The trustees present their report and financial statements of the European Missionary Fellowship (EMF) 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 charitable company's Articles of Association, 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)” (published in October 2019).
The primary objective of EMF is to promote the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the people of Europe and to do so in co-operation with all other evangelical Christians and the Evangelical Christian churches who agree with the doctrinal statement of EMF. This is accomplished by providing financial resources, together with spiritual counsel and support to men and women who know themselves to have been called by God for the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In so doing, the second objective of EMF is accomplished which is to advance the Christian religion for the benefit of the public and in accordance with the doctrinal statement of EMF through the holding of prayer meetings, training, lectures, producing and/or distributing literature on the Christian faith to enlighten others about the Christian religion.
It is envisaged that financial support will ideally be temporary in nature and that churches established through the preaching of the gospel will in due time adopt the financial needs of men and women previously supported through EMF. This charity is therefore an agency sourcing funds largely from churches and individuals within the United Kingdom, providing support to missionary members of EMF preaching on the continent of Europe. Being self-employed or employed by churches, these people initially receive financial donations and spiritual support from EMF, but in time it is expected that this will be replaced by support from local churches established through the preaching of the gospel.
EMF is also involved in a number of additional, though related, areas of activity:
Financial support is occasionally provided on an individual project basis to assist, for example, in the construction of buildings to house indigenous national evangelical churches, or to assist in the rent or purchase of accommodation for missionaries.
EMF is committed to supporting training and has established a Training Fund to support potential studies in ministry training – particularly, though not exclusively, for a two-year course through London Seminary. Through the year, 6 students were supported in their training.
Funds are provided for the translation, publication and distribution of Christian literature in Europe. A Literature Fund has been established expressly for this purpose.
Funds are provided for outreach work in Europe. An Outreach Fund has been established expressly for this purpose.
As a result of the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022, an EMF Ukraine Emergency Appeal has been established to assist evangelical churches in Ukraine to administer aid to refugees and for the distribution of Christian literature. During the year ended 31st of December 2025 EMF received £151,398 in donations and had made £196,867 in Grants to the Ukraine and neighbouring countries. In January 2024 the EMF Executive approved the establishment of the ‘EMF 4:14 Initiative’ (referring to the Bible verse Esther 4:14 – for such a time a this) to support gospel workers in Ukraine. Through the year 2025, twenty-two Ukrainian gospel workers have received support.
In accordance with EMF's objectives, a significant proportion of resources is expended by way of grants and is subsequently divided into missionary support, and into the cost of the other related areas of activity as mentioned above. The grant-making policy of EMF is to continue to support the work of promoting the Christian religion in accordance with the charity's objectives subject to any restrictions imposed by the original donor of the funds.
Excluding the Ukraine Emergency Appeal noted above, this year, EMF paid grants in furtherance of the charity's objectives amounting to £842,519 (compared to £823,857 in the previous year). The charity benefits from the voluntary services of a number of helpers and in many ways. For example, during 2025 voluntary services were received particularly in relation to the preparation of the Vision for Europe magazine, in assisting with administrative duties, and with regard to representing the work of EMF in church meetings at conferences. Many individuals and churches throughout the UK voluntarily assist the missionary deputation programme by organising meetings and conferences and providing hospitality and transport. Voluntary help is also provided to publicise the work of EMF in Australia.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charitable company should undertake.
The Executive Committee plays a crucial role in overseeing the work and met for its regular quarterly meetings. It was supported and informed by the Business Sub-Committee, the Training Fund Sub-Committee, the Literature Fund Sub-Committee, and the Ukraine Emergency Fund Sub-Committee. A new Outreach Sub-Committee is being established to manage funding of outreach work in Europe. A decision has been taken that going forward the Executive Committee will now meet three times per year rather than quarterly.
No new trustees were introduced to the Executive during 2025. One trustee has retired.
Missionary support
At the end of 2025 a total of 96 missionaries in 19 countries were in fellowship with EMF. Three new missionary couples and one single missionary were introduced into EMF in 2025, six missionary couples (of which one missionary has died) and two singles were retired (or no longer considered active missionaries).
Details of those bodies and individuals who received financial support are available on request from the mission office. Throughout 2025 support for these missionaries has been maintained. We continue to work towards churches taking more responsibility for the support of missionaries. The continuing economic pressures in many of the countries we work with has meant that progress in this is slow.
EMF has provided pastoral support for its missionary family in various ways, both individually and collectively. The Field Director and other senior staff have carried out a number of pastoral visits to missionaries in the field. Online missionary prayer meetings take place once a month. Opportunities for ongoing training and development have been made available to all missionaries via courses run by London Seminary.
Church and Supporter Engagement
Deputation work and conferences have taken place in both the spring and autumn of 2025 across the UK. Regular online webinars with strong content and good attendance continued throughout 2025.
Support for the work of the mission, whether in financial terms, or in prayerful interest, increased during 2025, which can be attributed at least in part to these efforts to engage in new ways with the support base.
Since the full-scale war in Ukraine began in 2022, the EMF Ukraine Emergency Appeal has been extraordinarily well supported by churches and individual supporters. Support for the 4:14 initiative has continued through 2025, though at a lower rate.
Literature work
EMF has continued to support literature work in Spain with Editorial Peregrino, in Poland with Legatio and in Italy with Coram Deo. EMF supports the missionaries who manage the work, subject to the continuing activities of the publishing houses being acceptable to EMF. The existence of the Literature Fund allows for direct support towards covering the costs of publishing new titles.
Training for Mission Work
In 2025, the Training Fund Sub Committee met on four occasions to discuss the ongoing work of training for mission work. Six students were supported, fully or partially, for training; one was with London Seminary, four attending the Martin Bucer Seminary in Portugal, and one with Union School of Theology in Bridgend, South Wales.
Ukraine Outreach projects
Donations amounting to £196,866 were made to humanitarian aid and evangelistic outreach work in Ukraine.
Outreach work across Europe
Grants amounted to £798,323 were made for outreach work across Europe (excluding Ukraine).
Church building projects
Donations amounting to £30,874 were made to building projects in Spain. We continue to aid some churches with rental payments for their buildings.
European Mission Fellowship (EMF) is committed to maintaining high standards in its fundraising activities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to ethical principles. Our fundraising approach aligns with the Code of Fundraising Practice and complies with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Act 2016 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Fundraising Methods and Oversight
Our general fundraising engages in a variety of targeted fundraising activities including grants, individual giving, church partnerships, Trusts & Funds, and legacy giving. The Board of Trustees provides strategic oversight, ensuring that all fundraising efforts support the charity’s mission and values. As EMF seeks to grow its work, the need for additional fundraising is being addressed primarily through the deputation programme, attendance at in-person conferences and online webinars, the distribution of news updates and publicity (including on social media), and the preparation of new publicity material. We do not engage in unsolicited or high-pressure fundraising techniques and EMF does not work with third-party fundraisers. EMF is not subject to an undertaking to be bound by any voluntary scheme for regulating fundraising - except by the Fundraising Regulator to which we subscribe. We comply with the requirements of the Fundraising Regulator.
Protecting Supporters and the Public
We are committed to protecting donors and the public, particularly vulnerable individuals, from unreasonable fundraising practices. Our policies ensure that all communications are clear, respectful, and provide supporters with easy ways to opt out of further contact.
Complaints and Monitoring
We maintain a robust complaints process to address any concerns related to our fundraising activities. Complaints are reviewed regularly by senior management and reported to the trustees in line with our complaints policy. No complaints have been received by EMF in 2025 about its fundraising activities.
Financial Transparency and Ethical Standards
We are committed to the responsible use of funds and ensure that all fundraising costs are proportionate to the income generated. Whilst EMF does not routinely engage in specific fundraising projects, all supporter donations are disclosed in our financial statements as are the full details of our fundraising income and expenditure. We regularly review our income generation and management strategies to ensure the financial viability of the charity. EMF upholds ethical standards of operations in line with our fundraising policy.
Total incoming resources received during 2025 were £1,274,311 (2024 - £1,476,135). Included within these incoming resources were restricted funds amounting to £752,703, whilst incoming general and designated funds fell by 15.79% to £521,608. Legacies received amounted to £53,559. During the reporting period, total expenditure amounted to £1,588,034 (compared with the previous year of £1,506,609). This level of expenditure included use of restricted funds amounting to £1,000,973. Expenditure from general and designated funds was therefore £587,061.
The trustees consider that EMF has adequate resources to fulfil its immediate future obligations. We continue to seek to control expenditure where possible without jeopardising EMF's ability to fulfil its aims and objectives. The work of supporting missionaries is regarded as a long-term commitment and further fundraising will be needed to finance activities for the longer term. This is being addressed primarily through the deputation programme, attendance at in-person conferences and online webinars, the distribution of news updates and publicity, and the preparation of new publicity material. Efforts are also being made to apply for grants from Trusts and Funds. Staff numbers have increased during 2025 in order to help fulfil these goals.
The trustees have established a general reserves policy to ensure that EMF can maximise the programme impact for beneficiaries and maximise the value of net income. General reserves provide some protection to the organisation and charitable programme and provide time to adjust to changing financial circumstances. This limits the risk to the programme in the event of a downturn in some of EMF's various sources of income or an unexpected need for additional expenditure. This policy also provides parameters for future strategic plans, contributes towards decision making, and influences EMF's ways of working. EMF aims to keep in reserve funds representing approximately six months of total expenditure.
As shown in the notes to the financial statements, after excluding amounts retained in fixed assets, EMF had free unrestricted reserves of £2,524,407 at 31st December 2025, of which £nil has been designated by the trustees for particular projects. The balance of free reserves represents approximately 159% of the level of total resources expended in 2025 and provides EMF with sufficient comfort to enable the continuance of its activities. EMF's investment objective is to maximise the return on its investment funds while maintaining maximum security and a high degree of liquidity to allow a rapid response to urgent needs as they occur. To meet this objective, the EMF continues to hold its deposits in current and savings accounts. The EMF investment funds established in 2019 did not perform particularly well in 2025.
The principal sources of funds for the work of EMF are the gifts of supporting churches and individuals. Grants from Trusts and Funds are becoming more significant. Legacies form an important but unpredictable additional source of income. It remains an objective of the Trustees to close the gap between income from donations and expenditure. The global economic situation continues to affect EMF's financial position, particularly through rising costs. The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charitable company is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Risk statement and plans for the future
The purpose of this statement is to give readers of the trustees’ annual report an insight into how the charity handles risk and an understanding of the major risks the charity is exposed to. In it we, as trustees, have also taken the opportunity to evaluate and comment on further developments of risk management procedures being undertaken or planned.
The trustees of EMF acknowledge their ultimate responsibility for the risk management of EMF and the subsequent development, review and implementation of the risk register and risk policy. These risks are reviewed on a regular basis and are included in the trustee meetings, ensuring all aspects of the charity’s work are covered. Systems and procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces.
As part of the risk identification process a risk policy has been drawn up stipulating the obligations of EMF with regards to the identification and implementation of appropriate and reasonable measures in the prevention of fraud and mitigation of risk. It is reviewed at least every 2 years as are other policies such as the Safeguarding, GDPR and Finance. A risk register has also been established and will be reviewed annually or when significant levels of risk change.
Any major areas of risk have been identified, assessed and where possible reasonable mitigations have been established to reduce the risk to acceptable levels.
The main areas of risk have been categorised as Governance, Operations, Safeguarding, Finance, External and Regulatory risks. Over the past 12 months the following specific events were noted as being potential areas of risk and a potential negative impact on the effectiveness of EMF.
Multiple Staff appointments: Operations Director (OD); Church Partnership Director (CPD); Operations Assistant (OA); Communications & Engagement Manager (CEM); Northern Ireland Youth Development Lead (NIYDL); Ukraine Lead (UL); Communications Assistant (CA); Field Director (FD) replacement – to come into effect April 2026.
Staff departures: Communications Lead (CL) did not return after maternity leave (July 25); Ukraine Lead volunteer retiring after many years of service to EMF (Nov 25); notice to retire of the existing FD planned for May 2026
Unsatisfactory performance of CRM
GDPR overhaul in the CRM
The stepping down of 1 trustee – Nov 2025
Large budget deficit planned for 2026 and subsequent years for growth and to use invested funds
3 new missionaries appointed during 2025. 5 new missionaries approved for Jan 2026 start
The death of one missionary in May 2025, retirement of 6 missionary couples and 2 singles.
As most of the significant events have involved staffing, EMF has invested heavily in time and money to ensure smooth transition in and out of staff. Policies have been put in place and been updated where necessary, and advice sought from external agencies where needed. All new staff were provided with contracts, staff handbooks, knowledge of policies, and relevant training. EMF has run an HR overhaul this year and has tighter procedures for taking on new staff in line with Safer Recruitment standards. Teams have been created which have strengthened delivery across EMF’s platforms and regular departmental team meetings and whole staff meetings have been held. EMF has established regular management and senior leadership team meetings and a robust staff structure is in place and available for all to see with regards to Health & Safety and risk responsibilities. EMF has established this year, an annual review for staff which will be implemented early in 2026. This involves looking at each staff member’s work over the last year and the setting of aspirations for the coming year. There is an anonymous feedback from for managed staff to complete on their managers.
A health and safety (H&S) overhaul has been completed during 2025 ensuring compliance and risk reduction. An external party was engaged for this and work with the operations team and a trustee, ensured a timely and complete policy and procedure is in place.
The loss of the CL necessitated a restructured approach and a new communications team has subsequently been created and EMF is investing in greater engagement and social media presence. Despite the loss, overall EMF has increased stability and strategic planning for the future in the area on communications.
A long-time volunteer retired in the second half of 2025, and the trustees realised the necessity of appointing a paid employee to continue and grow the Ukraine Lead role. Ukraine continues to be a key project for EMF and brings in funds and supports many workers in the area. The outcome outweighed the risk of an additional staff member. This role has come under the newly formed Communications team.
The FD gave verbal intention to retire in the late spring of 2026. An internal applicant was interested in the vacancy and a full and thorough application and interview process was taken. The appointment of this individual to the role greatly increases continuity and lowers the risk of such a position change. This employee will commence the new role in April 2026 which necessitates the appointment of a replacement Northern Ireland (NI) rep. Acknowledging this is a vital role in EMF’s income and church partner engagement, an advert was placed late 2025 with a hope that a new candidate could be in situ by the end of February 2026 to mitigate against any negative impact of a job handover. The trustees viewed this as the best outcome considering the key nature of both the FD and NI rep roles.
One of the key areas EMF recognises as vital to its functions, is in customer communication and accuracy of data capture. Due to the promotion of the existing finance and operations assistant, a new operations assistant was appointed to ensure continuity of communication with donors regarding donations. This role has also been key in the GDPR overhaul and general data cleansing that has commenced and is ongoing in EMF’s Customer Relations Management (CRM) system. There is a need for greater efficiency and a subsequent change is required to EMF’s CRM. This is an area we are hoping to progress in 2026, during 2025 preparation has started to be made for this event.
EMF realises that new staff can bring instability and it has therefore sought to mitigate against any specific risks arising from the changes. EMF has had 3 in person staff retreats during 2025, to bring the team together, as the remote nature of the work can bring some isolation to staff and EMF recognises an increased risk this brings to new staff joining. Clear focus areas and collaborated diaries have helped alleviate these risks. EMF from January 2026 has moved to a total digital diary system to aid the booking of events and meetings.
The trustees also acknowledge that the reduction to its number of trustees over the last 2 years is an area of increased risk for the fellowship and 2 people have been approached with a view to joining the board. Applications will be progressed in coming months. Risk evaluation for the onboarding of new trustees has been completed.
EMF has taken a strategic approach to look to spend the money it has invested from the sale of Guessens some years ago. Heavy investment has been made over the past 3 years into staffing and taking on new missionaries. As a result, a large deficit budget is planned for 2026, gradually tapering to a neutral budget in 2030. This is an area of significant risk and the trustees discuss the budget and financial status at every meeting. Monthly management accounts are produced and reviewed by the Business Subcommittee (BSC) on a monthly basis. The BSC is made up of trustees and staff representatives. A 5 year plan has been drawn up with both realistic and aspirational income lines and a projected overall balance is guiding decisions. EMF has a reserves policy and to not breach that, careful monitoring and planning will be made. It was decided that there would be a halt on the taking on of any further staff and missionaries (excluding the NI replacement role, 2 new rep roles and missionaries already in the application process). The risk level remains high and very careful monitoring is needed. Contingency measures have been considered should this become necessary.
EMF has taken on 3 new missionary couples in 2025 and 5 more have been agreed for an early 2026 start. EMF recognises the risk this poses financially and the increased workload on the staff. These events were noted and the trustees are happy with the retained risk level.
To mitigate against risks identified with IT, EMF continues to work with an IT specialist for day to day and troubleshooting help. This relationship is working well and further work has been done to ensure all IT accounts and payments are on a 2-factor authentication system and all related bank cards are current. A pro-active approach is being used to analyse risk areas and look to improve systems as well as identifying any potential threats to cyber security. This risk area is now deemed to be at an acceptable level.
EMF is planning a 4-yearly field conference in 2026. This is an area of significant investment of both time and money and staff are underway with the plans for it. This constitutes a significant financial risk for EMF but it was felt by the trustees that such a gathering of the whole EMF family was necessary and they are happy with the resultant risk level.
It is the trustees’ responsibility to review processes and procedures regularly to ensure risk levels are kept to a satisfactory threshold and where areas of risk are recognised as having increased or new ones are identified, a review of the risk register and subsequent mitigations will be carried out within a reasonable timescale.
The charitable company is a company limited by guarantee with no share capital, incorporated on 14 September 1998. EMF is governed by its Articles of Association, adopted on 21 July 2014 in substitution for, and to the exclusion of, its previous Articles of Association. These were slightly updated in 2019 as we no longer own a property. A copy can be obtained from the company's Mission office.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year were:
EMF is administered and managed by the trustees, who are members of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act, in accordance with its Articles of Association. The following organisational structure is in place:
1. Directors/Trustees
The directors of the company are the charity's trustees, and they are the body by which EMF is governed. Throughout this report they are referred to collectively as the trustees. The number of trustees must not be less than three but is not subject to any maximum. Appointment as a trustee is made on the recommendation of the existing trustees to a general meeting. Potential new trustees usually attend at least two general meetings on a trial basis before an appointment is made. Such appointments are based on the need for the charity as a whole to have the skills and experience to determine the policies of EMF and to monitor the implementation of those policies. Trustees are supplied with appropriate information to enable them to fulfil their duties and occasionally attend independently-organised training courses.
2. Members
The Members of the company are also known as the Executive Members. This body is comprised of all trustees. Members are appointed by a general meeting of the members. Members normally meet on a quarterly basis and require a quorum of one half of the members or three members (whichever is the greater) present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote on the business to be transacted. Members have guaranteed the liabilities of the company up to £1.00 (one pound) each.
3. Business Sub-committee
The Business Sub-Committee is made up of a group from among the trustees and staff who are deemed suitable to advise the full Board of Trustees on financial, management and administrative policy. Their responsibilities include ensuring that the risk management and control processes within EMF are effective. They too meet on a quarterly basis with ad hoc meetings as deemed necessary. Minutes of these meetings are submitted to and approved by the Trustees at their executive meetings usually two weeks following a Business Sub Committee meeting.
4. Training Fund Sub-committee
The Training Fund Sub-Committee is made up of a group from among the trustees and staff who are deemed suitable to advise the full Board of Trustees on the training of future mission workers and on the financial, management and administrative policies associated with the Training Fund. The Training Fund Sub-committee meets on an ad hoc basis as deemed necessary. Minutes of these meetings are submitted to and approved by the Trustees at their executive meetings.
5. Literature Fund Sub Committee
The Literature Fund Sub-Committee is made up of a group from among the trustees and staff who are deemed suitable to advise the full Board of Trustees on the translation, publication, and distribution of Christian literature in Europe and on the financial, management and administrative policies associated with the Literature Fund. The Literature Fund Sub-committee meets on an ad hoc basis as deemed necessary.
6. Ukraine Emergency Fund Sub-Committee
The Ukraine Emergency Fund Sub-Committee is made up of a group from among trustees and staff who are deemed suitable to advise the full Board of Trustees on matters relating to the support of gospel workers in the Ukraine in view of the war with Russia. The Ukraine Emergency Fund Sub-Committee meets on an ad hoc basis as deemed necessary.
7. Company Secretary
The company secretary is appointed by the trustees.
The pay and remuneration of key management personnel are set by the trustees.
The trustees, who are also the directors of European Missionary Fellowship for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year 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 year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate 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. They 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.
In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Cunningtons & Co Limited be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of European Missionary Fellowship (the ‘charitable company’) for the year ended 31 December 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees' report; or
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, including how fraud may occur by enquiring of management of its own consideration of fraud. We did not identify any key audit matters relating to irregularities, including fraud.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Cunningtons & Co Limited is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charitable company by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
European Missionary Fellowship is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 41 The Point, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7QU.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charitable company's Articles of Association, 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)” (issued in October 2019). The charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charitable company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. 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 charitable company 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.
General funds are unrestricted funds that are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes.
Restricted funds are those which can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the object of the charitable company. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charitable company 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.
Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charitable company has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount receivable can be estimated with reasonable accuracy, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
Expenditure is included in the financial statements on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
The costs of raising funds comprise those costs associated with attracting voluntary income.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charitable company in the delivery of its activities and services for beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Certain expenditure is directly attributable to specific activities and has been included in those cost categories. Certain other costs, which are attributable to more than one activity, are apportioned across cost categories on the basis of either estimate of the proportion of time spent by staff or upon the usage of those activities.
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 the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the charitable company 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 charitable company 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.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charitable company's balance sheet when the charitable company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charitable company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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 charitable company 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.
In the application of the charitable company’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.
Investments
Other
Raising funds
Travel expenses
Telephone and office expenses
Newsletter
Literature
Mission support
Literature work
Church building
Ukraine appeal
Other costs
Mission support
Literature work
Church building
Ukraine appeal
Details of the institutions that received grants during the year for the support of missionaries in Europe and the amounts paid to each institution are available upon request in writing to the registered office at 41 The Point, Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 7QU or online at www.europeanmission.org.
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charitable company during the year.
Eight trustees were reimbursed a total of £4,125 for travel and meetings costs, which were incurred performing voluntary work for the charitable company (2024 - ten trustees were reimbursed £3,819).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
Deferred income is included in the financial statements as follows:
Deferred income was in respect of missionary support received in advance.
The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charitable company 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.
Support of missionaries and personnel
These amounts represent the totals of numerous small funds created by donations received for the purpose of assisting with the support of particular missionaries and members of the charity's personnel. Funds received have been distributed in accordance with the donors' requirements. Details of the individual funds can be obtained from the Mission Office.
Literature work in Europe
This restricted fund represents donations received to provide funds for activities associated with the translation and publication of Christian literature in European languages.
Church building
The restricted fund was opened in order to receive donations for church building projects in Sines, Portugal, Almunecar, Spain, Ciudad Real, Spain and Azzoia, Portugal.
Small restricted funds
These amounts represent the totals of various small funds created by donations for specific purposes. All funds are being distributed in accordance with the donors' requirements. Details of the individual funds can be obtained from the Mission Office.
Gospel Growth fund
The Gospel Growth Fund was established to support new gospel workers, drive new initiatives, reach new communities and plant new churches.
Ukraine Appeal fund
An EMF Ukraine Emergency Appeal was established to assist evangelical churches in Ukraine to administer aid to refugees and distribute Christian literature following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022.
Transfers
Transfers represent the use of unrestricted funds to supplement the charity's directly supported missionary work.
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.
Training fund
This fund was established in 2019 to support potential studies in ministry training - particularly, though not exclusively, for a two year course through London Seminary.
Unrestricted
Restricted
At the reporting end date the charitable company had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
The charitable company had no material debt during the year.