.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Pregnancy Centres Network is a Foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and is governed by a constitution, which outlines the appointment of and powers of trustees, including the following:

Appointment of charity trustees

Number of charity trustees

There must be at least three charity trustees. If the number falls below this minimum, the remaining trustee or trustees may act only to call a meeting of the charity trustees or appoint a new charity trustee.

There is no maximum number of charity trustees that may be appointed to the CIO.

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How this works out in practice

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. The Trustees meet five times a year to review progress and make decisions on future developments. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are listed on page 3. New trustees are appointed by existing trustees of whom there should be a minimum of three. Trustees are selected for their individual skills, knowledge, and vision. New trustees are appropriately trained and inducted.

The management of the charity until 2021 was the direct responsibility of the Trustees. With the appointment of part-time staff this is now devolved to the Director, who will be responsible to the Board and will be assisted by the staff team. Regular staff appraisals will facilitate good communication and goal setting for staff members.

Risk Policy

The Trustees maintain a Risk Management policy which is reviewed at least annually.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

For the year ending 31 March 2025, total income received was £100,984 (FY24: £96,578). Individual giving during the year was £23,309 (FY24: £32,212).

We remain grateful for the donations we receive from centres and trusts that continue to support the work of PCN. We have received £47,391 during the year (FY24: £17,860) of which £20,500 was restricted (FY24: £nil).

Various fundraising activities have been pursued by volunteers, staff, trustees, and those connected with the charity to raise money for funding of the development of training. These efforts have raised £3,803 (FY24: £11,290).

Total expenses for the year amounted to £80,855 (FY24: £96,472). The main category of expenses remains salary expenses of £73,188 (FY24: £70,741). Salary expenses include pay for the trainers who are delivering training courses.

Our net income for the year is £20,129 (FY24: £106) and available charity funds are £46,118 (FY24: £25,989) of which £23,788 is unrestricted (FY24: £15,459) and £22,330 is restricted (FY24: £10,530).

Reserves Policy

The trustees have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds held by the charity should be a minimum of 3 months of the resources expended to ensure that there are sufficient funds available to cover support and governance costs. At this level, the trustees feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity if funding initially increases more slowly than hoped.

FUTURE PLANS

Our accredited training courses now empower Christian volunteers to provide professional standards of free, confidential, non-directive counselling support to clients regardless of culture or gender. By addressing theological issues, trainees are supported to engage with their personal beliefs, thus ensuring that they can

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deliver non-directive care with integrity. We continue to develop our training courses, as well as provide additional online support to centres by offering online CPD training and creating links to experts in the field.

During 2024-25 our focus has been on further developing appropriate infrastructure to support the existing centre network and any future growth as we look to expand our activities and impact. With the alignment process now initiated and resources for Church Engagement created, we are now looking towards opportunities to use these resources to increasing awareness of PCN and the support available through local centres. We are also considering new ways that we can raise awareness of the need for the work of pregnancy centres and the support they provide in the wider community.

Accordingly, plans for 2025-26 include:

COST-OF-LIVING

The cost-of-living crisis continues to impact on our society and has resulted in early data showing a significant increase in the number of abortions taking place due to financial concerns (see statistics page 5). The ongoing provision of ‘pills by post’, allowing women to obtain abortion medication following a telephone consultation and without a scan, continues to hold the potential risk of women not only aborting a pregnancy at a later than expected gestation, but also of coercion by family members to abort a wanted pregnancy. Thus, the need for independent non-directive support for individuals is greater than ever, although provision of this remains relatively scarce. Many Christians feel concerned about these issues but hesitate to address them publicly because they fear being misunderstood. Although there are those who take a different approach in their response to these sometimes polarising and controversial issues, for us, this only increases the urgent need for pregnancy centres who are committed to delivery of high standards of non-directive care ensuring women and their partners get the support they need and deserve.

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STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Charity Commissioners require the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of its surplus or deficit for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP): “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” effective from January 2015. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In determining how amounts are presented within items in the statement of financial activities and balance sheet, the Trustees must have regard to the substance of the reported transaction or arrangement, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or practice.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION

The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011) and that an independent examination is needed. The trustees have appointed Mark Jones FCA as Independent Examiner for the period ended 31[st] March 2025.

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by

Helen Turley, Chair of Trustees

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Statement of financial activities

(Incorporating the income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2025

Notes
Income and endowments from:
Voluntary donations (Centres + Trusts)
Voluntary donations (Individuals)
National conference
Fundraising activities
Gift aid recovered
Grants
Other
Total
2
Expenditure on:
Charity Activities
Charitable donations
Insurance
Total
3
Net income (expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Opening balances brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
20,951
23,309
8,396
3,803
4,056
5,940
11,529
77,984
74,707
-
548
75,255
2,729
5,600
8,329
15,459
23,788		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
20,500
2,500
23,000
5,600
-
-
5,600
17,400
(5,600)
11,800
10,530
22,330		 Total Funds
2025
£
20,951
23,309
8,396
3,803
4,056
26,440
14,029
100,984
80,307
-
548
80,855
20,129
-
20,129
25,989
46,118		 Total Funds
2024
£
10,100
32,212
19,122
11,290
6,514
7,760
9,580
96,578
95,893
-
579
96,472
106
-
106
25,883
25,989

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses for the year. There is therefore no separate statement of total recognised gains and losses prepare

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Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2025

Notes
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Accounts receivable
Other debtors
Current Liabilities
Creditors: amount falling due within one year
5
Net current assets
Total net assets
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
39,805
586
-
40,391
(16,603)
(16,603)
23,788
23,788
23,788
-
23,788		 Restricted
Funds
£
22,330
-
-
22,330
-
-
22,330
22,330
-
22,330
22,330		 Total Funds
2025
£
62,135
586
-
62,721
(16,603)
(16,603)
46,118
46,118
23,788
22,330
46,118		 Total Funds
2024
£
27,482
91
-
27,573
(1,584)
(1,584)
25,989
25,989
15,459
10,530
25,989

The notes on pages 16 to 19 form part of these accounts.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 13[th] September 2025 and are signed on their behalf by:

Helen Turley

Chair of Trustees

Registered charity number: 1164610

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Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

a. Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SOR (FRS 102)). The financial statements are drawn up on the historical cost basis.

b. Going concern

There is no material uncertainty about the Charity's ability to continue and accordingly the accounts have been drawn up on a going concern basis.

c. Income recognition

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when:

d. Funds

Funds are held by the charity as unrestricted and restricted funds. Unrestricted funds can be used, at the discretion of the trustees, for any purpose within the objects of the charity. Restricted funds are expendable by the trustees in furtherance of some particular aspect of the charity declared by the donor(s).

e. Taxation

Pregnancy Centres network is a registered charity and is not liable to taxation

f. Liability recognition

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

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Notes to the financial statements (continued)

2. Income and endowments

Income and endowments from:
Voluntary donations (Centres +
Trusts)
Voluntary donations (Individuals)
National conference
Fundraising activities
Gift aid recovered
Grant
Other
Total		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
20,951
23,309
8,396
3,803
4,056
5,940
11,529
77,984		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
20,500
2,500
23,000		 Total Funds
2025
£
20,951
23,309
8,396
3,803
4,056
26,440
14,029
100,984		 Total Funds
2024
£
10,100
32,212
19,122
11,290
6,514
7,760
9,580
96,578

Voluntary donations relate to amounts donated by other pregnancy centres or individuals on a one-off or recurring basis.

3. Expenses

Expenditure on:
Professional subscriptions
National conference
Staff costs
IT costs (incl. website)
Charitable donations
Insurance
Volunteer expenses
Bank Fees
Administration
Total		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
290
3,991
67,808
943
-
548
987
665
23
75,255		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
220
5,380
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,600		 Total Funds
2025
£
290
4,211
73,188
943
-
548
987
665
23
80,855		 Total Funds
2024
£
391
23,571
70,741
1,001
-
579
30
159
-
96,472

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Notes to the financial statements (continued)

4. Staff costs: paid employees

Staff costs relate to paid employees. During the year we had 6 part time paid employees (2024: 6). The employees of the charity are: The Administrator, the Fundraising Lead, the Training Lead, the Training Administrator, the Director, and the Development Lead. No employees have received employee remuneration of more than £60,000.

In addition the charity employed 5 trainers (2024: 6).

5. Trustees' remunerations

The Trustees have received no remuneration during the period.

6. Creditors

. Creditors
Other creditors 2025
£
16,603
16,604		 2024
£
1,584
1,584

7. Related Parties

In total, the trustees have donated £3,252 (2024: £9,060) to the work of the charity during the period.

8. Analysis of Charitable Funds

Analysis of
fund
movements:
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
between
funds
£
£
£
£
15,459
77,984
75,255
5,600
10,530
23,000
5,600
(5,600)
25,989
100,984
80,855
-		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
23,778
22,330
46,118

The unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.

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The Charity holds the following restricted funds:

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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Pregnancy Centres Network

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Pregnancy Centres Network for the year ended 31[st] March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation’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 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do 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.

Mark Jones FCA – Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Cook & Partners Limited, Manufactory House, Bell Lane, Hertford, SG14 1BP

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