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2023-05-31-accounts

The New Mechanics Institution Preservation Trust Limited

Annual Report and Financial Statements For the period 1 June 2022 - 31 May 2023

Charity registration number: 1048961 Company number: 3059960

The Trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with a financial overview of the charity for the year ended 31 May 2023.

The Trust is a Registered Charity No. 1048961. Its activities are governed by and set out in the Memorandum and Articles, which are available to members on request.

The Trust is also a Company, Registered Company No. 3059960 (England and Wales).

Objectives and Activities

The Trust’s primary objectives remain:

The immediate working projects of the Trust are:

All our charitable activities focus on the preservation and use of historic spaces by communities and are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

The main achievements during the 2022-23 Financial year (1 June 2022 – 31 May 2023) can be summarised as follows.

1. The Mechanics Institution

In summer 2018, Forefront Estates Limited reclaimed ownership of the Mechanics building. Since then, it has remained unclear what the owner’s intentions, if any, are for the building. In order to find a solution for the Mechanics’ Institution, a working party was established which includes representatives from the Trust, the Theatre’s Trust, Historic England (HE) and key council officers.

In March 2020 a Viability study was published on potential future uses for the building (supported by Swindon Borough Council and funded by grants secured by the Trust from the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Theatre’s Trust). This study showed the best option for the future use of the building was as a multi-purpose space with a mixed programme of community and cultural programming (including the restoration of the theatre), underpinned by commercial hires. Following the publication of the report, at the Swindon Borough Council Cabinet meeting in April 2020 approval was granted to the council’s offers to prepare paperwork for a Compulsory Purchase Order for the building.

During this financial year, the Council published a Condition Survey on the building, which assessed the current condition of the exterior and interior. In spring 2023 a series of urgent works were carried out to keep the building watertight while talks continued on options for the future. The Mechanics remains a priority project for Historic England and is a key feature of the Swindon Heritage Action Zone.

2. Central Community Centre

The Trust continues to manage the Community Centre which serves a broad range of community groups and local companies, as well as a pre-school (based at the centre). During the financial year the number of bookings has grown, supported by a bookings officer and the Trust has renewed the lease for the building with Swindon Borough Council.

During the financial year the Community Centre has hosted several community events, including craft fairs, music and dance events and national celebrations including the Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation. The Trust has established a new, regular car boot sale and worked with Global Gardeners, a club for refugees and asylum seekers living in Swindon, to create a productive community garden outside the Community Centre.

3. The Baker’s

Since May 2021, the Baker’s has been operating as a community space for hire, to ensure continued community use and access to the building. This followed the café closure in May 2020 due to the pandemic. This decision does not prevent a return to operation of the building as a café in future and during the financial year the Board has regularly reviewed the business operation and continued to seek community feedback and liaise with potential partners.

The Baker’s continues to be a well-used community space, hired by a variety of groups. This includes social events, lunch clubs, coffee mornings and local charity events, as well as private hirers. During the financial year the Baker’s was also a designated Welcome Space in Swindon for the local community, with refreshments and access to free Wi-Fi, providing a warm, welcome and supportive environment for those who need it. This participation in the local warm spaces network coordinated by Swindon Borough Council was funded by the Trust and thanks to a grant from Power to Change. The Baker’s is also used as a pop-up café to support wider events and community engagement activities.

The flat has been occupied during the entirety of the financial year. Further maintenance and improvement works have also been carried out.

4. Heritage Action Zone

In 2019 Swindon became the second town in the South West to achieve Heritage Action Zone (HAZ) status from Historic England. The Trust is a partner in the Swindon HAZ and continues to work with the appointed Project Manager on the scheme’s projects, including the Mechanics Institute building and The Cricketers. The Trust is also supporting the workstreams on HAZ branding, interpretation strategy and HAZ legacy.

5. The Cricketers

This remains a high priority project for the Trust. In spring 2022 planning and listed building consents were granted. The Trust has adopted a phased approach to the refurbishment, starting with exterior works to the roof, guttering and stonework to make the building watertight. Thanks to funding from Historic England and the Heritage Action Zone, during the financial year the exterior works began and are due for completion in late summer 2023. The refurbishment of the interior will then begin and an additional grant has been secured from the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities towards this. The Trust will appoint a Project Manager to oversee this work. The refurbished building will have a mixed use including community access and the Trust continues to explore potential partnerships and engage the community with plans for its future.

6. Railway Village Museum

Regular monthly opening of the museum resumed this financial year, with special themes linked to national events including the Coronation and the Platinum Jubilee. The Trust recruited and trained new museum volunteers, developed research and Victorian-themed craft activities and continued to build relationships with other Swindon museums. Free walking tours of the Railway Village have proved popular, as have school visits and private tours for heritage groups. The Trust is keen to continue to build capacity to open the

museum more frequently and use the Central Community Centre to display exhibitions, as well as develop the school visit offer and this will be a focus for the next financial year.

7. Community Engagement

During the financial year the Trust appointed a new Community Engagement lead, to support the planned growth in community engagement activities. This role has grown capacity and capability to lead and facilitate projects, events and social initiatives that benefit the Swindon community and heritage. Improved communications (including a monthly newsletter distributed online and in printed format), increased volunteer and member recruitment and more partnership working has enabled the Trust to engage with a broader range of local groups and residents.

During the year the Trust ran a heritage talk series, bingo sessions, car boot and tabletop sales, a local book fair, coffee clubs, a Swindon Heritage and Culture Club and established a Model Club to help young people develop new skills. The Trust also opened the Baker’s weekly for ‘Toasty Tuesdays’, a response to the cost-of-living crisis which provides a warm and welcome space to local residents with access to community laptops and refreshments, as well as games and activities. This work was supported by a grant from Power to Change, with community laptops provided by Swindon Borough Council’s Digital Inclusion Officer.

The Trust also works in partnership with other organisations to deliver community benefit. The Central Community Gardening project, managed by the Trust and Swindon Borough Council’s Live Well Team, provides a space for people to participate in inclusive gardening activities that bring people together and improve community cohesion. This includes supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and those on low income to participate in gardening activities, develop new skills, and to become more engaged in their local community. The project also promotes the use of eco-friendly and sustainable gardening practices that benefit the environment. The Trust also runs a Community Allotment, growing food for community benefit which is donated or sold at very low cost at events. This is managed by the Trust with help from partner organisations such as Central Area Resident Improvement Group (CARIG) and Swindon Borough Council.

The Trust participated in a number of special events during the financial year, including supporting the Blossom events and tree-planting in the Great Western Park (in partnership with South Swindon Parish Council, Historic England and National Trust).

Financial Review

Reserves Policy

Unrestricted funds (resources the Trust can use for any of its charitable purposes) are important to the financial health of the charity. This allows the charity to respond to shortterm fluctuations in annual revenue, support unplanned projects where opportunities arise and in extremis, to fund core operating costs if unforeseen circumstances impact ability to operate. It remains the Trust’s Policy to endeavour to maintain a monthly cash balance to cover our core operating costs for the following three months.

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

1st JUNE 2022 - 31st MAY 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Including Income and Expenditure Account

Notes
Income from:
Charitable activities:
2
Other income
2
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities:
3, 4
Other income
3, 4
Other expenses
5, 11
Total expenditure
Net (expenditure)/income
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 2022-23
2022-23
2022-23
2021-22
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
2,572
10,000
12,572
18,000
49,291
-
49,291
39,615
51,863
10,000
61,863
57,615
3,198
8,620
11,818
1,197
-
23,330
-
23,330
28,169
-
46,854
-
46,854
32,129
73,382
8,620
82,002
61,496
(21,518)
1,380
(20,138)
(3,881)
(21,518)
1,380
(20,138)
(3,881)
115,800
-
115,800
119,681
94,282
1,380
95,662
115,800

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure is derived from continuing activities.

4

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET

1st June 2022 - 31 May 2023 Registered Charity No. 1048961 Registered Company No. 3059960

Notes
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
Investments
Current assets:
Stock
7
Debtors
8
Cash at bank and in hand
Total assets
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
9
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
10
Restricted funds
10
Total charity funds		 2023
2022
£
£
1650
935
1
1
1651
936
-
-
23,743
6,177
76,763
109,167
102,157
116,280
(6,495)
(480)
95,662
115,800
95,662
115,800
95,662
115,800
94,282
115,800
1,380
-
95,662
115,800

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The Trustees consider that the Company is entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and members have not required the Company to obtain an audit for the period in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Accounting policies

Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice – 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) effective 1 January 2019) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED legal status is shown on page 2.

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.

The accounts are in pounds sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity, and are rounded to the nearest £.

(a) Income

Income is recognised in these accounts where there is entitlement to the income, where it is probable that the income will be received, and where the amount can be measured reliably. Income received in advance of these criteria being met is deferred as a liability.

Income from Donations

Donations includes donations and gifts, legacies, and all other income that is in substance a gift made on a voluntary basis. It also includes grants of a general nature provided by government and charitable foundations which are not conditional on delivery of certain levels or volumes of a service. The donation may be made towards the general aims of the charity (unrestricted), or towards a specific service or aim (restricted). Donations are recognised on receipt of the donation,or if earlier, at the point where there is a written obligation for a donor to pay a specified donation. Legacies are recognised at the point of probate being granted and the estate value can be estimated reliably.

Income from Charitable Activities

Income from charitable activities includes income earned from the supply of services & hall hire under contractual arrangements, and from grants that specify the provision of a particular charitable service.

Income under contractual arrangements is recognised when the income falls due under the terms of the contract.

Income from grants that are subject to performance or other conditions are recognised when the conditions are deemed met. Where a grant agreement states that funding is conditional on eligible expenditure having been made, our entitlement to income matches expenditure incurred and so we recognise income when eligible expenditure is made. Where a performance related grant is given for charitable activity to be

6

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

performed over a specified period of time, the entitlement arises and the income is recognised for the period of activity for which it is awarded. For example multi-year grants approved on the basis of annual budgets are recognised over the life of the multi-year charitable activity in line with the approved annual

(b) Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under the related activity. The expenditure comprises direct expenditure including direct staff cost attributable and allocated support cost where funded. Support costs represent central operational overheads such as Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Office Services incurred in provision of services and the costs of governing the organisation. Support costs are allocated to activities on the basis of a percent on top of the expenditure supported as this is deemed the most appropriate measure of how such resources are used.

Expenditure on raising funds are those costs incurred in attracting donations and legacies. Charitable activities include expenditure associated with the provision of service to the beneficiaries and stakeholders of the charity, and cover both direct cost and allocated support cost relating to these activities.

(c) Fund accounting

The charity maintains various types of funds as follows:

Unrestricted funds

General unrestricted funds represent funds which are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the objects of the charity.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds transferred from general funds and set aside at the discretion of the Board of Trustees for particular purposes. The Trustees review the composition of the funds annually in order to assess their continued use and make new reserves in line with the future strategy of the charity.

The current status of designated and general funds is disclosed in note 10.

Restricted funds

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donors. The aim and use of key restricted funds are set out in note 15b to the financial statements.

(d) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets purchased for the charity’s purposes and costing more than £150.00 are capitalised and included at cost, including any incidental expenses of acquisition. Depreciation is calculated so as to write off tangible assets on a straight line basis over the expected useful lives as follows:

Office Equipment 3 Years
Plant & machinery 3 Years
Computer equipment 4 Years

7

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(e) Value added tax

The Charity is not registered for VAT.

(f) Pensions

The organisation operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees and the amount charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in respect of pension costs and other post-retirement benefits is the contributions payable in the year. Differences between contributions payable in the year and contributions actually paid are shown as a liability in the balance sheet. The pension scheme is provided by NEST. See note 15.

(g) Finance and operating leases

Rentals applicable to operating leases, where substantially all the benefits and risk of ownership remain with the lessor, are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities over the period in which the cost is incurred. The charity has no assets under finance leases which confer rights and obligations similar to those attached to owned assets.

(h) Provision for liabilities

Provision for liabilities only arises where the charity has a legal or constructive obligation to meet future liabilities.

(i) Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

In the view of the trustees in applying the accounting policies adopted, no judgements were required that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements nor do any estimates or assumptions made carry a significant risk of material adjustment in the next financial year. There are no critical accounting estimates in these accounts.

(j) Other financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value. Fixed assets are recorded at depreciated historical cost and investments are recorded at fair value, being the closing market rate. All other assets and liabilites are recorded at cost which is their fair value.

i. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash at bank and in hand and short term deposits with a maturity date of three months or less.

ii. Debtors and creditors

Debtors and creditors receivable or payable within one year of the reporting date are carried at their transaction price.

iii. Stock

The Charity does not hold stock.

(k) Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its income and gains falling within the Corporation Tax Act 2010 as all income and gains are applied to charitable purposes.

8

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. Total income by activity

Charitable activities:
Grant - P2C Global Gardener, Toasty Tuesdays, Heritage & Culture Club
Membership Income
Cash & Non Cash donations
Swindon Lottery Income
Bingo Events
Heritage Talks
Car boot
Grant income
Other income:
Hall hire
Car park hire
tal income		 2022-23
2022-23
2022-23
2021-22
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
-
10,000
10,000
-
706
-
706
305
762
-
762
638
570
570
1,274
118
118
196
196
221
221
-
-
15,784
-
-
-
-
2,572
10,000
12,572
18,000
48,131
-
48,131
39,284
1,160
-
1,160
330
49,291
-
49,291
39,614
51,863
10,000
61,863
57,614

Total income

9

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

3. Total expenditure by activity

Charitable Activities
Other income
Total expenditure 2022-23
Charitable Activities
Other income
Total expenditure 2021-22		 2022-23
2022-23
2022-23
Direct
Support
Total
expenses
expenses
Funds
£
£
£
8,597
3,221
11,818
17,953
5,376
23,330
26,550
8,597
35,147
2021-22
2021-22
2021-22
Direct
Support
Total
expenses
expenses
Funds
£
£
£
1,197
1,197
15,273
12,896
28,169
15,273
14,093
29,366

10

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4. Total expenditure by category

Direct costs
Support costs:
Advertising & Marketing
Insurance
IT Software, Subscriptions & Office supplies
Governance - other costs
Total expenditure
Direct costs
Support costs:
Advertising & Marketing
Insurance
IT Software, Subscriptions & Office supplies
Governance - other costs
Total expenditure		 2022-23
2022-23
2022-23
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
17,953
8,597
26,550
-
362
362
4,656
4,656
1,052
1,052
2,503
23
2,526
8,574
23
8,597
26,527
8,620
35,147
2021-22
2021-22
2021-22
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
15,273
15,273
5,840
5,840
1,367
1,367
1,106
1,106
5,780
5,780
29,366
-
29,366
11

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5. Staff costs

Wages & salaries
Staff Expenses
Employer's pension contribution
Consultancy & Subcontractor staff
Total staff costs		 2022-23
2021-22
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
£
£
29,325
18,491
723
141
557
-
14,326
12,840
44,930
31,471

Consultancy & Subcontractor staff was Community Opportunity & admin support.

6. Staff numbers Average for year
2022-23 2021-22
Total Total
Employed Staff 4.0 2.0

12

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

7. Stock
No stock is held
Total stock
8. Debtors
Trade debtors
MIT Cricketers
Mechanics Enterprise
Andrew White
Total debtors
9. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Mechanics Enterprise
Taxation, social security & pensions
Accruals & deferred income
Total creditors		 2022-23
2021-22
£
£
-
-
-
-
2022-23
2021-22
£
£
1,559
-
21,704
-
-
6,177
480
-
23,743
6,177
2022-23
2021-22
£
£
2,914
-
2,391
-
610
-
580
480
6,495
480

13

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

10. Unrestricted and restricted funds

Restricted Funds
Grant - P2C Global Gardener, Toasty Tuesdays, Heritage & Culture Club
Total restricted funds 2022-23		 2022-23
2022-23
31-May
Income
Expenditure
Closing
balance
£
£
£
10,000
8,620
1,380
10,000
8,620
1,380

These grants were awarded for the following purposes:

Grant - P2C Global Gardener, Toasty Tuesdays, Heritage & Culture Club

This is to provide free services for the following groups:

Global Gardener: To privde local people with an allotment to grow fruit & vegetables in the local community. Toast Tuesdays: To provide the local community toast & a warm place to go during winter months. Heritage & Culture Club: To explore local heritage & culture with the community.

Unrestricted funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total restricted funds
Total funds 2022-23		 2021-22
2022-23
2022-23
31-May
C/F
Income
Expenditure
Closing
balance
£
£
£
£
115,800
51,863
73,381
(21,518)
-
10,000
8,620
1,380
115,800
61,863
82,001
95,662

11. Fees payable to Accountant / Independent Examiner

Statutory audit fee - y/e 31 May 2023
Independent examination fee - y/e 31 March 2023
Other Accounting Fees inc. Payroll, Bookkeeping, Meetings & switching software
Total fees payable to auditor / independent examiner		 2022-23
2021-22
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
£
£
580
480
125
125
1,219
465
1,924
1,070

14

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12. Analysis of net assets between funds

As at 31 May 2023
Net current assets
Total net assets
As at 31 March 2021
Net current assets
Total net assets		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
94,282
1,380
95,662
94,282
1,380
95,662
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
109,167
-
109,167
109,167
-
109,167

13. Trustees' expenses

None of the trustees of the charity received any remuneration during the current or prior year.

No travel and subsistence expenses were incurred by the trustees in the course of carrying out their duties (2022: no trustees).

No other volunteering expenses were incurred by the trustees in the course of other regular volunteering for the charity (2022: no trustees).

Total trustees' expenses
Number of trustees claiming expenses		 2022-23
2021-22
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
£
£
-
-
-
-

15. Pensions

The charity is a member of a defined contribution pension scheme, NEST, operated by the UK government. Contributions are payable based on salary level, as defined by the NEST scheme.

Total employer contributions paid for the year were £557.15 (2022: £0). Contributions totalling £118.19 (2022: £0) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date in respect of 1 employee.

The basis used for allocating the liability and expense between activities and between restricted and unrestricted funds is the same basis as used for charging staff salaries in relation to the relevant pension contributions, based on hours worked for each project.

15

THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 3059960 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1048961

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of THE NEW MECHANICS' INSTITUTION PRESERVATION TRUST LIMITED for the year ended 31 May 2023

This report is for the charity trustees which explains my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 May 2023.

Responsibilites and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are

responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Responsibilities and basis of report

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company 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 your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts 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

  4. the accounts have not been preparedAsset Accounting (Swindon) Ltd 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 accounts to be reached.

Emma Goodwin FMAAT AAT Fellow Member in Practice

Structure, Governance and Management

Board of trustees

The New Mechanics Institution Preservation Trust is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. Its activities are governed by and set out in the Memorandum and Articles, which are available to members on request.

The Trust has a Board of Trustees who meet monthly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policies of the charity. Board members come from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity. Lead Trustees are nominated by the Board to oversee the management of key projects and of buildings in the Trust’s care, supported where relevant by sub-committees.

Trustees are elected by the members at each Annual General Meeting, as detailed in the governing Memorandum and Articles. Additional Trustees may be co-opted during the year by a majority vote by the existing members of the Board. Trustees complete an induction designed to introduce the charity’s structure, strategy and aims, policies and procedures, ensuring they are fully aware of their responsibilities. This is delivered through a combination of reading material, meetings with trustees and site visits.

Staff and volunteers

The Trust employs a staff team to support the day-to-day operations of the charity. In the financial year this included a Facilities Manager, a Bookings Manager, a Community Engagement lead and a Grants Officer.

Volunteers are valued and important partners in delivering the Trust’s work and play many different roles, bringing skills in everything from administration, gardening and research to building maintenance, event management and graphic design.

Membership

The Trust has a membership model, with members paying an annual subscription to support the charity, in return for regular updates on its work and priority access to special events. Members are entitled, and invited, to join the Annual General Meeting. Here they receive the Annual Report and Accounts, vote on the appointment of new trustees and submit questions to the Board.

Membership remained consistent during the financial year. The Trust also registered as a recipient of the Swindon Community Lottery, which raises funds for local causes.

Legal and Administrative details

Charity name: New Mechanics’ Institution Preservation Trust
Charity registration number: 1048961
Company registration number: 3059960
Charity’s registered address: Central Community Centre, Emlyn Square, Swindon
SN1 5BP
Bankers Barclays Bank UK plc
Accountants & Independent Asset Accounting (Swindon) Ltd
examiners 11-12 Market Place
Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7HP

Board of Trustees

Dr David Thackray Chair Katie Knowles Secretary Sally Cole Treasurer Robert Barrett Donald Brunwin (resigned 6 December 2022) Helen George Abigail Rockett (appointed 6 December 2022) Dr Michael Smith (appointed 6 December 2022) Robert Wright

During the financial year the Board appointed Abigail Rockett and Dr Michael Smith as trustees. The Board also co-opted Aaron Marchant to the Board of Trustees, subject to election at the next Annual General Meeting.

The Trustees would like to thank Donald Brunwin, one of the founders of the organisation, who stood down as trustee during this period after 27 years of service. The Board particularly recognised his contribution as treasurer and his work on architectural plans for many of the Trust’s projects.

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature
Full name Dr David Thackray Sally Cole
Position Chair Treasurer
Date 4 November 2023 4 November 2023