SCFS Stafarer8' Christian Frknd So¢1 Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 DeCeMr 2024 Our range of spiritual, emotional. practical and physical welfare support continued to embrace seafarers from hundreds of nations irrespective of their faith or religious belief, ethnic and cultural background. gender, or sexual orientation. This support is required more than ever given the backdrop of often poor working and welfare conditions together with the risk of bullying and harassment, geo political warfare, piracy, and dangerous sea conditions. Impact SCFS Port Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors visited a total of 1,652 ships in UK and Irish ports during 2024. These included 1,491 merchant vessels and 134 cruise ships. SCFS Port Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors provided vital spiritual, pastoral, emotional and practical welfare support to 25,822 crew members equating to 13,455 in UK ports and 12.367 in Irish ports. With seafarers spending up to 9 months at sea at a time, often with precious little shore leave they are overjoyed to receive grts throughout the year and in particular during Christmas l New Year. 4.215 gifts or gift packs were handed out with a further 10,850 knitted items to keep the seafarers wami, 2,360 in UK ports and 8.989 in Irish ports. Within its mission SCFS also provides welfare support to those who work within a port environment including shipping agents, stevedores, welcome and security staff. and harbour poli. During 2024 this support embraTrd 1,577 such W0erS. 360 in the UK ports and 1,217 in Irish ports. Risk The SCFS Risk Register was regularfy reviewed over the year and trustees informed during their General Meetings.. No health & safety or safeguarding breaches or untoward incidents occurred or reported to SCFS Management or our Board of Trustees during 2024. Port Expanslon SCFS is pleased to have expanded its ministry during 2024. The first ship visits commenced in Limerick and Foynes in January with 3 Volunteer Ship Visitors.
Re-established the ministry in Malta through a partnership wtth a local international church, providing the Pastor and volunteer team wtth the necessary on-site training. PPE and HQ support. Re-established and placed an employed Port Chaplain in Aberdeen in the Autumn. Recruited a Volunteer Port Chaplain and Volunteer Ship Visitor for Montrose Port. Our Lisbon Volunteer Ship Visitors gained permissions to board cruise ships. In addition to on board visits SCFS Belfast. Montrose and Cork (Cobh) were able to provide additional support through the use of port based seafarer cruise hubs. 34 additional Volunteer Ship Visitors were recruited within the UK and ROI during the year wilh significant team expansion at Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Portsmouth ports. Governance In August Trustees and senior management engaged an extemal facilitator in a strategic review and outcome based planning process for phase 1, 2025-2028. The plan is in the process of being finalised. To ensure continued good govemance. and in addition to our Finance & Audit Committee, a HR Committee was established. An outsource contract also CoMmend with a HR legal firm. A suite of policies were ratified by trustees including Conflict of Interest Equal Opportunities Data Protection Revised Port Health & Safety. A Trustee Code of Conduct Policy and Trustee Recruwtment Policy are now in place as are role descriptions for the Officer Board. Communlcations In August SCFS reaffirmed its commitment to the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) in signing its revised Code of Conduct and attending UK and international membership meetings. A working group has been established by the Executive Director to review. assess and agree a sustainable model for SCFS Philippines beyond 2025. Allianz Mission (Germany) is also engaged in the process. In addition to our weekly online prayer meetings for Port Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors we introduced monthly online meetings in the Spring of 2024 to provide further opportunity for mutual support. encouragement, and sharing of infomiation and good practice. This is facilitated by the SCFS Executive Director.
Our Helmsman newsletterfor supporters, donors, and deputation meetings has been significantly rebranded and reformatted with expanded content. Our rebranded website news content is regularly updated and relevant. In September our Belfast Port Chaplain, Sam Cowan, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board in recognition of 25 years of seryice which was folbwed up with a celebration supporter evening in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Concluslon The trustees are thankful for the continuing measured progress of the ministry. This will be strengthened through the development of the strategic plan which will provide us with a framework of focused objectives and outcomes from 2025 onwards. Steven Thompson Chair SCFS Board of Trustees
Company registration number: 00378765 Charity registration number: 209133
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
(A company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Crossley & Davis Chartered Accountants Ground Floor Seneca House Links Point Amy Johnson Way Blackpool FY4 2FF
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Contents
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Strategic Report | 2 to 5 |
| Trustees' Report | 6 to 9 |
| Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities | 10 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 11 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 12 to 13 |
| Balance Sheet | 14 to 15 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 16 to 28 |
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Registration Number 209133 Company Registration Number 00378765
The charity is incorporated in England and Wales. Registered Office Ground Floor Seneca House Links Point Amy Johnson Way Blackpool FY4 2FF Independent Examiner Crossley & Davis Chartered Accountants Ground Floor Seneca House Links Point Amy Johnson Way Blackpool FY4 2FF
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present their strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024, in compliance with s414C of the Companies Act 2006.
Achievements and performance
Our range of spiritual, emotional, practical and physical welfare support continued to embrace seafarers from hundreds of nations irrespective of their faith or religious belief, ethnic and cultural background, gender, or sexual orientation. This support is required more than ever given the backdrop of often poor working and welfare conditions together with the risk of bullying and harassment, geo political warfare, piracy, and dangerous sea conditions.
Impact
SCFS Port Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors visited a total of 1,652 ships in UK and Irish ports during 2024. These included 1,491 merchant vessels and 134 cruise ships.
SCFS Port Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors provided vital spiritual, pastoral, emotional and practical welfare support to 25,822 crew members equating to 13,455 in UK ports and 12,367 in Irish ports.
With seafarers spending up to 9 months at sea at a time, often with precious little shore leave they are overjoyed to receive gifts throughout the year and in particular during Christmas / New Year. 4,215 gifts or gift packs were handed out with a further 10,850 knitted items to keep the seafarers warm, 2,360 in UK ports and 8,989 in Irish ports.
Within its mission SCFS also provides welfare support to those who work within a port environment including shipping agents, stevedores, welcome and security staff, and harbour police. During 2024 this support embraced 1,577 such workers. 360 in the UK ports and 1,217 in Irish ports.
Risk
The SCFS Risk Register was regularly reviewed over the year and trustees informed during their General Meetings.. No health & safety or safeguarding breaches or untoward incidents occurred or reported to SCFS Management or our Board of Trustees during 2024.
Port Expansion
SCFS is pleased to have expanded its ministry during 2024.
• The first ship visits commenced in Limerick and Foynes in January with 3 Volunteer Ship Visitors.
• Re-established the ministry in Malta through a partnership with a local international church, providing the Pastor and volunteer team with the necessary on-site training, PPE and HQ support.
• Re-established and placed an employed Port Chaplain in Aberdeen in the Autumn.
• Recruited a Volunteer Port Chaplain and Volunteer Ship Visitor for Montrose Port.
• Our Lisbon Volunteer Ship Visitors gained permissions to board cruise ships.
• In addition to on board visits SCFS Belfast, Montrose and Cork (Cobh) were able to provide additional support through the use of port based seafarer cruise hubs.
• 34 additional Volunteer Ship Visitors were recruited within the UK and ROI during the year with significant team expansion at Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Portsmouth ports.
Governance
In August Trustees and senior management engaged an external facilitator in a strategic review and outcome based planning process for phase 1, 2025-2028. The plan is in the process of being finalised. To ensure continued good governance, and in addition to our Finance & Audit Committee, a HR Committee was established. An outsource contract also commenced with a HR legal firm. A suite of policies were ratified by trustees including
Page 2
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Conflict of Interest Equal Opportunities Data Protection Revised Port Health & Safety.
A Trustee Code of Conduct Policy and Trustee Recruitment Policy are now in place as are role descriptions for the Officer Board.
Communications
In August SCFS reaffirmed its commitment to the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) in signing its revised Code of Conduct and attending UK and international membership meetings. A working group has been established by the Executive Director to review, assess and agree a sustainable model for SCFS Philippines beyond 2025. Allianz Mission (Germany) is also engaged in the process.
In addition to our weekly online prayer meetings for Port Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors we introduced monthly online meetings in the Spring of 2024 to provide further opportunity for mutual support, encouragement, and sharing of information and good practice. This is facilitated by the SCFS Executive Director.
Our Helmsman newsletter for supporters, donors, and deputation meetings has been significantly rebranded and reformatted with expanded content. Our rebranded website news content is regularly updated and relevant.
In September our Belfast Port Chaplain, Sam Cowan, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board in recognition of 25 years of service which was followed up with a celebration supporter evening in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
Conclusion
The trustees are thankful for the continuing measured progress of the ministry. This will be strengthened through the development of the strategic plan which will provide us with a framework of focused objectives and outcomes from 2025 onwards.
Steven Thompson Chair
Page 3
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Financial review
The statement of financial activities shows a deficit of £84,025 (2023: a deficit of £42,248) Total income decreased to £245,465 from £289,889 due to a fall in legacies of -65k and a reduction in sale of sim card sales -10k. The previous year 2023 had exceptionally high legacy income.
Overheads decreased slightly from £332,137 to £329,489, in line with expectations. This included planned costs related to the Set-up and Chaplain expenses for SCFS Aberdeen. The overall reduction was partly due to there being no conference or rebranding costs incurred this year.
Trustee, Chaplain and Volunteer costs all increased as expected. The Trustees developing relationships with seafaring organisations worldwide and promoting the SCFS brand. The Chaplains and Volunteers expanding our presence in ports in the UK, Ireland and Malta.
The highlights of the year being the increase in volunteers from 9 originally to more than 25 by the end of the year. New Volunteers in Montrose, Malta and Limerick and the commencement of a seafarer’s centre in Cork.
The board approved the renovation of our Dublin property, these costs included in the capital spend of the House with the intention of selling the property. This sale was completed after the year end.
The total reserves at the year end stand at £648,943 (2023:732,967)
Share Capital
The company is Limited by guarantee and therefore has no share capital
Policy on reserves
The Trustees have established a policy whereby the income of the SCFS should be expended for its objectives at the earliest possible time. Notwithstanding this, it is considered prudent that additional resources in the region of £75,000 needed to cover ongoing expenditure should be held in general funds.
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Plans for future periods
Aims and key objectives for future periods
The proceeds from the sale of the Dublin property will enable the board to expand the mission of SCFS.
The success of Aberdeen, Montrose, Limerick and Malta as a first step has encouraged the board to proceed with the plans for the Solent together with drop-in centres in Belfast & Cork.
A larger objective for 2025 would be to reconnect and support SCFS Manila in the Philippines
The Trustees realise that continued expansion will require additional head office support together with continual review of Risk and good governance.
The strategic report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 15 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
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.........................................
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......................................... Mr S Thompson Trustee .........................................
Mr D L Yarker Commander Royal Navy - Retired Trustee
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Trustees' Report
The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements and auditors' report of the charitable company for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
Vision
To create an environment where seafarers, their families, port dock workers and others may freely have the opportunity to hear the word of God.
Mission
To actively encourage and minister in every possible way to the spiritual, physical, practical and mental welfare of Seafarers and others and to provide counsel in the cause of the Christian faith and well-being.
Objectives
a) To employ Ordained, Associate and Volunteer Port Chaplains and Ship Visitors for the visitation of ships in various ports worldwide.
b) To seek to befriend and support seafarers, their families and others.
-
c) To provide spiritual, physical, practical and mental welfare support as necessary.
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d) To disseminate the Holy Scriptures, tracts, and Christian literature among the seafarers and others.
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e) To conduct Christian services onboard vessels as requested.
f) To disciple and encourage seafaring Christians in the continuation of their faith. g) To promote SCFS worldwide
Public benefit
Seamen’s Christian Friend Society (SCFS) was founded in London in 1846. Its goal remains to bring spiritual help to the seafaring community and those involved in the maritime industries, trades and activities by telling them about the love of Christ. It also helps them in practical ways through friendship and support.
SCFS Port Chaplains and volunteer Ship Visitors go on board ships when they come into harbour and spend time with seafarers, talking to them about spiritual issues and helping to address their physical and emotional welfare to the best of their ability. Practical support is given through the provision of appropriate clothing, gift packs including personal hygiene products, SIM cards and food, transport and hospital visits to the sick or injured, as needed or requested.
The goal of transforming lives through the Gospel of Christ is very much alive today and it forms the foundation for the SCFS ministry in sea ports within the UK and around the world. The sole basis of the Society’s beliefs is in the Bible, God’s infallible written Word, as it appears in the Old and New Testaments and whose core precepts encapsulate the SCFS Statement of Belief.
During 2022 the Trustees unanimously made the decision to undertake the process of rebranding the mission, which will include a change to its title and logo, to bring it into line with a modern society and maritime environment. This commenced at the start of 2023.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Trustees' Report
Trustees and officers
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Trustees: Mr A Browne (resigned 10 January 2025) Mr D Robertson (resigned 11 June 2024) Mr A McAvoy M.B.E (appointed 8 March 2025) Mr C R Hancock Mr S Thompson Mr D L Yarker Commander Royal Navy - Retired Herminia Torres Santos (appointed 6 November 2024) Mr Andrew Gerald Dakin (appointed 16 March 2024)
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
Code of Conduct
SCFS is a member of International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) and our Port Chaplains, Ship visitors, staff and trustees must uphold its Constitution and Code of Conduct by:
• Showing unconditional love to the seafarer as a human being, created in the image of God, and sincere for his or her personal values and beliefs.
• Serving seafarers and their dependants of all nationalities, religions, cultures, language, sex and race.
• Fighting prejudice, intolerance and injustice of any kind.
• Respecting the loyalty of those engaged in the maritime ministry to their particular ecclesiastical discipline and tradition and refrain from proselytising seafarers.
• Cooperate with persons, organisations and institutions, Christian and non-Christian, that work for the welfare of seafarers.
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Trustees' Report
Organisational structure
Management and Governance Arrangements
The current Governing Document provides for a minimum of four Trustees with a maximum number of twelve. The Chair is responsible for the induction of any new Trustee which includes the awareness of their responsibilities, the history, the governing document, administrative procedures and Statement of Belief.
All Trustees give of their time freely and no renumeration was paid during 2024.
The Board of Trustees review the risks of the charity on a quarterly basis and considers the following risks which may affect its work:
-
Strategy and operations
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Charity law and regulation
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Governance and management
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Financial procedures and controls
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HR, including equal opportunities, safeguarding and health & safety
These are regularly monitored through the Finance & Audit Sub Group, which reports to the trustees and through which the Board of Trustees receives their reports and annual budget. The Board monitors the financial performance as well as operational and statutory matters at its quarterly meetings. The charity makes itself accountable to the public and its stakeholders in producing annual reports and accounts.
Financial instruments
Objectives and policies
The charity's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including credit risk, cash flow risk and liquidity risk. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the charity’s policies approved by the board of trustees, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives to manage these risks. The charity does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Cash flow risk
The charity’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The charity uses foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts to hedge these exposures.
Interest bearing assets and liabilities are held at fixed rate to ensure certainty of cash flows.
Credit risk
The charity’s principal financial assets are bank balances and cash, trade and other receivables, and investments. The charity’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables. An allowance for impairment is made where there is an identified loss event which, based on previous experience, is evidence of a reduction in the recoverability of the cash flows.
The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit-ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies.
The charity has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a large number of counterparties and customers.
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Trustees' Report
Liquidity risk
In order to maintain liquidity to ensure that sufficient funds are available for ongoing operations and future developments, the charity uses a mixture of long-term and short-term debt finance. Further details regarding liquidity risk can be found in the Statement of accounting policies in the financial statements.
Disclosure of information to auditor
Each trustee has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. The trustees confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the auditor is unaware.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 15 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
......................................... Mr S Thompson Trustee
......................................... Mr D L Yarker Commander Royal Navy - Retired Trustee
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors of Seafarers' Christian Friend Society for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards, comprising FRS 102 have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by the trustees of the charity on 15 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
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.........................................
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......................................... Mr S Thompson Trustee ......................................... Mr D L Yarker Commander Royal Navy - Retired Trustee
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Seafarers' Christian Friend Society ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of Seafarers' Christian Friend Society as required by section 386 of the 2006 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 accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
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.
...................................... Crossley & Davis Chartered Accountants
Ground Floor Seneca House Links Point Amy Johnson Way Blackpool FY4 2FF
15 October 2025
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investment income 5 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 19 Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investment income 5 Other income 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 19 |
Unrestricted funds £ 133,130 35,349 3,187 171,666 28,789 263,143 291,932 (120,266) (120,266) 692,099 571,833 Unrestricted funds £ 177,541 45,983 663 - 224,187 39,620 248,269 287,889 (63,702) (63,702) 755,801 692,099 |
Restricted funds £ 73,799 - - 73,799 - 37,557 37,557 36,242 36,242 40,868 77,110 Restricted funds £ 63,073 - - 2,629 65,702 - 44,248 44,248 21,454 21,454 19,414 40,868 |
Total 2024 £ 206,929 35,349 3,187 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 245,465 | |||
| 28,789 300,700 |
|||
| 329,489 | |||
| (84,024) | |||
| (84,024) 732,967 |
|||
| 648,943 | |||
| Total 2023 £ 240,614 45,983 663 2,629 |
|||
| 289,889 | |||
| 39,620 292,517 |
|||
| 332,137 | |||
| (42,248) | |||
| (42,248) 775,215 |
|||
| 732,967 |
The notes on pages 16 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 12
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2023 is shown in note 19.
The notes on pages 16 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 13
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
(Registration number: 00378765) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 13 Current assets Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand 15 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 16 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 17 Net assets Funds of the charity: Restricted income funds Restricted funds Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds Revaluation reserve Total unrestricted funds Total funds 19 |
2024 £ 591,147 13,564 62,669 76,233 (9,437) 66,796 657,943 (9,000) 648,943 77,110 129,931 441,902 571,833 648,943 |
2023 £ 543,476 10,809 201,540 |
|---|---|---|
| 212,349 (10,858) |
||
| 201,491 | ||
| 744,967 (12,000) |
||
| 732,967 | ||
| 40,868 250,197 441,902 |
||
| 692,099 | ||
| 732,967 |
For the financial year ending 31 December 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
-
The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and
-
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The notes on pages 16 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 14
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
(Registration number: 00378765) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
The financial statements on pages 12 to 28 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 15 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
----- Start of picture text -----
.........................................
----- End of picture text -----
......................................... Mr S Thompson Trustee
......................................... Mr D L Yarker Commander Royal Navy - Retired Trustee
The notes on pages 16 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 15
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1 Charity status
The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.
The address of its registered office is: Ground Floor Seneca House Links Point Amy Johnson Way Blackpool FY4 2FF
These financial statements were authorised for issue by the trustees on 15 October 2025.
2 Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.
Income and endowments
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the grant of probate when the administrator/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title to the asset having been transferred to the charity.
Grants receivable
Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.
Investment income
Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Raising funds
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Charitable activities
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.
Grant provisions
Provisions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communicated to the recipient but there is uncertainty about either the timing of the grant or the amount of grant payable.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Asset class Depreciation method and rate Motor vehicles 25% Reducing balance Furniture & equipment 20% Straight line
Investment properties
The investment property is a freehold property in Dublin and has been valued in February 2017 by Vincent Finnegan Ltd (Property valuers) at £500,000 (560,000 Euros) based on vacant possession. This valuation has been incorporated into these financial statements. The property is currently occupied.
The charity received a further valuation in 2023 of €650k however the property requires extensive work to reach that value therefore the trustees feel it appropriate to retain the value at £500,000.
Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Page 18
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Borrowings
Interest-bearing borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs. Interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost, with the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the amount due on redemption being recognised as a charge to the Statement of Financial Activities over the period of the relevant borrowing.
Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and is included in interest payable and similar charges.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the charity has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.
Foreign exchange
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are reported at the rates of exchange prevailing at that date.
The results of overseas operations are translated at the average rates of exchange during the period and their balance sheets at the rates ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising on translation of the opening net assets and results of overseas operations are reported in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity (attributed to non-controlling interests as appropriate).
Other exchange differences are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period in which they arise except for:
1) exchange differences on transactions entered into to hedge certain foreign currency risks (see above);
2) exchange differences arising on gains or losses on non-monetary items which are recognised in other comprehensive income; and
3) in the case of the consolidated financial statements, exchange differences on monetary items receivable from or payable to a foreign operation for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur (therefore forming part of the net investment in the foreign operation), which are recognised in other comprehensive income and reported under equity.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Financial instruments
Classification
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities.
Page 19
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Recognition and measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.
Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.
Page 20
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Debt instruments
Debt instruments which meet the following conditions are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method:
(a) The contractual return to the holder is (i) a fixed amount; (ii) a positive fixed rate or a positive variable rate; or (iii) a combination of a positive or a negative fixed rate and a positive variable rate.
(b) The contract may provide for repayments of the principal or the return to the holder (but not both) to be linked to a single relevant observable index of general price inflation of the currency in which the debt instrument is denominated, provided such links are not leveraged.
(c) The contract may provide for a determinable variation of the return to the holder during the life of the instrument, provided that (i) the new rate satisfies condition (a) and the variation is not contingent on future events other than (1) a change of a contractual variable rate; (2) to protect the holder against credit deterioration of the issuer; (3) changes in levies applied by a central bank or arising from changes in relevant taxation or law; or (ii) the new rate is a market rate of interest and satisfies condition (a).
(d) There is no contractual provision that could, by its terms, result in the holder losing the principal amount or any interest attributable to the current period or prior periods.
(e) Contractual provisions that permit the issuer to prepay a debt instrument or permit the holder to put it back to the issuer before maturity are not contingent on future events, other than to protect the holder against the credit deterioration of the issuer or a change in control of the issuer, or to protect the holder or issuer against changes in levies applied by a central bank or arising from changes in relevant taxation or law.
(f) Contractual provisions may permit the extension of the term of the debt instrument, provided that the return to the holder and any other contractual provisions applicable during the extended term satisfy the conditions of paragraphs (a) to (c).
Debt instruments that are classified as payable or receivable within one year on initial recognition and which meet the above conditions are measured at the undiscounted amount of the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received, net of impairment.
With the exception of some hedging instruments, other debt instruments not meeting these conditions are measured at fair value through profit or loss.
Commitments to make and receive loans which meet the conditions mentioned above are measured at cost (which may be nil) less impairment.
Investments
Investments in non-convertible preference shares and non-puttable ordinary or preference shares (where shares are publicly traded or their fair value is reliably measurable) are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Where fair value cannot be measured reliably, investments are measured at cost less impairment.
Investments in subsidiaries and associates are measured at cost less impairment. For investments in subsidiaries acquired for consideration including the issue of shares qualifying for merger relief, cost is measured by reference to the nominal value of the shares issued plus fair value of other consideration. Any premium is ignored.
Page 21
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Derivative financial instruments
The charity uses derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to foreign exchange risk and interest rate movements. The charity does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in statement of financial activities immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in statement of financial activities depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.
Fair value measurement
The best evidence of fair value is a quoted price for an identical asset in an active market. When quoted prices are unavailable, the price of a recent transaction for an identical asset provides evidence of fair value as long as there has not been a significant change in economic circumstances or a significant lapse of time since the transaction took place. If the market is not active and recent transactions of an identical asset on their own are not a good estimate of fair value, the fair value is estimated by using a valuation technique.
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies; Donations from individuals Gift aid reclaimed Grants, including capital grants; Grants from other charities Regular giving and capital donations Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 131,130 2,000 - - 133,130 177,541 |
Restricted funds £ 47,849 - 3,000 22,950 73,799 63,073 |
Total funds £ 178,979 2,000 3,000 22,950 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 206,929 | |||
| 240,614 |
- 4 Income from charitable activities
| Income from Sim cards Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds Designated £ General £ 35,349 - 35,349 - - 45,983 |
Total funds £ 35,349 |
|---|---|---|
| 35,349 | ||
| 45,983 |
Page 22
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
5 Investment income
| Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits Total for 2024 Total for 2023 6 Other income Gains on sale of tangible fixed assets for charity's own use |
Unrestricted funds General £ 3,187 3,187 663 Total 2024 £ - |
Total funds £ 3,187 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,187 | ||
| 663 | ||
| Total 2023 £ 2,629 |
Gains on sale of tangible fixed assets for charity's own use
7 Expenditure on raising funds
a) Costs of trading activities
| Note Costs of goods sold Other direct costs of activities for generating funds Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 28,658 131 28,789 39,620 |
Total funds £ 28,658 131 |
|---|---|---|
| 28,789 | ||
| 39,620 |
Page 23
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
8 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Note Depreciation, amortisation and other similar costs Grant funding of activities Allocated support costs 9 Governance costs 9 Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 449 9,948 251,668 1,078 263,143 233,977 |
Restricted funds £ 10,757 - 26,800 - 37,557 44,248 |
Total funds £ 11,206 9,948 278,468 1,078 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300,700 | |||
| 278,225 |
In addition to the expenditure analysed above, there are also governance costs of £1,078 (2023 - £3,216) which relate directly to charitable activities. See note 9 for further details.
9 Analysis of governance and support costs
Governance costs
| Audit fees Other fees paid to auditors Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 1,078 1,078 3,216 |
Total funds £ 1,078 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,078 | ||
| 3,216 |
Page 24
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
10 Net incoming/outgoing resources
Net outgoing resources for the year include:
Depreciation of fixed assets
| 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|
| £ | £ |
| 11,206 | 8,025 |
11 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.
12 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
13 Tangible fixed assets
| 13 Tangible fixed assets | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost At 1 January 2024 Additions At 31 December 2024 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 Charge for the year At 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 14 Debtors Prepayments |
Land and buildings £ 500,000 58,877 558,877 - - - 558,877 500,000 |
Furniture and equipment £ 25,110 - 25,110 24,661 449 25,110 - 449 |
Motor vehicles £ 61,590 - 61,590 18,563 10,757 29,320 32,270 43,027 2024 £ 13,564 |
Total £ 586,700 58,877 645,577 43,224 11,206 54,430 591,147 543,476 2023 £ 10,809 |
| 25,110 | 61,590 | |||
| 24,661 449 |
18,563 10,757 |
|||
| 25,110 | 29,320 | |||
| - | 32,270 | |||
| 449 | 43,027 | |||
| 2024 £ 13,564 |
Page 25
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
15 Cash and cash equivalents
| Cash at bank Short-term deposits 16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals 17 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year Deferred income 18 Reserves At 1 January 2024 At 1 January 2023 |
2024 £ 37,367 25,302 62,669 2024 £ 9,437 2024 £ 9,000 Unrestricted revaluation reserve £ 441,902 Unrestricted revaluation reserve £ 441,902 |
2023 £ 70,994 130,546 |
|---|---|---|
| 201,540 | ||
| 2023 £ 10,858 |
||
| 2023 £ 12,000 |
||
| Total £ 441,902 |
||
| Total £ 441,902 |
Page 26
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
19 Funds
| 19 Funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 January 2024 £ Unrestricted funds General 250,197 Other 441,902 Total unrestricted funds 692,099 Restricted funds 40,868 Total funds 732,967 Balance at 1 January 2023 £ Unrestricted funds General 313,899 Other 441,902 Total unrestricted funds 755,801 Restricted funds 19,414 Total funds 775,215 20 Analysis of net assets between funds Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Creditors over 1 year Total net assets |
Incoming resources £ 171,666 - 171,666 73,799 245,465 Incoming resources £ 224,187 - 224,187 65,702 289,889 Unrestricted funds General £ 558,877 22,393 (9,437) - 571,833 |
Resources expended £ (291,932) - (291,932) (37,557) (329,489) Resources expended £ (287,889) - (287,889) (44,248) (332,137) Restricted funds £ 32,270 53,840 - (9,000) 77,110 |
Balance at 31 December 2024 £ 129,931 441,902 |
| 571,833 77,110 |
|||
| 648,943 | |||
| Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 250,197 441,902 |
|||
| 692,099 40,868 |
|||
| 732,967 | |||
| Total funds at 31 December 2024 £ 591,147 76,233 (9,437) (9,000) |
|||
| 648,943 |
Page 27
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Creditors over 1 year Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds General £ 500,449 202,508 (10,858) - 692,099 |
Restricted funds £ 43,027 9,841 - (12,000) 40,868 |
Total funds at 31 December 2023 £ 543,476 212,349 (10,858) (12,000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 732,967 |
Page 28
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Statement of Financial Activities by fund for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Unrestricted Funds
| Unrestricted Funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure Net expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Total Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 133,130 35,349 3,187 171,666 28,789 263,143 291,932 (120,266) (120,266) 250,197 129,931 |
Total Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 177,541 45,983 663 |
| 224,187 | ||
| 39,620 248,269 |
||
| 287,889 | ||
| (63,702) | ||
| (63,702) 313,899 |
||
| 250,197 |
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Statement of Financial Activities by fund for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Restricted Funds
| Restricted Funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Other income Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Total Restricted Funds 2024 £ 73,799 - 73,799 37,557 37,557 36,242 36,242 40,868 77,110 |
Total Restricted Funds 2023 £ 63,073 2,629 |
| 65,702 | ||
| 44,248 | ||
| 44,248 | ||
| 21,454 | ||
| 21,454 19,414 |
||
| 40,868 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 30
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies (analysed below) Charitable activities (analysed below) Investment income (analysed below) Other income (analysed below) Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds (analysed below) Charitable activities (analysed below) Total expenditure Net expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Total 2024 £ 206,929 35,349 3,187 - 245,465 28,789 300,700 329,489 (84,024) (84,024) 291,065 207,041 |
Total 2023 £ 240,614 45,983 663 2,629 |
|---|---|---|
| 289,889 | ||
| 39,620 292,517 |
||
| 332,137 | ||
| (42,248) | ||
| (42,248) 333,313 |
||
| 291,065 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 31
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Donations and legacies Legacy - unrestricted Appeals and donations - restricted Donations - unrestricted Gift Aid on Donations - unrestricted Grants for car MNW - restricted Salary Contributions - restricted Charitable activities Income from Sim cards - unrestricted Investment income Interest on cash deposits Other income Profit on sale of tangible fixed assets held for charity's own use Raising funds Sim card cost - unrestricted Advertising Charitable activities General Rent - Colvin House Rent - Sam Light, heat and power Insurance SCFS Aberdeen Telephone and fax Office expenses Stationery & printing (Newsletter) - restricted Postage and stationery Bibles and literature Charitable donations Seafarers sundries Trustees expenses |
Total 2024 £ - 47,849 131,130 2,000 3,000 22,950 206,929 35,349 35,349 3,187 3,187 - - 28,658 131 28,789 4,383 11,627 - 741 3,646 9,880 2,562 11,797 3,850 3,352 1,023 9,948 2,714 7,386 |
Total 2023 £ 63,065 32,673 111,476 3,000 4,000 26,400 |
|---|---|---|
| 240,614 | ||
| 45,983 | ||
| 45,983 | ||
| 663 | ||
| 663 | ||
| 2,629 | ||
| 2,629 | ||
| 39,620 - |
||
| 39,620 | ||
| 1,406 11,243 684 421 3,210 - 2,269 8,084 5,683 1,190 2,836 14,554 3,419 8,404 |
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Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Motor, travel and subsistence - unrestricted Conference costs Events Rebranding Legal and professional fees Bank charges Foreign currency (gains)/losses Depreciation of motor vehicles Depreciation of office equipment Chaplains' salaries - restricted Back office salaries and costs Chaplains' salaries - unrestricted Chaplains' costs - unrestricted Staff pensions (Defined contribution) Nest Volunteer expenses Protective clothing Computer software and maintenance costs Foreign currency (gains)/losses Accountancy fees |
Total 2024 £ 5,727 - 815 - 235 467 529 10,757 449 22,950 34,305 126,876 6,843 4,882 7,284 3,458 510 626 1,078 300,700 |
Total 2023 £ 4,173 10,145 - 14,292 3,178 310 1,276 6,687 1,338 31,878 29,250 100,256 16,048 3,284 2,585 1,198 - - 3,216 |
|---|---|---|
| 292,517 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 33
SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE
Document
Name Charity Accounts.pdf Creator Luisa Caldarelli (luisa.caldarelli@crossleyd.co.uk) Date 27 October 2025 12:54:49 UTC Identifier 975fdd41-b12a-4a79-858d-ad4f7f0fa020
Signers
steven@a1ni.co.uk
E-mail steven@a1ni.co.uk
Signed 27 October 2025 13:14:07 UTC IP address 5.65.123.103
Dominic Donleavy
E-mail dominic.donleavy@crossleyd.co.uk Signed 27 October 2025 13:39:19 UTC IP address 81.149.244.203
danny.yarker@scfs.org
E-mail danny.yarker@scfs.org Signed 27 October 2025 15:09:38 UTC IP address 140.248.40.90
Company registration number: 00378765 Charity registration number: 209133
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
(A company limited by guarantee) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Crossley & Davis Chartered Accountants Ground Floor Seneca House Links Point Amy Johnson Way Blackpool FY4 2FF
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Contents
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Strategic Report | 2 to 5 |
| Trustees' Report | 6 to 9 |
| Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities | 10 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 11 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 12 to 13 |
| Balance Sheet | 14 to 15 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 16 to 28 |
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Registration Number 209133 Company Registration Number 00378765
The charity is incorporated in England and Wales. Registered Office Ground Floor Seneca House Links Point Amy Johnson Way Blackpool FY4 2FF Independent Examiner Crossley & Davis Chartered Accountants Ground Floor Seneca House Links Point Amy Johnson Way Blackpool FY4 2FF
Page 1
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present their strategic report for the year ended 31 December 2024, in compliance with s414C of the Companies Act 2006.
Achievements and performance
Our range of spiritual, emotional, practical and physical welfare support continued to embrace seafarers from hundreds of nations irrespective of their faith or religious belief, ethnic and cultural background, gender, or sexual orientation. This support is required more than ever given the backdrop of often poor working and welfare conditions together with the risk of bullying and harassment, geo political warfare, piracy, and dangerous sea conditions.
Impact
SCFS Port Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors visited a total of 1,652 ships in UK and Irish ports during 2024. These included 1,491 merchant vessels and 134 cruise ships.
SCFS Port Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors provided vital spiritual, pastoral, emotional and practical welfare support to 25,822 crew members equating to 13,455 in UK ports and 12,367 in Irish ports.
With seafarers spending up to 9 months at sea at a time, often with precious little shore leave they are overjoyed to receive gifts throughout the year and in particular during Christmas / New Year. 4,215 gifts or gift packs were handed out with a further 10,850 knitted items to keep the seafarers warm, 2,360 in UK ports and 8,989 in Irish ports.
Within its mission SCFS also provides welfare support to those who work within a port environment including shipping agents, stevedores, welcome and security staff, and harbour police. During 2024 this support embraced 1,577 such workers. 360 in the UK ports and 1,217 in Irish ports.
Risk
The SCFS Risk Register was regularly reviewed over the year and trustees informed during their General Meetings.. No health & safety or safeguarding breaches or untoward incidents occurred or reported to SCFS Management or our Board of Trustees during 2024.
Port Expansion
SCFS is pleased to have expanded its ministry during 2024.
• The first ship visits commenced in Limerick and Foynes in January with 3 Volunteer Ship Visitors.
• Re-established the ministry in Malta through a partnership with a local international church, providing the Pastor and volunteer team with the necessary on-site training, PPE and HQ support.
• Re-established and placed an employed Port Chaplain in Aberdeen in the Autumn.
• Recruited a Volunteer Port Chaplain and Volunteer Ship Visitor for Montrose Port.
• Our Lisbon Volunteer Ship Visitors gained permissions to board cruise ships.
• In addition to on board visits SCFS Belfast, Montrose and Cork (Cobh) were able to provide additional support through the use of port based seafarer cruise hubs.
• 34 additional Volunteer Ship Visitors were recruited within the UK and ROI during the year with significant team expansion at Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Portsmouth ports.
Governance
In August Trustees and senior management engaged an external facilitator in a strategic review and outcome based planning process for phase 1, 2025-2028. The plan is in the process of being finalised. To ensure continued good governance, and in addition to our Finance & Audit Committee, a HR Committee was established. An outsource contract also commenced with a HR legal firm. A suite of policies were ratified by trustees including
Page 2
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Conflict of Interest Equal Opportunities Data Protection Revised Port Health & Safety.
A Trustee Code of Conduct Policy and Trustee Recruitment Policy are now in place as are role descriptions for the Officer Board.
Communications
In August SCFS reaffirmed its commitment to the International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) in signing its revised Code of Conduct and attending UK and international membership meetings. A working group has been established by the Executive Director to review, assess and agree a sustainable model for SCFS Philippines beyond 2025. Allianz Mission (Germany) is also engaged in the process.
In addition to our weekly online prayer meetings for Port Chaplains and Volunteer Ship Visitors we introduced monthly online meetings in the Spring of 2024 to provide further opportunity for mutual support, encouragement, and sharing of information and good practice. This is facilitated by the SCFS Executive Director.
Our Helmsman newsletter for supporters, donors, and deputation meetings has been significantly rebranded and reformatted with expanded content. Our rebranded website news content is regularly updated and relevant.
In September our Belfast Port Chaplain, Sam Cowan, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board in recognition of 25 years of service which was followed up with a celebration supporter evening in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
Conclusion
The trustees are thankful for the continuing measured progress of the ministry. This will be strengthened through the development of the strategic plan which will provide us with a framework of focused objectives and outcomes from 2025 onwards.
Steven Thompson Chair
Page 3
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Financial review
The statement of financial activities shows a deficit of £84,025 (2023: a deficit of £42,248) Total income decreased to £245,465 from £289,889 due to a fall in legacies of -65k and a reduction in sale of sim card sales -10k. The previous year 2023 had exceptionally high legacy income.
Overheads decreased slightly from £332,137 to £329,489, in line with expectations. This included planned costs related to the Set-up and Chaplain expenses for SCFS Aberdeen. The overall reduction was partly due to there being no conference or rebranding costs incurred this year.
Trustee, Chaplain and Volunteer costs all increased as expected. The Trustees developing relationships with seafaring organisations worldwide and promoting the SCFS brand. The Chaplains and Volunteers expanding our presence in ports in the UK, Ireland and Malta.
The highlights of the year being the increase in volunteers from 9 originally to more than 25 by the end of the year. New Volunteers in Montrose, Malta and Limerick and the commencement of a seafarer’s centre in Cork.
The board approved the renovation of our Dublin property, these costs included in the capital spend of the House with the intention of selling the property. This sale was completed after the year end.
The total reserves at the year end stand at £648,943 (2023:732,967)
Share Capital
The company is Limited by guarantee and therefore has no share capital
Policy on reserves
The Trustees have established a policy whereby the income of the SCFS should be expended for its objectives at the earliest possible time. Notwithstanding this, it is considered prudent that additional resources in the region of £75,000 needed to cover ongoing expenditure should be held in general funds.
Page 4
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Strategic Report for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Plans for future periods
Aims and key objectives for future periods
The proceeds from the sale of the Dublin property will enable the board to expand the mission of SCFS.
The success of Aberdeen, Montrose, Limerick and Malta as a first step has encouraged the board to proceed with the plans for the Solent together with drop-in centres in Belfast & Cork.
A larger objective for 2025 would be to reconnect and support SCFS Manila in the Philippines
The Trustees realise that continued expansion will require additional head office support together with continual review of Risk and good governance.
The strategic report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 15 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
----- Start of picture text -----
.........................................
----- End of picture text -----
......................................... Mr S Thompson Trustee .........................................
Mr D L Yarker Commander Royal Navy - Retired Trustee
Page 5
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Trustees' Report
The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements and auditors' report of the charitable company for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
Vision
To create an environment where seafarers, their families, port dock workers and others may freely have the opportunity to hear the word of God.
Mission
To actively encourage and minister in every possible way to the spiritual, physical, practical and mental welfare of Seafarers and others and to provide counsel in the cause of the Christian faith and well-being.
Objectives
a) To employ Ordained, Associate and Volunteer Port Chaplains and Ship Visitors for the visitation of ships in various ports worldwide.
b) To seek to befriend and support seafarers, their families and others.
-
c) To provide spiritual, physical, practical and mental welfare support as necessary.
-
d) To disseminate the Holy Scriptures, tracts, and Christian literature among the seafarers and others.
-
e) To conduct Christian services onboard vessels as requested.
f) To disciple and encourage seafaring Christians in the continuation of their faith. g) To promote SCFS worldwide
Public benefit
Seamen’s Christian Friend Society (SCFS) was founded in London in 1846. Its goal remains to bring spiritual help to the seafaring community and those involved in the maritime industries, trades and activities by telling them about the love of Christ. It also helps them in practical ways through friendship and support.
SCFS Port Chaplains and volunteer Ship Visitors go on board ships when they come into harbour and spend time with seafarers, talking to them about spiritual issues and helping to address their physical and emotional welfare to the best of their ability. Practical support is given through the provision of appropriate clothing, gift packs including personal hygiene products, SIM cards and food, transport and hospital visits to the sick or injured, as needed or requested.
The goal of transforming lives through the Gospel of Christ is very much alive today and it forms the foundation for the SCFS ministry in sea ports within the UK and around the world. The sole basis of the Society’s beliefs is in the Bible, God’s infallible written Word, as it appears in the Old and New Testaments and whose core precepts encapsulate the SCFS Statement of Belief.
During 2022 the Trustees unanimously made the decision to undertake the process of rebranding the mission, which will include a change to its title and logo, to bring it into line with a modern society and maritime environment. This commenced at the start of 2023.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Page 6
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Trustees' Report
Trustees and officers
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Trustees: Mr A Browne (resigned 10 January 2025) Mr D Robertson (resigned 11 June 2024) Mr A McAvoy M.B.E (appointed 8 March 2025) Mr C R Hancock Mr S Thompson Mr D L Yarker Commander Royal Navy - Retired Herminia Torres Santos (appointed 6 November 2024) Mr Andrew Gerald Dakin (appointed 16 March 2024)
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
Code of Conduct
SCFS is a member of International Christian Maritime Association (ICMA) and our Port Chaplains, Ship visitors, staff and trustees must uphold its Constitution and Code of Conduct by:
• Showing unconditional love to the seafarer as a human being, created in the image of God, and sincere for his or her personal values and beliefs.
• Serving seafarers and their dependants of all nationalities, religions, cultures, language, sex and race.
• Fighting prejudice, intolerance and injustice of any kind.
• Respecting the loyalty of those engaged in the maritime ministry to their particular ecclesiastical discipline and tradition and refrain from proselytising seafarers.
• Cooperate with persons, organisations and institutions, Christian and non-Christian, that work for the welfare of seafarers.
Page 7
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Trustees' Report
Organisational structure
Management and Governance Arrangements
The current Governing Document provides for a minimum of four Trustees with a maximum number of twelve. The Chair is responsible for the induction of any new Trustee which includes the awareness of their responsibilities, the history, the governing document, administrative procedures and Statement of Belief.
All Trustees give of their time freely and no renumeration was paid during 2024.
The Board of Trustees review the risks of the charity on a quarterly basis and considers the following risks which may affect its work:
-
Strategy and operations
-
Charity law and regulation
-
Governance and management
-
Financial procedures and controls
-
HR, including equal opportunities, safeguarding and health & safety
These are regularly monitored through the Finance & Audit Sub Group, which reports to the trustees and through which the Board of Trustees receives their reports and annual budget. The Board monitors the financial performance as well as operational and statutory matters at its quarterly meetings. The charity makes itself accountable to the public and its stakeholders in producing annual reports and accounts.
Financial instruments
Objectives and policies
The charity's activities expose it to a number of financial risks including credit risk, cash flow risk and liquidity risk. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the charity’s policies approved by the board of trustees, which provide written principles on the use of financial derivatives to manage these risks. The charity does not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Cash flow risk
The charity’s activities expose it primarily to the financial risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The charity uses foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swap contracts to hedge these exposures.
Interest bearing assets and liabilities are held at fixed rate to ensure certainty of cash flows.
Credit risk
The charity’s principal financial assets are bank balances and cash, trade and other receivables, and investments. The charity’s credit risk is primarily attributable to its trade receivables. The amounts presented in the balance sheet are net of allowances for doubtful receivables. An allowance for impairment is made where there is an identified loss event which, based on previous experience, is evidence of a reduction in the recoverability of the cash flows.
The credit risk on liquid funds and derivative financial instruments is limited because the counterparties are banks with high credit-ratings assigned by international credit-rating agencies.
The charity has no significant concentration of credit risk, with exposure spread over a large number of counterparties and customers.
Page 8
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Trustees' Report
Liquidity risk
In order to maintain liquidity to ensure that sufficient funds are available for ongoing operations and future developments, the charity uses a mixture of long-term and short-term debt finance. Further details regarding liquidity risk can be found in the Statement of accounting policies in the financial statements.
Disclosure of information to auditor
Each trustee has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. The trustees confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which they know the auditor is unaware.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 15 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
......................................... Mr S Thompson Trustee
......................................... Mr D L Yarker Commander Royal Navy - Retired Trustee
Page 9
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees (who are also the directors of Seafarers' Christian Friend Society for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable accounting standards, comprising FRS 102 have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by the trustees of the charity on 15 October 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
----- Start of picture text -----
.........................................
----- End of picture text -----
......................................... Mr S Thompson Trustee ......................................... Mr D L Yarker Commander Royal Navy - Retired Trustee
Page 10
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Seafarers' Christian Friend Society ('the Company')
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of Seafarers' Christian Friend Society as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
-
the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
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.
...................................... Crossley & Davis Chartered Accountants
Ground Floor Seneca House Links Point Amy Johnson Way Blackpool FY4 2FF
15 October 2025
Page 11
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investment income 5 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 19 Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investment income 5 Other income 6 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 7 Charitable activities 8 Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 19 |
Unrestricted funds £ 133,130 35,349 3,187 171,666 28,789 263,143 291,932 (120,266) (120,266) 692,099 571,833 Unrestricted funds £ 177,541 45,983 663 - 224,187 39,620 248,269 287,889 (63,702) (63,702) 755,801 692,099 |
Restricted funds £ 73,799 - - 73,799 - 37,557 37,557 36,242 36,242 40,868 77,110 Restricted funds £ 63,073 - - 2,629 65,702 - 44,248 44,248 21,454 21,454 19,414 40,868 |
Total 2024 £ 206,929 35,349 3,187 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 245,465 | |||
| 28,789 300,700 |
|||
| 329,489 | |||
| (84,024) | |||
| (84,024) 732,967 |
|||
| 648,943 | |||
| Total 2023 £ 240,614 45,983 663 2,629 |
|||
| 289,889 | |||
| 39,620 292,517 |
|||
| 332,137 | |||
| (42,248) | |||
| (42,248) 775,215 |
|||
| 732,967 |
The notes on pages 16 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 12
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2023 is shown in note 19.
The notes on pages 16 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 13
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
(Registration number: 00378765) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 13 Current assets Debtors 14 Cash at bank and in hand 15 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 16 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 17 Net assets Funds of the charity: Restricted income funds Restricted funds Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds Revaluation reserve Total unrestricted funds Total funds 19 |
2024 £ 591,147 13,564 62,669 76,233 (9,437) 66,796 657,943 (9,000) 648,943 77,110 129,931 441,902 571,833 648,943 |
2023 £ 543,476 10,809 201,540 |
|---|---|---|
| 212,349 (10,858) |
||
| 201,491 | ||
| 744,967 (12,000) |
||
| 732,967 | ||
| 40,868 250,197 441,902 |
||
| 692,099 | ||
| 732,967 |
For the financial year ending 31 December 2024 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
-
The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and
-
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The notes on pages 16 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 14
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
(Registration number: 00378765) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
The financial statements on pages 12 to 28 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 15 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
----- Start of picture text -----
.........................................
----- End of picture text -----
......................................... Mr S Thompson Trustee
......................................... Mr D L Yarker Commander Royal Navy - Retired Trustee
The notes on pages 16 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 15
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1 Charity status
The charity is limited by guarantee, incorporated in England and Wales, and consequently does not have share capital. Each of the trustees is liable to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 towards the assets of the charity in the event of liquidation.
The address of its registered office is: Ground Floor Seneca House Links Point Amy Johnson Way Blackpool FY4 2FF
These financial statements were authorised for issue by the trustees on 15 October 2025.
2 Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.
Income and endowments
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Page 16
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Legacy gifts are recognised on a case by case basis following the grant of probate when the administrator/executor for the estate has communicated in writing both the amount and settlement date. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title to the asset having been transferred to the charity.
Grants receivable
Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.
Investment income
Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Raising funds
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Charitable activities
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.
Grant provisions
Provisions for grants are made when the intention to make a grant has been communicated to the recipient but there is uncertainty about either the timing of the grant or the amount of grant payable.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
Page 17
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Asset class Depreciation method and rate Motor vehicles 25% Reducing balance Furniture & equipment 20% Straight line
Investment properties
The investment property is a freehold property in Dublin and has been valued in February 2017 by Vincent Finnegan Ltd (Property valuers) at £500,000 (560,000 Euros) based on vacant possession. This valuation has been incorporated into these financial statements. The property is currently occupied.
The charity received a further valuation in 2023 of €650k however the property requires extensive work to reach that value therefore the trustees feel it appropriate to retain the value at £500,000.
Trade debtors
Trade debtors are amounts due from customers for merchandise sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business.
Trade debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of trade debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Page 18
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Borrowings
Interest-bearing borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs. Interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost, with the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the amount due on redemption being recognised as a charge to the Statement of Financial Activities over the period of the relevant borrowing.
Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and is included in interest payable and similar charges.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the charity has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.
Foreign exchange
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the balance sheet date are reported at the rates of exchange prevailing at that date.
The results of overseas operations are translated at the average rates of exchange during the period and their balance sheets at the rates ruling at the balance sheet date. Exchange differences arising on translation of the opening net assets and results of overseas operations are reported in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity (attributed to non-controlling interests as appropriate).
Other exchange differences are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period in which they arise except for:
1) exchange differences on transactions entered into to hedge certain foreign currency risks (see above);
2) exchange differences arising on gains or losses on non-monetary items which are recognised in other comprehensive income; and
3) in the case of the consolidated financial statements, exchange differences on monetary items receivable from or payable to a foreign operation for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur (therefore forming part of the net investment in the foreign operation), which are recognised in other comprehensive income and reported under equity.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Financial instruments
Classification
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities.
Page 19
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Recognition and measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.
Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.
Page 20
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Debt instruments
Debt instruments which meet the following conditions are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method:
(a) The contractual return to the holder is (i) a fixed amount; (ii) a positive fixed rate or a positive variable rate; or (iii) a combination of a positive or a negative fixed rate and a positive variable rate.
(b) The contract may provide for repayments of the principal or the return to the holder (but not both) to be linked to a single relevant observable index of general price inflation of the currency in which the debt instrument is denominated, provided such links are not leveraged.
(c) The contract may provide for a determinable variation of the return to the holder during the life of the instrument, provided that (i) the new rate satisfies condition (a) and the variation is not contingent on future events other than (1) a change of a contractual variable rate; (2) to protect the holder against credit deterioration of the issuer; (3) changes in levies applied by a central bank or arising from changes in relevant taxation or law; or (ii) the new rate is a market rate of interest and satisfies condition (a).
(d) There is no contractual provision that could, by its terms, result in the holder losing the principal amount or any interest attributable to the current period or prior periods.
(e) Contractual provisions that permit the issuer to prepay a debt instrument or permit the holder to put it back to the issuer before maturity are not contingent on future events, other than to protect the holder against the credit deterioration of the issuer or a change in control of the issuer, or to protect the holder or issuer against changes in levies applied by a central bank or arising from changes in relevant taxation or law.
(f) Contractual provisions may permit the extension of the term of the debt instrument, provided that the return to the holder and any other contractual provisions applicable during the extended term satisfy the conditions of paragraphs (a) to (c).
Debt instruments that are classified as payable or receivable within one year on initial recognition and which meet the above conditions are measured at the undiscounted amount of the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received, net of impairment.
With the exception of some hedging instruments, other debt instruments not meeting these conditions are measured at fair value through profit or loss.
Commitments to make and receive loans which meet the conditions mentioned above are measured at cost (which may be nil) less impairment.
Investments
Investments in non-convertible preference shares and non-puttable ordinary or preference shares (where shares are publicly traded or their fair value is reliably measurable) are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Where fair value cannot be measured reliably, investments are measured at cost less impairment.
Investments in subsidiaries and associates are measured at cost less impairment. For investments in subsidiaries acquired for consideration including the issue of shares qualifying for merger relief, cost is measured by reference to the nominal value of the shares issued plus fair value of other consideration. Any premium is ignored.
Page 21
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Derivative financial instruments
The charity uses derivative financial instruments to reduce exposure to foreign exchange risk and interest rate movements. The charity does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes.
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in statement of financial activities immediately unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in statement of financial activities depends on the nature of the hedge relationship.
Fair value measurement
The best evidence of fair value is a quoted price for an identical asset in an active market. When quoted prices are unavailable, the price of a recent transaction for an identical asset provides evidence of fair value as long as there has not been a significant change in economic circumstances or a significant lapse of time since the transaction took place. If the market is not active and recent transactions of an identical asset on their own are not a good estimate of fair value, the fair value is estimated by using a valuation technique.
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies; Donations from individuals Gift aid reclaimed Grants, including capital grants; Grants from other charities Regular giving and capital donations Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 131,130 2,000 - - 133,130 177,541 |
Restricted funds £ 47,849 - 3,000 22,950 73,799 63,073 |
Total funds £ 178,979 2,000 3,000 22,950 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 206,929 | |||
| 240,614 |
- 4 Income from charitable activities
| Income from Sim cards Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds Designated £ General £ 35,349 - 35,349 - - 45,983 |
Total funds £ 35,349 |
|---|---|---|
| 35,349 | ||
| 45,983 |
Page 22
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
5 Investment income
| Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits Total for 2024 Total for 2023 6 Other income Gains on sale of tangible fixed assets for charity's own use |
Unrestricted funds General £ 3,187 3,187 663 Total 2024 £ - |
Total funds £ 3,187 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,187 | ||
| 663 | ||
| Total 2023 £ 2,629 |
Gains on sale of tangible fixed assets for charity's own use
7 Expenditure on raising funds
a) Costs of trading activities
| Note Costs of goods sold Other direct costs of activities for generating funds Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 28,658 131 28,789 39,620 |
Total funds £ 28,658 131 |
|---|---|---|
| 28,789 | ||
| 39,620 |
Page 23
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
8 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Note Depreciation, amortisation and other similar costs Grant funding of activities Allocated support costs 9 Governance costs 9 Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 449 9,948 251,668 1,078 263,143 233,977 |
Restricted funds £ 10,757 - 26,800 - 37,557 44,248 |
Total funds £ 11,206 9,948 278,468 1,078 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300,700 | |||
| 278,225 |
In addition to the expenditure analysed above, there are also governance costs of £1,078 (2023 - £3,216) which relate directly to charitable activities. See note 9 for further details.
9 Analysis of governance and support costs
Governance costs
| Audit fees Other fees paid to auditors Total for 2024 Total for 2023 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 1,078 1,078 3,216 |
Total funds £ 1,078 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,078 | ||
| 3,216 |
Page 24
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
10 Net incoming/outgoing resources
Net outgoing resources for the year include:
Depreciation of fixed assets
| 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|
| £ | £ |
| 11,206 | 8,025 |
11 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.
12 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
13 Tangible fixed assets
| 13 Tangible fixed assets | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost At 1 January 2024 Additions At 31 December 2024 Depreciation At 1 January 2024 Charge for the year At 31 December 2024 Net book value At 31 December 2024 At 31 December 2023 14 Debtors Prepayments |
Land and buildings £ 500,000 58,877 558,877 - - - 558,877 500,000 |
Furniture and equipment £ 25,110 - 25,110 24,661 449 25,110 - 449 |
Motor vehicles £ 61,590 - 61,590 18,563 10,757 29,320 32,270 43,027 2024 £ 13,564 |
Total £ 586,700 58,877 645,577 43,224 11,206 54,430 591,147 543,476 2023 £ 10,809 |
| 25,110 | 61,590 | |||
| 24,661 449 |
18,563 10,757 |
|||
| 25,110 | 29,320 | |||
| - | 32,270 | |||
| 449 | 43,027 | |||
| 2024 £ 13,564 |
Page 25
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
15 Cash and cash equivalents
| Cash at bank Short-term deposits 16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals 17 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year Deferred income 18 Reserves At 1 January 2024 At 1 January 2023 |
2024 £ 37,367 25,302 62,669 2024 £ 9,437 2024 £ 9,000 Unrestricted revaluation reserve £ 441,902 Unrestricted revaluation reserve £ 441,902 |
2023 £ 70,994 130,546 |
|---|---|---|
| 201,540 | ||
| 2023 £ 10,858 |
||
| 2023 £ 12,000 |
||
| Total £ 441,902 |
||
| Total £ 441,902 |
Page 26
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
19 Funds
| 19 Funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 January 2024 £ Unrestricted funds General 250,197 Other 441,902 Total unrestricted funds 692,099 Restricted funds 40,868 Total funds 732,967 Balance at 1 January 2023 £ Unrestricted funds General 313,899 Other 441,902 Total unrestricted funds 755,801 Restricted funds 19,414 Total funds 775,215 20 Analysis of net assets between funds Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Creditors over 1 year Total net assets |
Incoming resources £ 171,666 - 171,666 73,799 245,465 Incoming resources £ 224,187 - 224,187 65,702 289,889 Unrestricted funds General £ 558,877 22,393 (9,437) - 571,833 |
Resources expended £ (291,932) - (291,932) (37,557) (329,489) Resources expended £ (287,889) - (287,889) (44,248) (332,137) Restricted funds £ 32,270 53,840 - (9,000) 77,110 |
Balance at 31 December 2024 £ 129,931 441,902 |
| 571,833 77,110 |
|||
| 648,943 | |||
| Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 250,197 441,902 |
|||
| 692,099 40,868 |
|||
| 732,967 | |||
| Total funds at 31 December 2024 £ 591,147 76,233 (9,437) (9,000) |
|||
| 648,943 |
Page 27
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Creditors over 1 year Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds General £ 500,449 202,508 (10,858) - 692,099 |
Restricted funds £ 43,027 9,841 - (12,000) 40,868 |
Total funds at 31 December 2023 £ 543,476 212,349 (10,858) (12,000) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 732,967 |
Page 28
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Statement of Financial Activities by fund for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Unrestricted Funds
| Unrestricted Funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure Net expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Total Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 133,130 35,349 3,187 171,666 28,789 263,143 291,932 (120,266) (120,266) 250,197 129,931 |
Total Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 177,541 45,983 663 |
| 224,187 | ||
| 39,620 248,269 |
||
| 287,889 | ||
| (63,702) | ||
| (63,702) 313,899 |
||
| 250,197 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 29
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Statement of Financial Activities by fund for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Restricted Funds
| Restricted Funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Other income Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Total Restricted Funds 2024 £ 73,799 - 73,799 37,557 37,557 36,242 36,242 40,868 77,110 |
Total Restricted Funds 2023 £ 63,073 2,629 |
| 65,702 | ||
| 44,248 | ||
| 44,248 | ||
| 21,454 | ||
| 21,454 19,414 |
||
| 40,868 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 30
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies (analysed below) Charitable activities (analysed below) Investment income (analysed below) Other income (analysed below) Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds (analysed below) Charitable activities (analysed below) Total expenditure Net expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Total 2024 £ 206,929 35,349 3,187 - 245,465 28,789 300,700 329,489 (84,024) (84,024) 291,065 207,041 |
Total 2023 £ 240,614 45,983 663 2,629 |
|---|---|---|
| 289,889 | ||
| 39,620 292,517 |
||
| 332,137 | ||
| (42,248) | ||
| (42,248) 333,313 |
||
| 291,065 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 31
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Donations and legacies Legacy - unrestricted Appeals and donations - restricted Donations - unrestricted Gift Aid on Donations - unrestricted Grants for car MNW - restricted Salary Contributions - restricted Charitable activities Income from Sim cards - unrestricted Investment income Interest on cash deposits Other income Profit on sale of tangible fixed assets held for charity's own use Raising funds Sim card cost - unrestricted Advertising Charitable activities General Rent - Colvin House Rent - Sam Light, heat and power Insurance SCFS Aberdeen Telephone and fax Office expenses Stationery & printing (Newsletter) - restricted Postage and stationery Bibles and literature Charitable donations Seafarers sundries Trustees expenses |
Total 2024 £ - 47,849 131,130 2,000 3,000 22,950 206,929 35,349 35,349 3,187 3,187 - - 28,658 131 28,789 4,383 11,627 - 741 3,646 9,880 2,562 11,797 3,850 3,352 1,023 9,948 2,714 7,386 |
Total 2023 £ 63,065 32,673 111,476 3,000 4,000 26,400 |
|---|---|---|
| 240,614 | ||
| 45,983 | ||
| 45,983 | ||
| 663 | ||
| 663 | ||
| 2,629 | ||
| 2,629 | ||
| 39,620 - |
||
| 39,620 | ||
| 1,406 11,243 684 421 3,210 - 2,269 8,084 5,683 1,190 2,836 14,554 3,419 8,404 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 32
Seafarers' Christian Friend Society
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Motor, travel and subsistence - unrestricted Conference costs Events Rebranding Legal and professional fees Bank charges Foreign currency (gains)/losses Depreciation of motor vehicles Depreciation of office equipment Chaplains' salaries - restricted Back office salaries and costs Chaplains' salaries - unrestricted Chaplains' costs - unrestricted Staff pensions (Defined contribution) Nest Volunteer expenses Protective clothing Computer software and maintenance costs Foreign currency (gains)/losses Accountancy fees |
Total 2024 £ 5,727 - 815 - 235 467 529 10,757 449 22,950 34,305 126,876 6,843 4,882 7,284 3,458 510 626 1,078 300,700 |
Total 2023 £ 4,173 10,145 - 14,292 3,178 310 1,276 6,687 1,338 31,878 29,250 100,256 16,048 3,284 2,585 1,198 - - 3,216 |
|---|---|---|
| 292,517 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 33
SIGNATURE CERTIFICATE
Document
Name Charity Accounts.pdf Creator Luisa Caldarelli (luisa.caldarelli@crossleyd.co.uk) Date 27 October 2025 12:54:49 UTC Identifier 975fdd41-b12a-4a79-858d-ad4f7f0fa020
Signers
steven@a1ni.co.uk
E-mail steven@a1ni.co.uk
Signed 27 October 2025 13:14:07 UTC IP address 5.65.123.103
Dominic Donleavy
E-mail dominic.donleavy@crossleyd.co.uk Signed 27 October 2025 13:39:19 UTC IP address 81.149.244.203
danny.yarker@scfs.org
E-mail danny.yarker@scfs.org Signed 27 October 2025 15:09:38 UTC IP address 140.248.40.90