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2024-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1176433 (England and Wales)

FRANCE MISSION

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

FRANCE MISSION

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Ms A W Brusby
Mrs M W Dowling
Revd Paul Dowling
Mrs H Antelo
Mr B G Carson
Mr M H Nixon
Mrs A Nixon
UK Director Dr P R Cooke
Charity number 1176433
Registered office 6 Florida Drive
Exeter
Devon
EX4 5EX
Independent examiner Simpkins Edwards LLP
The Summit
Woodwater Park
Pynes Hill
Exeter
EX2 5WS
Bankers CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
ME19 4JQ
General advisors Trust Advice
Sovereign Centre
Poplars
Yapton Lane
Walberton
West Sussex
BN18 0AS
Safeguarding advisors Thirtyone:eight
PO Box 133
Swanley
Kent
BR8 7UQ

FRANCE MISSION

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 6
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 7
Independent examiner's report 8
Statement of financial activities 9 - 10
Balance sheet 11
Statement of cash flows 12
Notes to the financial statements 13 - 23

FRANCE MISSION

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 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 CIO's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".

Objectives and activities

The objective of the CIO is the advancement of the Christian faith in the UK and in France and elsewhere for the benefit of the public in accordance with the statements of belief appearing in the schedule, particularly but not exclusively by providing financial support for missionaries and pastors, education and training, and church buildings in France that offer services within the community.

The objectives are fulfilled through:

  1. Providing financial support for missionaries and pastors in France and other francophone countries so they can devote themselves to their congregations.

  2. Providing financial help to French churches so that they can offer worship services and community activities in suitable accommodation that will enable members of the public to improve their spiritual wellbeing.

  3. Providing encouragement and information to UK supporters to stimulate their faith.

  4. Providing opportunities to UK supporters to participate first-hand in missionary and practical service, and also to support churches and missionaries in France.

  5. Providing information on the spiritual, social, political, and cultural situation in France so as to stimulate practical support from UK supporters to alleviate needs and enhance social cohesion.

  6. Contributing to the spiritual and moral education of people in the UK through talks, presentations, and provision of information to churches by any appropriate means.

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust’s aims and objectives, in planning future activities, and setting the grant-making policy for the year.

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission’s Governance Code for Smaller Charities.

Nearly all grants made by the CIO go to churches or workers directly connected to its principal mission partner in France: the French church grouping known as “Perspectives”. Occasionally, grants are made to individuals/ institutions with a looser affiliation to Perspectives.

The charity adopted a formal grant-making policy in 2018.

Formal Trustee meetings were held quarterly in 2024: both via videoconference (March, June, December) and in person (September).

Volunteers make an extremely valuable contribution to the work of the CIO. 6 Area Representatives support the UK Director by connecting with local supporters, churches, and Christian festivals. The Trustees are all volunteers and invest considerable time in overseeing the CIO’s governance. The wife of one of the British workers supported by the charity in France also provides support on a voluntary basis to students involved in Year Abroad placements in Perspectives churches and/or other evangelical institutions.

FRANCE MISSION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance

The news from France continues to be positive in terms of the growth of evangelical Christianity. Figures published at the end of 2023 by the CNEF (National Council of French Evangelicals) estimated that there were 745,000 evangelical believers in France. The same report states that there were at least 2,700 evangelical churches in France, a figure that means one evangelical church for every 25,000 people in France, thus moving closer to the CNEF’s goal of one church for every 10,000 people. On a modest scale – through committed prayer, financial generosity, and connecting British believers to France through various means – France Mission is playing a part in supporting this growth.

2024 marked the charity’s 50th anniversary year. To celebrate this landmark, a special anniversary France Day was held at Bishop’s Stortford Baptist Church on 27 April 2024. About 100 supporters booked in for the event and heard talks about France Mission’s past, present, and future from Peter and Liz Farley, Dave Brown, Peter Calvert, and Arnaud Schrodi. All attendees were able to enjoy spending time together over a French-themed lunch and also engaged in times of prayer and sung worship. The Day proved a great celebration of the Lord’s faithfulness over the past five decades and the feedback was very positive. Given the nature of the event, it was perhaps inevitable that it should appeal most to long-term supporters, but the Day underlined the challenge for the charity to renew its supporter base.

One of the ways in which the charity sought to take up this challenge in 2024 was by engaging in the Trusted Connections programme run by Eden, the UK’s major online Christian shop. By offering free booklets via this programme ( Why France? and a special 50th anniversary publication), the charity was able to connect with 400 new potential supporters. France Mission is hoping to renew its engagement with the Trusted Connections programme in 2025.

The charity’s main partner organisation in France remains the church-planting denomination called Perspectives. At the end of 2024, they had 85 churches in their network, 3 of which had satellite congregations in other locations. In 2024, Perspectives’ new church-plant in Fougères took a significant step forward with one of the key planting couples being able to secure their own accommodation in the town. France Mission launched an appeal in 2024 to help support this church plant as the team starts to get established and build relationships. They provide regular updates to supporters through the charity’s monthly prayer email.

In 2024, thanks to the generosity of its supporters, France Mission was able to provide financial assistance totalling £328,714 (2023: £363,720) to 24 (2023: 27) separate churches/institutions/projects and to 40 (2023: 31) different church workers. Most workers are based in mainland France, though some were based in other countries in 2024: one person was pursuing theological training in the UK, with another couple doing the same in Switzerland; one worker was pursuing ministerial training in Ireland; one worker was based in Quebec (returning to France periodically for ongoing ministry); and one was based in Mauritius for ministry purposes.

France Mission continued to make grants from its restricted Education and Training Fund in 2024, with grants amounting to £6,890 (2023: £14,473). There were 2 beneficiaries in 2024 (2023: 4): both young French men training for the pastorate, the first at Nogent Bible Institute near Paris and the second combining practical ministry experience in rural Ireland and in a town near Paris while completing his studies at the Geneva Bible Institute. Trustees have agreed to make some of the surplus reserves available at the end of 2024 to replenish Education and Training Fund for 2025 and beyond.

France Mission ran two appeals for specific causes in 2024. The first was to provide funding to print a small book to accompany a mobile biblical art exhibition called “De la parole à la peinture” (literally, “from the word to the painting”). This exhibition was first created about 20 years ago and has evolved to include decent quality reproductions of some of the great works in the European tradition of religious painting inspired by the Bible, accompanied by an audio-guide. The exhibition can be booked by churches of any denomination and is typically set up in church buildings, private schools, or municipal halls so that members of the public can learn more about the Big Bible Story. Those who manage the exhibition wanted to produce a new book as a souvenir to give away to visitors at the end of their visit. This is the book that the France Mission appeal letter funded: a print run of 500 80page A5 books containing reproductions of the paintings used in the exhibition with contextual information about the artist, the work itself, and the Bible passage(s) on which it is based. The book also contains a series of questions after each work and space for the reader to make notes. The format lends itself both to individual reflection and to use with small groups, for example as a follow-up activity to a visit to the exhibition.

FRANCE MISSION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The second specific cause for which France Mission ran an appeal letter in 2024 was the new church plant in Fougères (eastern Brittany). The funds are being used on a monthly basis to support the lead church-planting couple in this new initiative, especially in relation to the costs that they incur organising events designed to build relationships with local people.

The charity helped 2 British undergraduates connect with evangelical institutions to fulfil the residency requirements for the year-abroad part of their undergraduate degree in 2024 (2023: 4). One of them completed their year abroad (2023-2024) volunteering at one of the Perspectives churches in Strasbourg. The second student served in the same church, but for a shorter period of time at the end of her official year abroad which was spent in another location.

Throughout 2024, the charity continued to communicate regularly with supporters and the wider public using various channels: email prayer news (monthly), appeal/information letters (quarterly), and a magazine (termly). A freelance Social Media Content Producer based in France posts regularly on behalf of the charity to Facebook (c. twice weekly) and Instagram (c. weekly). The UK Director also hosts a regular Zoom prayer evening for supporters, sometimes with guest presenters from France: there were 9 of these meetings in 2024, with an average attendance of about 20. Over the course of the year, about a dozen people contacted the UK Director via the charity’s website to ask for advice about visiting French churches while on holiday or working in France and/or about possible shortterm service opportunities.

France Mission continued to be involved in exhibiting in 2024, having a stand at the Bangor Worldwide Missionary Convention (August). The charity’s visibility at this event was enhanced through the organisers inviting France Mission’s UK Director to give one of the main evening talks during the Convention, lead two prayer meetings as part of the Convention, and also speak at Sunday services in three local churches. These gave the charity the opportunity to speak to about 1000 people about its work and to distribute free resources. In total, France Mission representatives were able to make presentations at 20 different churches/university Christian Unions over the course of 2024 (2023: 12). The significant increase with respect to 2023 was largely due to the additional opportunities that came from the celebration of the charity’s 50th anniversary.

The CIO continues to network and collaborate with other like-minded organisations, especially through its membership of the Evangelical Alliance, Global Connections, Mission Action Partnership, and South-West Agencies Network.

FRANCE MISSION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Financial review

The charity’s finances were in a healthy state at the end of the year and were scrutinised by an Independent Examiner who raised no concerns. Total income in 2024 amounted to £515,989 (2023: £398,743), with total expenditure coming to £414,390 (2023: £437,760). The rise in income in 2024 compared to the previous year was due to two main factors. Firstly, the generosity of supporters during the charity’s 50th anniversary year. The Trustees started 2025 by considering potential beneficiaries of surplus charity reserves. The second reason for the rise in income in 2024 was a very large one-off donation, that France Mission's Trustees have designated for future distribution to Perspectives to facilitate their purchase of a premises for the church-plant in Clichy. If, for any reason this project does not materialise, the Trustees reserve the right to use this large sum (£76,785 at the end of 2024) for other unrestricted purposes. The Trustees will review progress with regards to this project in December 2029.

The great majority of the charity’s income comes from donations and gifts from supporters. The charity is very grateful to all those who donate to their work. The amount the charity received from legacies or in memoriam gifts in 2024 was £484 (2023: £nil). Due to the unpredictable nature of legacy income, France Mission never includes it in its financial plans. However, the charity is very grateful to supporters who leave legacies as they enable funding of people or projects that might otherwise not be possible.

At 31 December 2024, the charity had 2,531 active constituents in its database (2023: 2,214). Of these 2,531 constituents, 50% (2023: 51% including those archived) were/had also been financial donors. Since the database counts a couple as a single constituent, the number of individual supporters at the end of 2024 was 3,320 (2023: 2,793 including those archived). Included in these figures, 420 new constituents were added to the charity’s database in 2024 (2023: 65), the vast majority of whom came from advertising via Eden’s Trusted Connections programme.

Including Gift Aid, appeal/information letters raised the following sums: January 2024 (50th anniversary): £7,200 May 2024 (Biblical art exhibition): £4,500 September 2024 (church plant in Brittany): £13,700 December 2024 (general funds): £3,000

One-off gifts in 2024 were received from 327 named donors (2023: 339), with 14 anonymous donations (2023: 4). During the year, 317 donors used regular giving mechanisms to support the work (2023: 308).

The charity continued to use some reserves to provide additional support to mission partners in France whose personal support base is primarily based in the UK and whose income was therefore particularly adversely affected because of the poor exchange rate. A total of £700 was spent supporting 7 workers in this way in 2024 (£3,900 for 7 workers in 2023). In total, £51,500 has been devoted to this exchange-rate support since the rate dropped dramatically in 2016.

The charity reviews its exposure to risks (financial and other) in line with guidance from the Charity Commission. The conclusions are discussed and agreed at Trustee meetings. The major risks monitored during 2024 were the impact of inflation and the weakness of the pound-euro exchange rate.

The Trustees monitor closely the gifts made to the general fund, i.e., those where no specific recipient is stated by the donor, as these provide the funds for the charity’s overheads and enable other schemes to be funded as are drawn to the charity’s attention during the year.

In the process of scrutinising the accounts and financial information on a regular basis, the Trustees confirm that the financial affairs of the CIO are sound and on a “going concern” basis.

FRANCE MISSION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The reserves policy is to hold such funds as are considered necessary and prudent to ensure the CIO can continue to function and provide funds to beneficiaries in the event of reasonably foreseeable and possible changes to income or outgoing costs. These are monitored regularly and while such risks and the consequent reserves held will vary over time, the reserves are typically in the order of 4 months’ worth of unrestricted income (currently £69,500). Also kept back are funds held in anticipation of imminent funding requests. Therefore, at 31st December 2024, the Trustees were retaining £168,000 as working capital made up of:

£38,000 Legally necessary costs such as redundancy, notice periods contract terminations etc. £39,000 Future funds not yet released but “promised” and there is a moral duty to complete payments £20,000 A contingency against funding shortfalls to long-term mission partners £34,000 Held on behalf of mission partners, to be released as needed £27,000 Held for imminent known payments £10,000 A provision to recognise cashflow and variability in the reserves calculation

The CIO’s reserves are held in bank accounts protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The charity has no other investments.

Structure, governance and management

The Charity, as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), was created on 21 December 2017 and took over the assets and operations of the previous unincorporated trust of the same name (charity 267979). The CIO's governing document is its Constitution Document and Policies, last updated 27 July 2021.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Mr R I J Crockford (Resigned 9 March 2024) Mr A P Walter (Resigned 27 April 2024) Ms A W Brusby Mrs M W Dowling Revd Paul Dowling Mrs H Antelo Mr B G Carson Mr M H Nixon Mrs A Nixon

New Trustees are typically drawn from among the charity’s supporters and are either approached directly by the existing Board or respond to an invitation published in the charity’s communications. Trustees are appointed following a successful trial period and receipt of satisfactory references. Trustees are required to have a current DBS, and undertake the Safeguarding for Trustees course run by thirtyone:eight or equivalent. A new Trustee is provided with a copy of the charity’s handbook: Key Information and Policies , which includes in Chapter 1: Legal Status, Trust Document and Policies and Chapter 2 Personnel: Duties and Appointment . A new Trustee would also receive copies of the previous year’s annual report and accounts, as well as the Charity Commission leaflets The Essential Trustee: What You Need to Know and Being a Trustee . Depending on their previous experience as a trustee, new candidates may require completing a suitable training course.

France Mission is committed to ensuring the wellbeing and safety of those coming into contact with its personnel and activities. There is a safeguarding policy in place and suitable guidance and assistance is obtained from the thirtyone:eight organisation where necessary.

FRANCE MISSION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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

Revd Paul Dowling Trustee

30 June 2025

FRANCE MISSION

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The general responsibilities of the Trustees of any charity, including a CIO, are set out by the Charity Commission and are not repeated here. The charity, i.e., the Trustees, are also responsible for keeping themselves and the charity up to date with current legislation and procedure relating to their position and the work of the charity.

Insofar as financial matters are concerned, the Trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In financial statements, the Trustees are required to

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the CIO and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the CIO for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the CIO and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the CIO and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

FRANCE MISSION

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FRANCE MISSION

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of France Mission (the CIO) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the CIO 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 CIO’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the CIO’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements 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 the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

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:

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.

Mr A Hemmings BA (Hons) FCA CTA for and on behalf of Simpkins Edwards LLP

The Summit Woodwater Park Pynes Hill Exeter EX2 5WS

Dated: 14 July 2025

FRANCE MISSION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Current financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
fund
2024
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
208,474
-
301,464
Investments
4
5,466
585
-
Total income
213,940
585
301,464
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Fundraising and publicity
5
22,888
-
-
Charitable activities
6
62,770
-
328,714
Other expenditure
10
18
-
-
Total expenditure
85,676
-
328,714
Net income/(expenditure)
128,264
585
(27,250)
Transfers between funds
(53,585)
76,200
(22,615)
Net movement in funds
74,679
76,785
(49,865)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2024
72,841
-
98,134
Fund balances at 31 December
2024
147,520
76,785
48,269		 Total
2024
£
509,938
6,051
515,989
22,888
391,484
18
414,390
101,599
-
101,599
170,975
272,574		 Total
2023
£
395,565
3,178
398,743
17,282
420,302
176
437,760
(39,017)
-
(39,017)
209,992
170,975

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

FRANCE MISSION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
86,198
309,367
Investments
4
3,178
-
Total income
89,376
309,367
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Fundraising and publicity
5
17,282
-
Charitable activities
6
56,582
363,720
Other expenditure
10
176
-
Total expenditure
74,040
363,720
Net income/(expenditure)
15,336
(54,353)
Transfers between funds
(77,905)
77,905
Net movement in funds
(62,569)
23,552
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2023
135,410
74,582
Fund balances at 31 December 2023
72,841
98,134		 Total
2023
£
395,565
3,178
398,743
17,282
420,302
176
437,760
(39,017)
-
(39,017)
209,992
170,975

FRANCE MISSION

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
12
Current assets
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
14
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets
The funds of the CIO
Restricted income funds
16
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - designated fund
17		 2024
£
3,622
273,344
276,966
(5,801)		 £
1,409
271,165
272,574
272,574
48,269
147,520
76,785
272,574		 2023
£
3,063
170,466
173,529
(4,076)		 £
1,522
169,453
170,975
170,975
98,134
72,841
-
170,975

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 30 June 2025

Revd Paul Dowling Trustee

Mrs H Antelo Trustee

FRANCE MISSION

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(absorbed by)
operations
21
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Investment income received
Net cash generated from investing activities
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2024
£
(67)
6,051		 £
96,894
5,984
-
102,878
170,466
273,344		 2023
£
(150)
3,178		 £
(63,740)
3,028
-
(60,712)
231,178
170,466

FRANCE MISSION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

France Mission is a public benefit entity and a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in England and Wales. The address of the principal office is 6 Florida Drive, Exeter, Devon, EX4 5EX.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the CIO's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 CIO is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the CIO. 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 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 CIO 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 or grantors 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.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the CIO 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.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the CIO 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 CIO 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.

Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the charitable objectives of the CIO. In the case of an unconditional grant offer this is accrued once the recipient has been notified of the grant award. The notification gives the recipient a reasonable expectation that they will receive the one or multi-year grant. Grant awards that are subject to the recipient fulfilling performance conditions are only accrued when the recipient has been notified of the grant and any remaining unfulfilled conditions attaching to that grant are outside the control of the CIO.

FRANCE MISSION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

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

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

Computer equipment 10% reducing balance

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 the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Financial instruments

The CIO 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 CIO's balance sheet when the CIO 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 CIO’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.8 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 CIO is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

FRANCE MISSION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 Retirement benefits

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

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the CIO’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 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
207,990
301,464
Legacies
484
-
208,474
301,464
Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general designated
fund
2024
2024
£
£
Interest receivable
5,466
585		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
509,454
86,198
309,367
484
-
-
509,938
86,198
309,367
Total
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
general designated
fund
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
6,051
3,178
-		 Total
2023
£
395,565
-
395,565
Total
2023
£
3,178

4 Income from investments

FRANCE MISSION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5 Raising funds

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2024 2023
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising events 3,989 -
Communications 13,608 10,697
Advertising 1,934 3,337
Support costs 3,357 3,248
Fundraising and publicity 22,888 17,282
22,888 17,282

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

Charitable Charitable
expenditure expenditure
2024 2023
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 40,431 36,835
Depreciation and impairment 162 153
Office costs 5,119 4,440
Accounting services 498 432
Social media and other professional services 10,536 10,820
Independent Examiner's fees 3,330 2,460
Governance 2,694 1,442
62,770 56,582
Grant funding of activities (see note 7) 328,714 363,720
391,484 420,302
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general 62,770 56,582
Restricted funds 328,714 363,720
391,484 420,302

FRANCE MISSION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

7 Grants payable

Grants payable Grants payable Grants payable
Charitable
expediture
Charitable
expediture
2024
2023
£
£
Grants to institutions (24 grants):
Agape France
2,500
1,875
Aix-les-Bains
225
5,973
Amazing Grace
150
-
Amis des Etudiants du Monde
-
200
Argenton-sur-Creuse
150
9,541
Association CEPNE
-
4,532
Association Eglise Perspectives Amiens
10,000
-
Artists in Christian Testimony International / La Pommeraie
4,834
5,341
Aumonerie GBU
-
5,000
Auray
-
700
Centre de la Reconciliation
5,320
4,873
Chateauroux
363
-
CNEF
144
132
Cormeilles-en-Parisis
720
612
Entente Evangelique
15,678
17,458
Faculte Libre de Theologie
2,500
2,500
FM Solidarite
750
687
France-Vie
188
-
France Vision pour Implantation EGL
313
1,538
Implantation Fougeres
295
-
Institut Biblique de Nogent
22,295
32,669
Le Pre Saint Gervais
120
185
Loches
2,250
3,317
London School of Theology
-
2,893
Marseille-St Louis (Point Bible)
-
1,000
Paris-Cardinet
2,250
1,750
Pontivy
-
489
PSALT
5,949
3,375
Quevert
1,445
153
St Etienne
354
1,281
SIM International UK
300
200
Subvention
-
2,686
79,093
110,960
Grants to individuals (40 grants)
249,621
252,760
328,714
363,720
2024
£
2,500
225
150
-
150
-
10,000
4,834
-
-
5,320
363
144
720
15,678
2,500
750
188
313
295
22,295
120
2,250
-
-
2,250
-
5,949
1,445
354
300
-
79,093
249,621
328,714		 2023
£
1,875
5,973
-
200
9,541
4,532
-
5,341
5,000
700
4,873
-
132
612
17,458
2,500
687
-
1,538
-
32,669
185
3,317
2,893
1,000
1,750
489
3,375
153
1,281
200
2,686
110,960
252,760
363,720

FRANCE MISSION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

7 Grants payable

(Continued)

Most funding is done through the support of individual workers for whom support is raised on an individual basis.

General Funds and Appeals are used to support church building and other projects that have been identified as helpful in achieving the goals of the charity.

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration from the charity during the year.

Payments of £50 were made to third parties in respect of trustee training (2023: £50). Indemnity Insurance for the trustees was paid costing £1,006 (2023: £1,104).

Trustees' expenses

Trustees' expenses for travel and associated meeting costs were £458 (2023: £270) in relation to 3 trustees.

9 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
2024 2023
Number Number
2 2
Employment costs 2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 36,280 35,116
Social security costs 1,249 (1,090)
Other pension costs 2,902 2,809
40,431 36,835
There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.
Remuneration of key management personnel
The remuneration of key management personnel was as follows:
2024 2023
£ £
Aggregate compensation 37,472 36,436

FRANCE MISSION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10 Other expenditure

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Net loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets 18 176

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

12 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 January 2024
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2024
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2024
Depreciation charged in the year
Eliminated in respect of disposals
At 31 December 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
13
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors		 Computer
equipment
£
4,329
67
(40)
4,356
2,807
162
(22)
2,947
1,409
1,522
2024
2023
£
£
3,622
3,063
2024
2023
£
£
5,801
4,076		 Computer
equipment
£
4,329
67
(40)
4,356
2,807
162
(22)
2,947
1,409
1,522
2024
2023
£
£
3,622
3,063
2024
2023
£
£
5,801
4,076
4,356
2,807
162
(22)
2,947
1,409
1,522
2023
£
3,063
2023
£
4,076

FRANCE MISSION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

15 Retirement benefit schemes
2024 2023
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 2,902 2,809

The CIO operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the CIO in an independently administered fund.

16 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

At 1
Paris
Central France
Southern France
Other Mission Work
Church Projects
Education & Training Fund
ECLAS
Previous year:
At 1
Paris
Central France
Southern France
Other Mission Work
Church Projects
Education & Training Fund		 January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At 31
December
2024
£
£
£
£
£
29,506
89,837
(110,758)
(4,320)
4,265
16,032
64,865
(78,571)
3,320
5,646
27,604
21,150
(18,476)
(24,037)
6,241
13,478
85,892
(105,697)
7,217
890
9,093
34,867
(8,322)
(24,967)
10,671
2,421
4,853
(6,890)
10,372
10,756
-
-
-
9,800
9,800
98,134
301,464
(328,714)
(22,615)
48,269
January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At 31
December
2023
£
£
£
£
£
29,093
98,200
(97,787)
-
29,506
14,598
75,961
(93,372)
18,845
16,032
8,140
23,035
(3,571)
-
27,604
6,850
82,447
(126,459)
50,640
13,478
10,261
26,890
(28,058)
-
9,093
5,640
2,834
(14,473)
8,420
2,421
74,582
309,367
(363,720)
77,905
98,134		 January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At 31
December
2024
£
£
£
£
£
29,506
89,837
(110,758)
(4,320)
4,265
16,032
64,865
(78,571)
3,320
5,646
27,604
21,150
(18,476)
(24,037)
6,241
13,478
85,892
(105,697)
7,217
890
9,093
34,867
(8,322)
(24,967)
10,671
2,421
4,853
(6,890)
10,372
10,756
-
-
-
9,800
9,800
98,134
301,464
(328,714)
(22,615)
48,269
January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At 31
December
2023
£
£
£
£
£
29,093
98,200
(97,787)
-
29,506
14,598
75,961
(93,372)
18,845
16,032
8,140
23,035
(3,571)
-
27,604
6,850
82,447
(126,459)
50,640
13,478
10,261
26,890
(28,058)
-
9,093
5,640
2,834
(14,473)
8,420
2,421
74,582
309,367
(363,720)
77,905
98,134
98,134

FRANCE MISSION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

16 Restricted funds

(Continued)

The Restricted Funds are broken down into regions determined by the geographical location of the work being supported. The regions are: Paris, Central France and Southern France.

Other Mission Work relates to work not readily identifiable to one of the geographical areas listed above.

Church Projects Fund relates to giving directed to churches rather than mission partners.

The Education & Training Fund relates to assistance with the education and development of new pastors and missionaries.

The ECLAS Fund relates to monies held in accordance with a fiscal sponsorship agreement. Monies will be distributed as claims are submitted by the project co-directors.

17 Unrestricted funds - designated fund

These are unrestricted funds which are material to the CIO's activities.

At 1 January Incoming Transfers At 31
2024 resources December
2024
£ £ £ £
Clichy Church Planting - 585 76,200 76,785

An anonymous donation of £77,700 (including gift aid) was received during the year. The donation was received free of restriction. The trustees have agreed to designate £76,200 of the donation towards future distribution to Perspectives to facilitate their purchase of a premises for the church-plant in Clichy.

18 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1
General funds
Previous year:
At 1
Educational Fund
General funds		 January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At 31
December
2024
£
£
£
£
£
72,841
213,940
(85,676)
(53,585)
147,520
January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Transfers
At 31
December
2023
£
£
£
£
£
10,000
-
-
(10,000)
-
125,410
89,376
(74,040)
(67,905)
72,841
135,410
89,376
(74,040)
(77,905)
72,841

FRANCE MISSION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
fund
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
At 31 December 2024:
Tangible assets
1,409
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
146,111
76,785
48,269
147,520
76,785
48,269
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
fund
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
At 31 December 2023:
Tangible assets
1,522
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
71,319
-
98,134
72,841
-
98,134		 Total
2024
£
1,409
271,165
272,574
Total
2023
£
1,522
169,453
170,975

20 Related party transactions

Transactions with related parties

During the year, the CIO reimbursed the Director for travel, accommodation, and administrative costs incurred. These costs amounted to £1,363 (2023: £1,172).

The two employees of the CIO are the UK Director and the admin support person, who are related.

FRANCE MISSION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

21
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations
Surplus/(deficit) for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Loss on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations
22
Analysis of changes in net funds
The CIO had no material debt during the year.		 2024
£
101,599
(6,051)
18
162
(559)
1,725
96,894		 2023
£
(39,017)
(3,178)
176
153
3,910
(25,784)
(63,740)