Charity Registration No. 1175136
BIGLIFE EUROPE
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
BIGLIFE EUROPE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | Rev P J Dunn |
|---|---|
| Mr J Heerema | |
| Mr J Evans | |
| 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 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 15 |
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
BIGLIFE EUROPE
TRUSTEES' REPORT
The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.
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 Europe 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 Europe 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.
Biglife Europe team members continue to share the vision, train and support people and churches in the area of disciple making, drawing from the wider experience of movements in Asia. Increasingly Biglife Europe is able to draw upon relevant cultural examples of the principles being put into practice.
During the year Biglife Europe has continued to grow in the area of its partnership with the Yorkshire Baptist Association where it is now engaging with almost 50% of the churches in some way. The partnership has been extended, new churches engaged and existing ones are seeing the benefits of the partnership. More widely in the UK the reputation of Biglife Europe as a pattern in serving churches in the area of disciple making is growing, with growing work in the North West and East Midlands of England and new contacts in other regions exploring how to work together. Beyond the Baptist denomination Biglife Europe is also engaged with other denominations of the Christian Church and in particular contributes to the National Church Planting Network.
More widely the scope of Biglife Europe’s work is stretching into other European countries. Of particular note is the active involvement in the Mission conference of the Baptist World Alliance in Norway, where the vision was shared and seminars offered, with a number of contacts being followed up. The ministry has continued its engagement in Slovenia, and began more activity in Iceland, Germany and Türkiye.
Biglife Europe 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
Over the year the charity trustees have met on three occasions, in order to be updated in the work of the charity and to consider how best to maintain and develop the work. As part of their due diligence the trustees continue to monitor risk and keep an up-to-date risk schedule.
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BIGLIFE EUROPE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Financial review
Income has remained above expenditure over the financial year, leaving the charity with a firm financial footing. 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. Reserves are kept in compliance with the Finance Policy.
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 (2024-2025), 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. There are five trustees with a range of gifts and experience, who actively contribute to the running of the charity. The team employed is five, with one full-time and four part-time posts to manage the 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 (Resigned 13 October 2023) 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 Europe has continued to be encouraging, and the hope is that this will grow in the year ahead as people catch the vision for discipleship and are equipped and encouraged in pursuing this.
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BIGLIFE EUROPE
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Mr J Heerema
Trustee Dated: 23 September 2024
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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 2024.
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:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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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.
Marie Craig FCCA TC Group
20 Commerce Road Lynch Wood Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE2 6LR England
Dated: 25 September 2024
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BIGLIFE EUROPE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 117,282 17,399 Investments 4 501 - Total income 117,783 17,399 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 5 99,756 17,399 Net income for the year/ Net movement in funds 18,027 - Fund balances at 1 April 2023 63,305 - Fund balances at 31 March 2024 81,332 - |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 134,681 133,170 32,375 501 - - 135,182 133,170 32,375 117,155 105,039 34,875 18,027 28,131 (2,500) 63,305 35,174 2,500 81,332 63,305 - |
Total 2023 £ 165,545 - |
|---|---|---|
| 165,545 | ||
| 139,914 | ||
| 25,631 37,674 |
||
| 63,305 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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BIGLIFE EUROPE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
| Notes Current assets Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets Income funds Unrestricted funds |
2024 £ 1,555 82,950 84,505 (3,173) |
£ 81,332 81,332 81,332 |
2023 £ 7,000 59,329 66,329 (3,024) |
£ 63,305 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63,305 | ||||
| 63,305 |
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 23 September 2024
Rev P J Dunn Trustee
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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.
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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 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.
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BIGLIFE EUROPE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.8 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.
1.9 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.
1.10 Retirement benefits
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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 2024 2024 £ £ Donations and gifts 27,903 - Income from the Baptist Association and other support - 17,399 Income from Biglife International 89,379 - 117,282 17,399 |
Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 27,903 26,412 - 17,399 - 32,375 89,379 106,758 - 134,681 133,170 32,375 |
Total 2023 £ 26,412 32,375 106,758 |
|---|---|---|
| 165,545 |
4 Investments
| Unrestricted | Total | |
|---|---|---|
| funds | ||
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Interest receivable | 501 | - |
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BIGLIFE EUROPE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
5 Charitable activities
| Training & | Training & | |
|---|---|---|
| coaching | coaching | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Staff costs | 93,149 | 120,422 |
| Depreciation and impairment | - | 625 |
| Mission related costs | 10,691 | 11,431 |
| 103,840 | 132,478 | |
| Grant funding of activities (see note 6) | 6,000 | 1,000 |
| Share of support costs (see note 7) | 4,922 | 4,211 |
| Share of governance costs (see note 7) | 2,393 | 2,225 |
| 117,155 | 139,914 | |
| Analysis by fund | ||
| Unrestricted funds | 99,756 | 105,039 |
| Restricted funds | 17,399 | 34,875 |
| 117,155 | 139,914 |
6 Grants payable
| Training & | Training & | |
|---|---|---|
| coaching | coaching | |
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Grants to institutions: | ||
| Toxteth Tabernacle Baptist Church | 6,000 | 1,000 |
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BIGLIFE EUROPE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
7 Support costs
| Support costs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Support costs Governance costs £ £ Insurance 994 - Telephone 199 - Other 1,279 - Travel expenses 2,450 - Legal and professional - 396 Accountancy services - 1,997 4,922 2,393 Analysed between Charitable activities 4,922 2,393 |
2024Support costs Governance costs £ £ £ 994 1,037 - 199 137 - 1,279 844 - 2,450 2,193 - 396 - 396 1,997 - 1,829 7,315 4,211 2,225 7,315 4,211 2,225 |
2023 £ 1,037 137 844 2,193 396 1,829 |
| 6,436 | ||
| 6,436 |
8 Trustees
The following trustee received remuneration during the year for their role within the charity:
Rev P Dunn £57,100 (2023: £45,869) including pension contributions
Some of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received a total of £1,400 reimbursement for travel expenses from the charity during the year (2023 £1,287).
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BIGLIFE EUROPE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
9 Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
| Employment costs Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs 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 |
2024 Number 5 2024 £ 85,103 1,891 6,155 93,149 2024 £ 1,555 2024 £ 1,776 1,397 3,173 |
2023 Number 6 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 £ 109,192 4,618 6,612 |
||
| 120,422 | ||
| 2023 £ 7,000 |
||
| 2023 £ 1,868 1,156 |
||
| 3,024 |
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BIGLIFE EUROPE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
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 | Movement in funds | Movement in funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Balance at | |
| 1 April 2022 | resources | expended | 1 April 2023 | resources | expended | 31 March 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Grants to | |||||||
| support | |||||||
| salaries | 2,500 | 32,375 | (34,875) | - | 17,399 | (17,399) | - |
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BIGLIFE EUROPE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
13 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 £18,000 has been paid to J Dunn who is a related party to Rev P Dunn, a trustee.
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