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 jild￿￿ent. 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 I￿1P 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 Han1￿7 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 reCo￿lised 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.