Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements For the year ended 31st March 2026
Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered charity number: 1214119
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Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements
| CONTENTS | |
| Trustees Report - Reporting Period - Structure, Governance and Management - Objectives and Activities - Public Benefit - Church Formation and leadership - Volunteers - Activities and Highlights from this year - Echo Hubs - Echo Gatherings - Echo Prayer - Community Engagement |
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| Plans for Future Periods | |
| Financial Report - Financial Position - Risks - Reserves |
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| Trustees Responsibilities Statement | |
| Reference and Administrative details | |
| Report of the independent Examiner | |
| Receipt and Payments Account - Notes to the financial statements |
|
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Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements
ECHO CHURCH TRUSTEES REPORT
Reporting Period
Echo Church was registered as a CIO with the Charity Commission in England and Wales on 15th July 2025. This report covers the year of operation up to 31 March 2026.
Structure, Governance and Management
Echo Church is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 15 July 2025. It is governed by a constitution dated 6 August 2025, based on the model agreed between the Charity Commission and the Assemblies of God (AoG) for churches under their auspices.
Trustees are appointed by resolution of the trustee body, with regard to the skills, knowledge and experience required to effectively govern the charity. The founding trustees were appointed at the point of registration.
The trustees met bi-monthly during the reporting period. Meetings were held primarily online, reflecting the geographical spread of trustees. Key decisions are recorded in formal minutes.
A finance subgroup, comprising the Chair, Treasurer and one additional trustee, met regularly to oversee financial management and report back to the full trustee body.
The trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction and compliance of the charity. Trustees have also taken responsibility for specific areas of oversight, including safeguarding, finance and policy development.
New trustees are provided with an induction covering the charity’s governing document, policies, and responsibilities.
Objectives and Activities
The constitution for Echo Church to operate as a CIO was accepted in July 2025 in order to achieve registration at the Charity Commission that month.
The objectives of the charity, as set out in the Constitution,(“the objects”) are for the benefit of the public:
(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, goods 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.
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Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements
The trustees confirm that they have regard for the Charity Commission’s guidance 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.
The trustees meet bi-monthly to discuss the charity and all discussions are recorded in minutes of the meeting.
Public Benefit
Echo Church provides public benefit through activities that are open and accessible to the wider community.
During the reporting period, the charity delivered public benefit in the following ways:
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Providing regular gatherings for worship, teaching and community connection, open to all without charge
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Facilitating meetings in small groups (“Hubs”) that support spiritual wellbeing, community cohesion and pastoral care
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Supporting local families in need through the provision of approximately 40 hampers in partnership with a local primary school
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Hosting community-focused events, including a Christmas event attended by approximately 40 individuals, including many who were not previously connected to the church
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Developing relationships with local organisations, including a community café, to create inclusive spaces for connection and community engagement.
The trustees believe these activities contribute to the spiritual, emotional and practical wellbeing of individuals and the wider community.
Church Formation and Leadership
The charity began with a core group of approximately 10–15 individuals meeting monthly for training, leadership development and preparation for church planting activities (“Pioneer Nights”). These sessions supported the development of volunteers and the establishment of the church’s operational and cultural foundations.
An additional monthly “Think Tank” session provided space for planning, feedback and leadership coaching.
Volunteers
Echo Church currently operates entirely through volunteers, with no paid staff.
Volunteers contribute across a wide range of roles, including:
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Leadership and facilitation of Hubs
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Organisation of gatherings
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Children’s and youth activities (if applicable)
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Administration and pastoral support
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Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements
The trustees recognise the significant contribution of volunteers and aim to support them through training, encouragement and ongoing development.
Activities and Highlights from this year
The following outlines the key activities since the inception of Echo Church and some of the highlights from this. It will also highlight the public benefit delivered through our ongoing commitment to serving the spiritual, practical and emotional needs of the community. In planning these activities, the trustees have continued to act in line with the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commission.
Echo Hubs
Echo Hubs form the primary context for ongoing community engagement. During the year:
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One Hub was established, meeting three times per month in a local café
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Activities included Bible study, prayer, discussion and community-building
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The Hub was open to all and aimed to provide an accessible and relational environment
The charity also began developing a positive relationship with the café, with a view to future partnership activities.
Echo Gatherings
Monthly gatherings were held at the Royal Wharf Community Dock. These included worship, teaching and opportunities for connection.
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Attendance ranged between approximately 20–30 individuals
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A Christmas event attracted approximately 30 additional attendees from the local community
These gatherings were open to the public and provided a space for community participation and engagement.
Echo Prayer
Prayer has been a central part of the charity’s activities, including:
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Monthly online prayer meetings
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Additional informal and organised prayer initiatives throughout the year.
Community Engagement
The charity has prioritised engagement with the local community, including:
- Partnership with a local primary school to distribute approximately 40 hampers to families in need
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Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements
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Development of relationships with local businesses, including a café that hosts church activities
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Planning of community events, including a games night in collaboration with local partners
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Use of social media, printed materials and a website to promote activities and ensure accessibility
Plans for Future Periods
We are hopeful that as we move forward as a church we will see more people becoming a part of what we are doing and engaging in the various activities that we put on for the community.
The trustees plan to see the:
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Development of additional Hubs in new locations
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Increased community engagement in activities
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Strengthened partnerships with local organisations
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Continued building of the volunteer capacity and leadership development
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Reviewing and strengthening of governance and operational processes
Financial Report
Financial Position
During the period ending 31 March 2026:
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Total income: £19,004
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Total expenditure: £12,422
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Net surplus/(deficit): £6,581
The charity’s income was primarily derived from donations.
Expenditure primarily related to venue hire, equipment set up costs and missional giving.
Risks
The trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and have taken steps to mitigate these.
Key risks identified include:
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Safeguarding risks relating to children and vulnerable adults – addressed through safeguarding policies and designated trustee oversight
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Financial management risks – mitigated through regular financial review, segregation of responsibilities and oversight by the finance subgroup
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Reliance on volunteers – managed through ongoing recruitment, training and support
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Data protection risks – addressed through data handling policies and awareness
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Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements
The trustees review risks on a regular basis and update policies as required.
Reserves
The trustees aim to maintain sufficient reserves to ensure the charity can meet its ongoing obligations and respond to unforeseen circumstances.
At this early stage of operation, the charity is in the process of establishing an appropriate level of reserves. The trustees intend to review this policy annually.
Current reserves held at year-end: £6,581
Trustees Responsibilities Statement
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.
Reference and Administrative details
Registered name: Echo Church Registered charity number: 1214119 Registered office: 53 Ivinghoe Road, Dagenham, Essex, RM8 2NB Trustees:
Hannah Williamson Chair & Pastor Appointed: 6/8/25 Joshua Cottingham (Treasurer) Re-appointed: 29/1/26 Jonathan Jankowski Appointed: 6/8/25 Roselyn Mugera Appointed:6/8/25 Nicholas Hughes Appointed:6/8/25
Bankers: Natwest
Signed:
Hannah Williamson Chair of Trustees
Date: 25/3/26
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Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements
Report of the independent Examiner
Due to the income we are not required at this stage to have an independent examiner, however once our income has exceeded £25,000 we will ensure that this is put in place which we anticipate being within the next financial year.
Receipt and Payments Account
Echo Church Profit and Loss Period ending 31st March 2026
| Debit | Credit | |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Giving | £18,924.00 | |
| Generosity Giving | £79.00 | |
| Venue Hire | £3,630.00 | |
| Training | £472.00 | |
| Echo Hub Ongoing Costs | £326.00 | |
| Gatherings Ongoing Expenses | £1,542.00 | |
| Gathering Set up Cost | £2,805.00 | |
| Media | £688.00 | |
| Pioneer Training | £375.00 | |
| Generosity Fund | £459.00 | |
| Cell Phone | £19.00 | |
| Subscriptions | £711.00 | |
| Insurance | £194.00 | |
| Missions Giving | £1,200.00 | |
| Operating Surplus | £6,581.00 |
8 Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by:
Signed :
Name : Hannah Williamson
Role : Chair of Trustees
Date : 20/5/26
Signed :
Name: Joshua Cottingham
Role : Treasurer
Date : 20/5/26
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Report of the Trustees and Financial Statements