2023-03-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1175136

BIGLIFE EUROPE

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

BIGLIFE EUROPE

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees	Rev P J Dunn
	Mr J Heerema
	Mr J Evans
	Rev K Adzam
	Rev P Stevenson
	Mr G Mallon
Charity number	1175136
Principal address	22 Rossington Road
	Sheffield
	United Kingdom
	S11 8SA
Independent examiner	TC Group
	20 Commerce Road
	Lynch Wood
	Peterborough
	Cambridgeshire
	England
	PE2 6LR

BIGLIFE EUROPE

CONTENTS

	Page
Trustees' report	1 - 2
Independent examiner's report	3
Statement of financial activities	4
Balance sheet	5
Notes to the financial statements	6 - 14

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

BIGLIFE EUROPE

TRUSTEES' REPORT

The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

Objectives and activities

Biglife Europe is a charity aiming to equip and empower followers of Jesus to reach and disciple others specifically in the European context, with an approach drawing upon Disciple Making Movement (DMM) principles rooted in the Bible. Movements such as Biglife find their roots in Asia where there is often a more limited expression of inherited models of church, whereas in the European context there is a rich history of church presence. In this European context Biglife is seeking to share a fresh vision with those within the existing church of how to equip and encourage people to be disciples that multiply, as well as relating to those who are totally outside the existing church framework.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

During the year Biglife has continued to raise its profile, especially in the UK context, sharing the vision with individuals, church groups and church leaders. Where people have responded positively to the vision, training and coaching have been offered, and discipleship groups have been started. The partnership with the Yorkshire Baptist Association has been renewed for a further three years and continues to be fruitful in terms of opportunities to serve the church network. As news of this partnership has spread and good models of engagement have been developed, so others have made contact for discussion and training. In particular work is developing in the North West of England, with smaller work in the London, East Midlands and South Wales areas. Gatherings of those engaged with Biglife across the North of England have been held every 4 months for shared learning and mutual encouragement.

The work in Europe more widely is slower to develop. However there has been engagement with colleagues in Germany, Iceland, Poland and Germany in the year of the report, and the hope is that Biglife will be able to build on this in the years to come. Biglife is an active partner in a wider network of similar groups across Europe and the Director attended gatherings of this 24:14 Network.

Achievements and performance

The charity trustees have continued to meet regularly to ensure legal compliance and to monitor the charity’s progress towards its charitable objects. As part of their due diligence the trustees continue to monitor risk and keep an up-to-date risk schedule.

Financial review

Income has increased over the year as the team has grown, with expenditure being within the budget. The Charity is grateful for the generosity of individuals and institutions in donating over the year. The Finance Policy has provided a helpful framework for good practice in managing finances. The trustees monitor the budget to at their regular meetings, and any significant variations are discussed between these meetings.

• 1 -

BIGLIFE EUROPE

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

The trustees has assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Over the year next year (2023-2024), the charity aims to expand its reach and impact across the UK and more widely into Europe. The plan is to develop others in leadership roles so that the work can expand, and to provide opportunities for networking and the sharing of learning on how to apply the discipleship principles in the European setting.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a CIO which was registered on 12 October 2017.

Over the past year the charity’s trustees have met on three occasions during the year in order to be updated on the work of the charity and to consider how best to maintain and develop its operation. The team employed has risen to six, with one full-time and five part-time posts to manage the increased workload. Alongside this, there are many people operating in voluntary capacities.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Rev P J Dunn

Mr J Heerema Mr J Evans Rev K Adzam Rev P Stevenson Mr G Mallon

Appreciation

The Trustees and staff appreciate the service, prayer and financial support given throughout the year. The growth of the work in Biglife has continues to be encouraging, and the hope is that this will continue to grow in the year ahead as people catch the vision for discipleship and are equipped and encouraged in pursuing this.

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr J Heerema

Trustee Dated: 7 December 2023

• 2 -

BIGLIFE EUROPE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF BIGLIFE EUROPE

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Biglife Europe (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no 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 2011 Act; or

• 2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

• 3 the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.

TC Group

20 Commerce Road Lynch Wood Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE2 6LR England

Dated: 11 December 2023

• 3 -

BIGLIFE EUROPE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2023 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 133,170 32,375 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4 105,039 34,875 Net income/(expenditure) for the year/ Net movement in funds 28,131 (2,500) Fund balances at 1 April 2022 35,174 2,500 Fund balances at 31 March 2023 63,305 -	Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2022 2022 £ £ £ 165,545 121,193 16,000 139,914 111,044 13,500 25,631 10,149 2,500 37,674 25,025 - 63,305 35,174 2,500	Total 2022 £ 137,193
		124,544
		12,649 25,025
		37,674

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

• 4 -

BIGLIFE EUROPE

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2023

Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 9 Current assets Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Income funds Restricted funds 12 Unrestricted funds	2023 £ 7,000 59,329 66,329 (3,024)	£ - 63,305 63,305 - 63,305 63,305	2022 £ 1,012 39,778 40,790 (3,741)	£ 625 37,049
				37,674
				2,500 35,174
				37,674

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 7 December 2023

Rev P J Dunn Trustee

• 5 -

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

BIGLIFE EUROPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Biglife Europe is an unincorporated charity (No. 1175136) registered in England and Wales.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

• 6 -

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

BIGLIFE EUROPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings 33% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

• 7 -

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

BIGLIFE EUROPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.11 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

• 8 -

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

BIGLIFE EUROPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2023 £ £ Donations and gifts 26,412 - Income from the Baptist Association and other support - 32,375 Income from Biglife International 106,758 - 133,170 32,375	Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2023 2022 2022 £ £ £ 26,412 30,071 - 32,375 - 16,000 106,758 91,122 - 165,545 121,193 16,000	Total 2022 £ 30,071 16,000 91,122
		137,193

• 9 -

BIGLIFE EUROPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

4 Charitable activities

	Training &	Training &
	coaching	coaching
	2023	2022
	£	£
Staff costs	120,422	116,399
Depreciation and impairment	625	848
Mission related costs	11,431	2,367
	132,478	119,614
Grant funding of activities (see note 5)	1,000	-
Share of support costs (see note 6)	4,211	2,833
Share of governance costs (see note 6)	2,225	2,097
	139,914	124,544
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds	105,039	111,044
Restricted funds	34,875	13,500
	139,914	124,544

5 Grants payable

	Training &	2022
	coaching
	2023
	£	£
Grants to institutions (1 grants):
Toxteth Tabernacle Baptist Church	1,000	-

• 10 -

BIGLIFE EUROPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

6 Support costs

Support costs
Support costs Governance costs £ £ Insurance 1,037 - Telephone 137 - Other 844 - Travel expenses 2,193 - Legal and professional - 396 Accountancy services - 1,829 4,211 2,225 Analysed between Charitable activities 4,211 2,225	2023Support costs Governance costs £ £ £ 1,037 768 - 137 149 - 844 1,178 - 2,193 738 - 396 - 396 1,829 - 1,701 6,436 2,833 2,097 6,436 2,833 2,097	2022 £ 768 149 1,178 738 396 1,701
		4,930
		4,930

7 Trustees

The following trustee received remuneration during the year for their role within the charity:

Rev P Dunn £45,869 (2022: £69,200) including pension contributions

Some of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received a total of £1,287 reimbursement for travel expenses from the charity during the year (2022 £738).

• 11 -

BIGLIFE EUROPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

8 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs The number of employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more were: £60,000 - £70,000 9 Tangible fixed assets Cost At 1 April 2022 At 31 March 2023 Depreciation and impairment At 1 April 2022 Depreciation charged in the year At 31 March 2023 Carrying amount At 31 March 2022	2023 2022 Number Number 6 3 2023 2022 £ £ 109,192 102,250 4,618 6,449 6,612 7,700 120,422 116,399 2023 2022 Number Number - 1 Fixtures and fittings £ 2,544 2,544 1,919 625 2,544 625	2022 Number 3
		2022 £ 102,250 6,449 7,700
		116,399
		2022 Number 1
		2,544
		1,919 625
		2,544
		625

• 12 -

BIGLIFE EUROPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

10 Debtors Amounts falling due within one year: Other debtors 11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other taxation and social security Accruals and deferred income	2023 £ 7,000 2023 £ 1,868 1,156 3,024	2022 £ 1,012
		2022 £ 2,744 997
		3,741

12 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

		Movement	in funds		Movement	in funds
		Incoming	Resources	Balance at	Incoming	Resources	Balance at
		resources	expended	1 April 2022	resources	expended	31 March 2023
		£	£	£	£	£	£
	Grants to support salaries	16,000	(13,500)	2,500	32,375	(34,875)	-
13	Analysis of net assets between funds
		Unrestricted	Restricted	Total	Unrestricted	Restricted	Total
		funds	funds		funds	funds
		2023	2023	2023	2022	2022	2022
		£	£	£	£	£	£
	Fund balances at 31
	March 2023 are
	represented by:
	Tangible assets	-	-	-	625	-	625
	Current
	assets/(liabilities)	63,305	-	63,305	37,049	-	37,049
		63,305	-	63,305	37,674	-	37,674

• 13 -

BIGLIFE EUROPE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

14 Related party transactions

Transactions with related parties

During the year the charity entered into the following transactions with related parties:

During the year remuneration of £24,064 has been paid to J Dunn who is a related party to Rev P Dunn, a trustee.

• 14 -