GRACE CHURCH FAMILY
Charity No. SC049531
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2025
1
GRACE CHURCH FAMILY TRUSTEES’ REPORT
The trustees present their report together with the accounts for the year to 31 March 2025 and confirm that they have been prepared in accordance with the charity’s governing instrument and all applicable statutory requirements.
CONSTITUTION
The charity is registered as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation and is governed by a constitution adopted 14[th] August 2019. Amendments to the constitution are approved at members’ meetings by at least two thirds of the members present or by way of a written resolution of the charity trustees in their capacity as members and where appropriate with consent of the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.
PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
The charity’s principal address is 20 Green Banks, Crathes, Banchory, Aberdeenshire AB31 5JT.
CHARITY’S AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The charity’s primary purpose is the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Faith of the church in Royal Deeside and such other parts of the world as the charity trustees may think fit from time to time, and the relief of those in need by reason of age, ill-health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantage in Royal Deeside and such other parts of the world as the charity trustees may think fit from time to time.
TRUSTEES
The trustees who served during the period were as follows:
Trustees are appointed by resolution of the existing trustees. Newly appointed trustees are advised by the existing trustees of their legal duties and responsibilities and where necessary training is provided.
REVIEW OF THE PERIOD AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
During the 2024/2025 financial year the charity continued to pursue its three key priorities: faith-based activities, compassion activities, and outreach. These priorities shaped the rhythm of church life and community engagement, encouraging participants to deepen their relationship with God, supporting those in poverty and disadvantage across Royal Deeside, and equipping the church family to share faith beyond its own walls. The trustees are pleased to report that the year was marked by growth and resilience, with new initiatives launched and existing programmes strengthened.
The church’s Sunday services remained central to its faith-based activities. Teaching continued through the Luke and Acts series, begun in January 2023, and was well received by the congregation. From 8 September 2024, services moved to Burnett House, which now serves both as the church’s Sunday meeting space and weekday offices. Across the year, around 80 to 90 different individuals attended services, reflecting both regular participation and new visitors. A particular highlight was the baptism and dedication service held on 6 October 2024, which attracted around 50 people and marked a significant milestone in the life of the church. Average weekly attendance was between 25 and 35, with steady growth noted from autumn onwards. Over the summer of 2024, the church also hosted Café Church gatherings, providing a more informal setting for worship and fellowship.
Small groups continued to play an important role in discipleship and community building. These included Kintsugi Hope wellbeing groups, prayer courses, and groups focused on the practice of reading scripture together. The Kingdom Carriers training course, launched previously, straddled the year end and continued into 2025. Together these groups provided opportunities for spiritual growth, emotional support, and equipping for outreach.
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GRACE CHURCH FAMILY TRUSTEES’ REPORT
REVIEW OF THE PERIOD AND FUTURE PROSPECTS (cont.)
The compassion arm of the charity, Deeside Compassion, continued to expand its services. The Restart Social Supermarket and CAP LifeSkills programme provided vital support to families facing financial hardship. In January 2025, the charity launched a CAP Debt Centre, appointing a dedicated Debt Centre Manager to lead this new service. Kintsugi Hope wellbeing groups also continued to run, offering support for mental and emotional wellbeing. Hardship and fuel grants were distributed to families in need, helping to alleviate financial pressures during the winter months.
Since its launch in 2020, Deeside Compassion has now supported over 600 people, with hundreds of deliveries and active members continuing to benefit from its services. Around 20 volunteers contributed regularly to Compassion activities, demonstrating strong community engagement and commitment.
Outreach during the year was less focused on organised programmes and more on individuals within the church sharing their faith in everyday contexts. Seasonal outreach events were not a major feature of this year, but members continued to engage personally with friends, neighbours, and colleagues, reflecting the charity’s commitment to equipping people for mission in daily life. Café Church gatherings also provided opportunities for informal outreach, welcoming new people into the church family.
Alongside these activities, the church family enjoyed moments of fellowship such as hosting a baby shower, which reflected the warmth and care of the congregation. In December 2024, the Lead Pastor and Trustee experienced a serious health emergency which required urgent surgery and temporarily limited his input into church life. During this period, the church community gathered frequently in prayer, and members of the leadership team and volunteers stepped forward to carry additional responsibilities. This time of challenge highlighted both the resilience of the church family and the strength of its shared commitment to faith and service.
Looking ahead, the trustees intend to continue focusing on the three core priorities of faith, compassion, and outreach. The CAP Debt Centre will be further developed, with emphasis on supporting families and individuals in financial difficulty. Plans are also underway to expand wellbeing programmes for families and young people, building on the success of Kintsugi Hope groups. Outreach training will remain a priority, equipping more people for mission and community engagement.
DONATED FACILITIES
The charity has the use of free additional office space within the building where they have their church offices and hold their Sunday Gatherings worth about £12,000 pa.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The trustees have reviewed the charity’s exposure to major risks and accordingly have established systems to mitigate them.
RESERVES POLICY
The unrestricted fund represents the free reserves of the charity which currently equates to approximately three months operating expenditure. The trustees are keen to maintain the reserve at this level to ensure any unforeseen costs can be covered. As at March 2025 unrestricted funds stood at £20,753 (2024: £14,281) and restricted funds stood at £127 (2024: £nil).
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
The independent examination has been performed by Mr G B Bonds FCA CTA of Buchanan Bonds ltd. Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers, 39 Braehead Crescent, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire AB39 2PP.
BANKING SERVICES
Banking services are provided by Santander.
This report was approved by the trustees on 30[th] December 2025 and signed on its behalf.
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GRACE CHURCH FAMILY INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF GRACE CHURCH FAMILY
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31[st] March 2025 which are set out on pages 4 to 8.
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The charity trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the 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 Accounts Regulations. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity 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 explanations from the trustees concerning any 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.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT
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) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations;
-
and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts 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.
Buchanan Bonds ltd. Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers 39 Braehead Crescent Stonehaven Aberdeenshire AB39 2PP
Date: 30[th] December 2025
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GRACE CHURCH FAMILY
STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Receipts Income 2 Interest received Total receipts Payments Payments relating directly to charitable activities: Ministry costs: 3 Governance costs: Independent examiner's fees Purchase of functional fixed assets: Equipment Total payments Net receipts/(payments) for the period Transfers to/(from) funds Surplus/(deficit) for the period |
Income Funds Total General Restricted 31/03/2025 £ £ £ 23,094 74,002 97,096 - - - 23,094 74,002 97,096 (15,059) (69,913) (84,972) (15,059) (69,913) (84,972) - - - - - - (1,563) (3,962) (5,525) (1,563) (3,962) (5,525) (16,622) (73,875) (90,497) 6,472 127 6,599 - - - 6,472 127 6,599 |
Total 31/03/24 £ 78,646 - |
|---|---|---|
| 78,646 | ||
| (82,021) | ||
| (82,021) | ||
| (600) | ||
| (600) | ||
| (613) | ||
| (613) | ||
| (83,234) | ||
| (4,588) - |
||
| (4,588) |
Notes 1 to 7 form part of these accounts
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GRACE CHURCH FAMILY
STATEMENT OF BALANCES
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
| Cash funds Bank and cash balances At 1 April 2024 Surplus/(deficit) for the year At 31 March 2025 Other monetary assets Gift Aid tax reclaim Other debtors Other assets(retained for charity's own use) Tangible fixed assets - equipment at cost (> £400) Liabilities- current PAYE, NIC and pension due Independent examiner's fees inc. VAT |
Income Funds As at General £ Restricted £ 31/03/2025 £ 14,281 - 14,281 6,472 127 6,599 20,753 127 20,880 1,756 - 1,756 - - - 1,756 - 1,756 15,664 - 15,664 15,664 - 15,664 (1,419) - (1,419) (1,200) - (1,200) (2,619) - (2,619) |
As at 31/03/2024 £ 18,869 (4,588) |
|---|---|---|
| 14,281 | ||
| - 36 |
||
| 36 | ||
| 12,348 | ||
| 12,348 | ||
| (138) (600) |
||
| (738) |
These accounts were approved by trustees on 30th December 2025 and signed on their behalf.
Notes 1 to 7 form part of these accounts
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GRACE CHURCH FAMILY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025
1. BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
A receipts and payments account and a statement of balances has been prepared in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
The charity became a Scottish charitable incorporated organisation August 2019.
| OME Donations (including tax refunds) Grants Other |
Income Funds To To Unrestricted £ Restricted £ 31/03/2025 £ 31/03/2024 £ 21,414 4,492 25,906 31,223 - 69,510 69,510 47,423 1,680 - 1,680 - |
|---|---|
| 23,094 74,002 97,096 78,646 |
2. INCOME
3. MINISTRY COSTS
| NISTRY COSTS Evangelism and events Ministry supplies (catering, music etc) Pastoral care Grace Kids Grocery items donated Vouchers and hampers donated Grants and donations paid see note 5 Site costs (rent, light & heat, cleaning etc) Repairs and maintenance Conferences and meetings Volunteer expenses and costs Training Computer costs Advertising and PR Insurance Bank charges and interest Printing, postage and stationery Telephone and internet Travel and subsistence Salaries etc see note 4 Professional fees Sundries |
Income Funds To To Unrestricted £ Restricted £ 31/03/2025 £ 31/03/2024 £ 710 - 710 2,173 2,655 783 3,438 2,776 142 252 394 843 24 - 24 13 8 10,120 10,128 7,662 - 864 864 748 280 - 280 4,455 1,314 13,221 14,535 16,705 - - - 450 184 - 184 127 - - - - 1,682 156 1,838 415 503 698 1,201 1,094 203 327 530 424 322 590 912 858 169 335 504 392 14 14 28 8 98 1,323 1,421 1,325 1,642 1,060 2,702 4,683 5,146 37,290 42,436 35,902 97 2,880 2,977 968 (134) - (134) - |
|---|---|
| 15,059 69,913 84,972 82,021 |
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GRACE CHURCH FAMILY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025
| 4. | STAFF COSTS, NUMBERS AND | Income | Funds | To | To |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION | Unrestricted | Restricted | 31/03/2025 | 31/03/2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| 3,000 | 3,000 | 6,000 | 12,000 | ||
| Staff salaries | 3,228 | 33,468 | 36,696 | 23,100 | |
| Pension costs | 180 | 797 | 977 | 780 | |
| Employer's social security costs | - | - | - | - | |
| PAYE, NIC and pension amounts due - net movement | (1,317) | - | (1,317) | (104) | |
| Staff welfare | 55 | 25 |
80 | _126 _ | |
| 5,146 | 37,290 | 42,436 | _35,902 _ |
The average monthly number of persons employed by the charity was 4 (2024: 4). No employee earned over £60,000.
The trustee is paid in accordance with section 35 of the charity's constitution.
Apart from trustees' being reimbursed ministry costs incurred wholy and exclusively on behalf of the church, no trustee was paid expenses (2024: £nil).
| 5. GRANTS AND DONATIONS PAID To institutions: Number of payments The Mission 12 Special collections - Paid to 0 individuals (fuel, festive and hardship grants) 6. INCOME FUNDS As at Receipts 01/04/2024 £ £ Unrestricted Funds: General Fund 14,281 23,094 Restricted Funds: Special collections - - Deeside Compassion - 74,002 - 74,002 |
5. GRANTS AND DONATIONS PAID To institutions: Number of payments The Mission 12 Special collections - Paid to 0 individuals (fuel, festive and hardship grants) 6. INCOME FUNDS As at Receipts 01/04/2024 £ £ Unrestricted Funds: General Fund 14,281 23,094 Restricted Funds: Special collections - - Deeside Compassion - 74,002 - 74,002 |
Income Funds General Restricted Total £ £ £ 280 - 280 - - - |
|---|---|---|
| 280 - 280 - - - |
||
| 280 - 280 |
||
| Payments Transfer As at 31/03/2025 £ £ £ (16,622) - 20,753 |
||
| - - - 74,002 |
- - - (73,875) - 127 |
|
| - 74,002 |
(73,875) - 127 |
Special Collections
Special collection to support specific issues.
Deeside Compassion
Comprises the social supermarket, money management advice, financial support and other practical support offered to the community.
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GRACE CHURCH FAMILY NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2025
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
One staff member who is the wife of the trustee was paid £1,609 gross (2024: £6,300) to manage the CAP Life Skills scheme.
During the year a salary of £14,400 (2024: £8,400) was paid to the wife of the trustee with regard to the management of the wellbeing programmes and other compassion activities.