**Charity number: 250788**
## **THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **CONTENTS**
||Page|
|---|---|
|**Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers**|1|
|**Trustees' report**|2 - 6|
|**Independent auditors' report on the financial statements**|7 - 10|
|**Consolidated statement of financial activities**|11 - 12|
|**Consolidated balance sheet**|13|
|**Charity balance sheet**|14|
|**Consolidated statement of cash flows**|15|
|**Notes to the financial statements**|16 - 47|
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
|**Trustees**|Mrs M Baker, (Convenor) (resigned 6 April 2023)|
|---|---|
||Rev Dr Rob Whiteman, (Hon. Treasurer) (resigned 5 April 2024)|
||Ms H Dumpleton (resigned 6 April 2023)|
||Mr R Ince (resigned 6 April 2023)|
||Rev. C M Cartwright (resigned 5 April 2024)|
||Ms J Jacobs|
||Rev. J James|
||Mr S Hall (resigned 31 August 2022) (reappointed 20 July 2023)|
||Mr A J Bates (appointed 6 April 2023)|
||Rev W Thomas (appointed 6 April 2023, resigned 7 March 2024)|
||Ms S Morrison (appointed 5 October 2023)|
||Ms S Benfield (appointed 6 October 2023)|
|**Charity registered**
**number**
250788
**Principal office**
Essex Hall
1-6 Essex Street
London
WC2R 3HY
**Chief officer**
Ms E Slade
**Independent auditors**
Shaw Gibbs (Audit) Limited
264 Banbury Road
Oxford
OX2 7DY
**Investment advisors**
BNY Mellon Fund Managers Ltd
London Branch
One Canada Square
Canary Wharf
London
E14 5AL||
Page 1
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the Charity for the 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2023.
Members during the year: Mrs M Baker (Convenor) (resigned 6 April 2023) Rev Dr Rob Whiteman (Hon Treasurer) (resigned 5 April 2024) Ms H Dumpleton (resigned 6 April 2023) Mr R Ince (resigned 6 April 2023) Rev. C M Cartwright (resigned 5 April 2024) Ms J Jacobs Rev. J James Mr S Hall (resigned 31 August 2022) (reappointed 20 July 2023) Mr A J Bates (appointed 6 April 2023) Rev W Thomas (appointed 6 April 2023, resigned 7 March 2024)
The Executive Committee (EC) acts as the trustee body of the General Assembly (GA) and is responsible for determining the overall direction and development of the GA in line with the decisions and policies agreed at the Annual Meetings and the requirements of charity law and other legal requirements. The Executive Committee provides strategic leadership, appoints the Chief Officer, and is responsible for ensuring the effective use of the assets of the General Assembly. Executive Committee members are not representatives of individual districts or areas of the country but must act in the best interests of the General Assembly as a charity.
## **Purpose and objectives**
## **a. Object**
To promote a free and inquiring religion through the worship of God and the celebration of life; the service of humanity and respect for all creation; and the upholding of the liberal Christian tradition.
## **b. Public benefit**
The Trustees have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s objectives and planning future activities.
## **c. Constitution**
The General Assembly Of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches is a registered charity number 250788 and is constituted under a Trust deed.
## **Achievements and performance**
## **a. Main achievements of the Charity**
The Annual Meetings in 2023 saw the end of Marion Baker’s term on the EC and her role as Convenor. Marion’s commitment to the General Assembly, and her thoughtful leadership within the EC will bear fruit for many years to come, and we are grateful for all the ways in which she shared the wisdom of her experience. We offer huge thanks also to Hilda Dumpleton and Robert Ince whose terms on the EC also came to an end in 2023, after many years of committed service. Marion, Hilda and Robert all continue to serve our Unitarian and Free Christian movement in many ways.
At the Annual Meetings, the EC hosted a workshop to explore the sustainability of our congregations and membership. Nearly 100 people took part, showing us how important a subject this is to people. In groups, we explored the questions:
Page 2
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **Achievements and performance (continued)**
- 1) What is your reaction to our collective falling membership? How does it feel in your congregation when you talk about attendance?
- 2) Where do you feel stuck? What are the biggest challenges you face? What do we need to let go of?
- 3) Where does the excitement lie? What feels hopeful? What do we need to hold on to or do more of?
There was richness in the conversation, and we’re grateful for the notes that the participants fed back to us, so we could synthesise the feedback from the groups. It felt so valuable to name the feelings around declining membership – sad, anxious, frightened, angry, ‘hopping mad’, disappointed – and also to name that for many people it is hard to talk about, and easier to avoid the topic. These are not enjoyable feelings to engage with, after all.
The main challenges named were a lack of public awareness of Unitarianism and religious life in general, having too few people to do the work that’s needed to support the congregation healthily, and the difficulties in leading change in a community setting. The things identified as needing to be let go of were some of the traditional cultural elements of church life that may not resonate with many people’s experience today, or where things are done a certain way ‘because that’s how we’ve always done it’, rather than because of its inherent value.
The things named as hopeful and exciting were varied – from partnerships with other local faith and community groups, to social activities and events for young people, and in breadth and variety in worship. New ministers, student ministry placements, and joint ministries were also hopeful experiences, as well as connections across the movement, particularly the new opportunities opened up by online meetings.
The incoming EC members, John Bates and Rev Wyn Thomas, attended the workshop as well as the incumbent members and the insight from this well-attended workshop has fed into the EC’s work throughout this year.
It drove the development of a new scheme to provide financial support, connection and encouragement to new locally-led medium-term projects that will invest in local leadership. We started sharing this innovation challenge scheme with our membership in late 2023, and by the time you read this we hope you will have heard more about the proposal.
The 2023 Annual Meetings also saw the launch of a new Lindsey Press title, ‘Cherishing the Earth – Nourishing the Spirit’, edited by Rev Dr Maria Curtis. The book explores the theme of Eco spirituality, and how Unitarian and Free Christian faith can guide us in this time of climate breakdown and polycrisis. Our thanks to Quaker writer and activist Alastair McIntosh for writing a thoughtful foreword for the book, to all those who contributed chapters, prayers, poems and reflections, and to Catherine Robinson, for her expert copyediting and production skills that brought the book into being.
Rev Jo James was appointed Convenor at the May 2023 EC meeting. Simon Hall, Dr Sue Morrison, and Sarah Benfield were co-opted to join the EC in September 2023. Our thanks to them for stepping up to fill the vacant positions.
## **b. Ministry**
This year we welcomed Rev Lynda Kane, Rev Arek Malecki and Rev CJ McGregor onto the GA’s roll of ministers.
We are also working with Unitarian College to develop a new Roll for lay worship leaders, in parallel with the college’s development of their Advanced Lay Worship Studies programme. Throughout the year, the GA Staff team have continued to adapt to our movement’s changing circumstances, supporting congregations to find their path forwards.
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**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **Achievements and performance (continued)**
The GA continues to provide grants in several areas. Ministry students are eligible for support with their living costs from the Ministry Students Fund. Several congregations received financial support to help pay for their minister’s stipend, via the Sustentation Fund. And we were glad to support four young people from Gellionnen’s #Blessed young adults’ group to attend the International Association for Religious Freedom’s conference in Transylvania.
We are grateful to the British & Foreign Unitarian Association (B&FUA) for their continued management of the Ministers’ Stipend Augmentation Fund, which provides financial support for ministers in England, and appreciate the B&FUA sharing the anonymised application information from ministers, which allows us to deepen our understanding of ministers’ current experience, and inform the support that we can provide.
We are grateful to the B&FUA and the Essex Hall Trust for their continued financial support of the GA via their grants to us, and to the Bowland Trust and Wood Green Trust for their financial support to enable younger adults, children, and first-time attendees come to the Annual Meetings at a much reduced rate.
## **c. Finances**
The accounts of the General Assembly are set out later in this report in summary form along with those of the Nightingale Centre. A full copy of the annual accounts is available on the Charity Commission website and GA’s websitel.
The Finance Group of the EC has continued to meet regularly by Zoom, Chaired by Rob Whiteman as Honorary Treasurer, with Jo James, and John Bates as EC members, and with Marion Baker, and Robert Ince providing generous support as former EC members, along with David Joseph (Finance Manager) and Liz Slade (Chief Officer). The Finance Group supports the in-year budget planning process, and looks at longer-term financial sustainability for the GA.
## **d. Risks**
The EC have taken a revised approach to risk management, and have identified the following as our key risks:
- _Membership sustainability:_ Inability to retain and improve our membership numbers leading to existential failure
- _Safeguarding:_ accusation or discovery of inappropriate or harmful behaviour (historic or current)
- _Fraud:_ fraudulent or illegal activity leading to a loss of assets and inability to function
- _Ministers Pension Fund_ : failure of existing fund management leading to a funding shortfall requiring cash input from GA as guarantor of last resort
- _Pandemic_ : Inability to respond to a new COVID-19 or similar outbreak leading to failure to protect individual health
- _Financial sustainability_ : Inability to generate sufficient financial resources
- _Buildings sustainability_ : Inability to maintain our buildings to an appropriate standard
The financial and sustainability risks are being addressed and managed by leadership from the finance group (sub-committee); building risks are addressed by the buildings panel. Safeguarding risks are addressed by the provision of training for relevant staff and volunteers in respect of children or vulnerable adults attending Unitarian events. Not all risks can be mitigated in advance, and some e.g. reputational risks will be managed should a risk event occur.
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**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **Financial review**
## **a. Going concern**
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
## **b. Reserves policy**
The General Assembly’s reserves policy is to hold sufficient free reserves, not restricted by their purpose or by virtue of endowment, to ensure that it is able to service its annual budgeted expenditure and to ensure that its risks in relation to its pension obligations are mitigated. The Finance Group will be reviewing the adequacy of this reserves policy in line with the GA’s investment policy. As at 30th September 2023 the amount of reserves in the General Fund was £3,149,418 (2022 restated - £2,861,600).
## **c. Financial risk management**
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Group and the Charity are exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Group and the Charity, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The main risk to the Charity is the level of members, particularly in light of challenges to congregations from the financial and social impact of pandemic. The Charity monitors membership numbers closely and steps are being taken to maintain membership numbers.
## **d. Principal funding**
The General Assembly’s funding is derived mainly from voluntary income from within the Unitarian movement, income generated from its charitable activities predominantly, courses including the activities of the Nightingale Centre, and the Annual Meetings plus income from investments.
## **e. Future generations**
We are overwhelmed by the generosity of those who have left significant sums to the GA and Nightingale Centre as legacies, in gratitude for how the Unitarian and Free Christian movement has influenced their lives. These gifts allow us to invest in ensuring we are able to make the same kind of impact on future generations.
Page 5
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **Statement of Trustees' responsibilities**
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Charity and of their incoming resources and application of resources, including their income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
- make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Group and the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Group and the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
## **Disclosure of information to auditors**
- Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:
- so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable group's auditors are unaware, and
- that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charitable group's auditors are aware of that information.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ ................................................ **Mr J Bates Rev. J James** Trustee Trustee Date: 31 Jul 2024
Page 6
## **THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **Opinion**
We have audited the financial statements of The General Assembly Of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches (the 'parent charity') and its subsidiaries (the 'group') for the year ended 30 September 2023 which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, the group and parent balance sheet, the group and parent statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
- give a true and fair view of the state of the group's and of the parent charity's affairs as at 30 September 2023 and of the group's incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
- have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
## **Basis for opinion**
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the group and parent charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
## **Conclusions relating to going concern**
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the group's or the parent charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Page 7
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES (CONTINUED)**
## **Other information**
The other information comprises the information included in the trustees annual report other than the financial statements and our auditors' report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the trustees annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
## **Matters on which we are required to report by exception**
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
- the information given in the Trustees' report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
- the parent charity has not kept sufficient accounting records; or
- the parent charity financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
## **Responsibilities of trustees**
As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group's and the parent charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the group or the parent charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Page 8
## **THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES (CONTINUED)**
## **Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements**
We have been appointed as auditor under section 151 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of that Act.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
1. At the planning stage of the audit we gain an understanding of the laws and regulations which apply to the parent charity and how the management seek to comply with those laws regulations. This helps us to plan appropriate risk assessments.
2. During the audit we focused on relevant risk areas and review the compliance with the laws and regulations by making relevant enquiries and undertaking corroboration, for example by reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.
3. We assessed the risk of material misstatement in the financial statements including as a result of fraud and undertook procedures including:
- a) Reviewing the controls set in place by management
- b) Making enquiries of management as to whether they consider fraud or other irregularity may have taken place, or where such opportunity might exist
- c) Challenging management assumptions with regard to accounting estimates
- d) Identifying and testing journal entries, particularly those which appear to be unusual by size or nature.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditors' report.
Page 9
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES (CONTINUED)**
## **Use of our report**
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and its trustees, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Shaw Gibbs Limited
**Shaw Gibbs (Audit) Limited** 264 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7DY
Date: 31 Jul 2024
Shaw Gibbs (Audit) Limited are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
Page 10
## **THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
|Note
**Income and**
**endowments from:**
Donations and legacies
5
Charitable activities
6
Other trading activities
7
Investments
8
Other income
9
**Total income and**
**endowments**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
10
Charitable activities
12
**Total expenditure**
**Net**
**income/(expenditure)**
**before net**
**gains/(losses) on**
**investments**
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
**Net**
**income/(expenditure)**
Transfers between
funds
25
**Net movement in**
**funds**|Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
506,017
200,440
47,635
65,127
-
819,219
4,677
747,780
752,457
66,762
193,810
260,572
27,246
287,818|Restricted
funds
2023
£
39,841
282,467
33,855
121,158
-
477,321
-
542,550
542,550
(65,229)
253,588
188,359
(27,246)
161,113|Endowment
funds
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
62,509
62,509
-
62,509|Total
funds
2023
£
545,858
482,907
81,490
186,285
-
1,296,540
4,677
1,290,330
1,295,007
1,533
509,907
511,440
-
511,440|_As restated_
_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_450,197_
_418,819_
_75,720_
_180,435_
_1,875_
_1,127,046_
_4,538_
_1,286,715_
_1,291,253_
_(164,207)_
_(263,025)_
_(427,232)_
_-_
_(427,232)_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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## **THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
|Note
**Reconciliation of**
**funds:**
Total funds brought
forward as previously
stated
Prior year adjustment
34
Total funds brought
forward as restated
Net movement in funds
**Total funds carried**
**forward**|Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
2,776,553
85,047
2,861,600
287,818
3,149,418|Restricted
funds
2023
£
6,426,681
(126,299)
6,300,382
161,113
6,461,495|Endowment
funds
2023
£
881,455
-
881,455
62,509
943,964|Total
funds
2023
£
10,084,689
(41,252)
10,043,437
511,440
10,554,877|_As restated_
_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_10,568,116_
_(97,447)_
_10,470,669_
_(427,232)_
_10,043,437_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities.
The Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 16 to 47 form part of these financial statements.
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## **THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
|Note
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
17
Investments
18
Investment property
19
**Current assets**
Stocks
20
Debtors
21
Investments
22
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
23
**Net current assets**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
Creditors: amounts falling due after more
than one year
24
**Net assets excluding pension asset**
**Total net assets**
**Charity funds**
Endowment funds
25
Restricted funds
25
Unrestricted funds
25
**Total funds**|4,321
84,206
76,229
1,197,276
1,362,032
(183,407)|2023
£
1,236,409
6,900,931
1,240,457
9,377,797
1,178,625
10,556,422
(1,545)
10,554,877
10,554,877
943,964
6,461,495
3,149,418
10,554,877|_2,420_
_235,479_
_76,229_
_993,211_
_1,307,339_
_(127,113)_|_As restated_
_2022_
_£_
_1,239,720_
_6,423,446_
_1,206,644_
_8,869,810_
_1,180,226_
_10,050,036_
_(6,599)_
_10,043,437_
_10,043,437_
_881,455_
_6,300,382_
_2,861,600_
_10,043,437_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ ................................................ **Mr J Bates Rev. J James**
## Date: 31 Jul 2024
The notes on pages 16 to 47 form part of these financial statements.
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## **THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **CHARITY BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
|Note
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
17
Investments
18
Investment property
19
**Current assets**
Stocks
20
Debtors
21
Investments
22
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
23
**Net current assets**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
Creditors: amounts falling due after more
than one year
24
**Net assets excluding pension asset**
**Total net assets**
**Charity funds**
Endowment funds
25
Restricted funds
25
Unrestricted funds
25
**Total funds**|1,000
52,656
76,229
563,267
693,152
(86,927)|2023
£
57,181
6,681,603
150,000
6,888,784
606,225
7,495,009
(1,545)
7,493,464
7,493,464
943,964
3,507,354
3,042,146
7,493,464|_1,475_
_193,030_
_76,229_
_371,246_
_641,980_
_(55,935)_|_As restated_
_2022_
_£_
_54,532_
_6,213,902_
_150,000_
_6,418,434_
_586,045_
_7,004,479_
_(6,599)_
_6,997,880_
_6,997,880_
_881,453_
_3,339,874_
_2,776,553_
_6,997,880_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
................................................ ................................................ **Mr J Bates Rev. J James**
31 Jul 2024 Date:
The notes on pages 16 to 47 form part of these financial statements.
Page 14
## **THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
|**Cash flows from operating activities**
Net cash used in operating activities
**Cash flows from investing activities**
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from sale of investments
Purchase of investments
**Net cash provided by investing activities**
**Cash flows from financing activities**
**Net cash provided by financing activities**
**Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year**
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year**
The notes on pages 16 to 47 form part of these financial statements|2023
£
23,363
186,285
(5,583)
6,665,724
(6,665,724)
180,702
-
204,065
993,211
1,197,276|_2022_
_£_
_(70,609)_
_180,435_
_-_
_-_
_-_
180,435
-
109,826
_883,385_
_993,211_|
|---|---|---|
Page 15
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **1. General information**
The General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches is an unincorporated charity. It is registered in England and Wales with charity registered number 250788. The principal address of the Charity is Essex Hall, 1-6 Essex Street, Strand, London, WC2R 3HY.
## **2. Accounting policies**
## **2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The General Assembly Of Unitarian & Free Christian Churches meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
The Consolidated statement of financial activities (SOFA) and Consolidated balance sheet consolidate the financial statements of the Charity and its subsidiary undertaking. The results of the subsidiary (shown in note 33) are consolidated on a line by line basis.
The consolidated financial sstatements incorporate financial statements of General Assembly of Unitarian and Free Christian Churches and The nightingale Centre (Unitarian) (charity no. 242256).
As permitted by FRS 102, the charity has taken advantage of the exemption under s408 CA 2006 - disclosure of individual statement of financial activities.
## **2.2 Going concern**
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis which assumes that the charity will continue in opertational existence for the forseeable future. The Trustees have reviewed the working capital requirements of the group for a period of at least 12 months from the anticipated date of signing of the consolidated financial statements and are satisfied that the charity will be able to meet its liabilities as the fall due.
Page 16
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **2. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **2.3 Income**
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured..
Grants are included in the Consolidated statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Gifts in kind are included at valuation and recognised as the cost is incurred.
On receipt, donated professional services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity which is the amount it would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.
## **2.4 Expenditure**
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Group to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Group's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
Page 17
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **2. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **2.4 Expenditure (continued)**
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.
.
Approximately 50% of the full-time equivalent staff hours are spent on programme work. Accordingly total salary costs have been split equally between programme and support costs and management and administration costs
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
## **2.5 Government grants**
Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Consolidated statement of financial activities over the expected useful lives of the assets concerned. Other grants are credited to the Consolidated statement of financial activities as the related expenditure is incurred.
.
Government grants include income received through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.
## **2.6 Taxation**
The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
## **2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation**
Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.
Page 18
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **2. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation (continued)**
Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.
Depreciation is provided on the following basis:
Furniture at General Assembly - 20% Straight line Computer equiment at General - 33% Straight line Assembly Software - 20% Straight line Property improvements at - 13% Straight line Nightingale Centre - Fixtures, fittings and equipment Fully depreciated at Nightingale Centre
Freehold land and freehold property held jointly is not depreciated. The original value of the freehold property at the Nightingale Centre is not depreciated as it is considered that it is not worth less than its book value.
## **2.8 Investments**
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Consolidated statement of financial activities.
Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.
## **2.9 Investment properties**
Investment properties are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value. Gains are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and shown in the heading 'Gain/(losses) on investments' in the Statement of Financial Activites.
## **2.10 Stocks**
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks. Cost includes all direct costs and an appropriate proportion of fixed and variable overheads.
## **2.11 Debtors**
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Page 19
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **2. Accounting policies (continued)**
## **2.12 Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
## **2.13 Liabilities and provisions**
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
## **2.14 Financial instruments**
The Group only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
## **2.15 Pensions**
The General Assembly operates pension plans available to all eligible employees. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds. Pension costs charged in the Statement of Financial Activities represent the contributions payable by the General Assembly in the year. The schemes are defined benefit schemes however as it is not possible for the Charity to obtain sufficient information to enable it to account for the schemes as a defined benefit scheme, it accounts for the schemes as a defined contribution scheme. See note 28 for further details.
## **2.16 Fund accounting**
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Group and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Group for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
Endownmment funds, permanent and expendable endownment funds are the results of gifts to the charity that are to be invested and the income thereof used for the purposes of the charity either as unrestricted or restricted funds dependent on the wishes of the donor.
Page 20
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgment**
Estimates and judgments are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
## _**Critical accounting estimates and assumptions:**_
The Charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
## _**Critical areas of judgment:**_
## _**Tangible fixed assets**_
Tangible fixed assets are depreciated over their useful lives taking into account residual values where appropriate. The actual lives of the assets and residual values are assessed annually and may vary depending on a number of factors. Residual value assessments consider issues such as the remaining life of the asset and projected disposal values.
## _**Investment properties**_
Investment properties were initially valued by external professional valuers. This valuation is assessed by the Trustees on an annual basis.
## **4. Intangible income**
The General Assembly receives accommodation and services free of charge from Essex Hall Trustees which would have to be paid if not provided for free. The free (see note 5) accommodation was valued from 1 January 2018 by independent property experts at £111,000 per annum.
The occupancy of Essex Hall's accommodation increased during the year and therefore the General Assembly's Trustees estimated that the value would have increased to £133,800 in the year to 30 September 2023.
Page 21
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **5. Income from donations and legacies**
|**Donations and legacies**
Sundry donations
Legacies
Nightingale Centre
**Grants**
Essex Hall - grant
British & Foreign Unitarian Association
**Similar incoming resources**
Association membership
Essex Hall - gifts in kind (note 4)
Contribution from related charities
**Subtotal detailed disclosure**
**Total 2023**
_Total 2022_|Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
8,128
240,555
-
80,000
27,432
13,452
133,800
2,650
506,017
506,017
_260,155_|Restricted
funds
2023
£
27,967
-
11,874
-
-
-
-
-
39,841
39,841
_190,042_|Total
funds
2023
£
36,095
240,555
11,874
80,000
27,432
13,452
133,800
2,650
545,858
545,858
_450,197_|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_184,310_
_11,693_
_13,788_
_80,000_
_29,353_
_14,823_
_111,000_
_5,230_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_450,197_|
||||||
|||||_450,197_|
||||||
## **6. Income from charitable activities**
|Local Leadership - Courses
Annual Meetings
Congregational Contributions
Nightingale Centre - Residents and visitors
**Total 2023**
_Total 2022_|Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
19,398
98,763
82,279
-
200,440
_154,138_|Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
-
-
282,467
282,467
_264,681_|Total
funds
2023
£
19,398
98,763
82,279
282,467
482,907
_418,819_|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_110_
_68,569_
_85,459_
_264,681_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_418,819_|
||||||
Page 22
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **7. Income from other trading activities**
## **Income from non charitable trading activities**
|Sales of goods
Essex Hall - Cost sharing
Support services to Unitarian College
Nightingale Centre - Charges to residents and
visitors
**Total 2023**
_Total 2022_|Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
6,635
35,000
6,000
-
47,635
_46,310_|Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
-
-
33,855
33,855
_29,410_|Total
funds
2023
£
6,635
35,000
6,000
33,855
81,490
_75,720_|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_5,310_
_35,000_
_6,000_
_29,410_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_75,720_|
||||||
## **8. Investment income**
|Rent and ground rent
Dividends and bank interest
Nightingale Centre - Dividends and bank
interest
**Total 2023**
_Total 2022_|Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
-
65,127
-
65,127
_61,936_|Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
89,705
31,453
121,158
_118,499_|Total
funds
2023
£
-
154,832
31,453
186,285
_180,435_|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_28_
_148,502_
_31,905_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_180,435_|
||||||
Page 23
## **THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **9. Other incoming resources**
|Nightingale Centre - Government grants
_Total 2022_|Restricted
funds
2023
£
-
_1,875_|Total
funds
2023
£
-
_1,875_|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_1,875_|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
## **10. Raising funds**
|Other fundrasing costs
_Total 2022_|Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
4,677
_4,538_|Total
funds
2023
£
4,677
_4,538_|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_4,538_|
|---|---|---|---|
|||||
## **11. Analysis of grants**
|Grants to Organisations
Grants to individuals
**Total 2023**
_Total 2022_|Grants to
institutions
2023
£
36,494
-
36,494
_56,026_|Grants to
Individuals
2023
£
-
77,586
77,586
_41,703_|Total
funds
2023
£
36,494
77,586
114,080
_97,729_|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_56,026_
_41,703_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_97,729_|
||||||
Page 24
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **11. Analysis of grants (continued)**
The Group has made the following material grants to institutions during the year:
|**Name of institution**
The Inquirer (from Unrestricted Fund)
Grants to Scottish congregations (from the James Speed Restricted Fund)
Grants to congregations (from the Sustentation Restricted Fund)
Red Cross (from Annual meeting - Ukraine Fund)
Unitarian College (from Unrestricted fund)
**Total grants to instutions**|2023
£
-
21,244
15,250
-
-
36,494
36,494|_2022_
_£_
_5,500_
_27,903_
_15,417_
_5,406_
_1,800_|
|---|---|---|
|||_56,026_|
||||
|||_56,026_|
## **12. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities**
## **Summary by fund type**
|Programme Activities
Committee Activities
Administration
Grants to organisations
Grants to individuals
Nightingale Centre - Residents and visitors
Nightingale Centre - Administration
**Total 2023**
_Total 2022_|Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
288,660
8,039
450,934
-
147
-
-
747,780
_638,750_|Restricted
funds
2023
£
18,560
440
-
36,494
77,439
408,207
1,410
542,550
_647,965_|Total
2023
£
307,220
8,479
450,934
36,494
77,586
408,207
1,410
1,290,330
_1,286,715_|_Total_
_2022_
_£_
_253,583_
_3,304_
_374,071_
_56,026_
_41,703_
_556,723_
_1,305_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_1,286,715_|
||||||
Page 25
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **13. Analysis of expenditure by activities**
|Programme Activities
Committee Activities
Administration
Grants to UK organisations
Grants to individuals
Nightingale Centre - Residents
and visitors
Nightingale Centre -
Administration
**Total 2023**
_Total 2022_|Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
307,220
8,479
-
-
-
408,207
1,410
725,316
_814,915_|Grant
funding of
activities
2023
£
-
-
-
36,494
77,586
-
-
114,080
_97,729_|Support
costs
2023
£
-
-
450,934
-
-
-
-
450,934
_374,071_|Total
funds
2023
£
307,220
8,479
450,934
36,494
77,586
408,207
1,410
1,290,330
_1,286,715_|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_253,583_
_3,304_
_374,071_
_56,026_
_41,703_
_556,723_
_1,305_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||_1,286,715_|
|||||||
Page 26
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **13. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)**
## **Analysis of direct costs**
|Staff costs - Programme activities and Nightingale Centre
Programme activities - Welsh Programme
Programme activities - Youth Programme
Programme activities - Visibility Programme
Programme activities - Ministry Strategy Programme
Programme activities - Annual Meeting
Programme activities - Wedding Devlopment
Programme activities - Restricted fund costs
Programme activities - Summer School
Nightingale Centre - Resident and visitors (excluding staff costs)
Nightingale Centre - Administration
Committe Activities - Local Leadership
Committee activities - Ministry|Total
funds
2023
£
413,809
562
1,024
718
-
91,317
125
3,652
1,153
203,067
1,410
-
8,479
725,316|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_340,170_
_1,550_
_522_
_587_
_707_
_80,897_
_1,217_
_2,040_
_193_
_382,423_
_1,305_
_84_
_3,220_|
|---|---|---|
|||_814,915_|
Page 27
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **13. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)**
## **Analysis of support costs**
|Staff costs
Executive committee expenses
Officers' travel and expenses
Office expenses
Staff training
Legal and professional fees
Rent
Insurance
Communications
Audit and consultancy
Other
**14.**
**Auditors' remuneration**
Fees payable to the Charity's auditor for the audit of the Charity's annual
accounts (including VAT)|Total
funds
2023
£
190,352
24,466
2,954
54,260
1,600
9,387
133,800
4,755
-
21,600
7,760
450,934
2023
£
21,600|_Total_
_funds_
_2022_
_£_
_165,871_
_14,134_
_964_
_44,860_
_134_
_8,094_
_111,000_
_4,136_
_540_
_21,000_
_3,338_|
|---|---|---|
|||_374,071_|
|||_2022_
_£_
_21,000_|
Page 28
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **15. Staff costs**
|Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension
schemes|Group
2023
£
538,965
31,728
33,468
604,161|_Group_
_2022_
_£_
_477,357_
_33,368_
_(4,684)_
_506,041_|Charity
2023
£
337,223
28,078
30,133
395,434|_Charity_
_2022_
_£_
_312,511_
_27,260_
_(8,030)_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
|||||_331,741_|
The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:
||Group|_Group_|Charity|_Charity_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||2023|_2022_|2023|_2022_|
||No.|_No._|No.|_No._|
|Employees|27|_27_|11|_12_|
Higher paid employees
No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in the year.
Page 29
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **16. Trustees' remuneration and expenses**
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits _(2022 - £NIL)_ .
Key management personnel comprise the trustees and senior management team. The total employment benefits of the key management personnel for the period under review were £67,520 (2022: £66,563)
During the year ended 30 September 2023, travel and subsistence expenses totalling _£_ 2,851 were reimbursed or paid directly to 10 Trustees _(2022 - £2,961 to 8 Trustees)_ .
Trustee Rev. Dr. R Whiteman is a minister for a Scottish congregation and the GA paid £14,185 (2022: £16,802) from the James Speed Trust fund as a contribution to his stipend. This fund is an endowment to pay Scottish congregational costs, including ministers' stipends.
## **17. Tangible fixed assets**
## **Group**
|**Cost or valuation**
At 1 October 2022
Additions
Disposals
At 30 September 2023
**Depreciation**
At 1 October 2022
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 30 September 2023
**Net book value**
At 30 September 2023
_At 30 September 2022_|Freehold
property and
improvements
£
1,907,578
-
-
1,907,578
722,390
5,960
-
728,350
1,179,228
_1,185,188_|Freehold
properties
held jointly
£
52,800
-
-
52,800
-
-
-
-
52,800
_52,800_|Equipment
including
computers
£
514,609
5,583
(105,122)
415,070
512,877
2,934
(105,122)
410,689
4,381
_1,732_|Total
£
2,474,987
5,583
(105,122)
2,375,448
1,235,267
8,894
(105,122)
1,139,039
1,236,409
_1,239,720_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 30
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **17. Tangible fixed assets (continued)**
## **Group (continued)**
The freehold property and improvements of the Nightingale Centre are vested in the British and Foreign Unitarian Association (Incorporated) as Custodian Trustees.
The land and buildings were valued at £1,665,000 at 30 September 1999. For the purposes of capitalising the land and buildings the value of improvements amounting to £253,353 at 30 September 1999 were deducted from the overall valuation to arrive at the valuation of land and buildings of £1,411,647. In 2018 the Barleycroft residential properties, with an attributable 1999 value of £328,550, were reclassified as Investment Properties.
## **Charity**
|**Cost or valuation**
At 1 October 2022
Additions
Disposals
At 30 September 2023
**Depreciation**
At 1 October 2022
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 30 September 2023
**Net book value**
At 30 September 2023
_At 30 September 2022_|Freehold
properties
held jointly
£
52,800
-
-
52,800
-
-
-
-
52,800
_52,800_|Computer
equipment
£
119,047
5,583
(105,122)
19,508
117,315
2,934
(105,122)
15,127
4,381
_1,732_|Total
£
171,847
5,583
(105,122)
72,308
117,315
2,934
(105,122)
15,127
57,181
_54,532_|
|---|---|---|---|
Page 31
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **18. Fixed asset investments**
|**Group**
**Cost or valuation**
At 1 October 2022
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 30 September 2023
**Net book value**
At 30 September 2023
_At 30 September 2022_
**Charity**
**Cost or valuation**
At 1 October 2022
Additions
Disposals
Revaluations
At 30 September 2023
**Net book value**
At 30 September 2023
_At 30 September 2022_|Listed
investments
£
6,423,443
6,665,724
(6,665,724)
477,488
6,900,931
6,900,931
_6,423,443_
Listed
investments
£
6,213,899
6,665,724
(6,665,724)
467,704
6,681,603
6,681,603
_6,213,899_|
|---|---|
Page 32
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **19. Investment property**
## **Group**
|**Valuation**
At 1 October 2022 (as previously stated)
Prior Year Adjustment
At 1 October 2022 (as restated)
Surplus on revaluation
At 30 September 2023|Freehold
investment
property
£
150,000
-
150,000
-
150,000|Long term
leasehold
investment
property
£
1,182,943
(126,299)
1,056,644
33,813
1,090,457|Total
£
1,332,943
(126,299)|
|---|---|---|---|
||||1,206,644
33,813|
||||1,240,457|
Each year The Nightingale Centre Trustees consider the market valuation of the long term leasehold investment properties. Any change in value is treated as an unrealised gain or loss in the Statement of Financial Affairs and the movement is reflected in the Capital Fund.
The Barleycroft residential properties have an attributable 1999 value of £328,550. The original cost is unknown.
During the year the Trustees put through a prior year adjustment in respect of the previous valuations of £(126,299).
## **Charity**
|**Valuation**
At 1 October 2022
At 30 September 2023|Freehold
investment
property
£
150,000|
|---|---|
||150,000|
The freehold land was revalued by the Trustees as at 30 September 2016 on an open market value basis having taken independent professional advice. The freehold properties in the group were revalued by professional valuers Eadon, Lockwood & Riddle as at 30 September 2019 on an open market value basis. As at 30 September 2023 the Trustees have reviewed the valuations and made adjustments to reflect current market value.
Page 33
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **20. Stocks**
|Goods for resale
**21.**
**Debtors**
**Due within one year**
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
**22.**
**Current asset investments**
Listed investments|Group
2023
£
4,321
Group
2023
£
50
30,339
53,817
84,206
Group
2023
£
76,229|_Group_
_2022_
_£_
_2,420_
_Group_
_2022_
_£_
_31,883_
_9,032_
_194,564_
_235,479_
_Group_
_2022_
_£_
_76,229_|Charity
2023
£
1,000
Charity
2023
£
-
28,839
23,817
52,656
Charity
2023
£
76,229|_Charity_
_2022_
_£_
_1,475_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_Charity_
_2022_
_£_
_19,433_
_9,033_
_164,564_|
||||||
|||||_193,030_|
|||||_Charity_
_2022_
_£_
_76,229_|
Page 34
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **23. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
|Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Pension liability (see note 31)
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income|Group
2023
£
23,185
16,124
5,560
69,005
69,533
183,407|_Group_
_2022_
_£_
_7,061_
_25,348_
_5,560_
_55,368_
_33,776_
_127,113_|Charity
2023
£
-
1,966
5,560
9,868
69,533
86,927|_Charity_
_2022_
_£_
_6,359_
_7,839_
_5,560_
_2,401_
_33,776_|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||_55,935_|
## **24. Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year**
|||Group|_Group_|Charity|_Charity_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||2023|_2022_|2023|_2022_|
|||£|_£_|£|_£_|
|Pension liability (see note|31)|1,545|_6,599_|1,545|_6,599_|
Page 35
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **25. Statement of funds**
## **Statement of funds - current year**
|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Designated**
**funds**
Retired Ministers
Housing Fund
Annual Meetings
Fund
Benevolent
Fund
Sexual
Orientation
Equality Group
Small Initiatives
Fund
Mark James
Legacy
Special
Development
Fund
**General funds**
General Funds -
all funds
Unallocated
amounts
**Total**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**|As restated
Balance at 1
October
2022
£
144,113
6,786
3,757
846
1,072
328,000
-
484,574
2,377,026
-
2,377,026
2,861,600|Income
£
2,640
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,640
816,579
-
816,579
819,219|Expenditure
£
(147)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(147)
(751,804)
(506)
(752,310)
(752,457)|Transfers
in/(out)
£
-
-
-
(846)
-
-
195,000
194,154
(166,908)
-
(166,908)
27,246|Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
193,810
-
193,810
193,810|Balance at
30
September
2023
£
146,606
6,786
3,757
-
1,072
328,000
195,000
681,221
2,468,703
(506)
2,468,197
3,149,418|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Page 36
## **THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **25. Statement of funds (continued)**
|**Endowment**
**funds**
James Speed
Trust
Arnold Graves
Fund
Lewis Edwards
Fund
**Restricted**
**funds**
Ministerial
Students Fund
Congregational
Development
Fund
Chalice Fund
Sunday School
Fund
Beardy Weirdy
Youth Fund
India Fund
Humphreys
Winder Legacy
Trevor Jones
Youth Fund
Summer School
Bursary
Lindsey Press
Rosenberg
Travel Fund
Growth and
Sustainability
Fund
James Speed
Trust|As restated
Balance at 1
October
2022
£
872,924
6,637
1,894
881,455
197,808
40,047
8,481
32,758
17,740
28,211
7,292
10,031
3,393
5,704
7,527
1,441,175
27,454|Income
£
-
-
-
-
3,610
-
-
45
260
1,338
-
-
2,361
-
-
31,912
20,591|Expenditure
£
-
-
-
-
(59,009)
-
-
-
-
-
(2,400)
-
(2,285)
(175)
-
-
(35,429)|Transfers
in/(out)
£
2
-
(2)
-
-
(19,296)
-
(1,171)
-
3,096
-
-
-
-
-
(1,596)
(1,030)|Gains/
(Losses)
£
62,509
-
-
62,509
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
96,683
-|Balance at
30
September
2023
£
935,435
6,637
1,892|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||943,964|
|||||||142,409
20,751
8,481
31,632
18,000
32,645
4,892
10,031
3,469
5,529
7,527
1,568,174
11,586|
Page 37
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **25. Statement of funds (continued)**
## **Statement of funds - current year (continued)**
|Gabor Kereki
Trust
Sustentation
Fund
Lay Pastors and
Approved Lay
Persons in
Charge
Other
Millenium Fund
Nightingale
Centre
**Total of funds**|As restated
Balance at 1
October
2022
£
855,839
595,510
31,342
15,063
13,894
2,961,113
6,300,382
10,043,437|Income
£
18,671
16,487
2,043
20,353
-
359,650
477,321
1,296,540|Expenditure
£
(2,654)
(15,250)
-
(15,731)
-
(409,617)
(542,550)
(1,295,007)|Transfers
in/out
£
(934)
(824)
(35)
(6,739)
1,283
-
(27,246)
-|Gains/
(Losses)
£
58,190
55,051
67
-
-
43,597
253,588
509,907|Balance at
30
September
2023
£
929,112
650,974
33,417
12,946
15,177
2,954,743|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||6,461,495|
|||||||10,554,877|
Page 38
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **25. Statement of funds (continued)**
## **Statement of funds - prior year**
|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Designated**
**funds**
Retired Ministers
Housing Fund
Annual Meetings
Fund
Benevolent
Fund
Leaflets Fund
HAW Fairey
Specific Bequest
Sexual
Orientation
Equality Group
Small Initiatives
Fund
Mark James
Legacy
Mark James
Legacy -
Nightingale
Centre
**General funds**
General Funds -
all funds
**Total**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**|_As restated_
_Balance at_
_1 October_
_2021_
_£_
_141,822_
_10,000_
_5,557_
_230_
_2,179_
_846_
_2,078_
_328,000_
_400,000_
_890,712_
_2,501,302_
_3,392,014_|_Income_
_£_
_3,023_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_3,023_
_519,516_
_522,539_|_Expenditure_
_£_
_(732)_
_(3,214)_
_(1,800)_
_(230)_
_-_
_-_
_(1,006)_
_-_
_-_
_(6,982)_
_(636,306)_
_(643,288)_|_Transfers_
_in/out_
_£_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_(2,179)_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_(400,000)_
_(402,179)_
_159,803_
_(242,376)_|_Gains/_
_(Losses)_
_£_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_(167,289)_
_(167,289)_|_As restated_
_Balance at_
_30_
_September_
_2022_
_£_
_144,113_
_6,786_
_3,757_
_-_
_-_
_846_
_1,072_
_328,000_
_-_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||_484,574_|
|||||||_2,377,026_|
|||||||_2,861,600_|
Page 39
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **25. Statement of funds (continued)**
|**Endowment**
**funds**
James Speed
Trust
Arnold Graves
Fund
Lewis Edwards
Fund
**Restricted**
**funds**
Ministerial
Students Fund
Congregational
Development
Fund
Chalice Fund
Sunday School
Fund
Beardy Weirdy
Youth Fund
India Fund
Humphreys
Winder Legacy
Trevor Jones
Youth Fund
Summer School
Bursary
Lindsey Press
Rosenberg
Travel Fund
Growth and
Sustainability
Fund
James Speed
Trust|_As restated_
_Balance at_
_1 October_
_2021_
_£_
_925,305_
_6,637_
_1,894_
_933,836_
_50,726_
_54,401_
_8,481_
_32,713_
_17,480_
_27,119_
_7,292_
_10,031_
_3,393_
_5,704_
_7,527_
_1,630,068_
_53,424_|_Income_
_£_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_169,451_
_-_
_-_
_45_
_260_
_1,092_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_30,502_
_19,721_|_Expenditure_
_£_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_(22,369)_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_(44,705)_|_Transfers_
_in/out_
_£_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_(14,354)_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_(138,379)_
_(986)_|_Gains/_
_(Losses)_
_£_
_(52,381)_
_-_
_-_
_(52,381)_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_(81,016)_
_-_|_As restated_
_Balance at_
_30_
_September_
_2022_
_£_
_872,924_
_6,637_
_1,894_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||_881,455_|
|||||||_197,808_
_40,047_
_8,481_
_32,758_
_17,740_
_28,211_
_7,292_
_10,031_
_3,393_
_5,704_
_7,527_
_1,441,175_
_27,454_|
Page 40
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **25. Statement of funds (continued)**
## **Statement of funds - prior year (continued)**
|Gabor Kereki
Trust
Sustentation
Fund
Lay Pastors and
Approved Lay
Persons in
Charge
Other
Millenium Fund
Nightingale
Centre
Annual meeting
- Ukraine fund
**Total of funds**|_As restated_
_Balance at_
_1 October_
_2021_
_£_
_886,348_
_610,053_
_33,015_
_19,165_
_13,894_
_2,673,985_
_-_
_6,144,819_
_10,470,669_|_Income_
_£_
_17,882_
_17,866_
_623_
_-_
_-_
_341,659_
_5,406_
_604,507_
_1,127,046_|_Expenditure_
_£_
_-_
_(15,417)_
_-_
_(2,040)_
_-_
_(558,028)_
_(5,406)_
_(647,965)_
_(1,291,253)_|_Transfers_
_in/out_
_£_
_(894)_
_(918)_
_(31)_
_(2,062)_
_-_
_400,000_
_-_
_242,376_
_-_|_Gains/_
_(Losses)_
_£_
_(47,497)_
_(16,074)_
_(2,265)_
_-_
_-_
_103,497_
_-_
_(43,355)_
_(263,025)_|_As restated_
_Balance at_
_30_
_September_
_2022_
_£_
_855,839_
_595,510_
_31,342_
_15,063_
_13,894_
_2,961,113_
_-_|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||_6,300,382_|
|||||||_10,043,437_|
Page 41
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **26. Summary of funds**
## **Summary of funds - current year**
|Designated
funds
General funds
Endowment
funds
Restricted funds|As restated
Balance at 1
October
2022
£
484,574
2,377,026
881,455
6,300,382
10,043,437|Income
£
2,640
816,579
-
477,321
1,296,540
_Income_
_£_
_3,023_
_519,516_
_-_
_604,507_
_1,127,046_|Expenditure
£
(147)
(752,310)
-
(542,550)
(1,295,007)
_Expenditure_
_£_
_(6,982)_
_(636,306)_
_-_
_(647,965)_
_(1,291,253)_|Transfers
in/out
£
194,154
(166,908)
-
(27,246)
-
_Transfers_
_in/out_
_£_
_(402,179)_
_159,803_
_-_
_242,376_
_-_|Gains/
(Losses)
£
-
193,810
62,509
253,588
509,907
_Gains/_
_(Losses)_
_£_
_-_
_(167,289)_
_(52,381)_
_(43,355)_
_(263,025)_|Balance at
30
September
2023
£
681,221
2,468,197
943,964
6,461,495|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||10,554,877|
|||||||_As restated_
_Balance at_
_30_
_September_
_2022_
_£_
_484,574_
_2,377,026_
_881,455_
_6,300,382_|
|**Summary of funds - prior year**|||||||
|Designated
funds
General funds
Endowment
funds
Restricted funds|_As restated_
_Balance at_
_1 October_
_2021_
_£_
_890,712_
_2,501,302_
_933,836_
_6,144,819_
_10,470,669_||||||
|||||||_10,043,437_|
Page 42
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **27. Analysis of net assets between funds**
## **Analysis of net assets between funds - current year**
|Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Investment property
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Creditors due in more than one year
**Total**|Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
57,181
2,721,072
150,000
309,637
(86,927)
(1,545)
3,149,418|Restricted
funds
2023
£
1,179,228
3,266,332
1,090,457
1,021,958
(96,480)
-
6,461,495|Endowment
funds
2023
£
-
913,527
-
30,437
-
-
943,964|Total
funds
2023
£
1,236,409
6,900,931
1,240,457
1,362,032
(183,407)
(1,545)
10,554,877|
|---|---|---|---|---|
## **28. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities**
|Net income/expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial
Activities)
**Adjustments for:**
Depreciation charges
Gains/(losses) on investments
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Decrease/(increase) in stocks
Decrease in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Difference between pension charge and cash contributions
**Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities**|Group
2023
£
511,440
8,894
(509,906)
(186,284)
(1,901)
151,274
54,903
(5,560)
22,860|_Group_
_2022_
_£_
_(427,232)_
_248,023_
_234,173_
_(180,435)_
_1,703_
_74,744_
_(50,487)_
_50_
_(99,461)_|
|---|---|---|
Page 43
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **29. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents**
|Cash in hand
**Total cash and cash equivalents**|Group
2023
£
1,197,276
1,197,276|_Group_
_2022_
_£_
_993,211_|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||_993,211_|
## **30. Analysis of changes in net debt**
|Cash at bank and in hand
Debt due within 1 year
Liquid investments|At 1 October
2022
£
993,211
(5,560)
76,229
1,063,880|Cash flows
£
204,065
-
-
204,065|At 30
September
2023
£
1,197,276
(5,560
76,229|
|---|---|---|---|
||||1,267,945|
## **31. Pension commitments**
## _**The Group operates a defined benefit pension scheme.**_
General Assembly Staff
The Charity participates in the scheme, a multi-employer scheme (The TPT Retirement Solutions - The Gowth Plan) which provides benefits to some 950 non-associated participating employers. The scheme is a defined benefit scheme in the UK. It is not possible for the Charity to obtain sufficient information to enable it to account for the scheme as a defined benefit scheme. Therefore it accounts for the scheme as a defined contribution scheme.
The scheme is subject to the funding legislation outlined in the Pensions Act 2004 which came into force on 30 December 2005.
This, together with documents issued by the Pensions Regulator and Technical Actuarial Standards issued by the Financial Reporting Council, set out the framework for funding defined benefit occupational pension schemes in the UK.
The scheme is classified as a 'last-man standing arrangement'. Therefore the Charity is potentially liable for other participating employers' obligations if those employers are unable to meet their share of the scheme deficit following withdrawal from the scheme. Participating employers are legally required to meet their share of the scheme deficit on an annuity purchase basis on withdrawal from the scheme.
A full actuarial valuation for the scheme was carried out at 30 September 2020. This valuation showed assets of £800.3m, liabilities of £831.9m and a deficit of £31.6m. To eliminate this funding shortfall, the
Page 44
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **31. Pension commitments (continued)**
Trustee has asked the participating employers to pay additional contributions to the scheme as follows:
From 1 April 2022 to 31 January 2025: £3,312,000 per annum (payable monthly) .
Unless a concession has been agreed with the Trustee the term to 31 January 2025 applies.
Note that the scheme’s previous valuation was carried out with an effective date of 30 September 2017. This valuation showed assets of £794.9m, liabilities of £926.4m and a deficit of £131.5m. To eliminate this funding shortfall, the Trustee has asked the participating employers to pay additional contributions to the scheme as follows:
From 1 April 2019 to 30 September 2025: £11,243,000 per annum (payable monthly and increasing by 3% each on 1 April).
The recovery plan contributions are allocated to each participating employer in line with their estimated share of the Series 1 and Series 2 scheme liabilities.
Where the scheme is in deficit and where the Charity has agreed to a deficit funding arrangement the company recognises a liability for this obligation. The amount recognised is the net present value of the deficit reduction contributions payable under the agreement that relates to the deficit. The present value is calculated using the discount rate detailed in these disclosures. The unwinding of the discount rate is recognised as a finance cost.
Principal actuarial assumptions at the Balance sheet date (expressed as weighted averages):
||At 30|_At 30_|
|---|---|---|
||September|_September_|
||2023|_2022_|
||%|_%_|
|Discount rate|5.88|_6_|
## **PRESENT VALUE OF PROVISIONS**
|Due in less than 1 year
Due in more than 1 year|At 30
September
2023
£
5,560
1,595
7,155|_At 30_
_September_
_2022_
_£_
_5,560_
_6,599_|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||_12,159_|
Page 45
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **31. Pension commitments (continued)**
## **INCOME AND EXPENDITURE IMPACT**
|Interest cost
Remeasurements - impact of any changes in assumptions
**Total amount recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial**
**Activities**
**RECONCILIATION OF OPENING AND CLOSING PROVISIONS**
Opening defined benefit obligation
Deficit contribution paid
Unwinding of the discount factor (interest expense)
Remeasurements - impact of any changes in assumptions
Remeasurements - amendments to contribution scheme
**Provision at end of period**|2023
£
551
5
556
2023
£
12,159
(5,560)
501
-
5
7,105|_2022_
_£_
_355_
_(32,191)_
_(31,836)_
_2022_
_£_
_54,359_
_(10,364)_
_355_
_(710)_
_(31,481)_
_12,159_|
|---|---|---|
General Assembly staff who are also Ministers
Ministers who have worked for the General Assembly are members of the Ministers' Pension Fund which is a defined benefit plan. There are currently two members of staff in this category. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity and are administered by the Ministers' Pension Fund managers Jardine Lloyd Thompson.
We have not identified any direct liability, however the General Assembly are the overall guarantors for the scheme. The last actuarial valuation of the Ministers Pension Fund was at 31 December 2022 and showed a valuation of £394,000 (31 December 2019: £(379,000)). The next actuarial valuation will be carried out as at 31 December 2025.
## **32. Related party transactions**
Trustee Marion Baker is also a Trustee of Unitarian College. During the year Unitarian College paid General Assembly £6,000 (2022: £6,000) for administration and support services and General Assembly donated funds of £nil (2022: £nil)
Page 46
**THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF UNITARIAN & FREE CHRISTIAN CHURCHES**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023**
## **33. Principal subsidiaries**
## _**The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Charity:**_
**Name Charity Registered office or principal Included in registration place of business consolidation number** The Nightingale Centre 242256 The Nightingale Centre, Great Yes Hucklow, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 8RH
## _**The financial results of the subsidiary for the year were:**_
|**Name**|Income|Expenditure|Surplus/|Net assets|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||£|£|(Deficit) for|£|
||||the year||
||||£||
|The Nightingale Centre|381,875|(409,617)|(82,702)|3,061,413|
## **34. Prior year adjustments**
There are two prior year adjustments within these accounts.
One is correction of the funds on the statement of financial potition for the Charity as follows:
Restricted funds were previously stated as £3,254,828 and are now restated as £3,339,874. Unresticted funds were previously stated as £2,861,599 and are now restated as £2,776,553.
This was due to the inter charity trading being incorrectly eliminated in previous year.
The second prior year adjustment is in relation to the revaluation of the investment property owned by The Nightingale Centre (Unitarian). This has an effect on the investment property valuation for 2020, 2021 and 2022, and the restricted funds.
Consolidated investment property valuation per 2020 consolidated accounts was £1,081,522, restated value is £1.051.359.
Consolidated investment property valuation per 2021 consolidated accounts was £1,185,852, restated value is £1,088,405.
Consolidated investment property valuation per 2022 consolidated accounts was £1,332,943, restated value is £1,206,644.
These restatements in repsect of investments properties have also affected the restricted funds. These were maade due to changes in the historic UK price index rates that had been used to revalue the investment properties.
Page 47
## **Issuer**
Shaw Gibbs
**Document generated** Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:24:57 UTC
**Document fingerprint** a1e4c691149ab8e284a9a16b174c8820
## **Parties involved with this document**
## **Document processed**
## **Party + Fingerprint**
Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:39:01 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:01:46 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:17:06 UTC
John Bates - Signer (56b271f37444d6deeee849ace4fd9062) Jo James - Signer (eb858875f5c834693837d36ecbeac580) Samantha Daniels - Signer (22665b576bd85284e3a5bcea7214ef7d)
## **Audit history log**
## **Date**
## **Action**
Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:17:06 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:17:06 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:17:06 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:16:39 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:01:59 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:01:50 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:01:47 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:01:46 UTC
Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:01:46 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:00:16 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 18:00:06 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:56:54 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:39:04 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:39:01 UTC Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:39:01 UTC
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Samantha Daniels viewed the envelope (167.98.226.18) This envelope has been signed by all parties (167.98.226.18) Samantha Daniels signed the envelope (167.98.226.18) Samantha Daniels viewed the envelope (167.98.226.18) Samantha Daniels opened the document email. (20.77.74.83) Document emailed to samantha.daniels@shawgibbs.com (13.40.211.249) Jo James viewed the envelope (31.94.28.98) Sent the envelope to Samantha Daniels (samantha.daniels@shawgibbs.com) for signing (31.94.28.98) Jo James signed the envelope (31.94.28.98) Jo James viewed the envelope (31.94.28.98) Jo James opened the document email. (66.249.93.38) Jo James opened the document email. (172.226.114.19) Document emailed to jojames.email@gmail.com (18.170.31.112) John Bates viewed the envelope (86.189.178.10) Sent the envelope to Jo James (jojames.email@gmail.com) for signing (86.189.178.10) John Bates signed the envelope (86.189.178.10) John Bates viewed the envelope (86.189.178.10)
Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:30:40 UTC Document emailed to jbates@london.edu (18.133.155.141) Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:30:37 UTC Sent the envelope to John Bates (jbates@london.edu) for signing (89.197.20.206) Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:24:58 UTC Document generated with fingerprint 679fbceb0bcc2dfcd87567ee33308ef3 (89.197.20.206) Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:24:58 UTC Document generated with fingerprint c9924003d432b9615394187f11369512 (89.197.20.206) Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:24:58 UTC Document generated with fingerprint 4dfb051ba9226d6bd68b41428cfc5344 (89.197.20.206) Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:24:57 UTC Document generated with fingerprint a1e4c691149ab8e284a9a16b174c8820 (89.197.20.206) Wed, 31st Jul 2024 14:24:57 UTC Envelope generated by Abby Potter (89.197.20.206)