RURAL MISSION SOLUTIONS Company Registration Number: 2433511 Charity Registration Number: 802305
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Annual Report and Accounts 2023
| CONTENTS | Page |
|---|---|
| Company information | 2 |
| Report of the Trustees/Directors | 3 - 5 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Summary income and expenditure account | 8 |
| Balance sheet | 9 |
| Notes | 1 0 |
| COMPANY INFORMATION |
DATE OF INCORPORATION 17 October 1989 COMPANY NUMBER 2433511 CHARITY NUMBER 802305 DIRECTORS/TRUSTEES SERVING DURING 2023 Gordon Banks Heather Frederick (resigned 11/03/24) Elizabeth Ingram (resigned 11/03/24) Christopher Knott James Mullin Barry Charles Osborne (appointed 08/06/24) Elaine Torr (appointed 08/06/24) COMPANY SECRETARY Barry Charles Osborne (resigned 08/06/24) Andrew Goody (appointed 08/06/24) REGISTERED OFFICE 64 Hill Crescent Sutton in Ashfield Notts NG17 4JA BANKERS Bank of Scotland 33 Old Broad Street London Branch PO Box 1000 BX2 1LB SOLICITORS Ellis-Fermore & Negus 2 Devonshire Avenue Beeston Nottingham NG9 1BS
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Annual Report and Accounts 2023
Trustees’ Report
The object of the Charity is to support rural churches in being missional in ways that are appropriate to the size and nature of the church and appropriate to the culture in which they are situated. We work with churches across a range of traditions. The Charity serves the public benefit in accordance with the Charity Commissions guidelines both directly through its activities and through the missional activities of local churches which are developed to serve the public benefit. It is noted that a recent survey showed that 70% of social capital in rural areas is provided through the churches and their members. We offer a range of resources through which the object is achieved including regular one-to-one advice, webinars on relevant topics, local consultations, promoting mutual-help networks, and our website.
The Trustees are aware of the Charity Commission guidance on Public benefit and this is taken into account when considering the charity's objectives. The Trustees believe that our work and current activities as illustrated in this document meet this guidance.
The Trustees have reviewed the reserves of the charity. This review encompassed the nature of the income and expenditure streams, the fixed commitments, and the nature of the reserves. The review concluded that to allow the charity to be managed effectively, a policy to ensure a year’s worth of expenditure is held within reserves will be introduced.
As at 31 December 2023, the charity had unrestricted funds of £11,724 (2022: £4681.52). The level of "free reserves" at the year-end was £11,724 (2022: £4681.52) and this consisted of the total unrestricted funds less fixed assets, which is available for the charity to use in achieving its charitable objectives. The current level of free reserves is significantly higher than the reserves policy.
GOVERNING INSTRUMENT
The Charity is incorporated and the trustees/directors are currently reviewing the existing Memorandum and Articles to ensure that these meet current requirements of the Charity Commission and Companies House, and are appropriate for the purposes for which the Charity was established.
Trustees/Directors
The Continuing Trustees who served during the year were as follows: Christopher Knott, Rev'd James Mullin, Captain Gordon Banks (Church Army), Canon Elizabeth Ingram (resigned 11/03/24) and Heather Frederick (resigned 11/03/24). Two new trustees have been appointed, Rev Barry Charles Osborne (appointed 08/06/24) and Elaine Torr (0/06/24). Trustees give their time freely; expenses incurred in attending meetings may be reimbursed. Serving Trustees may be elected to serve a further term should they wish. The appointment of additional trustees (up to a total of twelve) is the responsibility of the Board of Trustees/Directors. In this respect, the Trustees look for additional or alternative Trustees who will be committed to the objects for which the Charity is established, and which satisfy the guidance of the Charity Commission. Mrs Torr has particular responsibility for monitoring the financial affairs. Rev Osborne has responsibility for monitoring and advising regarding Safeguarding issues.
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Annual Report and Accounts 2023
Accounts
Accounts are prepared in accordance with SORP (FRS102). For the year ending 31st December 2023, the Charity benefited from grants from Mission for Christ, a charity with similar aims and objectives. Additional funds were available but the CEO was suffering from acute and chronic ill health, so these were not drawn upon before the year end. The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accrual accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime. The Charity has no funds that are restricted or endowed. The reserves policy is based upon 50% of the previous year’s expenditure or a normal annual expenditure The accounts show a deficit for the year. This would normally have been cleared with an additional promised grant.
2023 ACTIVITIES
During the year ending 31st December 2023, the trustees, staff members and volunteers continued to press forward toward the aim of encouraging as many rural churches as possible to engage in missional activity consistent with the ‘Five Marks of Mission’ as they have been defined by the Anglican Communion and generally practised across many UK Christian denominations. While we have valued the social action element with the Five Marks of Mission, our primary concern is to encourage churches to be confident in discovering and using what are for them the most effective means of proclaiming the gospel of Christ. To that end, we have engaged in face to face meetings with clergy and key lay people, taking the whole or part of regular services, maintaining and expanding our website resources, promoting and holding ‘Mission Can Be Fun’ (tailored mission) events, and holding online seminars or forums on appropriate topics.
Generally these have proved popular, with participants keen to take further action. However, we are still aware that there is much more to be done and that our current resources are too limited to allow. Therefore, with the appointment of our new CEO in 2024, will allow our Founder to be relieved of most if not all responsibility.
The new CEO who will take appropriate action to increase the financial income of the Charity, while maintaining the objective of encouraging as many rural churches as possible to become or to become increasingly missional in nature. As part of this programme moving forward, we will seek the renewal of the Rural Evangelism Network and voluntary partnership with others whose aims are consistent with our own aims.
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Members of staff, regular volunteers and the Board of Trustees hold DBS Certificates. The Charity takes seriously the issue of ensuring that those who use our services can do so with confidence. The safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults is of primary importance. All the Policy Documents of the Charity are reviewed annually and updated when necessary. Copies may be obtained from the office.
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Annual Report and Accounts 2023
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Members of staff, regular volunteers and the Board of Trustees hold DBS Certificates. The Charity takes seriously the issue of ensuring that those who use our services can do so with confidence. The safety and welfare of children and vulnerable adults is of primary importance. All the Policy Documents of the Charity are reviewed annually and updated when necessary. Copies may be obtained from the office.
RISK MANAGEMENT
Much of the work of the Charity has been dependent upon the knowledge and skills of its founder members. The Charity does not have a retirement policy and is grateful for the dedication shown by staff who have passed the normal age of retirement.The trustees have taken appropriate steps and appointed a new CEO into position, starting in March 2024 to help bring fresh life and energy. Similarly, the work of the Charity is largely funded by donations from a loyal band of supporters who are also ageing and therefore potentially diminishing. Developing and implementing strategies for addressing this continues to be a high priority to the Trustees. The directors/trustees are confident that the Charity is well able to progress its vision and objects for the immediate future, while planning for longer sustainability within the changing context of its mission.
Signed by Order of the Trustees/Directors:
Rev Barry Osborne Founder / CEO / Company Secretary
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I ndependent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Rural Mission Solutions
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 3 to 9. Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Matthew Chadwick ACA
Wright Vigar Limited Chartered Accountants and Business Advisors 25 Brunt Street Mansfield NG18 1AX
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Annual Report and Accounts 2023
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2023 | 2022 Restated |
2022 Declared |
|
| INCOME | ||||
| Donations | 7,265 | 7,573 | 7,794 | |
| Tax recoverable | 2,059 | 1,023 | 1,022 | |
| Grants received | 3 | 36,000 | 21,000 | 21,000 |
| TOTAL INCOME | 45,324 | 29,596 | 29,816 | |
| EXPENDITURE | ||||
| Staff salaries etc | 4 | 34,863 | 32,728 | 31,830 |
| Ministry expenses | 3,440 | 983 | 1,216 | |
| Administration | 418 | 2,347 | 2,179 | |
| Advertising & PR | 1,053 | 73 | 0 | |
| Insurance | 271 | 271 | 271 | |
| Governance | 0 | 2,023 | 2,023 | |
| Professional services | 1,753 | 4,025 | 3,240 | |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 41,798 | 42,450 | 40,759 | |
| Operating profit (loss) | +3526 | (-12,854) | (-10,943) |
Note: All funds are unrestricted funds.
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Annual Report and Accounts 2023
INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restated | Declared | ||
| Gross Income for continuing operation | 45,324 | 29,596 | 29,816 |
| Gross expenditure for continuing operations | 41,798 | 42,450 | 40,759 |
| Net Profit/Loss | +3,526 | -12,854 | -10,943 |
The Summary Income and Expenditure Account is derived from the Statement of Financial Activities on page 6 which, together with the notes to the accounts on page 9, provides full information on the movements during the period on all the funds of the Charity.
The notes on page 9 form part of these accounts.
There are no recognised gains or losses other than shown above.
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Annual Report and Accounts 2023
| BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2022 | BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2022 | BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2022 | BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | 2022 | |
| Restated | Declared | |||
| Funds in hand and bank | 8,745 | 1,429 | 1,409 | |
| Debtors | 5 | 2,979 | 3,252 | 3,252 |
| Total Current Assets | 11,724 | 4,681 | 4,681 | |
| Creditors payable within one year | 6 | 7,489 | 3,972 | 5,469 |
| Net Assets | 4,235 | 709 | -728 | |
| Reserves | ||||
| Brought forward | 709 | 13,563 | -7,555 | |
| Surplus/Loss on year | 3,526 | -12,854 | -10,943 | |
| Carried Forward | 4235 | 709 | -18,498 |
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The Financial Statements on pages 5 to 8 were approved by the Trustees/Directors on 19th August 2024.th
Captain Gordon Banks CA Trustee/Director
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Annual Report and Accounts 2023
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
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a. The Accounts have been prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities.
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b. Voluntary income is received by way of donations (including donations under Gift Aid), legacies and gifts and is included in full in the Income and Expenditure Account when received.
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c. The Charity does not possess any tangible assets. Any modest acquisitions during the year are treated as current expenditure. We therefore do not operate a depreciation account.
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d. There are currently no restricted funds within these accounts. During the year the charity operated a general fund only.
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e. During 2021, a sister charity, Mission for Christ,which has strong links with Rural Mission Solutions and through which its own aims are pursued, benefitted from a substantial legacy, and has undertaken to cover the deficit created by the expansion of Rural Mission Solutions’ activities.
2. RESTATED ACCOUNTS - Due to a number of factors including ill health and age, the accounts published for 2022 had not been independently examined at the time of upload, which resulted in the incorrect figures being declared. These accounts start by restating our 2022 actuals before progressing forward.
3. GRANTS - Grants have been claimed from a sister charity during the year.
4. STAFF COSTS - The Charity benefits from the dedicated service of voluntary workers. The CEO and some trustees who engage in the general activities, do so on a voluntary basis. At the start of 2023 there were three staff members employed on a part-time basis.
5. DEBTORS - ‘Debtors’ is primarily funds claimable from HMRC under the Gift Aid Scheme
6. CREDITORS - ‘Creditors’ represents reimbursements due to the CEO for accumulated expenses. There was also an error in paying pension contributions to an employee, that was not rectified until 2024.
7. TAXATION - The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
8. LIMITED LIABILITY - The Company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. The liability of each member is limited to a maximum of £10. The total number of members at 31 December 2023 was five.
9. STAFF REMUNERATION - st Employees earn less than £40,000 pa
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