Annual Report 2023 - 2024 - Space creating space lo be Providing creative, reflective prayer spaces across Oxfordshire since 2010 Encouraging faith and spiritual development in children and young people Equipping local churches to run prayer and reflection spaces in schools and at local community events Facilitating church relationships with their local schools 67 Spaces 59 Schools 18 Community and state schools new schools 41 Schools with a Christian foundation Over 15,000 young people have experienced a prayer and reflection space in their local school or church this year. This is what they say: Now I feel like ltre been blessed by God It was like all my anger was rizzing away ltre realised that God cares about us so muchl 100s of volunteers from over 70 local churches have been involved in prayer and reflection spaces this year. info@bespace.be www.bespace.be Charity Number: 1168891
Trustees, Annual Report for the period 1st April 2023 - 31st March 2024 Charity Name Charity Number Charity Address Bespace 1168891 St James Church Centre 13 Beauchamp Lane Oxford OX4 3LF Rev Dr Canon Geoff Bayliss (Chair of Trustees) Mr Ben Leach (Treasurer) (resigned 31 St March 2024) Mr Patrick Gale Mrs Mary Kruiz Mrs Kirsty Morgan (CEO) (resigned 31 St May 2023) Rev Nina Oskarsdottir Names of Charity Trustees who manage the charity Structure, Governance and Management Bespace is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission on 241h August 2016 under the charity Number 1168891. It is governed by a o)nstitution which was adopted on the 24th 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 property 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 neorkerS are DBS checked by the charity. Bespace is part of the Prayer Spas in Schools network. There are a number of other policies in pla. induding Risk Management. Objectives and Activities Summa of the ob'ects of the chari set out in the overnin document of Bes ace The Object of the CIO is, for the public benefit. the advanment 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. Summa of the main activities undertaken for the ublic benefit in relation to these ob.ects Bespace came into existence as a registered charity on the 241h August 2016. In planning our activities. the charity has kept in mind the Charity Cotnmissions guidan 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 detsil how the objectives have been pursued throughout the reporting period. Bespace www.bespace.be
Achievements and Perfomiance Summa of the main achievements of the chari durin the ear. In planning our activities for the year. we kept in mind the charity commission's guidan on public benefit at our trustee meetings. The focus of our activities remains to facilitate creative prayer and reflection spaS 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 As the Charity fully emerged from the Covid Pandemic, we continued to see growth from the prior year in the number of spaces (58 to 67) and children impact (12,000 to 15.000). We are still working towards our ultimate aim of seeing every school in Oxfordshire regulady having a Bespace run by their local churches. With the CEO leaving in May 2023, we employed a Project Coordinator from September 2023 and in January 2024 we sought to strengthen the leadership of the charity by investing in training for our current staff and are contracting a leadership Consultant for a day week with us. to start in May 2024. We continue to be grateful for the support we receive from Churches, all the volunters and schools all of which remain core to the Charity's work. We are grateful for Rt Rev Bishop Gavin for becoming our Patron and offering support to our Charity. We continued to offer regional leaders training sessions. in recognition that there are always new people getting involved in SPaS and also for some previous leaders who might want a refresh. The Impact of the activities of Bespace: Pra ers aS that have ha ened in Schools: Due to our work, 67 spaces took place in 59 schools. 5 new schools had prayer spaS this year. The breakdown of the types of schools thal have had prayer spaces this year are: 2 Secondary schools and 51 Primary Schools (6 Independent) 41 schools with an Anglican foundation 18 communitylstate schools We have reached over 15,000 young people between the ages of 4-18, which has enabled the Christian faith to be shared and helped young people grow in their understanding of the faith and what it means to be able to connect with God and have a relationship with him. Continued to benefit young people through contributing to their spiritual and moral education in prayer spaces. We have provided training sessions for volunteers supporting local prayer spaces in 6 schools. Over 70 churches in the county have been involved in either leading a prayer space for a local school or supporting a prayer space by providing volunteers from their congregations to help in prayer spaces local to them. Pra ers aces in other areas of the communi We have provided equipment to a local library to support them in providing prayer activities for their local community Bespace www.bespace.be
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. The impact on people experiencing prayer spaces. The following are a sample of comments from young people who eXperiend a Bespa during this time. These comments demonstrate how prayer spa$ have advanced the Christian faith for the public benefit. Everything I felt sad about Iletgo It reminds me of all the things God has done for us I think ltre realised I should do this all the time I'm thankful for God because he helps me let my light shine Thank you for letting me communicate with God It taught me to ft>rgive I could say how I'm feeling and what is happening in my lrfe right now without feeling awkward or embarrassed I feel calm and joyful now that I have been through this experience I love how I could open up with God And a comment from a teacher: The experien was bnlliant... you made it mn so smoofftfy and the children were really buzzing about the activities they did and how relaxing being in the space was. And feedback from a Head Teacher: From a school point of view, this was my first encounter with Bespace and I have to say it really was an incredibly positive experience lor the children. Lots of them said how much they enjoyed the time because it was so calm and quiet- they dony often get the chance to Completely stop and do something like this in the hustle and bustle of a norTnal school day. Giving the children a chance to rellect on all sorts of things also really helped us as the staff because it allowed us to pethaps pick up on things about the children that we may not have been aware of. Bespace www.bespace.be
We would definitely do it again and are even looking to see how we could have even just one small space available somewhere to have something similarl Future Plans The Trustees conducted an intemal strategic review which reaffimied our belief in the resonan of the Charity with our churches, volunteers and schools. This review identified a need to further strengthen the leadership of the Charity, as well as invest further in our core staff. We continue to work towards our fundraising goals in order to increase our income to meet the shortfall between income and expenditure. A fundraising consultant was contracted for a period of time for the later part of 2023 to help increase income. The consultant brought in a grant for us, which we are grateful for, however as we go forward the Trustees intemal strategic review noted that strengthening the leadership of the charity was the priority at this time. We are thankful to Rosy Taylor and Harriet Baldock for all their hard work and enthusiasm and look forward to further expanding our leaderships capacity by contracting a consultant from May 2024. Declaration natures 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 Chair of Trustees Mr Patrick Gale Position: Trustee Date: 2025101116 2025101116 Bespace www.bespace.be
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Bespace I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Bespace (the Charity) for the year ended 31st March 2024. 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 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 examlner's ststement I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 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 conceming 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 independenl examination. I have no COnmS 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. Samuel Rebbettes ACCA 18 North Street Kingsclere Newbury RG20 5QX 1410112025
Bespace Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 Unrestricted Funds Total 2024 Unrestricted Funds Total 2023 Note Income Income and endowments from" Donations and legacies Government grants receivable 34.307 34,307 30,391 30,391 Total income and endowments 34,307 34,307 30,391 30,391 Expenditure Expenditure on: Charitable Activities 3a 41,930 41,930 38,933 38,933 Total expenditure 41,930 41,930 38,933 38,933 Net movement in funds {7.623) (7,623) (8.542) (8,542) Reconciliation of funds Balance brought forward at 31st March 2023 75,163 75,163 83.705 83,705 Net surplus l (deficit) for the year (7.623) (7.623) {8,542) (8,542> Transfers between funds Balance carried forward at 31st March 2024 67,540 67,540 75,163 75,163 Bespace www.bespace.be
Bespace Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 2024 2023 Note Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 1,005 882 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 497 67,617 554 73,920 68.114 74.474 Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year 1,579 193 Net current assets 66,535 74,281 Net assets 67,540 75,163 Funds Unrestricted funds 67.540 75.163 67.540 75,163 Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by: Rev Dr Canon Geoff Bayliss- Chairman 2025101116 Bespace www.bespace.be
Bespace Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 Accounting Policies Basis of accounting The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance th 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 enbty as defined by FRS 102. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties around the charity's ability to continue as a going concem. 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 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 respert of gift aid donations does however include the amount of income tax recoverable in respect of ino)me actually reived. 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 aggregale all costs related to the category. Charilable activity costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Charity. Support costs are those incurred in connection Vth 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 contribules to a defined contribution scheme for its employees. 18. Irrecoverable VAT The Charily is not registered forVAT and hen is unable to recoverVAT 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 assels. Depreciation is provided on all equipmenl 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. Bespace www.bespace.be
Bespace Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 lg. Fund Accounting Unrestricted Funds These are funds which can be used in accordance wth the charitable objects of the charity at the discretion of the Trustees. Income Unrestricted 2024 Total 2024 Unrestricted 2023 Total 2023 Donations and legaeS frorn: Individual giving Gift Aid recoverable Church and Organisation giving Grants receivable 13,941 2,271 2,345 15.750 13,941 2,271 2,345 15,750 13,114 2,237 3,990 11,050 13,114 2,237 3,990 11.050 34,307 34.307 30.391 30,391 Expenditure Expenditure on charitable activities Unrestricted 2024 Total 2024 Unrestricted 2023 Total 2023 Note Prayer space costs Support costs 1.789 40.141 1,789 40,141 1,382 37,551 1,382 37.551 3b 41,930 41.930 38.933 38,933 Bespace io www.bespace.be
Bespace Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 3b. Support costs Unrestricted 2024 Total 2024 Unrestricted 2023 Totsl 2023 Staff costs Office costs Governance costs: Consultsncy and legal fees 31,614 3.227 31,614 3.227 33,513 3,196 33,513 3.196 5,300 5,300 40,141 40,141 37,551 37,551 Staff Costs 2024 2023 Salaries including employerfs national insuran Pension contributions Training and other staff costs 25,877 1,199 4,538 30,664 1.099 1,750 31.614 33,513 No employee received £60,000 or more in this or the preceding financial year. 2024 2023 The average number of staff employed during the year was: Trustee Remuneration Trustee expenses totalling £836 {2023- £1,130) were incurred in the year. The amount owing to trustees at the end of the year Vth respect to expenses was £Nil (2023.. £981. Bespace li www.bespace.be
Bespace Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 Fixed assets Office Equipment Venue Equipment Total Cost As at 1 st April 2023 Additions in year Disposals in year As at 31st March 2024 3,474 9,764 807 13.238 807 999 13,046 999 2,475 10,571 Depreciation As at 1 st April 2023 Charge in year Eliminated on disposal As at 31st March 2024 3,070 323 999 2.394 9,286 361 12,356 999 12,041 9.647 Net book value As at 31st March 2024 81 924 1,005 As at 31st March 2023 404 478 882 Debtors 2024 2023 Prepayments 498 554 498 554 Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accruals Deferred income 1,339 240 193 1.579 193 Bespace 12 www.bespace.be
Bespace Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024 Funds Balance at 1stApril 2023 Transfers between funds Balance at 31st March 2024 Income Expenditure Unrestricted General unrestricted 75,163 34,307 41,930 67,540 Balance at 1stApril 2022 Transfers between funds Balance at 31st March 2023 Income Expenditure Unrestricted General unrestricted 83,705 30.391 38,933 75,163 10. Related Parties The trustees made donations totalling £8.963 (2023.. £8.704) to the charity. Bespace 13 www.bespace.be