Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From: 01 Aug 2023 to: 31 July 2024
Charity name: Bethel School of Biblical Studies - BIBS
Charity registration number: 1179314
Companies House Registration Number : 11223226
1. OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY
The charity is a charitable company and is governed by its articles of association. The objects of the charity, as set out in the governing document are:
The Charity's object {"the Object"), which is for the Public Benefit, is the advancement of the Christian Faith worldwide, in particular, by providing indepth knowledge of the biblical scriptures and equipping men and women for life and Christian ministry.
2. SUMMARY OF ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
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2.1 In furthering the above objects, BIBS’ main activities and achievements during the financial period were a series of Bible courses and they are as follows:
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The Two-Year Certificate Course - that gave a deeper and structured understanding of the Bible; equipping men and women to be better citizens and positively affect society.
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The Foundation Course - that gave a basic understanding of the Bible to men and women who did not have an understanding; and helped them to apply the principles to their lives.
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2:2 BIBS Delivery of Curriculum
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BIBS continues to deliver its curriculum online. The staff have fully embraced the methodologies involved in delivering education online and the courses continue to run well.
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Trustees and staff continue work together to address the many challenges involved in running an online Bible school. Systems are in place which encourage feedback from past and present students. The ethos of the school continues to be one of continual improvement.
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The focus on student care remains of high priority. Courses and assessment processes have been adapted to an online learning environment. The changes brought in to facilitate online delivery, such as shorter weekend sessions, the introduction of online discussion forums and revision sessions, have been embedded and are proving themselves to be robust and of continuing benefit to the student body.
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So as not to put unrealistic burdens on the staff and teachers, the Short courses remain on hold.
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The trustees and staff have looked to recruit new staff this year so as to be able to effectively deliver its curriculum to current students whilst also being prepared for any future increase in demand.
In planning the activities the Trustees have applied the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
3. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
- 3.1 The Charity is governed by its Articles of Association, dated 1[st] Feb 2018. The school was incorporated on 23[rd] Feb 2018 and registered with Company House and with the Charity Commission on 24[th] July 2018.
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3.2 The charity is currently a Charitable Company. Its trustees (directors), and board of governors are responsible for overseeing the carrying out of its objects, setting its policies, and monitoring all its activities, etc. The day-today activities are undertaken by the BIBS staff who are accountable to the Trustees.
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3.3 The methods used to recruit and appoint new charity trustees, including details of any constitutional provisions for appointment are found in the articles of association. The Charity may, by ordinary resolution, appoint a trustee. The process is as follows:
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Appointees are nominated based on a set of criteria
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Those willing to act as a trustee are chosen from the nominees
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Trustees determine by rotation, the order in which any additional Trustees are to retire.
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The Trustees may at any time co-opt any person duly qualified to be appointed as a trustee, to fill a vacancy in their number or as an additional Trustee. A co-opted Trustee holds office only until the next AGM.
3.4 The trustees have agreed that the Bible school will, regarding its charity structure, move to being a Charitable Incorporate Organisation. The trustees have advised the staff of this. The work to achieve this aim has begun and is progressing well.
4. FINANCIAL REVIEW
The school continues to manage its financial budget to enable the provision of its courses online. A continuous improvement can be seen from post pandemic levels. The attached set of figures details the Charity’s annual income, expenditure, balance or surplus etc., which compares the previous year with the current.
5. RESERVES POLICY
There is no formal reserves policy. However, the trustees regularly monitor the financial health of the charity to ensure that sufficient reserves are available to mitigate a possible loss of income or unexpected increase in expenses due to unforeseen circumstances. In practice, the charity has a very low fixed cost base, and therefore most or both its income and expenditure is variable in line with activities.
The Trustees have established the level of reserves (that is those funds which are freely available) that the charity ought to have. Reserves are needed to ensure that the day-to-day operation of the charity can be sustained. The charity's determination is to try to maintain reserves to cover 12 months of unrestricted expenditure.
6. KEY RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
The charity is exposed to various risks - be they operational, financial or reputational. The trustees review the charity's activities regularly to identify significant risks and, where possible, they take appropriate measures to mitigate those risks.
7. TRUSTEES/DIRECTORS
The Trustees/Directors as at the 31[st ] July 2024 were:
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Denson Lewin (Trustee)
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Tracey Peters (Trustee/Vice Chair)
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David Miller (Trustee/Chair)
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Sylvia Dean (Trustee/Company Secretary)
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Clive Roberts (Trustee/Company Secretary)
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8. RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES UNDER COMPANY LAW
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).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is 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 charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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9. Approval
This report, which has been prepared by Clive Roberts in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies, was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Mr Clive Roberts
On behalf of the Board of Trustees
Date: 31/05/2024
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TOTAL FUNDS
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of lhe Companies Act 2006 for the year ended
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a. For the year ending 31st Dec 2010 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477(2) of the Companies Act
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b. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.c. The directors acknowledge their responsibility for:
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i. ensuring the company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386; and
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ii. preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year, and of its profit or loss for the financial year, in accordance with the requirements of section 393, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act relating to accounts, so far as is applicable to the company.
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d. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small
The financial statements have bepn prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 31st May 2025 and signed on their behalf, by
Clive.Roberts…………………………………… C Roberts…………………………………… Name of Approving Trustee Name of Approving Trustee
Bethel School of Biblical Studies
Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 July 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Motor vehicles -25% on reducing balance Fixtures and fittings -12.5% straight line Computer Equipment -33.33% straight line
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Bethel School of Biblical Studies
Charitable Incorporated Organistation
TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
Bethel School of Biblical Studies
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| References and administrative details of the charity and its trustees | 3 |
| Trustees' report | 4 - 7 |
| Independent examiner's report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Balance Sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 11 -14 |
Bethel School of Biblical Studies
REFERENCES AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY AND ITS TRUSTEES. FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
| Trustees | Sylvia Dean |
|---|---|
| Denson Lewin | |
| David Miller - Chair | |
| Tracey Peters | |
| Clive Roberts | |
| Company Secretary | Clive Roberts |
| Memorandum and Articles of Association | |
| Governing Document | dated 23 February 2018 |
| Company Registration Number | 11223226 |
| Charity Registration Number | 1179314 |
| Principal office | Bethel School of Biblical Studies |
| Bethel Convention Centre | |
| Kelvin Way | |
| West Bromwich | |
| B70 7JW | |
| Registered office | Bethel School of Biblical Studies |
| Bethel Convention Centre | |
| Kelvin Way | |
| West Bromwich | |
| B70 7JW | |
| Independent Examiner | Tunji Ogedengbe FCCA |
| 36 Daffodil Close | |
| Hatfield | |
| AL10 9FF |
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Bethel School of Biblical Studies Charitable Incorporated Organistation
INDEPENDENT EXAMINNERS REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
I report on the financial statements of The Liberty Ministries International for the year ended 31 July 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, and the related notes. These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies set out therein.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and independent examiner
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, you consider that the audit requirement of section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act),as amended by s.28 of the Charities Act 2006 does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine accounts under section 43 of the Act, as amended, to follow procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 43(7)(b) of the Act, as amended, whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charities Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(i) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met; or
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(ii) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
........................................................... Tunji Ogedengbe 31st May 2025 36 Daffodil Close Hatfield AL10 9FF
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Bethel School of Biblical Studies
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVIES (incorporating income and expenditure) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 2024 2024 Notes £ £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM: Donations and legacies 3 4,794 - 4,794 Charitable activities 4 8,949 8,949 Investment 5 - - - Total Income and Endowmwent 13,743 - 13,743 EXPENDITURE ON: 6 Charitable activities 11,061 11,061 Support Cost 2,747 2,747 Governance costs - Total Expenditure 13,808 - 13,808 Net movement in funds 65 - - 65 - - Total funds brought forward 68,896 68,896 - Prior Year Adjustment 441 - 441 - - TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 10 68,390 - 68,390 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 6,111 - - |
|---|---|
| 6,111 | |
| 761 11,298 - |
|
| 12,058 | |
| 355 - 68,541 - |
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| 68,896 |
The Notes on pages 11 to 14 formed part of these financial statements.
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Bethel School of Biblical Studies
Balance Sheet At 31 JULY 2024
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 7 Cash at bank 8 CREDITORS:Amounts falling due within one year 9 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES CREDITORS:Amounts falling due after more than one year NET ASSETS FUNDS 10 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
2024 £ - 68,765 |
2024 £ 68,390 68,390 - 68,390 68,390 68,390 |
2023 £ - 69,272 |
2023 £ 68,897 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68,765 375 |
69,272 375 |
|||
| - | - | |||
| 68,897 - |
||||
| - | - | 68,897 | ||
| 68,896 | ||||
| 68,896 |
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of lhe Companies Act 2006 for the year ended
a. For the year ending 31st Dec 2010 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477(2) of the Companies Act
- b. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. c. The directors acknowledge their responsibility for:
i. ensuring the company keeps accounting records which comply with Section 386; and
ii. preparing accounts which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year, and of its profit or loss for the financial year, in accordance with the requirements of section 393, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act relating to accounts, so far as is applicable to the company.
d. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small
The financial statements have bepn prepared in accordance with the provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 31st May 2025 and signed on their behalf, by
………………………………………… …………………………………… Name of Approving Trustee Name of Approving Trustee
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Bethel School of Biblical Studies
Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 July 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), the Companies Act 2006 and the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Motor vehicles -25% on reducing balance Fixtures and fittings -12.5% straight line Computer Equipment -33.33% straight line
Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
2. VOLUNTARY INCOME
3. Donations
| 3. Donations Donations of cash and similar 4. Income from Charitable Activities Course fees Graduation Other revenue 5. Investment Income Bank Interest |
2024 2023 £ £ 4,794 6,111 |
|---|---|
| 4,794 6,111 |
|
| 2024 2023 6,560 6,028 1,398 - 992 275 |
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| 8,949 6,302 |
|
| 2024 2023 - - |
|
| - - |
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Bethel School of Biblical Studies
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued For the year ended 31 July 2024
TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 July 2024
Trustees' Expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid neither for the year ended 31 July 2024
7. Debtors
| Trade debtors Total debtors 8. Cash Cash at bank with immediate access Total cash 9. Creditors: liabilities falling due within one year Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income |
2024 £ - - 2024 £ 68,764 68,764 2024 £ - 375 375 |
2023 £ - |
|---|---|---|
| - | ||
| 2023 £ 69,271 |
||
| 69,271 | ||
| 2023 £ - 375 |
||
| 375 |
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Bethel School of Biblical Studies
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued For the year ended 31 July 2024
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
During the year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows:
| MOVEMENT IN FUNDS |
|
|---|---|
| During the year the movements in the charity's funds were as follows: Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Unrestricted funds Prior Year Adjustment TOTAL FUNDS |
Net movement in At 1/08/23 funds At 31/07/24 £ £ £ 68,896 505 68,390 - - - |
| - - - |
|
| Incoming Resources Net movement resources expended £ £ £ 13,743 13,808 65 - 441 - |
|
| 13,743 13,808 505 - |
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Bethel School of Biblical Studies
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 July 2024
| 6. Charitable Expenditure Costs incurred directly on specific activities Accreditation fees Telephone and utilities Graduation Costs incurred on support & administration Goverance cost Independent Examination Other Sub total- Goverance Cost Other cost Professional Fees Paypal charges Computer hardware General maintenance Bethel payments Insurance Marketing Sub total- Other Cost Total expenditure |
Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2024 £ £ 330 - 502 - 10,229 - 11,061 - 375 - 76 - 451 - - - 99 - 1,430 - 252 - - - 514 - - - 2,296 - 2,747 - 13,808 - |
2023 £ 330 431 - |
|---|---|---|
| 761 | ||
| 375 241 |
||
| 616 | ||
| 3,375 84 1,564 - 5,000 459 200 |
||
| 10,682 | ||
| 11,298 | ||
| 12,058 |
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