## **GTS – Gloucestershire Theology School** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES** for the Year Ended 31 March 2021 The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, for the year ended 31[st] March 2021 The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 2015). ## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES** ## **Objectives and aims** Our charity's purposes as set out in the objects contained in the charity’s articles of association are to: advance the Christian religion by practically demonstrating the Christian faith in particular, but not exclusively by: (1) providing accessible biblical and theological teaching and training to churches and other Christian groups. (2) promoting theological understanding through dialogue and engagement across denominational lines (3) providing grants and subsidies to churches or individuals who might not otherwise be able to benefit ## **Public Benefit:** The trustees are aware of, have regard to and take into account the Charity Commissions guidance on Public Benefit in decision making, operational and strategic. This means that in every decision we make as a board, we ensure that the outcome does not have any personal benefit for anyone in or connected to the charity; delivers the objectives of our charity; makes good use of the funds that we have been trusted with. ## **Who we are** GTS is a ministry to churches and congregations that provides a forum for Christian biblical and theological education accessible to everyone. Our vision is to help Christians and congregations to grow together in their faith, gain confidence in the bible, and discover how to think and engage in meaningful theological discourse as the people of God – not as professionals, but as ordinary Christians. The aim is to bring theology out of its academic preserve and into the hands of ordinary Christians, giving congregations and small groups the tools and confidence to ‘do theology _together’._ We offer courses and events that challenge participants to think, discuss, learn and reflect together. Courses are engaging, interactive, accessible and affordable. The courses are adapted to each group, and can vary in length, level, or content, depending on the needs of the church. Many are now being offered by Zoom or online. Our courses are innovative and bring a fresh expression to theological teaching, affirming the Christian faith. Because we want our courses to be open to all we offer a bursary scheme for churches or individuals for whom cost may be a potential barrier. We bring the courses to churches or groups that already have a relationship with one another. The courses are designed to build more confident disciples – confidence in discussion and engagement – not just to provide content for individual growth. Based on a peripatetic model, we enable congregations to study together, which will deepen existing relationships and forge new fellowship. This report covers the financial period 01 April 2020 to 31 March 2021. We are so grateful to everyone who has attended a course, supported us and/or become a friend of GTS. Thank you! We could not exist without your support and prayers. ## **Financial Review** ## **Income** Our income for this financial period was £22,330. Course fees provided an income of £1570, no new grant income (although one grant carried over from the previous year due to Covid issues) and the remainder was secured through individual or church donations along with gift aid. ## **Expenditure** Expenditure was £14,463, consisting primarily of resources and costs for the delivery of the courses, but also including development of an online platform and other resources for online / zoom delivery. ## **Summary** At the end of the year we had a net surplus of £7,866. We anticipate a continued gradual increase of income over the next financial period as GTS builds on its reputation for excellence, accessibility and enjoyment of its courses. ## **Reserves** The Trustees regularly review the financial situation of the charity including Risk and the need to hold reserves. With no committed expenditure at this period in time, we do not hold any designated or committed reserves, although current reserves are above £16,000. ## **Financial management** GTS is still a young charity, initially focused in the Gloucestershire region, but now growing beyond that with online participation and additional specialist teachers. GTS take the importance of maintaining financial systems and controls very seriously and follow all Charity Commission and other statutory guidance. We submit our accounts and Annual Reports to the Charity Commission and comply with all their guidelines, accounting regulations and reporting requirements. We have robust procedures in place to prevent fraud and all funds are allocated for the purpose for which they are given. As a board, we believe the charity is managing its resources appropriately. ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** ## **Governing document** The charity is controlled by its governing document, the charity’s ‘Constitution for a Foundation Model CIO’ (whose only voting members are its charity trustees). The Constitution is dated 10 September 2018. ## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees** - (1) GTS is led by the Board of Trustees which oversee and monitor the governance and work of the charity. Under the requirements of the Constitution every trustee must be appointed for a term of three [3] years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. - (2) In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. The charity trustees set rotating terms to ensure there will always be a sufficient number for quoracy. All the trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. Any expenses reclaimed from the charity would be set out in the accounts. We believe that the current board of trustees provides strong leadership to the charity, recognising that a diverse and highly skilled board of trustees is essential if the charity is to be effective in achieving its objects. Therefore, we continue to actively recruit trustees and have dedicated considerable time and thought to the ‘onboarding’ of potential and new trustees to ensure a thorough understanding of not only the charity, but also all legal and statutory obligations. As our board and resources grow we may look to increase the support and governance of GTS through sub-committees that can provide assurance to the board. ## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** ## **Registered Charity Number** 1181897 ## **Registered Office** 113, Denmark Rd, Gloucester, Glos. GL1 3JW ## **Trustees** |**Trustee name**|**Office(if any)**|**Relevant term dates**| |---|---|---| |John Bentley||| |Jeremy Taylor|Chair|| |Revd Canon Dr Tudor
Griffiths||Resigned 30.11.20| |Dr Emma Hartwell||| |Claire Power-Browne||| |Nigel Roe||| |David Hannah||Began 19.11.20| ## **Independent examiner** ## **Bankers** Lindsay Wyles Barclays Bank, 32 Padin Close Leicester, Chalford, Stroud LE87 2BB Gloucestershire GL6 8FB