Annual Report and Financial Statements
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
Affinity is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales with registered charity number 1192455
Report of the Trustees
Members of the Trust Board have the pleasure of submitting their report and the independently audited financial statements of Affinity for the year starting on 1 January 2024 and ending 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the Provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts following the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) published in October 2019 and comply with the charity’s governing document and the Charities Act 2011.
Charity name: Affinity Registered charity number: 1192455 Charity’s principal address: PO Box 905, Haywards Heath RH16 9TJ
Constitution
Affinity was established in June 1969 as an unincorporated organisation but has operated under various names, including the British Evangelical Council (BEC), since 1952. In November 2020, it was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), retaining its original charitable purposes.
Objetives and Activities
The main objective of Affinity is to promote the advancement of the Christian religion, as expressed in Affinity’s doctrinal basis, by means of a fellowship of evangelical churches, agencies and individuals. Affinity exists to:
Promote gospel unity among us by engaging in activities that encourage mutual recognition, understanding and respect and that serve to strengthen each other and to help each other maintain and exhibit the highest standards of godly living and Christian discipleship.
Encourage all like-minded churches, agencies and individuals to identify themselves with Affinity. To demonstrate unity to the world by supporting and, where possible, promoting the evangelistic enterprises of Members and Associates. In particular, to be committed to supporting the planting and restoration of Bible-centred, evangelical churches.
Represent our Members and Associates to governments, the media and to those responsible for formulating policy and influencing public morality and social justice. To apply the Word of God to public life and join with others of like persuasion in making representation on these issues where this serves to advance godly, just and wholesome ends.
Engage in theological research and discussion to advance an understanding and acceptance of biblical Christianity. To promote biblical teaching on true ecumenism and to encourage its practice among Members and Associates.
Affinity Annual Report
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
Express our unity and fellowship with like-minded churches and evangelical agencies worldwide.
Governance
Affinity is governed by five trustees who make up the Trust Board, they are supported by the Advisory Council made up of representatives from Corporate, Church and Agency members. The Trustees meet with the Advisory Council twice a year to discuss matters of strategy and planning and to share information about the work of Affinity. Trustees are appointed by existing Trustees.
The Trust Board has considered the general guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit and in particular, its supplementary guidance on the advancement of religion for the public benefit.
Members of the Trust Board
Rev Dr Thomas Brand (Chair) (re-elected in March 2024)
Rev Paul Yeulett (re-elected in March 2024)
Rev David Meredith
Rev Mark Thomas
Rev John Stevens
Organisational structure
The Trust Board is responsible for the governance and policy for Affinity. The implementation of the policy and the day-to-day management is delegated to the Director, who is appointed by the Trust Board. Graham Nicholls has been in post as Director since 2018. The Director is supported in his responsibilities by an Executive Assistant.
Achievements and Performance
Throughout 2024, Affinity continued to provide advice, support, and services to its member churches and associate agencies across the United Kingdom and Ireland, fostering cooperation, mutual encouragement, and a united gospel witness.
We delivered resources and advice to churches, agencies, and individuals through our website, events, and publications. In 2024, we hosted free online symposiums on topics including death, conversion therapy, and AI. These accessible events equipped Christians to engage thoughtfully with complex cultural issues, and we plan to continue them as long as demand persists.
In April 2024, we launched a podcast featuring guests from Affinity’s member churches and organisations. Covering topics such as church history, Christians in politics, and care for marginalised people, the podcast amplifies gospel ministry and fosters encouragement among evangelical Christians.
Affinity’s initiatives are enriched by teams of volunteers from member organisations, who contribute expertise in theological advocacy, public engagement, and social issues. We are deeply grateful for their collaboration, which enhances our publications and events.
Affinity Annual Report
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
Affinity’s two employees, the Director and Executive Assistant, ensure efficient and costeffective administration of our operations. The Director continues to raise Affinity’s profile through local and national media appearances, advocating for evangelical perspectives on issues like religious freedom and social justice.
Our biennial theological study conference remains a cornerstone for discussion among members. The next conference, scheduled for March 2025, will explore the doctrine of God under the theme ‘Great God of Wonders,’ equipping members to engage deeply with this foundational topic.
Through these activities, Affinity supports the spiritual and intellectual growth of Christians, fostering a vibrant gospel witness that benefits communities across the UK and Ireland.
Financial Review
In God’s goodness, Affinity ended 2024 with a surplus of £20,499 (2023: £7,042). This surplus primarily results from ticket sales for the upcoming Study Conference, with related expenses yet to be incurred. We are thankful to God for providing the means to ensure financial sustainability throughout the year. The Trustees confirm they have exercised careful oversight of the charity’s resources and provide the following overview.
Income
Income rose slightly in 2024 to £88,463 (2023: £85,616), driven by modest increases in donations from individual supporters, member churches, and agencies, alongside two generous grants. We are deeply grateful to our member churches, agencies, and individual supporters for their ongoing financial commitment, which enables Affinity to deliver its ministry effectively. We also continue to welcome a growing number of evangelical Christian organisations affiliating as agency members.
Expenditure
Expenditure decreased in 2024 to £68,722 (2023: £78,574), primarily due to the absence of costs for the biennial Theological Study Conference, which incurred significant venue expenses in 2023. Other expenses, such as charity management and communication costs, increased slightly to support rising costs and our growing activities.
Reserves policy
Affinity aims to maintain free reserves (unrestricted funds less debtors) at a level sufficient to cover three months’ general expenditure, allowing us to respond to unexpected developments. At the end of the year, unrestricted funds were £52,398 (2023: £31,898), equivalent to around eight months’ general expenditure. A reasonable deficit budget has been planned for 2025, which will reduce this level of reserves.
Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved this Annual Report for 2024. Signed on behalf of the Trust Board:
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Thomas Brand
Chair
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Date: 14 July 2025
Affinity Annual Report
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
Independent examiner’s report on the accounts
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Affinity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of Affinity 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 Affinity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
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 Affinity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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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 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.
Signed:
Name: Aaron Chen
Address: 31 Syresham Gardens, Haywards Heath, West Sussex. RH16 3LB.
Date:
15 September 2025
Affinity Annual Report
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
Statement of financial activities
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
| Notes Incoming resources Donations 2 Charitable Activities 3 Other 4 Total Resources expended Charitable Activities 5 Total Operating gain/(loss) Correcting error from previous year Transfers between funds Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total 2024 funds Total 2023 funds £ £ £ £ 73,752 235 73,987 68,413 13,838 0 13,838 13,830 873 0 873 3,373 |
|---|---|
| 88,463 235 88,698 85,616 67,964 758 68,722 78,574 |
|
| 67,964 758 68,722 78,574 |
|
| 20,499 (523) 19,976 7,042 |
|
| 0 0 0 481 0 0 0 0 |
|
| 20,499 (523) 19,976 7,523 |
|
| 31,898 0 31,898 24,375 |
|
| 52,398 (523) 51,875 31,898 |
Affinity Annual Report
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
Balance sheet
As at 31 December 2024
| Notes �ixed assets Tan�ible assets 6 �urrent assets Debtors Cash at ban� and in hand �reditors Su��lier Accounts �ayable �ayroll �iabilities Total net assets Total fund balances Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 7 �unds provided |
2024 2023 £ £ 1,556 10 54,355 35,554 (710) (2,025) (3,327) (1,640) |
|---|---|
| 51,875 31,898 |
|
| 52,398 31,898 (523) 0 |
|
| 51,875 31,898 |
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Approved by the trustees on: 14 July 2025
Signed on their behalf:
Thomas Brand
Chair
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Affinity Annual Report
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
Notes to the financial statements
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
1. Accounting principles
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year.
a) Basis of accounting
The accounts are prepared in accordance with the historic cost basis of accounting.
b) Going concern
At the time of approving the accounts, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operaitional existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
c) Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Incoming resources from charitable trading activity are accounted for when earned.
d) Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Charity management costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include costs linked to the strategic management of the charity. All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SoFA on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource.
e) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Depreciation is provided on fixed assets to write off the cost of the assets over their expected useful lives, at the following annual rate:
Computer equipment Straight Line over 4 years
2. Donations
| Notes Cor�orate members Church members A�ency members Affiliates �rants received Other one off donations �ift Aid reclaimed |
2024 2023 £ £ 31,808 36,791 4,223 3,905 9,345 9,070 4,271 3,683 10,000 11,000 13,151 3,398 1,190 566 |
|---|---|
| 73,987 68,413 |
Affinity Annual Report
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
3. Charitable Activities - Income
| 3. Charitable Activities - Income | |
|---|---|
| Notes Sale of resources Recu�erated costs from Council meetin� Trainin� and events Theolo�ical Study Conference S�ea�er honorarium |
2024 2023 £ £ 140 3,543 905 185 0 942 12,108 9,060 685 100 |
| 13,838 13,830 |
4. Other income
| Notes �iscellaneous income Administrative secondment �nterest earned |
2024 2023 £ £ 340 0 0 3,325 533 48 |
|---|---|
| 873 3,373 |
5. Charitable Activities - Expenditure
| Notes | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| �m�loyee costs | a | 40,007 | 38,102 |
| �ublic and media en�a�ement | 7,325 | 6,005 | |
| �ublications | 1,453 | 5,877 | |
| �artnershi� initiatives | 3,869 | 2,021 | |
| Trainin� and events | 197 | 1,461 | |
| Communications | 8,766 | 1,920 | |
| Charity mana�ement costs | 6,134 | 3,299 | |
| Theolo�ical Study Conference | 972 | 19,889 | |
| 68,722 | 78,574 | ||
5a. Employee costs
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| �ayroll costs | 38,673 | 36,831 |
| �ension contributions | 1,335 | 1,271 |
| 40,007 | 38,102 |
The average number of persons employed during the year was 2 (2023 - 2).
Affinity Annual Report
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024
6. Fixed tangible assets
| 6. Fixed tangible assets | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cost �rou�ht for�ard Additions Carried for�ard 31 December 2024 �ccumu�ate� �epreciation �rou�ht for�ard Chan�es for the year Carried for�ard 31 December 2024 �et �oo� va�ue At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 |
Com�uter e�ui�ment £ 0 1,779 1,779 0 223 223 1,556 0 |
Total £ 0 1,779 |
| 1,779 0 223 |
||
| 223 | ||
| 1,556 | ||
| 0 |
7. Restricted funds
| 7. Restricted funds | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| �und Name | �rought | **forward ** | Receipts | �a�ments | Transfers | �arried | forward | |||
| The �os�el Coalition U� | (£ | �) | (£ | 235) | (£ | 758) | (£ | �) | (£ | (523) |
8. Custodian & charity trustees’ remuneration
During the period payments of £119.80 (2023 - £256.36) were made to 1 trustee (2023 - 3 trustees) in respect of the reimbursement of travelling expenses incurred by trustees attending meetings or events on behalf of Affinity.
During 2024, 0 trustee(s) (2023 - 1) received remuneration (2023 - £300) for speaking at an Affinity event.
The trustees received no other remuneration in their capacity as trustees of the charity.
Affinity Annual Report
1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024