2024-03-31-accounts - African Caribbean Achievement Project

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African Caribbean Achievement Project

Charity number 1081624

A company limited by guarantee number 03762462

Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

African Caribbean Achievement Project

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

Contents	Page
Trustees' report	2 to 5
Examiner's report	6
Statement of financial activities	7
Balance sheet	8
Notes to the accounts	9 to 13

Prepared by West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO

African Caribbean Achievement Project

Trustees' report for the year ended 31 March 2024

Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisors

The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were: Name Position Dates

Asher Sefanit-Wudasee Ann Marie Smith Samuel Wyatt Helen Moyles Donna Howells Angela Phillip Diane Ruddock Natalie Turner

Chair Treasurer Resigned 25 April 2023 Young Person Representative Resigned 25 April 2023

Appointed 25 April 2023 Appointed 25 April 2023 Appointed 3 December 2024

Claudia McFarlane

Secretary

Resigned 20 July 2023

Charity number Company number

1081624 03762462

Registered in England and Wales Registered in England and Wales

Registered and principal address

Bankers

17 Claremont Unity Trust Bank PLC Bradford Nine Brindley Place BD7 1BG 4 Oozells Square Birmingham B1 2HB

Independent examiner

Rhys North ACA West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW

Structure, governance and management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and was formed on 29 April 1999. It is governed by a memorandum and articles of association. The liability of the members in the event of the company being wound up is limited to a sum not exceeding £1.

Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees

Trustees and other members of ACAP are elected at the Annual General Meeting, which is advertised within the local communities, to all funding agencies and other partners.

African Caribbean Achievement Project Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects

The advancement of the education of the African Caribbean inhabitants of West Yorkshire.

The charity's main activities

The African Caribbean Achievement Project (ACAP) is a volunteer-led charity established in 1995 with the purpose of promoting and advancing the educational development of individuals of African and Caribbean descent in West Yorkshire. Located in Bradford, our mission is to empower individuals to unlock their full potential by fostering a passion for learning and achieving excellence in all aspects of their lives.

Through our dedicated efforts, we recruit, train, and deploy volunteers (acting as role models) from the local community to engage with young people through our projects, community initiatives, and with schools across the Bradford District. Our charity enables individuals to realise their aspirations, bolster their self-esteem, and cultivate the confidence needed to achieve their goals. Our overarching vision is to empower individuals and help them develop so that they are in a position to make significant and positive contributions to society as a whole. To achieve our objectives, we offer a variety of services and projects that are tailored towards the unique cultural needs of our beneficiaries.

Structure, Governance and Management

The trustees are responsible for the overall management and control of ACAP and meet a minimum of six times a year. The work of implementing the policies of the organisation is carried out by individual members of the Board who each has responsibility for different areas on a sub committee. Sub committees are currently set up for Finance and Organisational Development and include volunteers and young people as members. The members from these sub committees report back with their recommendations and feedback to the full trustee Board meeting. All trustees give of their time freely and receive no remuneration or other financial benefits.

Public benefit statement

In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular the advancement of education.

Achievements and performance

During the year in review, ACAP has continued to deliver its core services:

l IT and Employability Support Project: This year, we continued empowering adults with vital digital skills, from foundational computer literacy to advanced software use. By combining IT education with employability essentials such as CV building, interview techniques, and financial literacy, the project has provided participants with the tools they need to excel in their careers and embrace new opportunities.
l Parent Advocacy and Support: We supported parents to navigate school systems, attending appointments with them, advocating on their behalf, and helping address educational concerns. By providing parents with resources and guidance, we have strengthened their ability to champion their children's education while building stronger, more positive relationships with schools.
l Arts and Culture Programme: Our creative initiatives this year included poetry readings, music, and film events, enriching lives and strengthening community bonds. This vibrant programme celebrated cultural heritage and created a sense of belonging, inspiring personal and community growth as we approach 2025 as Bradford’s City of Culture.
l Therapeutic Arts and Crafts Project: Through this initiative, individuals found a space for emotional expression and healing. We also provided access to counselling and other therapeutic services, enabling participants to harness creativity as a tool for improved mental health and emotional resilience.

African Caribbean Achievement Project

Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Achievements and performance continued

l Active Women Together Project: We continued to inspire women to embrace active lifestyles, build connections, and create supportive networks. By promoting personal growth and physical activity, the project promotes empowerment and positive change in their lives.
l Mental Wellbeing Project: This year, we facilitated weekly walking groups for African Caribbean adults, which included culturally rich historical walks, trips and activities like Black history studies and employability workshops. The project also featured camping trips and encouraged community volunteering, promoting health and connection.
l Community Health Development Project: Through our 'Living Well' initiative, we empowered African Caribbean adults to adopt active lifestyles. This included fitness sessions, health and nutrition workshops, and healthy cooking classes, all aimed at promoting holistic well-being.
l Volunteering Programme: By matching volunteers with meaningful roles suited to their talents and aspirations, we celebrated the strength of the African Caribbean community. This initiative continues to encourage personal growth and adds valuable contributions to our work.
l Science Club for Young People: We continue to spark a love for science among young people with engaging, hands-on activities. Nurturing curiosity and critical thinking, this project inspires confidence and aspirations for a brighter future in STEM fields.
l Mentoring Programme: Our one-to-one and group mentoring sessions supported students in achieving academic success and personal development. Teaching resilience and developing ambition, we are investing in the next generation of leaders.
l Semi-Independent Accommodation for Young People: We advanced our plans to provide semiindependent accommodation, focusing on helping young people transition into adulthood. This initiative is ongoing and reflects our commitment to supporting self-sufficiency and building futures filled with independence and opportunity.

This year, our dedication to uplifting and empowering the African Caribbean community has continued to shine through our diverse projects and initiatives. Together, we have made strides in education, health, creativity, and empowerment, ensuring a stronger, healthier, and more connected community. We will continue to build on these projects into 2024-2025.

Financial review

The net income for the year was £18,224, including net income of £7,261 on unrestricted funds and net income of £10,963 on restricted funds.

Reserves policy

The charity's free reserves, excluding fixed assets, at the year end were £27,715.

ACAP’s Reserve Policy is to maintain a minimum 30% of annual turnover, which equates to £19,000 based on actual 2023/2024 expenditure.

African Caribbean Achievement Project Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees report and the financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and UK Accounting Standards.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial accounts 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 the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and 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 accounts on a 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 which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (Charities SORP (FRS102)), and in accordance with the special provisions of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

Approved by the board of trustees on …………..……...…….

Signed: ………………..…………. (Trustee)

Name: ……………..…..………….

African Caribbean Achievement Project

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of African Caribbean Achievement Project

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 13.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the charitable 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').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable 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 charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act ('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 material 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 prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: …………………………………… Name: Rhys North ACA

Date: …………………….

West Yorkshire Community Accountancy Service CIO

Stringer House 34 Lupton Street Leeds LS10 2QW

African Caribbean Achievement Project

Statement of Financial Activities

(including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Notes 2024 Unrestricted funds £ Income from: Grants and donations (2) 25,932 Room hire - Consultancy income 790 Bank interest 134 Other income 448 Total income 27,304 Expenditure on: Salaries and NI and pensions (3) 9,045 Payroll charges 506 Volunteer expenses 526 Rates 1,285 Utilities 186 Insurance 433 Security 480 Building maintenance and refurbishment - Cleaning 104 Telephone and internet 244 Postage, printing and stationery - Computer costs 627 Publications and subscriptions 511 Equipment and furniture - Delivery/ outings and activities 353 Travel - Independent examination 1,272 Professional fees 575 Tutor fees 35 Publicity and promotion - Depreciation 8,002 Bank charges 191 Total expenditure 24,375 Net income / (expenditure) 2,929 Transfers between funds 4,332 Net movement in funds 7,261 Fund balances brought forward 219,432 Fund balances carried forward (4) 226,693	2024 Restricted funds £ 54,389 - - - 10 54,399 17,413 - 562 757 4,427 509 446 87 86 1,853 112 782 635 1,083 5,792 1,355 348 - 2,817 - - 40 39,104 15,295 (4,332) 10,963 13,285 24,248	2024 Total funds £ 80,321 - 790 134 458 81,703 26,458 506 1,088 2,042 4,613 942 926 87 190 2,097 112 1,409 1,146 1,083 6,145 1,355 1,620 575 2,852 - 8,002 231 63,479 18,224 - 18,224 232,717 250,941	2023 Total funds £ 39,275 75 - 50 372 39,772 11,853 226 149 2,413 4,139 905 780 307 259 1,346 53 825 1,474 294 4,327 162 882 785 3,739 150 8,025 150 43,243 (3,471) - (3,471) 236,188 232,717

All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

African Caribbean Achievement Project

Balance sheet

as at 31 March 2024 2024 Unrestricted £ Fixed assets Tangible assets (5) 198,978 Total fixed assets 198,978 Current assets Debtors and prepayments (6) 10,057 Cash at bank and in hand (7) 22,639 Total current assets 32,696 Current liabilities: amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accruals (8) 4,981 Total current liabilities 4,981 Net current assets / (liabilities) 27,715 Total assets less current liabilities 226,693 Net assets 226,693 Funds Unrestricted funds 226,693 Restricted funds - Total funds 226,693	2024 Restricted £ - - 107 24,141 24,248 - - 24,248 24,248 24,248 - 24,248 24,248	2024 Total £ 198,978 198,978 10,164 46,780 56,944 4,981 4,981 51,963 250,941 250,941 226,693 24,248 250,941	2023 Total £ 206,980 206,980 1,153 28,470 29,623 3,886 3,886 25,737 232,717 232,717 219,432 13,285 232,717

For the year ending 31 March 2024 the charitable company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the charitable company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476. The trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime and with FRS 102 (effective January 2019).

The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on …………..……...…….

Signed: ……………...………….…. (Trustee)

Name: ……………..…..………….

Notes to the accounts

African Caribbean Achievement Project

for the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting policies

Basis of accounting

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by 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) and with the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. There has been no change to the accounting policies since last year. No changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.

Going concern

The trustees are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, if it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Grants and donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Where grants are related to performance and specific deliverables, they are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.

Expenditure and liabilities

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Taxation

As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.

Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £500 are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition. Gifted assets are shown at the value to the charity on receipt. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost on a straight line basis over their expected useful economic lives as follows: Freehold buildings: over 50 years Project and office equipment: over 5 years Computer equipment: over 4 years

Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution scheme for the benefit of its employees. The costs of contributions are recognised in the year they are payable.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.

African Caribbean Achievement Project

Notes to the accounts continued

for the year ended 31 March 2024

2 Grants and donations Bradford District Community Foundation British Science Association Cycling UK Leeds Community Foundation (LCF) People's Health Trust The Albert Hunt Trust Bradford Metropolitan District Council (BMDC) Global Fund for Children Lloyds Foundation Other donations 3 Staff costs and numbers Gross salaries Social security costs Employment allowance Pensions	2024 Unrestricted funds £ - - - - - - - - 25,000 932 25,932	2024 Restricted funds £ - - - - 8,389 - 26,000 20,000 - - 54,389	2024 Total funds £ - - - - 8,389 - 26,000 20,000 25,000 932 80,321 2024 £ 26,426 718 (718) 32 26,458	2023 Total funds £ 10,000 500 2,816 10,000 12,948 2,000 - - - 1,011 39,275 2023 £ 11,853 333 (333) - 11,853

The average number of employees during the year was 2.5, being an average of 1.3 full time equivalent (2023: 1.2, 0.6 FTE). There were no employees with emoluments above £60,000.

Defined contribution pension scheme Costs of the scheme to the charity for the year 4 Restricted funds Balance b/f £ Big Bike Revival 279 BMDC - Community Health - BMDC - Community Building - BMDC - MH Wellbeing - People's Health Trust 12,711 Global Fund for Children - LCF - Community Partnering 147 LCF - Arts & Crafts 148 13,285	Incoming £ - 12,000 4,000 10,000 8,399 20,000 - - 54,399	Outgoing £ 279 6,886 4,000 6,201 15,006 6,437 147 148 39,104	2024 £ 32 Transfers £ - (900) - (986) (1,896) (550) - - (4,332)	2023 £ - Balance c/f £ - 4,214 - 2,813 4,208 13,013 - - 24,248

Notes to the accounts continued for the year ended 31 March 2024

African Caribbean Achievement Project

4 Restricted funds continued

Fund name

Big Bike Revival BMDC - Community Health BMDC - Community Building BMDC - MH Wellbeing People's Health Trust

Global Fund for Children

LCF - Community Partnering

LCF - Arts & Crafts

Purpose of restriction

To support a summer cycling scheme.

To provide wellbeing activities.

To contribute towards the running costs of the centre. To support mental health wellbeing.

To support the Active Women Together project. The transfer is for a contribution to room hire recharges.

To provide emergency funding in response to cost of living pressures to enable the charity's services to continue and to contribute towards overhead costs. The transfer is for a contribution to room hire costs.

To Support the STEM 4 All Project – 1-1 tutoring in maths and science and the monthly science club.

To support Therapeutic Arts & Crafts / Wood Workshop.

Tangible assets Cost At 1 April 2023 Additions At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for year At 31 March 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023 Debtors and prepayments Debtors Prepayments Other debtors Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank Cash in hand	£ 4,410 - 4,410 1,103 1,103 2,206 2,204 3,307 Computer Equipment	£ 16,914 - 16,914 13,241 1,899 15,140 1,774 3,673 General equipment	£ 250,000 - 250,000 50,000 5,000 55,000 195,000 200,000 2024 £ - 324 9,840 10,164 2024 £ 46,446 334 46,780 Building	Total £ 271,324 - 271,324 64,344 8,002 72,346 198,978 206,980 2023 £ 399 295 459 1,153 2023 £ 28,249 221 28,470

5 Tangible assets

6 Debtors and prepayments

7 Cash at bank and in hand

African Caribbean Achievement Project

Notes to the accounts continued

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Creditors and accruals Creditors Accruals Other creditors	2024 £ - 1,620 3,361 4,981	2023 £ 1,881 882 1,123 3,886

8 Creditors and accruals

9 Security over assets

City of Bradford MDC hold a charge on the land and building at 17 Claremont Bradford BD7 1BG. The charge is for £55,000 and is dated 21 November 2012.

10 Related party transactions

Trustee expenses

No trustee received any expenses during this year or the previous year.

Trustee remuneration and benefits

No trustee received any remuneration or benefit during this or the previous year.

Remuneration and benefits received by key management personnel

The total employee benefits received by key management personnel were £8,255 (previous year: £0).

African Caribbean Achievement Project

Statement of Financial Activities including comparatives for all funds (including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2024

2024 2023 Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds £ £ Income Grants and donations 25,932 11,011 Room hire - 75 Consultancy income 790 - Bank interest 134 50 Other income 448 372 Total income 27,304 11,508 Expenditure Salaries and NI and pensions 9,045 4,160 Payroll charges 506 226 Volunteer expenses 526 - Rates 1,285 1,822 Utilities 186 3,240 Insurance 433 - Security 480 - Building maintenance and refurb. - 107 Cleaning 104 - Telephone and internet 244 613 Postage, printing and stationery - 14 Computer costs 627 663 Publications and subscriptions 511 767 Equipment and furniture - - Delivery/ outings and activities 353 719 Travel - - Independent examination 1,272 882 Professional fees 575 5 Tutor fees 35 210 Publicity and promotion - 100 Depreciation 8,002 8,025 Bank charges 191 150 Total expenditure 24,375 21,703 Net income / (expenditure) 2,929 (10,195) Transfers between funds 4,332 2,060 Net movement in funds 7,261 (8,135) Fund balances brought forward 219,432 227,567 Fund balances carried forward 226,693 219,432	2024 Restricted funds £ 54,389 - - - 10 54,399 17,413 - 562 757 4,427 509 446 87 86 1,853 112 782 635 1,083 5,792 1,355 348 - 2,817 - - 40 39,104 15,295 (4,332) 10,963 13,285 24,248	2023 Restricted funds £ 28,264 - - - - 28,264 7,693 - 149 591 899 905 780 200 259 733 39 162 707 294 3,608 162 - 780 3,529 50 - - 21,540 6,724 (2,060) 4,664 8,621 13,285	2024 Total funds £ 80,321 - 790 134 458 81,703 26,458 506 1,088 2,042 4,613 942 926 87 190 2,097 112 1,409 1,146 1,083 6,145 1,355 1,620 575 2,852 - 8,002 231 63,479 18,224 - 18,224 232,717 250,941	2023 Total funds £ 39,275 75 - 50 372 39,772 11,853 226 149 2,413 4,139 905 780 307 259 1,346 53 825 1,474 294 4,327 162 882 785 3,739 150 8,025 150 43,243 (3,471) - (3,471) 236,188 232,717