Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From: 1 January 2023 To: 31 December 2023
Charity name: Fountains Church, Bradford (‘FCB’) Charity registration number: 1183423
Objectives and Activities .......................................................................................................................................... 3 Achievements and Performance ................................................................................................................................. 4 Financial Review .......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Structure, Governance and Management ................................................................................................................. 11 Reference and Administrative details........................................................................................................................ 15 Declarations ............................................................................................................................................................... 18
2 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The Charity's objects for the benefit of the public are: 3.1.1 to advance the Christian faith within the City of Bradford Metropolitan District in the Diocese of Leeds and in accordance with the doctrines, policies, practices and patterns of worship of the Church of England by furthering its pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical activities; and 3.1.2 the prevention or relief of poverty in the City of Bradford Metropolitan District by providing items and services to individuals in need and/or charities, or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
♦Rejuvenation and development of Glydgate building(s)♦Church plant: Saturday Gathering♦Church plant: Wrestling Church♦Church plant: International Church♦Revitalisation, support and growth of network churches:St Margaret’s Frizinghall & St Michael’s Shelf with St Aiden’s Buttershaw ♦Community Engagement: Drop In♦Community Engagement: Community meals♦Community Engagement: Renew Wellbeing♦Community Engagement: Stay and Play |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | As part of on-going development of the Trustee Board a new induction process is to be introduced in 2023 which will encompass the competencies and knowledge of CC guidance on public benefit. |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | There are c.150 volunteers supporting the CIO in various guises from Welcome Team at services through food preparation and serving, maintenance of the building. They are also part of the pastoral care team and support grant applications to further the work of the CIO. |
3 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | The last 12 months have been a year of great blessing and reward. The operations team has been significantly strengthened with the new Operations Director and Finance Manager moving fully into their roles and the Building and Facilities Manager joining them. The focus on operations has meant the policies, processes and procedures have been consolidated in line with the growing organisation. This along with the steady increase in congregations, further expansion of small groups and increasing numbers of baptisms and confirmations at Fountains, the growth we are seeing at St Margaret’s Frizinghall and the addition of St Michael and St Aidan’s to the Fountains Network has meant this has been a year of both consolidation and growth. We have seen change in our kitchen operations and have appointed a new chef. Since his arrival the quality of the food served has improved significantly and we are seeing an increase in the requests for catering supplied to external bookings and events which is helping towards our aim to make the kitchen self-funding in the longer term. Numbers at our two mid-week community meals and at Saturday Gathering have also increased from the low thirties at the start of the year to the mid to high seventies by the end of summer. In October we introduced a nominal charge of £1 per meal at the Tuesday and Thursday communities to help cover increasing food costs. Not unexpectedly, numbers attending the meals slumped initially but have risen again to around 45 per lunchtime. Consequently, the meals are quieter and less frenetic and have allowed more space in which to have meaningful conversations with those attending. It is noticeable that a core group is developing who are beginning to have conversations about FCB and Jesus away from the church and have been encouraging new people to come with them to the mealtimes. There is a real sense of family and community building which is infectious. In December we introduced a new worshipping community, International Church, which meets on a Sunday morning alternating between an online service and an in-person service in the church. This grew out of one of our small groups the leaders of which now lead International Church supported by one of our mission apprentices. All three are undertaking leadership training through the Myriad learning pathway run by CCX. The congregation is aimed at international students attending Bradford University but not exclusively. A new small group has been established run by one of the mission apprentices and our intern and meets locallyin the |
4 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
city centre. This has supplemented well our support of the Chaplaincy at the University that has been in place since September and where we have introduced a midweek communion service, supported multi-faith activities and worked to draw together the Christian Societies in the Uni.
In December, we appointed contractors to undertake the work on phase 3 and they started works in January 2024 with an aim to have completed by the end of June 2024.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference |
Objectives by 2024 | Progress | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | 7-day worship and prayer in Bradford City Centre |
7day worship and prayer in-person and online. |
| Worshipping Community of 500 by 2024 |
Our Sunday 4:30 congregation continues to grow steadily, as do the new worshipping communities. |
||
| First plant established and second launched |
A new worshipping community, International Church, has been established and meets on a Sunday morning alternating between online and in-person meetings. Made up largely of international students the congregation is around 53 strong and growing. Saturday gathering continues to develop well with numbers around 70 and usually around 30 people staying for worship. The transition under Chris Enwerem’s leadership is going well. Wrestling Church is seeing more people being baptised and confirmed and discipleship group has now been created. |
||
| Multiple, sustainable social enterprises |
We continue to raise funds to support our mission and ministry through funding applications. We continue to develop the lettings processes and this is significantly helping our |
5 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
| revenue stream. Whilst our social enterprises have slowed this last year following the moving on of the Director we do anticipate that this will restart in a more sustainable way as our kitchen team develop. In October we introduced a nominal charge for food provision on Tuesday and Thursday, although we still provide a free alternative. Whilst numbers initially dropped, they have steadily climbed back. |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Costs Covered |
Our giving has continued to hold steady at around £5,000 pcm but we need to continue to have conversations with our congregations on increasing giving to the levels in our forecasts. Our concerns regarding the impact of increasing energy costs continue but we have seen our negotiated fixed prices extended. There is a delay on the installation of solar panels as we await planning permission. |
||
| Positive civic reputation |
With the localities hub, Fountains Drop In is now well established and continuing strong relationships within Bradford. Fountains hosted an event involving multiple local groups and charities, off the back of which we have taken several bookings and had a number of enquiries regarding the spaces at Fountains. Fountains is already taking enquiries for hiring space during the City of Culture 2025 festivities. We have links now with Bradford Literature Festival and hosted a celebration of 75 years since Windrush and have established links with community leaders for hosting events around Black History Month in Autumn. The DWP have now instigated a further Drop In, monthly on Tuesdays to go further into supporting our different communities into work and better living. Since October, the Growth Company, which specialises in the re-habilitation of ex-offenders, has been using one of our spaces on Monday, Thursday and Friday every week as a drop-in centre. |
6 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
| Support for 2 other resourcing church plants |
On track. Reverend Poole and Reverend Enwerem are working through what it means for St Margaret’s, Frizinghall and St Michael’ & All Angels, Shelf, to be a part of FCB’s network and whether that supports their longer-term aspirations. From June, there has been a shared service once a month on a Sunday evening for prayer and worship. The Board of Trustees has begun to consider what the network means for governance, there has been a co- opted trustee from St Margaret’s, although she resigned before Christmas but continues to be a member of the Finance sub- committee and consideration is being given to inviting a co-opted trustee from St Michaels. |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 new / returning disciples |
On track. We continue to see returning disciples joining us. |
||
| 25 new lay leaders | On track – 29 people leading within the various groups including Saturday Gathering. |
||
| 6 Mission Apprentices |
Two Mission Apprentices have been appointed for Fountains together with an Intern. Both MA role s at St Margaret’s have been filled but not yet managed to fill our other vacancies at St Michaels. |
||
| 10 Ordination Candidates |
On track. |
7 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | As outlined elsewhere in this report, 2023 has been a year of continued stabilisation, growth & development. Regular Giving, Donations & Gift Aid: Regular giving has remained at a reasonable level but will need to grow further as the congregation and needs of FCB develop through 2024. Gift Aid claims continue to work well making use of ChurchSuite. Grant funding: The Strategic Development Fund (SDF) remained the largest element of FCB grant awards with funds supporting staffing, running costs and building works. Other grants awarded were to support specific programmes/projects with an £8k award from the Mayors ’safer communities fund to support the work of the Drop In married up with funds from Warm Spaces and Welcoming spaces. Opportunities & Challenges: With Phase 2b of the building completed in the latter part of 2023 we ended the year having a pre-contracting agreement in place for tenancy of the Phase 2b office space. It has also allowed the FCB operational team to move upstairs into a dedicated office space. The tenders and contracting for Phase 3 development of Glydgate were agreed in the last few weeks of the year and, subject to unforeseen costs, should mean that works are on schedule as planned for 2024 and should fall within the allocated budgets for the last phase of the project. In order to avoid costly price rises in Q1 of 2024 some of the equipment for Phase 3 was agreed and ordered in advance. Growth of the congregations at FCB, wider usage of the building for commercial rentals and continued grant funding to support our community projects are all positive and encouraging but we will continue to have some limitations until all of the works are completed in terms of congregation numbers as we are already reaching capacity for some of our services. The number of regular givers and giving towards specific projects has been successful. 2024 will sees the introduction of the taper in terms of funding from the SDF. From July 2024 onwards, FCB will begin to contribute towards non-clergy staffing, core running costs and the costs of our clergy via the equivalent of a Parish Share. This is necessary to fully meet our objectives for the mission of the CIO, to encourage sustained regular giving, and for increased commercial rental of the building. A review of existing rental rates will be carried out and agreed in Q1 of 2024. Continued growth and stewardship will need to be kept at the forefront of the congregations’ and FCB management team minds. |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | A reserves policy was agreed by the Trustees in 2023. |
8 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
| The Trustees recognise that money should only be kept in reserve for specific reasons – whilst the Bible clearly indicates that we should not hoard it is also clear that sensible planning for known events and planning responsibly for others (including employees) is important. As such we have set a target to have three months of non-SDF funded running costs in unrestricted cash reserves in case of a major problem (c.£30k) and in addition to have a further month’s salaries in reserves (c.£10-12k). Policy:it is the policy of this church to aim to keep three months running costs and a further one month's salary costs in reserve to cover unforeseen emergencies. The reserves that we plan to set aside provide financial stability and the means for the continued development of our principal activities. Reserves will be monitored and reported as part of the annual accounts, the bi-monthly Trustees meetings and as part of the AGM for the church. This policy will be reviewed ready for approval at the final Trustee meeting of each financial year, normally November. |
The Trustees recognise that money should only be kept in reserve for specific reasons – whilst the Bible clearly indicates that we should not hoard it is also clear that sensible planning for known events and planning responsibly for others (including employees) is important. As such we have set a target to have three months of non-SDF funded running costs in unrestricted cash reserves in case of a major problem (c.£30k) and in addition to have a further month’s salaries in reserves (c.£10-12k). Policy:it is the policy of this church to aim to keep three months running costs and a further one month's salary costs in reserve to cover unforeseen emergencies. The reserves that we plan to set aside provide financial stability and the means for the continued development of our principal activities. Reserves will be monitored and reported as part of the annual accounts, the bi-monthly Trustees meetings and as part of the AGM for the church. This policy will be reviewed ready for approval at the final Trustee meeting of each financial year, normally November. |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £30k which equates to approximately 3 months of non-SDF funded costs. |
|
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | We do not hold zero reserves. | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | There is no material deficit. | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | There are no uncertainties around going concern. | |
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | • Grants • Regular and occasional giving • Donations & legacies • Strategic Development Fund (SDF) – Central grant funding from the Church of England • Conference and event revenue: Auditorium, The Well, The Hub and Phase 3 (from Q2/3 2024) • Commercial sub-let of Phase 2b and The Cube |
|
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | Key Risks | Mitigations |
| Recruitment delays and issues |
Advertising widely – increasing social media |
||
| Team burnout due to continued change |
Regular rest days and holidays | ||
| Future funding applications do not materialise |
Be generous on number of applications and ensure the source of funding is appropriate to the project. |
||
| Future building works cost more than expected. |
Successful application for further SDF money for building. |
9 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
| Damage to relationship with city |
Actively liaising with the council and other sectors to support recovery following the pandemic and positive support in the development of City of Culture |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Inability to recruit future MAs/ Curates etc |
Ensuring we have a positive presence on social media so that people view Fountains as a great opportunity. Personal connections are proving key to this. |
||
| Lack of growth of congregational giving |
Giving growth has not been met – we continue to regularly discuss giving as part of the main services. This has been trailed in the Saturday Gathering and Wrestling Church communities but needs to develop into regular giving patterns. This year will see us move missionally to the businesses in the area actively looking to find people who are Christian businesspeople but not currently in church. |
||
| Failure to disciple congregation into leadership |
Providing opportunities for people to learn and develop – active and growing small groups – low bars to leadership but high accountability. |
||
| Younger leaders do not get spotted and discipled |
Actively watching out for leadership potential not being afraid to take risks |
||
| Fuel costs become unsustainable, and cost of living crisis impacts church sustainability |
Installation of solar PV panels on our roof as part of our building works. |
||
| Leadership community being absorbed into outlying activities rather than core tasks, e.g. mission |
Recruitment of stronger operations team to support the growth of Fountains |
||
| Pandemic remerges and restrictions are reimposed |
Develop response strategy using learning from the last two years |
||
| Insufficient prayer leads to a drift in the programme away from Christ-centre priorities. |
Develop pattern of prayer based on Morning Prayer/ Team prayer and congregational prayer |
||
| Safeguarding lapses and scandals lead to reputational damage. |
Safeguarding training, mentoring encouraged, accountability and prayer groups for individual leaders. Training to recognise stress. Safeguarding team responsiveness. |
10 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | CIO - ASSOCIATION Registered 15 May 2019 |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | 12. Charity trustees 12.1Functions and duties of charity trustees The charity trustees shall manage the affairs of the CIO and may for that purpose exercise all the powers of the CIO. It is the duty of each charity trustee: 12.1.1to exercise his or her powers and to perform his or her functions as a trustee of the CIO in the way he or she decides in good faith would be most likely to further the objects of the CIO; and 12.1.2to exercise, in the performance of those functions, such care and skill as is reasonable in the circumstances having regard in particular to: 12.1.2.1any special knowledge or experience that he or she has or holds himself or herself out as having; and 12.1.2.2if he or she acts as a charity trustee of the CIO in the course of a business or profession, to any special knowledge or experience that it is reasonable to expect of a person acting in the course of that kind of business or profession. 12.1.3The charity trustees shall make provision for their responsibilities to be served by: 12.1.3.1A Vice-chair |
11 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
12.1.3.2 A Secretary, 12.1.3.3 A Treasurer. 12.1.4 The charity trustees shall appoint one of their number to act as Vice-chair to the charity trustees. 12.1.5 The charity trustees shall appoint one of their number to act as Secretary to the charity trustees. Failing such appointment the office of Secretary shall be discharged by some other fit person approved by the charity trustees who shall not thereby become a charity trustee except under the provisions of clause 12.8.5. 12.1.6 The charity trustees shall appoint one of their number to act as Treasurer to the charity trustees. Failing such appointment the office of Treasurer shall be discharged by some other fit person approved by the charity trustees who shall not thereby become a charity trustee except under the provisions of clause 12.8.5. 12.2 Eligibility for trusteeship 12.2.1 Every charity trustee must be a natural person. 12.2.2 No one may be appointed as a charity trustee: 12.2.2.1 If he or she is under the age of 16 years; or 12.2.2.2 if he or she would automatically cease to hold office under the provisions of clause 14. 12.2.3 No one is entitled to act as a charity trustee whether on appointment or on any re-appointment until he or she has expressly acknowledged, in whatever way the charity trustees decide, his or her acceptance of the office of charity trustee.
12 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
12.2.4 At least one of the trustees of the CIO must be 18 years of age or over. If there is no trustee aged at least 18 years, the remaining trustee or trustees may act only to call a meeting of the charity trustees, or appoint a new charity trustee. 12.3 Number of charity trustees 12.3.1 The charity trustees shall comprise: 12.3.1.1 The ex-officio trustees in accordance with clause 12.5 12.3.1.2 up to three trustees nominated by the Bishop of Bradford in accordance with clause 12.6 (to be known as the "nominated trustees"); and 12.3.1.3 up to two co-optative trustees appointed in accordance with clause 12.7 12.3.1.4 up to fifteen lay trustees elected by the members of the CIO in accordance with clause 12.8 (to be known as the "elected charity trustees"). 12.3.2 The number of elected charity trustees shall be not less than three but will rise in the following increments: 12.3.3 Six charity trustees where the membership register has more than 25 and less than 50 names, 12.3.4 Nine charity trustees where the membership register has 50 names or more but less than 100 names, 12.3.5 An additional three charity trustees for every further one hundred (or part thereof) names on the membership register up to a maximum of fifteen charity trustees. With the exception of the minimum of three, these numbers “six”, “nine”, “three” and “fifteen” may be altered from time to time by a resolution passed at any annual general
13 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
| meeting, but such resolution shall not take effect before the next ensuing annual general meeting. 12.3.6No charity trustee appointment may be made in excess of these provisions . 12.3.7There must be at least three charity trustees. If the number falls below this minimum, the remaining trustee or trustees may act only to call a meeting of the charity trustees, or appoint a new charity trustee. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | As part of on-going development of the Trustee Board a new induction process was introduced in 2023. |
14 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Fountains Church Bradford CIO |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | FCB, Fountains, Fountains Church, Fountains Church Bradford |
| Registered charity number | 1183423 |
| Charity’s principal address | Glydegate Square, Glydegate, BRADFORD, West Yorkshire, BD5 0BQ |
| Bankers | CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ |
Names of the charity trustees who served the charity during the period ending 31 December 2022
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Rt Reverend Dr Toby Matthew Howarth |
Chair Ex-officio Trustee |
15 May 2019 | |
| 2 | The Venerable Dr Andrew John Jolley |
Archdeacon Ex-Officio Trustee |
15 May 2019 | |
| 3 | Jonathan Wood | Diocesan Secretary of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds Ex-officio Trustee |
4 May 2020 | |
| 4 | Reverend Linda Maslen | Church Leader | 15 May 2019 | |
| 5 | Terry Henry | Vice-Chair | 25 April 2021 | |
| 6 | Dr Oluwaseun Eniola Olabode | 24 April 2022 | ||
| 7 | Gareth John Medd | 24 April 2022 | ||
| 8 | ||||
| 9 | June Elisabeth Hill | Grant funding | 25 April 2021 | |
| 10 | Reverend Christopher Enwerem | Associate Priest | January2023 | |
| 11 | Shelby Pocock | 14 May2023 | ||
| 12 | Reverend Sharon Bavington | Curate | August 2023 | |
| 13 | Reverend Nathanael Poole | Associate Priest | 15 May 2019 | |
| 14 | Joanna Naomi Douglas | 25 April 2021 | ||
| 15 | Alice Czajka | 24 April 2022 | ||
| 16 | Dr Hendrika Jolley | 14 May 2023 |
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name None
15 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | **Dates acted if not for whole year ** | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| None | |||
| Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of | others | ||
| Description of the assets held in this capacity | Not applicable | ||
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
Not applicable | ||
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
Not applicable |
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of adviser | Name Address |
Name Address |
|---|---|---|
| Legal | AWB Charlesworth | City Hub, 9-11 Peckover Street, Bradford, BD1 5BD |
| Independent Examiner |
Emma Wilson FCA | C/O Bailey Wilson Chartered Accountants, 15 Victoria Mews, Mill Field Road, Cottingley Business Park, Bingley, BD16 1PY |
| Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) | ||
| Paul Baxter - Operations Manager |
Paul Baxter - Operations Manager
16 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Not applicable
Other optional information
Not applicable
17 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature
Full name
Position Chair of Trustees (e.g. Secretary, Chair, etc)
Date 26 May 2024
Signature
Full name
Position (e.g. Secretary, Chair, etc)
Vice-chair of Trustees
Date 26 May 2024
18 of 18
FCB CIO 2023 Trustee Report - AGM 26 May 2024
FOUNTAINS CHURCH BRADFORD
ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 December 2023
FOUNTAINS CHURCH BRADFORD
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT - 2023
Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees Council of Fountains Church Bradford
I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 3 and 4 together with the accounting policies and notes on pages 5 to 8.
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and the Independent Examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to :
-
(i) examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
(ii) follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
(iii) state 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 Charity Commission.
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 the Trustees concerning any such matters.
The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in a full audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act; or to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records have not been met; or
2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Emma Wilson FCA
The Old Malthouse Ryecroft Bingley BD16 1DH
14 May 2024
Page 3
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
| Section A Independent Examiner’s Report | Section A Independent Examiner’s Report |
|---|---|
| Report to the trustees On accounts for the year ended Set out on pages Responsibilities and basis of report |
Charity Name Fountains Church Bradford 31 December 2023 Charity no (if any) 1183423 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2022. As the charity's trustees, 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 Trust’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 The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ICAEW .
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
-
the accounts did not comply with the applicable 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.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
| Signed: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): |
Date: | 20th May 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Wilson FCA | ||
| FCA (ICAEW) |
1
Oct 2018
IER
Address: 15 Victoria Mews, Cottingley Business Park, Bingley, BD16 1PY
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of No material matters to note for 31.12.2023 any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
2
Oct 2018
IER
FOUNTAINS CHURCH BRADFORD
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Note INCOMING RESOURCES Donations and grants 2a Church activities 2b Other incoming resources (investments, etc.) 2c TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES USED Missionary & charitable donations 3a Activities directly related to Church work 3b Fund Raising & Publicity 3c Staff costs 3d TOTAL RESOURCES USED SURPLUS/ (DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS FUND BALANCES B/F AT 1 JANUARY BALANCES C/F AT 31 DECEMBER |
Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds £ £ 128,069 470,748 27,039 1,008.00 891 - 155,999 471,756 97,245 0 83,530 270,394 6 1,759.00 35,917 143,414 216,698 415,567 (60,699) 56,189 - - -60,699 56,189 46,675 106,341 -14,024 162,530 |
2023 Total £ 598,759 28,678 891 628,328 97,245 353,924 1,765 179,331 632,265 (4,510) - (4,510) 153,016 148,506 |
2022 Total £ 332,400 34,219 404 367,023 90,236 134,615 1,966 160,266 387,083 (20,060) - (20,060) 173,053 152,993 |
|---|---|---|---|
The accounting policies and notes on pages 5 to 8 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 4
FOUNTAINS CHURCH BRADFORD
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Note FIXED ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS Debtors & prepayments Cash at bank and in hand Current Assets Sundry creditors & accruals NET CURRENT ASSETS / (LIABILITIES) NET ASSETS / (LIABILITIES) REPRESENTED BY: Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL RESERVES CURRENT LIABILITIES (amounts falling due within 1 year) |
2023 £ 5,836 34,745 207,921 242,666 99,973 142,693 148,529 -14,001 162,530 148,529 |
2022 £ 4,878 88,196 65,291 153,487 5,349 148,138 153,016 46,675 106,341 153,016 |
|---|---|---|
Signed:
Church Leader
Treasurer
Date: 14 May 2023
The accounting policies and notes on pages 5 to 8 form an integral part of these financial statements.
Page 5
FOUNTAINS CHURCH BRADFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006, and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charitie: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accorance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities published on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective January 2015) and the Charities Act 2011 and applicable regulations.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention except for the valuation of investment assets, which are shown at market value.
The financial statements include all transactions, assets and liabilities for which the Trustees' Council is responsible in law. They do not include the accounts of church groups that owe their main affiliation to another body nor those that are informal gatherings of church members.
Funds
-
General Funds are not subject to any restrictions regarding their use and are available for application to the general purposes
-
Designated Funds are those monies which the Trustees have decided to allocate for particular purposes. They are also unrestricted in that the Trustees are free to re-designate them.
-
Restricted Funds are only available to be applied for the purposes for which they were given.
Incoming Resources
-
Collections are recognised when received by or on behalf of the Trustees' Council.
-
Planned giving is recognised when received.
-
Income tax recoverable on donations eligible for Gift Aid & GASD is recognised when the donation has been received.
-
Grants and legacies are accounted for as soon as the Trustees are notified of legal entitlement.
-
Funds raised at social events are accounted for gross.
-
Income from cafe sales or from hire of accommodation are accounted for gross.
-
Hire income from the letting of church premises is recognised when the income is due.
-
Dividends and interest are accounted for when receivable and are received gross of tax.
Resources Used
-
Grants and donations are accounted for when paid over, or when committed by the Trustees' Council.
-
The Diocesan & Circuit Share is accounted for when payable.
Gains and Losses on Investments
-
Realised gains or losses are recognised when investments are sold.
-
Unrealised gains or losses are accounted for on revaluation of investments at 31 December.
Fixed Assets
-
Consecrated & beneficed property is excluded from the accounts in accordance with s.10(2)(a) & (c) of the Charities Act 2011.
-
No value is placed on movable church furnishings as the Trustees consider these to be inalienable property.
-
Expenditure incurred on repair and maintenance of the above assets is written off when incurred. Other items of equipment are capitalised, if over £2,500 individually, and are then depreciated over four years, in equal annual instalments.
Current Assets
-
Amounts owing to the Trustees' Council at 31 December in respect of fees, rents or other income are shown as debtors, less provision for amounts that may prove uncollectable.
-
Short-term deposits comprise accounts held with the Bank .
Page 6
FOUNTAINS CHURCH BRADFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| 2 INCOMING RESOURCES 2(a) Voluntary Income Donations and legacies Non-profit income Other primary income Grants Regular giving Gift aid Service income 2(b) Activities for generating funds Wedding fees Sales 2(c) Income from investments Dividends and interest received TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total General 2023 2022 Funds Funds £ £ 3,289 - 3,289 8,449 - - - - - - - - 30,574 470,256 500,830 258,587 64,566 492 65,058 63,717 28,918 - 28,918 (136) 722 - 722 1,783 128,069 470,748 598,817 332,400 261 - 261 1,107 26,778 1,008 27,786 33,112 - 27,039 1,008 28,047 34,219 891 - 891 404 891 - 891 404 155,999 471,756 627,755 367,023 |
|---|---|
Page 7
FOUNTAINS CHURCH BRADFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| 3 RESOURCES USED 3(a) Mission & Outreach - Donations & Costs Charitiable contributions 3(b) Activities directly relating to the church Advertising Admin Accountancy fees Bank charges Building works Computer costs Cleaning Church activites Equipment Evangelism and outreach Furniture Hospitality Insurances Motor vehicle costs Office administration Sundry costs Phone costs Printing, postage and stationery Professional services Rent Repairs and maintenance Subscriptions Utilities Travel and accomodation Waste disposal |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total General 2023 2022 Funds Funds £ £ 97,245 - 97,245 90,236 97,245 - 97,245 90,236 2,904 1,625 4,529 774 158 - 158 - 2,045 - 2,045 4,428 800 - 800 183 17 206,221 206,238 - 1,211 - 1,211 284 1,818 - 1,818 7,162 7,672 545 5,835 4,278 3,144 - 3,144 3,177 12,892 - 12,892 158 360 - 360 55 5,037 - 5,037 7,366 1,610 58 1,668 742 466 - 466 3,347 1,746 - 1,746 3,418 1,701 81 1,782 1,451 - - - 1,326 - - - 2,843 3,790 820 4,610 7,078 7,033 (860) 6,173 23,651 11,615 1,919 13,534 12,111 3,258 292 3,550 4,115 8,380 58,535 66,915 35,915 3,478 1,147 4,625 6,994 2,372 11 2,383 3,736 83,507 270,394 351,519 134,592 |
|---|---|
Page 8
FOUNTAINS CHURCH BRADFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| 3(c) Fund-raising and publicity Costs of social events 3(d) Staff costs Salaries Training TOTAL RESOURCES USED NET INCOME / (DEFICIT) |
Unrestricted Restricted General 2023 2022 Funds Funds £ £ 6 1,759 1,765 1,966 6 1,759 1,765 1,966 35,917 143,414 179,331 157,676 - - 2,590 35,917 143,414 179,331 160,266 216,675 415,567 629,860 387,060 (60,676) 56,189 (2,105) (20,037) |
|---|---|
Page 9
FOUNTAINS CHURCH BRADFORD
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
----- Start of picture text -----
AWI -
Restricte SDF 2R West
2R AWI - All AWI - AWI - d 2R BB 2R DI Safe 2R GK GK - GK GK 2R NW SDF FCB SDF FCB Network Yorkshire WR Pro
Restricte Churches CNet Mahabba Donation Baby Building 2R Drop DI Arnold Spots Restricte GK - Pressed GK G of Russell Salaries - Admin 2R Renew Building Running SDF FCB Church Redeemin 2R Wrestling 2R Youth
d 2R AWI Trust Bradford Network s basics Phase 2 In Clark BDMC d BACSA Flights H Van Bussey TRJFP Salary Wellbeing Costs Costs Salaries Pay g Wrestling - BDMC & Mission TOTAL
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Income
2(a) Voluntary Income - - - - - - - 492 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 492
2(b) Church activities - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,008 - - - - 1,008
2(c) Other income - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2(d) Grant Income - 1,000 - - - - - - 1,300 - - - - - - - - - 500 200,535 134,575 118,672 13,674 - - - - 470,256
Total Income - 1,000 - - - - - 492 1,300 - - - - - - - - - 500 200,535 134,575 118,672 14,682 - - - - 471,756
Expenditures
Total 3(a) Charitable Contributions - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Total 3(b) Activities relating to Church - - 2,271 - 525 - - 125 - - - - - 3 - - - 382 - 81 206,822 60,690 - - - - - - 269,849
Total 3(c) Fundraising and publicity - 1,000 - 759 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,759
Total 3(d) Payroll Expenses - - 860 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 127,895 14,659 - - - - 143,414
Total Expenditures - 1,000 3,131 234 - - 125 - - - - - 3 - - - 382 - 81 206,822 60,690 127,895 14,659 - - - - 415,022
Net Income/(Expenditure) - - - 3,131 - 234 - - - 125 492 1,300 - - - - 3 - - - - 382 - 419 - 6,287 73,885 - 9,223 23 - - - - 56,734
----- End of picture text -----