Buddhist Healthcare Chaplaincy Trust
FOSTERING COMPASSION AND CARE IN UK HEALTHCARE SETTINGS
Charitable Incorporated Organisa4on
Number: 1178771
Report and financial statements
for the year ended 31st December 2024
Contents:
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Reference and administra4ve informa4on for the year ended 31st December 2024
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Trustees annual report for the year ended 31st December 2024
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Statement of Financial Ac4vi4es (including Income and Expenditure account) for the year ended 31[st] December 2024
Reference and administraAve informaAon for the year ended 31st December 2024
Charity number 1178771
Registered office and operaAonal address
Buddhist Healthcare Chaplaincy Trust,
5 Ainslie Street
Ulverston
Cumbria
LA12 7JE
Trustees
Trustees, who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:
Satyamegha Kate Hunt, Chair
Steve Johnson, Secretary Satyin Taylor Amitasuri Yule
Bankers
Triodos Bank UK, Deanery Road, Bristol BS1 5AS
Trustees annual report for the year ended 31st December 2024
Trustees of the Buddhist Healthcare Chaplaincy Trust (BHCT) present their report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31st December 2024. Reference and administrative information set out on page 2 forms part of this report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 and comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1020 (effective 1 January 2015).
This report highlights our continued dedication to providing compassionate and skilled Buddhist spiritual care within the diverse landscape of UK healthcare. As the officially recognised endorsing body for Buddhist Healthcare Chaplains in the UK, the BHCT remains committed to supporting the spiritual wellbeing of patients, their families, and healthcare staff.
A Message from the Trustees
The past year, 2024, has been one of both steady progress and evolving challenges. We have witnessed a continued recognition of the vital role that spiritual and pastoral care plays in holistic healthcare. The BHCT has been at the forefront of ensuring that Buddhist perspectives and practices are thoughtfully integrated into this provision. We are particularly proud of our robust endorsement process, which assures NHS Trusts of the high standards of our chaplains. The dedication of our endorsed chaplains, who often work across faith groups and embrace an ecumenical approach, continues to be an inspiration. We extend our deepest gratitude to all our volunteers, members, and partners who make our work possible.
Our Mission and Vision
The Buddhist Healthcare Chaplaincy Trust exists to advance Buddhism for the public benefit by promoting the role of Buddhist Healthcare Chaplaincy. We aim to alleviate and transform the experience of suffering through spiritual, religious, and pastoral care, fostering a more compassionate and inclusive healthcare environment for all.
Key Achievements in 2024
Robust Endorsement and Training :
The BHCT continued to operate its rigorous endorsement process for Buddhist chaplains, ensuring that those serving in healthcare settings meet professional standards of training and experience. We maintained a regular schedule of Endorsing Body meetings (March, July, November) to consider applications for both Initial and Full Endorsement.
Continued Professional Development :
We actively supported the ongoing development of Buddhist chaplains through various initiatives, including providing mentorship and supervision. We also contributed to broader discussions on professional standards for healthcare chaplaincy within the Network for Pastoral, Spiritual and Religious Care in Health (NPSRCH).
Strengthening Partnerships:
The BHCT maintained its active membership within the NPSRCH, contributing to the network's mission to promote high-quality, person-centred pastoral, spiritual, and religious care services across the NHS. We participated in discussions and initiatives aimed at ensuring equal access to spiritual care for all patients, regardless of religion or belief.
Educational Outreach:
We continued to engage in educational activities, promoting understanding of Buddhist principles and practices within healthcare contexts. This included networking events and collaborations to share knowledge and best practices in spiritual care.
Community Engagement:
Our endorsed chaplains actively engaged with patients, families, and staff in hospitals, hospices, and community settings, providing essential spiritual and pastoral support. This often involved one-on-one conversations, active listening, and guidance during times of difficulty, stress, and uncertainty.
Activities in 2024
Our activities in 2024 encompassed a range of areas crucial to our mission:
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Endorsement Process :
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Processing applications for new and renewing Buddhist Healthcare Chaplains, ensuring adherence to our established criteria.
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Mentorship and Supervision:
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Facilitating ongoing support and development for endorsed chaplains.
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Collaboration with NHS Trusts:
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Working with NHS Trusts to ensure appropriate provision of Buddhist chaplaincy services and assisting in the recruitment and integration of endorsed chaplains.
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Participation in National Networks :
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Active involvement in the NPSRCH and other relevant bodies to shape policy and best practice in healthcare chaplaincy.
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Information and Resource Provision :
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Maintaining and updating resources on Buddhist healthcare chaplaincy for chaplains, healthcare professionals, and the wider public.
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Promoting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion :
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Actively working to eliminate discrimination and advance opportunities for people of all faiths and beliefs in accessing spiritual care.
Financial review
As a registered charity (Charity Commission Registration No. 1178771), the Buddhist Healthcare Chaplaincy Trust operates with transparency and financial prudence.
Principal funding sources
As our involvement with the Network of Pastoral, Spiritual and Religious Care in Health (NPSRCH) continues we have supported their delivery of initial training for chaplains. Our income during 2024 was therefore solely based on donations towards the provision of Endorsement and networking services. It is intended that training and endorsement streams will grow in the coming years and the Trustees recognise the importance of developing and promoting these.
The BHCT subscribed to membership of the national umbrella organisation for Buddhist traditions - the Network of Buddhist Organisations (NBO).
The main administrative expenses occur in:
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Maintaining a register of Endorsed Chaplains, including gathering and reviewing references and written submissions for endorsement.
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Paying travel expenses for those attending networking meetings, committee meetings, training events and conferences.
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Maintaining and developing our online presence as a means of marketing, communication and knowledge sharing
Following the move to a donation based income, the Trustees remain committed to minimising expenditure.
Reserves policy
The board recognises the importance of ensuring that sufficient reserves are retained to maintain adequate working capital to fund operational activity, to provide for unseen circumstances and to invest in the development of the charity. We continue to work to identify sustainable funding streams for the future. The Trustees consider that the bank account reflects a reasonable financial position for the present circumstances.
Challenges and Opportunities
to Buddhist spiritual care across all healthcare settings. These include:
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Addressing issues of restricted recruitment and discrimination within some organisations.
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The growing recognition of spiritual care often outpaces the availability of trained and endorsed chaplains in certain areas.
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Securing adequate and sustainable funding to expand our reach and initiatives remains an ongoing focus.
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Maintaining standards by continuously reviewing and enhancing our endorsement and training processes to reflect evolving healthcare landscapes and best practices.
In addressing these issues we have due regard to the guidance published by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
Future Plans for 2025
In 2025, the Buddhist Healthcare Chaplaincy Trust will focus on:
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Enhancing the 2025/26 Chaplaincy Course: Building on the success of courses in the past we aim to refine and expand our training offerings.
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Strengthening Mentorship and Peer Support: Developing new initiatives to enhance the support system for endorsed chaplains.
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Advocacy and Policy Influence: Continuing to advocate for the inclusion and recognition of Buddhist spiritual care within national healthcare policies
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Fundraising Initiatives: Launching new fundraising campaigns to secure the resources needed for our planned expansion and development.
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Leveraging Technology: Explore innovative ways to use technology for training, communication, and support for chaplains.
The Buddhist Healthcare Chaplaincy Trust remains steadfast in its commitment to
supporting those in need within healthcare settings through the compassionate and skilful application of Buddhist principles. We look forward to a year of growth and impact, working collaboratively to foster healing and wellbeing for all.
Structure, governance and management
The organisation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered on 13[th] May 2018. The Trust was established under a memorandum of association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its articles of association.
The Trustees, their nomination and appointment
BHCT Trustees are responsible for the decisions made in running the BHCT. The skills requirements for the trustee body are kept under review. New trustees may be sought by open advertisement or through a dialogue with candidates. The ultimate decision on selection is a matter for the board of trustees. When new trustees are appointed, they are given an introduction to the work of the charity and provided with information they need to fulfil their roles.
There is a simple nomination process for new trustees, to be voted onto the board of Trustees. Trustees may hold specific roles such as Chair, secretary, and treasurer and others as needed. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity as a Trustee. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in the accounts.
Risk management
Consistent with the size of the charity, the trustees review any major risks to which the charity might be exposed and establish systems and procedures to mitigate those risks. The Trustees are of the opinion that the reserves and known subsequent income are sufficient for at least short to medium term financial requirements.
Statement of responsibilities of the trustees
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report 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 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 preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2015 (FRS 102);
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provision of the trust deed. 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 trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
The trustees’ annual report has been approved by the Trustees on 29 July 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Signed
Dr. Stephen Johnson Secretary
Buddhist Healthcare Chaplaincy Trust
Balance Sheet
January 1st 2024 - December 31st 2024
| Balance | Total |
|---|---|
| Opening balance | 2973.99 |
| Income | 185 |
| Expenditure | 1724.41 |
| Closing balance | 1434.58 |
| Income | |
|---|---|
| Donations (endorsement) | 95.00 |
| Donations (Nottingham event) | 90.00 |
| Total Income | 185.00 |
| Expenditure | |
| IT including web domain and maintenance | 466.00 |
| Venue Hire (Nottingham and Birmingham) | 220.00 |
| Travel and accommodation (BHCT Events) | 410.60 |
| Printing | 130.28 |
| Postage | 95.33 |
| Administrative Support | 400.00 |
| Bank Charges | 2.20 |
| Total Expenditure | 1724.41 |