OpenCharities

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

← Church Of Ireland And Methodist Chaplaincy Belfast

2025-06-30-annual-report

Page11

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS

Registered charity name Church of Ireland and Methodist Chaplaincy Belfast Charity registration number NIC108472 Company number Nl680339 Registered office 22 Elmwood Avenue Belfast BT9 6AY

Directors

Mrs C Baillie Mrs E H Carson Mrs S Campton Prof F Kee Mrs C Hillcox Rev D Mccullagh Mr C S McDowell Mrs G Mercer Dr I Taylor Mr J Unsworth

Independent examiner

GMcG Portadown Chartered Accountants 17 Mandeville Street Portadown County Armagh BT62 3PB

Page 12

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

The directors have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2025. The directors have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, Companies Act 2006, Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 and SORP (FRS 102).

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Reference and administrative details are shown in the schedule of members of the board and professional advisers on page 1 of the financial statements.

THE DIRECTORS

The directors of the charitable company are its trustees for the purpose of charity law.

The directors who served the company during the year were as follows: Rev Dr J Alderdice (resigned 31 May 2025) Mrs C Baillie Mrs Sally Campton (appointed 31 May 2025) Mrs E H Carson ProfF Kee Mrs C Hillcox Rev D McCullagh Mr C S McDowell MrsG Mercer Dr I Taylor Mr J Unsworth

PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT

The directors of Church of Ireland and Methodist Chaplaincy Belfast confirm that they have had due regard for the guidance on Public Benefit by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and are pleased to report that during the year the charity continued to provide the Public Benefits through programmes and services we offer. In particular, the directors consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

Public Benefits:

The Benefits which flow from Church of Ireland and Methodist Chaplaincy Belfast are:

Page 13

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Public Benefits (continued):

The Benefits identified above are demonstrated by:

The benefits are monitored through regular evaluation of the services provided, and through feedback from participants and members of the public.

The purposes do not lead to harm. The only private benefit resulting from the Charity's purposes are related to staff who receive benefits as a result their employment. However, this is incidental and necessary to further our charitable purposes. There are no other private benefits. The charities beneficiaries are the public, and in particular university and college students, as well as those we can support through the work of our charitable partners who share our ethos and purposes. The public benefit further through our engagement with and support for both Christian and other secular organisations, charities and individual members of the public in this way.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

Church of Ireland and Methodist Chaplaincy Belfast is a charitable company limited by guarantee and does not have any share capital. It was incorporated on 25 June 2021 and registered as a charity with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland on 20 January 2022.

In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

Recruitment, appointment, induction and training

The directors regularly review the requirements of the charity and the possibility of a need for additional directors. Any new directors would be appointed by resolution of a meeting of all the directors passed by a majority of those present. Appropriate training and induction is available to all directors.

Page 14

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Risk management

The directors have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Trust and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate an exposure to major risks. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, clients and visitors. These procedures are periodically reviewed at least annually to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity.

Organisation Structures and related parties

The directors oversee the running of the charitable company.

CONTEXT AND STRUCTURAL DETAILS

The organisation is a Charity, registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, number NIC108472.

The Charity was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 25[th] June 2021 under the terms of its Memorandum and Articles of Association. It was registered with the Charity Commission on 20[th] January 2022.

Members

The members of the company are the Church of Ireland, and the Methodist Church in Ireland being the church as defined in Section 1 of The Methodist Church in Ireland Act 1928. These two entities are members within the meaning given in section 112 of the Companies Act 2006. These are referred to variously as the 'members', 'denominations', or 'parent denominations', being the two governing entities of their respective church organisations on the island of Ireland.

Trustees

The Board of Trustees are appointed by the members under the terms given in articles 31-34 of the Articles of Association and serve as the Directors of the company (as listed above). These include the Chaplains appointed, stationed, or licenced by the member organisations, who are remunerated directly by their denomination and not employed by the charity.

History and nomenclature

The Charity has inherited the charge and remit of chaplaincy ministry on university and college campuses in Belfast, previously managed by both denominations as two distinct unincorporated associations.

The Church oflreland Student Centre was officially opened on Elmwood Avenue on 11[th] March 1955; the Methodist Chaplaincy opened its doors to students in 1973. In 2012, a Local Covenant Partnership was signed between the denominations to formally commence joint partnership. This has ultimately led to the incorporation of the Church oflreland and Methodist Chaplaincy Belfast on 25[th] June 2021.

Page /5

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

History and nomenclature (continued)

Often referred to as the 'Chaplaincy', the charity is also known colloquially as 'The Hub Belfast' or 'The Hub', a brand adopted under the Covenant Partnership in 2012 as shorthand for the much longer formal names. However, all formal and financial activities are carried out under the full charity name.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

In alignment with its Articles of Association and Public Benefit Statement, the Charity seeks to advance the Christian faith amongst third level education, University and College campuses in Belfast in accordance with the principles, practices, and charitable purposes of the Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church in Ireland, through:

  1. the provision of facilities and services with a Christian ethos that aim to support and benefit the spiritual, social, academic, and professional networks across various University and College campuses.

  2. creating, developing, managing, and overseeing one or more residential chaplaincy communities through the provision of accommodation for, primarily but not exclusively, third level education students.

  3. working with Parishes, circuits, missions, other groups, Christian traditions and organisations to further Christian mission and ecumenism;

  4. contributing to the good and welfare of the Universities and Colleges, their role within the city and impact on wider society.

ACIDEVEMENTSANDPERFORMANCE

The Board are mindful of demonstrating how the Charity has served and met its purposes over the course of the academic year. To that end, we wish to highlight and celebrate some of the activities that took place across the year to 30th June 2025.

Queen's University Belfast and Stranmillis University College Student Residency and Pastoral Care

The heartbeat of The Church oflreland and Methodist Chaplaincy at Queen's and Stranmillis continues to be the residential community who live in our 6 Victorian houses on Elmwood Avenue. This has allowed us to provide residential accommodation for almost 50 students on Elmwood Avenue, at the heart of the Queen's Campus. This residential community is a core part of the Charity's ministry, offering structured community life, pastoral support, and opportunities for leadership and service. This year, we have been extremely thankful to The Methodist Church in Ireland for their kind permission to use the accommodation block, on the site of their Headquarters at Edgehill House. This purpose-built student accommodation, known as Koinonia House, has allowed us to increase our residential community by 10 extra bedrooms, bringing our residential community to almost 60 students.

The Hub Residential Weekend, held at the beginning of the first semester, is a key event for helping students connect with one another. This year, we headed to Bushrnills for the weekend. We were delighted to have Chris Agnew, a Methodist Pioneer Mission leader and part-time A&E doctor, with us to provide Bible teaching on 1 Thessalonians. The weekend included powerful worship and prayer ministry, with some students recommitting their lives to Jesus. The students also enjoyed free time on the beautiful North Coast, building friendships, and were warmly welcomed by the congregation at Coastal, the church plant led by Chris and his wife, for Sunday morning worship, where Danielle was invited to preach.

Page /6

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Throughout the year, residents participated in and led a wide range of activities, including:

Residents actively invite peers into these events, enabling the chaplaincy to extend care and support beyond those living on site.

Hospitality

During the year, Hospitality was formally identified as a core ministry value of The Hub, alongside Worship, Community, and Outreach. The Chaplain recognised that the reopening of the cafe, supported by a clear hospitality strategy, would provide a welcoming space through which many people might encounter the Church, some for the first time.

We were delighted to welcome Ms Cynthia Stevens to the ministry team as Hospitality Ministry Lead and are thankful to the Benefact Trust and Rank Trust for their financial support for this new role. Following her appointment, Cynthia oversaw the remodelling of the cafe space at The Hub, including redesigning the layout and purchasing new furniture. Throughout the year, Cynthia worked closely with the Operations Manager, Dr David Rock, to lead the remodelling and refitting of the commercial kitchen and servery, ensuring the facilities were fit for purpose for a busy public cafe.

The Hub Cafe officially reopened on 17 February 2025, welcoming residential and non-residential students, university staff, and members of the wider public on a daily basis. The cafe operates under Cynthia's ministry leadership and is staffed primarily by student volunteers. Owing to demand, a parttime member of staff was appointed to support the smooth running of the cafe.

Discipleship

Following the departure of our Associate Chaplain, Mr James Diffin, the Chaplain undertook a review of staffing structure and ministry priorities. This review highlighted the importance students place on one-to-one pastoral investment, support in reading Scripture, and guidance in growing in their faith. As a result, the decision was taken to reshape the role and to establish a new post that reflects Discipleship as a fifth core value at The Hub. The newly created role focuses on one-to-one ministry, Bible teaching, and preaching. We were delighted to welcome Mr James Collie as Discipleship Ministry Lead in January 2025.

Outreach

Outreach remains a vital strand of Chaplaincy ministry, under the leadership of Miss Amy Atwell, Outreach and Evangelism Ministry Lead.

Toasties and Tunes, hosted at the Treehouse in Elms BT9, provides live music, food, and informal conversation for students. A number of students who first engaged through this initiative have since become regular members of the Church of the Resurrection and have invited friends to attend.

This year the weekly Free Lunch for students has continued at St Stephen's Parish, adjacent to Belfast Metropolitan College's Millfield campus. This initiative continues to grow in reach and impact, reaching up to 100 students from a wide range of backgrounds - many from areas of social deprivation. The Alpha Course made a return to The Hub, hosted on Sunday evenings. This offered students weekly free dinner and the opportunity to discuss big questions of life and faith.

Page 17

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

In January, we were delighted to welcome John Ghanim to spend the week with us. Born and raised in the Muslim faith in Yemen, John has a powerful story of turning away from that faith and going on a quest to find the true God. He became a follower of Jesus while a refugee in Greece and has spent his life since as an evangelist. He spoke at several outreach events for local and international students, as well as equipping our residents to share their faith and engage with people of different religions Pop-up evangelism initiatives also took place throughout the year, often aligned with significant festivals such as St Valentine's Day and St Patrick's Day, offering refreshments, conversation, and opportunities to share faith in public spaces.

Worship

Weekly worship gatherings remain central to student life within the chaplaincy:

The Gathering, held on Wednesday evenings, brings together residents and their friends for a shared meal, sung worship, and Bible teaching delivered by staff, guest speakers, and students. WorshiplOl, a late-night worship event held on Thursdays, regularly attracts 200 or more students from across the city and has become a significant point of spiritual formation and outreach. Worship Academy is a yearlong programme which runs under the leadership of Mr James Turner, Worship Ministry Lead at The Hub.

We have continued to host Throne Room, an early-morning prayer gathering for students. This collaborative project, in partnership with Home Fellowship, Christian Unions Ireland, Young Life, Crown Jesus Ministries, and Divine Healing Ministries, takes place every Thursday from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM at The Hub. Each week, a different ministry shares a brief Bible passage and reflection, followed by individual and corporate prayer, concluding with a time of sung worship. Despite its early start, up to 40 students regularly attend this time of prayer

Engagement with University Groups and Societies

The chaplaincy maintains strong relationships with a range of university societies and groups, regularly hosting and supporting their activities. These include:

These partnerships enable sustained engagement with diverse sh1dent communities across campus. Campus-wide Events

The Charity hosted and supported a wide range of campus events designed to foster belonging, inclusion, and community:

Page 18

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Leadership Development and Volunteering

Leadership development remains a priority at The Hub, as we seek to equip and mentor the next generation of leaders.

The Hub is committed to developing student leadership and service. Senior students take on responsibility as House Wardens within the residential community, supported by a Student Committee overseeing social and community life.

The Worship Academy, a year-long training programme led by James Turner, equips student musicians to lead sung worship. Participants received mentoring, training, and residential formation, and current and former students led worship at three major Christian conferences and festivals over the summer. Students also volunteered extensively across chaplaincy events, charitable fundraising, foodbank collections, outreach initiatives, and church services.

Internships and Graduate Development

Internships offer recent graduates and young adults a year-long opportunity to gain practical ministry experience. This year, we were joined by Freya McNeice, a former Hub resident, and Hugo Gutierrez Diaz, who joined us from Chile, through a partnership with SAMS Ireland.

Inter-Chaplaincy and University Engagement

The Charity works closely with chaplaincies at Queen's University, Stranmillis, and Ulster University. This includes regular meetings, shared outreach initiatives, and ecumenical worship. At Ulster University, chaplaincy operates on an ecumenical model, with chaplains working as a single team.

The chaplain also maintains active engagement with university structures, including Student Support Forums, Public Engagement initiatives, and graduation ceremonies. A significant but often unseen aspect of the chaplain's role is the pastoral care of university staff, with multiple one-to-one meetings requested throughout the year.

Worshipping Community

The Church of the Resurrection meets weekly on Sunday mornings and remains open to all. The congregation includes current and former students, local families, and members of university staff. Among them are undergraduate and postgraduate students, recent graduates, young professionals, and a growing number of international students.

Family milestones remain a joyful and important expression of a healthy worshipping community. During the year, we celebrated the Wedding of Alex and Claire, two former Hub residents who first met as students and have continued as committed members of the congregation.

In January 2025, we had the privilege of baptising Olivia, daughter of our Community Ministry Lead, Rachel, and her husband Niall. In May 2025, we marked a historic moment in the life of the Church of the Resurrection by baptising a mother and her newborn son on the same day.

At Easter 2024, we launched Discipleship Groups at the Church of the Resurrection. These fortnightly gatherings meet in homes across the city for discussion of recent Bible teaching, alongside prayer, worship, and fellowship. Since their introduction, it has been encouraging to see more than 50% of the congregation, representing all age groups, actively participating. This development reflects a deepening culture of spiritual growth and mutual support within the church.

At Christmas, we continued the tradition of a joint Church and Residency Carol Service. Church members and students shared the readings, students formed a wind band to lead the carols, and a student delivered a Christmas reflection - a visible expression of shared ownership and leadership within the community.

An End of Year Service of Celebration, held in May, brought together over 200 students, staff, families, and supporters. The service was followed by a barbecue generously provided by the congregation, further strengthening the partnership between the church community and the chaplaincy.

Page 19

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

It is an enormous joy and privilege to walk alongside both our multigenerational Church family and also the young adults who live with us during these formative years, offering pastoral support and consistently pointing them back to Jesus.

We are deeply grateful for the support of the Board of Directors, the Representative Church Body of the Church of Ireland, and the Methodist Home Missions Department, whose ongoing investment makes this ministry possible, as well as the many individuals and parishes who faithfully contribute both financially and prayerfully.

Ulster University Belfast

In Ulster University the Chaplaincy Team are very much a part of campus life and the university is grateful for the provision of the Chaplaincy service provided by the appointing churches. On the Belfast campus, the Chaplains operate from a Chaplaincy Office and a Chaplaincy lounge, (social space) where they offer a daily drop-in service to students and staff. The Chaplaincy Lounge is where students and staff will hang out between classes, some specifically to chat to a chaplain and others to attend Chaplaincy, CU and other well-being events hosted in this space. During the exam months of January and May, the chaplains provide coffee, biscuits and prayer every day.

It is a privilege and blessing to have these spaces on campus and students and staff particularly think the Lounge, a lovely space to come and just "BE" in, which, of course, gives the chaplains many opportunities to chat and minister to a wide variety of people. The guitars and board games are always out and the Prayer Wall always shows some new request. For this reason, the team try to maintain a presence here as much as possible ensuring that there is always fresh coffee on the brew and to extend a "warm welcome" to all who come through the door. •

Weekly Chaplaincy programme 2024/25:

Mondays:

Prayer Lunches an opportunity for students and staff to come eat lunch together and pray for the university community.

Tuesdays:

Chaplaincy Community Free Lunch for students and staff in St Anne's Cathedral Hall (Talbot Street) - a larger event for students and staff to come together for food and friendship.

Wednesdays:

10.30am: International student Coffee and Chat - a special drop-in session for overseas students 12.30-2pm: Chaplaincy "Time to Think" - weekly small group sessions exploring life and faith together. In semester one, they ran The Difference Course and in Semester two, more small group discussions, seminars and bible studies around various topics and books.

5.30pm: Weekly 1-cafe Christian hospitality event, meals, outings, social activities hosted by local students for international students. Supported by Chaplaincy and Friends International. Thursdays:

10.30pm -Worship 101 - late night worship event for students from across the city- held in The Hub Chaplaincy space on Elmwood Avenue.

Page 110

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Fridays:

10.00am - Chaplain's planning and prayer meeting 12noon - Grief groups

5.00pm -African Choir

Saturdays:

10-2pm - Saturday Danders - Chaplaincy small group walks for students living in Belfast who wish to take a study break, get off campus and enjoy the beauty of God's creation on Saturday mornings with new friends.

Chaplaincy Presence across Campus

The chaplains have had a busy year not only running events in the Chaplaincy but also out and about on campus.

The Freshers and Re:Freshers weeks at the start of each semester always bring lots of opportunities to meet new students and staff and share publicity for chaplaincy services and activities.

As a Student Well-being service, they attended many faculty inductions and visited the various campus networks and UU student residences at the start of year to talk about the Chaplaincy services. They responded to many referrals and emergency calls to assist both students and staff with various pastoral situations throughout the year and sadly attended and participated in a few funeral services. There was an increase in the number of hospital and home visits requested this year by both students and staff on sick leave.

Chaplaincy also helped to lead the Well-being Wednesdays weekly drop-in service for students, a campaign which runs across all three UU campuses and the monthly campus Connect Cafes which run once a month to signpost students to all the support services.

Community Engagement

In December, the chaplains ran the university's ecumenical Chaplaincy Carol Service in the local Catholic church with participation from students, staff and the "Play it By Ear" Drama Company. Chaplaincy also led a Christmas Toy appeal for Belfast Central Mission and took a small group of local and international students to volunteer with East Belfast Mission for a weekend sorting and packing food for their 'Neighbours in Need' Christmas Hamper project. Over 500 families received a hamper this year.

In January, UUB Chaplaincy once again partnered with The 4 Corners Festival and hosted a fantastic festival event in the university for 35 sixth year pupils from different parts of the city. UU Alumni and two-time, Ivor Novello Award winning singer/song-writer, producer, Iain Archer guided this group of - aspiring song writers through the creative process of writing and performing a song to celebrate all that is good about our "Shared Home" in Belfast. Some of these students will come to university next year. During the Freshers' periods and prior to and following the St Patrick's Day celebrations, our Chaplain was part of the Holylands' Student Safety team. Organised by the UU Community Relations Officer, this team of university staff work in partnership with PSNI, Belfast City Council, the Holylands' Landlords' Association and SOS Bus to maintain a pastoral presence on the streets and local student areas during peak party times when there is always a rise in student anti-social behaviour. Following the St Patrick's celebrations, the Chaplain made several pastoral visits to students living in this area and accompanied students to disciplinary hearings. It was noted that Dmg and Substance abuse was on the rise amongst the students this year.

In the run up to Easter, Chaplaincy invited the university community to the Lenten lunchtime events in St Anne's Cathedral and the Holy Week Film nights in the Belfast Jesuit Centre. There were also hundreds of pancakes shared on campus on Shrove Tuesday and prayer and ashes distributed to over 200 students on Ash Wednesday.

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

This year's annual Chaplaincy Retreat was a one-day affair Jed by the Chaplains and The Corrymeela Community in Bal1ycastle. A lovely way to conclude and reflect spiritually upon the year that had passed.

The 2024/25 academic year concluded with the summer graduations in July which like the winter ones were another special time of celebration for the whole university community. Chaplaincy hosted a Graduation Meal/Party for those students who for whatever reason had no family or friends able to attend the ceremonies with them.

Chaplaincy Training/ Professional Development

Our chaplain is on the leadership board for the CN3 - Chaplains in Third Level Education Network in Ireland which this year hosted several online coffee mornings for chaplains serving all around Ireland and an in-service seminar, "Chaplaincy in Liminal Spaces - on the Margins" by Dr Lily Barry, Marino Inst of Education.

In June, our UU Chaplain also attended the annual European University Chaplains' conference, CEUC 24 in Ghent, Belgium with about 90 other chaplains from various parts of Europe and the UK. This provided a great opportunity for further specialist training, workshops, fel1owship and reflection on another busy year in Chaplaincy. It is always helpful to see how other universities "do" chaplaincy and on this occasion we visited 3 different models in KU Leuven, Antwerp and Brussels.

Conclusion

In a busy university community, no two days are ever the same in Chaplaincy. On any given day, there will be opportunities for chaplains to interact with many different kinds of people with their many life experiences and stories. While there will be opportunities to celebrate and laugh with some, there will be tears shed with others. While there will be opportunities to share faith and pray with some, there will be times when we just need to sit and quietly listen to others. As we continue in this ministry and look to God to lead us to the people and situations who need our love and support the most, we thank you for your continuous support and prayer.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Property and Fixed Assets

The most notable thing about the Balance Sheet is perhaps what does not appear on it; namely, the capital value of the properties that combine to form the resident student centre at Nr 16-26 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast.

The six properties are held by the members of the charity - Nr 16, 18, 20 and 22 Elmwood Avenue by the Representative Church Body for and on behalf of the Church of Ireland; and Nr 24-26 Elmwood Avenue by the Methodist Church in Ireland.

The title for these two groups of properties remains with the respective denominational bodies, and therefore they remain as assets on their respective Balance Sheets. As such, the members have (for over half a century) allocated their use for the student centre, and this remains the provision within the terms of both the charity's Articles of Association, and under the Local Covenant Partnership agreement between the church bodies, which sets the terms under canon law by which activities have continued.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity to maintain free reserves which matches the needs of the trust, both at the current time and the foreseeable future. This provides sufficient funds to cover running costs which include management, administration and support costs. Free reserves are those unrestricted reserves not designed nor invested in fixed assets which are available for general use.

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Funding

In a regular twelve-month period, the principal funding is received from several sources.

1. Representative Church Body: The Church of Ireland's governing body make several grants, both restricted and unrestricted.

  1. Metropolitan College in addition to the existing remit at Queen's University. Smaller grants are made to unrestricted funds to support core running costs.

  2. Methodist Home Mission: Through the Home Mission department, the Methodist Church make an annual unrestricted grant.

  3. Residential Fees: The charity's primary means of generating unrestricted income is through the fees received from students allocated a place in the student residential centre on Elmwood Avenue. A certain amount of individual income may also be received during the summer months from students and groups requiring residential accommodation.

  4. Donations from individuals: Subscriptions are received from donors, both members of the chaplaincy community and individuals with a past connection (e.g. past residents). Free Will Offering is also received on a weekly basis from the congregation at the Church of the Resurrection.

  5. Church of Ireland dioceses and parishes: Several gifts are received annually from local churches and dioceses across Northern Ireland.

  6. The Hub Cafe: The turnover from the cafe is received as income generated.

There are several other small sources of income, as recorded in the notes to the financial statements, such as income from investments held in trust by the Church of Ireland because of historical bequests made to the chaplaincy's ministry.

Investment Income

Dividends are received on a half-yearly basis from the Representative Church Body, in relation to two bequests held in unit trusts:

A third trust, the Professor JC Beckett Bequest, is also held but does not pay dividends; rather, capital grants have been made against its value from time to time over the past quarter century.

Expenditure

The largest area of monthly expenditure is Staff costs and employee benefits.

Other areas of expenditure are outlined on the Detailed Statement of Financial Activities.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

It is our hope to employ an Outreach Ministry Worker to work alongside the Chaplain at Ulster University, working from the Cathedral and connecting mainly with international students. With a number of new staff members at Queen's, we hope to consolidate and develop the work at The Hub as the new team work closely with the Chaplain to see students grow in their faith and witness.

P a g e I 13

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Going Concern

The Board are of the opinion that the Church of Ireland and Methodist Chaplaincy Belfast has sufficient resources at the date of approval of these financial statements to meet commitments which will arise in the year ahead.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTORS

The trustees (who are also the directors of Church of Ireland and Methodist Chaplaincy Belfast for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Directors' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic oflreland"

The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper 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, Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and The Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015. The directors 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.

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

P a g e I 14

CHURCH OF IRELAND AND METHODIST CHAPLAINCY BELFAST COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE

DIRECTORS' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)

YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Financial Review (continued)

In so far as the directors are aware:

SMALL COMPANY EXEMPTIONS

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

Registered office: 22 Elmwood Avenue Belfast BT9 6AY

Signed by order of the trustees

John Unsworth Chair

Date: 23[rd] February 2026