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2023-12-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01.01.2023 Period start date To 31.12.2023 Period end date Charity name: ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY ASSOCIATION Charity registration number: 1093950 SCO39054

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Association is an
armed forces sector charity with around 620
members world-wide. The aims of the
charity are to further the efficiency of the
Service, and to give support and relief to
serving and retired members of the Service,
and their dependants, particularly in times of
hardship,
sickness,
bereavement
and
supporting serving families during times of
military conflict.
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 In furthering the aims of the Association,
the charity arranges annual reunions,
branch social functions and fundraising
events. Advice, support, camaraderie and
friendship is offered to all the RFA
community and to bereaved families, with
Service ceremonial arranged where the
family wishes it. During hostilities, the
Association aims to arrange family support
groups at key locations in the UK.
The officials hold an archive collection of
historic RFA material, and this is added to
as ships and individuals give or bequeath
papers, records, honours, pictures etc.
The archive is currently located in Building
1/078 within HM Naval Base at
Portsmouth.
The Association helps to promote
knowledge and appreciation of the vital
logistics support provided to the armed
forces by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Service
and its historic achievements, through
participation in national events and
initiatives, and publishing information. It
also administers the (Commodore RFA)
James Coull Memorial Award, which is
presented annually to an RFA seafarer who
has performed an outstanding act or
achievement.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 Trustees regularly discuss all newly issued,
appropriate, Charity Commission guidance.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		 where relevant about:
SORP reference
Policy on grant making Para 1.38 The charity makes modest grants to
serving and retired members of the RFA in
time of financial need and to other marine
charities sharing our broad aims. Additional
help to individuals is in the form of
friendship and advice, with referral to the
main full time, professional Service and
Maritime charities when appropriate. In
2023 Welfare requests increased
dramatically, of the 21 received 7 resulted
in cash grants being awarded totalling
£7366.
Grants are often made to branches for local
maritime charitable purposes though none
were made in 2023.
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment		 Para 1.38 There is no policy on social investment.
Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38 Our volunteers run the regional
branches, provide local welfare support
and assist the trustees with their deep
maritime experience and expertise. They
give greater depth to the identity of the
Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Their experience,
enthusiasm, belief and love of the service
are a great asset to the RFA community.
Other Nil

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,		 Para 1.20 Fundraising and Publishing.
The membership is currently declining as
our membership age increases and is
currently around 620. Income was a very
healthy £31,286 due to a £6.8k legacy and
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.		 increased commercial sponsorship. Costs
increased to £24,510 as post Covid
activities resumed, welfare claims
increased dramatically to £7366 and a late
payment of £3k fell into 2023 accounts.
Reserves increased by £6.7k.
Information is mainly provided to Members
and others via our newly upgraded web
site, www.rfaa.uk and on an ad hoc basis
sent by Mail Chimp. We operate Facebook
and Twitter accounts.
A RFAA Handbook and Yearbook is issued
to each member in February every year.
The RFA Memorial.
The RFA memorial at the National
Memorial Arboretum underwent repair and
re-preservation in 2022 prior to a
rededication service. The RFAA also
supports the RFA Falklands memorial at
Marchwood.
RFA Historical Society
The Association agreed to take on the
large amount of material held by the RFA
Historical Society and met the costs of
adapting our website to accommodate this
material. This has also brought an
unexpected workload of enquiries for our
unpaid volunteers to answer.
Charity Offices.
The Association has its archive held in
Room 15, Building 1/078, Stony Lane, HM
Naval Base, Portsmouth. This location is
significantly cheaper and more secure than
other options. Improvements to access
continue to be sought. The office is close
to RFA HQ in Whale Island. By the very
nature of the membership the trustees are
scattered throughout the United Kingdom
and most of the charity management is
conducted using electronic means with 3
video meetings per annum.
Remembrance.
Trustees and members attended
remembrance services around the UK
including a small contingent at the
Cenotaph in Whitehall. Many small groups
and individuals represent the RFA service
around the country and poppy wreaths are
purchased out of association funds to
support this.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

N/A

Achievements against
objectives set		 Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set		 Para 1.41 N/A
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41 N/A
Other N/A

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 The Associations financial position is
extremely sound with £197,398 of
unrestricted funds held at year end.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 The reserves policy is to hold a minimum of
three years average operating costs to
enable time for an orderly closedown of the
Association should circumstances require
this.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 Current financial reserves allow for
approximately 13 years at current operating
cost levels.
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22 N/A
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24 N/A
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23 N/A

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)		 Para 1.47 The charity’s income is derived from
member subscriptions (enhanced by Gift
Aid), social internal fundraising events (e.g.
the annual Reunion) and sales of books
and regalia (within permitted limits). The
RFAA Golf Society holds an annual
commercially sponsored golf tournament,
and this is now the major funding source
raising £9k profit in 2023. The RFA
Commodore’s Benevolent Fund no longer
contributes any funding to support the
operation of the RFA Association. No
public fundraising is undertaken.
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46 Our reserves are held in cash deposits. It
has currently been decided not to increase
financial risk by investing in equities in
these financially turbulent times. Policy is to
earn interest with minimum financial risk.
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46 The risks to the Association, its property
and to the trustees, are regularly assessed
and appropriately insured. A formal risk
management process is in place. Principle
risks are loss of sponsors as the maritime
industry faces hard economic times and
loss of RFA relationship as a new
Commodore is appointed. Loss of
members is increasing due to an ever-
ageing community and IT risks remain as
attacks on business systems continues to
increase in society.
Other Nil

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)
Para 1.25		 Constitution, which was amended this year
to incorporate requirements of the Charity
Act 2022 and to change a meeting quorum
from people present, to a minimum number
of votes cast in person and by post.
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 Unincorporated Association
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 Up to eleven trustees can be elected from
amongst the full membership. These
trustees are selected to provide a wide
representation of geographical areas,
specialisations and ranks and both former
officers and ratings are represented. Three
further trustees may be co-opted, and there
is one ex-officio trustees (serving RFA)
Trustees may serve for up to nine years in
a single term but must be re-elected by the
membership each year.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: Every effort is made to identify recruits to ensure continuity and the spread of expertise. New trustees are provided with Para 1.51 Charity Commission guidance documents

Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees		 and encouraged to read themselves into
their role. An area on the RFA Association
website (www.rfaa.uk) exists to provide a
central point of information, guidance and
recent history.
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51 The charity has a governing board, which is
led by the Chair of the Trustees. There
are six branches throughout the UK, each
with Branch Chair and a committee of
volunteers, who deliver the aims of the
charity locally.
Relationship with any
related parties		 Para 1.51 The charity has a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with the parent
Service (RFA) that is of mutual benefit.
The Association is a member of the
Confederation of British Servicemen’s’ and
ex-Servicemen’s’ Organisations (COBSEO)
and of National Council for Voluntary
Organisations (NCVO).
Other Nil

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Royal Fleet Auxiliary Association
Other name the charity uses RFAA
Registered charity number 1093950 and SCO39054 (Scotland)
Charity’s principal address 12a Beechcroft Road
Gosport
Hampshire
PO12 2ER

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
**year **		 Name of person (or body) entitled
to appoint trustee (ifany)
Mr I Thompson National Chair 1.1.23 - 20.5.23 Members AGM
Mr M Troman Welfare Director 1.1.23 – 31.12.23 Members AGM
Mr K Escott 1.1.23 – 20.5.23 Members AGM
Mr A Sherlock 1.1.23 – 31.12.23 Members AGM
Mr A Morle National Chair 20.5.23 – 31.12.23 Members AGM
Mr R Bennett 20.5.23 – 31.12.23 Members AGM
Mrs G Forth 20.5.23 – 31.12.23 Members AGM
Mr P M Fry DeputyChair 20.5.23 – 31.12.23 Members AGM
Mr M Day 20.5.23 – 31.12.23 Members AGM

Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name Nil

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Nil

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others.

Description of the assets Nil held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of
adviser
Name
Address
N/A
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
N/A

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

N/A

Other optional information

N/A

Declarations

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

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary,
Chair, etc)
Date		 Signed on original Signed on original
Andrew Morle Peter Fry

National Chair		 Deputy Chair and Treasurer
15 May 2024
15 May 2024

ROYAL FLEET AUXILIARY ASSOCIATION

End of year accounts 01/01/2023 to 31/12/2023

Receipts and payments

Receipts and payments
Receipts in 2023 2022 2021 2020
Donations and Fund Raising Activities £21,841.46 £57,574.86 £14,983.55 £4,556.69
Central Benevolent Fund
RFA Golf Event £12,672.55 £5,027.00 £13,532.00 £4,100.00
Fundraising Events/General Donations £8,093.91 £51,547.86 £951.55 £456.69
Donation to J.Coull £1,000.00 £500.00
Welfare Donations £1,075.00
Membership Fees £4,373.00 £5,191.00 £5,772.00 £3,738.00
Annual Subscriptions £4,373.00 £4,591.00 £5,142.00 £3,588.00
Life Memberships £600.00 £630.00 £150.00
Reunion Income £1,423.46 £1,933.00 £3,440.44 £2,576.29
Branch Fundraising £895.60 £1,192.19 £1,019.70 £1,095.67
Plymouth & District 600.00 600.00 £1,014.19 £500.00
Solent £56.00 £59.56
North West £450.00
S&N £87.00 £40.00
Retailling £295.60 £35.00 £460.14 £605.67
Bank Interest £2,752.85 £606.94 £7.37 £163.10
Total Receipts £31,286.37 £66,497.99 £25,223.06 £12,129.75
Payments out
Business and Operational Costs £17,144.21 £13,419.46 £12,841.81 £6,674.37
Accounts Administration £6,000.00 £4,500.00 £ 1,500.00
£
Yearbook, Force4 and Curating
Website, eForce4, Ceremonial £2,557.00 £ 548.00
£
Rent and Rates £453.61 £ 445.28
£		 £758.14 £ 1,050.62
£
Postage £ 1,495.51
£		 £1,019.79 £ 1,277.75
£
Insurance £814.37 £ 755.60
£		 £571.40 £ 539.20
£
Branch Costs £ 1,250.00
£
Printing £230.00
Telephone £143.88 £ 100.90
£		 £143.88
Trustees Expenses (Mandatory) £1,141.00 £ 3,060.44
£		 £72.84 £ 1,169.32
£
Other Ceremonial Expenses £ 1,249.50
£		 £ 571.29
£
Office Supplies £144.89 £ 43.00
£		 £69.70 £ 371.19
£
Bank Charges
Subscriptions/Professional Fees £260.00 £ 391.00
£		 £1,169.00 £ 195.00
£
AGM costs £2,117.20 £1,018.00
Golf Expenses £3,512.26 £ 4,080.23
£		 £3,289.06
Marchwood Memorial Expenses
J.Coull Award £0.00 £11.51 £23.26 £128.40
Welfare Support £7,366.30 £0.00 £1,500.00 £3,110.00
Other Trustee Expenses
Total Payments £24,510.51 £13,430.97 £14,365.07 £9,912.77

2023 2022 2021 2020 Receipts - Payments = £6,775.86 £53,067.02 £10,857.99 £2,216.98 Balance in bank 31/12/2021 £204,779.52 £151,712.50 £140,854.51 £138,637.53 Total Funds accounted for year end £211,555.38 £204,779.52 £151,712.50 £140,854.51 ~~—————SS =~~ Banked at: Lloyds TSB Current Account £145,988.33 £141,965.32 £89,505.24 £78,654.62 CCLA Savings Account £65,567.05 £62,814.20 £62,207.26 £62,199.89 ~~——~~ Total Funds in bank at year end £211,555.38 £204,779.52 £151,712.50 £140,854.51 Restricted Monies - in bank but not available for the RFA Association to spend freely. J Coull Memorial Endowment Fund £7,397.77 £7,302.74 £6,295.33 £5,818.59 RFA Memorial Fund £6,759.06 £6,759.06 £7,479.06 £7,479.06 Total Restricted Funds £14,156.83 £14,061.80 £13,774.39 £13,297.65 ~~————~~ Designated Monies in bank but ring-fenced RFA Summer Ball £2,200.00 £2,200.00 £2,200.00 £2,200.00 Welfare £10,000.00 £9,000.00 £9,000.00 £6,500.00 Golf £5,000.00 £5,000.00 £5,000.00 £5,000.00 ~~——S~~ Total Designated Funds £17,200.00 £16,200.00 £16,200.00 £13,700.00 UN-RESTRICTED FUNDS AVAILABLE AT THE END OF THE YEAR Total Funds - Restricted Money = £197,398.55 £190,717.72 £137,938.11 £127,556.86 ~~eeee ee~~ Additional Plymouth and £2,150.90 District Branch Monetary Assets Scottish and £430.18 Newcastle Solent Branch £2,211.70 London £471.14 North West £214.60 Midlands £580.00(Estimated) PayPal £250.00(Estimated) Signed by two trustees on P M Fry A Morle Signed on Original behalf of all the trustees Treasurer Chair Signed

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Association

I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 1 to 2 attached to the Trustees Annual Report.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) or under Regulation 10(1)(d) of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (the 2006 regulations and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission and in accordance3 with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustee for any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

have not been met, or

Signed on Original

P A Nicholls MBE MAAT 5 Nursery Road Havant Hants PO9 3BG

26 September 2024