2024-03-31-accounts - Bolton Solidarity Community Association

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Charity Registration Number 1101649

Bolton Solidarity Community Association

Trustees' report and financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

2-16 Mayor Street Bolton BL3 5HT

Tel: 01204 334004 Website: www.boltonbsca.com Email: bolsomcom@hotmail.com

Bolton Solidarity Community Association Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 Contents

	Page
Contents	1
Legal and administrative information	2
Secretary's Report	3
Trustees report	4-8
Statement of Trustees	9
Accountant's report	10
Statement of financial activities	11
Income and expenditure account	12
Balance sheet	13
Notes to the financial statements	14-16

Bolton Solidairity Community Association

The report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

Legal and administrative information

Status

B.S.C.A. The full name of the charity is Bolton Solidarity Community Association .

The legal registration details are:	The legal registration details are:
Date of formation:	15 May 2002
The principal Office is:	2-16 Mayor Street, Bolton, BL3 5HT
Charity Registration Number:	1101649
The telephone number:	01204 334004
Website:	www.boltonbsca.com
Current Trustees
Hussain Ahmed Osman	Chairman
Ahmed Sarman	Secretary
Mohamed Arale	Treasurer
Ali Abdullah Awad	Member
Secretary	Ahmed Sarman
Charity Registration Number:	1101649
Registered Office	2-16 Mayor Street
	Bolton
	BL3 5HT
Accountants	Berkley Heath
	2 Redstone Road
	Manchester
	M19 1RB
Business address	2-16 Mayor Street
	Bolton
	BL3 5HT
Bankers Lloyds	Lloyds Bank
	13 Hotel St,
	Bolton
	BL3 6LS

Bolton Solidairity Community Association

The report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

B.S.C.A. (Bolton Solidarity Community Association) are pleased to present our annual report and independently examined financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2024.

On behalf of B.S.C.A., we would like once more to take this opportunity to convey our deepest appreciation and thanks to the management committee, Staff and dedicated Volunteers for their hard work, and commitment that has enabled B.S.C.A. as an organisation to achieve many things that local community has benefited from B.S.C.A.

B.S.C.A. Trustees

Bolton Solidairity Community Association

The report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Background

Bolton Solidarity Community Association was established in 2002 as a direct response to the increase in the number of new communities settling in Bolton. Our aim as an organisation is to maximise the potential of individuals from new communities in Bolton. Our aim as an organisation is to maximise the potential of individuals from new communities in Bolton including refugees and asylum seekers. We aim to do this by providing over the last 22 years, B.S.C.A. has become a model of best practice for other charities in the area. Our background and experience mean we have unique insight across Bolton’s many communities. We are best placed to offer you the understanding and the reach that you need to make a real difference. This year, the number of clients or cases we have dealt with is higher than the previous year.

Governance, Structure and Management

Legal structure

B.S.C.A. (Bolton Solidarity Community Association) has been a registered charity since 2003. The charity is constituted by a Constitution. It is governed by the regulations set out in the Constitution and run by diverse trustees from a different professional background.

Staff

All B.S.C.A. staff are part-time and none are full-time workers. There are also sessional workers and some who sometimes work as short-time consultants. B.S.C.A. activities are mainly supported by B.S.C.A. volunteers.

Volunteers

Volunteers are a vital part of the B.S.C.A., helping us in the areas of events, administration and communication. Many volunteers have been passionately assisting B.S.C.A. activities. Some of the volunteers were volunteering with B.S.C.A. to gain experience that would assist them in finding employment.

We extend our deepest gratitude to every volunteer who has generously given their time and talents. Our volunteers are not just supporters; they are integral members of the B.S.C.A.. We are immensely proud of their contributions and the positive impact they have on the lives of those we serve.

Our commitment to volunteerism goes beyond simple acknowledgement. We are dedicated to creating an enriching and supportive environment for our volunteers. This includes on-going training opportunities, clear communication channels, and efforts to recognize and celebrate their achievements.

Bolton Solidairity Community Association

The report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

B.S.C.A. trustee’s responsibilities

The Charity is governed by the trustees of the B.S.C.A.. They meet six times a year to ensure that the charity activities fit within the agreed charitable objectives. Their work includes setting the strategic direction and agreeing on the financial strategy and operational budgets.

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ report and the financial statements according to the applicable law and the United Kingdom’s accounting standards. None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

Partnership

Although working with other organizations is not an easy task, there are many benefits when you work together with other organizations. In 2023/2024 we were able to successfully deliver several projects by working as an organization with other organizations in Bolton. We believe that the partnership work we have done has not only provided us with resource funding but the experience and knowledge we have shared with other organizations has been of great benefit to us. We will continue the commitment to work with other organizations to overcome the difficult times that are facing us.

Membership:

To strengthen its performance as an organisation and its capacity B.S.C.A. is a member of the following platforms: Bolton CVS, GMCVO, NCVO, BME network, Bolton Together and Rum worth Community Alliance.

Through our membership in the organisations, we receive advice, information and access to training, as well as opportunities to share knowledge and network with other organisations.

The Need for our Services

Since B.S.C.A. was founded in 2002 until today, the demand for our service has been increasing year after year. Also, the number of B.S.C.A. service users is increasing. One of the reasons for the increase in B.S.C.A.’s client service is that the number of new and emerging people from Bolton has increased over the last few years.

Bolton Solidairity Community Association

The report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Policies

Reserve policy

B.S.C.A. as an organisation believes that we need to maintain our reserve of our financial stability and allow B.S.C.A. to meet its commitment to continue to undertake work and deliver services even when unexpected events come. The Trustees have reviewed the reserves of the charity. The charity operates unrestricted reserves account balance of £25,000. The Unrestricted reserves held are comfortably in excess of the minimum balance.The B.S.C.A. trustees are working hard to secure a sufficient level of reserves which is equivalent to 3-6 months running costs.

As this was B.S.C.A.'s 22nd year as a charity, we will be creating a reserves policy to ensure the long-term sustainability of our organization which aligns with our strategic financial planning to mitigate unforeseen challenges and support future initiatives.

Financial review policy

B.S.C.A. is very grateful to all funders and individuals who have so generously helped us financially in being able to continue with all of our projects.

B.S.C.A. financial review and financial Governance are in place. As an organisation, we have in place a system to control and record the organisation’s finances and keep track of all financial transactions, including Financial documents e.g. Income and expenditure, cash flow and our business plan to ensure that we are able to keep track of what goes on in the Organisation.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

Unrestricted Funds

B.S.C.A. have two principal sources of unrestricted income. They are from donations legacies and membership subscriptions.

Restricted Funds

B.S.C.A. holds restricted funds which are intended to be used for specific projects. This year we have implemented projects that were based on restricted funds.

Bolton Solidairity Community Association

The report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Risk Management

At B.S.C.A. charity we are committed to operating responsibly and effectively, ensuring the prudent management of risks that may impact our mission, stakeholders, and operations. Our risk management approach is integral to our governance structure and is designed to identify, assess, and mitigate potential threats while maximizing opportunities.

B.S.C.A. has risk management which is reviewed annually by the trustees of the organisation. Our trustees are well aware of the benefits of reviewing this policy including risk assessment and maintaining a risk register.

B.S.C.A. takes a proactive and comprehensive approach to risk management. By fostering a culture of awareness and accountability, we strive to safeguard the interests of our stakeholders and to fulfil our charitable objectives. We remain committed to transparency and open communication as we navigate the dynamic landscape in which we operate.

Activities and achievements of the year (2023/2024)

Client drop-in advice sessions

This service is one of the most vital services that B.S.C.A. staff and their volunteers provide support to B.S.C.A. clients who come to the centre for help with various issues. B.S.C.A. case workers have assisted clients over the past year with issues such as Housing, Welfare, Health related issues, Immigration, Education and Training.

During 2023/2024 we dealt with 3915 cases within this service.

Apart from drop-in-advice, B.S.C.A. as an organisation last year implemented various projects that benefitted the target group of B.S.C.A.. Some of these projects were aimed at employment, integration and community cohesion, education and training.

Projects implemented by B.S.C.A. during 2023/2024 include the following:

FGM project
Youth activities
Health and wellbeing
Cohesion
Welfare
Debt Management
Substance misuse awareness (Khat)
Employment and Work Experience
ESOL
Older people Services
Week end sport activities
Digital inclusion project
HAF (Holiday Food and Activities program)

Bolton Solidairity Community Association The report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

B.S.C.A. is also able to partner with Bolton College to offer its clients ESOL courses on Friday morning and Monday afternoon.

1 B.S.C.A.’s partnership network has increased substantially along our reputation as we are always a link and bridge between our clients from new and emerging communities and service providers in Bolton and beyond.
2 B.S.C.A.’s membership this year 2024 has increased compared to the previous year 2022/2023. The first and most noteworthy is that B.S.C.A. values the relationship and cooperation it has with its members.
3 B.S.C.A. supports vulnerable people from new and emerging families, and individuals and provides advice and guidance. These people are low-income families who are struggling to survive, due to the rising cost of living in the UK.
4 We have continued to produce publications and research related to the needs of people from new and emerging communities in Bolton.
5 Continuation of Health awareness workshops and also walking sessions which were mostly attended by adults and women.

Bolton Solidarity Community Association

The report of the trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities

The Charities Act requires the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of the surplus or deficit of the charity. In preparing those financial statements the Board is required to :-

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed , subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

The Trustees are also responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with regulations made under the Charities Act. 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.

The trustees are also responsible for the contents of the trustees' report, and the responsibility of the independent examiner in relation to the trustees' report is limited to examining the report and ensuring that, on the face of the report, there are no inconsistencies with the figures disclosed in the financial statements.

This report was approved by the board of trustees on 10 December 2024.

Ahmed Sarman Trustee

Bolton Solidarity Community Association

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Independent examiner's report to the trustees on the unaudited financial statements of Bolton Solidarity Community Association.

I report on the financial statements of Bolton Solidarity Community Association for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the cash flow statement and the related notes. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008), under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies set out therein.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts, you consider that the audit requirement of section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

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

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act.
have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Berkley Heath Chartered Certified Accountants

The date upon which this report was completed is :- 10 December 2024

Bolton Solidarity Community Association Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 March 2024

Incoming resources Staff costs Repairs Insurance Light and heat Advertising Telephone Computer costs Accountancy fees General expenses Net movement in funds Net Surplus / (Deficit) Resources expended Donations Grants Total incoming resources Total funds brought forward Total resources expended Rent, rates and service charge Printing, postage and stationery Community program Legal and professional Depreciation & amortisation Interest and charges	Unrestricted Funds 2024 £ 14,728 64,089 78,817 34,992 1,492 136 484 632 1,305 904 611 1,027 8,921 1,375 638 525 1,777 1,028 55,847 22,970 14,087 37,057	Restricted Funds 2024 £ - 149,541 149,541 90,022 3,482 319 1,130 1,475 3,045 2,108 2,443 2,395 35,783 - 2,552 - - - 144,754 4,787 160,358 165,145	Total Funds 2024 £ 14,728 213,630 228,358 125,014 4,974 455 1,614 2,107 4,350 3,012 3,054 3,422 44,704 1,375 3,190 525 1,777 1,028 200,601 27,757 174,445 202,202	Total Funds 2023 £ 110 186,132 186,242 130,674 5,845 675 858 3,361 4,495 1,276 3,162 3,185 37,433 - 1,753 1,388 2,369 370 196,844 (10,602) 185,047 174,445

Bolton Solidarity Community Association Income and expenditure account for the year ended 31 March 2024

Income Total expenditure Net retained surplus for the financial year	2024 £ 228,358 (200,601) 27,757	2023 £ 186,242 (196,844) (10,602)

All activities relate to continuing operations.

Bolton Solidarity Community Association Statement of Receipts and Payments at 31 March 2024

Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 5 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Net current assets Net assets Funds Unrestricted funds 6 Restricted funds 7 Creditors: amounts falling due within one	£ £ 5,329 198,923 198,923 (2,050) 196,873 202,202 37,057 165,145 202,202 2024	£ £ 7,106 169,389 169,389 (2,050) 167,339 174,445 14,087 160,358 174,445 2023

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 10 December 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Ahmed Sarman Trustee

The notes on pages 15 to 18 form an integral part of these accounts.

Bolton Solidarity Community Association Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

1 Accounting policies

1.1.Accounting convention

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008) and follow the recommendations in 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice' issued in October 2000.

1.2.Incoming resources

Voluntary income is received by way of donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement ofFinancial Activities when receivable. Gifts donated for resale are included as income when they are sold. Donated assets are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified and a third party is bearing the cost. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included.

Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the year in which they are receivable.

1.3.Resources expended

Resources expended are recognised in the year in which they are incurred.

Fundraising costs are those incurred in seeking voluntary contributions and do not include the costs of disseminating information in support of the charitable activities.

Management and administration costs are those incurred in connection with administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.

1.4.Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Plant and machinery 25 % Reducing balance basis

2 Donations and grants

Donations and grants	2024 Unrestricted £ 78,817 78,817	2024 Restricted £ 149,541 149,541	2024 Total £ 228,358 228,358	2023 Total £ 186,242 186,242

Bolton Solidarity Community Association Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

3 Cost of generating funds

Staff costs Rent, rates and service charge Insurance Light and heat Printing, postage and stationery Advertising Telephone Computer costs Community program Legal and professional General expenses 4 Management and administration Accountancy fees Depreciation and amortisation Bank charges 5 Tangible fixed assets tangible Cost At 1 April 2023 At 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year At 31 March 2024 Net book values At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023	2024 £ 125,014 4,974 1,614 2,107 4,350 3,012 3,054 3,422 44,704 1,375 525 194,151 2024 £ 3,190 1,777 1,028 5,995 Tangible assets £ 36,314 36,314 29,208 1,777 30,985 5,329 7,106	2023 £ 104,539 5,845 858 3,361 4,495 1,276 3,162 3,185 37,433 - 1,388 165,542 2023 £ 1,753 431 370 2,554 Total £ 36,314 36,314 29,208 1,777 30,985 5,329 7,106

Bolton Solidarity Community Association Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024

6 Unrestricted funds Donations and grants 7 Restricted funds Donations and grants	1 April 2023 £ 14,087 14,087 1 April 2023 £ 160,358 160,358	Incoming £ 78,817 78,817 Incoming £ 149,541 149,541	Outgoing £ (55,847) (55,847) Outgoing £ (144,754) (144,754)	31 March 2024 £ 37,057 37,057 31 March 2024 £ 165,145 165,145

Purposes of restricted funds

Restricted funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes as required by the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for a particular restricted purpose.