RURAL MISSION SOLUTIONS Company Registration Number: 2433511 Charity Registration Number: 802305
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
Annual Report and Accounts 2024
| 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) Alice Bates (appointed 07/10/24)
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 2024
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 Commission 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’s 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 3 months’ worth of expenditure is held within reserves has been introduced.
As at 31 December 2024, the charity had unrestricted funds of £17,804 (2023: £4,235). The level of "free reserves" at the year-end was £13,567 (2023: £4,235) 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). Three new trustees have been appointed, Rev Barry Charles Osborne (appointed 08/06/24), Elaine Torr (08/06/24) and Alice Bates (07/10/24). 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. Miss Bates has responsibility for monitoring and advising regarding Safeguarding issues.
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Annual Report and Accounts 2024
Accounts
Accounts are prepared in accordance with SORP (FRS102). For the year ending 31st December 2024, the Charity benefited from grants from Mission for Christ, a charity with similar aims and objectives. Additional grants were also received from The Benefact Trust, Bishop Radford Trust, AFD Software, Green Hill Trust, and JustSow. 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 currently being updated, but equates to a minimum of 3 months full operational costs.
2024 ACTIVITIES
During the year ending 31st December 2024, the trustees, staff members, and volunteers of Rural Missions have continued to advance our mission of encouraging rural churches across the UK to engage in missional activities aligned with the ‘Five Marks of Mission’ as defined by the Anglican Communion and embraced by many Christian denominations. While we deeply value the social action elements of these marks, our primary focus remains on empowering churches to confidently proclaim the gospel of Christ using methods that resonate best with their unique contexts.
Throughout the year, we have intensified our efforts to support rural churches through various initiatives. These include face-to-face meetings with clergy and key lay leaders, integrating our mission into regular church services, and enhancing our online presence with expanded resources. We have also successfully promoted and hosted ‘Mission Can Be Fun’ events— tailored mission engagements—and conducted a series of well-received online seminars and forums on pertinent topics.
The positive feedback and enthusiasm from participants have affirmed the impact of our work, yet we recognize the vast amount still to be done. With the appointment of our new CEO in 2024, we have undergone a sizeable shift in our focus and output. The new CEO has played a pivotal role in rebranding the organization, including renaming it to better reflect our mission and values. They have streamlined our operations, expanded our staff team, and launched new initiatives that have broadened our scope and deepened our impact.
Moreover, the CEO has significantly increased our supporter base, securing additional funding and resources to sustain and grow our efforts. This renewed energy and strategic focus have positioned us to further empower rural churches in their vital role in God’s mission.
As part of this new phase, we are also focusing on fostering voluntary partnerships with likeminded organizations, strengthening our collective efforts in nurturing rural churches to be increasingly missional.
We are excited about the progress made in 2024 and look forward to continuing this momentum in the coming year.
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
RISK MANAGEMENT
The work of Rural Missions has historically depended heavily on the knowledge and skills of its founding members. Recognizing the need for sustainable leadership and fresh perspectives, the trustees have taken proactive steps by appointing a new CEO, who began in March 2024. This appointment has infused new life and energy into the organisation, aligning with our strategic focus on growth and revitalization.
In 2024, the Charity introduced a comprehensive risk register to systematically identify, assess, and manage potential risks. This new tool ensures that we are better equipped to address challenges proactively, enhancing our resilience and adaptability in a changing environment.
One key area of concern remains our reliance on a loyal but ageing supporter base for much of our funding. Developing and implementing strategies to diversify and grow our supporter base is a top priority for the trustees. Under the new leadership, we have already seen promising progress in this area, with an expanded supporter base and increased financial stability.
The trustees are confident that these measures, combined with our renewed strategic focus and organisational enhancements, position Rural Missions to effectively pursue its vision and objectives in the immediate future, while also planning for long-term sustainability and impact.
Signed by order of the Trustees/Directors:
Andrew Paul Bob Goody MA 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 2024 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 2024
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| Notes | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| INCOME | |||
| Donations | 31,759 | 7,265 | |
| Tax recoverable | 2,785 | 2,059 | |
| Grants received | 2 | 112,000 | 36,000 |
| Sales | 250 | - | |
| TOTAL INCOME | 146,993 | 45,324 | |
| EXPENDITURE | |||
| Staff salaries etc | 3 | 86,285 | 34,863 |
| Ministry expenses | 34,800 | 3,440 | |
| Administration | 1,007 | 418 | |
| Advertising & PR | 9,313 | 1,053 | |
| Insurance | - | 271 | |
| Governance | 809 | - | |
| Professional services | 1,212 | 1,753 | |
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | 133,426 | 41,798 | |
| Operating profit (loss) | +13,567 | +3,526 |
Note: All funds are unrestricted funds.
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Annual Report and Accounts 2024
INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income for continuing operation | 146,993 | 45,324 |
| Gross expenditure for continuing operations | 133,426 | 41,798 |
| Net Profit/Loss | +13,567 | +3,526 |
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 10, provides full information on the movements during the period on all the funds of the Charity.
The notes on page 10 form part of these accounts.
There are no recognised gains or losses other than shown above.
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Annual Report and Accounts 2024
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2024
| Notes | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds in hand and bank | 21,591 | 8,745 | |
| Debtors | 4 | 373 | 2,979 |
| Total Current Assets | 21,965 | 11,724 | |
| Creditors payable within one year | 5 | 4,161 | 7,489 |
| Net Assets | 17,804 | 4,235 | |
| Reserves | |||
| Brought forward | 4,235 | 709 | |
| Surplus/(Loss) on year | 13,567 | 3,526 | |
| Carried Forward | 17,802 | 4,235 |
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 7 to 9 were approved by the Trustees/Directors on 28th January 2025.
Captain Gordon Banks CA Trustee/Director
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Annual Report and Accounts 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
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. GRANTS - Grants have been claimed from a sister charity during the year, as well as new grants from other funding sources.
3. STAFF COSTS - The Charity benefits from the dedicated service of voluntary workers and some trustees who engage in the general activities, on a voluntary basis. At the start of 2024 there were three staff members employed.
4 . DEBTORS - ‘Debtors’ is funds claimable from HMRC under the Gift Aid Scheme.
5 . CREDITORS - ‘Creditors’ represents NI payments due to HMRC.
6 . TAXATION - The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
7 . 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 2024 was six.
8. STAFF REMUNERATION - Employees earn less than £45,000 pa.
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