**Trustees Report Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025**
**Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered Charity Number: 1194423**
## **Contents**
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and administration details 1 - 4
Report of the Independent Examiner 5
Receipts and Payments Account
and Statement of assets and liabilities, together with supporting notes 6 7
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## **ALTITUDE CHURCH**
## **for the year ended 31 March 2025**
## **Reporting Period**
Altitude Church ( AC was registered as a CIO with the Charity Commission in England and Wales on 11 May 2021. This report covers the year of operation up to 31 March 2025, with comparisons for the year to 31 March 2024.
## **Structure, governance and management.**
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by the constitution dated 11May 2021. This was under the terms of a proforma constitution already agreed between the Charity Commission and the Assemblies of God auspices. The CIO Foundation model constitution is the governing document for this newly formed church on the Isle of Wight .
Trustees may be appointed by ordinary resolution by the members, or by a decision of the trustees. The first trustees, listed below, were formerly appointed at the time of registration; during the year they have met almost every month, always online due to distances involved, to follow through on agreed actions, formulating policies and obtaining insurance cover and licenses. The Chair and Treasurer communicate between meetings as necessary, also with the pastors in connection with their role on site in the IoW.
## **Objectives and Activities**
The constitution for AC to operate as a CIO was accepted in May 2021 in order to achieve registration at the CC that month and continued the activities of an unincorporated entity of that name which had been in existence since October 2020 as plans were made to move the family from Brentwood, Essex to the IoW to establish a new church.
The objectives of the charity, as set out in the Constitution,
- (a) to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement in such ways and in such parts of the UK or the world as the Trustees and Leadership from time to time may think fit.
- (b) to relieve sickness and financial hardship and to promote and preserve good health by the provision of funds, good or services of any kind including the provision of counselling and support in such parts of the UK or the world as the Trustees and Leadership from time to time think fit.
- (c) to advance education in such ways and in such parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the Trustees and Leadership from time to time may think fit.
and believe that they demonstrate that public benefit has been provided through seeking to meet the spiritual and pastoral needs of people in the local community and beyond.
meetings.
## **Staff Team**
The Charity employs staff to carry out its operations in furtherance of its charitable objectives. The employed staff roles are:
## **Remuneration**
The pay of staff is reviewed annually by the Trustees. The Salary Review Panel decide pay awards against the criteria of affordability, comparability/parity, and performance, taking account of equivalent local and national pay benchmarks. The Charity makes available auto-enrolment to a pension for all eligible staff in line with Government policy and legislation. The Charity made employer contributions towards the cost of pension as part of remuneration to the staff team.
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## **Volunteers**
freely give and serve in a wide range of roles worship, and administration. This year, their contribution has continued to be vital to the life and mission of Altitude Church. The Trustees remain to serve and support the church family. Where appropriate, training and guidance have been provided to ensure volunteers feel equipped and confident in their roles.
## **Activities & Achievements this year**
The following outlines the key activities carried out by Altitude Church over the past year, and the public benefit delivered through our ongoing commitment to serving the spiritual, emotional, and practical needs of the local community. In planning these activities, the Trustees have continued to act in line with the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
This has been another exciting and fruitful year for Altitude Church, marked by relational growth, fresh outreach initiatives, and vibrant community events.
## **Sunday Meetings**
Sunday gatherings have continued weekly at St Francis School in Ventnor, a venue that has proven ideal for both adults and children. Our average attendance has remained consistent, with around 70 people each week, including a strong contingent of children and families. The leadership and volunteer team have worked hard to create an environment that is welcoming, spiritually nourishing, and accessible for all ages.
## **Midweek Discipleship Soul Food**
This year, Soul Food, our midweek Bible study and discipleship group, was launched, and we meet regularly at The Studio, a welcoming and accessible space in the community. These gatherings allow attendees to explore Scripture more deeply in a relaxed and relational setting. Sessions typically include open discussion, prayer, teaching, and refreshments served by Root and Bloom coffee shop to build community and trust.
Attendees consistently report that it helps them understand the Bible more clearly and apply their faith more meaningfully in everyday life. The Studio venue has proven to be ideal for this informal but deeply formative engagement.
## **Community Activities**
Altitude Church has placed a strong emphasis on connection and outreach throughout the year, with several key events designed to strengthen community bonds and make church life more accessible:
## **Food bags and hampers**
family liaison officer, along with weekly food bags, school uniforms, and breakfast bars for children who
**Altitude Bake Off (April 2024)** A fun, family-friendly event that brought together all ages for baking,
**Easter Funday** A joyful community event held around the Easter weekend, featuring games, crafts, face painting, and an Easter egg hunt. It welcomed many local families and served as a fun, faith- filled entry point to church life for new visitors.
Altitude Church celebrated and honoured parents and role models through two an exceptional Sunday service and cream tea with many inviting friends and family. Later in the year, Dadfest provided a free, family-friendly celebration of fatherhood, complete with games, hot dogs, and quality time parents in their vital roles.
**Celebrate the Kids Day** A joyful and affirming event specifically dedicated to honouring and celebrating children in the church community. The day included creative activities, moments of blessing, and messages of encouragement designed to build confidence, faith, and belonging among young people. It was a clear
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present.
A well-attended evening offering food and fellowship, supporting the development of healthy male friendships and spiritual growth across generations.
A continued area of focus, with regular age-appropriate gatherings, creativity
## **Other Activities**
Altitude Church also continued its informal outreach and prayer engagement with those on the edges of faith, including online encouragements and personal support. Social media has served as a significant platform for sharing news, testimonies, and reminder
## **Church Organisation**
In March 2025, Altitude Church celebrated four years since its initial launch a moment reflected on with office space, opened in 2024, alongside other local charities. This hub provides an effective base for ministry coordination and collaboration.
The trustees remain committed to good governance, mission alignment, and prayerful decision- making. The regular feedback received from the congregation and local partners affirms that the church is making a practically, emotionally, and spiritually. We are, once again, deeply thankful for the volunteers, trustees, and leadership team, especially Pastor Ben and Pastor Emma, who continue to serve faithfully and lead with heart and integrity.
## **Accounts preparation**
The accounts have been prepared to comply with the accounting principles of and the Charities Act 2011. The Trustees have chosen to prepare the attached accounts, under the rules for Receipts and Payments accounts.
## **Financial Review**
In the reporting year to 31 March 2025 the unrestricted income was £67,325 (£62,273 in 2024) and expenses of £58,597 (£53,701 in 2024) meaning there was a surplus from activities of £8,728 (£8,572 for 2024). The unrestricted funds at the start of the year was £10,727 on 31 March 2024 and with the retained surplus of £8,728 the total of surpluses to date is £19,455, which is represented by the money in the bank and in hand on 31 March 2025.
There was also a continuing stream of restricted monthly gifts from Sawyers Church which was for the support of the pastors amounting to £2,400 (2024 £3,300). The other restricted funds were fully spent in the previous year in equipping and setting up new premises for use for Sunday Morning gatherings of the church. At the end of the year all funds were seen as Unrestricted Funds.
## **Risks**
The Trustees sought to manage risks to which the Charity is exposed with a view to mitigating these to the fullest extent possible, for example, through insurance. During the last year, the Trustees considered a range of risk related matters, including issues associated with Safeguarding, data management and seeking a new venue for weekly gatherings. Individual Trustees were allocated particular areas of operational oversight e.g. personnel, finance, Safeguarding, etc. to help strengthen control. This and other of the practices are regularly reviewed by the Trustees.
## **Reserves**
In the early years of the church , it is difficult to determine a Reserves policy, particularly where income is reliant on the generosity of many individuals, but the Trustees are heartened to be able to report the level of funds at the Bank on 31 March 2024 of £19,343 all of this being unrestricted funds (2024 - £10,612) . This sum represents more than six months of support for the pastors and is very encouraging to the trustees as a significant increase over the year.
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During the financial year the Trustees would like to acknowledge with gratitude the continued regular support through the year from both Sawyers Church and the Yangmoory Korean Church in London and also the regular support of many individuals around the UK; also during a difficult period mid-year, Altitude received support from the Net Church in Dartford, and then in March the church received $5,000 from Good Tree Church in Seoul, Korea. The Trustees are deeply grateful for these gifts which assist in maintaining the Mission of Altitude Church in the Isle of Wight
The Trustees have now set a target for Reserves of £12,000, which would represent three months support for the pastors, and it is comforting to note that of the total cash at the bank £14,000 has been put aside on a deposit account where it is earning interest. The Trustees are looking carefully at future budgets, particularly its ongoing committed expenditure, in order to ensure that the church can meet its other general and charitable expenditure. The Trustees will seek to further develop the reserves policy in the light of recent experience and make local supporters in the congregation and further afield aware of the situation going forward.
## **Reference and Administration details**
**Registered Name:** Altitude Church **Registered Charity Number:** 1194423 (registered 11.05.2021) **Registered Office** : Hope House, 47 Fort Street, Sandown PO36 8BA **Trustees:** Mr Jeffrey J Fair (Chair) Mrs Tandia Hughes (Resigned 16.01.2025) Mr Timothy J Roberts (Treasurer) Mr Christopher W Speller (Resigned 10.12.2024) Mr Eddie J. Rich (appointed 20.05.2024) Mrs Rachel Cornes (appointed 21.11.2024) Mr Joseph Hassett (appointed 20.03.2025) Mr Benjamin L Carman (Pastor) Joint Pastor: Mrs Emma C Carman **Bankers:** Unity Trust Bank, Birmingham Signed
Jeff Fair, Chair of Trustees Date
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## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT**
## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF**
## **ALTITUDE CHURCH**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Altitude Church ('the charity') for the period ended 31 March 2025 on pages 6 to 7 following.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with
I report in respect of my examination of the 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 2011 Act.
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 accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Jaimée Young
Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
Date:
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## **ALTITUDE CHURCH**
## **Receipts and Payments Account**
|**Receipts**
Support by individuals
(inc. Gift Aid as appropriate)
Other churches and group
Other Income
**Payments**
**Charitable activities**
Support in the community
Costs of church activities
**Support costs**
Support for pastors
Other equipment
IT Phone etc
Assemblies of God contribution
Insurance & legal
Administration Misc
**(Deficit)/Surplus for**
**period**
**Funds brought forward**
**Funds carried forward**|**Year Ended 31 March 2025**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
58,213
-
58,213
8,712
2,400
11,112
400
-
400
67,325
2,400
69,725
1,845
-
1,845
9,715
-
9,715
11,560
-
11,560
35,686
2,400
38,086
700
700
1.858
1,858
1,200
1,200
1,228
1,228
6,365
6,365
47,037
2,400
49,437
58,597
2,400
60,997
**8,728**
**0**
**8,728**
10,727
0
10,727
**£ 19,455**
**0**
**£ 19,455**|**Year Ended 31 March 2024**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**Total**
**£**
**£**
**£**
58,551
-
58,551
3,350
3,300
6,650
372
-
372|
|---|---|---|
|||62,273
3,300
65,573|
|||1,579
1,579
10,424
10,424|
|||12,003
-
12,003|
|||30,600
3,300
33,900
1,583
5,000
6,583
1,603
1,603
1,200
1,200
1,638
1,638
5,074
5,074|
|||41,698
3,300
49,998|
|||53,701
8,300
62,001|
|||**8,572**
**(5,000)**
**3,572**
2,155
5,000
7,155
**£ 10,727**
**0**
**£ 10,727**|
## **Notes to the financial Statements**
## **1. Accounting Principles**
_Basis of Preparation -_ the financial statements are prepared under a Receipts and Payments format. _Receipts -_ Grants and Donations are recognised on receipt. _Payments -_ Costs are accounted for as they are paid out.
_Going Concern -_ At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. _Cash -_ Cash includes cash at bank and in hand. The Charity does not hold any other liquid investments. _Agency_ During the year £1,253 was received to cover the direct costs of a team visiting the church. The church bank account was used for convenience for the expenditure, which was covered in full by the income. The relevant income and expenditure have been removed from the Receipts and Payments accounts this year.
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## **ALTITUDE CHURCH**
## **2. Receipts**
Receipts are made up of donations from individuals (plus the Gift Aid refund thereon where applicable); there are additional donations received from other churches and Christian charities.
## **3. Analysis of Payments**
Charitable activities -
distribution of food and other items and staging outreach events in the community. £11,560 (2024 - £12,003) Support costs - cover a wide range of administrative costs, for IT, equipment, insurance, safeguarding and support of the pastors and so much else required to run a church. £49,437( 2024 - £49,998)
**4. Trustees and Staff remuneration** Ben Carmen, a trustee, and his spouse served as Pastors and together were paid a total of £38,086 [2024: £33,900], for serving in that capacity only; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document, and these figures include the employer pension contribution.
No other payments were made to trustees or persons related to them, except for reimbursement of expenses paid out on behalf of the charity.
## **5. Related Party Transactions**
There were no other related party transactions during the period.
## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES at 31[st] March 2025**
||**31.03.25**|**31.03.24**|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|**£**|
|**Cash at Bank**
**Unity Trust Bank**|19,343|10,612|
|**Petty Cash in Hand**|112|115|
|**Amounts owed to AC**|||
|Gift Aid Claim to 31.12.24|820|Nil|
|**Amounts owed by AC**|||
|Fees for Independent Examination|720|562|
|Owed for use of premises and rent of Office space|610|917|
|Owed for other charitable activity expenses|535|994|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**|||
|Unrestricted Funds|**£19,455**|**£10,727**|
|Restricted Funds|**0**|**0**|
The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.
The Financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by:
J.J. Fair Date:
T.J. Roberts .Trustee Date:
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