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2024-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1196359 (England and Wales)

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Revd D Clarke (Minister)
Dr M A Smith
Mr J Berry
Mrs S Chappell (Secretary)
Mr A Noble
Ms B Saunders (Appointed 20 November
2024)
Dr S G Ayling (Appointed 20 November
2024)
Mr D R Slingsby (Treasurer) (Appointed 20 November
2024)
Property Trustees The Baptist Union Corporation Limited
Baptist House
129 Broadway
Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 8RT
Charity number 1196359
Principal address Malvern Baptist Church
Abbey Road
Great Malvern
WR14 3HG
Independent examiner Kendall Wadley
Granta Lodge
71 Graham Road
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 2JS
Bankers Lloyds Bank plc
48 Belle Vue Terrace
Malvern
Worcestershire
WR14 4QG

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6 - 7
Balance sheet 8
Notes to the financial statements 9 - 15

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and have been prepared on the "receipts and payments" basis in accordance with the Charity Commission guide (CC16).

On 1st January 2023, the undertaking, liabilities, staff and assets of the unincorporated charity the Malvern Baptist Church were transferred to this charity Malvern Baptist Church CIO, a charitable incorporated organisation.

Objectives

The principal purpose of the charity is the advancement of the Christian faith according to the principles of the Baptist denomination. The charity may also advance education and carry out other general charitable purposes in the United Kingdom and/or other parts of the world as the Church may determine.

Public Benefit

The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duties under Section 17 (5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the guidance in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

Activities

In order to achieve the principal objective which is set out above, the Church provides a variety of activities both to its membership and to the community generally. The aim is to show the love of Jesus Christ in both word and deed and to bring people into a closer relationship with Him as living Lord.

Central to the work and witness of the Church is the provision of regular public services of Christian worship. These services take place each Sunday at 10.30 am and some Sunday evenings at 6.30 pm (typically twice a month). There are also occasional services at other times, which are advertised on the Church Notice Board and the website at malvernbaptistchurch.org.uk. There is a full children’s programme during the morning services. The Church holds “Café Church” regularly, an informal service that allows members of the church and wider community to discuss ethical and topical subjects. The church continues with “Open to God” on Sunday evenings, an informal service where the exercise of spiritual gifts is encouraged. The church seeks to be a friendly and welcoming community and anybody is free to attend any of these services.

The Church runs a series of house groups for the growth of faith and discipleship in the homes of some members, and further details of these can be obtained from the Trustees on request, or at the Sunday services of worship. The participation in house groups has grown during the year.

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The Church operates “Coffee Stop” on Wednesday mornings, a drop-in coffee shop which offers a friendly environment to members of the church and wider community

The Church has an active Men’s group which meets regularly for breakfast and discussion in a local hotel.

From time to time the Church runs courses for people interested in discovering more about Christianity, entitled ‘Alpha’, “Encountering Jesus”, and “Hope Explored”.

The church ran a successful CAP Life Skills programme for local people, helping them to live on a reduced budget and a number of attendees remain in contact with the church.

The Church runs various events for Young People. The Church operates systems to ensure that all people working with children and vulnerable adults are appropriately vetted with regard to the Disclosure and Barring Service. The Church is the sponsoring church for Malvern Boys’ Brigade, a uniformed Christian youth organisation whose aims are the physical, social, emotional and spiritual development of young people. During the year the church closed the Girl’s Brigade and transformed the Boy’s Brigade to include a Girl’s Association.

The Church has a popular walking group, which meets weekly for local walks and attracts people from both the Church and the community. Occasionally the group tackles longer walks, including the Worcestershire Way. This year we are tackling the Three Choirs Way.

The Church is an active member of Churches Together in Malvern, and the minister convenes the ONE network of local church ministers

The Church also makes its building available for community organisations to hire. The Church sees this as good stewardship of our resources and another way to show loving provision for the needs of the wider community. Currently, regular users of the premises include a number of University of the Third Age groups.

The church has read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit, and is satisfied that the activities outlined above clearly demonstrate that the charity is providing a benefit to the public.

Achievements and performance

The Church does not measure the success of its programmes only in numbers, including financial numbers, but also in less tangible areas like fellowship and encouragement. The membership at Dec 31[st] 2023 stood at 49. 1 person was baptised during 2024 (but did not become a member); 1 church member died during the year; 1 moved to a church in a different part of the country; and 1 left the church for other reasons. Therefore, the membership at Dec 31[st] 2024 stood at 46.

A very popular event attended by over 250 people was an Easter Egg Hunt in the local park, introducing children and families to the Easter story

In addition, members of the Church are involved as volunteers in local community organisations including Christians Against Poverty, the Lyttleton Well Bookshop, Café & Counselling Service, Community Action and Malvern Theatre. The Church looks forward to 2025. The challenge is to encourage the regular members whilst looking ahead to the opportunities for mission which will hopefully emerge later in the year.

The church plans to continue with the CAP Lifeskills programme, looking to run the courses in local community facilities.

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Financial review

The Church continues to raise the funds which it needs to carry on its activities from within its own membership and congregation. No wider public appeal was made for funds during the year.

The most significant expense relates to the employment of our Minster Revd David Clarke, who is a Trustee. He leads and coordinates the church’s activities including the Sunday Services, to provide pastoral care for the congregation and other people, and to equip and encourage the membership in their life, Christian witness and service.

The Church expressed its part in the life of the wider church by donating to other British charities and organisations, who work both domestically and internationally, including the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) Home Mission and Baptist Missionary Society (BMS) world mission.

The Church is heavily dependent on its membership working as volunteers in all aspects of the church’s activities, many of which run with little or no impact on the church’s expenditure, but nevertheless contribute substantially to the achievement of the church’s objectives.

The financial results for the year, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted are set out in the accompanying financial statements.

The church is a participating employer within the Defined Benefit section of the Baptist Pension scheme.

The financial results for the year, together with a summary of the accounting policies adopted are set out in the accompanying financial statements.

The net incoming resources for the year is £19,223 (2024 - £2,815) of which £14,989 related with unrestricted activities.

Total reserves at the reporting date are £91,368 (2024 - £72,145) of which £13,169 is restricted.

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of the Church that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month's expenditure. The trustees considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Church's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves have been maintained throughout the year.

The free reserves at the balance sheet date amounted to £73,780, which equates to approximately 10 months of

current expenditure.

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Church is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risk.

Plans for future periods

From the 1st January 2025 the charity has continued the activities detailed in this report.

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Structure, governance and management

The Church become a Registered Charity operating as a CIO on 1st Jan 2023.

The Charity is governed by an Approved Governing Document. Members of the Church are accepted in accordance with the Constitution which requires them to be or to have been publicly baptised on the profession of faith in Jesus Christ, or following other modes of baptism to renew their public profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

The members Meeting takes place not less than 4 times per year and has responsibility for the overall policy of the church. In accordance with the Constitution, the members appoint Trustees, who together with the Minister, Church Secretary and Treasurer (who are also appointed by the Members), are responsible for the day to day running of the church’s work and witness, and the financial and legal aspects of the charity. All members are encouraged to take an appropriate part in the spiritual and practical tasks involved in the furtherance of the charitable objective.

Relevant matters may be submitted to the Church meeting by the Trustees for guidance, or may be raised by members in Church meeting for further consideration by the Trustees. Though the

Constitution permits decisions to be made at Church meetings by appropriate majorities, the

Church seeks to work by consensus wherever possible.

The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Revd D Clarke (Minister) Dr M A Smith Mr J Berry Mrs S Chappell (Secretary) Mr A Noble Mr G Davies (Resigned 20 November 2024) Ms B Saunders (Appointed 20 November 2024) Dr S G Ayling (Appointed 20 November 2024) Mr D R Slingsby (Treasurer) (Appointed 20 November 2024)

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mr D R Slingsby (Treasurer) Trustee

15 October 2025

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Malvern Baptist Church (the Charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

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 explanation 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.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

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 financial statements to be reached.

Sarah Morley BA Hons ACA

Kendall Wadley LLP Granta Lodge 71 Graham Road Malvern Worcestershire WR14 2JS

Dated: 15 October 2025

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Current financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2024
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
89,344
-
3,899
Other trading activities
3
11,280
-
-
Investments
4
155
-
-
Total income
100,779
-
3,899
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
80,536
1,328
3,591
Total expenditure
80,536
1,328
3,591
Net income/(expenditure)
20,243
(1,328)
308
Transfers between funds
10
(5,254)
-
5,254
Net movement in funds
14,989
(1,328)
5,562
Reconciliation of funds:
Cash balances at 1 January 2024
58,791
5,747
7,607
Cash balances at 31 December
2024
73,780
4,419
13,169		 Total
2024
£
93,243
11,280
155
104,678
85,455
85,455
19,223
-
19,223
72,145
91,368		 Total
2023
£
66,030
11,524
262
77,816
75,001
75,001
2,815
-
2,815
69,330
72,145

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Prior financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2023
2023
2023
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
62,742
-
3,288
Other trading activities
3
11,524
-
-
Investments
4
262
-
-
Total income
74,528
-
3,288
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
5
69,138
2,743
3,120
Total expenditure
69,138
2,743
3,120
Net income/(expenditure)
5,390
(2,743)
168
Transfers between funds
10
(5,280)
2,699
2,581
Net movement in funds
110
(44)
2,749
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January 2023
58,681
5,791
4,858
Fund balances at 31 December 2023
58,791
5,747
7,607		 Total
2023
£
66,030
11,524
262
77,816
75,001
75,001
2,815
-
2,815
69,330
72,145

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

Notes
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Net current assets
The funds of the Charity
Restricted income funds
12
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - designated
13		 2024
£
91,368		 £
91,368
91,368
13,169
73,780
4,419
91,368		 2023
£
72,145		 £
72,145
72,145
7,607
58,791
5,747
72,145

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 15 October 2025

Mr D R Slingsby (Treasurer) Trustee

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Malvern Baptist Church is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and its registered address is Abbey Road, Great Malvern, WR14 3HG.

1.1 Accounting convention

The annual financial statements are produced on the "receipts and payments" basis in accordance with the Charity Commission guide (CC16).

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 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.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated funds comprise funds which have been set aside at the discretion of the Trustees for specific purposes. The purposes and uses of the designated funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

There are no additional church funds not covered by this report.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised on a receipts basis.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on a defrayed basis.

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

The year-end Statement of Net Current Assets and Funds excludes fixed assets because it is not possible to provide reliable and meaningful valuations. Even so, note should be taken of the following comments.

i. Freehold Properties

The Church is the beneficial owner of the land and premises at Abbey Road Malvern and the manse at 57 Leigh Sinton Road Malvern. The legal title to these properties is held by the Baptist Union Corporation Ltd as custodian trustee.

i. Fittings Fixtures Furnishings & Equipment

Each year any relevant costs will continue to be fully charged to revenue expenditure and this approach equates with a depreciation provision of 100% in the year of acquisition.

i. Insurance Cover

Current insured values are: Church premises at Abbey Road Malvern - £4,383,025 Church manse at 57 Leigh Sinton Road Malvern - £551,502 Church contents - £103,130

1.7 Borrowing

There are no long term loans.

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, and deposits held at call with banks.

1.9 Retirement benefits

Payments to the defined benefit Baptist Pension Scheme are accounted for as if a defined contribution scheme, and are charged as an expense as payment is made.

2 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
Donations and gifts
86,544
3,899
Legacies
2,800
-
89,344
3,899		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
90,443
62,732
3,288
2,800
10
-
93,243
62,742
3,288		 Total
2023
£
66,020
10
66,030

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3 Income from other activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Church/Hall hire 960 1,612
Manse rent 10,320 9,912
11,280 11,524

4 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Interest receivable 155 262

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5 Charitable activities

Staff costs
Ministry expenses
Guest Leaders
Away day
Brigade expenses and sponsorship
Office expenses
Rent and rates
Utilities
Insurance
Cleaning & maintenance
General expenses
Donations
Training
Subscriptions
Asset replacement
Share of governance costs (see note 6)
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
Unrestricted funds - designated
Restricted funds
Support costs
Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
Legal and professional
-
1,560
-
1,560
Analysed between
Charitable activities
-
1,560		 2024
£
32,535
3,799
200
-
300
671
12,865
4,717
3,982
21,628
846
1,570
240
542
-
83,895
1,560
85,455
80,536
1,328
3,591
85,455
2024
£
1,560
1,560
1,560		 2023
£
30,160
3,015
295
260
580
489
12,337
2,033
3,704
10,104
690
860
195
721
6,791
72,234
2,767
75,001
69,138
2,743
3,120
75,001
2023
£
2,767
2,767
2,767

6 Support costs

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

7 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Charity during the year, other than the remuneration and re-imbursed expenses of the Minister. Remuneration is shown below, and ministry expenses can be seen in note 5.

8 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
1 1
Employment costs 2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 28,600 26,497
Other pension costs 3,935 3,663
32,535 30,160

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel is as shown above.

9 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

10 Transfers

Transfers are made from unrestricted funds to cover deficits on designated and restricted funds, together with a 5% apportionment of regular offerings which is committed to charitable donations.

11 Retirement benefit schemes
2024 2023
Defined contribution schemes £ £
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes 3,935 3,663

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

12 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust to enable donations to be made to the following charities and contributions to specific church activities or costs:

At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers At 31
2024 resources expended December
2024
£ £ £ £ £
Fellowship 322 500 - - 822
Home Mission 900 - - - 900
BMS Birthday 290 245 - - 535
BMS General 1,343 110 - 866 2,319
Operation AGRI 354 - - - 354
Chelmsley Wood 25 - - - 25
MAF 505 - - - 505
CAP - 264 (1,191) 927 -
Leprosy Mission 2,687 - - 865 3,552
MAGS 115 - - - 115
Tear Fund 583 106 - 866 1,555
Open Doors & Barnabus 483 - - 865 1,348
Fabric - restricted - 2,400 (2,400) - -
Baptist Home Mission - 274 - 865 1,139
7,607 3,899 (3,591) 5,254 13,169
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers At 31
2023 resources expended December
2023
£ £ £ £ £
Fellowship 322 - - - 322
Home Mission 417 - - 483 900
BMS Birthday - 290 - - 290
BMS General 860 - - 483 1,343
Operation AGRI - 354 - - 354
Chelmsley Wood 25 - - - 25
MAF 505 - - - 505
CAP 410 144 (720) 166 -
Leprosy Mission 2,204 - - 483 2,687
MAGS 115 - - - 115
Tear Fund - 100 - 483 583
Open Doors & Barnabus - - - 483 483
Fabric - restricted - 2,400 (2,400) - -
4,858 3,288 (3,120) 2,581 7,607

MALVERN BAPTIST CHURCH

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13 Unrestricted funds - designated

These are unrestricted funds set aside to address repairs to the fabric of the church and to advance fellowship of the church.

At 1 January Resources Transfers At 31
2024 expended December
2024
£ £ £ £
Fellowship 5,747 (1,328) - 4,419
Previous year: At 1 January Resources Transfers At 31
2023 expended December
2023
£ £ £ £
Fabric - unrestricted 44 (2,743) 2,699 -
Fellowship 5,747 - - 5,747
5,791 (2,743) 2,699 5,747
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
general designated
2024 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £
At 31 December 2024:
Current assets/(liabilities) 73,780 4,419 13,169 91,368
73,780 4,419 13,169 91,368
Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
general designated
2023 2023 2023 2023
£ £ £ £
At 31 December 2023:
Current assets/(liabilities) 58,791 5,747 7,607 72,145
58,791 5,747 7,607 72,145

14 Analysis of net assets between funds

15 Related party transactions

Other than as described in note 7, there were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).