Night Chwch Chester Annual Rewrt and FuwKial Statements for)ear ended 31 OCthr •024 NIGHT CHURCH CHESTER ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 October 2024 Charity No: 1167728
Ni8ht Lhurch Chesier Annual Re and FuwKial Statrments for year ended 31 Oct¢kn ?0*4 CONTENTS l. Charity infomiation 2. Trustees 'Annual Report- year ended 31 October 2024 3. Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities 4. Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees 5. Statement of Financial Activities- year ended 31 October 2024 6. Balance Sheet as at 31 October 2024 10 7. Notes to the Financial Statements- year ended 31 October 2024 11
Charity Information Re8lStered Charlty Name Night Church Chester Address St Peterf5 Church Watergate Street Chester CHI 2LA Contsct Inforniation Telephone: 01244 403634 Email: ni churchchester Website: www.ni htchurchchester.or .conTr Charlty Number 1167728 Trustees WI served durlng the year J Green E Jewkes M Johnson EBOS Independent Examiner WJ Webb ACMA Brookfield House 3 Brookfield Drive Newton Chester CH2 2EF
Trustee< Annual Report Ba¢ksround Night Church Chester was launched in December 2010 as a project by The Light Projert, an evangelical charity based in Chester. In September 2015 Night Church Chester separated from The Light Projert and became an independent small charity. Then in June 2016, as resources exceeded £5,IXK), it registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation with the Charities Commission. It opefates from St Peterfs Church. Chester. Who we are: Structure. Governance & Management Night Church Chester is a Charitable Incorporated Or8anisation (CIO) governed by Constitution. Trustees are appointed by serving trustees, in accord with the Constitution and good practice set out in the Charities Commission. The currtnt TTUStee5 are . Mr John Terence Green Mrs Elizabeth Jewkes Mr Ewoud Bos Rev Robert Toan re-appcmnted 5 June 2024 for 3 years re-appointed 5June 2024 for 3 years appointed 9 September 2024 for 3 years appointed l Novcmbet 2024 fot 3 years Ewoud Bos and Bob Toan were appointed as new trustees on 9 September and I November 2024 respectively. and Mithael Johnson ceased to be a trustee on 27 September 2024. The Trustees regularly meet quarterly and receive update reports from the Leadership Team. The Leadership Team, itself meets quarterly before Trustee meetin8s. Ni8ht Church Chester is not part of any widar network but is supported by some of the Churches in Chester. Fr(xn November 2023 we have opened monthly aparr from in August due to holidays. The Charity has been able to fulfil its Constitutional objertive this year. Trustees have met regularty. online, to review the situation. We still have a Memorandum of Understanding with St Peterfs Church which was signed in 2017 and has not been amended since other than updating the arnounts we pay. This is the basis of our working relationship with St Peterfs Church, what they provide for us and what we pay them. Night Churth Chester has a very close workins relationship with St Peterfs Church. We sreatty value the 5UPPOrt we receNe from St Peterfs. The structure of Night Church Chester is the Board of Trustees and a Leadership Team. We clarify, from time to time, what Trustees are responsible for and how the Leadership Team plan and operate Night Church Chester at St Peterfs Churth. When
the Project Leader stood down we deoded not to appoint another Leader and to leave leadership of the project with the Leadership Team. They provide a report to the Trustees and a member of the Leadership Team attends Trustee Meetings. The Treasurer, Nev Kite, is a member of the Leadership Team and he prepares a report for Trustees and attends Trustee Meetin8$ The Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The Charity does not make gifts other than to St Peterfs Church and a policv on social investment includins prosramme related investment is not applicable. The Charity does not have sufficient funds to merit an investment policy. Funds are held in a Co-operative Bank current account. No payments are made to Trustees and they do not receive any non-cash beneffts: we do not have any overseas income or expenditure and we do not have professional fundralsln8. We do not have any employees. Alongslde our grassroots nature and independence, we believe in the importance of networks and collaboration. We have networked localty with Churches in Chester, with Cheshire West and Chester Counal. with the Police and with other organisations involved in the night time economy. What we do and why: ObJertlve5 and Activltkn Isee webslte www.nightthurththestsr.or8) The objective OA the CIO is to odvonce the thristKin fvith fvr the benefft OA the publit through the operotkn and runnlnq OA a night tln* Churrt in occordante wlth the statement oAfvith. (from our Constltutionj This objective is developed throu8h our values, see our website whith has been updated this year. and through our procedures, especially in Jr Poliry Documents which are now available to Trustees on Microsoft Teams. Our objectNes are summarised in our Mission Statement: -Night Church a sacred space in the centre of Chester open to everyone: where anyone in town on a Saturday night, when we are open, can experience somethin8 of God's presence. We welcome people of all faiths and none. We are seed sowers, participants in God's mission; trustin£ that God has planned our visitors. next step, knowing that we are not likely to see ir- We continue to have an illuminated sign above the front doof With the words "Night Church" which is very visible outside and so important in indicating our presence. Inside we have tables at a safe distance from eath other and serve coffee and tea. There is a prayer corner and visitors can light a candle. pray or leave a prayer
request- there is also background Christian music, mostlywith Ilve music and son8. Lighting in the Church is subdued. We have a minimum of 2 leaders and 8 volunteers each night along with musicians and a prayer team. (These numbers are based on risk assessment.) One or two of the volunteers each night will have had first aid training. Our objertive is to ensure that volunteers and visitors are safe. In October 2023 we had 20 volunteers and in October 2024 we had 24 volunteers. We have sufficient volunteers to open once a month but we are seeking to recruit more because we would like to be able to open twice each month. The Trustees are so thankful for our volunteers and greatly value the time and many skills that our volunteers give: they are key to the high quality service which we provide. We have Trustee Liability and Employer and Public and Products Liability Insurance from Zurich Insurance Services. Buildings insurance is covered by St Peterfs Church. We begin each evening by setting up facilities for Night Church and then having time of preparation when volunteers are reminded of safety procedures. safeguarding and p055ible risks. We then will have a time of quietness. prayer and introductory words. This is sood preparation for receiving visitors to Night Church. Two volunteers stand at the door to 8reet people passin8 by and invite people into Night Church. Other volunteers are at various places inside the Churth. We are a place of hospitalty and visitors afe free to have a drink or sit quietly listening to music or chattin8 among themselves. Volunteers are always available to help or to have conversations on tOPiCS faised by the visitor. Each time we are open there are always amazln8 conver5atiClns. Very occasionally we have a difficult visitor, usually drink or drug related and we help as necessary, liaising with the police if needed. We are also aware that the toilet can be used for taking or leaving drugs. We will continue to take precautions and inspect the toilets regularty as required by our drugs policy. Intercessory prayer is a key part of Night Church and eath night a prayer Intercessor and volunteers spend time in prayer. This is a key aspert of Night Church. The leader of the interce550r5 has said that "We prwrf for Night Churth durin8 the preceding week and we come expectin8 to hear from God and we do. Sometimes He gives us situations for prayer, whith may be local. national or international. We wantto encourage people to come and sit in God's presence. Just being there. waiting on God, we have a sense of doing God's wiir Our policies cover values, appointment of Trustees. strategic plan. safe8uardin& volunteer policy and role, dealing with drugs and alcohol, health and safety, dealing wlth Incldents, risk assessment* prayer poliorf, and complaints policy whith is on our website. They ensure that the Charity and its operations are on a secure basis and equip volunteers for ensurin8 a safe and friendly environment. We have re-
introduced a programme for reviewin8 the policies since bein8 dosed by Covidl9. Volunteers will continue to be regularly reminded of the Safeguarding policy. We continue to be careful to make rt clear that we are rooted 8enily and deepty in the Christian spiritual tradition. but offer a safe hospitable space where people of any faith or none who are enjoying their night out in Chester can feel completely at ease. Our success: Achievements and Performance intludini Public 8eMfft On the nights we have been open we have had an average of l(K) visitors each ni8ht and we get very encourasins comments thankins u5 for offerins hospitality and a safe space. At the end of each night that we are open we have a review of the service provided. There are always encouraging stories of conversations and reactions of rnember5 of the public for which we are most thankful. So often people leaving after a visit are thankfvl and say that it was a very good occasion for them and that there was something special in the Churth. One comment was Thank you very much for providing us with a safe space. peace. love and joy always." Our volunteers come from a range of local churthes and we are so thankful for the many who have been with us for some years and for the new volunteers who have joined us this year. It has also been good to continue the good relationships with the staff in the pub next door. They are mostly so thankfvl when we are open on a Saturday night. Flnandal revlew Night Church Chesterfs main sources of fvnding are from donati(5 from thurthes in Chester, individual regular giving and donations received on the night. Reseryes at the end of the financial year stood at £2,541 (Oct 2023: £2.197), and the bank/cash balance was £2.424 {Oct 2023: £2,160). The charity does not have sufficient funds to merit an Investment Policy and funds are held in a Co-operative Bank account. As at the date of the report the Trustees do not have any uncertainties about the charivs abilrty to continue as a going concern.
Declaratlon The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees, Report above. Signed on behalf of the charitvs trustees Signature: Signature: Full Name: JOHA Full Name: ai? Position: Date: l*-01- 2 Date:
Statement of Trustees'Responslbllltles The Trustees recognise their responsibility under the Charities Act 2011 to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charrty and its surplus w deficit forthat period. In preparin8 those financlal statements we are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and applythem consistentty; - make reasonable and prudent Judgements and estimates; - prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charrty will continue. We are also responsible for: keepin8 proper accounting records; - safeguarding the charrtrfs assets; - taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud. - ensuringthe Ctt3r complies Wlih relevant laws and regul10n5 induding Health and Safety. Safeguardin& Employment and Charrty leSlatIOn. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accountin8 pollcies set oirt in notes to the accounts and comply with the charws 8overnin8 document, the Charities Art 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland putslhed on 16 Juty 2014.
Independert Examlnerfs RePt TO THE TRUSTEES OF NIGHT CHURCH CHESTER THE YEAR ENDED 31 ocfoBER 2024 I report on the accounts of the tharlty for the year ended 31 October 2024 whlch •re set out on pages 9 to 14. Respective responslbilities of trustees and exarniner. The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's Irustees consider that an aud Is not required forrhis year under secD"on 144f2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) arKi that an independent exarnination is needed. It Is my responsiblllty to: - examine the accounts under sertion 145 of the 2011 Act)", - follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions glven by Charlty Commlssion under section 145(51{b) of the 2011 Act; and - stste whether particular rnatters have come to rny attention. Basis of independent examiner's report My examination Wds carried out in accordance with the Generdl Dlrertlons glven by the Charity Commission. An examination include5 a review of the accountini records kept bv the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented wth those records. It also includes conslderation of any unusual Items or disclosures In the accounts, and seeklng explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not proNide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, ar*d consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a true and fairview and the report 15 limited to those matters set out In the statement below. Independent examiner's ststement In connection with my examination, no rnatter has corne to rny attention: 111 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements: - to keep accountln8 records in accordance wlth sectlon 130 of the 2011 Act- and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accountini records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act: Or have nor been mei", or 121 to which, in rny oplnlon, attentlon should be drnwn In orderto enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Date W J Webb ACMA Brookfield House 3 Brookfleld Drlve Newton Chester CH2 2EF
Statement of Financial Activltles for the 12 months ended 31° October 2024 yJ•r F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 343 R•sowt•• •yp•nd•d Illolp 718 Total 718 N•t b•lov• 718 14•t *¢Thlll•xdltrJmI Extv•ordiMryitern 718 718 1,197 282
Balance Sheet as at 31 October 2024 lthr•lGIMI Incun• EndtyA7m•nt T¢1 th1• To1 l• fvndÈ fvr ye•r Flxed assets F01 FQ2 Firi F04 F05 Ivrtngsble uz• Tangible assets H•rtt•g• 1$1•ts InYe•tnnt• Current assets D•btovs Inv•¥tnwrrts Cuh at bank And In hand (Nots 61 (Not• 4) 141 141 37 2,142 2.283 282 2.197 Credltorn: any)unts falln9 du• In on• s•v INat• 24 24 2.541 2,197 2.19 Crnlltors: anwnts f••ng du• •fter Me s•ar Provlslons for Ilablttts 2.541 2,197 Funds ofthe Charlty Endornnt fvnd* R••trSct•d in¢om• ldI Unr•¥tricted ld8 R•v4uali¢Jn r•wrv• 2,259 2.197 2.2Sg 2,541 2,197 D4ec al the trle•S OYmryYy i Gr4& io
Notes to the accounts l Accwnting Policies a) Basis of preparation These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The accounts 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 (FRS 1021 issued on 16 July 2014 and with the Charitie5 Art 2011. The charity constitutes a public benefft entity as defined by FRS 102. b) Going Concern The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis. Reserves at 31 October 2024 represent approximately one yearfs expenditure and the trustees are of the view that the charity is a going concern. c) Change of act(ntIng polky There has been no change of accounting policy duringthe year to 31 October 2024. d) Changes to accountln8 estlmates No chanse5 to accountins estimate5 have occurred durin6 the reportin8 period13.46 FRS 102 SORP). el Materfal prlor year errors No material prior year errors have been identified in the reporting period13.47 FRS 102 SORP). Income Income is recognised when the tharity has entitlement to the fvnds, any performance conditions attached to the item{s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. Donations and collections are recognised when receweil by or on the behalf of the charty. li
g) Expendlture and irrecoverable VAT Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party. rt is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligati(m can be measured reliably. The charity is not registered for VAT and all VAT is charged as a cost against the actNity for which the expenditure as incurred. h) Stocks There is no stock on the balance sheet. l) Debtors Debtors, which consist of Gift 'd reclaims and card donations collerted by St Peterfs Church on behalf of Night Church. are recognised at the settlement amount due. l) Cash at bank and In hand Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and a current account at Qkoperative Bank. k) Creditors and provtsions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charrty has a present obligation resulting from a past event that wtll probably result in the transfer of fvnds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are nomially recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. 12
2 Analysls of Income 174 Gft mt•shw sut8cr¢¢m t>onaed 3.047 4047 1343 TOT IGoMe 047 343 £I.000 of income in the prlor year was restricted. 3 Analysls of expendltyre on 718 718 TOT expENfMTURE 718 4 Debtors and Prepaymert5 Last J•¥ Trnd• 141 37 Olhr dblor# Tdal 141 37 13
5 Creditors and Accrnals Thls Thi$ par L¥t •r Trade cvedttorn 6 C35h at bank and In hand Th1• y••r L4•t J•ar Sh(¥1 tnn depo$6ts 1424 2.180 Other Tthl 7 Transartions with trustees and rolated parties None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity. No trustee expenses have been incurred. There have been no related party transactions in the reportlng period. 14