Charity Registration No. 1098865
THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees
Anna Thrupp Lucinda Bolton Carter Sarah Darling Karen Robertson- Macleod Lauren Sundercombe
Charity number 1098865 Principal address 208 Cooden Drive Bexhill on Sea East Sussex TN39 3AH Independent examiner Colin Dadswell FCA ACCA DChA Caladine Limited Chantry House 22 Upperton Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 1BF
THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
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| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Statement of financial position | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 12 |
THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Trust's Trust Deed, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".
Objectives and activities
The Vanessa Grant Trust UK (VGT) was established in the UK in 2003, initially to raise funds for the Vanessa Grant School for Children with Special Needs (VGS) in Rongai, Kenya. Since then, it has broadened its remit to support other education projects in this predominantly rural area of Kenya's Rift Valley, particularly the Vanessa Grant Girls' School (VGGS).
The Vanessa Grant Trust (UK) works in collaboration with local partner charities in Kenya to broaden the educational opportunities for the growing number of children in the areas. The projects are also supported by independent partner charities in the USA and Australia.
Public benefit
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Trust should undertake.
Achievements and performance Report from the Manager of our local partner charities in Kenya:
• 2020 and Covid
Kenya is not being spared the ravages of Covid, though, thankfully the country has not experienced the same morbidity levels as much of the First World. Schools were closed in March 2020 for the rest of the year. For the schools that rely on fee income, the Vanessa Grant Girls’ School (VGGS), St. Michael’s Nursery School, the Vocational School and Flames of Hope, this was a major blow. Thanks to the wonderful efforts of the UK trustees, support was given to all the schools. Staff were even retained on full pay at the VGGS.
• Sponsorship
As the schools were closed, the trust retained the donated fees for terms two and three 2020 and these are being used in 2021 now that the schools are open again. It is clear that many parents will struggle to pay fees after the negative impact of Covid on the Kenyan economy.
• Vanessa Grant School for Children with Special Needs
Being a government school, the staff here continued to receive their salary. Volunteers contributed very positively, with additional playground equipment and the painting of murals to enliven some of the play areas, before they had to return home to the UK in a rush in March.
• Flames of Hope
Before the school had to close, the original eight children had been supplemented by a nursery school class which enjoyed the new classroom built with funds raised though links with Oundle School.
• Vocational School
This school has enjoyed something of a facelift with a renovation and repainting programme. A programme, making simple furniture and educational games using recycled cardboard and paint, was a great success and it is hoped that future volunteers will attend a training course prior to arrival in order to maintain the momentum here. This will be important as the school has been closed and unable to practice the new skills learned.
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THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
• St Michael’s
The wall surrounding the new playground has been built and the volunteers arriving in 2021 have been charged with the responsibility of developing this in conjunction with the school.
- Gogar Primary School
Thanks to the wonderful on-going support from Cheltenham College, a new school assembly hall has been built and was in use by the end of the year for teacher training. This will be a big boost to the school when it reopens as, in the past, it has assembled in the sun or the rain depending on the weather at the time.
• Vanessa Grant Girls’ School
The new Resource Centre is now complete and was in use when the top year returned in September. When the school closed in March, the new Principal lost no time in training the staff in the delivery of lessons remotely. The trustees helped raise money to enable all the bursary supported students to be supplied with a smart phone and data so that they did not miss out. Unfortunately, there were a few who lived in such remote areas that, even with this support, they were unable to attend the classes. An intensive remedial programme has been running to make sure that they will be able to make up the lessons missed. Staff morale was maintained throughout despite a few cases of Covid once the exam class returned in September. Fortunately, all cases were mild and no one was hospitalised.
• Volunteers
The Kenyan trust has coordinated a regular stream of volunteers, consisting of groups from schools in the US and the UK, as well as individuals who have worked at one or more of the schools. These people have all stayed at the Molo River House, which is secure accommodation near to the schools. This facility is also used by organisations wanting to conduct training meetings for their staff, which adds another revenue stream for the Kenyan trust.
Financial review
The total income for the year was £322,218, of which £312,274 was restricted. The total expenditure for the year was £307,168, of which £291,961 was restricted.
It is the policy of the Trustees to maintain a level of reserves in order to meet the administrative costs of operating the charity. Funds are also retained so that the charity can respond to needs as they arise. It also provides time to find new sources of income if regular funding reduces.
Risk management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Trust is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The Trustees consider the charity to be a going concern, operating for the public benefit for children in Kenya, including those with special needs.
Requests for grants are received from partner charities in Kenya and considered by all the trustees.
Given the completion of many of the school building projects, the trustees endeavour to steward a reasonable cushion of funds to ensure these projects continue to be properly managed on the ground and so that they may meet any unexpected needs arising in the schools it supports.
Structure, governance and management
The trustees of The Vanessa Grant Trust are appointed with the Trust deeds by resolution of the existing trustees. Under the deeds, there are required to be at least three trustees.
The trustees have all visited Kenya and will continue to do so in order to make first-hand assessments of the projects supported by VGT. None of the trustees receive any fees or benefits from the Trust.
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THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Anna Thrupp Lucinda Bolton Carter Sarah Darling Karen Robertson- Macleod Lauren Sundercombe
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales 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 Trust and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Trust for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Trust and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees' r eport was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Lucinda Bolton Carter
Trustee Dated: 24 April 2021
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THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Vanessa Grant Trust (UK) (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2020.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act . In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Since the Trust’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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 financial statements to be reached.
Colin Dadswell FCA ACCA DChA
Caladine Limited Chantry House 22 Upperton Road Eastbourne East Sussex BN21 1BF
Dated: .........................
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THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2020 2020 Notes £ £ Income from: Donations and legacies 3 9,944 312,274 Expenditure on: Charitable activities 4 15,207 291,961 Net (expenditure)/income for the year/ Net movement in funds (5,263) 20,313 Fund balances at 1 January 2020 65,406 105,705 Fund balances at 31 December 2020 60,143 126,018 |
TotalUnrestricted Restricted funds funds 2020 2019 2019 £ £ £ 322,218 11,338 185,144 307,168 15,754 195,351 15,050 (4,416) (10,207) 171,111 69,822 115,912 186,161 65,406 105,705 |
Total 2019 £ 196,482 211,105 (14,623) 185,734 171,111 |
|---|---|---|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020
| Notes Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities 7 Net current assets Income funds Restricted funds 8 Unrestricted funds |
2020 £ 187,841 (1,680) |
£ 186,161 126,018 60,143 186,161 |
2019 £ 172,791 (1,680) |
£ 171,111 105,705 65,406 171,111 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 24 April 2021
Lucinda Bolton Carter Trustee
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THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
The Vanessa Grant Trust (UK) is a charity with the principal address of 208 Cooden Drive, Bexhill-On-Sea, East Sussex, TN39 3AH. The main aim of the charity is to advance and further the education of people, especially children and young people, including those with special needs in primary, secondary school and above. The charity primarily operates in the Rongai region on Kenya, but is not exclusive to this area. They strive to meet these objectives through the provision of funds for the construction of school buildings and facilities, awarding grants, allowances, bursaries and scholarships.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Trust's Trust Deed, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The Trust is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The Trust has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling , which is the functional currency of the Trust. Monetary a mounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives .
Some funds are donated to the charity specifically to be used to support particular projects. Such funds are referred to as restricted funds.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the Trust is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
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Voluntary income received by way of grants is included when received. Donations are included when received with any related tax recovered under Gift Aid also recognised when received.
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Donated services, facilities and equipment are included at the value of the charity where this can be quantified and is significant. The value of services provided by volunteers is not included in these financial statements.
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THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
1 Accounting policies (Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future p aymen ts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future p aymen ts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Trust’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the Trust’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
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THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
3 Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2020 2020 £ £ Donations and gifts 6,360 312,274 Gift aid recovered 3,584 - 9,944 312,274 |
TotalUnrestricted Restricted funds funds 2020 2019 2019 £ £ £ 318,634 11,338 185,144 3,584 - - 322,218 11,338 185,144 |
Total 2019 £ 196,482 - 196,482 |
|---|---|---|
4 Grants payable
| Grants to institutions: Vanessa Grant School Vanessa Grant Girls' School Other projects Support costs Support costs Governance costs £ £ Website - - Trustee expenses - - Treasure's fees and expenses 13,200 - Accountancy - 1,680 Bank fees - 327 13,200 2,007 Analysed between Charitable activities 13,200 2,007 |
Total 2020 £ - - 13,200 1,680 327 15,207 15,207 |
2020 £ 1,091 229,971 60,899 291,961 Support costs Governance costs £ £ 650 - 150 - 13,087 - - 1,680 - 187 13,887 1,867 13,887 1,867 |
2019 £ 14,153 177,454 3,744 195,351 Total 2019 £ 650 150 13,087 1,680 187 15,754 15,754 |
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5 Support costs
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THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
6 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the Trust during the year. Apart from donations made by Trustees to the Charity, no Trustee had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the Charity and during the year (Or the preceding year).
The Vanessa Grant Trust has no staff and is administered entirely voluntarily by the Trustees.
No Trustees had expenses reimbursed during the year (201 9 : £ 150 ) .
7 Current liabilities
| Current liabilities | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2019 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 1,680 | 1,680 |
8 Restricted funds
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:
| Balance at 1 January 2020 £ School Development Projects Vanessa Grant Girls School - Vanessa Grant School - Flames of Hope 170 Gogar Primary School - St Michael's Nursery School 5,323 VGT Accomodation Block 2,152 Pupil Sponsorships Vanessa Grant Girls school 59,250 Vanessa Grant School - Vocational RVTC - Other sponsor a Child 272 Managment of Project 38,538 105,705 |
Movement in funds Incoming resources Resources expended £ £ 195,685 (140,115) 674 (224) - (170) 32,222 (31,380) - (5,323) 2,160 (2,152) 60,398 (89,856) 1,252 (867) 90 (90) 90 (362) 19,703 (21,422) 312,274 (291,961) |
Transfers Balance at 31 December 2020 £ £ - 55,570 - 450 - - - 842 - - - 2,160 - 29,792 - 385 - - - - - 36,819 - 126,018 |
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THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
8 Restricted funds (Continued)
Movements for the year ended 31 December 2019
| Balance at 1 January 2019 £ School Development Projects Vanessa Grant Girls School 84,715 Vanessa Grant School 1,356 Flames of Hope - St Michael's Nursery School - VGT Accomodation Block 757 Pupil Sponsorships Vanessa Grant Girls school 29,639 Vanessa Grant School - Other sponsor a Child 383 Sponsor and child in another School (938) Managment of Project - 115,912 |
Movement in funds Incoming resources Resources expended £ £ 91,581 (137,758) 10,767 (11,953) - - - - 2,236 (840) 69,307 (39,696) 2,200 (2,200) 2,793 (2,904) 6,260 - - - 185,144 (195,351) |
Transfers Balance at 31 December 2019 £ £ (38,538) - - - - 170 5,323 5,323 - 2,152 - 59,250 - - - 272 (5,323) - 38,538 38,538 - 105,705 |
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School Development Project s
The funds are given for, and used to undertake practical improvements to school facilities. A summary of the work undertaken in the year can be found in the Trustees report.
Pupil Sponsorship s
These funds are given and used to defray the cost of educating pupils who are part of the sponsorship programme.
Management of Project
The charity is run by a manager on the ground in Kenya and monies given to fund his salary are accounted for as a restricted fund.
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THE VANESSA GRANT TRUST (UK)
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020
9 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2020 2020 £ £ Fund balances are represented by: Current assets/ (liabilities) 60,143 126,018 60,143 126,018 |
TotalUnrestricted funds Restricted funds 2020 2019 2019 £ £ £ 186,161 65,406 105,705 186,161 65,406 105,705 |
Total 2019 £ 171,111 171,111 |
|---|---|---|
10 Related party transactions
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2019 - none).
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