REGISTERED CHARITY – 1188733
GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH Trustees’ report Year ended 31 December 2024
REFERENCE DETAILS
| Registered charity | 1188733 |
|---|---|
| Principal address | 120 Broadsands Avenue, Paignton, Devon TQ4 6JW |
GOVERNANCE DETAILS
| Trustees | Kamphata Botha | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
| David Martin | United Kingdom | |
| Margaret Pang | United Kingdom | |
| Khareem Perry | Trinidad | |
| Kim Koch Rasmussen | Denmark | |
| General Manager | Bill Stevenson | |
| Treasurer | David Martin | |
| Independent | Sarah Alexander FCCA | FCA |
| Examiner | Lewis Brownlee (Chchester) Limited, Appledram Barns, Birdham Road, | |
| Chichester, West Sussex PO20 7EQ | ||
| Investment | CCLA, 1 Angel Lane, London EC4R 3AB | |
| Manager | ||
| Bank | Bank of Scotland, 26 Colquhoun Street, Helensburgh, G84 8AP |
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GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH Trustees’ report Year ended 31 December 2024
The Trustees present their report with the financial accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The Charity is a charitable incorporated organisation which is governed by its constitution. It has been registered with the Charity Commission since 24 March 2020. It is the successor charity to an unincorporated organisation of the same name with heritage dating back to 1963.
The Charity is called Global Fellowship of Christian Youth and was formerly the World Conference of The Boys’ Brigade. The Charity operates as the Global Fellowship of The Boys’ Brigade and other Christian organisations.
Organisational structure
The Charity’s Council meets every three years, or more often if requested to do so by not less than five member organisations. The most recent Council meeting took place in Uganda in August 2022. The next one will be held in Ghana in August 2025.
The Charity co-operates closely with its members who are autonomous and corresponds with individual groups and units only with the knowledge and consent of the Members which are the national body.
Recruitment, appointment, induction and training of new trustees
The Executive Committee is the trustee board of the Charity. They are elected at Council in accordance with the Constitution from amongst the representatives of members attending the Council meeting. The Executive Committee may co-opt additional members where the need arises.
New trustees are briefed on their election and receive an induction pack designed to assist them perform their duties, including copies of the Constitution, recent financial information, policy documents, Executive Committee minutes and Charity Commission publications.
Risk management
The Executive Committee has a duty to identify and review the risks to which the Charity is exposed and to ensure that appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
The Executive Committee has examined the major risks which the Charity faces. It has established systems to enable regular reports to be produced whereby reasonable and prudent steps can be taken to mitigate exposure.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objections and aims
The Charity is a global network whose purpose is the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom, the promotion of education and relief of poverty amongst the youth of the world by serving and supporting member organisations. Its current objectives are identified within the Executive Committee’s Strategic Plan which is available on the Charity’s website.
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GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH Trustees’ report Year ended 31 December 2024
Volunteers
The Executive Committee members are the trustees of the Charity and give their time free of charge. Although out of pocket expenses where reasonably incurred are reimbursed, some Executive Committee members are supported by their member organisation with cost and travel support or through personal means.
During the year, Kamphata Botha (Zambia), Margaret Pang (UK), Khareem Perry (Trinidad) and Kim Koch Rasmussen (Denmark) served as trustees on the Executive Committee. David Martin (UK) continued to serve as Treasurer and Trustee.
Kayinga Brolyn from Uganda chairs the Charity’s Young Leaders Group. It has now been operating for a few years. In 2024, the importance of succession planning was explored the Young Leaders Group has helped the Charity maintain momentum with the important 18–30-year-old age group.
The Charity also benefits from several volunteers who willingly give of their time without charge. Where claimed, reasonable travel expenses are paid.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Public benefit and charitable activities
The Executive Committee has complied with the requirements in Section 17 Charities Act 2011 and has had due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission and confirm that it complies in all respects.
2024 turned out to be another good year for Global Fellowship. The Charity has continued to see growth in member organisations, particularly in Africa where there are hundreds of thousands of members. During the year, further work was undertaken in pursuit of the charitable purposes by continuing efforts to encourage member organisations to develop their own capacity, governance, development plans and leadership training.
Throughout the year, tur General Manager and African Development Manager have been busy supporting development activities across the world. In Africa, the Charity has been assisting the Brigade in DR Congo, Malawi, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zimbabwe to improve their structures and leader training. Progress has been made in re-activating the internal Regional Fellowship networks with the West Africa Region and Central and Southern Africa regions holding meetings for the first time in many years. It has been encouraging to see new companies being set up across the globe. Contact has been received from churches in Bangladesh, South Sudan and Liberia who are looking to start the BB. There has also been a membership growth in Tonga and other areas of the Pacific.
During the year, the General Manager was able to visit many member organisations. During his travels, Bill Stevenson visited Australia, Benin, Canada, Ghana, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore, Togo, Tonga. As well as visiting local groups, he also met church leaders and politicians and other national leaders. The Africa Development Manager, Masauso Mwanza, also managed to visit Ethiopia and South Africa. The networking and individual contacts made during these visits have proved vital in building relationships across the network and helping to raise the profile of the Brigade in those countries.
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GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH Trustees’ report Year ended 31 December 2024
One of the Charity’s priorities has been developing further links with BB Asia were regular contact is maintained with BB Asia Executive members. The General Manager was present at BB Asia’s AGM and conference in Siem Reap in November. It also proved an ideal opportunity to learn more about the work of BB Cambodia. It is encouraging to see BB Asia’s work to establish the BB in new countries in that part of the world.
Thrive, the first GF Event for young leaders in many years took place in Tobago from the 14th to 21st July. A super group of young leaders from five nations attended and participated in a full programme. The week opened with The Chief Secretary of the Tobago House of Assembly hosting a reception on the Sunday evening. Other activities included discussions on leadership, organisational values and conflict resolution. There was also time for Christian fellowship, role-plays and lots of different games; and of course, there was some time to enjoy the Caribbean sun at the beach. The event was planned and delivered by two GF Trustees, Margaret Pang and Khareem Perry. The Charity is grateful to them, and the BB Tobago Islands Council, for all their support and for making the event a great success.
The Charity’s Young Leader network continues to meet online a regular basis and now has representation from most member countries. In July, two young leaders from the Bahamas returned to Scotland to complete the KGVI (King George VI) Leadership Course. In addition to the course at Carronvale House, they also spent time at camp with members of the 45th Glasgow Company and attended the Royal Edinburgh International Tattoo. Young leaders from Europe and Africa also represented the Charity as virtual delegates at the high-level UN COP29 climate change conference which was held in Baku.
The Executive Committee met in person in Scotland in June and on several other occasions via Zoom. The in-person meeting was held also held at Carronvale House in Larbert. As well as holding governance discussions, trustees enjoyed joining in the programme with the 2nd Cambusnethan Company who were also staying at Carronvale. Furthermore, ExCo members also took the opportunity to visit Scottish companies. The Chair was able to meet with the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Most of the action points in the current three-year development plan have now been completed. ExCo members have now started thinking about what priorities should form the basis of the next plan.
Over the year, the Charity organised several virtual events / Zoom calls to stay connected with member organisations. GF Week took place in May prior to Pentecost. It was pleasing so see growth in this event with more local leaders engaging in it. This year, the theme was “The Armour of God” and a different worship slot was broadcast daily with music videos from across the world also being shared. A special online service for Pentecost Sunday rounded up the week.
The Charity has been pleased to see an increased readership of the monthly newsletter. Also, there are now over 4,000 followers on Facebook watching the Charity’s work.
The Charity recognises that more can be done to raise external funds for our work. Contact has been made with the UK Foreign and Commonwealth office to see if the Charity can access international development funding. The Christmas Appeal helped to raise some valuable funds. Grateful thanks are extended to the regular supporters who make regular donations. This helps is much appreciated.
The Executive Committee realise that it would be impossible to sustain this work without so many dedicated and faithful office-bearers, staff members and leaders in member organisations who devote so much time week in week out sustain the work of the Brigade across the world. Thanks are also extended to the trustees and part time staff team.
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GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH Trustees’ report Year ended 31 December 2024
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial activities
The Charity has prepared its accounts using the receipts and payments basis as prescribed by the Charity Commission. Given the level of income, an independent examination is commissioned on an annual basis.
The Charity’s unrestricted income on ordinary activities was £42,546 (2023: £34,512), against which £59,333 (2023: £57,823) was expended. £40,000 (2023: £15,000) of investments were sold during the year to fund day to day expenditure. More will need to be sold in mid-2025 to maintain working capital.
It is pleasing to note that more member organisations are now contributing subscription fees. This is welcome. The Executive Committee’s policy remains that grants or financial support will only be made to Member organisations who have contributed subscriptions and membership information.
The Charity is very grateful to its donors in supporting the work of Global Fellowship. The Charity wishes to extend its individual donor base during 2025, as well as attract further trust funding.
Investment performance
The Executive Committee’s investment strategy is to hold its investment fund in an established charitable investment fund. CCLA Investment Management undertake this using their Ethical Investment Fund. The Charity’s investments are held as income generating units.
The Investment Fund returned £20,974 (2022: £21,103) of income. Although £40,000 of investment units were sold during the year to fund operations, the dividend remained in the same ballpark. The Executive Committee is pleased with investment performance which is consistent with general charity sector investment trends. The capital performance of the investment fund continues to be effective on an unrealised basis.
Investment policy
The Charity’s investment policy is aimed at maintaining the real value of the portfolio and generating a reasonable level of income to support its operational strategy. The Executive Committee undertook its periodic investment strategy review in November 2023 and the continued used of pooled charitable investment funds was agreed.
Reserves policy
The Executive Committee has adopted a reserves policy which recognised that its investment income and suitable use of its portfolio is essential for funding its activities. The Charity’s medium to long term aim is to sustainably deploy its reserves in assisting member organisations to become self-sustaining and capable of supporting their local work, as well as the international aspects of the Global Fellowship.
The Charity has no long term or significant liabilities. As a result, it is a going concern which has access to the necessary funds to cope with emergencies and contingencies.
Independent examination
Whilst Sheen Stickland became part of Lewis Brownlee during the year, the personnel engaged on the Charity’s independent examination remain unchanged.
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GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH Trustees’ report Year ended 31 December 2024
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The Charity looks forward to delivering its three-year Strategic Plan and to holding the next Triennial Council in 2025. It is also hoped to introduce The Boys’ Brigade to several new countries, and to also host the first Young Leaders event in many years.
The Charity is committed to increasing international connections and ensuring that all members are aware that they are part of the worldwide BB family.
Since its foundation in 1883 by Sir William Alexander Smith, the Brigade has played a key part in assisting the mission of local churches. This year, it has been pleasing to see even more Church denominations introduce the BB programme into the life of their churches. Member organisations continue to provide first class programmes and help point young people towards the Good News of the Gospel. The Charity looks forward to seeing what it can do to continue support and develop its Members in over 70 countries who now work with over 1 million members.
This report was approved by the Executive Committee of Trustees on 17 April 2025 and signed on its behalf.
Kamphata Botha Trustee and Chair of Executive Committee
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GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH Independent Examiner’s report to the Trustees Year ended 31 December 2024
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Global Fellowship of Christian Youth (‘Charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Charity, 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 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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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 confirm that there are no other matters to which your attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Sarah Alexander FCCA FCA Lewis Brownlee (Chichester) Limited Appledram Barns Birdham Road Chichester West Sussex PO20 7EQ
Date: …………………………………… 13 May 2025
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GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH Accounts Year ended 31 December 2024
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| RECEIPTS Voluntary income Donations Gift aid Investment income Dividend income Income from charitable activities General income Total income Investment sales Total receipts PAYMENTS Cost of raising funds Staff/establishment costs Charitable activities Staff/establishment costs Investing in Organisations Marketing & general Governance costs Trustee meetings Staff/establishment costs Independent examination Support costs Staff/establishment costs Insurance Bank charges Investment purchases Total expenditure Net receipts/(payments) Transfers Cash brought forward Cash carried forward |
Unrestricted funds £ Restricted funds £ Endowment funds £ Total 2024 £ Total 2023 £ 17,348 200 - 17,548 8,436 - 19,988 - 986 20,974 21,103 5,210 - - 5,210 5,965 |
|---|---|
| 42,546 200 986 43,732 35,504 40,000 - - 40,000 15,000 |
|
| 82,546 200 986 83,732 50,504 |
|
| 3,809 - - 3,809 3,370 26,662 - 26,662 23,591 13,314 - - 13,314 17,910 1,425 - - 1,425 636 4,757 - - 4,757 5,926 1,904 - - 1,904 1,685 1,080 - - 1,080 1,080 5,713 - - 5,713 5,056 499 - - 499 437 170 - - 170 345 |
|
| 59,333 - - 59,333 60,036 - |
|
| 59,333 200 - 59,333 60,036 |
|
| 23,213 200 986 24,399 (9,532) 986 - (986) - - 13,899 4,427 - 18,326 27,858 |
|
| 38,098 4,627 - 42,725 18,326 |
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GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH Accounts Year ended 31 December 2024
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024
| CASH ASSETS Bank of Scotland Total - cash ASSETS Monies due to Charity Total – other assets LIABILITIES Accounts due Total – liabilities INVESTMENTS Market value Total – investments TOTAL FUNDS |
Unrestricted funds £ Restricted funds £ Endowment funds £ Total 2024 £ Total 2023 £ 38,098 4,627 - 42,725 18,326 |
|---|---|
| 38,098 4,627 - 42,725 18,326 |
|
| - - - - - |
|
| - - - - - |
|
| - - - - - |
|
| - - - - - |
|
| 676,033 - 33,340 709,373 729,703 |
|
| 676,033 - 33,340 709,373 729,703 |
|
| 714,131 4,627 33,340 752,098 748,029 |
The accounts were approved by the Trustee Board on 17 April 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
Kamphata Botha Trustee and Chairman
David Martin Trustee and Treasurer
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GLOBAL FELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN YOUTH Accounts Year ended 31 December 2024
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| UNRESTRICTED FUNDS Cash Debtors Liabilities Investments RESTRICTED FUNDS Malawi fund PCI/CMF ENDOWMENT FUNDS Dennis Webb fund TOTAL FUNDS |
As at 1 January 2024 £ Net cash movements £ Gains / (Losses) £ Transfers £ As at 31 December 2024 £ 13,899 23,207 - 992 38,098 - - - - - - - - - 695,407 (40,000) 18,729 - 674,136 |
|---|---|
| 709,306 (16,793) 18,729 992 712,234 |
|
| 4,427 200 - - 4,627 |
|
| 4,427 200 - - 4,627 |
|
| 34,296 992 941 (992) 35,237 |
|
| 34,296 992 941 (992) 35,237 |
|
| 748,029 (15,601) 19,670 - 752,098 |
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