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2023-03-31-accounts

Annual Report 2022 - 2023

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58 Spaces 51 Schools
15 Community and
state schools
5 new schools 36 schools with a
Christian foundation
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Over 12,000 young people have experienced a prayer and reflection space in their local school or church this year. This is what they say:

I loved the I felt all my It made me feel please bubbles worries more inspired to because we got disappeared and pray to God to speak to everything’s God! going to be OK

It made me thankful for God and I’m more confident now

100s of volunteers from over 70 local churches have been involved in prayer and reflection spaces this year.

Charity Number: 1168891

info@bespace.be www.bespace.be

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 1[st] April 2022 – 31[st] March 2023

CharityName BeSpace
CharityNumber 1168891
Charity Address St James Church Centre
13 Beauchamp Lane
Oxford
OX4 3LF
Names of Charity Trustees
who manage the charity		 Rev Dr Canon Geoff Bayliss (Chair of Trustees)
Mr Ben Leach (Treasurer)
Mr Patrick Gale
Mrs Mary Krutz
Mrs Kirsty Morgan (CEO) – resigned 26thMay 2023
Rev Nina Oskarsdottir

Structure, Governance and Management

BeSpace is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission on 24[th] August 2016 under the charity Number 1168891. It is governed by a constitution which was adopted on the 24[th] August 2016.

The Charity Trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity. The Trustees meet, currently online, at least four times a year and are appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the Charity Trustees.

The CEO oversees the day to day running of the charity. There is a safeguarding policy in place and all trustees, staff and volunteer networkers are DBS checked by the charity. BeSpace is part of the Prayer Spaces in Schools network. There are a number of other policies in place, including Risk Management.

Objectives and Activities

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in the governing document of BeSpace

The Object of the CIO is, for the public benefit, the advancement of the Christian faith through, in particular but not limited to, creating prayer spaces to engage with members of the community, developing education of the Christian faith in schools and in such other ways as the charity trustees may from time to time decide.

Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects

BeSpace came into existence as a registered charity on the 24[th] August 2016. In planning our activities, the charity has kept in mind the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit. The Charity has sought to advance the Christian faith for the public benefit by running prayer spaces, engaging members of the community in prayer spaces and training Christians to provide these spaces. The prayer spaces benefited people by providing them sacred spaces, contributing to their spiritual development, and teaching them about the Christian faith. The following outlines in more detail how the objectives have been pursued throughout the reporting period.

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Achievements and Performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year.

In planning our activities for the year, we kept in mind the charity commission’s guidance on public benefit at our trustee meetings. The focus of our activities remains to facilitate creative prayer and reflection spaces in schools and where we have capacity at other community events. We do this mainly through equipping local churches to run prayer spaces by modelling, leading prayer spaces and training churches. These prayer spaces help advance the Christian faith and support the element of a school’s curriculum that teaches about spiritual development.

The past 12 months have been a period of re-growth and re-connecting with churches and schools to run prayer and reflection spaces. Therefore, this year has seen an increase in the number of spaces since a covidimpacted previous year. We have also seen a return in confidence from both schools in allowing visitors to return and church volunteers being willing to go into schools again.

Over 12, 000 young people have visited prayer spaces in their schools or local churches and have had the opportunity to connect with God. We are still working towards our ultimate aim of seeing every school in Oxfordshire regularly having a BeSpace run by their local churches.

The charity has been led by a CEO supported by 2 regional networkers until September 2022, when 1 left and has not yet been replaced. We also supported a placement student training for ordained ministry at a local college.

We have continued to offer regional leaders training sessions, in recognition that there are new people in post since the onset of the pandemic and for some previous leaders it will have been a few years since they last led a BeSpace.

The Impact of the activities of BeSpace:

Prayer Spaces that have happened in Schools:

Prayer Spaces in other areas of the community:

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Awareness raising events

Volunteers and Networkers

We could not achieve all of this without the time, energy and effort of the many volunteers from over 70 churches across the county who give their time to set up, lead and facilitate prayer and reflection spaces in schools.

We continue to have 1 official volunteer networker who champions the charity in their local geographic area and help grow volunteer teams to run prayer and reflection spaces in their local schools.

It has been invaluable to meet and work with local volunteers again, after our covid enforced absence and this has helped to develop good relationships which will continue into the future.

www.bespace.be

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The impact on people experiencing prayer spaces.

The following are a sample of comments from young people who experienced a BeSpace during this time. These comments demonstrate how prayer spaces have advanced the Christian faith for the public benefit.

I feel very happy. It felt very calm It made me feel I feel God is with and peaceful and good about I feel happy and me. I liked all the I really liked the myself and the joyful and also activities tablets because it people in the relaxed because I bonded taught me to world with God forgive I loved the I felt all my It made me It made me feel please bubbles worries thankful for more inspired to because we got disappeared and God and I’m pray to God to speak to everything’s more confident God! going to be OK now The forgiveness I liked going into I enjoyed as you can calm I feel calm and the prayer space BeSpace down and you can like I’ve been because it gave because it forgive others able to get in me time to reflect taught me even though it touch with God and think aout about Jesus may be hard how I’m unique

And a comment from a teacher:

I thought the prayer spaces was a lovely calming experience for all. It was great for the children to be in such small groups with a supportive adult who helped them to reflect and think quite deeply at times about the world themselves and people they cared for in quite a short amount of time. The simple activities were enjoyable and manageable for all. It was very well organised. I personally enjoyed it too as I had the chance to observe and listen to everyone in a way that is not very often possible in the classroom.

And feedback to the volunteers supporting a BeSpace from a Head Teacher:

"What an enormous thank you we owe you all for giving up your time to come and help with BeSpace this week. Without you, we simply could not have run the week!

The children across the school of all ages got so much out of the experience. To hear comments such as: 'I feel like all my worries have come out'; 'I feel relaxed like I've been forgiven'; 'I feel calm after reflecting and praying to God '; and

'I loved that it made me feel calm and relaxed. I would love to do this again because I love it.' is testament to the fact that BeSpace is a wonderful experience for children which we simply could not have done without the volunteers. Thank you all."

www.bespace.be

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Future plans

We are still in a phase of re-growth and re-connection following the Covid pandemic, and this will continue for some time as we continue to re-build relationships with both schools and churches, alongside supporting churches and schools new to BeSpace.

We plan to recruit more regional networkers to support the growing number of spaces happening around the county.

We plan to re-start our Networker Retreat days to recognize key people who are running prayer spaces in their local area, and also to provide them with an opportunity to pause, pray and reflect for themselves too, as well as having time to encourage and learn from one another.

We plan to recruit a fundraising consultant to help us to identify and apply to more grant making trusts in order to increase our income to meet the current shortfall between income and expenditure.

www.bespace.be

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Financial Review:

Brief Statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

The charity had £75,163 in unrestricted funds at the end of the financial year. The main financial risk to the charity is loss of grants and gift funding. The Trustees do not deem it necessary to hold a specific minimum level of reserves. The Trustees are very mindful of the financial health of the charity and at each Trustee meeting review the current financial resources. The trustees complete an annual budget and regularly review its forecast income and expenditure (this includes scenario planning as appropriate).

Details of any funds in deficit

The accounts for this reporting period show a healthy surplus. We do not anticipate that any funds will be in deficit going forward into the next financial year.

Declaration

Signatures

The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report

Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees

Signature(s):
Full Name(s): Rev Canon Dr Geoffrey Brian
Tudor Bayliss		 Ben Leach
Position: Chair of Trustees Treasurer
Date: 16th January 2024 16th January 2024

www.bespace.be

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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of BeSpace

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2023 which are set out on pages 9 to 15.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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 charity 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.

Emma Ravenhill

20[th] January 2024

30 Bute Street Sheffield S10 1UP

BeSpace

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BeSpace

Statement of Financial Activities

for the year ended 31st March 2023

Note
Income
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
Government grants receivable
2
Total income and endowments
Expenditure
Expenditure on:
Charitable Activities
3a
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Balance brought forward
at 31st March 2022
Net surplus / (deficit) for the year
Transfers between funds
9
Balance carried forward
at 31st March 2023		 Unrestricted
Total
Unrestricted
Total
Funds
2023
Funds
2022
£
£
£
£
30,391
30,391
38,884
38,884
-
-
2,730
2,730
30,391
30,391
41,614
41,614
38,933
38,933
29,101
29,101
38,933
38,933
29,101
29,101
(8,542)
(8,542)
12,513
12,513
83,705
83,705
71,192
71,192
(8,542)
(8,542)
12,513
12,513
-
-
-
75,163
75,163
83,705
83,705

www.bespace.be

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BeSpace

Balance Sheet

as at 31st March 2023

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
6
Current assets
Debtors
7
Cash at bank and in hand
Liabilities: amounts falling
8
due within one year
Net current assets
Net assets
Funds
Unrestricted funds
9		 £
£
882
554
73,920
74,474
(193)
74,281
75,163
75,163
75,163
2023		 £
£
1,792
1,424
81,546
82,970
(1,057)
81,913
83,705
83,705
83,705
2022

Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

…........................................................................... Ben Leach - Treasurer 16th January 2024

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BeSpace

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2023

1. Accounting Policies

1a. Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with 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 (FRS 102 1A) (effective 1 October 2019).

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

1b. Income Recognition

All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Incoming resources are included gross.

No credit is taken for either general or gift aid donations until they are actually received. The amount credited to the income and expenditure account in respect of gift aid donations does however include the amount of income tax recoverable in respect of income actually received.

Grant income is recognised as receivable subject to fulfilment of any associated conditions. Where conditions have been met or are likely to be met, grant income is recognised in full.

1c. Expenditure Recognition

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis, and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.

Charitable activity costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Charity.

Support costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the Charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

1d. Pensions

Contributions payable for the year are charged in the income and expenditure account. The charity contributes to a defined contribution scheme for its employees.

1e. Irrecoverable VAT

The Charity is not registered for VAT and hence is unable to recover VAT on expenditure incurred. All costs are therefore shown inclusive of the associated input VAT.

1f. Fixed Assets

Equipment which is deemed by the charity to have a useful life of more than one year is capitalised and included within fixed assets. Depreciation is provided on all equipment so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over the expected useful economic life on a straight line basis at 33% a year.

www.bespace.be

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BeSpace

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023

1g. Fund Accounting

Unrestricted Funds

These are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects of the charity at the discretion of the Trustees.

1h. Government Grants

In the preceding financial year, the charity received government grants in respect of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme. These grants are recognised using the accruals model and as such are recorded in the statement of financial activities in the period in which the charity is entitled to such grants as a result of having furloughed staff members.

2. Income

Donations and legacies from:
Individual giving
Gift Aid recoverable
Church and Organisation giving
Grants receivable
Government grants receivable:
Coronavirus job retention scheme		 Unrestricted
Total
Unrestricted
Total
2023
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
£
13,114
13,114
17,595
17,595
2,237
2,237
2,419
2,419
3,990
3,990
4,770
4,770
11,050
11,050
14,100
14,100
30,391
30,391
38,884
38,884
-
-
2,730
2,730

3. Expenditure

3a. Expenditure on charitable activities

Note
Prayer space costs
Support costs
3b		 Unrestricted
Total
Unrestricted
Total
2023
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
£
1,382
1,382
795
795
37,551
37,551
28,306
28,306
38,933
38,933
29,101
29,101

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BeSpace

Notes to the Accounts

for the year ended 31st March 2023

3b. Support costs Unrestricted Total Unrestricted Total
2023 2023 2022 2022
Note £ £ £ £
Staff costs 4 33,513 33,513 24,018 24,018
Office costs 3,196 3,196 3,125 3,125
Governance costs:
Consultancy and legal fees 842 842 1,163 1,163
37,551 37,551 28,306 28,306
4. Staff Costs 2023 2022
Salaries including employer's national insurance £
30,664		 £
22,162
Pension contributions 1,099 752
Training and other staff costs 1,750 1,104
33,513 24,018
No employee received £60,000 or more in this or the preceding financial year.
The average number of staff employed during the year was: 2023
2		 2022
3

5. Trustee Remuneration

One former trustee - Mrs Kirsty Morgan - was employed throughout the year.

Trustee expenses totalling £1,130 (2022: £819) were incurred in the year.

The amount owing to trustees at the end of the year with respect to expenses was £98.

www.bespace.be

BeSpace

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BeSpace

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023

6. Fixed assets

Cost
As at 1st April 2022
Additions in year
As at 31st March 2023
Depreciation
As at 1st April 2022
Charge in year
As at 31st March 2023
Net book value
As at 31st March 2023
As at 31st March 2022
7.
Debtors
Prepayments
SMP recoverable
8.
Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Deferred income		 Office
Equipment
£
3,474
-
3,474
2,442
628
3,070
404
1,032		 Venue
Equipment
Total
£
£
9,764
13,238
-
-
9,764
13,238
9,004
11,446
282
910
9,286
12,356
478
882
760
1,792
2023
2022
£
£
554
643
-
781
554
1,424
2023
2022
£
£
193
276
-
781
193
1,057

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BeSpace

Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2023

9. Funds

Unrestricted
General unrestricted
Unrestricted
General unrestricted		 Balance at
Transfers
Balance at
1st April
between
31st March
2022
Income
Expenditure
funds
2023
£
£
£
£
£
83,705
30,391
(38,933)
-
75,163
Balance at
Transfers
Balance at
1st April
between
31st March
2021
Income
Expenditure
funds
2022
£
£
£
£
£
71,192
41,614
(29,101)
-
83,705

10. Related Parties

The trustees made donations totalling £8,704 (2022: £10,453) to the charity.

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