2025-03-31-accounts

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Hope Church Network

Charity registration number: 1182733

Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham Chichester West Sussex PO18 8NF

HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

CONTENTS

Reference and Administrative Details	1
Trustees' Report	2 to 6
Independent Examiner's Report	7
Statement of Financial Activities	8
Balance Sheet	9
Notes to the Financial Statements	10 to 19

HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Trustees Matthew Elsom (resigned 4 October 2024) Rosemary Mackenzie Jonathan Piper Isabel Stirling Phillip Johnston Duncan Burchell Stuart Lowe (appointed 25 April 2024) Stephen Read (appointed 25 April 2024) Stephen Wilson (appointed 4 October 2024) Charity Registration 1182733 Number Principal Office Antrobus House 18 College Street Petersfield Hampshire GU31 4AD Independent Examiner G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham Chichester West Sussex PO18 8NF Bankers CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ

Page 1

HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

TRUSTEES' REPORT

The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Structure, governance and management

Nature of governing document

Hope Church Network registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), number 1182733, on 1 April 2019. The constitution was subsequently amended on 10 November 2023 to adapt the leadership structure to reflect the growth of the churches.

Organisational structure

Hope Church Network contains within it two churches in East Hampshire, one in the village of Greatham and another in the town of Petersfield. The trustees of the CIO are drawn from the leadership of these churches. At least one elder and one deacon is appointed from each church as a trustee, along with a member trustee from each church. These trustees are also the Network Leadership Team, which exists to support the churches in their mission, to foster mutual sharing and strengthening, and to bring encouragement and input.

Risk management

Advised by a risk sub-group, the trustees formally assess, review and keep a register of the major operational and financial risks that the charity is exposed to. Every trustee meeting includes a review of one or more risks and mitigatory measures identified by the sub-group.

Objectives and activities

Objects and aims

The Constitution of Hope Church sets out our charitable objects for the public benefit in three areas:

1. to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Faith in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees from time to time may think fit;

2. to relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, goods or services of any kind, including through the provision of counselling and support in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees from time to time may think fit; and

3. to advance education in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees from time to time may think fit.

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

Objectives, strategies and activities

These objects are, in part, met through the work of our various Mission Partners, whom we see as our fellow workers in God’s mission, and whom we are privileged to be able to support, particularly through prayer and finance. At home, it is our usual practice to meet our Objects in the following ways:

1. Advancing the Christian faith

A core element in our Sunday morning gatherings is teaching from the Bible, both for adults and children. Teaching and Bible study also take place in our various midweek small groups and youth groups. One of our principal purposes in all we do is to reach out with the good news of Jesus to those outside the church, through personal conversations and occasional public events.

2. Relieving sickness and financial hardship etc

We provide loving, practical help to those in need, and some financial support for individuals through our hardship fund. We support, both financially and through the practical help of members, our local food banks and a number of other local organisations which serve those in need.

3. Advancing education

Education is a key feature of our church meetings, small groups and youth work. Our members also practically support the work of Prison Fellowship. We support, both financially and through the practical help of members, a number of other local organisations, which serve the education of people of all ages and stages in life.

Public benefit

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

Achievements and performance

The meetings of our two churches on Sunday mornings have been times of energetic growth and deepening relationships. Our numbers have also grown over the past few years. Our total membership at the year ending in March 2025 was 143, across the two churches.

The breadth of our expression of the Christian faith and our love for one another reflect the unusual diversity of our history, drawn from different religious communities to now worship together. In this, we have seen the exciting possibility of unique people drawn into unity with one another in an increasingly polarised world through hope in and devotion to Jesus Christ.

To meet the teaching, pastoral and practical needs of the church, as of March 31, 2025, we were employing Jon Piper and Phillip Johnston as full time elders and Alison Godfrey, as the Church Administrator, eighteen hours a week.

Page 3

HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

The reason for all gatherings hosted by our churches, from Sunday morning meetings to midweek small groups, is to practise the Christian faith as a body of people. This includes teaching from the Bible, both for adults and children.

Within the year, our pastoral approach to the changing needs of our churches continued to develop. We experienced bereavement, poverty and mental health problems within the churches and more complex needs in the wider community. Elders and other members of the church continued to commit to meeting together with those in need, offering counsel, as well as practical help and caring in creative ways.

As our congregations have grown in recent years, so have the complexity of the needs encountered within and around them. In response, our use of the hardship fund has increased. This fund has been used to support a wide variety of individuals and families both inside and outside the membership of our churches.

In addition to the whole-church teaching provided on Sunday mornings, our young people and children are taught through the provision of small groups. These groups and activities were designed to develop knowledge and appropriation of the Christian faith for the children and young people in our community. Some of our young people also attended larger youth work events designed to help them develop in faith and connection to the wider church.

Financial review

Income for the year amounted to £259,715 (2024: £223,802) and expenditure £225,031 (2024: £223,929). The General fund balance at the end of the year was £111,784 (2024: £75,420).

Principal funding sources

Principal source of funds was giving by members and attenders of Hope Church.

Policy on reserves

The policy of holding a Missions and Staffing Reserve was maintained during the year to cover 6 months’ expenditure for Mission and 3 months’ expenditure for Staffing and the balance was adjusted to reflect that at the end of the year. This Designated fund of £45,364 was held wholly in cash. No reserve/fund was in deficit at the year end and all other Restricted and Designated funds (totalling £10,614) were held wholly in cash.

How expenditure supports key activities of the charity

A substantial proportion of our income was distributed to Mission Partners whom we judge to be advancing our aims in the UK and other parts of the world. At the end of the period, we were employing two full-time elders to ensure time was available for the promotion of the church’s main activities, including efficient administration, co-ordination of activities, and provision of information. We were also employing a part-time administrator (eighteen hours a week) to assist the Trustees in providing efficient administration. Other significant expenditure relates to the facilitation of our meetings and teaching activities.

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

The church offered assistance for those of any age, but particularly younger people, attending training courses to develop their knowledge and skills in areas consonant with the aims and Statement of Faith of the church.

During the year, the church rented a building to provide space for church meetings, the paid workers and storage of materials and documents.

Investment policy and objectives

Monies required for daily operations were held with CAF Bank in a mix of current and short-term deposit accounts. This enables ease of access to funds and a cautious attitude to risk. In addition to our accounts with CAF Bank, we also had two term deposit accounts with Shawbrook Bank to maximise income on these monies, within the security of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Hope Church Network for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of Hope Church Network you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Hope Church Network's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

Since Hope Church Network's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of Hope Church Network as required by section 130 of the Act; or

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

...................................... G W Schulz FCMA Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham Chichester West Sussex PO18 8NF

12 June 2025

Page 7

HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Note Unrestricted funds £ Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 238,045 Charitable activities 3 2,674 Investment income 4 3,306 Other income 5 2,850 Total income 246,875 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 209,291 Total expenditure 209,291 Net income/(expenditure) 37,584 Net movement in funds 37,584 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 119,564 Total funds carried forward 14 157,148	Restricted funds £ 12,732 - 108 - 12,840 15,740 15,740 (2,900) (2,900) 13,514 10,614	Total 2025 £ 250,777 2,674 3,414 2,850 259,715 225,031 225,031 34,684 34,684 133,078 167,762	Total 2024 £ 216,157 2,364 2,167 3,114
			223,802
			223,929
			223,929
			(127)
			(127) 133,205
			133,078

The notes on pages 10 to 19 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 8

	BALANCESHEET A5AT31MARCH2025
	Note	2025 t	2024 E
Fixed assets
Tangibleassets	9	3,331	4,455
		J,JJI	4,455
Currentassets
Debtors	ln	4,574	q qs7
Cashatbank andin	hand	172,836	728,949
		177,406	134,866
Creditors:Amountsfallingduewithinoneyear11		(12,975)	{6,243)
iletcurrentassets		164,431	128,623
Net assets		___]67f62_	133,078
Fundsofthe charity:
Ela<lriatael inaamo	fr rnde
Restricted funds		10,614	13,5 14
Unrestrictedincomefunds
Unrestricted funds		157,148	119,564
Totalfunds	1.4	___]67f62_	133,078

HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Statement of compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

Basis of preparation

Hope Church Network meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Income and endowments

Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Donations and legacies

Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.

Gift aid

Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA during the same period as the gift to which they relate.

Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

Expenditure

All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category.

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

Charitable activities

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Taxation

The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.

Tangible fixed assets

Individual fixed assets costing £250 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation and amortisation

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:

Asset class

Furniture and equipment

Depreciation method and rate 25% on cost

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.

Liabilities

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

Fund structure

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.

Pensions and other post retirement obligations

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into the respective employees’ pension funds.

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.

2 Income from donations and legacies

Donations and legacies; Donations Gift aid reclaimed	Unrestricted funds General £ 195,867 42,178 238,045	Restricted funds £ 11,517 1,215 12,732	Total 2025 £ 207,384 43,393 250,777	Total 2024 £ 184,427 31,730
				216,157

3 Income from charitable activities

Church camp Other events	Unrestricted funds General £ 2,177 497 2,674	Restricted funds £ - - -	Total 2025 £ 2,177 497 2,674	Total 2024 £ 2,277 87
				2,364

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

4 Investment income

Unrestricted funds General £ Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits 3,306	Restricted funds £ 108	Total 2025 £ 3,414	Total 2024 £ 2,167

5 Other income

Unrestricted funds General £ Rental income 2,850	Restricted funds £ -	Total 2025 £ 2,850	Total 2024 £ 3,114

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted funds Restricted Note Designated £ General £ funds £ Policy/Oversight group - 804 - Mission partners - 24,493 1,670 Service and outreach - 4,044 130 Church meetings - 17,492 - Church family 385 9,329 10,962 Children and youth - 2,571 - Office and administration - 6,920 - Church building - 19,506 - Professional services - 738 2,978 Independent examination - 960 - Depreciation - 1,537 - Staff costs 8 - 120,512 - 385 208,906 15,740	Total 2025 £ 804 26,163 4,174 17,492 20,676 2,571 6,920 19,506 3,716 960 1,537 120,512 225,031	Total 2024 £ 1,149 27,741 3,099 19,637 13,230 1,585 6,589 12,957 889 900 2,194 133,959
		223,929

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

7 Trustees remuneration and expenses

Two Trustees received remuneration amounting to £92,175 (2023 - Three Trustees £106,208) and benefits in kind in the form of pension contributions amounting to £4,763 (2024 - Three Trustees £5,400) during the year as employees of the charity.

The only other payments made to the Trustees, or any person connected with them, consisted of reimbursements of expenditure incurred on behalf of the charity in furthering the charity's objects.

8 Staff costs

The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:

Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs	2025 £ 108,820 6,251 5,441 120,512	2024 £ 120,931 6,981 6,047
		133,959

The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows:

Activities in furtherance of charity's objects Management and administration	2025 No 2 1 3	2024 No 3 1
		4

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

9 Tangible fixed assets

Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 10 Debtors Trade debtors Prepayments Accrued income Other debtors 11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Other taxation and social security Accruals		Furniture and equipment £ 23,756 413		Total £ 23,756 413 24,169 19,301 1,537 20,838 3,331 4,455 2024 £ 256 450 2,497 2,754
		24,169
		19,301 1,537
		20,838
		3,331
		4,455
		2025 £ 254 800 3,516 - 4,570 2025 £ 9,230 2,596 1,149 12,975
				5,957
				2024 £ 1,232 2,689 2,322
				6,243

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

12 Obligations under leases and hire purchase contracts

Operating lease commitments

Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:

follows:
Land and buildings Within one year Between one and five years	2025 £ 13,036 - 13,036	2024 £ 6,000 2,500
		8,500

13 Pension and other schemes

Defined contribution pension scheme

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The pension cost charge for the year represents contributions payable by the charity to the scheme and amounted to - £5,441 (2024 £6,047).

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

14 Funds

Unrestricted funds General General Funds Designated Hardship fund Reserves for Missions and Staffing Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Specific gifts fund Christmas fund The Ryan fund Hardship fund Young family fund Visa fund Total funds	Balance at 1 April 2024 £ 75,420 385 43,759 44,144 119,564 - - 8,011 - 2,525 2,978 13,514 133,078	Incoming resources £ 246,875 - - - 246,875 10,932 130 91 1,670 17 - 12,840 259,715	Resources expended £ (208,906) (385) - (385) (209,291) (10,762) (130) (200) (1,670) - (2,978) (15,740) (225,031)	Transfers £ (1,605) - 1,605 1,605 - - - - - - - - -	Balance at 31 March 2025 £ 111,784 - 45,364
					45,364
					157,148
					170 - 7,902 - 2,542 -
					10,614
					167,762

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

Unrestricted funds General General Funds Designated Hardship fund Reserves for Missions and Staffing Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Specific gifts fund Christmas fund The Ryan fund Hardship fund Young family fund Visa fund Piano fund Total funds	Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 71,961 3,179 43,759 46,938 118,899 - - 8,280 - 2,525 3,501 - 14,306 133,205	Incoming resources £ 215,213 200 - 200 215,413 3,650 65 56 999 - 1,619 2,000 8,389 223,802	Resources expended £ (213,754) (2,994) - (2,994) (216,748) (3,650) (65) (325) (999) - (2,142) - (7,181) (223,929)	Transfers £ 2,000 - - - 2,000 - - - - - - (2,000) (2,000) -	Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 75,420 385 43,759
					44,144
					119,564
					- - 8,011 - 2,525 2,978 -
					13,514
					133,078

Piano fund: A donation was received for the purchase of a piano. The terms of the donation was met once the asset was acquired, therefore allowing the charity to use it on an unrestricted basis for any charitable purpose.

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HOPE CHURCH NETWORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 (CONTINUED)

15 Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets	Unrestricted funds General £ Designated £ 3,331 - 121,428 45,364 (12,975) - 111,784 45,364 Unrestricted funds General £ Designated £ 4,455 - 77,208 44,144 (6,243) - 75,420 44,144	Restricted funds £ - 10,614 - 10,614 Restricted funds £ - 13,514 - 13,514	Total funds at 31 March 2025 £ 3,331 177,406 (12,975)
			167,762
			Total funds at 31 March 2024 £ 4,455 134,866 (6,243)
			133,078

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