| Trustees’ annual report for the period | |||||||
| From | Period start date | To | Period end date | ||||
| 1 | January | 2022 | 31 | December | 2022 |
Charity name The Group-based Open Learning Discipleship Project
Registered charity number (if any)[1166567 ]
Objectives and activities
SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document
Para 1.17 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:
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(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;
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(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.
January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2022
GOLD Project Trustees’ annual report for the period:
Page 2 of 7
| 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. Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 Para 1.18 |
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. |
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| 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:
| 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 updated by the Trustees in September 2022. Thispolicyis due for review in 2025. |
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| The Trustees continue to invest a significant amount of the GOLD Project assets (c£50,200) 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 led by voluntary group leaders who are normally selected by the local church and trained by GOLD Project. Until the end of August 2022, the Director of the GOLD Project has given 2 ½ days per week as a volunteer. From September 2022, the Trustees decided to pay him for certain specific agreed services. In addition to these services, he continues to give a significant amount of time to the GOLD Project in a voluntary capacity. |
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| **Achievements and performan ** | ce | |
| SORP reference |
GOLD Project Trustees’ annual report for the period:
January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2022
Page 3 of 7
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.
Para 1.20
The GOLD Project’s main activity in 2022 has continued to be the support of learning in our Study Groups by providing materials and supporting the voluntary tutors who run the groups. In 2022 we have seen several groups return to meeting face to face. However, some groups continue to have met on Zoom which has allowed people from various locations to join a study group. We have also seen the revival of some of the work in prisons where students are again able to meet. We have continued to support our GOLD Leaders through ongoing training and meetings. An ongoing concern since the beginning of lockdown is that GOLD Leaders are struggling to attract new people to their groups. In order to address this and also to promote GOLD Project among churches, the Trustees agreed to appoint a part-time Marketing Officer. The role started in October 2022 and we look forward to an increase in awareness of our work in the coming year and also an increase in student numbers and new groups. We are developing a five year marketing strategy which will start in 2023. During 2022, we completed the pilot group for our new Level 2 course materials on the Life of Christ. This brings to a conclusion our adaptation of SEAN courses for use within the UK. The parttime editor completed her role in updating and editing these SEAN courses and her role came to an end in July 2022. In October 2022, we were able to hold our first face-to-face Study Day since the beginning of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Students gathered together at St Mary’s Church Welwyn to consider think theologically about technology. We were also able to make the Study Day available via Zoom for those who could not attend in person. 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 2022, we have received more funds than anticipated as the result of a one off grant from a trust that was closing down and also a significant donation from a supporter who has given specifically towards the salary of the new Marketing Officer. Our financial investments have not done as well in the current year as previously. |
GOLD Project Trustees’ annual report for the period:
January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2022
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 £18,090 (down from £18,700 in 2021). Receipts from course fees and study days were £1,835 (down from £4,420 in 2021). In accordance with the Trustees plan to invest our assets in the development of GOLD Project, the total payments for 2022 were £16,960 (down from £18,390 in 2021). Of this amount, the Trustees invested £1,683 in specific development activities in addition to the salaries of an editor and a marketing officer. The Charity continues to have significant assets in its investments. |
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| The Trustees of GOLD Project have an agreed a policy to hold six months’ operating costs as reserves. With the addition of the salary for a part-time Marketing Officer, the budget for 2023 anticipates a total annual operating expenditure of £34,000 which means that the reserve for the coming year should be set at £17,000. |
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| Unrestricted Cash funds at 31/12/2022 were: £2,142. Restricted Cash funds (Marketing Officer’s salary + bursary fund) at 31/12/2022 were: £6,675. COIF Ethical Investment fund at 31/12/2022 was valued at: £50,208. |
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| N/A | ||
| N/A | ||
| As Trustees, the global coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on our activities in 2020 to 2022. 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 2023. 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 the Marketing Officer from 2022 to 2024. Third, we plan to seek some support fromgrant-makingtrusts. |
GOLD Project Trustees’ annual report for the period:
January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2022
| Page5of7 | Page5of7 | |
|---|---|---|
| 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] 2022
Page 6 of 7
| Page6of7 | |
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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 also had a project with SEAN International for the graphic design of some of our courses. |
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Reference and administrative details
| Charity name Other name the charity uses Registered charity number Charity’s principal address |
The Group-based Open LearningDiscipleshipProject |
|---|---|
| GOLD Project | |
| 1166567 | |
| 10 Moorend Gardens, Lawrence Weston, Bristol BS11 0JL |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. |
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 | Until 3/5/2022 | Trustees | ||
| Rev Richard Moy | From 3/5/2022 | 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] 2022
Page 7 of 7
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
N/A
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (optional information)
Type of adviser Name Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (optional information)
Dr David Mark Ball (Director)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
N/A
Other optional information
N/A
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 ( ~~including directors’ report)~~ above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees ~~/directors~~
Signature(s) Full name(s) John Leslie Nolland David Mark Ball Position (for example Chair Director Secretary, Chair, etc) 25th October 2023 Date
GOLD Project Trustees’ annual report for the period:
January 1[st] to December 31[st] 2022
2021 TOTAL 1.12•AO 721ty.0 52 .TM.00 1.10150 53thL¥J 11.63U.L¥J 1.162JO 1.4W.00 Gin4wJ l.xlx i.ttt50 316227 dytyfBe 105 558.QQ OJ4 12303.33 5fNXQQ 18709.87 1,737.70 f.757.70 2.969 2,$5gJ)7 13U7 Jn. 172.2D SSQ.ts) 2x3 172&0 SYdaY PLlldty&Thdrk 5182e 706S2 141. IOWJ. RoyFI¥¢S 141. S..th) S4LUC4J 4U 1.11&70 273. 144 144. i}• 1110 eankth8rg 120.e4 1,•2L l.W.59 1..$9 12.gW.03 S,1 10.w.e3 13511ts2 5MQQ. i.iJi.35 7• I,i)i.n 1,30825 137 4.394A4 J.223.15 024 137.fy) 2,323.9) 2.187.24 20T.95 3.22&15 2.141. Z.IV14 2.147.03 1,175. 2.275. 7.$9324 7,I&529 4.52•J4 OM17.17 2021 TOTAL I,WB.71 2,11 2I75.CrfJ 2.XQ.12 5.3$5. Ifl•JO l147 9M.00 1197AI 2,187.24 P4ityc84h 2.141.10 4.521J 81Y.11 2275.th) 2.1874 7.6&5.3 CO1F¢hthwsEthk ¥rthrtFd e1•23 Tho |n¥qvh¥rtPFChfis8dI DKwor2D17 toteJS.fm.. th• rq14$t¥l 2022207.55{2rtI..ÈS5.911.041. 51m224 55.011.04 rDa¥bè¥l
Independent Examlnerfs Report to the Trustees of The Group-based Open Learning Discipleshlp Projert Charity no. 1166567 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Group-based Open Learning Discipleship Project for the year ended 31 December 2022. Responslbllltles ondbosls oAreport As the charity trustees you are responsible forthe preparation of the accounts In accordance wf(h the requlrements of the Charitles Art 20111.the ACVI. I report in respect of my examination of the Charitvs accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying Out my examlnatlon I have followed all the applicable Directions given bv the Charity Commission under sertion 14515llbl of the Act. Independent examinerfs st¢rtement I have completed my examination. I tonfim that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect- l. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by seclion 130 of the Art,. or 2. The accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters In tonnection with the examinatlon to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understandin8 of the accounts ched. I P Barrett FCA FCIE Barretts Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax A(fvisers 22 Union Street Newton Abbot DevonTQ12 2JS 25 October 2023