The Churches Fellowship for Psyehieal and Spiritual Studies (CFPSS) Registered charity number 233778 ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024 Trnstees: Dr Santha Bhattacharji (President) Rev. Jennifer Lane (Chair until 27 October 2023) Ms Chetry Simpkin, (Hon Treasurer) Rev Neil Broadbent Mrs Vicky Jeffs, (Chair from 27 October 2023) Mrs Helen Beck until 27 October 2023) Mrs Ruth Bird until 27 October 2023) Dr Rort Gilbert Mr lan Fordyce MrAndrew Cort Rev Andrew Fisher Mr Mark Fox from 27 October 2023 Mr Paul Fisher from 27 October 2023 Rev Margaret Gilley from 27 Oclober 2023 Mrs Judith Harvey from I l October 2024 Rev Rose Maria Drew from12 February 2025 Ms Emma Hughes from 12 FebTuary 2025 Independent Examiner: Myrus Smith. Norman House. 8 Burnell Road, Sutton. Surrey SM148W Solieitors: Porter Dodson, Telford House, The ParL Yeovil, Somerset. BA20 IDY. Gellerol Seeretary Mrs Joanne Arnold Office Address Offi¢¢ 8, The Creative Suite, Mill 3, Pleasley Vale Business Park, Mansfield. NG19 8RL Strncture, Governance & Management The goveming do¢ument of the trust is a Constitution amended by resolution on l April 1963 and 8 September 2017. Under the Constitution the charity is governed by a Council consisting of the President, a Chair, an Honorary Treasurer, l Reprcscntative from each Region and up to 6 others. Up to 3 Vice-Presidents and up to 2 Vice-chairs may also be elected. Members of the Council are elected by the members of the charity at an AGM. the President to seNe for 5 years and all others to serve for 3 years. All Council members are eligible for re-election.
The Council has the power to co-opt up to 3 trustees to see until the next AGM, when they will be eligible for election by the members. It may eo-opt trnstees in the event of asual vacancies to serve for the remainder of the tenn of the person replaced. The Council may also appoint a paid General Secretary and any other staff as they see fit. Remuneration and duties of all staff shall be detern]ined by the Council. At present, the charity's only member of staff is the General Secretary. The Editor of the charity's magazine The Christian Parapsychologisl receives an honorarium. The CFPSS does not hold any fi]nds as a custodian tn]stee on behalf of others. Objectives of the Charity The objects of the Charity are to encourage the study in a Christian context of spiritual, paranorn]al, psychological and other scientific phenomena and to try to assess their validity and their relevance to the Christian faith. Publte Benefit In setting objedives and planning for activities. the Council has given due consideration to general guidance published by the charity commission relating to public benefit. Membership ofthe CFPSS is open to all those who belongto a recognised Christian denomination or are theTnselv¢s in sympathy with the Christian faith. Within that framework, we welcome all adults regardle55 of personal circumstances. The minimum annual donation for membership is determined by General Meeting from tiTne to time but the Council has the power to reduce suLh sum in cases of hardship or other reasons as the Council sees fit. The Council may also grant bursaries as appropriate to enable members with limited resources to attend CFPSS events. The CFPSS provides a forum for discussion on subjects such as the healing and deliverance ministy, religious experience, paranornial phenomena, mysticism and prayer. particularly in tern]s of their relevance to the Cl)ristian faith. In doing this, it seeks to foster a general understanding of these subjects and to contribute to academic research. The CFPSS offers a safe meeting place where members and enquirers may share and explore their experiences in these areas. in an open atmosphere of love and acceptance. Many people value the help they have received when they have experienced spontaneous gifts of the Spirit, the pain of bereavement or simply a call to deeper spiritual understanding, ¢spe¢ially when they have fouThd little encouragement or support from elsewhere. The CFPSS takes seriously its duty of care towards Trustees, Stsff, Members and the general public. It discourages any form of abuse for whatever reason. The Trustees regard their safeguarding responsibilities in respect of vulnerable adults particularly important since the natur¢ of the charity's objectives may lead those in mental and spiritU81 distress to seek its help. The Charity is not involved with children.
Achievements and Aclivities The Charity's use of online platforns h&s grown over the year. There are two WhatsApp groups. a twice-monthly discussion group and the a monthly prayer group specialtsing in paying for the dead There are 265 people Én the Facebook group, an incre&s¢ of 78 from our last AGM. The number of people following the Facebook pagc has grown by a huge 103 to a total of 378. There 336 subscribers to the YouTube channel, an increase of 490/0 on the previous year. The emailed newsletter audience has increased from 235 to 280. Our postal inter¢essory prayer group continues to flourish and is greatly appreciated by those who have requested prayer. A list of those requiring intercessions is sent out to the group by p(Y3t and email. The Annual Conference. celebrating the Charlty's 70th anniversary. was held at in Birniingham from 27 to 29 Sq)tember 2023. The Charity continued a a nationwide tour to promote the work of the CFPSS, as part of our 70th anniversary celebrations, holding a number of meetings throughout the UK. These were well attended and brought a new members. The CFPSS published two editions each of its two magazines The Christian Parapsychologisl aiid The Fellowship Review. Articles from past magazines are freely available on the CFPSS website and are well read. The CFPSS library continued to b¢ well used. The library holds over 1500 books and booklets aDd 500 audio recordings and is free to use (subject to paying postal costs). The library is available to members through the website or by contacting th¢ general secretary. The Publications Committee have been working on a number of publications, in parti¢ular'. a re-issue of the book Four Studies in Mysticism by Frances Banks. a book on Prayingfor the Deud by Meg Gilley. published in September 2023: a book on Talking Abou¢Spirilual perienCe, published in September 2024. a bookl¢t on the henomenon of past-life mernories and how Christians can ty to make sense o Js experience. study guides on the CPFSS, various areas of interest. anthologie5 ofspecific topics using past contributions to the Christian Paraspsy¢hologisL' an undated re-issue ofAn InlroductEOn lo PsychicAwareness by the Rev. Neil Broadbent. The CFPSS Regional Groups continue to meet regularly, either in person or on Zoom. The increasing use of Zoom h&8 enabled those who find it hard to travel to attend meetings.
Safeguarding The Council policy on safeguarding is reviewed annually. The Charity appointed Emma Hughes as its new Safeguarding Officer but is still seeking to replace the Rev. J¢nnifer Lane as Safeguarding Trustee. The Council has established that all trnstees do not need to be DBS checked. Data Protection The Council's data prote¢tion policy is in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). In order to keep email and paper data private and safe the CFPSS uses two documents, The CFPSS privacy notice informs memkrs or public what inforn]ation is held and for what purpose. how long it is kept and deleted. Their rights are also explained. This Notice is displayed on the CFPSS website. The CFPSS Consent Form which has to be filled in to authorise consent for personal inforniation to be held. This can be done by email or paper. This forni must be returned to the General Secretary. If it is not, any inforniation held is deleted. Mrs Helen Beck acted as Trustee Responsible for GDPR during the year. However. as her tenure as trustee ¢nd¢d in Octobcr 2023, the Fellowship is working to find a replacement. Mrs Joanne Arnold, the General Secretary) is the main data Ur. The CFPSS 15 registered with the Infom]atton Commissionerfs Office for Dats Protection. The CFPSS has never had a data breach but knows howto report one should it happen. Financial Review Going concem The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational cxistence for the foreseeabl¢ future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Overall results During the year ended 31 March 2024 the Charity made an operating loss of £(8.714) compared to loss of £(18,836) in 2022123. With investment gains of £9.95. there was an overall gain of £1,242, compared to a loss of 437,789) in 2022123. As at 3 1 March 2024, investments were valued at £207,561 (2022123: £217.605). Total net assets at 31 Mijrch 2024 were £246,591 (2022/23.. £245.349).
Trustee expenses Trustees expenscs during the year amounted to £944 for 6 Twstccs (2022123: £44 for l trustees). No tTUStees received any remuneration for work as a Trustee. Trustees aim to maintain r¢scrves at a sufficient level to ensure our financial resilience and sustainability. including protecting the charity against identifled risks. 'fhe Trustees aim to strike the appropriate balance between ensuring a sustainable financial position and using our available funds to fvlfil our charitable mission. The Trustees aim to retain sufficient unrestricted funds to cover a year's numing costs. The charity has no long-terni liabilities. Investment Policy The charity's main sources of income are doiiations and legacies from members. It also rec¢ives returns on investments and interest on cash deposits and some income from the sale of books and copies of the Christian Parapsychologistto non-members. The charity's poli Ès to mitigate the risks presented by stock market volatility and the economic uncertainty by spreading its investments over a number of different types of funds and to move investments between funds from time to time to m&ximise returns. The funds are managed by the CCLA. Risk Management The Truste¢s have continued to assess the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are working to ensure that systems and procedures are kn place to mitigate our exposure to them. Our risk assessment policy is reviewed twice-yearly. During the year the Charity set up a Risk Register, which will be reviewed annually. Future plans In 2024-25, the Trustees plan to: publish two editi0rn8 each of its two magazines The Christion ParapsyCholoSt and The Fellowship Review,. b. publish new books and booklets currently being worked on by the Publications Cornmittee" hold a Annual Conference to celebrate CFPSS, 7h anniversary
run events for members online continue with online discussion groups f. hold a residential retreat support and increase the regional group network and special interest groups seek ways to get the CFPSS better known, including continuing the anniversary tour round the UK and promote its work at external events., such as Greenbelt and the Festival of Healing continue to look for new venues for conferences in order to vary where they are held and thus make them more accessible to members in various parts of the county. increase its presence on social media plarfornis k. find new ways to raise funds, increase membership and operate cost ¢ff¢ctiv¢ly appoint Trustees for data protection and safeguarding m. review the CFPSS Constitution to ensure it is fit for purpose, in particular in relation to the group structure and the role of representatives and the use of ¢le¢tronic communication methods. including secking legal advice as appropriate n. establish a group to look at Policies to ensure we are complying with Charity Commission requirements and the Law. Statement of Trustees, RespoDsibilities The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial statemenls in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England & Waleg requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which gffive a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In prepaTing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently- observe the methods and prlnciples in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102): make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent"
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explain¢d in the financial statements; prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that thc charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responstble for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Art 201 I, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charAty and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and d¢tection of fraud and other irregularities. Deelaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on their behalf: Dr Santha Bhattacharii President Date.. 25 Febnwy 2025
THECHURCHES FELLOWSHIP FOR PSYCHICAL ANDSPIRiTUALSTLIDIES Incomoand Expendlture Account for th8 yearended 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Incomo Donation5 & Mambarshp Lega¢les Investment Income Profit on Books. Tap85 & CD Confer8nces Sale of ChSt4n Parapsyd)okngtst other Ineorne 5,990.01 15,673.54 7,616.04 1,184.96 12,688.96 71.61 7,182 8,017 977 6,502 365 26.50 43,251.62 26,372 Exp•ndiiure Cost of Quartely Revw & chfists.an Par¥)sychologi$t Pension contributions Salaries, Wages & MC Books Counol Retreat &Working Partles Conference expenses Travelh"ng & Car ExnSeS Profrt on disposal of Motor Vehide Rent, Rates. Light& Fkat P051age&Station8ry Tt31ephone In$uran Accountancy Legal & Professional IT$upport Sundries Staff Recruitment Offi¢e Move Costs Equipment Depraciation of Equipment Movement in sto¢k ol books Net cost of RègKsn8 & Brancl Bank Char Honorarfum CP 3,644.85 617.04 20.569.08 48.60 0.00 13,136.01 1,110.79 3.522 617 20.569 20 7,587 4.257.06 1.449.87 473.76 1,745.81 1,296.00 4,341 1,825 478 1,666 1,284 1,777.98 40433 0.00 0.00 35.(K> [91.00 608.00 995 35 30 45 118,8361 (8,713.561 Realised and unreali8ed1108sII gain on inveslments 9.956.00 118,953} 1.242.44
THE CHURCHES FELLOWSHIP FOR PSYCTrllCAL AND SPIRJTUAL STUDIES Balanceshegt 08at 31 Mareh 2024 2(r24 2023 Fixod Ass•ts Inv85trnènts Tangible Assets 207,561.0 217,605 954 208.324.CKJ 218,559 Current As¥ots Stock Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 12,944.00 1,000.00 13.552 1,840 14.565 29.957 43.454.72 Craditoys Arnounts falling due wlhln one year 3,167 t Currènt Ass•ts 38.287.22 26,790 Nèt Ass•ts 246.591.22 245,349 Funds Unrestricted- GengTal & HQ Designated- Regional FurKI 240.923.73 5,667.49 239.681 5,668 246,591.22 245,349 Approved bythè Board ofTrustees on 25 F8bruary 2025 and sagnad on rts behalfby.. Pr85ident- Drsantha 8hattachaTji Treasurer- Miss C Simpkin
THE ¢IIUR¢HES FELLOWSHIP FOR PSYCHI AND SRUAL8T[rfES NOTES TOTHE ACCOUNTS INVESTMEp¥rs 2024 2023 Market vatde brought lorward at 1 Aprfl 2023 217.605 256.558 Diw5als {18.4931 119,8121 RealL8ed & Unrealised 8,449 Market value caffjed at 31 March 24 FVXED ASSEts Motor Vehide Equipment Total COST As811 Apri12Q3 6.509.(M] O.IX) 6.509.00 Disposak8 AB813Q Mjrch 2024 DEPREcIATN Asat 1 Awl 223 5.555.00 0.00 5,555.00 ElimiDalB(l on th5posal Chargefor year 191.00 191.00 As8t 31 March 2023 5,74&00 O.W 5.746.00 NBts)KvALUE At 31 Mah 2024 763.00 763.00 At 31 MarGh 964.00 954.00 DEBTORS 2024 2023 Relreal dep051t prepaid ILaundeAikneyl Trj Conf8r8nce derrfjs 1000.00 1000 1000.00 1840 CREDITORS 2024 2023 PAYEConlrd 599.23 PeiOn Cortr 119.98 120 Membershlp fee8 In thanca 594.62 A¢¢n4$ 1.873.67 1814 members ban 2.OtKJ.OD 187.50 3.187 10
THECHURCHES FELLObVSHIP FOR PSY¢HKALANOSPIRrruAL STUDIES NOTESTOTHEACCOUNTS MOVEMÈPn IN FUNDS BaLgn* t4F
t1 Al2d3 Irwmg
ILtss} B818rv(gf Investmerrts Ey4)8ns06 Trartsfvr 8¢ 31 March 2024 Um•¥¢14d ts¢ra1 & HQ 239.681.29 43.251.62 9.956.00 51,965.18 240.923.73 D9nt•d Regiorbal Fund 5,e67.49 5.867.49 245.348.78 43.251.62 9,986.00 51.%5.18 Cornparativtrfiywesfor 31 Mar¢h 20ZJ Galn on Ban¢lE Invosknent$ Expan Transtsr a131 March 2022 at 1 AprA 202t Irpxéne Generd & HQ 277.490.30 26,345.W2 {18.3.00} 45,201.63 239.681.29 Regn21 Fu 5.647.49 28.10 6.10 5.867.49 283.Y37.79 *371.72 -18,953.00 45,207.n
THE CHURCHES FELLOWSHIP FOR PSYCHICAL AND sPIRvAL STUDIES Regional Balances 2024 2023 EaslAnglla 178.77 178.77 South West 846.3 1 846.3 1 South East 1,783.15 1,783.15 London 1.486.29 1,486.29 East Midlands 238.85 238.85 North West 1,134.12 1,134.12 TOTAL 5.667.49 5,667.49 12
The Churches Fellowship for Psychical and Spiritual Studles INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS, REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE CHURCHES FELLOWSHIP FOR PSYCHICAL AND SPIRITUAL STUDIES I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the acGounts of the company for the year ended 31st March 2024 which are set out on pages 8 10 11. Responsibllltles and basis of report As the charity trustees of the company land also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for Ihe 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 ofthe 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company'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 Charty Commission under sertion 145(51{b) of the 2011 Art. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confimi that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material resped.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act. or the accounts do not accord with those records,. or 3. 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 GOnrnS 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. //ah51. K C Fisher FCA clo Kingston Burrowes Audit Ltd 350a London Road Cheam, Surrey. SM3 8JB Date.. 28° February 2025 13