OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-12-31-accounts

Northstowe Church Network Annual Report for the year ending 31[st] Dec 2024

Charity Information ................................................................................................................................................................ 1 Area of Benefit: The Northstowe Development ..................................................................................................................... 2 Overview of the Northstowe Church Network ....................................................................................................................... 3 Values, Objectives, and Aims ............................................................................................................................................... 4 Achievement, Performance, and Public Benefit .................................................................................................................... 6 2024 in Statistics .............................................................................................................................................................. 6 Demonstrating Public Benefit ........................................................................................................................................... 8 Mission Initiative Electoral Roll and Ecumenical Membership of the Northstowe Church Network ....................................... 9 Report on Trustee Meetings ................................................................................................................................................ 10 Ministry Provision ................................................................................................................................................................ 10 Safeguarding ...................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Church Policies ................................................................................................................................................................... 11 Financial Review ................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Reserves Policy .............................................................................................................................................................. 12 Assets Report ................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Statement of Financial Activities ..................................................................................................................................... 13

Charity Information

Address for correspondence

Church House, 6 Woodpecker Close, Northstowe, CB24 1AW contact@northstowe.church

Trustees

The clergy serve ex officio:

Charitable Status

The Northstowe Church Network registered as an Association Model Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 17 January 2024, with Charity number: 1206577.

1

Constitution

The stipulations for the governance of the charity are set out in the CIO Constitution

The Partnership Agreement, approved by the Relevant Authority of each of the Participating Denominations, sets out the agreed principles and practises in ecclesial matters.

The LEP looks to the Participating Denominations for support, encouragement and advice, which is given through the Ecumenical Support Cabinet. The Trustees work with the Ecumenical Support Cabinet to maintain the Operating Procedures, which describe the local leadership and governance of the LEP.

Area of Benefit: The Northstowe Development

Northstowe is a new town near Cambridge, being developed on the former Oakington Barracks and airfield site. It will house over 24,000 residents across three phases:

Area of Benefit aligns with the civic parish boundaries of the new town. It spans parts of the 5folds Benefice, Cottenham, and Oakington ecclesiastical parishes.

2

Overview of the Northstowe Church Network

The Northstowe Church Network (NCN) is:

Founded in 2018 as a fresh start pioneer initiative led by Revd Dr Elizabeth Cope (Beth), NCN began with three households, all new to Northstowe and each other. Today, it engages approximately 70 adults and children across three worshiping communities, as well as much wider involvement in the life of the schools and community of Northstowe. Rooted in a commitment to “ praying, exploring, and sharing,” NCN celebrates the connections between spirituality and everyday life as it grows alongside the town it serves.

NCN’s worship and pastoral care reflect its ecumenical identity, offering diverse styles of worship to help individuals encounter God in ways that resonate with their spiritual journeys. From family-friendly gatherings to contemplative services, these varied expressions contribute to spiritual wellbeing, inclusivity, and community cohesion. The whole network also gathers for festivals and special occasions, fostering a sense of belonging and celebrating unity in diversity

UNDERPINNED BY PRAYER AND ONGOING LISTENING TO GOD AND THE COMMUNITY

[“service first image from http://www.soulaction.co.za/8596-2/]

3

Focusing on discerning and joining in with what God is doing in Northstowe, NCN does not replicate existing church activities in surrounding villages. Instead, it uses a service-first approach (pictured, with strong overlaps with the Asset-Based Community Development model) partnering with others to co-create sustainable, community-led projects. This model promotes activities are accessible to all, including those with disabilities, financial difficulties, or other barriers to participation.

Values, Objectives, and Aims

Values: praying, exploring, and sharing

The objects of the Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) are given in our constitution as:

4

The aims for the next 5 years were adopted at the first church meeting after charity registrations:

Inspired by Isaiah 54, we will ‘stretch wide the tent’ – bringing together those new to faith with those of many Trinitarian Christian traditions – grasping missional and formational opportunities to allow everyone, from the youngest to the oldest, to develop our relationship and love of God, equipping us to fulfil God’s purposes for us in the places He has called us to be.

Therefore, we commit to sharing – partnering with those who live, work, study, or are called to love Northstowe, creating safe spaces where questions can be asked, confidence developed, and Spirit-breathed plans turned into action. We dare to explore new expressions of church as well as pioneering future inherited modes of church. These individual missional and worshipping communities will develop contextually and organically. Locally led, they will be part of a visible and sustainable network, not just sharing ecumenical governance but periodically coming together in prayer, worship, and to do things that could not be done alone. Across the network, we long to be known for our peaceful, prayerful presence, having the confidence to hold the ministry of hospitality and loving service alongside acts of Christian worship.

Through the ‘tent pegs’ of prayer and exploration of the still-unfolding story of God’s encounter with his people, we will be rooted, deep into the soil, which is slowly, person by person, house by house, school by school, and phase by phase becoming Northstowe.

To put this into practice, 15 measurable objectives were agreed as part of the BMO review process and adopted by the church meeting in April 2024 as a focus for the quinquennial. These cover areas for the whole Network (developing the organisation, auditing, supporting whole-church faith-in-action), and a focus on specific areas as part of ‘Developing Multiple Expressions – Experimental, Inherited, and Built’.

5

Achievement, Performance, and Public Benefit

2024 in Statistics

The NCN welcomes anyone interested in taking part to its services and activities—whether church members or part of the broader community. We have made significant strides in engaging the community, offering support, and advancing its mission to serve the people of Northstowe. Our activities this year have directly aligned with the Charity Commission’s Public Benefit Test, ensuring that our work has a clear and tangible impact on the local community. A formal review document has been shared with members. Here are some highlights of how we’ve served and engaged Northstowe over the past year:

Community Engagement

Worshipping Communities

6

Youth and Schools Work

Life Event Services

Although Northstowe currently lacks a registered church building for weddings or to support key life event services:

Team Development

7

Demonstrating Public Benefit

NCN’s activities are rooted in the theological belief that God’s love extends to all people, inspiring efforts to create a positive impact in the world. Working collaboratively with individuals and groups of all beliefs, NCN seeks to make Northstowe a thriving, inclusive place to live.

Trustees of the Northstowe Church Network have the responsibility of co-operating with the Pioneer Minister, the Rev’d Dr Elizabeth Cope, in promoting in the geographic area of Northstowe the whole mission of the Church: pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. When planning our activities for the year, the ministers, ministry team, leadership teams, and trustees have considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Key areas of public benefit include:

8

By living out its commitment to “praying, exploring, and sharing,” NCN demonstrates how faith can inspire meaningful contributions to social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. These efforts help Northstowe grow as a holistically healthy and inclusive community where everyone can flourish.

Mission Initiative Electoral Roll and Ecumenical Membership of the Northstowe Church Network

Membership of the Northstowe Church Network is made up of all those who are on any of the (Church of England) Northstowe Church Network Mission Initiative Electoral Roll (whose stipulations mirror the Church Representation Rules for a parish), the Northstowe Church Network Baptist Church membership, or the Northstowe Church Network United Reformed Church.

All members have opted to be members of all the rolls to which they are eligible.

When the Roll closed on 5th April 2025 the Anglican Electoral Roll stood at 23 adults, with no changes from 2024. Ther CIO Membership was 24[1] lay people (no changes) and 1 clergyperson (down from 2 in 2024 when we had a curate).

The Electoral Roll is available on request from the church office

1 While young people can be voting members Northstowe Church Network, they are only eligible to join the Electoral Roll of the Pathfinder Church Bishop’s Mission Order when they are 16. Church Children are not counted on the Roll but play a full part in the life of the church, and their voices are listened to and acted upon.

9

Report on Trustee Meetings

Trustee meetings routinely cover Safeguarding, Finance, and Correspondence, with updates on students and partnerships , alongside prayer, discernment, and attention to the public benefit of the charity . Key discussions in 2024 included:

  1. January: budget, and policy updates; opportunities for women, AGM preparation.

  2. March: LGBTQ+ inclusion, youth work recruitment, strategic planning.

  3. April: branding, financial development, community and ecumenical event planning.

  4. July: Safeguarding, financial policies, volunteer recruitment, church-school partnerships.

  5. September: Community engagement, school chaplaincy, faith land bid preparations.

  6. November: Budget approval, charitable contributions, eco award progress, schools work and Network growth planning.

Personnel: In addition to the elected and ex officio trustees, Rachel Addison served as Deanery Link before handing over to Rachel Cope, and Michelle Kemp serves as Safeguarding Officer. The role of Secretary was vacant at the 2024 AGM, with responsibilities shared by Trustees until someone is appointed in 2025. While there are no legal provisions for BMO Churchwardens, it’s common practice for BMOs to appoint individuals to share local oversight with the designated Leader.

Ministry Provision

The Revd Dr Elizabeth (Beth) Cope is the full-time Pioneer Minister for Northstowe, as well as serving as the Bishop’s Advisor for New Housing and on Churches Together England’s New Housing Group. While the local church are increasingly contributing to Ministry Share, we are grateful that EDBF receives a grant from the Benefact Trust to subsidise associated costs.

The Revd Stephen Dove served as Pioneer Assistant Minister from June 2022 until November 2024, when he left to complete final curacy placements ready to move on to his First Incumbency. The Trustees thank him for his ministry in Northstowe.

10

Safeguarding

Michelle Kemp has served as our safeguarding officer since 2022, overseeing safeguarding@northstowe.church, and continues in this role for 2025.

The Trustees are committed to safeguarding all members of our church community, particularly children and vulnerable adults. Our ecumenical agreement is that we will adhere to legislation, national Church of England frameworks, and the Ely Diocesan Safeguarding procedures, utilizing the Parish Safeguarding Dashboards (details at www.elydiocese.org/safeguarding).

Our safeguarding statement and policy are prominently displayed on our website, with supporting leaflets and posters available weekly. Leaders wear lanyards to indicate their safeguarding status:

All ministers and volunteers working with children or vulnerable adults are safely recruited following Church of England guidelines, with appropriate checks, including DBS, completed. Mandatory safeguarding training (C0, C1, C2, and Domestic Violence Awareness) is up to date for all required roles.

We encourage all regular participants to consider completing C0 training to further foster a safe and informed community.

Ely Diocesan Safeguarding Duty Telephone Number: 01353 652747

Church Policies

These notices and policies are available to view or download via the church website:

  1. Safeguarding Poster

  2. Safeguarding Policy

  3. Church complaints policy

  4. Data privacy notice

  5. Equalities policy statement

  6. Health and Safety Policy

  7. Financial Control Policy

  8. Photography Policy

  9. Recruitment of ex-offenders

  10. Whistleblowers Policy

11

Financial Review

The total donations and gift aid claimed in 2024 was £28,696. We are very grateful to the Church Schools of Cambridge, and the Growing Faith partnership for their financial support to the work in Northstowe last year. £10,499 of restricted funds were received during the year.

Ministry and activity costs during the year were £12,187, partly funded by the restricted funds, and £9,500 was given to Ely Diocese in grateful recognition of their support of the post of a Pioneer and Assistant Minister, but also the safeguarding, advice and pastoral support.

Net income for the year was £17,974 of which £12,687 was unrestricted. Trustees designated funds for future building of the church, and at the end of the year there were total funds of £64,181.

Reserves Policy

The Church Council aim to keep at least 3 months’ running costs in our reserves.

As in the Charity Commission guidance, we use the term 'reserves' to describe the part of a charity's funds that are available to be used in the future for whatever the charity needs. 'Reserves' are therefore the resources we have or can make available to spend for any or all of the charity's purposes once we have met our commitments and covered our other planned expenditure. (‘Restricted funds’ can never be regarded as general reserves)

Assets Report

Our most significant assets are:

12

Inde endenl Examiner s re orl lo Ihc I'ruslees vf the Iyorlhslowe Church Network Nortlisloive Cliurch Nciivork Cl)arity Nuiiibcr 1206577 l-his rewr( on tlic Ii11111Lliil slcllciiiciils ol. Il)c Nortlislowe ChiirLI) Network for the year ending 31 DeL"enibcr 2024 IN'liicli (ire scl c)Iit iii ilic i)rcccdiiig pagc/s, i.s in respcct of an cxamination carried out in accordaiice acLoiiiiliii&y i'cgulcili011s and SCLtion 130 01" the CharAties Act 2011 . It is niy r￿polIs1b11it5, to: EX.￿71n¢ tl)c accounts To t'olloiv tlie procedures laid down by the Charity Commission To state ivheiher particular matters have come to my attention Presen'ation of Statement of AccouDts The ln￿teS of a charity must preserve any statement of accounts prepared by them under section 133 0 the Charities Act 201 I for a period of ai le&st 6 years frorn the end of the financial year to which the accounts relate. Basis of Inde endent Examiner's Re My examinaiion was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Comrnission. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the trustees of the Northstowe Church Network and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considerntion of any unusual items or disclosures in the fmancial statements. Inde eDdeDt Examiner's Statement In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention". which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect. the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 133 of the Act. to prepare financial statements which accord with accounting records and comply the accounting requirements of the Act and the regulations have not been met. or 2. 10 which, in my opinion, attcntion should be drawn in order io enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached Signed: Dale: Mr P. R. l-.uller 92 Boxworth fnd Swavesey CambridLJe CJ324 411A

NORTHSTOWE CHURCH NETWORK ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Income
Donations and Legacies
Other Income – Grants
Investment Income
Church/Charitable Activities
Income Total
Expenditure
Charitable Activities
Support and Governance
Expenditure total
Net income/(expenditure)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
8
Total funds b/f
Total funds c/f		 Unrestricted
Other
Restricted
2024
Total
Unrestricted
Other
Restricted
2023
Total
28,696
-
28,696
27,929
-
27,979
-
10,499
10,499
166
10,360
10,526
162
-
162
227
-
227
304
-
304
401
-
401
29,162
10,499
39,661
28,723
10,360
39,083
6,975
5,212
12,187
3,459
4,778
8,237
9,500
-
9,500
13,673
-
13,673
16,475
5,212
21,687
17,132
4,778
21,910
12,687
5,287
17,974
11,591
5,582
17,173
38,138
8,069
46,207
26,547
2,487
29,034
50,825
13,356
64,181
38,138
8,069
46,207

All income and expenditure relates to continuing activities

The notes on pages 15 to 16 form part of these financial statements.

13

NORTHSTOWE CHURCH NETWORK

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

BALANCE SHEET

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
1
TOTAL FIXED ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at bank and in hand
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
2
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL NET ASSETS
3
Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
1
TOTAL FIXED ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at bank and in hand
2
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year
2
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL NET ASSETS
3		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Other
2024
Total
4,103
-
4,103
4,103
-
4,103
48,290
13,356
61,646
48,290
13,356
61,646
1,568
-
1,568
46,722
13,356
60,078
50,825
13,356
64,181
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Other
2023
Total
2,598
-
2,598
2,598
-
2,598
37,091
8,069
45,160
37,091
8,069
45,160
1,551
-
1,551
35,540
8,069
43,609
38,138
8,069
46,207

The notes on pages 15 to 16 form part of the financial statements

The financial statements were approved by the Church Council on: 10/02/2025 and signed on its behalf by: E. R.Cope (Chair)

14

NORTHSTOWE CHURCH NETWORK ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

1. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Equipment
VALUE B/F AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
2,598
Additions
1,752
VALUE C/F AT END OF YEAR
4,350
DEPRECIATION B/F AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
-
Depreciation charge
247
DEPRECIATION C/F AT END OF YEAR
247
NET BOOK VALUE AT END OF YEAR
4,103
.
2.
CREDITORS
Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
TOTAL
Accruals
Expenses due
1,423
145
-
-
1,423
145
1,568
-
1,568		 Equipment
2,598
1,752		 2024
TOTAL
Equipment
2023
TOTAL
2,598
-
-
1,752
2,598
2,598
4,350
-
247		 4,350
2,598
2,598
-
-
-
247
-
-
247 247
-
-
4,103 4,103
2,598
2,598
Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
TOTAL
1.000
551
-
-
1,000
551
1,551
-
1,551

3. RESTRICTED AND UNRESTRICTED FUNDS

Name of Restricted fund

Feasibility Study Youth Hive Funds Church Schools Cambridge Growing Faith Project

Funds received from the URC to conduct a feasibility study

Funds received to support youth work in Northstowe

Funding to support projects in the school

Funds to experiment with intergenerational learning at the overlap of home, school and church

15

NORTHSTOWE CHURCH NETWORK ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2024

RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT OF FUNDS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Restricted Funds
Feasibility Study
Church Schools Cambridge
Growing Faith
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Restricted Funds
Growing Faith
Feasibility Study
Church Schools Cambridge		 Funds b/f
1 Jan 2024
Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
Funds c/f
31 Dec
2024
2,487
-
-
2,487
-
499
(499)
-
5,582
10,000
(4,713)
10,869
8,069
10,499
(5,212)
13,356
Funds b/f1
Jan 2023
Incoming
Resources
Resources
Expended
Funds c/f
31 Dec
2023
-
10,000
(4,418)
5,582
2,487
-
-
2,487
-
360
(360)
-
2,487
10,360
(4,778)
8,069

  1. TRUSTEE’S EXPENSES Trustees’ expenses paid during the year were £NIL (2023: Nil)

  2. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES There are no related party disclosures during the 2024 year.

16