COMMISSION (also known as"The Trustees of Commission" and "Commission Radio") Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year ended 30 June 2023 Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC101642)
COMMISSION TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present theirAnnual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2023 including Receipts and Payments Account and Statement of Assets a nd Lia bilities as at that date. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Commission 6A Ballyoran Lane Belfast BT16 IXJ Registered Charity in Northern Ireland {NIC101642) CHARITY TRUSTEES The Charity Trustees who served during the year or who were trustees at the date of this report were: Mr Artie Hoyle (chairman) Rev. Dr Paul Bailie (deceased 15 November 2022) th Ih Mrs Jennifer Erskine (resigned 10 March 2023) Mr Hugh Finlay Dr Harold Harvey th Mrs Jennifer Hobson (deceased 6 September 2022) Revjim Rea Mr Noel Speers (resigned 13 October 2022) th th Mr Mark Smyth lappointed 12 June 2023) Mr Mark Mccartney {appointed 12, June 2023) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Mr lan McAvoy BA hons Ingleneuk, Ravensdene Mews, Belfast, BT6 OBC BANKERS Ulster Bank Belfast City Office 11-16 Donegall Sq. East Belfast BTI SUB SOLICITORS Hewitt and Gilpin Solicitors Ltd 14-16 James Street South Be Ifast BT2 7GA
COMMISSION TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) INTRODUCTION The ministry of Commission has been ongoing over the past year. We continue to give thanks for all the volunteers who give of their time, for those who donate and continue to support us financially, and to the many individuals and churches who pray for the work. Commission continues to be blessed in terms of finance and the wonderful studio facilities. The Trustees have continued to review and oversee the work of Commission during the past twelve months and have also given guidance in terms of the future work and personnel. We would also wish to express our thanks for the invaluable work carried out by members of the Executive Committee. We were deeply saddened during the year by the deaths of Jennifer Hobson and Paul Baillie both of whom served as trustees and active volunteers for many years. Their inputs were immense, and they will be sadly missed. The year also saw the resignation of Mr Noel Speers a founder trustee of Commission, a volunteer and a constant ambassador for the charity with which his name became synonymous. Our thought and prayers follow him in his'retirement" Jennifer Erskine resigned towards the end of the financial year again after many years as a trustee, volunteer and active supporter of the charity- her wisdom, experience and knowledge were deeply appreciated. Mr Mark Smith and Mr Mark Mccartney were invited to take on the role and responsibilities of trusteeship and their appointments were confirmed at the end of the financial year. We look forward to their contribution as Commission moves forward to develop its work and vision. STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT The Trustees Under the charity's governing document, The Trust Deed, the Trustees seek to watch over and promote the interests of Commission and of persons not connected who are within its bounds. It ensures pastoral care is in place in the charity and seeks to further the contribution of Commission Radio to Christian witness and service. All members are entitled to propose, speak and exercise equal votes at meetings. Stated meetings of the Trustees are held three times per year, or as appropriate. Executive Committee The Trustees have delegated to its Executive Committee the temporal and operational affairs of the charity including administering all funds and property belonging to Commission. Members of the Executive Committee can attend Trustee Meetings. Stated meetings of the Executive Committee are held every six weeks, or as appropriate.
COMMISSION TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) DESCRIPTION AND PURPOSE The charitable purpose of Commission is the advancement of religion. The objects of "Commission are to spread the message of the Lord Jesus Christ and to encourage Christians to grow in their faith by any means cons1Stent with the Statement of Faith set out in the Schedule hereto and including in particular {but not exclusively) the preparation of Christian radio programmes for broadcast, the preparation of audio and visual material for use in the Christian Church, and the encouragement and training of Christians in the communication of their faith. Schedule: Statement of Faith l. The Unity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit in the Godhead. 2. God's Sovereignty in Creation, Revelation. Redemption and the Final Judgement. 3. The Divine inspiration and infallibility of Holy Scripture, as originally given, and its supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct. 4. The Fall of man, his lost estate and total depravity, making necessary the New Birth. 5. The deity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, death, bodily resurrection, present exaltation at God's right hand and His personal return. 6. The necessity of the Holy Spirit to make the death of Christ effective to the individual sinner granting him repentance toward God and faith in Jesus Christ. 7. The One Holy Universal Church, which is the body of Christ to which all true believers belong. 8. Christ's commission to the Church to go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature. AcfiviTIES AND OBJECTIVES Radio Drama Radio Stations (both in UK and abroad) continued to be supplied with programmes. "Miriam" series recording completed in June 2023 "The Wedding at Cana" series- recording completed in December 2022 "Lazarus Unbound" x 15 minute drama recorded January 2023 On Premier Radio (UK National religious station UK) Du ring the year June 2022- 23 the following were broadcast. Elisha 13 Programmes I Caiphas 8 Programmes Nehemiah 5 Programmes Seventh Son 13 Programmes Walking with Jesus 6 Programmes Samuel 7 Programmes
COMMISSION TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) Childrens Programmes- Tanglewoods Secret.. Children's classic book series adapted for radio has been completed. A new project team began in late 2022 to provide a new children's strand 'Treasure Box" this will span the next two years {estimated.) World wide Station Outlets - Four overseas stations have broadcast our programmes over the year: TWR {UK)- Europe Reach Beyond Australasia and Far East Voice of Livingstonia - Malawi Joy FM- Guam Music- The requirements for music are now confined to recording theme music for our drama and other programmes. Internet Station - website at www.commissionradio.org There are 28 programme series available, attracting a global audience, with over half located in North America. Engineering: Staffing- there is currently a core of four engineers which is adequate at present for current productions. Equipment- maintenance and upgrading are ongoing for both hardware and 50ftware. Plans were made in early 2023 to upgrade our studio 2 studio (non drama) with live access to the internet for the production of podcasts. Premises.. Costs for lighting/heating are closely monitored as are other day to day running costs. Routine maintenance and servicing is carried out as required, and a good working relationship is continuing with our landlord. Publicity: Website- We continue to look at modifying and updating the Commission website: {www.commissionradio.orgl. Facebook - A dedicated Facebook page has been set up to help publicise the work of Commission on social media: {www.facebook.com/commissionradio).
COMMISSION TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) News Sheet- One edition is issued in June each year. In addition to hard copies being printed and distributed to our mailing list. we a150 email copies to a large number of our supporters. Training- Over the past year, radio training and awareness courses have been run for various churches and organisations in line with one of our objectives. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Drama series, completed and others in the pipeline. Other strands of proeramming continued to be produced, as and when required, and broadcast at home and overseas. Ongoing relationships With radio stations are continuing to be developed. Our Music Recording Facility is fully operational. The Commission Website and Facebook page are under constant review and are regularly updated. Continuous monitoring and good stewardship of our finances. Plans for the production of podcasts and the necessary updating of recording facilities were finalised in June and will be implemented during the summer of 2023 Property The Executive Committee continues to provide oversight and maintenance of our building to ensure it remains fit for purpose. While no rnajor building work was undertaken during 2022-2023, general maintenance to the building continued throughout the year. Volunteers The Trustees wish to acknowledge their deep appreciation of those who gave freely of their time by serving on the Executive Committee and the wider Team for their involvement in other activities. PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT Commission meets the public benefit requirement by providing benefit to its members and the general public by making known the Christian Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through the advancement of religion. The direct benefi't, which flows from the advancement of religion, includes the spreading of the principles of Christianity through raising awareness and u nderstanding of Christian beliefs and practices. On-going training is offered to continue the work and advance the purposes of Commission. This work a150 extends into the area of missionary outreach. These benefits are evidenced through the encouragement of moral and spiritual improvement of society in the UK, Ireland and overseas. We also receive constructive feedback from radio stations that have
COMMISSION TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) requested our programme5 and this in turn helps us to determine the content and direction of future productions. Commission has had regard to the Charity Commissions Public benefit requirement statutory guidance. FINANCIAL REVIEW The charity's main source of income is individual and church contributions. Total Income of Commission during the year 2022-2023 was £9,321 compared to £12,143 in the previous year. Total expenditure was £13,161 during 2022-2023 compared to £15,707 in 2021- 2022. RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT In the course of his financial report during the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 10 October 2023 the Treasurer drew attention to the fact that Commission receipts had fallen significantly during the year from £12,923 in the previous year to £9,321 in 2022123. This was mainly due to a reduction in donations from individuals. The running costs had also reduced from £15,707 to £13,161. This was mainly due to a major one-off item of expenditure in 2021/22. The underlying running costs have been under inflationary pressure throughout the period. The overall deficit for the year rose by £1,046 to £3,840. While this does not constitute a significant risk given the reserves in hand the question of falling income from donors needs to be addressed and expenditure will continue to require constant monitoring. ASSETS AND LIABILITIES It was noted that there was no significant change in the year end position regarding Assets and Liabilities except for depreciation adjustment. GOING CONCERN The activities of Commission are dependent on ongoing contributions from individuals and churches. The Trustees are of the opinion that Commission has sufficient resources at the date of approval of the fi'nancial statements to meet commitments which will arise in the year from the date of signing this report and subject to the continuing support to fund, on an ongoing basis, the charity's current activities and other financial commitments.
COMMISSION TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (cont'd) RISK REVIEW A review of major risks has been undertaken by the Tiustees and systems and procedures implemented to manage identified risks. The principal risks are in relation to the likelihood of reputational damage and financial risks associated with the expectation of ongoing financial support from individuals and churches. These risks are mitigated by the Trustees, and the Executive Committee, regularly monitoring the various activities of the charity at stated meetings and by encouraging supporters in their regular giving. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEE RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial Statements of Commission in accordance with applicable law and generally accepted accounting practice. As the charity's total income does not exceed £250,000, the Trustees have elected under Section6413) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 to prepare a receipts and payment account and a statement of assets and liabilities. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time its financial position. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: J Rea (Chairman of Trustee51 J É,F A Hoyle (Trustee) lo