ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
TORCH MINISTRIES
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1185446
Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
TORCH MINISTRIES
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
CONTENTS
| Page 3 | Legal and Administrative Information |
|---|---|
| Pages 4 to 5 | Trustees' Report |
| Page 6 | Statement of Financial Activities |
| Page 7 | Balance Sheet |
| Pages 8 to 12 | Notes to the Financial Statements |
| Page 13 | Independent Examiner's Report |
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TORCH MINISTRIES
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
CHARITY NUMBER
1185446
DATE OF REGISTRATION 23rd September 2019 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st January 2024 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st December 2024 TRUSTEES AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Malcom Steer Samuel Bazmjou Patrick Wright LEGAL STATUS Charitable Incorporated Organisation
GOVERNING INSTRUMENT
CIO - Foundation Registered 23rd September 2019
OBJECTS
- The advancement of the Christian faith in such ways as the charity trustees may from time to time decide. 2. The relief of those in need by reason of poverty or social disadvantage, including via professional counselling to achieve and sustain positive mental health.
CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS
PRIMARY BANKERS
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS
Torch Ministries PO Box 1138 Camberley Surrey GU15 9UX Barclays Bank Plc 54 Cornmarket Street Oxford OX1 3HB Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
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TORCH MINISTRIES
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
The trustees, who concurrently hold the position of directors, hereby present their report and financial statements for the fiscal year concluding on the 31st of December 2024. The trustees who have served throughout the reporting period and up to the date of this document are delineated on page 3.
Structure, Governance and Management
Torch Ministries is a registered charity and is governed by the Governing Document the CIO - Foundation Registered 23rd September 2019.
Objects
- The advancement of the Christian faith in such ways as the charity trustees may from time to time decide. 2. The relief of those in need by reason of poverty or social disadvantage, including via professional counselling to achieve and sustain positive mental health.
Activities
In alignment with these objectives, we provide professional counselling & psychotherapy for women and couples, discipleship, leadership & Bible training for churches, church leaders & disciple-makers, in addition to relief and refugees ministries, media ministry and professional consultancy services. All our Christian activities and goals are for public benefit including serving ethnic refugees.
Christian Psychotherapeutic Counselling, and Trauma Counselling for Women and Couples
We have continued to deliver and extend an array of professional psychotherapeutic counselling, as well as trauma counselling sessions, to women and couples who are experiencing diverse mental health challenges and who originate from backgrounds characterized by abuse, vulnerability, domestic violence, trauma, and substance addiction. We have facilitated both individual and group counselling sessions, in addition to educational teachings and advanced training seminars and workshops. Our counsellor is an esteemed member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP-UK). Moreover, our charitable purpose is dedicated to assisting vulnerable and abused women and individuals, particularly those from traumatic backgrounds, by addressing their mental health and personal challenges at a profound level, thereby facilitating their transformation towards enhanced mental and social well-being. We have also provided a mentoring and coaching service and post-counselling support.
Discipleship, Leadership & Bible Training
We have conducted both in-person and virtual training conferences, meetings, seminars, and workshops ranging from basic to advanced levels for churches, church leaders, and disciple-makers to enhance, equip, and educate them. Our charitable mission is to assist individuals and churches/communities in deeply developing their Christian faith, receiving training, and evolving into individuals/churches/communities that advance in maturity and understanding, thereby enabling them to provide improved various Christian services to others for the purpose of effecting community and society transformation.
Relief and Refugees Ministries
We are reaching out to ethnic refugees and placelessness through a variety of ministries, such as assisting churches and communities that support refugees and migrants, sharing the Gospel with them, while also offering various types of relief support for their actual needs.
Media
We provided broadcasts, disseminated and produced teachings pertaining to Biblical discipleship, spiritual formation, and theological (practical theology) teachings through satellite television, podcasts, videos, and social media platforms for both Christians and non-Christians. Our charitable purpose is to assist individuals in gaining a deeper comprehension of the Christian faith and doctrine, as well as to provide training in Biblical and theological (formational) principles. Ultimately, this endeavour will be manifested in their private and public lives and character, thereby enhancing their capacity to serve others in diverse manners.
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TORCH MINISTRIES TRUSTEES. REPORT IContinu•dl FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Wonwn'• ¥lnknty We hav8 persislenty 8nd8avourEd to extend nwnthrial savics to have enoJunl8rBd OFpression, abuse, or trauma. Furthe0. h8¥8 laoktated discpknhip tsBiniTra mnfer8nc8s whib offering 5ySt8matic Bit4e training and disapShV for rmen. charitat48 puw 15 to a5S51 across diver58 age groups in thwr trzining, tran$fom)alion. and in th• •nhancM)t CO lti•ir Chrtian faith. wabkng Ih•m to a•N• oth8 mor• •ff•£tiv•ty #i Vari¢$ eapaats"os. FIMn¢lal R•vl• This Current firtant yr has d•m¢)nslrntthJ an to th• Jwr, r•ll•thng a tr•nd Ihat k% both 0n¢our4iNJ and of ¢yJr MgoirJ prcr•M. Thor• is a prnsrrfJ lor action, which is compkgmontsd by a doarly dofined Strategy and • ¢¢ymhtrIv0 pthn Ih•¢ i• $F•¢(L¥ dvsHJned to •nhanc• tyjr efforts in 50cun addits'onal funding and donabons." tho$0 rtssourcw ar• absc4uty uuoal fof us to succSlu11V moot th• goals aThJ Initiativei have sel forth for Ihe up¢14 year. The Iruste8s aro In the proce$6 01 dihgenty u8th.ng a d•lail8d •nd mots"uJkJus plan that will gUrt1e the exe¢ution ol thi8 inthabve In Ihe next finanoal r. en8uring that aro Ihorouqhly preparod aTra $trategicahl to ffe¢tho jd9¢•ry l•r98ts tr•t ha¥w b••n for ourth•nty. Tru•ts•8' R•Bpon¥lbllMo¥ The trustees are ro6ponsbk for pryriNJ thè Réwt of thé Truitèos and th• finanoal 8tat•monts ni aCCOfdanc wyth applicBble IBW gnd Ihe Unrted Kingdom Acojuntiny StarJords Iunrtsd IdI nera Accapted Aco)unting Practic• Th• Law appllcatsl• to Ch•rltm in ErvJland and Wal••. IM Ch•nl• Ad 2011. Ch•rity IA£¢4 and Reportll ReguL9onI and the provi•ion8 of Iho Govwnin9 Docmi•nt wvires tho tr10•• to par firwio stat8mont• for oach flnanclal yoar h 9ive a true and foif of the stale of affairs of the ch8nty of the Inc4YniThJ resourc•& and applicatson ol resourc•8, In¢ludln9 tho irKLYno and oyndibjre ol lh• kanty ts Ihal pwod. In prj thow finan0 $tatonI$. th• trust4 ar• uirga to.. s•¢t 8urtabb• aceounbng poltiu and th•n AF•ly thom Car.. Cth•N• the methLyJi In Ihe Chairty SORP". M8k•judgemgnts "MateS Ihot ar• reawiaL40 and Prepar¢ fin¥nc#•l st•tsm•nls on the gory ClM uDb•s it w inappwi•te lo w¢wrne that thg CIO 41 ntin to cyoralg. The trustees 8r8 rewsitle for kewThJ proper ¥co)uTrting recth dmdose with re8SOnab accuracy at ¥rty tirne t• financial posibon of Ihe chanty aTrJ Io enabk them to erAure that the financial slatefflents Corny with the Charits"88 Act 2011, Ihe Charity (Accounts and Reports) R8gULg15n5 the pro¥i8ioM cl Ihe Goveming OorJJment Thoy are also r8spcnsit4e for 8Blegusrding the assets of Ihe chanty henc for ta'ThJ reasonab steps for the prFvention and detection of fraud olhér irreguthiits•s. v•dtyth•Trusi•uon........................................ . . SvJnJ on thw b8haW byTnMtee.. Prinw Name.. Patrfc M. Wrlght
TORCH MINISTRIES
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
| Notes INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming Resources from Generated Funds Donations, Grants & Legacies 3a TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of Generating Funds Cost of Charitable Activities 4a Governance Costs 4b TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED NET INCOMING (OUTGOING) RESOURCES Funds Brought Forward TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 120,814 - 120,814 66,812 120,814 - 120,814 66,812 114,832 - 114,832 67,710 2,320 - 2,320 2,160 117,152 - 117,152 69,870 3,662 - 3,662 (3,058) 3,515 - 3,515 6,573 7,177 - 7,177 3,515 |
|---|---|
Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 8 to 12 form part of these financial statements.
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TORCH MINISTRIES BALANCE SHEET AS AT31ST OECEMBER 2024 TOTAL 31&¢44 TOTAL 3123 Furhjs Flxgd AM•ts Tangibl8 Assets Investm•nts Currnnt A•••ts Dfrbtorn & PrepaYmts Cash al Bank and in Hand Totsl CurrnntAa••l• 8.257 8387 8.257 1357 4.475 4,476 crndltorn: knounl• du• thlthln fyi• NET CURRENT ASSErs 7,17T 7,ITT 3,515 TOTAL ASSEfs rrIfi1 7.171 7.177 3,515 Cmdltorn.. AmnI$ li mor• Ihn ong ygar 10 NET A88ET8 7.17T 7.177 3.5lS Fund• of th• Charlty G•nefal Fund• R•8lnctsd Funds 7.1TT 7,1TT 3,515 Totsl Fund• 7.17T 7,1TI 3,01B Appro¥edbytheTrust8ts onl..$¢PieThw...fj.................................................................................................... SKJn&a on bohaw byTrl•.. Printed Name.. P81ridL M. Wrym
TORCH MINISTRIES
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation & Assessment of Going Concern
Basis of Preparation
The 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. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015) (Second Edition, effective 1st January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Assessment of Going Concern
Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Incoming Resources
Recognition of Incoming Resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when: ▪ the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
▪ the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
▪ the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability
Incoming Resources with Related Expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.
Grants and Donations
Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants
This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services has been delivered.
Gifts in Kind
Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable.
Donated Services and Facilities
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.
Investment Income
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
Investment Gains and Losses
This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.
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TORCH MINISTRIES
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
Expenditure and Liabilities
Liability Recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Governance Costs
Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Grants with Performance Conditions
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
Grants Payable without Performance Conditions
These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.
Investments
Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees' best estimate of market value.
Unrestricted Funds
These funds can be used for the general objectives of the charity as set out in the trustees report. The movements of the unrestricted funds are given in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Restricted Funds
These funds are where the donor has specified a purpose for the donation made. These restrictions often arise as a result of appeals for special offerings for specific purposes.
Designated Funds
These funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for particular purposes or projects.
Fixed Assets
Fixed Assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied are as follows:
Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment
25% - Reducing Balance
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
The CIO held no fixed assets during this or the previous financial period.
The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows: 31st December 2024: None
31st December 2023: None
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TORCH MINISTRIES
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
3. INCOMING RESOURCES
| a) Donations, Grants & Legacies Gifts & Donations Grants Received |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ 6,058 - 6,058 7,862 114,756 - 114,756 58,950 120,814 - 120,814 66,812 |
|---|---|
4. RESOURCES EXPENDED
| a) Cost of Charitable Activities | Note | Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds 2024 2023 £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|---|
| Advertising & Publicity | 1,800 - 1,800 1,000 |
|
| Leadership, Discipleship, Bible Training & Media Costs | 31,132 - 31,132 11,000 |
|
| Office Costs | 3,900 - 3,900 1,250 |
|
| Psychotherapeutic Counselling, Training and Women's Ministry | 74,700 - 74,700 54,460 |
|
| Relief & Refugees Ministries | 3,300 - 3,300 - |
|
| 114,832 - 114,832 67,710 |
||
| ` | ||
| b) Governance Costs | ||
| Independent Examiners Fees | 9 | 1,080 - 1,080 960 |
| Legal & Professional Fees | 1,240 - 1,240 1,200 |
|
| 2,320 - 2,320 2,160 |
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TORCH MINISTRIES
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
5. RESTRICTED FUNDS
The CIO held no restricted funds during this or the previous financial period.
6. INVESTMENTS
The CIO held no fixed assets investments during this or the previous financial period.
7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | Restricted | TOTAL | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund | Fund | 31-Dec-24 | 31-Dec-23 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Cash at Bank & in Hand | 8,257 | - 8,257 4,475 |
|||
| 8,257 | - 8,257 4,475 |
||||
| 8. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS | |||||
| Sundry Debtors | Unrestricted Fund £ - |
Restricted Fund £ |
TOTAL 31-Dec-24 £ - |
TOTAL 31-Dec-23 £ - - |
|
| - | - | - - |
|||
| 9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR | |||||
| Independent Examiners Fees | Unrestricted Fund £ 1,080 |
Restricted Fund £ |
TOTAL TOTAL 31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23 £ £ - 1,080 960 |
||
| 1,080 | - 1,080 960 |
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR
The CIO held no long term liabilities during this or the previous financial period.
11. NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Fixed Asset Investments Net Current Assets Long Term Liabilities |
Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Fund Fund 31-Dec-24 31-Dec-23 £ £ £ £ - - - - 7,177 - 7,177 3,515 - - - - 7,177 - 7,177 3,515 |
|---|---|
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TORCH MINISTRIES
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024
12. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
The CIO employed no members of staff during this or the previous financial period.
13. PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES
During the financial year Trustee Reverend Samuel Bazmjou received £24,500 (2023:£11,300) for Leadership, Discipleship, Bible Training & Media costs in his capacity as CEO of Torch Ministries in furtherance of the Charity's objects.
During the financial year Mrs Rashin Soodmand-Bazmjou (Wife of Trustee Mr Samuel Bazmjou) received £35,000 (2023:£33,000) for Psychotherapeutic Counselling & Women's Ministry, Media and discipleship costs supplied to Torch Ministries in furtherance of the Charity's objects.
During the financial year Trustee Malcom Steer received £1,000 for providing services of Torch Ministries in furtherance of the Charity's objects.
The only other payments made to the Trustees consisted of reimbursements of expenses incurred in furthering the Charity's objects and no other direct benefits were received by the Trustees during the financial year.
No other payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No other material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them.
14. RISK ASSESSMENT
The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
15. RESERVES POLICY
The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the CIO's needs. This is based on the CIO's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the CIO will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.
16. PUBLIC BENEFIT
The CIO acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the CIO has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.
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TORCH MINISTRIES
(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
Report to the trustees/ members of Torch Ministries on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 set out on pages 6 to 12.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and 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 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility:
-
to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner's Statement
-
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
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 Charities Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
K. Collaku MAAT Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ
Date: 7th October 2025
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