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2025-03-31-accounts

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE ACCOUNTS AND ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025

CHARITY NO: 1187108

Cound & Co LLP Chartered Accountants 1 Princes Court Royal Way Loughborough Leics LE11 5XR Tel: 01509 214163

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Contents Page
Report of the Trustees 1-5
Independent Examiner’s Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9 - 13

- 1 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees present their report and accounts for the financial year 2024/25.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

CHARITY NAME The Crowded House Collective CHARITY NUMBER 1187108 PRINCIPAL OFFICE 215 Sharrow Vale Road Sheffield S11 8ZB

The Trustees of the Charity in 2024/25 were as follows:

Mrs Rachel M Backhouse (Deacon Trustee) Mr Timothy J Bridge (Deacon Trustee) Rev Daniel S D Elliott (Elder, also remunerated as an employee) Mrs Laura E Johnston (Deacon Trustee, Chair) (resigned 31[st] December 2024) Mr Piers Miller (Elder, Chair) (appointed 11[th] July 2024 - Chair from 1[st] January 2025) Mr Robert F Spink (Elder)

The Trustees want to extend their appreciation and thanks to Laura Johnston who served as a Trustee for five years and was a diligent and efficient Chair who used all her skills effectively in the role. She led the Charity through difficult times and, as Chair, through a significant change in culture and practice – we are thankful for her service.

The Trustees were glad that Piers Miller was appointed as an Elder in July 2024 and agreed to take on the responsibility of Chair from Laura.

Day-to-day responsibility for operations is led by Danny Elliott, the Pastor of our church, who manages three part-time staff. Together they facilitate the work of the church, along with many willing and sacrificial volunteers.

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS

Cound & Co LLP 1 Princes Court Royal Way Loughborough Leics LE11 5XR

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Crowded House Collective is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered in December 2019 (charity number 1187108). The church – which uses the working name ‘The Crowded House’ (TCH) – previously carried out its activities through the unincorporated charity called ‘Trust Property Held in Connection With Sharrowvale Wesleyan Reform Church’ (charity number 508691).

The CIO is established under a constitution amended on 19[th] June 2023 and approved by the Charity Commission. This document sets out the main legal provisions governing the church, its purpose, powers, Basis of Faith and the use of any property owned by the church.

The Church Handbook, in conjunction with the Constitution, outlines the practices of the church.

The Constitution states: “The spiritual direction of the Church shall be set by the Pastor and Elders in accordance with the Church Handbook. The Charity Trustees shall use their powers to allow for the implementation of the spiritual direction set by the Pastor and Elders, unless it would be unlawful for them to do so. The Charity Trustees shall… make such delegations of their powers as are necessary to ensure the Church is run in a way that recognises the different responsibilities assigned to Elders, Deacon Trustees and Deacons in the Church Handbook.”

- 2 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

The Trustees of the church are the elected Elders of the church and the elected Deacon Trustees of the church. Trustees are appointed from within the membership of the church - a small, though gifted, pool of people to recruit from. Before recruiting new Trustees the Trustees perform an internal skills audit to ensure we have the necessary skills to operate effectively. The Church Handbook outlines the process for Trustees to be confirmed – church members vote and a majority of 75% of Church Members’ voting at a Church Members Meeting is required for the proposal to pass. The Trustees have agreed that, over the next two years, we will focus on identifying potential Trustees and work to support individuals into the role.

OBJECTIVES

As outlined in the Constitution, the purposes of the Church are:

  1. The advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith primarily but not exclusively within Sheffield and the surrounding neighbourhood; and

  2. such other charitable purposes as shall, in the opinion of the charity trustees, put into practice the Christian faith in accordance with the Basis of Faith, including but not limited to: the prevention and relief of need, hardship and sickness; the advancement of education; and the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life;

provided that the advancement of such purposes must be undertaken in a manner that is consistent with the Doctrinal Distinctives and Ethical Statements as may be adopted and amended by the Church from time to time in accordance with the provisions of the Church Handbook.

FINANCE

Rachel Backhouse is the Treasurer and leads the Finance Team. Throughout this year she has been supported by volunteers Dan Walter and Ian Gregory. Over the last year we have been improving our budget-setting process which, for 2024/25, was successful and ensured all Trustees were better engaged at an earlier point in the process. Rachel prepares the budget, with operational input coming from Danny Elliott, which is presented to and approved by the Trustees.

After reviewing the existing financial policies, a significant work package was completed this year by compiling a new Financial Management Policy which was reviewed and approved by the Trustees.

The charity was a victim of fraud on Friday 22[nd] November 2024. We reported this as a ‘Serious Incident’ to the Charity Commission who said we had responded ‘appropriately and responsibly’ to the incident. The Trustees looked at our procedures but we didn’t need to make any significant changes - we were already doing everything recommended by the Charity Commission to guard against fraud and had actually taken some steps over the last year to ensure we’d be less vulnerable to fraud from inside the organisation.

We were grateful that, on 11[th] January, we recovered the entirety of the stolen funds.

SAFEGUARDING

The Trustees recognize the importance of Safeguarding in our organisation – not least because of regular activities involving over 100 infants, children and young people.

Tim Bridge is our Trustee overseeing Safeguarding and our Designated Safeguarding Lead. He is supported by volunteers. Andy Todd resigned as Designated Safeguarding lead during the year – we’re very grateful for the time, work, effort and expertise he put into safeguarding our church over the last five years. Livi Trevor is our Deputy Safeguarding Lead – during Livi’s maternity leave from this role Tim was assisted by Abi Ireson. We’re grateful to everyone who has helped in this area over the last year.

- 3 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

SAFEGUARDING (CONTINUED)

Our Safeguarding Policy is reviewed annually and updated when necessary. Safeguarding is reviewed at every Trustees Meeting while an annual report is also given. A Safeguarding report is also received at every Elders meeting.

This year we reported a Serious Incident to the Charity Commission when an individual came into our church building through an unlocked rear entrance. The individual did not gain access to vulnerable people but on reviewing the incident we realised that they could have. We immediately reviewed our policies and practice and made changes to ensure this could not happen in the future. The Charity Commission said that we dealt with the incident ‘appropriately and responsibly’

RISK, SAFETY AND BUILDINGS

This year the Trustees reviewed our Risk Register after creating it the previous year. The creation of this document led to much of our work over the course of the next year so we were pleased to report that our implemented controls had mitigated much risk.

After a Fire Risk Assessment we installed a new Fire Alarm system which improves our fire safety and opened a new Emergency Exit to ensure we didn’t exceed capacity restrictions in our building.

We appointed a volunteer Building and Maintenance Adviser to support the Trustees in decision making around the buildings we own.

The role of Health and Safety Officer is fulfilled by a part-time staff member.

The charity owns two buildings – our church building and a manse which is leased out to tenants. A part-time administrator manages these buildings, supported by volunteers. The rent received for our manse covers the upkeep of both buildings.

This year we had a major leak in our heating system and the Trustees have decided to replace the system in the near future – a big project and costly work.

We also received an unsolicited offer for some land we own at the rear of the church building. After taking advice from a ‘Charities Act Survey’ we recommended the sale of the land to the membership, who voted to approve the sale. Work on the sale remains ongoing, but the income from this sale will help to repair and improve the church building.

DATA SECURITY

The Senior Information Risk Owner is Danny Elliott who delegates responsibility for day-to-day data management to the Data Protection Lead. This role has been held by a part-time staff member, but is currently vacant.

After intensive work over the last two years to improve our data protection practice this year saw us embed that into the organisational culture.

HUMAN RESOURCES

The Trustees have delegated the role of HR lead to Faye Popham, reporting in to the Chair. Faye has extensive, senior experience in HR and we’re grateful she uses her skills to help our organisation. Faye line-manages Danny Elliott and leads on his review process.

Faye oversees all HR but day-to-day line-management and recruitment is led by Danny Elliott, who is grateful for the support he receives.

- 4 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

HUMAN RESOURCES (CONTINUED)

This year we also updated the Staff Handbook due to employment legislation changes. We are grateful for Faye’s expertise in this area.

This Year we joined the Living Leadership Commitments Scheme signing up to their Codes of Best Practice in Care of Christian Leaders and Conduct of Christian Leaders.

POLICIES

During this year the Trustees either prepared, reviewed or updated the following policies:

GDPR & Data : Data Retention Schedule

General : Serious Incident Reporting Policy, Complaints Policy, Financial Management Policy, Proxy Voting Guidance

HR : Whistleblowing Policy, Sabbatical Policy, Staff Handbook

Risk Management : Risk Register, Risk Management Policy

Safeguarding : Safeguarding Policy

VOLUNTEER TEAMS

As previously stated, much of the work of the church is facilitated by volunteers. Our weekly Sunday gathering couldn’t take place without the Welcome Team, Media Team, Music Team, Catering Team, Youth Team, Kids Team and Creche Team. The Youth Team also run weekly meetings for young people while the Playgroup Team run a weekly session for infants and toddlers which is well loved and respected within the local community. The Cleaning Team keeps the building tidy on a weekly basis. Individuals also volunteer their time and skills in other ad hoc ways throughout the year. We are grateful for all the hard work and service of our volunteers.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

This year has seen many encouragements as our church continues to grow and fulfil its objectives within Sheffield and beyond.

We are a local church who hold weekly Sunday morning meetings for the general public which includes separate ageappropriate bible teaching for primary-school aged children. We livestream these meetings to allow those who cannot attend in person to participate. We have been pleased to welcome many new people into the life of our church over the course of the last year.

Our membership grew to 56 over the course of this year. On a Sunday morning more than 100 individuals come to our gathering every week.

This year we upgraded our sound and media equipment in order to better serve those who come to our gatherings. We also held a number of training sessions for our Media Team and Music Team – with ‘Music Ministry’ (an external organisation) training our musicians.

Midweek prayer meetings and small group meetings are also held in the church building and in members’ homes. These provide times of teaching, encouragement and participation.

We run a weekly playgroup at our church building for families with pre-school children, which continues to be well attended by local families and much loved in the local community. This provides a friendly welcome and play opportunities for pre-school children, as well as the opportunity to hear a bible story each week.

- 5 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE (CONTINUED)

We also run a weekly youth group for secondary school aged children in partnership with another Sheffield church.

We were thankful to be able to host a holiday bible club in August 2024 which was attended by around 50 children in total while children in Years 4, 5 and 6 were able to go on a weekend away.

We were pleased to support our gospel partners throughout this year. We support them personally, financially and in prayer. We support the de la Hoyde family who serve in a church in Paris, France; Hazel Gray who works with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Mbeya, Tanzania’ and the Kempton family who also work with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Jos, Nigeria. We also took on an additional gospel partner who this year began to serve in the Middle East.

In March 2025 the members were presented with some exciting plans for the next two years. The Trustees look forward to implementing them and seeing how they help us continue to grow as a church and fulfil our objectives as a charity.

PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT

The Trustees are confident that all of our decisions and activities over the last year – outlined above – have served to fulfil our purposes, as set out in the Constitution.

Everything we do is for the advancement of the Christian faith – our Sunday gathering, our Small Group meetings, our youth and children’s work, our Playgroup and our ad hoc events.

In doing so we serve our own church community – made up of a multi-generational group of people – and reach out to those beyond it. While we focus on the individuals who come into the life of our church, the vast majority of our gatherings and meetings are for the benefit of the general public and we are encouraged by new people participating in these regularly.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

INCOME

The majority of the funds come from regular donors and we claim gift aid when the donor is a UK tax payer. The CIO owns a residential property near to the church property and this is rented out to provide further income.

EXPENDITURE

CIO funds are used to pay for the salaries of our staff, the costs associated with owning and using property and other expenses related to running the activities of the church. We also support a number of missionaries who work overseas in areas including bible translation.

RESERVE POLICY

The trustees monitor the financial position of the church on a regular basis and have agreed that the equivalent of three month's expenses should be held in reserve.

……………………………………. 9 September 2025 Piers Miller (Chair)

- 6 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 7 to 13.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT

As the charity 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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

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 the charity 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 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.

D R Gradon MA FCA Cound & Co LLP Chartered Accountants 1 Princes Court Royal Way Loughborough Leics LE11 5XR

9 September 2025

- 7 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

INCOME
Donations & Legacies
Other Income
Investment Income
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Expenditure on Charitable Activities
Expenditure on Investment Activities
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET INCOME
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Notes
2025
2025
2025
2024
2
115343
-
115343
112520
3
2134
-
2134
3239
4
16364
-
16364
19791
__
_


133841
-
133841
135550




5
126867
-
126867
122645
6
5453
-
5453
3951




132320
-
132320
126596




1521
-
1521
8954
-
-
-
-




1521
-
1521
8954
489512
38995
528507
519553




£491033
£38995
£530028
£528507



___
Total
Funds
2024
112520
3239
19791
__
135550
____
122645
3951
__
126596
____

- 8 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

FIXED ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
Cash at Bank and in Hand
LIABILITIES:
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL NET ASSETS
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unrestricted General Funds
Restricted Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Notes
8
9
10
11
11
12
2025
401394
24114
106327
__
130441
_
1807
__
128634
__
£530028
_
491033
38995

£530028
___
2024
402840
20532
106952
__
127484
_
1817
__
125667
__
£528507
_
489512
38995

£528507
___

Approved by the trustees on 9 September 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

…………………………………… Piers Miller (Chair)

- 9 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

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

1 Accounting Policies

a) Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102): ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities, Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS102 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS102”) (effective 1 October 2019)’ and the Charities Act 2011. The disclosure requirements of Section 1A of FRS102 have been applied other than where additional disclosure is required to show a true and fair view.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity under FRS102.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transactional value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note and the financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the financial currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £1.

b) Fund Accounting

Undesignated general funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Church and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the church for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against specific funds. The aim of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

c) Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income after performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reasonably and it is probable that the income will be received. No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with SORP (FRS102).

d) Resources Expended

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the church to that expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. All expenditure is accounted for on an “accruals” basis.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attached are fulfilled.

Freehold properties are not depreciated but are held at their Fair Values.

f) Pensions

Employees of the Church are entitled to join a defined contribution ‘money purchase’ scheme. The Church’s contribution is restricted to the contributions disclosed in note 7. The costs of the scheme are included within the expenditure on charitable activities.

- 10 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

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

2 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total Total
2025 2025 2025 2024
Donations 96141 - 96141 91988
Gift Aid 19202 - 19202 20532
______ _____ ______ ______
£115343
______
£-
_____
£115343
______
£112520
______

The total amount of donations received from the trustees in the year was £14280 (2024: £12574).

3 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
2025
2025
Other Income
2134
-
Youth Group Weekend
-
-
_
_
£2134
£-
__
______
Total
2025
2134
-
__
£2134
____
Total
2024
2094
1145
__
£3239
____
Total
2024

4 INVESTMENTS

Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
2025
2025
Interest received
2234
-
Rent received
14130
-
_
_
£16364
-
__
______
Total
2025
2234
14130
__
£16364
____
Total
2024
4908
14883
__
£19791
____

- 11 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

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

5 EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

6
7
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
2025
2025
2025
2024
Grants to Institutions
19339
-
19339
18114
Ministry Expenses
5130
-
5130
6721
Youth Weekend Expenses
-
-
-
1915
Outreach Expenses
232
-
232
284
Premises Costs
18560
-
18560
8880
Administration Costs
10420
-
10420
11478
Sundry
-
-
-
55
Wages and Salaries
66099
-
66099
62599
Accountancy Fees
900
-
900
840
Depreciation
1446
-
1446
1041
Professional Fees
1925
-
1925
7121
Training Costs
2816
-
2816
3597
__



£126867
£-
£126867
£122645


__
_
EXPENDITURE ON INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
Total
Total
2025
2025
2025
2024
Rental property expenses
£5453
£-
£5453
£3951

_
_

STAFF COSTS
2025
2024
Wages and salaries
64020
60117
National insurance
4287
4221
Less: Employment Allowance
(4287)
(4221)
Pension Contributions
2079
2482


£66099
£62599


Average number of employees
4
4

___

No employee received remuneration of over £60,000 in the year (2024: none). One of the trustees, Rev D Elliott, received remuneration of £41,583 (2024: £39,686); he received this in his role of Pastor and not as a trustee. The church also paid £2,079 in respect of contributions to a defined contribution pension scheme.

There were no expenses paid to trustees during the year (2024: £nil).

- 12 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

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

8
9
10
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible Assets
Cost (or Valuation)
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
Net Book Value
At 31 March 2024
DEBTORS– All receivable within one year
Prepayments
Gift aid reclaimable
CREDITORS– Amounts falling due within one year
PAYE/NIC Creditor
Other Creditors
Accruals
Freehold Computer/AV
Property
Equipment
Total
400000
4727
404727
-
-
-
_


400000
4727
404727
_


-
1887
1887
-
1446
1446
_


-
3333
3333
_


£400000
£1394
£401394
_


£400000
£2840
£402840
_


2025
2024
4913
-
19201
20532
__
_
£24114
£20532


2025
2024
621
706
346
331
840
780
__
_
£1807
£1817

- 13 -

THE CROWDED HOUSE COLLECTIVE

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

11 STATEMENT OF FUNDS
At 31 March
2024
Income
Unrestricted Funds
489512
133841
Restricted Funds
38995
-
__
_
Total Funds
£528507
£133841


Restricted Funds are represented by:
B/Fwd at
31 March
2024
Income
Manor Gift Day Fund
38995
-


£38995
£-

___
Expenditure
(132320)
-
__
£(132320)
_
Expenditure
-

£-
___
At 31 March
Transfers
2025
-
491033
-
38995
_
_
£-
£530028


C/Fwd at
31 March
Transfers
2025
-
38995
__
__
£-
£38995
_
___
12 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by:
Fixed Assets
401394
-
401394
Current Assets
91446
38995
130441
Current Liabilities
(1807)
-
(1807)
__
_

Total Net Assets
£491033
£38995
£530028



Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
Fixed Assets
402840
-
402840
Current Assets
88489
38995
127484
Current Liabilities
(1817)
-
(1817)



Total Net Assets
£489512
£38995
£528507


___
Total
Funds