**ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS FOR THE INTERLINK FOUNDATION** (COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 |**C O N T E N T S**|| |---|---| |Trustees’ Annual Report|**3**| |Independent Auditor’s Report to the Members|**39**| |Statement of Financial Activities
(Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account)|**44**| |Balance Sheet|**45**| |Statement of Cash Flow|**46**| |Notes to the Financial Statements|**47**| |Reference & Administrative Details|**60**| **2** ## **STATEMENT FROM THE CHAIR** I am pleased to present The Interlink Foundation's annual report and accounts for 2023-2024, offering you a glimpse of our organisation’s ever-upward journey. This year has been one beset by unprecedented challenges. Lingering effects of the cost-of-living crisis created a gulf difficult to fill, with charities experiencing surging demand for their services and support – particularly apparent within the Charedi sector, where rising anti-Semitism and higher cost of living exacerbated the issues. Interlink’s role has been more appreciated than ever. By supporting community initiatives at their earliest stages, as well as helping organisations both within and outside the community work together strategically, we have forged a stronger, more resilient sector that has been able to adapt and respond to frontline needs. I am delighted to welcome on board The Interlink Foundation’s new Chief Executive, Rabbi Dovid Lichtig. I am certain that the charity will continue its path of excellence under his capable leadership, living up to the standards and outcomes our partners and members have come to expect from Interlink. Mr J M Grosskopf Chair of Trustees **3** ## **O U R C H A R I T A B L E O B J E C T I V E S** ## **Our charitable objects, as stated on our governing document, are:** To promote any charitable purpose primarily for the benefit of the Orthodox Jewish community and, in particular, support of voluntary activity, the relief of poverty, the promotion of health, social welfare and education. ## **O U R M I S S I O N** ## **Our mission is to strengthen the Orthodox Jewish community by:** - Upskilling and supporting community organisations - Bringing the voice of community organisations to policy and decision makers - Supporting the development of new services to meet community needs **4** We support community groups with high quality information, training and consultancy We connect community groups with the people, partners and resources they need to make the biggest difference We advocate for community needs and help influence policymakers to work equitably and collaboratively with the community **5** ACHIEVEIAEMT AND RIAAMCE ## **D E V E L O P I N G C O M M U N I T Y C H A R I T I E S** Interlink has helped me understand how to **open** and **run** an **organisation** . Feedback from S.P., Annual Survey, Jun ’23 **7** ## **D E V E L O P I N G C O M M U N I T Y C H A R I T I E S** ## **C O N S U L T A N C Y** Interlink’s charity services team serves a wide range of organisations, from those starting out and requiring introductory advice to the established longrunning charities needing more strategic solutions. We support and strengthen community charities so that they can achieve their social missions and respond to community need. ## **Services include:** Charity registration - Business plans and strategic planning Financial/accounts advice Governance guidance - Monitoring Fundraising assistance ## **C O M P L I A N C E** Our compliance offer aims to promote good governance and compliance amongst our member charities. ## **We provide:** Customised policies One-on-one policy handover sessions - Free online charity compliance health-check - Expert over-the-phone advice **8** ## **D E V E L O P I N G C O M M U N I T Y C H A R I T I E S** ## **T R A I N I N G S** Interlink provides a comprehensive range of training programs designed to strengthen charities by enhancing their governance, compliance, and operational capacity. Through these tailored trainings, charities can build the knowledge and skills needed to improve their efficiency, effectiveness, and overall impact. ## **Trainings offered include:** Before You Start Financial Management Understanding Accounts Equality and Diversity Fundraiser’s Induction course Governance and Regulatory Compliance ## **S A F E G U A R D I N G C H I L D R E N** Interlink’s safeguarding trainings are accredited by the City and Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership. Statutory and charitable groups across the community praise the sessions as a culturally-sensitive, high-quality training for those working with children. **9** ## **D E V E L O P I N G C O M M U N I T Y C H A R I T I E S** ## **P R E M I S E S** Centrally-located within the community, Interlink’s boardroom plays host to a variety of charity meetings, consultations and networking events. ## **I N F O R M A T I O N & R E S O U R C E S** Reliable and relevant information is essential for a charity's success. Interlink provides accessible, tailored information and resources to support the diverse needs of community charities, including: A monthly newsletter featuring sector updates and funding opportunities Expert over-the-phone advice An online resource library An on-site library with a wide range of charity publications We truly appreciate the value **Interlink** brings to our organisation, most importantly the additional **funding** raised through consortiums, the regular **safeguarding trainings** , and the **high-level consultancy support** . Feedback from A.N., Annual Survey, Jun ’23 **1 0** ## **M E M B E R F E E D B A C K** I took Interlink’s **Fundraiser’s Induction Course** which taught me the building blocks of fundraising and gave me the **broader awareness** of how to make our charity more ‘fundable’. As a result, I have succeeded in securing **over £100,000** for my charity in the last year. I’ve gotten **huge** clarity on my steps and responsibilities. Interlink is the **backbone** of our organisation. They support us with **capacity building and fundraising** , and ensure we are up to date with current **legislation** , **policies** and **practice** . **Interlink** is the place that knows all about **charities** . I found it **helpful** speaking to someone who understands the needs of the **Orthodox Jewish** community. **1 1** ## **D E V E L O P I N G C O M M U N I T Y C H A R I T I E S** 93% 95% ## 98% of our users were satisfied/very satisfied with our **understanding of their charity’s individual needs** of our users were s atisfied/very satisfied with **staff knowledge and expertise** of Basic Safeguarding training attendees said **training was clear and well-delivered** 93% 100% of clients rated our **consultancy** work as **good/excellent** of DSL Safeguarding Training attendees said **training was clear and well-delivered** **£** 2,405,450 **funds generated** for local charities through our **fundraising and advocacy** **1 2** ## **D E V E L O P I N G C O M M U N I T Y C H A R I T I E S** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Output/Outcome Targets 2023/2024 How We Performed 2023/2024
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|**Output/Outcome Targets 2023/2024**|**How We Performed 2023/2024**| |---|---| ||| |Engage with 200 community
organisations.|We engaged with 256 community
organisations in 2023/24.| |Provide development support to 120
organisations.|214 community organisations received
development support.| |Provide training to 150 organisations.|Over 509 individuals participated in 32
training sessions, benefitting 128
organisations.| |Help 70 community
organisations/charities raise their
professional standards and/or develop
new services.|We helped raise professional standards of
136 organisations, including compliance
with charity requirements, good
governance, employment and personnel
issues, financial management and other
regulatory matters. (This excludes the
impact of Interlink training.)| |Generate at least £1 million for community
organisations and services.|The narrow economic payback to the
community of Interlink’s activities over the
year, excluding the value of consortium
activities, is calculated at £2,405,450. This
includes funds raised by organisations
with the support of Interlink’s Charity
Support Services staff, and funds raised as
a result of Interlink community advocacy.
**1**| ## **P A R T N E R S H I P S** It has been an **absolute privilege** and a pleasure to work with **you** and the **Charedi community** this last year and a half. I have been **welcomed** , **supported** and **encouraged** every step of the way by yourself, and the people I have met. Alex Rodgers, Community Engagement Care Coordinator Volunteer Centre Hackney (VCH) **1 4** ## **P A R T N E R S H I P S** ## **C O N S O R T I A** Interlink offers community charities the opportunity to participate in partnership bids for public sector contracts and large grant funding opportunities, enabling them to partner with other community organisations and access new sources of funding for their work. We run partnerships across a range of themes including mental health, youth work and poverty relief. Interlink delivers a **valuable service** in distributing HAF funding, enabling us to **provide children** with hot lunches during the school holidays, as well as running the Young Hackney Consortium for **so many years** . T.S., consortium member We greatly appreciate the consortium with Young Hackney; it **enables us** to run a **dependable service** for our users. Teen Action (local charity providing skill-development and training for young people) H.Y., director of youth project **1 5** **P A R T N E R S H I P SP A R T N E R S H I P S** S Pinter Youth Project (providing out-ofschool recreational clubs for children) So grateful for the whole week of clubs - I love the way it is so structured but the kids still feel free and independent. S Pinter Youth Project (providing out-ofschool recreational clubs for children) Teen Action (local charity providing skill-development and training for young people) Parent of child attending a consortium project The kids are in seventh heaven and full of confidence after such a fulfilling day with staff’s personal attention. Parent of child attending a consortium project Sonshine Club (providing gardening and recreational clubs **1 6** for mainstream children and those with special needs) ## **P A R T N E R S H I P S** ## **LOCAL AREA PARTNERSHIPS** Interlink's team actively participate in public and voluntary sector networks, and are often the sole Charedi voice at public forums. Sharing intelligence and information, Interlink serves as the interface between external agencies and the Charedi community. ## **AREA ACTION PLAN** Interlink has played a pivotal role in the Stamford Hill Area Action Plan (AAP) by engaging with and representing the Charedi community. This ensured the needs for larger homes and more school places were considered in the development of the plan. We also actively encouraged community residents to respond to government consultations (in addition to preparing a wholecommunity response). **1 7** ## **P A R T N E R S H I P S** **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## **C H A R E D I W O M E N ’ S H E A L T H A L L I A N C E** The Charedi Women’s Health Alliance (CWHA), a project of Interlink, consolidated its nuanced work on addressing health inequalities in the community. Work includes regular, frank discussions with key partners, informative presentations at local events, and the cascading of important health messaging to the community. In an exciting development, CWHA was formalised this year as a partnership between community and statutory health organisations. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## **P A R T N E R S H I P S** ## **C H I L D H O O D I M M U N I S A T I O N C A M P A I G N** In light of low immunisation uptake in Charedi communities, CWHA set out to improve access with a deep-reach campaign during winter of 2024. Communities trust communities; Interlink/CWHA was best-placed to share messaging appropriately and effectively. From targeted articles in local publications, to freebies for kids printed with the campaign message, to official letters distributed in schools which were signed by well-known community Rabbis and clinicians, this campaign was a success story in terms of reaching the Charedi in a culturally-competent way. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## **I N T E R L I N K , H M R C & C H A R I T Y C O M M I S S I O N C O M M U N I T Y E V E N T** Working closely with these government agencies, Interlink facilitated a community event hosting representatives from the Charity Commission and HMRC. Close to 150 local charity directors/trustees gained invaluable insights from the informative presentations and wide-ranging Q & A session, whilst key representatives from the Charity Commission and HMRC had the opportunity to interact personally with the community’s lively and diverse charitable sector. All attending parties felt the event was a productive information exchange and networking opportunity. “It was great to see that **HMRC** and **Charity Commission** officers were interested in understanding, and engaging with, **our community** .” Attendee, HMRC & Charity Commission event, 21 Nov ’23 **2 0** **P A R T N E R S H I P S** 5 **consortium projects** coordinated by Interlink 26 **community organisations** participated in consortia **£** 416,150 £ generated for community charities, via **consortium contracts** I've no doubt the campaign has helped **support immunisations in the community** both in the short and long term. Bryn White, Childhood Immunisations Programme Manager NHS North East London, London Borough of Hackney Interlink... have proven themselves to be a **crucial catalyst** for improving outcomes for children and families within the community. As an organisation, they are **impactful, responsive** and **thoughtful.** We highly value our relationship with them in **enabling healthier lives** across our local area. Amy Wilkinson, Director of Partnerships, Impact and Delivery, NHS North East London Integrated Care Board & City and Hackney Place Based Partnership **2 1** ## **P A R T N E R S H I P S** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Output/Outcome Targets 2023/2024 How We Performed 2023/2024
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|**Output/Outcome Targets 2023/2024**|**How We Performed 2023/2024**| |---|---| ||| |Provide leadership to 3 consortia
tenders or projects.|Interlink led 5 project consortia over the year with a value
of £416,150 and services delivered by 26 community
organisations.| |Generate £400,000 for members
through participation in consortium
tenders.|Consortium contracts generated £416,150 for 26
community charities, delivering a range of youth, holiday
activities, food aid, physical activities and mental health
provision to children, young people and people of all ages
across England.| |Work with local/central government
on 12 issues of importance to the
Orthodox Jewish community,
including health, education,
safeguarding, welfare and SEND.|Varied community advocacy and policy work were
undertaken and developed over the year, including:
**Local government:**
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Planning policy
• Children's therapy services
• Children's mental health services
• SEND provision
• Maternity provision
• Public health messaging
• Participation in local authority strategic and planning
work around childhood immunisations
• Youth activities
• Free School Meals
**Nationally:**
• Antisemitism and Security
• SEND provision
• Housing challenges
• Employment and training opportunities
• Free School Meals
• Research and data
**2 2**| ## **A D V O C A C Y** [You are] a **wonderful advocate** and ambassador for the special partnership and work we are **together** trying to create on behalf of the community's children. Paul Senior, then-Director of Education in Hackney **2 3** ## **A D V O C A C Y** ## **P R O M O T I O N O F C U L T U R A L A W A R E N E S S** ## **Interlink raises cultural awareness about the Charedi community through:** Cultural awareness trainings, developing cultural competence for public sector agencies across all levels of council Hosting immersive community tours and walkabouts that provide an authentic, on-theground glimpse into the Charedi community's way of life and its incredible voluntary sector Data collection and publication of reports about the community I hadn't really appreciated before that the community comes from **Holocaust survivors** . I have to say the training was delivered with great **warmth** and **humour** , was very **engaging** and **interesting** . Thank you! Cultural Awareness Training attendee, 7 Dec ‘23 **2 4** ## **A D V O C A C Y** ## **S T R A T E G Y G R O U P S** Interlink manages and hosts strategy groups, bringing together public sector officials with Jewish community organisations. Strategy groups meet regularly and provide a space where information can be exchanged, problems raised, and solutions explored. ## **In the reporting year, the following strategy groups were conducted:** - Maternity Services Hackney Children & Young People Haringey Children & Young People ## **S E N D** Thousands of Charedi schoolchildren with SEN needs below the EHCP level continue to miss out on vital funding and support. Thanks to Interlink’s dedicated advocacy, significant progress was achieved during the reporting year. Through comprehensive data collection and the issuance of legal letters, meaningful steps were taken towards reducing longstanding inequalities and improving outcomes for children. **2 5** ## **A D V O C A C Y** ## **C O M M U N I T Y V I S I T S** With Cllr Antoinette Bramble, May ‘23 It was a **really enjoyable day** . A lot of the additional learning came in the informal discussions with our hosts as we were **touring around** , so that element shouldn't be overlooked as an **integral** part of the day. Charedi Community Visit Attendee, With Cllr Kennedy & Carolyn Sharp, May ’23 With Nick Wilson, May ‘23 8 Nov ’23 **2 6** With Mary Glindon, MP, July ‘23 With David Lammy, MP, October ‘23 With Clapton Commons Group, July ‘23 ## **A D V O C A C Y** ## **C O M M U N I T Y V I S I T S** With Paul Senior, March ‘24 I think I **had an idea** that the community were very serious, earnest and conservative. The venues we visited showed the 'lighter', happier side of life, and the way **attitudes were changing** . With Joanne McCartney, Deputy Mayor of London, & Sem Moema, GLA Rep for Hackney, October ‘23 With Dawn Carter-McDonald, Director of Hackney legal, & Jason Davis, Investment Manager, June ‘23 Charedi community visit attendee, 8 Nov ’23 **----- Start of picture text -----**
With Baroness Scott, May ‘23
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With Hackney Planning Team, April ‘23 **----- Start of picture text -----**
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With David Lammy, MP, October ‘23
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**A D V O C A C Y** 70% reported **increased confidence** with **interacting with Charedi community** after attending a walkabout 340 91% said Cultural Awareness Training gave improved their **understanding of Orthodox Jewish ethos and culture** When you learn about communities **you feel closer to them** . Charedi community visit attendee, 10 Jul ‘23 The tour has **increased my curiosity** and sparked lots of further questions about the **community** . I would love to learn more. Charedi community visit attendee, 7 Oct ‘24 I felt **comfortable to ask** whatever I was curious about. meetings conducted with stakeholders about **key issues** Charedi community visit attendee, 7 Oct ‘24 **2 8** ||| |---|---| |**Output/Outcome Targets**
**2023/2024**|**How We Performed 2023/2024**| |Work across communities and
faiths to achieve common
objectives and foster good
relations.|• Collaborated with other faith groups to advocate for shared objectives.
• Organised and delivered cultural and diversity trainings to increase
education and good relations.| |Engage with public sector
organisations and leaders
through community visits,
strategy groups and
meetings.
Policy and campaign work
leads to improved access to
services and resources and
better policy for Interlink’s
members.|Over the year, Interlink facilitated a range of meetings, community visits
and strategy groups with key stakeholders, resulting in positive
engagement and improved outcomes:
**Strategy groups:**
· Maternity Services
· Haringey Children & Young People
· Hackney Children & Young People
**Community visits with (amongst others):**
· Deputy Mayor of London – Joanne McCartney
· DfE Faith Team
· Ofsted
· HMRC and Charity Commission
· Hackney OBIS Team
· Hackney Planners
· Hackney Street Scene Team
· Director of Education at Hackney Council – Paul Senior
· Assistant Director & Head of High Needs &School Planning – Nick Wilson
· Hackney Public Health – Carolyn Sharpe
· Hackney Group Director of Climate, Homes, & Economy – Ricardo Hyatt
· Hackney Chief Executive – Dawn Carter-McDonald
· Statutory Deputy Mayor for Hackney Council – Cllr Anntoinette Bramble
· Hackney Head of Early Years – Donna Thomas
· Haringey Council Chief Executive – Andy Donald
· Haringey Council members
· Haringey Head of SEND – Mary Jaret
· National Lottery Team
· Hackney Housing Needs – Cllr Sade Etti
· Luke Akehurst, MP
· Mary Glindon, MP
**2 9**| ||| |---|---| |**Output/Outcome Targets**
**2023/2024**|**How We Performed 2023/2024**| ||**Conducted meetings with:**
· Homerton Maternity Services
· NEL ICB
· City & Hackney Public Health
· City & Hackney Children’s Services
· City & Hackney Safeguarding Children Partnership/Serious Case Review
Panel
· Children & Family Hubs Project
· Neighbourhood Health Programme
· Woodberry Wetlands Neighbourhood Meeting
· Vaccinations UK
· Royal Free Hospital Equality & Diversity Inclusion Team
· Network of Networks Meeting (Faith/Health based)
· Startwell Team – NCL ICB
· HENRY
· Social Capital Advisory Group
· Jnetics
· NHS Health Equity Group
· Haringey Council's Public Health and Children's Services
· East of England Local Government Association
· London Legacy and Health Equity Partnership (LHEP)
· Springfield Park Primary Care Network
· Intent Health
· NHS Race & Health Observatory
· Hackney Education & Early Years
· Clapton Common Builders
· NHS East of England Improvement & East of England Local Government
Association
· UK Health Security Agency
· VCS Assembly Leadership Group
· North-East London Health and Care Partnership/CCG
· RCOG
· GLA
· HCVS
**3 0**| ||||| |---|---|---|---| |**A D V O C A C Y**||**Output/Outcome Targets**
**2023/2024**|**How We Performed 2023/2024**| ||||**Conducted meetings with (cont.):**| ||||· NHS England| ||||· Healthwatch Hackney| ||||· Hackney WAHMS| ||||· Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government Jewish| ||||Organisations Roundtables| ||||· Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities| ||||· London Jewish Health Partnership| ||||· Office of Health Inequalities and Disparities| ||||· Hackney Planning| ||||**Over 340 meetings took place over the course of the year.**| |||Improve external|• Cultural awareness trainings and community walkabouts improved| |||relationships and|external relationships – 91% of trainees said it gave them enhanced| |||understanding about the|awareness about things they had not known earlier.| |||Charedi community|• Members of Interlink’s team met with stakeholders in local and central| |||through communications|government, presenting community issues, clarifying nuances and| |||work.|attending key events as the Charedi voice.| ||||**3 1**| ## **AIMS AND TARGETS FOR 24-25** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Output Targets 2024-25 Outcome Targets 2024-25
Engage with 210 community organisations Generate at least £1 million for community
organisations and services.
Provide development support to 150
organisations Help 80 community
organisations/charities raise their
Provide training to 150 organisations. professional standards and/or develop
new services.
Provide leadership to 3 consortia tenders
or projects. Generate £400,000 for members through
participation in consortium tenders.
Work with local/central government on 13
issues of importance to the Orthodox
Jewish community, including health,
education, safeguarding, welfare and
SEND.
Engage with public sector organisations
and leaders through community visits,
strategy groups and meetings.
Work across communities and faiths to
achieve common objectives and foster
good relations.
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**3 2** ## **ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS** The Interlink Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to its funders and supporters. Your generosity enables Interlink to maximise its impact across communities. **3 3** ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** ## **History** The Interlink Foundation was initially founded as a charitable trust in 1993 to provide capacity building support to Orthodox Jewish community organisations. As services were developed and the charity was called upon to provide a voice for and leadership to the charities it served, the trustees resolved to change to a membership structure. In 2000, a new charitable company - The Interlink Foundation - was established. ## **Our Legal Structure** The Interlink Foundation is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. We are a membership organisation, with full membership open to Orthodox Jewish organisations that meet the criteria, and associate membership open to any organisation or individual that supports our goals and activities. Full members have the right to vote at general meetings and to nominate members for election to the board of trustees. ## **Role of our Board** Our Board of Trustees (the Board) has collective responsibility for everything we do, including legal responsibility to ensure that Interlink is properly controlled and managed. In carrying out their collective responsibility, our trustees: - Pursue our charitable objectives and use their powers in accordance with The Interlink Foundation’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, other legal requirements, and the principles of good governance. - Act in the best interest of the organisations and its charitable objectives. - Ensure that there are suitable financial controls and management, and that we are and will remain solvent. - Agree Interlink’s strategic plans and budgets, and monitor and evaluate our progress against planned objectives and financial targets. The Board meets regularly so that it can fulfil its role effectively. The Board delegates responsibility for operational management to the chief executive who leads the Interlink employees (‘the team’). Most of the organisation’s plans, policies and processes are developed by the chief executive along with relevant team members, with the Board’s advice and approval. ## **Composition of the Board** Trustees are elected by Interlink’s membership, with elections held each year by postal ballot prior to the Annual General Meeting. One third of the trustees retire and elections are held for the vacant places on the Board. Induction and training are provided for new trustees. None of the trustees are paid for services provided to the Charity. Trustees may be paid for expenses relating their governance role at Interlink. Expenses paid in any year to any individual trustee have not exceeded £250. **3 4** ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT (cont.)** The composition of the Board during 2023/24 was as follows: |**Trustee**|**Nominating Organisation**|| |---|---|---| |Mr J M Grosskopf (Chair)|Ezra Umarpeh|| |Rabbi J Baumgarten (Treasurer)|Machzikei Hadass|| |Mr N M Halpern|Interlink Northwest of England|| |Mr A Schechter|Beis Chinuch Lebonos Girls’ School|| |Mr M Posen|Agudas Israel Community Services|resigned 6 August 2024| |Mrs S Schmerler|Misgav|resigned 6 August 2024| |Mrs C Spitz|Agudas Israel Housing Association|elected 6 August 2024| |Mrs M Davidovits|Sunbeams|elected 6 August 2024| **3 5** ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** The economic environment is challenging, and the voluntary sector and particularly second-tier organisations have been hit hard. The year saw a reduction in Interlink’s income, which decreased to £886,694 (2023 £916,717). Expenditure for the year was £952,049 (2023 £987,609), resulting in a deficit of £65,355. Interlink continued to attract healthy levels of funding for partnerships and consortia, which over the year totalled to £416,635 (2023 £537,768). Beyond these differences, Interlink has mostly retained its activities at previous levels despite decreased funding, which resulted in the deficit. Whilst the trustees anticipate further austerity in 2024-2025, they are also hopeful about turning the corner. The charity is grateful to have been awarded 10-year funding which will cover a substantial part of core running costs and will give the charity the space to focus on furthering its sustainability-related goals which include ensuring all of Interlink’s projects have appropriate income streams, while building trading and improving margins on training and consultancy services. ## **RESERVES POLICY** The trustees aim to hold free realisable reserves equal to at least 3 months, but no more than 12 months, running costs, in order to protect services when there are uncertainties as to whether funding will continue and to ensure adequate cashflow for the organisation’s needs. As at 31 March 2024, the organisation’s reserves (net current unrestricted assets) available for ongoing core activities was £241,342 which equal to 5 months core running costs. The trustees are satisfied that this is consistent with the reserves policy. The charity has improved its debtor-management mechanisms over the last year, however there are still some challenges committed funding income that is paid in arrears. Delays in drawing these funds may cause cash levels to dip, and the trustees continue to aim for further improvement. ## **RISK MANAGEMENT** The charity produces a risk register that sets out the operational and strategic risks to which the charity is exposed, and how these risks are managed and controlled. There is a process for internal audit which provides checks that controls are working effectively and that risk is managed in a proportionate way. Internal audit arrives at ratings for each area of risk management and identifies actions for improvement where appropriate. **3 6** ## **FINANCIAL REVIEW (cont.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **PUBLIC BENEFIT** In planning activities for the year, the trustees took due heed of the Charity Commission’s guidance on the requirement to provide public benefit, as well as the requirements of the Equalities Act 2010. Trustees and staff undergo periodic training in both these areas. The trustees are confident that the focus on the Orthodox Jewish community complies with all relevant legislation and guidance. Additionally, much of the organisation’s work is for the wider benefit, for example the inter-faith work and cross-community voluntary sector partnership work. Some of the charity’s work is considered exemplary, and influences services to the wider public and other communities. ## **RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES** The trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual 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 period. 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; - 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 proper 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. The trustees 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. **3 7** **FINANCIAL REVIEW (cont.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **AUDITOR** Cohen Arnold are deemed to be re-appointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006. Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that: - so far as each trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditor is unaware; and each trustee has taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. ## **SMALL COMPANY PROVISIONS** This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption. By order of the board: J Baumgarten Governor 23 December 2024 **3 8** ## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERLINK FOUNDATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **OPINION** We have audited the financial statements of The Interlink Foundation (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account), statement of financial position, statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 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: - give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended; have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; - have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. ## **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 charity 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. ## **CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN** 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 charity'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. **3 9** ## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERLINK FOUNDATION (cont.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **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. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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. ## **OPINIONS ON OTHER MATTERS PRESCRIBED BY THE COMPANIES ACT 2006** In our opinion the information given in the trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements and the trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. ## **MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION** In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees' report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion: - adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or - the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or certain disclosures of trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or - we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; and - the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies exemption in preparing the Trustees Annual Report and take advantage of the small companies exemption from the requirement to prepare a strategic report. **4 0** ## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERLINK FOUNDATION (cont.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES** As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement, the trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes 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 charity'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 charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. ## **AUDITOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 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: We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the charity through discussion with the trustees and identified financial reporting legislation and charity legislation as being most significant to these financial statements. We communicated these identified frameworks amongst our audit team and remained alert to any indications of non-compliance throughout the audit. We ensured that the engagement team had sufficient competence and capability to identify or recognise noncompliance with the laws and regulations. We discussed with the trustees the policies and procedures regarding compliance with these legal and regulatory frameworks. **4 1** ## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERLINK FOUNDATION (cont.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **AUDITOR'S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (cont.)** We assessed the susceptibility of the charity's financial statements to material misstatement due to non-compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks, including how fraud might occur, by enquiry with the trustees during the planning and finalisation phases stages of our audit. The susceptibility to such material misstatement was determined to be low. Based on this understanding, we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with the identified legal and regulatory frameworks, which were part of our procedures on the related financial statement items. As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: - Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. - Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the internal control. - Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by the trustees. - Conclude on the appropriateness of the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the charity to cease to continue as a going concern. - Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit. **4 2** ## **INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE INTERLINK FOUNDATION (cont.) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **USE OF OUR REPORT** This report is made solely to the charity's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's members 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 members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. DAVID GOLDBERG (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of: COHEN ARNOLD Chartered Accountants & statutory auditor New Burlington House 1075 Finchley Road, London NW11 0PU 23 December 2024 **4 3** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** (incorporating an income and expenditure account) ## **BALANCE SHEET** ## **AS AT 31 MARCH 2024** ## **The notes on pages 47 to 59 form part of these financial statements.** These financial statements were approved by the members of the committee on the 23 December 2024 and are signed on their behalf by: **4 5** J Baumgarten J M Grosskopf Governor Governor ## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## **General Information** The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is 4th Floor Offices, 97 Stamford Hill, London, N16 5DN. ## **Statement Of Compliance** These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006. ## **Basis of Preparation** The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, rounded to the nearest whole pound which is the functional currency of the entity. ## **Going Concern** The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charitable company's ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period. ## **Income** Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and that the amount can be measured reliably. Income from government and other 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. Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met. ## **Interest Receivable** Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity, this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. **4 7** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)** ## **Fund Accounting** Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund. Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources received or generated for the charitable purposes. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular purposes. ## **Expenditure** Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings: - Costs of raising funds relate to the costs incurred by the charity in inducing third parties to make voluntary contributions to it, as well as the cost of any activities with a fundraising purpose; - Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of activities and services undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs; Other expenditure represents those items not falling into any other heading. ## **Allocation Of Support Costs** Resources expended are allocated to the particular activity where the cost relates directly to that activity. However, the cost of overall direction and administration of each activity, comprising the salary and overhead costs of the central function (support costs), is apportioned on the following basis which are an estimate, based on the use by each activity of staff time or other overhead costs, of the amount attributable to each activity. - Support to organisations 24% Policy and public sector partnerships 40% Support costs 22% Funding partnerships and consortia 13% Raising Funds 1% Support and governance costs are re-allocated to each of the activities on the following basis, which is an estimate, based on staff, of the amount attributable to each activity. - Support to organisations 32% Policy and public sector partnerships 53% - Funding partnerships and consortia 15% **4 8** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (cont.)** Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the charity. These costs are associated with constitutional and statutory requirements and include any costs associated with the strategic management of the charity's activities. A detailed breakdown of support costs and their allocation to each activity is provided in Note 6. ## **Operating Leases** Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. ## **Debtors** Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. ## **Cash At Bank And In Hand** Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account. Cash balances exclude any funds held on behalf of service users. ## **Creditors And Provisions** Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due. ## **Financial Instruments** The charity only has financial assets and financial 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 with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. **4 9** NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS I INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND LEGACIES UnYe5tricted funds Restricted funds 2023 ShO￿h Charltablo Trust Abercleen FounQavon other donations CST 5.983 25,000 2%000 36,OLK) 27,261 48.672 29.126 29.128 61M42 4Q 111,933 3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES unrestricted funds Restricted funds 5VPPORT TO ORGANISATION5 Awar(Is f(￿ All City Bridge Trust Membership fees ELlucaiion and irainirvg consvltan¢y Fees for ￿lIe 10,QJO ,(K)O io,ocN) 51000 7.778 15,136 58,125 8,488 14,￿5 52,800 5.707 7,778 15,136 68,980 8.242 242 100,136 ,(K)O 16%130 139,441 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES (¢onL) Unrestricted runds Restricted funds POLICY & PUBLIC SECTOR PARTNERSHIP 2023 Delapage Ltd C5ty 8ridge Trlffl Awhor Programme LB Hackney LB Ha¢kney IWAMHS 6 Mental Hoalth Networkl London Legacy & Health Equlty partnershlp NHS Ewan Trust for London The BlUs￿n charitab￿ Settlement Education & Tralnlng 40,000 .000 38,500 3,242 35,000 10.171 39,750 9,997 69.000 38,51)0 35.000 9,558 35.000 io. 39.750 9.997 11,936 20,100 11,936 3.061 11,930 205,060 217,590 108,319 Lknrestricie fvnd5 Re5Lricied fijnds FUNDING PARTNERSHIPS S CONSQRTIA 2023 CLYnic Wief- Cthngng Mind5 LB Hackney- Youw Hackney LB H￿kneylHaringeYlBarnet- HAF Proqyamme Naiional Lottery- ReachingCommniii&s Spon Ewl8nQ- Together Fun Re1M￿r$eMent tsf expenses 7.545 8Z903 100,000 140,360 58.753 151,632 4,120 1(KIAIOO i￿).000 122.500 7%000 121500 75.000 480 ICO,480 6.155 416.635 537,768 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 4. OTHER unrestritted funds ReStr￿ted funds 2024 2023 Reni and Sor￿Ce charge Income other reimbursetnents .620 1,932 2WO 19.004 27,552 27.5Y 19,004 INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS UnYe5trict8<1 R95tricte 24,1)00 254.201 343,556 Total funds (952,019) 278.201 15b. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (prlory•ar) At 1 April 2022 At 31 March 2023 In¢om¢ Expenditvre Transfer$ Restrfcted funds unrestrict￿ funLIs 596*31 320.286 1596,4311 1391.1781 414.448 343.556 Total funds 414,448 916,717 1987,6091 343,556 16. OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS Th8 total fuiure mlnlmutn payments uncler non-concellable op8r(rting leoses ore os follows.. 2024 2023 NO later than 1 yÈar Later than 1 year and not i&er than 5 years Laier than 5 years 43.750 43,750 109Nff2 109,402 153,152 17. LÉGAL STATUS OFTHE CHARITY 59 Thp charity is o cornponylimited by guuronte&und hos no shure capital. Th8 l￿bilIty ol euch member n the eventofwinding up is limitecl to Él. ## **C H A R I T Y D E T A I L S** ## **TRUSTEES** The Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report, were as follows: ## **CHARITY DETAILS** Registered charity name The Interlink Foundation Charity registration number 1079311 Company registration number 3852756 Country of registration England & Wales Country of Incorporation UK Mr J M Grosskopf (Chair) Rabbi J Baumgarten (Treasurer) Mr NM Halpern Mr A Schechter Mr M Posen (resigned 6 August 2024) Mrs S Schmerler (resigned 6 August 2024) Mrs M Davidovits (elected 6 August 2024) Mrs C Spitz (elected 6 August 2024) ## **BANKERS** Registered office and operational address Fourth Floor Offices 97 Stamford Hill London N16 5DN Barclays Commercial Bank PO Box 9359 Leicester LE87 2AE ## **PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS** ## **LONDON OFFICE** Fourth Floor Offices 97 Stamford Hill London N16 5DN Tel: 020 8802 2469 Email: admin@interlink-foundation.org.uk ## **CHIEF EXECUTIVE** Rabbi Dovid Lichtig **AUDITORS** **SOLICITORS** D Goldberg, FCA DChA Cohen Arnold New Burlington House 1075 Finchley Road London NW11 0PU Rook Irwin Sweeney 107-111 Fleet Street London EC4A 2AB Womble Bond Dickinson LLP 4 More London Riverside **6 0** London SE1 2AU