Trustees’ annual report for the period
| Trustees’ annual report for the period | Trustees’ annual report for the period | Trustees’ annual report for the period | Trustees’ annual report for the period | Trustees’ annual report for the period | Trustees’ annual report for the period | Trustees’ annual report for the period | Trustees’ annual report for the period |
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| From | Period start date | To | Period end date | ||||
| 1 | January | 2021 | 31 | December | 2021 |
Charity name The Group-based Open Learning Discipleship Project
Registered charity number (if any)[1166567 ]
Objectives and activities
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
SORP reference Para 1.17 Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
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| The objects of the CIO are: (1) the advancement of the Christian religion both in the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world by: (a) the provision of interactive self-study courses and programmes to be undertaken at home but supplemented and supported by a tutor and interactive group discussions designed to increase understanding of the Bible, Christian doctrine and related subjects and thereby better equip students for discipleship, ministry (whether ordained or lay) and mission in various Christian denominations; (b) such other exclusively charitable means as the trustees may from time to time determine. (2) the advancement of education by assisting in the training of men and women in their understanding of the Christian religion to equip them better for discipleship, ministry (whether ordained or lay) and mission in various Christian denominations. |
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| In order to help Christians grow and apply their faith at home, in the church and society, the GOLD project: a) provides interactive learning resources to enable systematic study of the Bible and other theological subjects; b) appoints and trains tutors to organise and run local study groups; c) runs regional study days for the benefit of students, tutors and other Christians; d) publicises its activities and runs promotional events in local churches. |
January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2020
GOLD Project Trustees’ annual report for the period:
Page 2 of 7
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| Statement confirming | Para 1.18 | The GOLD Project is established for the benefit of the public in the |
| whether the trustees have | areas of education and the advancement of the Christian religion. | |
| had regard to the | In setting up the charity, the trustees consulted with the Charity | |
| guidance issued by the | Commission in both of these areas. The Charity seeks to follow | |
| Charity Commission on | best educational practice and is open to work with various | |
| public benefit | Christian denominations. | |
| Additional information (optional) | ||
| You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
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| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit Para 1.18 The GOLD Project is established for the benefit of the public in the areas of education and the advancement of the Christian religion. In setting up the charity, the trustees consulted with the Charity Commission in both of these areas. The Charity seeks to follow best educational practice and is open to work with various Christian denominations. Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
The GOLD Project is established for the benefit of the public in the areas of education and the advancement of the Christian religion. In setting up the charity, the trustees consulted with the Charity Commission in both of these areas. The Charity seeks to follow best educational practice and is open to work with various Christian denominations. |
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| Policy on grant making Policy on social investment including program related investment Contribution made by volunteers Other |
SORP reference Para 1.38 Para 1.38 Para 1.38 |
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| The charity maintains a policy on grant making to ensure transparency and openness in assigning bursaries from the restricted fund (the Monica Fund) set up for this purpose (December 2015). This policy was reviewed and revised by the Trustees in September 2019. Thispolicyis due for review in 2022. |
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| The Trustees continue to invest a significant amount of the GOLD Project assets (c£55,800) in an Ethical Investment Fund. In 2019, the Trustees have also decided to pursue a policy to ensure that paper and resources used in course materials take into consideration their environmental impact. The graphic design of new courses has deliberately sought to consider issues faced by learners with dyslexia and dyspraxia. |
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| Each learning group is tutored by voluntary tutors who are appointed based on their theological qualifications and their experience. For each new tutor references are sought. Training is given to Tutors on a regular basis. The Director of the GOLD Project gives 2 ½ days per week as a volunteer. |
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| **Achievements and performan ** | ce | |
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
SORP reference Para 1.20 |
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| The GOLD Project’s main activity in 2021 has been to continue to support the learning of our Study Groups by providing materials and supporting the voluntary tutors who run the groups. From March 2020, we faced significant challenges as our face-to-face learning groups were not able to continue owing to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown. By the end of 2021, at least half of our groups continued to study via Zoom, though some had decided to begin to meet in face-to-face groups according to Government guidelines An ongoing concern since the beginning of lockdown is that GOLD Leaders are struggling to attract new people to their groups. In addition to a strategy for new groups, we need to reflect on a strategy to help our leaders sustain the existing groups and attract new students. During 2021, we continued to run a pilot group for our new Level 2 course materials on the Life of Christ. We also ran a group via Zoom for potential leaders to give them an experience of how the course works. |
GOLD Project Trustees’ annual report for the period:
January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2021
Page 3 of 7
We have continued to support our GOLD Leaders and have revised our ‘Notes for Leaders’ and created a specific ‘role description’ for those wishing to lead our groups.
We have continued to adapt SEAN courses for use within the UK and have been able to negotiate with SEAN International about some key changes that we felt were necessary for the UK context. We entered into a joint project with SEAN International to redesign the Level 1 courses for which we are sharing the costs of the design. We were also able to employ a part-time editor to enable to ongoing work in this area. This was funded by specific donations for the role which will continue into 2022.
Although Coronavirus also affected our regular study days, we were able to hold two Study Days on the Environment via Zoom. The first was held jointly with the Diocese of Guildford and the second was supported by Arocha UK. These Study Days were both well attended and addressed a significant issue from a biblical perspective. In October we held our first Open Evening which was received well and attended by over 30 people including some from overseas. We have continued a work-from-home policy and our administrator meets weekly with the Director via Zoom. This has continued to work well.
The Trustees continue to work assess the work of the Charity in relation to our Strategic Plan and are considering how best to take forward the marketing of the Charity in the coming year.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set Investment performance against objectives Other |
SORP reference Para 1.41 Para 1.41 Para 1.41 |
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| The Trustees have set a Strategic Plan which is reviewed at each meeting against the budget. This Strategic Plan sets out clear goals in terms of Course Design and Formatting, Recruiting and Training GOLD Leaders, Promotion amongst national and local church leaders. Each of these are considered in relation to the budget. In the coming year, we will be focussing on how to increase the reach and recognition of the Charities activities with a view to a significant growth in student numbers over the coming three years. In 2021, we have received more funds than anticipated as the result of a significant donation from a supporter who had received a legacy as well as specific donations for the support of the editor’s salary. Our financial investments have continued to do well. |
GOLD Project Trustees’ annual report for the period:
January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2021
Page 4 of 7
Financial review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held Amount of reserves held Reasons for holding zero reserves Details of fund materially in deficit Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
SORP reference Para 1.21 Para 1.22 Para 1.22 Para 1.22 Para 1.24 Para 1.23 |
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| During the accounting period, the GOLD Project had total receipts of £18,704 (up from £7,452 in 2020). Receipts from course fees and study days were £3,862 (up from £3,460 in 2020). In accordance with the Trustees plan to invest our assets in the development of GOLD Project, the total payments for 2020 were £18,912 (up from £15,231). Of this amount, the Trustees invested £7,072 in specific development activities including graphic design, course formattingand the employment of apart time editor. |
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| The Trustees of GOLD Project have an agreed a policy to hold six months’ operating costs as reserves. At present, the budget for 2022 anticipates a total annual operating expenditure of £15,900 which means that the reserve for the coming year should be set at £7,950. This budget does not include the employment of additional staff, but it is anticipated that any additional costs will still enable us to abide byour reservespolicy. |
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| Unrestricted Cash funds at 31/12/2021 were: £3,223. Restricted Cash funds (editor’s salary + bursary fund) at 31/12/2021 were: £4,462. COIF Ethical Investment fund at 31/12/2021 was valued at: £55,811. |
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| As Trustees, the global coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on our activities in 2020 and 2021. However, owing to generous donations and anticipated income from grants along with increase fee income, we are confident that we can minimise the impact of this in 2022. As it stands, we are confident that we have adequate reserves and assets to ensure that our charity continues to be a going concern. While the Trustees have committed to invest our assets in strategic aspects of developing the GOLD Project, there is presently no concern about the charity as a going concern. |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
SORP reference Para 1.47 |
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| The Charity has three main sources of funds for its operations. First, the fees charged to students for studying courses and attendance at Study Days. Our intention is to grow the income from fees over the coming years by additional students and study groups. Second, we have a small group of donors who give regularly to the work of the charity and a couple of donors who make significant donations, including giving towards the salary of a part-time editor in 2021 and 2022. Third, we have continue to partner with SEAN International in the graphic design of some of our courses and seek some support fromgrant-makingtrusts. |
GOLD Project Trustees’ annual report for the period:
January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2021
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| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted A description of the principal risks facing the charity Other |
Para 1.46 Para 1.46 |
GOLD Project received a significant donation at its inception. A significant part of this has been invested in COIF Ethical Investment fund in keeping with the values of the Charity. The Charity will seek to use its assets in furthering the aims and objectives of the GOLD Project. |
| The principal risks facing the charity are the ability to recruit, train and retain suitable leaders to ensure the consistent quality of the learning experience. Ongoing challenges face the charity in persuading churches and individuals to invest time and money in significant study of the Bible and other Christian disciplines at a time when people face the pressure of time and finances. The GOLD Project seeks to develop significant links with national and local churches to mitigate against these risks. |
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| Structure, governance and management | ||
| Description of charity’s trusts: SORP reference Type of governing document: for example, trust deed, memorandum and articles of association etc Para 1.25Constitution (Charitable Incorporated Organisation 2016) How is the charity constituted? for example limited company, unincorporated association, CIO Para 1.25Charitable Incorporated Organisation Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees Para 1.25Trustees Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: SORP reference Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees Para 1.51 Potential Trustees are invited to attend meetings of the Trustees as observers. Once they become Trustees they are given access to the Charity’s governing documents, policies and meeting minutes and are encouraged to read information from the Charity Commission such as “The essential trustee”. |
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| Constitution (Charitable Incorporated Organisation 2016) | ||
| Charitable Incorporated Organisation | ||
| Trustees | ||
| Potential Trustees are invited to attend meetings of the Trustees as observers. Once they become Trustees they are given access to the Charity’s governing documents, policies and meeting minutes and are encouraged to read information from the Charity Commission such as “The essential trustee”. |
GOLD Project Trustees’ annual report for the period:
January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2021
Page 6 of 7
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| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works Para 1.51 Relationship with any related parties Para 1.51 Other |
GOLD Project seeks to work with various churches but has no formal connection with any particular denomination. In the course of the year, the charity has sought to strengthen and establish links with the Church of England and various dioceses as well as with other Christian organisations. |
| GOLD Project has a formal agreement with SEAN UK to offer their courses at different levels for use by local churches. We have also agreed to partner with SEAN International for the graphic design of some of our courses. |
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Reference and administrative details
Charity name The Group-based Open Learning Discipleship Project Other name the charity uses GOLD Project Registered charity number 1166567 Charity’s principal address 10 Moorend Gardens, Lawrence Weston, Bristol BS11 0JL
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. |
Trustee name | Office (if any) |
Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rev Dr John Nolland | Chair | Trustees | ||
| Mrs Samantha DorothyHands | Trustees | |||
| Dr David Mark Ball | Director/ Secretary |
Trustees | ||
| Ben Stansfield | Trustees | |||
| Rev Christopher Jolyon Trickey | Trustees | |||
| Mrs Victoria Kim Adamson | Trustees | |||
Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved
| Director name | |
|---|---|
| N/A | |
| Name of trustees holdingtitle topropertybelongingto the charity | |
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for wholeyear |
| N/A |
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
N/A
N/A
GOLD Project Trustees’ annual report for the period:
January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2021
Page7of7 Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity's own assets NIA Additional Informatlon {optlonall Names and addresses of advisers (optioftal information) e of adviser Name Address Voluntary Secior Advice Trust Advice CIC Iformerly Advice for the Volunta Sector Unit 2, The Broadbridge Business Centre. Delling Lane. Bosham, P018 8NF Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members Dr David Mark Ball Director tional information Exemptions from disclosure Reason for non-disclosure of ke personnel details N/A Other optional information NIA Declarations The company has taken advantage of the small companies, exemption in preparing the report above. The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees. report [in¢luding director5, report) above. Signed on behalf of the charit Signaturels) 's trustees/directors Full name(s) Position (for example Secretary, Chair. etcl Date lohn Leslie Nolland David Mark Ball Chair Director GOLD Project Trustees, annual report for thè period.. January ill to Oecember 31sI 2021
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