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2023-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 266600

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN

COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Rev Verena Jantzen Rev Lars Klehn (until 19.10.2023) Rev Silke Halfmann (from 19.10.2023) Dr Brigitte Jurack Pastor Kai Thierbach Dr Michaela Scheuermann-Freestone Lutz Lemmer

Treasurer Dr. Christoph Reimnitz

Charity number 266600 Principal address 10 Sandwich Street London WC1H 9BL Independent examiner Tilesh Patel The SME Clinic 7 Stratford Place London W1C 1AY

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Statement of financial position 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 21

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Synod's governing documents, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

The Synod is established to advance the protestant Christian religion, amongst German Speakers in Great Britain. In achieving this object, the Synod fosters solidarity between its member congregations and a common approach to questions of Christian faith and life. It attends to the ecclesiastical and social life of the congregations and concerns itself with the maintenance of Christian life.

The Synod provides the congregations with ministers, advice, training, and oversight so that they can provide public benefits in accordance with their charitable objectives and their agreements with the Synod.

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Synod should undertake.

Achievements and performance

The Synod is responsible for providing and organising effective German-speaking Protestant ministry in Great Britain. It supports the member congregations by employing pastors and pastoral assistants for German worship and pastoral care when needed, even where there is no organised congregation.

The Synod support to its member congregations includes visitations and training.

Furthermore, the Synod supports the member congregations by giving advice, examining their finances and legal documents, and providing them with templates for their day-to-day work. In 2022 the Synod was awarded a Grade A Sponsorship Licence for the UK Visa Immigration Sponsorship Scheme.

The Synod supports the member congregations by giving grants towards the church work, to support children's groups, and in support of specific projects and outings. It also makes contributions towards the cost of repairs of the rectories occupied by the pastors.

At the beginning of 2023 eight pastors were employed, who worked with 18 congregations supporting about 30 places of worship.

The Synod employs two administrative staff, one as Synod Administrator with specific responsibility for the day-today operations of the office and a Finance Administrator responsible for the administrating all financial affairs including regular payments and keeping the Synods bookkeeping up to date. Both roles are part time and limited to 18 and 15 hours of work per week respectively. Following the resignation of the Finance Administrator in late 2022 a new Finance Administrator started in the role as per March 27, 2023.

Quality Management

The Synod supports the member congregations by visitation and training. A visitation to a congregation sets in motion a process of reflection; whether their activities match their objectives and whether improvement is possible. Volunteer training enables them to lead worship, to offer worship for children, to lead the congregation and to manage its finances. This supports good governance and develops the skills of the current and future lay community, helping to ensure the long-term continuity of the congregations.

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Administrative Support to Congregations

The Synod supports the member congregations by giving advice, examining their finances and legal documents, and providing them with templates for their day-to-day work. The Synod holds a Grade A Sponsorship License for the UK Visa Immigration Sponsorship Scheme and assists new pastors with the visa application process. The Synod arranges an annual meeting for the Treasurers of the congregations to discuss financial matters, share best practices and gain a better understanding of the financial needs across the Synod.

Financial Support to Congregations

The Synod supports the member congregations by giving grants. It gives support grants towards the church work, supports children’s groups, specific projects and outings, partly pays for repairs to the rectories inhabited by the pastors and supports congregations in deficit. The Synod further supports member congregations by applying to the Kaiser Wilhelm II Fund for grants which are then distributed to the Congregations.

Networking between Congregations

The Synod Assembly held each spring as the Synods annual general meeting, and the Church Treasurers’ day usually held each winter provide opportunities for trustees of the congregations throughout great Britain to share their ideas for congregational work and to discuss matters of Christian faith.

Representation

The Synod represents German speaking Protestants at the German Embassy, at the General Assembly of Evangelische Kirche in Deutschland (EKD) and in several ecumenical organisations throughout Great Britain and in Europe. It delivers a presentation about the German-speaking church work in Great Britain at the Deutsch Evangelische Kirchentag in Germany.

Financial review

During fiscal 2023 the Synod moved from its legacy accounting system ‘Banana’ to a more contemporary accounting software ‘Quickbooks’ to facilitate incoming and outgoing bookings and create greater financial transparency.

Income

The Syond has effectively 4 sources of income.

Congregation Contributions

The Synod's income derives for the largest part from contributions by the congregations of £317,424 or 66% (2022: £345,000 or 76%). However, an amount of £3,000 was written off as irrecoverable. The Synod Assembly determines the contribution to be paid by each congregation. The amount for 2022 was increased to £58,000 from £57,500 in 2022 to move closer to a balanced budget.

Grants and donations

Grants to congregations are made from donations and grants made to the Synod. In 2023 the highest grant ever, of £70,000 was made by the Kaiser Wilhelm II Fund (Registered Charity Number 1117748) for a variety of activities aimed at creating an active community life. The Synod submitted a grant application to the Kaiser Wilhelm II Fund in April 2023 which was reviewed during a (virtual) meeting with representatives of the fund.

Dividends and Interest Income

Net income from investments in 2023 amounted to £42,795 (2022: £39,719), the majority of which was derived from dividends, with £3,298 (2022: £828) being interest income.

Other financial contributions

In 2023 a financial reimbursement of £43,435 (2022: £18,171) towards the costs of the pastoral assistant from London-West was received.

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

EXPENDITURE

Salaries

Salaries of the pastors represent the largest part of the Synod's expenditure of £382,378 or 78% (2022: £351,756, or 75%) The employment costs of pastors are denominated in Euros and are therefore impacted by fluctuating currency exchange rates.

Financial support to the Congregations

In 2023 the Synod provided financial support to the Congregations at a total amount of £39,627 (2022: £46,826).

Administrative support costs

In 2023 the Synod incurred total expenses of £62,351 (2022: £55,136) to provide administrative support to the congregations. The majority of these costs were borne by salaries for the administrative and financial support staff totalling £38,377 (2022: £42,924). The balance was spent on such items as legal fees, insurance, accounting support, costs for the independent examiner and other administrative items.

Changes in financial position

During the financial year 2023 net assets saw an overall increase of 5.3% mainly as a result of unrealised gains on investments. The value of the Synod’s net assets as at 31/12/2023 increased from £1,571,284 to £1,655,139 which is an increase of £83,855 as a result of recovery in capital markets.

Seafarer's Mission

The Synod processes payment of salaries for the UK-based staff of the German Seafarer's Mission (Deutsche Seemannsmission e.V.- DSM), a German registered charity. It does so with funds received from the DSM in accordance with its instructions. However, the support ended as per 30 April 2023.

Restricted and unrestricted funds

In 2023, the unrestricted funds (reserves) stood at £837,501 (2021: £809,030).

In 2017, the trustees decided to designate the main part of these reserves for income generation, with the exception of the amount deemed necessary by the Trustees to be held as cash, or cash equivalent, to maintain sufficient liquidity in preparedness for unexpected events.

Reserves

The Synod's policy for holding reserves is to keep the liquid amount of unrestricted funds at least equal to 24 months of operating expenditure, less the direct costs of ministry, to safeguard the continuity of operations. In the Trustees' judgment, the adequate minimum amount to be held as liquid General Reserves for this purpose remains set at £200,000.

At the end of 2023, the amount kept in current accounts and cash-equivalent fixed term accounts with banking institutions located in the UK and in Germany was £246,869 (2021: £222,182).

In 2023, the Synod had a net surplus of £83,855 (2022: deficit of £179,628). The Synod's unrestricted funds increased by £28,469 (2022: decreased by £102,110).

The Synod received no grants or other income from central or local government.

Structure, governance and management

The Synod is a Trust, governed by its Constitution.

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Synod of German-speaking Lutheran, Reformed and United Congregations in Great Britain (the Synod) for the year ended 31 December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Synod you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the Synod’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the Synod’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Tilesh Patel

The SME Clinic 7 Stratford Place London W1C 1AY

Dated: 20/04/2024

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
Funds
2023
Notes
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
70,000
Charitable activities
4
1,295
Investments
5
19,724
Total Income
91,019
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
101,249
Net gains/(losses) on investments
10
39,233
Net incoming/(outgoing)
resources before transfers
29,003
Gross transfers between funds
18
-
Net incoming/(outgoing)
resources
29,003
Other recognised gains and
losses
Other gains or losses
11
(534)
Net movement in funds
28,469
Fund balances at 1 January 2023
809,030
Fund balances at 31 December
2023
837,499		 Restricted
Funds
2023
£
-
365,809
23,071
388,880
385,942
54,179
57,117
-
57,117
(1,731)
55,386
762,254
817,640		 Total
2023
£
70,000
367,104
42,795
479,899
487,191
93,412
86,120
-
86,120
(2,265)
83,855
1,571,284
1,655,139		 Unrestricted
Funds
2022
£
50,300
8,291
17,524		 Restricted
Funds
2022
£
-
357,880
22,195		 Total
2022
£
50,300
366,171
39,719
76,115 380,075 456,190
101,902 366,715 468,617
(72,692) (99,714) (172,406)
(98,479)
(3,631)		 (86,354)
3,631		 (184,833)
-
(102,110)
-		 (82,723)
5,205		 (184,833)
5,205
(102,110)
911,140		 (77,518)
839,772		 (179,628)
1,750,912
809,030 762,254 1,571,284

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
£
£
Fixed Assets
Property, plant and equipment
12
1,716
Investments
13
1,451,046
1,452,762
Current Assets
Trade and other receivables
15
10,625
Cash at bank and in hand
246,869
257,494
Current Liabilities
16
(55,117)
Net current assets
202,377
Total assets less current liabilities
1,655,139
Income Funds
Restricted funds
18
817,638
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds:
Income Generation Fund
19
637,501
General Unrestricted Fund
200,000
837,501
Fund balances at 31 December 2023
1,655,139
2023		 £
£
1
1,359,364
1,359,365
-
222,182
222,182
(10,263)
211,919
1,571,284
762,254
609,030
200,000
809,030
1,571,284
2022		 £
£
1
1,359,364
1,359,365
-
222,182
222,182
(10,263)
211,919
1,571,284
762,254
609,030
200,000
809,030
1,571,284
2022
1,359,365
211,919
1,571,284
762,254
809,030
1,571,284

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................

.............................. Rev Verena Jantzen Trustee

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Synod of German-speaking Lutheran, Reformed and United Congregations in Great Britain is an unincorporated charity, governed by it's Constitution.

1.1 Accounting convention

Accounts have been prepared on accruals basis in accordance with the rules applicable to non-company registered charities with a gross income of over £250,000.

As a public benefit entity under FRS102, the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) effective 1 January 2015.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The financial statements 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 Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Synod. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

All income and expenditure have arisen from continuing activities.

Having taken all available information into account, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the next 12 months as well as for the foreseeable future and thus are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particularly restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particularly restricted purposes.

1.4 Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. Contractual income is recognised once the service has been provided.

Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their fair values to the charity at the amount realised on sale. Donated services are included in income and expenditure where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material at the estimated value to the charity, with exception of volunteer help which is not included in the accounts.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Synod has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Synod has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to a specific heading, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

1.6 Property, plant and equipment

A tangible fixed asset is capitalised if its initial cost is at least £500.

Fixed asset investments are measured initially at cost and revalued at the end of the reporting period to their fair value. The value of investment funds is based on the unit bid price. For investments listed or traded on a recognised exchange, fair value is the market value. If the fair value cannot be measured reliably, including for social investments, revaluation is based on cost less impairment.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following basis:

Plant and equipment N/A Computers Linear over four years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Non-current investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.8 Impairment of non-current assets

At each reporting end date, the Synod reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

1.10 Financial instruments

The Synod has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Synod's balance sheet when the Synod becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Synod’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

1.12 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Synod is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.13 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies (Continued)

1.14 Foreign exchange

Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the middle market spot rate as published by the Bank of England for the balance sheet date.

Transaction amounts in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of transaction based on the middle market spot rate as published by the Bank of England unless the actual transaction rate can be identified.

Exchange differences are taken into account in arriving at the operating result.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Synod’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Donations and legacies

Donations and gifts
Donations and gifts
Kaiser Willhelm II Fund
Other		 Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
70,000
70,000
-
70,000		 Unrestricted
Funds
2022
£
50,300
50,000
300
50,300

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4 Charitable activities

Ministry Synod Fees
Pastoral Assistance Refunds
Other Services
Provision of Admin Support Services to DSM
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restrocted funds		 Council
Activities
2023
£
320,424
43,435
1,295
1,950
367,104
1,295
365,809
367,104		 Council
Activities
2022
£
345,000
18,171
-
3,000
366,171
8,291
357,880
366,171

5 Investments

Income from listed
investments
Interest receivable
Total Income		 Unrestricted
Funds
2023
£
16,426
3,298
19,724		 Restricted
Funds
2023
£
23,071
-
23,071		 Total
2023
£
39,497
3,298
42,795		 Unrestricted
Funds
2022
£
16,696
828		 Restricted
Funds
2022
£
22,195
-		 Total
2022
£
38,891
828
17,524 22,195 39,719

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6 Charitable activities

For the year ended 31 December 2023

For the year ended 31 December 2023
Ministry
2023
£
Staff costs
382,378
Relocation costs
-
Lay Training
2,276
ACAT membership
-
ThirtyOneEight
-
Maintenance
-
Synod fee written off
-
Budget/special support
-
Congregation work
-
Ecumenical
-
Memberships
-
Other representation
-
384,654
Share of support costs (note 7)
26,289
Share of governance costs
(note 7)
1,795
412,738
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
30,360
Restricted funds
382,378
412,738		 Quality
Management
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Administrative
Financial
Support to
Support to
Congregations Congregations Networking
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
143
-
-
145
-
-
-
564
-
-
3,000
-
-
1,387
-
-
30,209
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
288
35,160
-
4,265
4,389
4,265
78
78
12,394
4,631
39,627
16,659
4,631
36,063
16,659
-
3,564
-
4,631
39,627
16,659		 Representation
Total
2023
2023
£
-
382,378
-
-
-
2,276
-
143
-
145
-
564
-
3,000
-
1,387
-
30,209
1,580
1,580
-
-
3,158
3,158
4,738
424,839
4,265
47,738
190
14,613
9,193
487,191
9,193
101,249
-
385,942
9,193
487,191		 Total
2022
351,756
11,093
1,204
133
-
14,959
-
421
31,825
1,516
200
374
384,654
26,289
1,795		 -
4,265
78		 288
4,265
78		 35,160
4,389
78		 -
4,265
12,394		 4,738
4,265
190		 424,839
47,738
14,613		 413,481
50,259
4,877
412,738 4,343 4,631 39,627 16,659 9,193 487,191 468,617
30,360
382,378		 4,343
-		 4,631
-		 36,063
3,564		 16,659
-		 9,193
-		 101,249
385,942		 101,902
366,715
412,738 4,343 4,631 39,627 16,659 9,193 487,191 468,617

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

6 Charitable activities (Continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2022

For the year ended 31 December 2022
Staff costs
Relocation costs
Lay Training
ACAT membership
ThirtyOneEight
Maintenance
Synod fee written off
Budget/special support
Congregation work
Ecumenical
Memberships
Other representation
Share of support costs (note 7)
Share of governance costs (note 7)
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 Ministry
2022
£
351,756
11,093
1,204
-
-
-
-
421
-
-
-
-		 Quality
Management
2022
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Administrative
Financial
Support to
Support to
Congregations Congregations Networking
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
133
-
-
-
-
-
-
14,959
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
31,825
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Representation
Total
2022
2022
£
-
351,756
-
11,093
-
1,204
-
133
-
-
-
14,959
-
-
-
421
-
31,825
1,516
1,516
200
200
374
374
364,474
25,385
2,439		 -
4,904
90		 133
4,904
90		 46,784
5,027
90		 -
4,904
1,904		 2,090
5,135
264		 413,481
50,259
4,877
392,298 4,994 5,127 51,901 6,808 7,489 468,617
40,542
351,756		 4,994
-		 5,127
-		 36,942
14,959		 6,808
-		 7,489
-		 101,902
366,715
392,298 4,994 5,127 51,901 6,808 7,489 468,617

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

7 Support costs

Staff Costs
Depreciation
Office Costs
Insurance
Legal Fees
Bank Charges
HR Services
Payroll Processing Costs
Communication Costs
Office Equipmemt
Other Administrative Costs
Accountancy
Synod Assembly
Sponsorship Licence
Synod Council
Total Income		 Support
Costs
2023
£
38,377
572
1,270
1,237
480
124
472
3,438
188
68
1,512
-
-
-
-
47,738		 Governance
Funds
2023
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,517
12,316
220
561
14,613		 Total
2023
£
38,377
572
1,270
1,237
480
124
472
3,438
188
68
1,512
1,517
12,316
220
561
62,351		 Support
Costs
2022
£
42,924
-
3,857
1,267
-
122
-
864
405
52
768		 Governance
Funds
2022
£
-
2,160
1,814
38
865		 Total
2022
£
42,924
-
3,857
1,267
-
122
-
864
405
52
768
2,160
1,814
38
865
50,259 4,877 55,136

Governance costs include payments to the Independent Examiner of £840 (2022: £840)

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8 Trustees

The Trustees do not receive any remuneration for their services as trustees. In the reporting period, the following Trustees were employed by the Synod as pastors and received salaries for their non-trustee services in the Congregations of their Pastoral Region, or were reimbursed the following expenses:

Trustee remuneration
Pastor Thierbach
Pastor Halfmann
Pastor Klehn
Pastor Jantzen
Trustee expenses
Pastor Jantzen
Pastor Klehn
Pastor Thierbach
Brigitte Jurack
Lutz Lemmer
9
Employees
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
Employee costs
Wages and salaries
Spcial security costs
Other pension costs		 2023
£
63,346
60,192
50,584
29,984		 2022
£
63,120
-
56,860
27,584
147,564
1,984
88
132
2,204
2022
Number
8
2022
£
386,571
5,701
2,408
394,680
204,106
1,105
499
270
82
-
1,956
2023
Number
11
2023
£
399,498
6,385
2,556
408,439

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9 Employees (Continued)

The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000
is as follows:
2023 2022
Number Number
£60,000 - £70,000 2 1

10 Net gains/(losses) on investments

Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total Funds Funds Total
2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022
£ £ £ £ £ £
Revaluation of investments 39,233 54,179 93,412 (72,692) (99,714) (172,406)

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

11 Other gains or losses

Other gains or losses
Foreign exchange losses
Property, plant and equipment
Cost
At 1 January 2023
Additions
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 December 2023
Carrying Amount
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022
Fixed asset investments
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2023
Valuation changes
At 31 December 2023
Carrying Amount
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Plant and
equipment
£
-
-		 Restricted
Funds
2023
£
(1,731)
Computers
£
1,635
2,288
3,923
1,635
572
2,207
1,716
1
Unlisted
investments
£
79,808
(1,731)		 Restricted
Funds
2023
£
(1,731)		 Restricted
Funds
2022
£
(5,205)
Total
£
1,635
2,288
3,923
1,635
572
2,207
1,716
1
Total
£
1,359,365
91,681
1,451,046
1,451,046
1,359,364
-
-
-
-
-
-
Listed
investments
£
1,279,556
93,412
1,372,968 78,078
1,372,968 78,078
1,279,556 79,808

12 Property, plant and equipment

13 Fixed asset investments

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14 Financial instruments

Carrying amount of financial instruments
Instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss
15
Trade and other receivables
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
16
Current liabilities
Carrying amount of financial instruments
Other taxes and social security
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors
Instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss		 2023
£
1,372,968
2023
£
10,625		 2022
£
1,279,556
2022
£
-
2023
£
7,195
47,922		 2022
£
7,222
3,041
-
10,263
55,117

17 Retirement benefit schemes

Defined contribution schemes

The Synod operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Synod in an independently administered fund.

The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £2,556 (2022 - £2,408).

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

18 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Salary Savings
Fund
Congregation
Support Fund
Congregation
Shortfall Fund		 Balance at
1 January
2022
£
-
199,323
640,449		 Incoming
resources
£
357,880
5,268
16,927		 Resources
expanded
£
(366,715)
-
-		 Transfers
£
3,631
-
-		 Revaluations,
gains and
losses
£
5,204
(23,667)
(76,046)		 Balance at
1 January
2023
£
-
180,924
581,330		 Incoming
resources
£
365,809
5,475
17,596		 Resources
expanded
£
(382,378)
(3,564)
-		 Transfers
£
16,569
-
(16,569)		 Revaluations,
gains and
losses
£
-
13,078
39,370		 Balance at
31 December
2023
£
-
195,913
621,727
839,772 380,075 (366,715) 3,631 (94,509) 762,254 388,880 (385,942) - 52,448 817,640

Included within the Revaluations, gain and losses in 2023 above is a foreign exchange loss of £1,731 (2022: loss of £5,205) on the Salary Savings Fund.

19 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

Inncome
Generation Fund		 Balance at
1 January
2022
£		 Incoming
resources
£		 Resources
expanded
£		 Transfers
£		 Revaluations,
gains and
losses
£		 Balance at
1 January
2023
£		 Incoming
resources
£		 Resources
expanded
£		 Transfers
£		 Revaluations,
gains and
losses
£		 Balance at
31 December
2023
£
711,140 76,115 (101,902) (3,631) (72,692) 609,030 130,252 (101,249) - (534) 637,499

SYNOD OF GERMAN-SPEAKING LUTHERAN, REFORMED AND UNITED CONGREGATIONS IN GREAT BRITAIN COUNCIL FOR GERMAN CHURCH WORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

20
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
2022
2022
£
£
Fund balances are represented by:
Property, plant and
equipment
1,716
-
Investments
633,405
817,640
Current assets/(liabilities)
202,378
-
837,499
817,640		 Total
Unrestricted
funds
2022
2021
£
£
1,716
1
1,451,045
597,110
202,378
211,919
1,655,139
809,030		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
-
762,254
-
762,254		 Total
2021
£
1
1,359,364
211,920
1,571,285

21 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022 - none).