Firestarters FIRESTARTERS (scio) ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022 OSCR Scottish Charity Regulator www.oscr.org.uk egistered SCIO SCO33725
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 Contents Trustees, Annual Report............................................... Independent Examiner's Report.................................... Receipts & Payments account......................................10 statement of Balances.................................................. Notes to the financial statements..................................12- 13 Pre ared b David McGregor (Treasurer) 29 Glenvilla Circle, Paisley, PA2 8TS accounts firestartersuk.or Page 1
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022 The trustees present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2022. Reference and administrative information Charity name-. Firestarters ISCIO) Also known as: Firestarters (UK) l Firestarters Charity registration number= SC033725 Registered offi. 29 Glenvilla Cirde, Paisley, Renfrewshire. PA2 8TS Bankers= Royal Bank of Scotland plc, 8 Church Street, Johnstone, PA5 8DX Website: www.firestartersuk.or Facebook.. .facebook.comlfirestartersUK Twitter- @FireStartersUK Trustees The following served as charity twstees during the year and continue to serve on an ongoing basis up to the date of this report= Chairperson Secretary Treasurer appointed 21 September 2022 The followng also seNed as charity trustee during the year.. resigned 18 September 2021 Page 2
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT Governlng document Firestarters {SCIOI (Yhe charitfl is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation number SC033725 and is governed by its written constitution which was adopted by the trustees on 3 June 2015. The SCIO was incorporated on 10 August 2015 as 8 result of the conversion of a charitable company ISC235862. Firestarters {UKI Limited) which was originally incorporated on 23 August 2002. Appointment of trustees The charity's trustees are appointed or re-appointed by members annually at the Annual General Meeting and in accordance with the terms contained in the Charff(s constitution. Administrative Structure The trustees are responsible for the overall direction of the charf(y and serve on a voluntary basis. OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES The purposes of the charity are= The advancement of the Christian religion by= Training and equipping young leaders in the Christian faith., Promoting the Christian worship of God- Promoting radically pure and godly Christian lifestyle among young people- Teaching young people to hear and obey God's vol, to read and live by his Word, and to be empowered by his Holy Spirit all as in accordance with the Christian gospel- Promoting the message of the Christian gospel amongst young people., Enabling young people to consistently live and shale the Christian faith in relevant Promoting, assisting, and encouraging young people's personal growth in the Christian faith; Promoting. participating in and encouraging participation in Christian revival.. o Promoting youth evangelism. discipleship and training in the Christian faith- Promoting and establishing youth weekends, camps, outreaches, and holidays for the promotion of the Christian faith- Providing and establishing facilities for use in the promotion of the Christian faith- Creakn'ng opportunities for young people to be involved in Christian evangelism and Christian mission-, Creating a safe and positive environment conducive to Christian growth amongst young people., Promoting Christian seNant hcM)d, caring and teaching Christian responsibilf(y and love., Promoting, asslsting and encouraging acts of Christian service and charity., Assisling Christian churches in promoting the Christian faith- Assisting Christian churches in youth work and outreach- Teaching young people to pray and believe in God's ability to do all things in accordance with the Christian gospel- Promoting Christian values- Providing resources and finan$ for the promotion of the Christian faith, the relief of persons who are in condilions of need, hardship, poverty, age or sickness, as the charity shall in its absolute discretion determine- Making gifts in cash or in kind for such charitable purposes as the charity shall in its absolute discretion detem)ine. Page 3
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 The advancement of citizenship or community development by: Providing training for young people in taking a lead in community activities., Providing practical help to people in the communities we serve- wth a particular focus on the disadvantaged and vulnerable- Giving teaching on our responsibilities for wider society and promoting the concept that we put others before ourselves. The advanment of the arts, heritage. culture or science by.. Providing an outlet for the perfomiance of drama, music and dance., Providing a safe place for young people to test out and develop their interest in perfom)ing arts. The promotion of religious or racial harmony by.. Teaching that no matter what our own beliefs or traditions are, we all have a primary goal to love one another- Never resorting to violence or hatred Never to insult or condemn To respect other people's right to an opinion and to make their own choices. The main activities of the charity involve running residential and non-residential weekends, bringing together young people to disciple them in the Christian faith, and encourage friendships. communty engagement. and the development of the attendees. confidence and life skills. ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE VISION We are a general Set on fire lorJesu5 to be spaiks of revfvai Overvlew FireSt8rters has now been running for 27 years and has impacted thousands of young people wthin this time. Our motto is still that we are "a generation set on fire for Jesus to be sparks of revival" This year. we have tried to regularly remind the young people of our four key values listed below and are still passionate about seeing them evident within Firestarters and also in the lives of our young people out with our weekends.. To have a passion for Jesus To be a family as God intended To grow in boldness to share ourfaith To raise and equip young leaders Page 4
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 Leadership Fireslarters continues to be led by Tai and Gaynor Murebwa. They have been trying to find other leaders who are passionate about discipling young people and have managed to recnjit a few more volunteers. This is an ongoing process as the ministry continues to grow. Lynn Howson, the founder of Firestarters has also come back to support the ministry which has been a huge blessing. Growth Fireslarters has seen significant gr0h this year, particulady since the summer following our summer outreach week. The number of young people who applied to join Firestarters has increased from around 60 to almost 100 Imth regular attendance increasing from around 50 to around 70-75 each weekend by the end of the year. This may result in future challenges regarding suitable host churches as some of the churches who have previously partnered wth us would now be too small to host us. We have also noticed a greater geographically spread in the dIStsn young people are traveling to come to weekends. We now have young people coming from Edinburgh. Fife, Ayrshire, The Borders, Renfrewshire. Glasgow. Stirlingshire and North Lanarf(shire. The only regions below not represented in Firestarters are Clackmannanshire and North Ayrshire! knochll. Quèèn EIITaLwh Ak K*kc4ltty Edinburgh Pa5 Glasgow Lra.M Rewnèl Pa L4r za INnE rya14F ly Theme Our theme was Freedom in Christ until the summer and then we stsrted to look at The Refiner's Fire and we have seen some young people walking in freedom from things that have held them back for years. This has been evidenced in changes in mind-sets, in a greater understanding of their identity and in a letting go of attitudes and behaviours that have brought pain and anxiety. As a result of the pandemic, many young people have struggled with their mental health greatly. At Firestarters, we have also seen a great shtft in this area and a release of joy and freedom as they undersland how loved and valued they are and as they pursue all that God has for them The young people started to learn how to deal with the lies they have believing about themselves and embra the truth of the gospel and walk in freedom. We have seen young people set free from fear of man and suicidal thoughts, praise Godl As the young people have had powerful encounters with the living God, we have seen characters changed to reflect Jesus more with reports from families that the atmosphere in their house has totally changed because of the change in their young personl Page 5
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 Summer Mission Week The highlight ofthe year was in August when we took a group of around 40 teenagers to Bim)ingham for a week of oulreach at the commonwealth games. We joined Firestarters Wales for the week and had amazing times in God's presence where God set our young people free and brought them to their knees to intercede for their friends and family, to cry out for revival and for more of Holy Spirit. They also felt a strong call to purity and cried out for repentance as Holy Spirit highlighted areas in their lives where He wanted them to be set free. Our young people were hungryfor God and keen to share Jesus with people in the city. We partnered with Urban Devotion every day, which was brilliant and the young people had many opportunities to share Jesus and the Father's love to the children, some from the m05t deprived areas in the UK. others went to the Alexander Stadium every day where many had some wonderful conversations with people. they got to know the stewards and had a Cheer Line where people were celebrated for moment and then offered a gospel or othertract. We a150 had a sporls ministry team wthin the vicinity of our host church to minister to those locally. both young and old. We were so delighted that we saw several souls saved, both on the Street and another 4 on our family fun day on the Saturday. We saw the young people grab hold of Romans 1:16 and say We are not ashamed of the gospel. The fruit is still evident in the lives of our young people with many showing a passion to share Jesus wth friends at school or strangers on the bus. Many are now hungry for God's word and spend more time in prayer than ever before. Parents have reported they have seen transformations in character and in attitude at home. We are so grateful to God and are already considering a mission week to the Isle of Lewis next summer. Young Leaders Programmo We have continued to run our young leaderfs programme and meet out wth each weekend wrth the young leaders to teach and mentor and also to plan weekends. We have seen such a growth in the young leaders as they take on more responsibilty to teach in main sessions. to lead small groups, to share devotions and to lead worship. The young leaders have learned to both plan and implementfull weekends and have been such a blessing to the younger teens as they have served and loved them. As a result of the move of God we saw during our summer mission, the young leaders we recruited after the summer have been outstanding in the way they have served the other young people. They are confident to preach, lead worship. to share, to minister and to lead discussion groups. They are going to be world changers!1 Outreach We have continued to share Jesus in new ways each weekend. We have done street outreach and have Nn family fun days. worship on the street. visited nursing homes to bless residents wrth singing and chavprayer. handed out gifts wrth words from God on the street. prayed for healing, cheer lines on the street, we have run youth nights and knocked on dwrs to share Jesus Wlth people. As mentioned. we saw several come to know Jesus last summer and are expectant for more fruit in the year ahead. Fundlng As Firestarters continues to grow. it is becoming more challenging to find venues big enough to host us and are trying to make new connections with churches across the central belt. We have also realised that our faithful Firestarters minibus is no longer fit for purpose. It has served us well for around 18 years but now is too small to carry all the kit we need for each weekend and it is becoming a financial burden due lo age related repairs. Page 6
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 As a result, we have started various fundraising activities to raise money, including a big Ceilidh that we hosted in December at Bearsden Baptist Church. We have also seen donations via a Stewardship campaign and a Facebook fundraiser. We have been increasing our activity on social media. Facebook in particular and have seen an increase in followers as a result. We are currently pursuing the followng methods to raise funds.. Ongoing financial support from young people, their families and church members through promotion of the Family Membership Scheme. An increase in young people attending has seen an increase in monthly income. Continued support from gift aid scheme. One off grfts from individuals who support the vision of Firestarters. Fundraising activities for a new minibus. The board took the decision to pay one of the senior leaders two days a week for work done to serve the ministy. We managed to raise additional funding towards our summer mission to Bimiingham by WTiting to churches we have connections with. For many years, Firestarters have been blessed with free office and storage Spa in Paisley. At the end of 2022 we were infomied that the owner needed the property for other purposes so we had to vacate the property and source storage facilities at a monthly cost. Firestarters are keen to look at fundraising solutions to help manage the growth we are seeing. Conclusion We have also met out with weekends for nights of worship and hope to do this more next year. We are so grateful for all God is doing in Firestarters. We have seen great numerical growth, however. what has delighted our hearts is the evidence of significant spiritual growth in the lives of many of the young people. God is faithful and as we continue to serve Him within Firestarters, we can see that God is passionate about this generation of teenagers and has great plans for them. What a privilege to be part of theirjoumey and to be used by God to see a generation set on fire for Jesus to be sparks of revival. Revival is coming and we want to be ready, hallelujah! FINANCIAL REVIEW The charity reported a surplus of £463 {2021.' £342 deficit) for the year and has accumulated reseNes of £29,01212021'. £28,549) as at the year end Voluntsry donations continue to be the main source of income. including the participation by some donors in the Gift Aid scheme. Due to the COVID restrictions and the canlIation of a number of in-person events as we moved to online events in previous years, we saw a return to more normal levels of income from charitsble activities this year and associated increase in expenditure relating lo items such as food and travel. The main area for expenditure continued to be the charrtable activities including the expenditure relating to running residential weekends and other activities for young people, with the greatest spends in the areas of travel, food. accommodation and insurance. Reserves policy The trustees, policy is to maintain unrestricted ndS (ie. funds not committed or invested in fixed assets) at a level that equates to approximately e1ve months unrestricted expenditure. The charity's unrestricted reserves at 31 August 2022 amounted to £20,560 (2021= £20,397) which, atthough above the required level. was acceptable to the trustees. Page 7
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 Risk Management The charity trustees frequenly review the risks to which the charity is exposed and take all sensible measures to reduce such risk or provide insurance cover where this is possible. All major insurable risks are subject to nomial charity and employer's insurance. The trustees require that risk assessmenls are carried out for all its activities and take such remedial action as indicated by these assessments. The charity has written policies in relation to Health & Safety. Data Protection, Equal Opportunities and Child Protection which are communicated at least on an annual basis to all staff and volunleers, who are instructed to follow these policies at all times. The senior management are advised on Fire Safety issues by an external consultant volunteer to ensure compliance with regulation. The charity is a member of the Churches Child Protection Advisory Service and receives advice and updates on a regular basis from them on matters conceming Child Protedion. In addition, all volunteers are required to have police checks before working wth us through the Central Registered Body in Scotland. Contractual risks are reviewed before being entered into to assess that they could not signtficanlly impact upon the charity's ability to fulfil it5 objectives. Expendtture is monitored and the financial situation examined by the Treasurer on a monthly basis so as to minimise any areas of potential financial risk. Statement of Trustees responsibilities The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose wth reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland} Act 2005. 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. The trustees confirm that the accounts comply wth cuent statutory requirements and those of the charity's constitution. Ind8pondent axamlnatlon The trustees recommend that the accounts are independently examined and was appointed as independent examiner. The trustees recommend that the services of utilised until further notice. This report was approved by the trustees on 31 May 2023 and signed on their behalf by Treasurer Page 8
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022 I report on the accounts of Firestsrters (SCIOI for the year ending 31 August 2022 which are set out on pages ten to thirteen. Respectlve responslbllltles of the Trustees and Examlner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation ofthe accounts in accordance wth the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 {'the 2005 Acf,) and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) {'the 2006 Regulations"). The charity's trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 1011){dl of the 2006 Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1 Ilc} of the 2005 Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's statement My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2006 Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charty and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanation from the Trustees conceming such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and. consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Ind8pend8nt Examln8r's stat8m8nt In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect. the requirements- to keep accounting records in accordance with section 44(1 Ila) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Regulations, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Regulations have not been met, or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 31 May 2023 Page 9
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022 Unrestricted Restricted 2022 Total 2021 Total RECEIPTS Donations Grants Charilable Activities Investment income Other income Total Receipts Note 16.674 3.366 20,040 9.016 2,266 4,150 6,416 810 18,949 7,516 26,465 9,831 PAYMENTS Charitable Activities Gifts and Donations Purchase of equipment Governance other Total Payments 17,474 360 8,168 25,642 360 8,956 442 400 375 17,834 8,168 26,002 10,173 Surplus l (deficit) before transfers 1,115 1652) (342) (342) Transfers (952) 952 Surplus l {deficit) after transfers 163 300 463 {342) Page 10
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 STATEMENT OF BALANCES AS AT 31 AUGUST 2022 Unrestricted Restricted 2022 Total 2021 Total BANK AND CASH IN HAND Opening balances Sur lusl deficit for the Closlng balancos 20.397 163 20,560 8,152 300 8,452 28,549 463 29,012 28.891 342 28,549 ear OTHER ASSETS Gift Aid Tax Rebate Vehicle {estimated current market value) Musical equipment Computer equipment Circus equipment Cleaning equipment Total Other Assets 3.254 4.500 1,066 787 178 210 9,995 3,254 4,500 1,066 787 178 210 9,995 870 4.500 1,066 787 178 210 8,054 LIABILITIES Inde endent Examiner's Fee Total Liabilities 375 375 375 375 375 375 Approved by the trustees on 31 May 2023 and signed on their behalf by Page 11
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022 1. Basis of accounting These accounts have been prepared on a Receipts & Payments basis in accordance with the Charities & Truslee Investment (Scolandl Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotlandl Regulations 2006 (as amended}. 2. Charltable actlvltles Income Unrestricted Restricted 2022 Total 2021 Total Weekend donations Merchandise sales other charitable activities Total Charltable actlvltles Income 2,266 2.266 4,105 45 6,371 45 810 4,150 6,416 810 3. Charltable Actlvltl85 expendltur8 Unrestricted Restricted 2022 Total 2021 Total Food Travel Accommodation Salaries Rent payable Resource materials Insurance Visiting speakers Telephone Website l Email admin Merchandise purchases Bank charges Postages CCLI Computer costs Zoom subscription Office costs Flowers & Cards Printing and publicity Employer's Pension contributions Equipment purchases First Aid l Health & Safety Conference fees other charitable activities Total Charitable activities expend. 17,474 4,243 3,627 2,013 2,500 1,080 569 748 225 721 698 3,610 2,198 808 7,853 5,825 2.821 2,500 1,080 907 748 725 721 698 650 372 292 191 72 58 918 1,851 649 338 336 1,625 50 880 572 500 650 372 283 191 72 58 22 30 81 278 182 701 173 82 12 30 25 19 13 25 10 19 10 492 76 8,168 25,642 8,956 4. Taxation The charity is not liable to income tax or capital gains tax on its charitable activities. The charity is also not registered for VAT, and any expenditure includes any VAT charged. Page 12
Firestarters (SCIO) SC033725 5. Grants & Donatlons made Gifts to extemal organisations and individuals are considered by the trustees on the basis of need and are only made to those organisations and aclivities which are compatible with the charitable objectives of the charity. No gifts were made to political parties. During the year. grants totalling £360 {2021'. £4421 and ranging from £30 to £30 were paid to 1 individual (2021- 3} in accordance with the charity s objectives. No grants were paid out to organisations by the charity. 6. Governance Costs Unrestricted Restricted 2022 Total 2021 Total Independent Examination al Advice Total Governance Costs 375 375 7. Transactions with trustees or connected persons One charity trustee received remuneration amounting to £2,500 for her role as Senior Projed Lead. This payment was made in accordance with the requirements set out in the charity's constitution under a contract of employment. During the year. expenses totalling £237 (2021= £101) was paid to {2021= bNo) charity trustees No other charity trustee received expenses during the period, other than reimbursement of purchases made on behalf of the charity. The charity's insurance policy includes trustee indemnity insurance cover for all its tnjstees. the cost of which is estimated at £120 per year. 8. Restricted Funds 31 Aug 21 Incoming Outgoing Transfers 31 Aug 22 Training fund Van fund Bim)in ham mission fund Total Restricted Funds 1,152 7,000 300 1.452 7,000 7.216 7,516 8,168 (8,168) 952 952 8,152 8,452 Training fund.- donations received specifically to finance the cost of training. Van fund." funding received towards the purchase of a new vehicle. Bim7ingham mission fund.. income and expenditure relating to the summer mission to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. 9. Unrestricted Funds 31 Aug 21 Incoming Outgoing Transfers 31 Aug 22 General Fund Total Unrestrlcted Funds 20,397 20,397 18,949 18,949 117,834} 117,834) {952} {952) 20,560 20,560 The General Fund encompasses all income and expenditure relating to the primary ft)CUS activities of the charity. other than those for which funding is restricted. Page 13