The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)
A summary of the objects of the charity as set out in its governing document.
The principal activities of this charitable company are the advancement of the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs, in Christchurch and in such other parts of the UK or the world as the trustees from time to time think fit, and such other purposes which are exclusively charitable according to the law of England and Wales and are connected with the work of the charity.
The elders regularly review the objectives and activities in line with strategies designed to achieve our vision and communicate this with the trustees and the wider leadership teams at least on an annual basis. We seek to further these objects by providing meetings for corporate worship, fellowship and prayer. Further fellowship and sharing opportunities come in the form of weekly connect group meetings across the conurbation and there are specific training courses sponsored by the church for new Christians and for various ministry skills useful in the church.
The charity's aims including the changes or differences it seeks to make through its activities:
1. Reaching the Local Community for the advancement of the Christian faith
This has been achieved through our involvement with different age-groups and types of people. While our focus is the advancement of the Christian faith, this is seen through the lens of relieving poverty and seeking greater community cohesion. We measure this partly by the numbers of people we regularly interact with as a church community and ultimately in the numbers of these people who see themselves as belonging to GodFirst.
We give financially to various local charities that share our ethos including Christchurch Foodbank Plus, Faithworks CMA (Community Money Advice) [Debt & Money Advice], The Water Lily Project [outreach to women in crisis] and this is backed-up by our own people giving their time and skills to help in these charities including those who serve as governors in local schools.
Children and young people are a key priority for this charity; not only those of our own members but the wider community. Our toddler group, First Steps, which is now regularly reaching over one hundred families most of whom are outside of the immediate church family. In addition to weekly Sunday activities for children under the age of eleven, we also host mid-week events throughout the year to reach into the community demonstrate our faith. Youth are catered for with weekly Sunday teaching and mid-week time to develop connection and friendship; as well as termly social activities for unchurched friends to join in.
2. Reaching the Global Community for the advancement of the Christian faith
We do this by encouraging, supporting and visiting Christian churches in other nations where we either have a connection or there is another link.
The charity's aims including the changes or differences it seeks to make through its activities:
3. Membership of a wider network
GodFirst Christchurch is wholly independent, but it is affiliated to the Evangelical Alliance of Great Britain which represents us at government level and provides training, support and information on ethical, legal and social issues. Additionally, we are part of the Christchurch Fellowship of Churches that seeks to provide a forum for fellowship and joint projects across all Christian churches in Christchurch. Also leaders of church teams have the opportunity to gain wider experience and training from a wide range of contacts and this keeps us grounded and equipped for the strategies we have to reach our vision. We also regularly partner and collaborate with other charities and organisations as can be seen below.
Public Benefit
Through this report, we have illustrated the impact we are having on the local and global community. We exist to benefit the wider community but a by-product of this objective is that we benefit those that join us regularly and are gathered in to the family of God, who in turn multiply the impact on the wider public. The trustees have complied with the duty set out in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission and also the specific guidance on the advancement of religion for the public benefit. The following information demonstrates this duty and measurement of impact as a pro-active part of managing the charity.
During 2025 the number of activities based in our building have increased from previous years. The level of skills and cooperation between the main teams has been exemplary and has led to many people joining us and the ‘family’ of the church holding together and growing both ‘in-person’ and online. So much so, that several of our activities have seen increased attendance such as First steps, as mentioned above and our initiative called Thrive that is well into its forth year, that seeks to enhance physical wellbeing in the community. Also, our Pop-In Café continues to reach those who are isolated in our community, and this is growing well and having an impact on those attending. Our partnership with the Christchurch Foodbank Plus [CFB+] continues to provide meals for families identified by CFB+ from within the community who do not normally get together with each other for meals. A new initiative at the end of 2025 was the opening of ‘Gate 15 Coffee House’ which serves coffee, tea, cakes, and light snacks, to surrounding businesses, residents, and people who rent space in the building.
These broad-ranging activities are all based in our building called ‘The Runway’ at Airfield Road which has seen substantial refurbishment in the last 7 years [24,000 sq ft over 2 floors].
This year was all about expanding our rental of the building, so we have increased revenue from utilising the various spaces available after ministries and activities have been scheduled. The next phase of the refurbishment is focused on the first floor and includes the third stairway, further office and breakout spaces, and development of more corridors to connect these areas together.
Our Welfare Fund established in 2018 has continued to be used over the year where we have helped several people in financial need or who needed items or services that they could not afford e.g. professional counselling, rent deposit, car repairs, emergency funding through illness etc. We regularly review this fund and provide top-ups as necessary.
Our Children’s Leader is focused on the 0 to 11 age range and has been involved in local schools teaching and taking assemblies; and making an impact in the community with initiatives such as organising activities for families and children of all ages.
Our Youth Leader focuses specifically on serving young people aged 11 to 18. The number of young people attending the midweek youth club and engaging in Sunday mornings continues to grow; and specific outreach events are held regularly for our young people to grow in the faith.
In the last year we have demonstrated our involvement globally through visits or financial gifts to churches, individuals and charities in Uganda, The Balkans, Brazil, Cambodia, and Myanmar. We also help overseas leaders to come to the UK for refreshment and provide opportunities for them to attend relevant conferences.
The Trustees and Elders continue to be grateful for the sacrificial giving of those belonging to GodFirst Christchurch. Our total income this year consisted of General Offering Income £480,412 (2024: £452,327) and restricted gifts to the Building Fund and Mission Fund of £346,774 (2024: £243,531).
The Trustees consider that the financial performance by the charity has been satisfactory and achieved the target of delivering a net income for 2025 of £166,856 (2024: £143,289).
The Statement of Financial Activities shows total income for the year of £902,245 (2024: £755,060) and total expenditure of £735,389 (2024: £611,771). Part of these resources, £173,705 has been spent on the refurbishment of our building. Costs for the purchase and refurbishment are being capitalised and are shown as at 31 December 2025 as £2,459,310 (2024: £2,364,253). The original mortgage of £770,000 has now been reduced to £561,458 by scale repayments. Additional interest has been paid in 2025 on the loan that is base-rate-linked following increases in the Bank of England base rate.
The total of funds at the end of 2025 stands at £2,402,083 (2024: £2,235,227).
Reserves Policy
The trustees intend to maintain a Contingency Reserve in order to manage short-term financial obligations of the charity in the event of income being curtailed. The following factors govern the review of what is required by way of a reserve:
• The current economic climate and external factors affecting finance
• The level of regular giving and assessment of its continuation
• The requirement for working capital and the ability to meet contractual obligations
• The ability to raise additional funds should the church face financial difficulty.
At the end of the year the charity holds total unrestricted funds of £2,005,247 of which -£550,446 are negative free reserves. However the Trustees have assessed the level of Reserves to be maintained at a level of three months’ routine expenditure, approximately £90,000. The Contingency Reserve stands at £63,018 and will be added to as surplus funds allow and is regularly reviewed by Trustees as a standing item in their meetings. The Trustees have resolved not to allow this to fall temporarily below £27,000. Currently, all other reserves shown in other funds are allocated to the general operations of the charity as indicated by the fund titles.
Availability and adequacy of assets in each of the funds
The Trustees are satisfied that the charity’s assets in each fund are available and adequate to fulfil its obligations in respect of each fund including contracts entered into.
The charity does not currently have sufficient funds to complete the development of The Runway, 15 Airfield Road, Christchurch but because we continually manage this project in planned phases funded by additional gifts from individuals and grant-making trusts, we are confident that we can continue to completion in this way. The fund allocated for the refurbishment as at 31st December 2025 stands at £270,293.
The major risks to which the charitable company is exposed and reviews and systems to mitigate risks
The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charitable company is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Generic risks as set out by the Charity Commission covering risks of Compliance, Environmental, Financial, Governance and Operational have been reviewed and risk assessments redrawn.
It is considered that the major risks are those associated with finance, employment, property, safeguarding and health and safety issues. Each risk area is allocated to Trustees within the team and these risk areas are discussed as standing items at each Board meeting.
Financial risk is mitigated through careful budget planning and monthly monitoring of financial performance by the Trustees and management teams. Financial resources are protected through a system of internal controls.
Employment risks are managed in accordance with legislation and specialist HR (Human Resources) advisers are consulted as required.
Appropriate insurance is maintained on our property and equipment together with cover for public and employer’s liabilities.
The risks surrounding safeguarding issues for both children and vulnerable adults are minimised through our Safeguarding Policy and procedures.
It is considered that there are no high risks to manage at present and the medium risk assessments have been mitigated by robust strategies that are adequate. However, management of these risks is an ongoing task and this subject is not only covered as a standing item at Board Meetings, but specific risk assessments are drawn up in response to events as they arise e.g. conferences, trips abroad, adventure weekend for young people, community events etc.
Future Plans
Our main objectives for the coming year are:
Continue towards completion, the furnishing and refurbishment of 15 Airfield Road, Christchurch.
Hold two special Gift Days each year to receive funds from our individual donors to help fund this refurbishment.
Develop partnerships with grant making trusts to augment the funds received from those belonging to the Church in respect of the building refurbishment.
Develop the outward-facing activities of the Church so that the vision to see transformation in the area and people around us can be realised.
Continue and develop our partnerships with Christchurch Foodbank Plus, The Water Lily Project, Faithworks and other organisations all of which share our ethos and vision.
The charity is controlled by its governing document, the Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 20th December 2001, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Governance Arrangements
The Elders of the Church appoint the Trustees, who remain in office for a period of three years, after which time they can offer themselves for re-election to serve for a further period reviewable every three years. The Trustees are drawn from the active attenders of the Church with the appropriate skills for Board membership. The Elders are the spiritual leaders of the charity and are the Members of the Charitable Company.
Recruitment and selection of Trustees is undertaken when required to either replace those trustees who are retiring or to add new skills to the Board. Nominees that are approached to consider standing will be subject to scrutiny under the provisions of the Articles of Association and a process of induction is put in place together with an invitation to sit in on meetings.
The Trustees focus on governance and policy issues including key financial decisions. Operational matters are delegated to staff and the Senior Leadership Team. The Trustees meet regularly with the Lead Elder to ensure that decisions are consistent with the spiritual aims of the Church and the trustees have an invitation to attend meetings conducted by the Senior Leadership Team for the same purpose.
The Elders of the Church, who are also Members, as at the end of the financial year were Duncan Lee, Morne Smit, Earl Gooden, and Andrew Blick.
Duncan Lee [Lead Elder] and Morne Smit [Assistant Pastor] are employed to oversee the day-to-day management of the Charity and are assisted by the Operations Manager, Justyn Pride.
The training of Elders, Trustees and Senior Leadership Team members is considered and reviewed and the Church budget includes a provision for the costs of any required training to be met. A distinction is made in the Governing Document between the spiritual oversight of the Church and the management of assets and legal compliance.
The Trustees have the power to delegate aspects of management of the charity to others as appropriate. These officers currently are:
• Duncan Lee – Senior Pastor & Lead Elder
• Morne Smit – Associate Pastor
• Justyn Pride – Operations Manager
• Sam Pink – Children’s Leader 0-11 & Building Rental Coordinator
• Jack Spong – Youth Leader 11-18
• Chris Gibbons – Finance Team Leader
• Claire Watts – Personal Assistant
• Josie Pride – Office Administrator
Volunteers
The church is involved in a wide range of service to the local community and internationally. This would not be possible without the voluntary efforts of a large number of the members of the church. With only 8 paid staff currently, the volunteers number more than 100 to achieve this.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Godfirst Christchurch (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity 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 the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
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:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements 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
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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 financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Godfirst Christchurch is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 15 Airfield Road, Christchurch, Dorset, BH23 3TG.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds which have been earmarked for a particular purpose, within the objects of the charitable company, by the Trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charitable company. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Income from grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel and payroll etc which supports the church's activities. All support costs are deemed to relate to the charitable activity of the church. Governance costs are those support costs incurred to meet the statutory and constitutional requirements of the charitable company.
The charity classifies the lease of property and photocopying equipment as operating leases; the title to the equipment remains with the lessor. Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over term of the lease.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.
Assets with a value of less than £500 are not capitalised. Freehold property is shown at cost less depreciation. No depreciation has been provided on leasehold property as it remains under construction.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
The charitable company operates a Workplace Pension scheme administered by National Employment Savings Trust [N.E.S.T.]. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. Some staff opt-out of the Workplace Pension scheme but the charitable company still makes contractual employer- contributions to these staff members' private pension schemes.
Donated services and facilities
Donated services or facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. On receipt, donated services and facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
The time of volunteers is not recognised, refer to the trustees' annual report for more information about their contribution.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of four months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
Debtors and creditors
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Church Work
Church Work
Youth & Children
Events
General offering
Special offering - Building Fund
There were no donated goods and/or services in the year. The church is involved in a wide range of service to the local community and internationally. This would not be possible without the voluntary efforts of a large number of the members of the church. With only 8 paid staff at the balance sheet date, the volunteers number more than 100 to achieve this. The monetary value of the time of volunteers is not recognised.
Children's work
Youth work
Events
Mission Fund
Grants issued to the institutions stated above were given for the following causes:
Christchurch Food Bank - emergency food for individuals and families
PACE - salary support for a part time schools worker
An African Dream - Christian based education and healthcare charity
Apostolic Sphere - supporting and facilitating church planting and development nationally and internationally
Other - small grants made in accordance with our stated objects
Elders, staff & volunteers expenses
Office expenses
Ground rent & hire of premises
Light, heat and water
Insurance
Other expenses
Repairs and maintenance
Computer and related costs
Licenses, publicity and professional fees
Support costs relating to non charitable activity costs and grant making activities are deemed to be immaterial. Mortgage interest and fees of £ 48,114 (2024: £31,858) were expensed in the year due to the cessation of construction at 15 Airfield Road, Christchurch. This year and last year £0 interest was capitalised.
Governance costs relate to the independent examination fees.
Expenses of £Nil (2024: £Nil) were reimbursed to Trustees for other expenses.
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
No employee received benefits of more than £60,000.
Total remuneration of key management personnel during the year was £148,397 (2024: £155,422) and employers pensions of £7,420 (2024: £7,771). Pension contributions were paid to 8 (2024: 8) staff under a defined contribution scheme. There were £5,711 (2024: £3,776) of accrued pension costs at the balance sheet date.
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
Capitalised leasehold purchase and improvement costs for 15 Airfield Road include mortgage interest and fees of £116,471 (2024: £116,471). Depreciation has been included on the completed building works, construction for the upper floor is paused at a stage of completion and depreciation will be provided until works recommence.
The charity completed on the purchase of 15 Airfield Road, Christchurch on 23 April 2018, at a cost of £1.1m plus fees, partly financed by two mortgage loans totalling £770,000 on an interest-only basis for the first 12 months to 23 April 2019 as follows:
1) £385,000 over 25 years fixed for 12 years 6 months @ 5.42%, secured against 15 Airfield Road Christchurch, (£322,267 outstanding at the balance sheet date), and
2) £385,000 over 25 years at 3.1% above the Bank of England base rate, secured against 15 Airfield Road, (£239,190 outstanding at the balance sheet date).
The loans are repayable by instalments.
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
Building Fund - For the conversion of the current premises to a church and for community use.
Restricted Gifts - Specific donations received and paid over.
Mission Fund - For mission abroad covering conferences and pastor support.
Restricted fund transfers -
The transfer represents £173,705 of capitalised building and equipment costs for the redevelopment of 15 Airfield Road, these funds become unrestricted when expended, and £Nil transferred from unrestricted funds (2024: £6,083).
The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.
Contingency Reserve Fund - contingency reserve in line with our Reserves Policy, see Report to Accounts.
Staff Sabbatical Fund - to give pastoral staff a sabbatical every 7 years.
Welfare Fund - Legacy supplied for welfare of needy in the local community.
Apostolic Fund - Reserve created from remaining funds allocated to future Apostolic input.
Unrestricted
Restricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
In addition annual ground rent of £34,500 is payable on 15 Airfield Road over its remaining 85 year lease (from 2018) term, reviewed every 5 years.
Donations received from Trustees in the year totalled £42,000 (2024: £35,728), of this £4,643 was specifically for the building fund.
The charitable company is controlled by the Trustees.