BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER 31 DECEMBER 2024 TRUSTEES REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Resistered Charity No: 243931
BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER INDEX Trustees, Annual Report 11. Trustees Responsibilities statement 12. Independent Examiner's Report 13. Statement of Financial Activities 14. Balance sheet 15. Accounting Policies and Notes to the Accounts The f ollowing pages do not forni part of the Statutory Financial Statements: 24. Detailed Statement of Financial Activity - Ecumenical Development 25. Detailed Statement of Financial Activity - Restore
BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER CHARITY NO. 243931 TRUSTEES, REPORT 31 DECEMBER 2024 The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Constitution and 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 (FRS102) (updated l January 2019). Objectives, activities, achievements and performance The object of Birmingham Churches Together is to promote mutual understanding and fellowship among the Churches which accept Jesus Christ as God and Saviour for the wellbeing of all the citizens of Birmingham and surrounding areas. The objectives are achieved through its Ecumenical Development work and its Restore project detailed below. Public benefit is met by actively encouraging members of different denominations to work and worship together and collectively to support those who are disadvantaged, regardless of their beliefs, thereby enabling them to join in and partake in the benefits of the community. The Trustees, have reviewed the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Conimission and consider that our ciims and activities as set out below fulfil the criteria. The trustees consider the guidance on pubIic benefit each year, Ecumenical Development Birmingham Churches Together (BCT) encourages greater cooperation between Christian churches in order that together they may better serve the people of Birmingham and Solihull. There is increased public benefit when Churches are enabled to partner together to serve the whole community, regardless of status, class or ethnicity. Throughout 2024, Robert Mountford worked as BCT Ecumenical DeveIopment Enabler, supported by Maud Grainger in the role of BCT Development and Support Worker. Both Robert and Maud were employed on a part-time basis. In order to be an effective hub for Birmingham's and Solihull's Christian community, BCT'S Ecumenical Development workers continued to strengthen existing connections with a wide variety of organisations and congregations and to build new relationships. BCT frequently receives enquiries as a first port-of-call from a range of churches and organisations seeking to make connections with people of faith in the city. Wherever possible, enquirers are offered points of contact and, when appropriate, information is shared across BCT'S media outlets. During 2024, BCT liaised with the following Churches (listed in alphabetical order): The Apostolic Pastoral Congress, Assemblies of God, Church of England Birmingham, Central England Quakers, the Church of God of Prophecy, the Fellowship of Churches of Christ, the Elim Pentecostal Church, the Heart of England Baptist Association, the New Testament Church of God, the Methodist Church (at both Circuit and District level), the Redeemed Christian Church of God, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bimiingham, the Romanian Orthodox Church, the Salvation Army West Midlands Division, the Serbian Orthodox Church, the United Reformed Church West Midlands Synod and the Wesleyan Holiness Church. In addition to these Churches, local independent congregations were not excluded from the conversation.
BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER CHARITY NO. 243931 TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) 31 DECEMBER 2024 BCT liaised with the following Christian organisations (Iisted in alphabetical order).. the Adavu Project, Agapé, the As-one campaign, Betel UK, the Bethel Health and Healing Network, the Birmingham Christian Homelessness Forum, the Birmingham City Leaders, Prayer network, Birmingham City Mission, Birmingham Taize, the Breathe Collective Choir, CAFOD, Christian Aid, Christians Against Poverty, the Cinnamon Network, the City Centre Churches, group, ChaplaincyPlus, Church of Sanctuary, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, Churches Together in England, Compassion UK, Engage UK, Erdington Churches Together, Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, The Feast, Forge Missional Training, Friends/ Neighbours/Changemakers, the Gather network, GOOD NEWS for Everyonel (formerly Gideon's), the Greenhouse at Barnes Close, Healing on the Streets, HOPE Together, Home for Good, Jericho Foundation, KICK, Manresa Link, the Maryvale Institute, the Mission:Mercia network, Near Neighbours, Network Four, Pause for Hope, Places of Welcome, the Queen's Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, Safe Families for Children, the Saltmine Theatre Company, the SEND, Sports Chaplaincy UK, the St Peter's Saltley Trust, Thrive Together Birmingham, Thy Kingdom Come, Time4Brum, Unity Prayer East Birmingham, Urban Devotion Birmingham, the West Midlands Combined Authority, West Midlands Faith in Action, Westminster Theological College, Workcare West Midlands and the WorId Prayer Centre. An ecumenical e-newsletter was issued every six to eight weeks, reaching around 1,100 people on each occasion. Articles, events and job adverts were published on the BCT website on a resular basis. The website was viewed on average by 5,000 users per month. BCT'S profile on social media averaged 1,200 followers on Facebook, 200 on Instagram and 1,000 on the X platform (fonnerly Twitter). The information shared through these media informed local congregations of the wider Christian context and resourced them to engage more effectively in their local neighbourhoods. During the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18 to 25 January inclusive), 'Pray24Brum' brought together churches from across the Christian traditions to pray for the city. BCT played a leading role among the partners who facilitate the 24-hour prayer relay which took place at Birmingham St Philip's Cathedral on Friday 19/Saturday 20 January 2024. The two-day event also included a well-attended leaders, breakfast on Saturday 20 January. Throughout 2024, BCT sat alongside other partners in the 'Time4Brum' anti-racism/church-unity group that brings Christian leaders from historic-, new- and BIack-majority Churches together. Regular onIine planning meetings took place through the year, together with monthly online and in-person prayer gatherings. A Time4Brum leaders, gathering took place in Aston on Saturday 13 July and the Annual Celebration service was held at Trinity Birmingham on Sunday 20 October 24. Throughout 2024, Robert Mountford sat on the board of 'Churches and Industry Group Birmingham/Solihull,' which during the year, merged with 'Coventry & Warwickshire Workcare, to form the'workcare West MidIands' CIO. The new CIO continued the ministry of Promotin8, resourcing and supporting workplace chaplaincy through its 40 paid and voluntary chaplains. The Anglican Bishop of Birmingham and the BCT Ecumenical Development Enabler are the two Membeis of the 'Friends/Neighbours/ Changemakers, (FNC) charity, which enables interfaith conversation and understanding in Birmingham and the Black Country Borough of Sandwell. Robert Mountford supported the work of FNC, which is led by Revd Andrew Smith, in league with a small group of Church of England vicars.
BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER CHARITY NO. 243931 TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) 31 DECEMBER 2024 BCT facilitated two celebratOTy pilgrimages in Binningham in 2024. A short walk and several short services were held in North Birmingham to mark the IOOth anniversary of the formation of Assemblies of God at a meeting held in Aston on l February 1924. A short pilgrimage walk, plus activities at Selly Oak and Bournville Quaker Meeting Houses, took place in July 2024 to mark the 400th anniversary of the birth of Quaker founder George Fox. BCT was one of the supporting partners to put together and stage a Carol Service at Aston Villa Football Club on 5 December 2024. Hundreds of people attend the event, including representatives of Aston Villa FC, which was held both indoors and at the Holte End of Villa Park. At the regional level, BCT organised and facilitated the 24-hour summit of senior West Midlands Church Leaders at Holland House in Worcestershire on 29/30 September 2024. The summit brought together 25 senior West Midlands Church Leaders from across the spectrum of Churches for prayer and conversation. BCT was a key partner in organising and staging the national 'Church of Sanctuary, conference that was held at The Church at Carrs Lane in Birmingham on Saturday 8 June 2024. Around 150 people from all corners of England gathered to celebrate, encourage and learn more about the work that local churches are doing to support asylum-seekers and refugees. BCT connected to Cliurches Together in England (CTE), the overarching national ecumenical network that had 54 member-churches and 95 member-organisations. Robert and Maud attended the CTE Ecumenical Officers, conference in September 2024 and are in ongoing contact with CTE'S staff members, as well as the National Ecumenical Officers of the historic Churches. 2024 proved to be another busy and fruitful year for BCT'S Ecumenical Development arm. Restore Restore's vision is f or a society into which all refugees and asylum seekers are welcomed, valued, and integrated. Restore's befriending team of staff and over 100 volunteers worked towards the following outcomes: Reduced Ioneliness and social isolation. Increased friendships and social connections with people from Birmingham. Improved communication skills in English, particularly conversational English. Increased understanding of and adaptation to lrfe in Birmingham and the UK. Improved mental health and wellbeing. Increased confidence Befriending is a 3-way relationship between Restore, the trained and DB&checked volunteer and the refugee or asylum seeker. In 2024, we received 156 new referrals. Those referrals came from 27 agencies, current or former service users and self-referrals. In 2024, we made 50 new befriending matches, hitting our annual target of 50 iiew matches in mid-December despite fewer new volunteers joining the befriending team. At the year-end, there were 100 ongoing befriending matches of refugees or asylum seekers from 26 countries incIuding Afghanistan, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Iraq and Eritrea. This was in-line with our target of having at Ieast 100 ongoing befriending matches.
BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER CHARITY NO. 243931 TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) 31 DECEMBER 2024 What is the impact of befriending. Qualitative feedback shows how befriending has impacted the lives of refugees and asylum seekers and moved them towards our hoped-for outcomes. Having a befriender is good as I have got soineone to talk to when Ifeel lonely. We meet up and explore tlie world together, leaving inefeeling good and blessed., It's good to have someone to talk to andfeel welcome in this country. I'm gratefiil to Restore and my befriender. She has helped me speak English confidently. We walk together and I speak about my feelings. She helps to improve my English accent. She shows me diffevent places. She helped me register at tlie library and I borrow books." "I learnt that I can see my MP during her siiygery tiine L7nd I can talk to her. Mij befriender showed me tremendous nPathY when I had issues of accommodation, and signposted me to where I can get charity accommodation and also signposted me to where I can practise myfaith, 'Thanks to Restore I was able to feel welcome in a coiintry totallyforeign to my family and pne. I don'tfeel alone and lonely anymore becaiise of the co7npanionsliip and compassion of anotherliiiinan being. It was goodfor Ine in teniis of mij mood, Ifeel better." I ain writing to expyess iny heartfelt gratitude for the wonderful befriender Ji ou introduced me to. As an Arab refi4gee in the UK who tnitiallJi struggled with the English langiiage, having her support andfriendship has made a significant difference in iny life. Her kindness, patience, andguidance liave helped me navigate tliis new environment andfeel inore at Iiome. I have m¢7de progress in learning Englisli andfeel more confident tlianks to her encouraganent. Your work is tnily making a positive impact." Having a befriender has been an incrediblij positive experience. It's coiiiforting to liave soineone to talk to and share thoiights with, especially whenfeeling isolated or in need of support. I've enjoji ed the geniiine connection and the feeling of being listened to withoiit jildent. It lias been a great opportiinity to build trust and create meaniiigful coiiversation5. If I could change anytliing, it woiild be to have inoyefrequent meetings, as they've been so uplifting and valiiable to me." We also seek quantitative feedback. The annual survey of befriended refugees and asylum seekers, gives a broadbrush approach to the impact of befriending against the 6 aimed for outcomes. 100 % of those who replied stated that meeting their befriender had helped them feel more welcomed. 100 /0 of those who replied stated that meeting their befriender had helped them feel more confident. 94 % of replies stated that meeting their befriender had helped them learn about Birmingham and life in the UK. 94°A of replies stated that meeting their befriender had helped their mental health and wellbeing.
BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGEfHER CHARITY NO. 243931 TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) 31 DECEMBER 2024 89'A of replies stated that meeting their befriender had helped them feel less lonely. 89 /0 of replies stated that meeting their befriender had helped them improve their English. 89 /0 replied that having a befriender iiiould help other refugees and asylum seekers and Il. replied that having a befriender Iiinij I1P other refugees and asylum seekers. We use a spidergram tool with individual asylum seekers as part of their initial meeting with a befriending staff member. They self-assess against 4 key measures: Measure l - English confidence,. Measure 2 - Well-being and mental health,. Measure 3 - Friendship and community,. and Measure 4 - Understanding of the UK. Mthen a refugee or asylum seeker has been matched to a befriender for at least 6 months, we ask the refugee or asylum seeker to complete a further self-assessment, to discover their progress. The latest spidergram results for those befriended for at least 6 months show the following: 91°A of befriendees self-assessed that befriending had helped improve their level of English. 87 10 of befriendees self-assessed that befriending had helped improve their friendships with local people. 75°A of befriendees self-assessed that befriending had helped improve their mental health and weIlbeing. 75/0 of befriendees self-assessed that befriending had helped improve their cultural understanding. From formal feedback and informal conversations with volunteers we know that many volunteers discover that befriending is rewarding and mutually beneficial. Some quotes from volunteers.. "I am conscioiis how important mij role is in providing a bridge to Btnningham life. Arriving here is a tyauiff atic process foy all asyliiin seekers, even for tliose tvho seem well-adjusted, and Restore's befriending provides an invaliiable source of Support during this very difficult time. I joined Restore becaiise I w(4s saddened by the overwhelming ciycumstances thatfaced the asyliim seekers arriving in thi5 COIIFltry. It ha5 been a blessing to help someone who comes from such a difficult background and wants to settle and become part of the British commiinity. Both Fny befriendees have earned m Ji respect for tlieir perseverance and deterniination to succeed against all the odds. It ts so rewarding to see them develop increasing confidence and independence. Often yoii can do Itttle more than offer a listening ear biit tlien you get a message expressing appreciation find thanksfor what seemed such a smallgesture and youfeel so grateful to play a part in their journey." "After many coffees, I got to know her story abolit escaping war and arriving here. She shared lots of heartache and worry about her fainily. I text to encoiirfige her when she's studijing as she is working hard at improving lier Engltsh. She told me that iny friendsliip means a lot to lier, and slie feels very caredfor. It has been hugely beneficialfor both of ils, as l also feel uplifted after spending time with her. It has been sobering to understand wha t she has endured becaiise of war, and slie is deeply gratefiil to peoyle in the UKfor giving her a peacefiil home.
BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER CHARITY NO. 243931 TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) 31 DECEMBER 2024 The far-right racist, xenophobic and Islamophobic riots in the summer of 2024 were horrendous, particularly for asylum seekers and added to their mental health challenges. The riots highlighted the need to continue befriending to show solidarity with refugees, to rebuild trust and work towards greater conununity cohesion. We concur with these comments from a volunteer befriender, "With all the negative rhetortc about refugees and asyliiin seeke, particularly at the moment, I think that it is so important to be able to provide a welcoining environinent to thein. It is also important to be able to present an accurate picture to ourfftends andfamily, in contrast to what is portrayed in a lot of the media." Moving on to group sociaI activities, during 2024, 98 men, 74 women and 105 people from families (45 adults and 60 children from 15 countries) attended at least one event. There was a wide range of activities: 27 for men, 26 for women and 7 for families. The aims of all our group activities are similar to those for befriending: Reduced isolation and loneliness. Building relationships with other refugees and asylum seekers and with people from Birmingham. Improved English language skills, especially conversational English, through providing infonnal opportunities to develop and practise English language skills. Increased understanding of life in Birmingham and the UK through providing opportunities to learn about Birmingham, its history, cultures, and recreational opportunities. Improved well-being and mental health. Both the men's and women's groups enjoyed a broad range of activities including visits to Walsall New Art Gallery, The Lapworth Museum of Geology, Aston Hall, singing workshops with Birmingham Opera Company, Think Tank, music concerts, crafts sessions, walks along the canals and in the Lickey Hills. The men also explored Stratford-upon-A von. The programme of occasional group social activities for families, mainly in the school holidays, included trips to Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Beaudesert Outdoor Activity Centre, Think Tank and Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park. What is the impact of group social activities? Feedback from participants includes comments on the relational, community, well-being and learning outcomes that we hope for. One participant commented, "With the women's, Inen's llnd family events we were able to see and explore many plfices in wonderful Birniingham, which helped lis to get to know the ciiltilre, history and wonderful people of this beaiitiful city., Another wrote, "l joined the zvoineii's gyoup aiid weiit so inany places with them. They were very fvendly and helped ine to open lip andget inore involved in the soctety. It was such a sreat experience and I ain so thankful.,
BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGFfHER CHARITY NO. 243931 TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) 31 DECEMBER 2024 One man wrote enthusiastically about the trip to Stratford-upon-Avon, "I learned a lot of things about the city where William Shakespeare was born. We saw William Shakespeare's house. There were inany tourists there, comingfrom all over tlie world. We went to the butterfly garden. It was very beautifiil. For thefirst time I saw something like it. We learned about many things." We are also grateful to all the organisations who have supported our group activities by providing venues, activities, tours, at reduced costs or free of charge including.. Birniingham Museums Trust, The Rep Theatre, The University of Birmingham Exchange, Birmingham Anglican Cathedral, Selly Manor, The Midlands Arts Centre (MAC}, Birmingham Opera Company, Celebrating Sanctuary, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and Fatima House. Restore ran three training and awareness raising courses in February, June and October which were attended by 76 participants, an increase on 64 participants the prevÈous year. Some participants applied to befriend but not as many as in previous years. VoIunteer retention and existing volunteers taking on new or additional matches has helped us reach our new matches target. Even so, feLdback was positive and included, "I tlioroughly enjoyed the overview of the dtfferences between asji liiin seekers and refvgees and the pyocess that tliey have to go tlirough. Another participant wrote, "I foiind it helpfvl Itstening to as Ji liim seekers experiences. ' And another wrote, "It was extremely beneficial and I learned so much about the different groups of people who come into the coiintry and tlieir needs. Restore also raised awareness of refugee and asylum issues through speaking engagements, social media posts, the Refugees Welcome March in Refugee Week, and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland's Church of Sanctuary Conference (held in Birmingham) and mailings to supporters. Restore's 25th Anniversary Celebration, in Julyi was attended by over 100 refugees, asylum seekers, befrienders and supporters. Restore engaged in working for change through active participation in meetings including.. Birmingham City Council's City of Sanctuary Partnership Board; Migration Policy and Practice's Communities Thematic Group; and the Birmingham City of Sanctuary (voluntary) Committee. Restore helped to organise the Refugees Welcome March Èn Refugee Week. Restore was a partner in Birmingham's response to destikntion through the Hope Projects. Restore believes that the global refugee cliallenge requires all nations, including the UK, to play their part in providing solutions and that an 'offshoring policy, for some asylum seekers reneges on our responsibilities under the UN Refugee Convention 1951 which the UK helped to write. Therefore, as part of the Together with Refugees Coalition, we joined a campaign to seek changes in the Government's Safety of Rwanda Bill. Catherine Bridgwood moved on from Restore in March 2024 and Jasmine Cullen was appointed as Befriending Cfrordinator and started in mid-April. Sundus Abdi and Nicole Gilmore also moved on and the decision was made to create a combined, new, part-time post of Befriending Women's Worker and Conununications Officer with a recruitment process planned for January 2025. We are grateful for all that Catherine, Nicole and Sundus gave to Restore and wish them all well in their studies and future career paths.
BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER CHARITY NO. 243931 TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) 31 DECEMBER 2024 We are extremely grateful for the commitment of befrienders and supporters to Restore's work through monthly standing orders and one-off donations and to several churches who also generously donate to Restore. During the year, we were hugely grateful to receive financial support from several grant-making trusts and organisations including: National Lottery Community Fund, Inclusive Communities Fund, Barrow Cadbury Trust, Birmingham City Council Sanctuary grants, Roughley Trust, Cole Charitable Trust, South Birmingham Friends Institute Trust, Hilden Charitable Trust; Bishop Radford Ti'ust, George Henry Collins Charity, Richard KiIcuppe's Charity, Grimmitt Trust, Henry James Sayer Trust, John Avins Trust, GJW Turner Trust and Refugee Action. During 2024, we worked towards increasing the involvement of refugees and asylum seekers in Restore's plannÈng, evaluation, and decision-making processes. The Management Conunittee and staff team had worked together on a new Strategic Plan in 2023 which set out strategic aims in the areas of governance, operational development, and services, to be implemented from l January 2024 to 31 December 2026. We started implementation during 2024. Financial review The costs of Birmingham Churches Together Ecumenical Developrnent work have been met from income of the constituent Groups as stated in the Statement of Financial Activity. The overall activities of Birn)ingham Churches Together, including Restore, show a deficit for the year of £17,500 (Ecumenical Development £7,889, Restore £9,611). Total funds are now £155,812 (Ecumenical Development £35,684, Restore £120,128). Reserves Policy The level of reserves held by Birmingham Churches Together for its Ecumenical Development work and for Restore should be sufficient to cover six months operating costs in addition to sums set aside for proposed specific initiatives. The unrestricted general reserves for both projects amount to £35,684. Six months operating costs are estimated at £118,459 based on the 2025 budget. Investments Where investments are held, the Trustees, poIicy is to hold them as ethically as is possible to bring in Growth and Income without undue risk. Currently no investments are held. Surplus cash funds are being held in interest bearing bank accounts. Remuneration and expenses of Trustees It is not the policy of Birmingham Churches Together to remunerate its Trustees. No expenses or remuneration have been paid in either the current year or in 2023. Risk Trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed and satisfied themselves that systems or procedures are established in order to manage those risks. These risks are monitored and regularly reviewed.
BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER CHARITY NO. 243931 TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) 31 DECEMBER 2024 Structure, Governance & management Birniingham Churches Together {BCT) is a charity governed by a constitution. Trustees are appointed at the Annual General Meeting by nominated representatives of the Churches who are full members of BCT. The Presidents of BCT are ex-officio members of the Trustees body. A small group of Trustees are appointed to a Co-ordinating Group who oversee the day to day governance of the charity and scrutinise documents in preparation for Trustee meetings. The Trustees directly oversee and manage the strategic development of its Ecumenical work and the Restore project, which is also supported by separate management group. This group nominates a member to serve as a Trustee. Reference & administrative details Registered charity name.. Birmingham Churches Together Registered charity number.. 243931 Registered address: The Jericho Building 196-198 Edward Road Balsall Heath Birmingham B12 9LX The Trustees who served during the year were.. Presidents Most Revd. Bernard Longley, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Binningham Rev David Emanuel Ellis, Free Churches Moderator Appointed by members through the Annual General Meeting Rev Steve Faber, URC Moderator VenerabIe Jennifer Tomlinson Mgr Timothy Francis Menezes (resigned July 2024) Rev Deverton Antony Douglas Bishop Boris Paul Mccalla Rev Novette S HeadIey James Owen Ashley (appointed January 2024) Right Revd Dr Michael John Volland (appointed July 2024) The Membership of Birmingham Churches Together is made up of representatives from: Anglican Diocese of Birmingham Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham Birmingham Methodist District
10 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER CHARITY NO. 243931 TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) 31 DECEMBER 2024 Heart of England Baptist Association West Midlands Synod of the United Refornied Church West Midlands Division of the SaIvation Army The Society of Friends Central Enqland Area Meeting Fellowship of Churches of Christ The principal staff: Ecumenical Development Officer, Robert Mountford Restore Manager, Jeremy Thompson The Principal Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd West MaIling Kent ME19 4JQ Independent Examiner.. Karen Hanlan, ACA I Saracen Close Ettington CV37 7SZ Trustee and Chair of the nnual General Meeting Date
11 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER CHARITY NO. 243931 TRUSTEES, REPORT (continued) 31 DECEMBER 2024 Trustees, responsibilities statement The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each fÉnancial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its income and expenditure for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitabIe accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principals in the Charities SORP 2015,. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible 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 Act 2011 and the provisions of the Constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
12 Inde endent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Birmingham Churches er I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Birmingham Churches Together {'the Charity,) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 13 to 23. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity CoLTunission under section 145(i)Ib) of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I can confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. l) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act. or 2) the accounts do not accord with those records,. or 3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an iiidependent examination. 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. Karen Hanlan, Institute of Chartered Accountants, England & Wales Karen Han17 Independent Examiner Limited I Saracen Close, Ettington, CV37 7SZ Date 1216125
13 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfIviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total 2024 Total 2023 Income from: Donations and legacies (Note 4) Charitable Activities Investments - Bank interest 49,546 159,188 178 2,812 208,734 178 3,043 183,548 677 2,681 231 Total Income 49,777 162,178 211.955 186,906 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 1,611 56,055 17,395 154,394 19.006 210,449 20,279 196,488 Total Expenditure (Note 51 57,666 171,789 229,455 216,767 Net expenditure and net movement in funds {7,889) (9,611) (17.500) (29,861} Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Transfer of funds 43,573 129,739 173.312 203,173 Total funds carried forward 35.684 120,128 155.812 173,312
14 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGEfHER BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024 Notes 2024 2023 Fixed Assets Tangible assets Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 4,362 156,682 2,970 175,348 161,044 178,318 Current Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 10 (5,232) (5,006) Net current assets 155,812 173,312 Net assets 155.812 173,312 Funds of the charity RestTiCted funds Unrestricted funds 14 120,128 35,684 129,739 43,573 Total charity funds 155,812 173,312 Approved on behalf of the Birmingham Churches Together on TBC Trustee and Chair of the Annual General Meeting Honorary Treasurer
15 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES BasÉs of accounting 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 (FRS102) (updated l January 2019) (Charities SORP (FRS102)) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102). In preparing these financial statements Update Bulletin I to the Charities SORP (FR5102) has been adopted and consequently a Statement of Cash flows has not been prepared. Churches Together Birmingham meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRSIO2. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historic cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note Going Concern statement The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis which assumes that the charity will continue to operate. The validity of this assumption is dependent upon the continuance of support from the charity's key funders and stakeholders and in response to the progress made by the charity in pursuing a viable budget including the obtaining of further grants and donations. The charity's business plan shows that the charity will be able to operate in the foreseeable future. Based on this understanding the trustees believe that it remains appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. The financial statements do not include any adjustments, which would result from the basis of preparation being inappropriate. Fund accounting General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objects of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are restricted to the use that the monies were received for. The Designated Fund is a Special Purposes Fund for Ecumenical Development work and is currently used to set aside monÈes for further Promotions and the Ecumenical Development Officers Sabbatical. Relationship between Ecumenical Development work and the charity's projects In preparing these accounts, the Trustees require that the Restore project be self-funding and is not to be supported from the Charity's Ecumenical Development work.
16 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Within the Statement of Financial Activity all funds received for the projects of Restore are accounted for as Restricted Funds. Within each of the projects some funding may be for specific purposes or for general use, this breakdown is identified in note 14. Unrestricted Funds: Donations and Other Income received which is available for use on any project or activity, as the Trustees shall agree. It is the policy of the Trustees to allocate all unrestricted funds to its Ecumenical Development work, since each project is required to be self-funded. Designated Funds: The allocation of Unrestricted Funds to a specific activity within its Ecumenical Development work. Such funds which remain after the project has been completed or which have been replaced by Restricted Funds form part of the Unrestricted Funds and may be credited back to that fund. Restricted Funds: Donations and Other Income, including Grants, which may be used only for the specrfic project for which they were made available. Any surplus, except where immaterial, is returned to the Donor. Income Income represents the amount derived from subscriptions, fundraisingi donations and grants and is recognised where the charity is legally entitled to the income, ultimate receipt is probable and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Donations are recognised when received. Income relating to future periods, as a result of donor imposed conditions specifying the time period, has been treated as deferred income. Income dependent on certain conditions, amounting to more than mere administrative requirements, is recognised when the conditi011s have been fulfilled. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings: Costs of raising funds comprises the costs of publicity and fundraising activity. Expenditure on charitable activity includes the costs of the project delivery undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
17 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued) Fixed assets Depreciation is provided on Office Furniture, Fittings and Equipment at rates calculated to write off the cost of items of £1,000 or more over the expected life of the asset, usually 3 years. Assets costing Less than £1,000 are written off in the year of purchase. Taxation As a registered charity no provision is considered necessary for taxation. Cash and eash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand and short tenn deposTts repayable on or within a three month notice period. Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discount5 due. Creditors Creditors are recognised wl)ere the charity has a present obl igation resulting from a past event tliat will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party aiid the amount due to settle the obligatioii can be measured or estimated reliably. GENERAL ACCUMULATED FUND The General Accumulated Fund represent the unrestricted funds of Ecumenical Development only. DESIGNATED FUNDS There are currently no funds designated for a particular purpose.
18 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 4. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Donations - individua15 Donations - Churches Legacies Membership Subscriptions Grants: Birmingham City Council Barrow Cadbury Inclusive Communities Fund National Lottery Community Fund Other Grants Other 34,704 12,606 34,704 12,606 46,516 46,516 11,293 20,000 15,000 20.000 36,920 8,665 159,188 11,293 20,000 15,000 20,000 36.920 11,695 208,734 3,030 49,546 Previous year Unrestricted Restricted Total 2023 Donations - iiidividuals Donations- Churches 36,120 15,772 24,786 36.120 15,772 24,786 29,402 Legacies Membership subscription5 Grants.. Barrow Cadbury Other Grants Other 29,402 27,200 33,550 13,681 151,109 27,200 33,550 16,718 183.548 3,037 32,439
19 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 5. EXPENDITURE Unrestricted Restricted Total 2024 Total 2023 Cost of raising funds: Staff costs Allocation of support costs 6,338 11,057 17,395 6338 12,668 19,006 7,471 12,808 20,279 1,611 1,611 Cost of charitable activities: Staff costs Programme activity costs Travel expenses Rent & insurance Meetings/conferences Telephone, print, stationery Website development Subscriptions Sundry expenses Governance costs - professional fees Accountancy charges Less support cos15 allocated to raising funds 38,536 143,337 9,029 181,873 9.029 2.339 16,578 3,715 1,361 2294 I,iio 542 676 3.600 {12,668} 210,449 169,350 9,568 1,832 16,389 3,466 1,054 2,114 1,025 541 457 3,500 (12,808) 196,488 2.339 5,411 3,715 425 2,294 I,iio 60 676 3,100 (1,611) 56,055 11,167 936 482 500 (11,057) 154,394 Total expenditure 57,666 171,789 229,455 216,767 I Includes fee for Independent Examination of £650 and Finance Support charge of £400 6. STAFF COSTS, TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES Total 2024 Total 2023 Salaries National Insurance Pension costs Freelance staff Other 168,591 9,989 9,631 158,064 8,823 9,934 188,211 176,821 Staff Numbers Full-time equivalent excluding trustees: 2024 Number 2023 Number Management, fundraising and admin Project Management 1.00 4.03 4.06 5.06 5.03
20 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOCEfHER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 No employeed liad emoluments in excess of £60,1)0012023.. £nill. The charity trustees were not pajd or received any benelits Erom employment with the charity in the year12023.. £nil). No expenses relating to tsavel or subsistence were reimbursed to any trustee during the year12023.. £niil. No charity trustee received paymL&nt for proEe5sional or other services supplied to the charity12023.. £nill. The charity contribute5 into Group Personal Pensioii Plans for most employees. These peiision plan5 are defined contribution in nature and as required under FRS102 the annual c05t is reColised as CUrred and included in the Statement of Financial Activities. 7. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Office Equipment Cost At beginning and eiid of year 5,288 Depreciation At beginning of year Charge for the year At end of year 5,288 5,288 Net Bookvalue At 31 December 2023 & 2024 8. DEBTORS 2024 Tolal 2023 Total General Re$tri£led Income receivable Prepayments 554 1,697 I,i(x) 1,654 1708 724 2,246 2,251 2,111 4.362 2,970 9. BANK BALANCES 2024 Total 2023 Total General Re51ricted Cash in Interest Bearing Accounts Cash in non-sntere5t Bearing Accounts 7.516 29,126 119,004 1,036 126,520 30,162 144,024 31,324 36,642 120,040 156.682 17i,348
21 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 10. CREDITORS 2024 2023 Creditors and Accruals Deferred income 3,508 1.724 3,439 1,567 5,232 5,006 11. CONTROLLING INTERESTS The charity is controlled by the trustees. 12. RELATED PARTY TRANSAcfioNS There have been no transactions with related parties during the year which require disclosure in these financial statements. 13. NET ASSETS BY FUND Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2024 Total funds Fixed a55ets Debtors Casli Creditors less than l year 2,251 36,642 (3,209) 35,684 2,111 120,040 (2,023) 120,128 4,362 156,682 15,232) 155,812 Previous year Unrestricted funds Restricted fund$ 2023 Total funds Fixed assets Debtors Cash Creditors less than l year 1,384 46,695 (4,506) 43,573 1,586 128,653 (500) 129,739 2,970 175.348 15,006) 173.312
22 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 14 MOVEMENT IN RESTRIcfED FUNDS Balance l January 2024 Balance 31 December 2024 Income Expenditure Transfer5 Restore RestriLted.. Barrow Cadbury Birmingham City Council National Lottery Inclusive Communities Other work Parl-lime befriender Befriending 6,666 20,IX)O 20,000 6,666 11,293 20,IXJO 10,481 6,667 812 13,333 15,IKIO 320 li,O(K) 320 1,895 3i,450 114 5,796 9?,723 76,066 1,895 22,451 1,882 120 33,014 96,725 23,800 10,801 1,768 St Johns 5.676 96,089 66,089 33,380 86,748 General Restore Funds Total Funds Restore 129,739 162,178 171,789 120,128 Note, the General FunLls within Restore are unrestricted within that project. The purpose of the above funds are to support various projects within Restore activity including a befriending scheme and social activities for refugees <2nd asyluni seekers and training of volunteers. Remaining funds from St lohns relates to funds raised to provide eiller8ency food supplies for refugees.
23 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 15. Comparative Statement of Financial Activities for 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments- Bank interest 32,439 151,109 677 183,548 677 2,681 395 2,286 Total Income 32,834 154,072 186,906 Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities 1,505 53,097 18,774 143,391 20,279 196,488 Total Expenditure 54,602 162,165 216,767 Net expenditure and net movement in funds (21,768) (8,093) (29,861) Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 65,341 137,832 203,173 Total funds carried forward 43,573 129,739 173,312
24 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER ECUMENICAL DEVELOPMENT DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 2024 2023 INCOME Subscriptions- Ecumenical Development Subscriptions WMRCF Other kncome- Summit Bank Interest 40.853 5,663 3,030 231 25,744 3,658 3,037 395 49,777 32,834 EXPENDITURE Ecumenical Development Officer: Salary, National Insurance & Pension Traveling expenses 38,536 2,339 37,261 1,832 40,875 39,093 Office Salary, National Insurance & Pension Rent, Insurance including Heatiiig Meeting and Conference Expeiises Printing and Stationery Web51te developinent aiid mainteiiance Churches Togetlier iii Ejigland Sundry Expeiises Governance costs - professional fees Accountancy Charges 5,411 3,715 425 2,294 I,iio 60 676 3,100 5,369 3,466 18 2,114 1,025 60 457 3,000 Total expendkture 57,666 54,602 Net Expenditure (7.8891 (21,7681 Fund Balance at l January 2024 43,573 65,341 Fund Balance at 31 DecembeT 2024 35,684 43,573 This statement is for inforrnation only and does not form part of the Statutory Financial Statements.
25 BIRMINGHAM CHURCHES TOGETHER RESTORE DET AILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 General Fund Restricted/d esignated Funds 2024 Total 2023 Total INCOME Grants other Grants- Barrow Cadbury Trust Grants - Partner Development Trust Grants - Birmingham City Council Grants - Inclusive Communitie5 Fund Grants - National Lottery Community Fund Donations- Individuals Donations - Churches Gift aid on donations Legacies Befriending services Fundraising Bank Interest Other 13,120 23,800 20,000 36.920 20,000 33,550 27,200 4,840 11,293 15,000 20,000 11,293 15,000 20,000 34,704 12,606 6,354 34,704 6,930 6,354 36,120 15,772 5,658 24,786 960 5,676 320 320 1.991 2.812 178 1,991 2,812 178 2,223 2,286 677 66,089 96,089 162,178 154,072 EXPENDrruRE Salaries & wages Befrienders Co-ordinator Administration Employment allowance Office Expenses Information and Publicity Accountancy Charges Programme Activities Training- Staff and Volunteer 37,267 20,827 8,754 (4,081) 6,027 736 500 5,554 482 60,437 25,353 1,118 97,704 46,180 9,872 (4,081) 11,167 936 90,168 40,916 12,137 (3.661) 11,020 1,036 500 9,568 481 5,140 200 500 9,029 482 3,475 76,066 95,723 171,789 162,165 Net (expenditure)/income (9,9771 366 (9,611) (8.093) Fund Balance at l january 2024 96,725 33,014 129,739 137,832 Fund Balance at 31 December 2024 86,748 33,380 120,128 129,739 This statenient is for information only and does not form part of the Statutory Financial Statements.