OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2023-09-30-accounts

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Charity registration number: 264278 Company registration number: 01041761

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

CONTENTS page
Report of the trustees 1 – 11
a) Constitution & Objects
b) Review of Developments during the year:
- Evangelists
- Training
- Church resources
- Schools’ Resources
c) Results and Financial Review
d) Challenges faced
e) General Public Benefit
f) Risks Policy
g) Reserves and Investment Policy
h) Related Parties and Relationships with other Charities
i) Relations with Financial Supporters
j) Structure, Governance and Management
k) Statement of trustees’ responsibilities
Legal and administrative information 12
Report of the Auditor 13 -16
Statement of Financial Activities 17
Balance Sheet 18
Statement of Cashflows 19
Notes to the financial statements 20 – 31

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

The trustees, who are also Directors for the purposes of the Companies Act, submit their Annual Report and the financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102 2019) Accounting and Reporting by Charities in preparing the annual report. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 16 and 17 and comply with the charity’s governing documentation and applicable law.

a) Constitution & Objects

The charity is a charitable company, Counties (formerly Counties Evangelistic Work), number 01041761, but is known publicly as Counties. The charity (registered number 264278) was founded in 1899 and was set up as a company on 9 February 1972, limited by guarantee. It is governed by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The object of the charity, as outlined in the Memorandum and Articles of Association are “To advance the Christian Faith by such means being charitable as the Trust may determine”.

b) Looking to the future

With the adoption of the new mission statement in 2022, ‘Making Jesus known: inspiring and equipping local churches,’ Counties signaled its intent and belief that in order to fulfil its mission, this must be pursued through deeper relationships and partnerships with local churches across the UK. Counties Trustees have been meeting regularly to develop the vision and strategy that will be necessary for us to better fulfil this mission. The Trustees see this as a significant step and have designated £50,000 to a Restructuring Fund to help fund developments in this area.

The launch of Counties Connect as a network for local churches is key to this development. Counties Connect will exist to support local churches in prioritizing and implementing strategies that deliver on the Great Commission, namely, making disciples, and, as a result, seeing growth in the maturity and numbers of their congregations.

Counties will seek, through Connect, to increase its offer and impact in the provision of training for local churches and the provision of resources to enable them to pursue this goal. We hope to provide training at three key levels to support local church engagement and growth through the work of the Gospel:

  1. Training for Church Leadership teams helping them to keep a focus on mission and making disciples.

  2. Training for evangelists, enabling local churches to raise and train church based evangelists.

  3. Training for congregations, enabling many more people to become effective in being a witness for Christ and a disciple maker.

This is an exciting time in our work and we look forward to sharing our progress in our next annual report.

c) Review of Developments during the year

The following summarises the main developments during 2022/23. Much of the last year has been spent in pursuing and implementing strategies to support the Having adopted the new mission statement, mission. As seen in the detail below, Counties continues to support evangelists and church planters, as well as provide brilliant resources that are used by churches to support their work in local schools. However, a growing focus is the development of Church Support. On 1 January 2023 we took over key responsibility for some of the work of Partnership UK (charity no. 802564). Under the banner ‘Counties Connect’, we ran a conference attended by over 270 people in October 2023. ‘Connect’ is the name that will be emerging as a growing network supporting local churches in their work of preaching the Gospel and making disciples.

• Evangelists

Much of Counties’ support goes toward the amazing work of Counties Evangelists who continue to be at the forefront of the work. The financial grants they receive varies, depending on circumstances. The total number of self-employed evangelists financially supported with a standard-grant or partial-grant at the year-end was 46, including seniors and widows, which equates to an average for the year of nearly 34 full grants. This has

1

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

slightly increased in the last 10 years (see chart below). These figures do not include spouses, many of whom are also very active in the work.

In addition, Counties has four Associate Evangelists who are able to benefit from fellowship, training and conferences. Although they are able to receive support via the Evangelists fund (see note below) they do not receive regular financial grants from Counties General Fund.

We give thanks for the many years of commitment and service for the Counties seniors and widows who have passed away during the financial year. In addition, during the year, two evangelists left Counties.

The evangelists, in seeking to fulfill the charity’s objects, are involved in a host of initiatives. These include holiday clubs for children and seniors; training; drop-in centers for support and advice regarding parenting, relationships and finance; youth camps; focus groups for men; door-to-door outreach; street evangelism; small groups; school visits; visiting prisons and helping ex-offenders; Christian education and preaching. Some evangelists work with all ages and backgrounds, whilst others have a specific focus such as international students, teenagers, children, men, women, migrants, international merchant seafarers or other communities. Some of the more experienced evangelists are involved in mentoring other evangelists or working with churches to help them develop more effective teaching and evangelistic programmes.

During the year to support the work of the evangelists, and to assist in reviewing their ministries, we appointed an Evangelists’ Officer part-time. As well as meeting with evangelists and keeping in contact with Cluster leaders, they support the CL ’s (Counties Link roups). Each evangelist has a CLG made up of local church leaders and Christians, and act to offer support and guidance for each evangelist. Evangelists meet at least twice each year in six regional Cluster groups : South-West England, South Central England, East of England, Wales, Midlands and North of England. Each Cluster is led by a link evangelist who co-ordinates the gatherings. The purpose of the Clusters is to share personal and pastoral support, to enable training, and to consider the wider strategic opportunities in each region and across the UK. The regional gatherings are attended by the CEO, the Training Officer, and the Trustee(s) within each region.

In addition to these regional gatherings, Counties seeks to continue to have annual conferences for the evangelists, trustees and staff. In October 2023 Counties helped to arrange our most recent Counties Connect conference for supporters, partner organisations, evangelists, staff, trustees and their families, with 270 people present. In October 2024 we look forward to being involved in the joint Living the Passion conference.

----- Start of picture text -----
overview from
schools
visited with
speaking preaching
pupils reached
engagements taken
people reached
online
people were preached
to in person at local
churches
one to one conversa ons
Evangelists trained sharing the ospel online
people in or in person ndications
of salvation
evangelism
people a ended
discovery groups
----- End of picture text -----

2

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Training

Counties Planting Network : in April 2019 Counties launched the Counties Planting Network, with the vision to work with local churches in the training, equipping and supporting of church planting and replanting teams across the UK. Counties has partnered with M4 Europe, and through the M4 programme

3

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

we are able to assess, train and coach church planting team leaders and their teams. M4UK is a partnership with other evangelical groups, enabling us to train Church planting teams. During the financial year the M4UK ‘Learning Communities’ events in March and September took place in Fulwood Free Methodist Church, Preston. There are currently 7 teams training with M4UK. The teams associated with and mentored by Counties will become part of the new ‘Connect’ network of churches.

4

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

d) Results and Financial Review

This has been an exciting year from a financial perspective as the charity has experienced an overall net surplus of £474,598 compared to a deficit of £183,633 in the previous year. Income and expenditure for the year are shown in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 17. Income for the charity has increased to £1,403,818 (2022: £713,025). The most significant events that have given rise to this increase have been a grant from the Weald Trust that has increased the trust income to restricted funds to £316k (2022: £102k), a legacy donation of a property valued at £260k (treated as designated funds), a grant of £65k arising from a church sale, and the sale of part of a property which was previously owned by Counties (£59k). Expenditure increased to £942,695 (2022: £837,732). Much of this increase arose from an increase in grants payable to evangelists and direct costs incurred facilitating related activities and training. Inflationary rises in support costs also accounted for some of the increase. Movements on individual funds are summarised in note 17.

----- Start of picture text -----
£1,400,000
£1,200,000 Income & Expenditure
£1,000,000 2023 2022
£800,000
net movement
£600,000
of funds
£400,000
£200,000
total expenditure
£0
-£200,000 total income losses/gains on
-£400,000 investments
-£600,000
-£800,000
-£1,000,000
----- End of picture text -----

Unrestricted Funds shows a net surplus of £340,529, and income for the year greatly increased to £963,076 (in the previous year there was a loss of £101,035 in Unrestricted Funds). The main factors that gave rise to this considerable increase in income and surplus are: legacy income, a church sale income and sale of part of a property.

Legacies cannot be regarded as regular income, needless to say the trustees are grateful to all those who have made provision in their will. The following graph shows how legacies have fluctuated since 2009, but on average the charity has received £125k a year. Without the legacy income stream much of the work of Counties would not be possible. As we never know when legacies will be received, we have to be slightly more cautious than we would like with respect to the use of reserves. This does make it more difficult for the trustees when we set our annual budget. Our approach is to set a budget deficit for the year ahead in faith that legacies will be forthcoming to cover that deficit, but also knowing that there are adequate free reserves available if the Lord’s timing of legacies is different.

----- Start of picture text -----
£300,000
Legacy income
£250,000
£200,000
£150,000
£100,000
£50,000
£-
----- End of picture text -----

5

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

The following analysis of total expenditure represents £942,695 (2022: £837,732). Within this Unrestricted Fund expenditure is £635,959, an increase from 2022 which was £608,170. Within Counties we take great care to ensure that we maximise the use of funds for charitable purposes and apply our limited resources to where the need is greatest. This is capably managed by the team at Westbury.

----- Start of picture text -----
£600,000 4% total expenditure
2023
£500,000
2022 Raising funds
£400,000 32%
£300,000
Charitable activities:
£200,000 Unrestricted
£100,000 64% Charitable activities:
£0 Restricted
Raising funds Charitable Charitable
activities: activities:
Unrestricted Restricted
----- End of picture text -----

The trustees are eager to see the work of Counties grow; we have an expectation to appoint more evangelists and hopefully some of those in new areas across the UK. We want to train and support them more effectively so that they are enabled to use their God given gifts to bring the Good News to the nation. We also want to see the range of exciting resources we have better utilised to engage with people and create opportunities for them to hear about the Christian faith. We continue to seek ways to increase and diversify our income base; we have been encouraged that some areas are already bearing fruit.

The areas we have been looking at are:

The following are Restricted Funds where income has been given to Counties for specific use:

6

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

The Designated Funds are where the trustees seek to use resources available for specific use:

e) Challenges faced

The Trustees seek to anticipate external challenges and any significant impact on the charity’s operations and reserves. The trustees seek for the charity to hold sufficient reserves to be able to meet these challenges.

f) General Public Benefit

The trustees acknowledge the guidance of the Charity Commission in respect of Public Benefit and the Advancement of Religion and have paid due regard to it in the affairs of the charity. Through the varied ministries of the evangelists and our resources we see

Christian belief offers people a set of values by which to live, to make moral decisions and to interact with others. The majority of Counties arranged events and services are open to the public and these benefits have

7

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

helped to meet religious, spiritual and educational needs, as well as supporting and helping individuals irrespective of background and status.

g) Risks Policy

The trustees annually review the principal risks the charity faces including analysing the likelihood and impact of each risk. The Chief Operations Officer carries responsibility as the Risk Assessment Manager. The principal risks currently identified, and strategies for managing these risks are as follows:

h) Reserves and Investment Policy

The Charity is reliant on voluntary income, legacy income and investment income which has fluctuated significantly in the past. At their annual reserves policy review Counties trustees agreed target level should be: £300,000 Base reserves of 4-5 months expenditure + £400,000 Free reserves to match 3 years of legacy income = £700,000 total Liquid reserves

The trustees anticipate increasing Base reserves to £350,000 during the next three years. The trustees aim to hold these unrestricted reserves to meet the objectives of:

The Charity currently holds liquid reserves , being those Unrestricted Funds not held as fixed assets, designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed at the balance sheet date of £460,632 (2022 - £466,189). This gives rise to Free Reserves of £160,632 (2022 - £166,189).

When setting the annual budget, the trustees plan to consume existing free reserves over a three-year period in the anticipation that they will be replenished by further legacies, and other income, during that period. The trustees believe that this policy enables the charity to invest in sustainable growth and new strategic developments so that the charity can deliver a consistent quality of work over the years.

The charity is advised on investments by Brewin Dolphin Limited and regular contact is maintained with them by means of reports and an annual visit. They have complete discretion, within stated guidelines, over investment decisions and changes in investment holdings have taken place during the year. Their performances are measured against relevant benchmark portfolios. An Investment Policy is documented and reviewed annually by the trustees. Whilst all major investments are available to the charity, we aim for all investments to be in keeping with the nature of the charity and the views of the trustees.

Day-to-day financial management is the responsibility of the Chief Operations Officer who circulates to the Finance Sub Committee monthly management accounts and cashflows as well as quarterly valuations of the investment portfolio. The latter includes reports outlining performance against benchmarks, a summary of market performance and an investment strategy outlook. The Finance Committee, which comprises four

8

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

trustees, the CEO and the Chief Operations Officer, meets at least twice a year and keeps all trustees informed at their meetings. The full body of trustees has to approve any policy changes.

i) Related Parties and Relationships with other Charities

The trustees, who are all Directors, received no remuneration as a result of their office during the year. No Trustee or other person related to the charity, apart from as detailed in note 19, had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year.

In the furtherance of its objects, the charity has entered into strategic alliances with other charities.

j) Relations with Financial Supporters

Counties greatly values the support it receives from individuals, churches and trusts. We could not fulfil our objectives without the financial and prayer support that we receive from these individuals and organisations.

Activities: Counties evangelists and staff spoke in hundreds of churches across the country during the year, and we hosted our first revised Counties Family Day. During the last year, 79 new supporters joined us in mission by making their first donation to Counties. We continue to build towards Counties’ future by encouraging regular support, including 12 people who began to give regular standing orders to Counties. We give thanks that donations to some of our newer initiatives e.g. Key to Life, Neighbourhood Chaplains & Counties Planting Network, continued to grow. In the past year Counties did not use commercial fundraisers.

Protection: We seek to be respectful and relational in all our interactions with our supporters. We seek to build trust with our supporters by being honest and transparent in all our communications. We acknowledge all donations (unless we are asked not to) and communicate the impact of donations to supporters through our annual report letter, annual calendar, magazines, e-newsletters and bespoke publications. Individuals are asked to opt-in to receive communications from Counties, unless they reasonably meet the criteria of legitimate interest, where there is clear evidence of their recent interest in our work. We provide opportunities for individuals to opt-out from any communications in clear and easy ways.

Complaints: Fundraising complaints are handled through our standard complaints’ procedure. No complaints relating to fundraising were received during the year.

k) Structure, Governance and Management

The charity does not have share capital and is limited by guarantee of the members. All trustees are members along with the chair, secretary and treasurer of each Counties Link Group, where such offices are filled. Members meet annually at the AGM when the affairs of the charity are considered and detailed reports are presented on various activities.

The trustees meet at least quarterly, and control the overall administration and policy decisions. Every effort is made to ensure that the trustees, all of whom are committed Christians with an interest in the promotion of the Christian faith, includes trustees of varied professional skills, qualifications and experience who are drawn from various parts of the UK. Due regard is given to the recruitment of new trustees who will ensure continuity. The trustees, from time to time, appoint sub-committees to deal with specific areas of the work. These usually constitute one or more trustees where appropriate, administrative staff and other suitably qualified individuals who usually form part of the general charitable body.

9

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Potential new trustees are nominated and if selected are interviewed by representative(s) of the trustees, with their appointment being confirmed at the AGM. All new trustees are provided with a portfolio of papers giving appropriate information including policies and procedures, together with Charity Commission publications. They are also provided with training as appropriate. All trustees serve for a three-year period but may stand for re-election. The trustees wish to express thanks to A Taylor-Roberts who resigned from the trustees during the year.

There is a small salaried staff administering the day-to-day affairs of the charity and the office is located at 30 Haynes Road, Westbury, BA13 3HD. The trustees on the finance committee meet independently with the auditors to ensure an independent view is received on how the office team maintains the finances of the charity. General management of the charity is in the hands of the CEO and COO.

Arrangements for setting key management personnel pay: the trustees review all staff salaries annually, including advice from Counties’ H.R. group which includes four trustees.

l) Statement of u ’ responsibilities

The trustees (who are also directors of Counties for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report (incorporating the strategic report and directors’ report) and the financial statements in accordance with 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 Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

In so far as the trustees are aware:

10

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

Trustees information

Trustees, who are Directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are given on page 11. This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (FRS 102 2015) and in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006. Approved by the Board of trustees and signed on its behalf by

R Canham (Trustees Chair) Date:

11

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

LEGAL AND ADMINSTRATIVE DETAILS YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

TRUSTEES: S R Bennett
R E Canham (chair)
J Davies
S McQuoid
C Taylor
P Singleton
A Taylor-Roberts (resigned August 2023)
J Wilkes
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER J G M Erwin
CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER
& COMPANY SECRETARY J Brooks-Martin
EVANGELISTS in attendance P Curley
at trustees at year end P Willmott
REGISTERED OFFICE 30 Haynes Road
Westbury
BA13 3HD
BANKERS Barclays Bank plc
32 Market Place
Warminster
BA12 9AR
AUDITOR Burton Sweet Limited
The Clock Tower, 5 Farleigh Court
Old Weston Road, Flax Bourton
BRISTOL
BS48 1UR
INVESTMENT BROKERS Brewin Dolphin Limited
AND ADVISERS 12 Smithfield Street
London
EC1A 9BD

12

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

INDEPENDENT AUD TOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COUNTIES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Counties (the “Charity”) for the year ended 30 September 2023 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and 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:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with international Standards in Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’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

n auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the directors’ 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 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 directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. 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.

13

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

INDEPENDENT AUD TOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COUNTIES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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 the fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Other matter

The corresponding figures presented in these financial statements are unaudited.

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 they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

14

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

INDEPENDENT AUD TOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COUNTIES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

n preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the 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 Charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Aud ’ f h ud f h f

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 auditor’s 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.

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

Our audit procedures in relation to fraud included but were not limited to:

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of noncompliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

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/auditors/audit-assurance-ethics/auditorsresponsibilities-for-the-audit. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

15

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

INDEPENDENT AUD TOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF COUNTIES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the Charity’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charity’s members those matters we are required to state in them in an auditor’s 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’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Ed Marsh BSc (Hons) FCA DChA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of Burton Sweet Limited Statutory Auditor The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR

Date: …………………..

16

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Notes
Income from:
Donations and gifts
2
Legacies
Investments
3
Charitable activities
Resources
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
4
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Gains/(Losses) on investments
11
Net Income/(Expenditure)
Transfers between funds
17
Net movement in funds
6
Reconciliation of funds
Funds brought forward
17
Funds carried forward
17		 Free Reserves
Designated
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
£
612,170
-
434,031
1,046,201
666,387
275,500
-
5,991
281,491
15,824
12,161
-
-
12,161
9,645
115
-
720
835
(881)
63,130
-
-
63,130
22,050
963,076
-
440,742
1,403,818
713,025
29,182
-
5,477
34,659
31,360
606,777
-
301,259
908,036
806,372
635,959
-
306,736
942,695
837,732
13,475
-
-
13,475
(58,926)
340,592
-
134,006
474,598
(183,633)
(457,679)
435,475
22,204
-
-
(117,087)
435,475
156,210
474,598
(183,633)
577,719
-
40,663
618,382
802,015
460,632
435,475
196,873
1,092,980
618,382
Unrestricted

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.

Prior year fund comparatives are shown in note 9.

The notes on pages 20 to 31 form part of these financial statements

17

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

BALANCE SHEET

----- Start of picture text -----
AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2023 Company number 01041761
2023 2022
Note £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 10 95,975 111,530
Investments 11 356,414 335,445
Total fixed assets 452,389 446,975
Current assets
Debtors 12 279,733 25,951
Cash and bank balances 373,902 150,620
Total current assets 653,635 176,571
Creditors : Amounts falling due within
one year 13 (13,044) (5,164)
Net current assets 640,591 171,407
Net assets 1,092,980 618,382
Funds
Unrestricted funds
Free reserves funds 18 460,632 577,719
Designated funds 18 435,475 -
Restricted funds 18 196,873 40,663
Total funds 1,092,980 618,382
----- End of picture text -----

Approved by the board of Trustees and Directors and signed on its behalf by

R E Canham S R Bennett Date: …......................

The notes on pages 20 to 31 form part of these financial statements

18

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

Note
Net cash outflow from operating activities
15
Non-operational cash flows:
Investing activities
Fixed asset additions
Payments for investments
Proceeds from the sale of investments
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets
Investment income
Investment management charges
Net cash inflow/(outflow) for the year
16		 2023
£
156,600
(13,371)
(18,097)
4,808
78,782
12,161
(3,396)
60,887
217,487		 2022
£
(108,728)
(27,223)
(26,570)
16,163
22,050
9,645
(3,599)
(9,534)
(118,262)

Cashflow Restrictions

Charity law prohibits the use of net cash inflows on any endowed or other restricted fund to offset net cash outflows on any fund outside its own objects, except on special authority. In practice, this restriction has not had any effect on cash flows for the year.

The notes on pages 20 to 31 form part of these financial statements

19

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

a) Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention (except for investments which have been included at fair value) and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 and the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The charity is a public benefit entity as defined under FRS102.

b) Fund accounting

Funds held by the charitable company are either:-

c) Income

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

d) Expenditure

Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accrual basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.

Support costs have been allocated on the basis of staff time or the estimated use of facilities.

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

e) Tangible fixed assets

Expenditure on assets with an estimated economic life of more than twelve months and a cost of more than £1,000 is capitalised.

Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life. No depreciation is charge on freehold land.

Annual depreciation rates are as follows:

Freehold property Over 50 years Office & computer equipment 33% straight line GSUS Live exhibitions 20% straight line Key to Life exhibitions 20% straight line Life exhibitions 33% straight line

Freehold property is held at cost.

f) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any discounts due.

20

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

g) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past even that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any discounts due.

h) Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are included at their market value. Realised and unrealised gains and losses on revaluation are included separately in the Statement of Financial Activities.

i) Going Concern

These financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. No material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern have been identified by the Trustees.

j) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash 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 Income from donations and gifts

Trust grants:
Trust grants (anonymous)
Church planting grants
Donations and gifts from individuals
Gift aid received
Prior year comparative
Trust grants:
Trust grants (anonymous)
Church planting grants
Donations and gifts from individuals
Gift aid received		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2023
£
£
£
375,200
315,973
691,173
-
19,500
19,500
228,261
89,953
318,214
8,709
8,605
17,314
612,170
434,031
1,046,201
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2022
£
£
£
318,100
102,091
420,191
-
15,400
15,400
133,564
79,219
212,783
8,833
9,180
18,013
460,497
205,890
666,387

Counties is exceedingly grateful for the ongoing support of individuals, churches and grant making trusts. Many of these trusts prefer to remain anonymous.

21

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

3 Investment income

Quoted investments
Bank interest
Prior year comparatives
Quoted investments
Bank interest		 Free Reserves
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2023
£
£
£
10,890
-
10,890
1,271
-
1,271
12,161
-
12,161
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2022
£
£
£
9,641
-
9,641
4
-
4
9,645
-
9,645

All investment income arises from assets held in the UK.

4 Expenditure on raising funds

Salaries and office assistance
News magazine (inc. postage)
Website and internet
Promotion and publicity
Investment management costs
Prior year comparative
Salaries and office assistance
News magazine (inc. postage)
Website and internet
Promotion and publicity
Investment management costs		 Free Reserves
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2023
£
£
£
16,123
3,205
19,328
2,483
45
2,528
5,737
29
5,766
1,443
2,198
3,641
3,396
-
3,396
29,182
5,477
34,659
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2022
£
£
£
15,900
3,120
19,020
2,879
58
2,937
4,429
210
4,639
1,165
-
1,165
3,599
-
3,599
27,972
3,388
31,360

22

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

5 Analysis of charitable expenditure

Evangelists and training
Schools Resources
Prior year comparatives
Evangelists and training
Schools Resources		 Total
2023
£
£
£
£
392,776
177,523
114,950
685,249
-
128,066
94,721
222,787
392,776
305,589
209,671
908,036
Total
2022
£
£
£
£
382,642
101,799
100,584
585,025
-
139,053
82,294
221,347
382,642
240,852
182,878
806,372
Grants
payable
Direct
costs
Support
costs
Grants
payable
Direct
costs
Support
costs

Counties provides monthly gifts, as funds allow, to a number of evangelists the charity is in long-term association with. These amounts vary regularly. The average number of evangelists financially supported during the year was 46 (2022: 49). All grants made in the year were to individuals.

Support costs

Premises costs
Office expenses
Depreciation costs
Governance costs
Personnel costs including wages		 Total
2023
£
£
£
68,954
56,417
125,371
3,782
3,093
6,875
24,649
20,841
45,490
7,301
5,973
13,274
10,264
8,397
18,661
114,950
94,721
209,671
Schools
Resources
Evangelists
and training

Prior year comparative

Premises costs
Office expenses
Depreciation costs
Governance costs
Personnel costs including wages		 Total
2022
£
£
£
63,173
51,682
114,855
2,897
2,367
5,264
23,108
18,912
42,020
6,621
5,418
12,039
4,785
3,915
8,700
100,584
82,294
182,878
Evangelists
and training
Schools
Resources

23

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

6 Net (expenditure)/income for the year

This is stated after charging:

Depreciation
Auditor's fees
Independent examiner's fees
- prior year (over)/under accrual
Reimbursement of Trustees' travel and subsistence expenses:
for trustees' meetings and duties to 5 Trustees (2022: 6 Trustees)		 2023
2022
£
£
13,274
12,040
12,850
-
-
4,254
-
560
2,957
2,589

No trustees received remuneration during this year or in the previous year.

7 Staff costs and numbers

The aggregate payroll costs were:

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension contributions
Benefits in kind		 2023
2022
£
£
Restated
225,392
183,281
14,341
13,141
16,393
12,329
4,714
7,106
260,840
215,857

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000.

The average weekly number of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of average headcount, was 9 (2022: 7).

Key management personnel received employment benefits in the year of £89,521 (2022: £82,136).

8 Taxation

The company is registered as a charity and is therefore not liable to corporation tax on its charitable income as long as it is applied for charitable purposes. It is not considered there are any activities giving rise to a tax liability.

24

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

9 Fund comparatives for the Statement of Financial Activities

Income from:
Donations and gifts
Legacies
Investments
Charitable activities
Resources
Other income
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Total expenditure
Gains/(Losses) on investments
Net expenditure and net movement in funds
Transfers between funds
Reconciliation of funds
Funds brought forward
Funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
2022
£
£
£
460,497
205,890
666,387
15,824
-
15,824
9,645
-
9,645
(881)
-
(881)
22,050
-
22,050
507,135
205,890
713,025
27,972
3,388
31,360
580,198
226,174
806,372
608,170
229,562
837,732
(58,926)
-
(58,926)
(159,961)
(23,672)
(183,633)
(35,915)
35,915
-
(195,876)
12,243
(183,633)
773,595
28,420
802,015
577,719
40,663
618,382

25

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

10 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 Oct 2022
Additions
Disposals
At 30 Sept 2023
Depreciation
At 1 Oct 2022
Charge for year
Disposals
At 30 Sept 2023
Net book value
At 30 Sept 2023
At 30 Sept 2022		 Office &
Freehold
GSUS Live
Key to Life
LIFE
computer
Property
exhibition
exhibition
exhibition
equipment
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
113,250
110,756
183,468
335,896
33,657
777,027
-
-
-
-
13,371
13,371
(20,000)
-
(126,281)
-
-
(146,281)
93,250
110,756
57,187
335,896
47,028
644,117
36,367
79,526
183,468
332,952
33,184
665,497
1,281
7,458
-
1,111
3,424
13,274
(4,348)
-
(126,281)
-
-
(130,629)
33,300
86,984
57,187
334,063
36,608
548,142
59,950
23,772
-
1,833
10,420
95,975
76,883
31,230
-
2,944
473
111,530

11 Investments

Market Value at 1 October 2022
Additions
Disposal proceeds
Realised gains/(losses) on investments
Management fees
Dividends & interest
Unrealised gains/(losses) on investments
Market Value at 30 September 2023
Historical cost at 30 September 2023		 Total
Cash
Funds
2023
£
£
£
14,788
320,657
335,445
(18,097)
18,097
-
4,808
(4,808)
-
-
752
752
(3,396)
-
(3,396)
10,890
-
10,890
-
12,723
12,723
8,993
347,421
356,414
8,993
353,066
362,059

All investments are held in the UK.

26

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

12 Debtors

Accrued income
Other debtors and prepayments		 2023
2022
£
£
275,141
20,654
4,592
5,297
279,733
25,951

Debtors includes grants due at the balance sheet date, received after the year end.

13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Other creditors
Accruals		 2023
2022
£
£
194
482
12,850
4,682
13,044
5,164

14 Operating leases

At 30 September 2023 the organisation had total minimum commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as set out below:

Amounts payable:
Within 1 year
Between 2 to 5 years		 Vehicles
Vehicles
2023
2022
£
£
13,435
2,007
34,112
-

27

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

15 Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities

Statement of Financial Activities: Net movement in funds
Investment income
Investment management costs
Depreciation
Net movement from sale of fixed assets
Realised net (gain)/losses on sales of investments
Unrealised net (gain)/losses on investments
Increase / (decrease) in creditors: current liabilities
(Increase) /decrease in debtors
Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities		 2023
2022
£
£
474,598
(183,633)
(12,161)
(9,645)
3,396
3,599
13,274
12,040
(63,130)
(22,050)
(752)
1,107
(12,723)
57,819
7,880
799
(253,782)
31,236
156,600
(108,728)

16 Analysis of changes in cash during the year

Cash at bank and in hand
Cash held within investments
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash held within investments		 2023
2022
Change
£
£
£
373,902
150,620
223,282
8,993
14,788
(5,795)
382,895
165,408
217,487
2022
2021
Change
£
£
£
150,620
264,425
(113,805)
14,788
19,245
(4,457)
165,408
283,670
(118,262)

28

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

**17 ** Movement in funds
Current Year
Restricted funds
Evangelists
GSUS Live fund
Church Planting
Network fund
The Evangelization
Society
School Resources and
Training
Church Support
Unrestricted funds
General free reserves funds
Designated funds
Restructuring
Church Planting
Network (CPN) fund
Fixed Assets NBV
Total funds
Prior Year
Restricted funds
Evangelists
GSUS Live fund
Church Planting
Network fund
The Evangelization
Society
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Total funds		 At
At
1 Oct
Gains
30 Sep
2022
Income
Expenditure
& losses
Transfers
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
-
86,083
(86,625)
-
542
-
22,296
70,805
(63,476)
-
(5,871)
23,754
-
25,896
(66,800)
-
40,904
-
18,367
720
(2,000)
-
-
17,087
-
191,194
(22,876)
-
(13,371)
154,947
-
66,044
(64,959)
-
-
1,085
40,663
440,742
(306,736)
-
22,204
196,873
577,719
963,076
(635,959)
13,475
(457,679)
460,632
-
-
-
-
50,000
50,000
-
-
-
-
30,000
30,000
-
-
-
-
355,475
355,475
577,719
963,076
(635,959)
13,475
(22,204)
896,107
618,382
1,403,818
(942,695)
13,475
-
1,092,980
At
At
1 Oct
Gains
30 Sep
2021
Income
Expenditure
& losses
Transfers
2022
£
£
£
£
£
£
-
88,968
(88,968)
-
-
-
-
95,765
(71,207)
-
(2,262)
22,296
8,309
20,363
(67,271)
-
38,599
-
20,111
794
(2,116)
-
(422)
18,367
28,420
205,890
(229,562)
-
35,915
40,663
773,595
507,135
(608,170)
(58,926)
(35,915)
577,719
773,595
507,135
(608,170)
(58,926)
(35,915)
577,719
802,015
713,025
(837,732)
(58,926)
-
618,382

General fund

This is the main fund of the charity, which receives donations, investment and other income not received specifically for one of the funds. The fund provides support for the evangelists and also finances publicity and development and the overall running of the charity.

In the circumstances, all amounts received within the general fund have been treated as unrestricted income.

29

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

17 Movement in funds (continued)

Restricted Funds

Evangelists fund

When the Trustees invite an individual to join Counties as an Evangelist, in effect a restricted fund is created for the Evangelist and their activities that further the purposes of the charity.

GSUS Live fund

The fund exists to finance the running costs of the GSUS Live units.

Church Planting Network fund

The fund exists to enable the planting and replanting of vibrant new churches that make Jesus known across England and Wales.

The Evangelization Society (TES)

These funds are restricted and are to be utilised to fund grants towards evangelistic projects that are a one-off, innovative and pioneering in nature. This is consistent with the previous aims and objectives of TES.

Church Support

Exists to assist local churches, partly via our team of Regional Connectors.

School Resources and Training

This fund has been created as a result of a grant from the Weald Trust which is restricted in its use for the support of schools resources and training.

Designated Funds

Restructuring

This fund has been designated to help meet the cost of developing our strategic plans and objectives in the coming year.

Church Planting Network (CPN) fund

This fund has been designated to set aside funds to meet the budgeted deficit in this area of work in the coming year.

Fixed Assets NBV

This fund has been established in the year to account for the net book value of our fixed assets and property investments which are by definition not available as free reserves.

30

COUNTIES (Formerly Counties Evangelistic Work) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023

18 Analysis of net assets between funds

Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
Designated funds
Prior year comparatives
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds		 Tangible
Other
Total
Fixed assets
Investments
Net assets
2023
£
£
£
£
-
-
196,873
196,873
-
356,414
104,218
460,632
95,975
-
339,500
435,475
95,975
356,414
640,591
1,092,980
Tangible
Other
Total
Fixed assets
Investments
Net assets
2022
£
£
£
£
-
-
40,663
40,663
111,530
335,445
130,744
577,719
111,530
335,445
171,407
618,382

19 Related party transactions

Phil Davies is an evangelist supported by Counties and is the brother of a trustee James Davies. The total paid to Phil Davies in the year was £4,350: (2022 £4,250).

Counties has for many years held a 20.62% interest in 41 Leigh Road, the property occupied by one of our officers, Jonathan BrooksMartin. During the year Jonathan and his wife purchased this interest from Counties for £59,283 based on two independent valuations that the trustees obtained and with the approval of the Charity Commission.

20 Share capital

The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. The members' liability is limited to £1 each.

31