Alternatives Trust East London
Trustees Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2023
Charity registration - 1103724
Year ended 31 March 2023
Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
Contents
| Contents | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administrative information | 4 |
| Trustees annual report | 5 |
| Objectives and activities | 5 |
| Achievements and performance in the year | 5 |
| Structure, governance & management | 9 |
| Financial review | 10 |
| Statement of Board of Trustees’ responsibilities | 10 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 12 |
| Statement of fnancial activities | 14 |
| Balance sheet | 15 |
| Notes to the fnancial statements | 16 |
Charity number 1103724
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Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2023
Legal and administrative information
Charity name
Alternatives Trust East London
Other names
Alternatives Alternatives Crisis Pregnancy Centre
Charity registration no.
1103724
Registered office and contact details
Forrest House 63 Rowntree Clifford Close Liddon Road Plaistow London E13 8AB
Trustees
Funmilade Aloutade (appointed 16 March 2023) Christopher Andrew (resigned 16 March 2023) Christina Baby (resigned 16 March 2023) John Coombs (resigned 16 March 2023) Hannah Davey (appointed 16 March 2023) Revd Canon Ann Easter (Chair - resigned 16 November 2023) Francesca Ojefua Andy Pople Rebecca Watherston (Interim Chair - appointed 16 November 2023)
Independent examiner
Andy Nash Accounting & Consultancy Ltd Units 24 & 25 Goodsheds Container Village Hood Road Barry CF62 5QU
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Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
Trustees annual report
The Board of Trustees submit their annual report and the financial statements of Alternatives Trust East London for the period ended 31 March 2023.
The Board of Trustees confirms that the annual report and financial statements of the Charity comply with current statutory requirements, including the Charity Act 2011, as well as the requirements of the Society’s governing document and the provisions of the ‘Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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) second edition (effective 1 January 2019)’, and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Objectives and activities
The trust’s objects are the advancement of education and preservation of health. The policies adopted in furtherance of these objects are the provision of education in the subject of pregnancy and termination of pregnancy, the preservation and protection of women’s health, and the provision of counselling and assistance to women and their partners and families who are suffering as a result of pregnancy or related matters, and there has been no change in these during the year.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the trust should undertake.
Alternatives’ holistic support aims to see fragile families move to firm foundations over 2-3 years. In the past year our work has helped reach our three aims for families:
- Women become more confident and capable parents
“I know better how to manage my children, not angry, but calm. I am good with children now.”
- Women have increased self esteem
“Counselling has given me self-esteem. Not 100%, but maybe I’ve got 70% now.”
- Families are less isolated and connected to a network of support
“I’ve got support that made me more confident. I’ve got friends, a social life as well. Otherwise, I was alone. I’ve got a support system. Staff are very helpful and understanding.”
For children specifically our objectives are: Children will be more healthy; Children will have better relationships with their parents; and Children will have reduced isolation.
Achievements and performance in the year
During the past financial year, we moved out of the pandemic and straight into a Cost-of-Living Crisis in the UK. Alternatives saw women work together to meet both immediate and longer-term need, thanks to the efforts of our supporters, staff and volunteers.
Alternatives worked with more families and individuals than in any previous year, a sign of the challenging times as well as its clearer focus. In 2022/23 the charity worked directly with 143 families with 251 children, over 50% more than the last year. Its core work of counselling was boosted to help address the mental health toll left as the pandemic recedes and has extended to children for the first time.
Immediate practical needs were relived through the Food Club, Baby Bank, and casework – with a newly qualified Immigration Advisor joining the team in January 2023. Parenting support groups helped ‘fragile
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Annual report and financial statements
families move to firm foundations’. And we saw impressive commitment from women studying to fill in the gaps in their education – in some cases from growing up in an environment where girls could not go to school. This will help them to be ready to work as their family situations become more secure.
This is a challenging time for small charities like Alternatives but even more so for the families we are working with. We are grateful to all who are part of our community as we tackle them together.
Family Support
Support to families comprises the majority of Alternatives’ work. This includes our ‘We Are Family’ monthly get togethers and outings; weekly WAF parenting group; casework; and parenting, emotional and practical support from a Family Support Worker. At any one time around 80 families will be supported by one of our five part time Family Support workers and of these 40 will receive more intensive support which means they get weekly, or even daily support.
“The family support group has helped me a lot. I have a space of my own to share my thoughts, fears and not feel judged”.
“The support workers are receptive people. They call you if they haven’t seen you to check up on you, ask about the kids, how are you. There is someone to talk to.”
“Alternatives has really been there, really supported with the baby.”
“I was pregnant and I was about to be homeless and I was scared to go to Social Services... My Family Support Worker encouraged me. She took me to the appointment. They gave me a place. Now I am happy, comfortable. The Local Authority is giving me S17 support... If not for Alternatives I would not have had courage to go. I would still be suffering. Alternatives has been a blessing, it remains a blessing.”
“I feel happy. I feel wanted. I feel appreciated. It’s the way they talk to you. They don’t make you feel nobody, they make you feel loved.”
Casework
As Casework Coordinator as well as a Family Support Worker, Yetunde’s role requires her to work with almost all the families supported at Alternatives as they progress to the independent stage.
During this year we developed a scheme using the colours Red, Yellow, Green and Blue to measure the level of support and needs of each client, Red is seriously in need, Yellow is mild, Green is very little need, whilst Blue means they access our services but are not in need of additional Family Support. Using this system we are able to ensure no families fall between the cracks, and also record the wonderful progress they make.
Resolved Cases
Many of our casework cases take years to resolve, sometimes people come to us with big casework needs and sometimes small. In 2022/23 we resolved over 150 casework requests.
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Even while cases are being worked on, women are better emotionally because they have support.
“I am so grateful you have been able to help me with my housing benefit and child benefit claim. I have no access to internet at home or a laptop. Filling these forms have been so overwhelming but with your support I have been able to do it and even got my payments.”
Client Development
Women we work with said they wanted to fill in gaps in basic skills so they can go on to get qualifications and employment. Following a successful ESOL course at the start of 2022, this year Alternatives worked with Newham Adult Learning to run 10-week course basic Maths, using the ‘Learning Hub’ at our offices. Then in September 2022 we ran a 13-week Employability course delivered by Skills Enterprise. This helped women prepare for the Job market as well gaining an understanding of what is expected working in the UK.
Support worker Sheron organised the courses and supported the mums to participate, and Fateha cared for babies in the Family Room.
“The journey to class was always difficult but when I got here, I enjoyed the class, and working with everyone I know we are all in the same situation. I didn’t think I could do it, but it really helped me to bring out knowledge that was buried.”
Mum of four Abiola said coming back to studying maths after 17 years was a great struggle.
“The Employment training has helped me to correct my CV. The sessions prepared me for interview techniques and to be more confident.”
Yuliia, a refugee from Ukraine, now has part-time jobs! One at Alternatives, where she applied successfully for the role of Food Club Co-ordinator maternity cover, and one at another local charity.
Food Bank and Baby Bank
Our weekly Food Club helped 68 families across 2022/23, made up of 185 individuals. Family sizes ranged from 2-7 people, and we provided food for an average of 21 families each week. Each family pays a small weekly fee and selects from a choice of food and toiletry items. Most of this is donated surplus food delivered weekly by wonderful partners The Felix Project and City Harvest. This is supplemented by generous donations from local schools, churches and community groups, plus the Food Club contributions.
Food Club was made possible by a team of 10 volunteers in 2022/23. Each week five people help with food deliveries on Tuesdays, and then on Wednesdays to set up and run Food Club. Most families at Food Club were supported in other ways by Alternatives. We had to stop taking referrals to Food Club, as we did not have the space to store any more food.
Baby Bank welcomed donations of good quality baby clothes and equipment, and passed them on to families who need them.
“Food Club has useful things that are needed. They asked us what we wanted and they listened. Alternatives listens. It is beautiful.”
“I go to Food Club and Baby Bank every week and get things for my growing baby.”
Counselling
Mental health needs increased in the wake of the pandemic, and Alternatives is grateful to a number of funders who allowed us to increase the counselling offer to meet that need.
Our partnership with Albanian charity Shpresa allowed us to run further psychoeducation groups to introduce the idea of caring for your mental health. All the women who took part went on to ask for 1-2-1
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counselling and we have been able to fund a specialist interpreter to help with this.
We also worked with local educational psychologists Metaphors to begin a Therapeutic Story Group for children, our first therapeutic work with children in the families we work with. The results of this pilot project will be evaluated later in 2023.
Counselling Manager Sandra moved on during the year, and we successfully recruited Caroline, an experienced new counselling manager.
“I have been through so many mental health institutions, but they have always made me feel worse. Coming to Alternatives counselling with you has been different. You have really helped me because you heard my story, you took me at my own pace. I see things differently for myself now and I could not have got to this point without your help. Thank you for being there for me.”
“I want to thank you for listening to me, it has really helped me to work through my issues and that was what I always needed, for someone to listen.”
WAF Angels
In March 2022 Alternatives launched WAF Angels, a social enterprise cleaning business designed to give ethical employment to women it works with, and build their skills and confidence. The aim is to eventually generate income for the charity. This ran throughout the year led by project manager Sukaina. For more information please visit wafangels.co.uk
Social Justice through Childcare
Fateha our childcare worker ran a fantastic creche in our Family Room to enable mothers to attend counselling appointments and basic skills courses. Childcare is a huge barrier to accessing these services, we are so proud that we are able to provide this service and truly believe childcare is a justice issue. Providing free childcare meant women could access desperately needed support. Fateha also provided play at our monthly WAF get-togethers, and during the winter we offered weekly ‘Stay and Play’ sessions for families so that they could stay warm.
Fateha said “Most of the children don’t have much space to run around and play in their own homes and mums love to see their children have that space to play. Children also don’t have many toys at home to play and learn. Mums have mentioned they love to come here with their children because of the space and it is warmer than their homes.”
2022/23 in numbers
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574 individuals supported – the highest number ever
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151 advocacy appointments
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987 Christmas and birthday gifts given
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2,074 food bags given (a 57% increase on last year)
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1,325 hours of volunteer time donated
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265 donations to families of baby clothes and equipment
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714 welfare checks by family support workers
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78 attending We are Family
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375 counselling hours
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Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
Funding and Donations
It has been a challenging year for many charities as the need for services grew post pandemic and into the cost of living crisis. As trusts and foundations reported an increase in demand for funding, our fundraiser had to work harder than ever to secure enough to cover our vital projects. Despite this, Alternatives remained in a strong financial position. Unrestricted spending was slightly higher than income due to investment in WAF Angels social enterprise. Restricted spending was slightly lower than income due to carrying forward projects into the new year. The launch of our social enterprise has meant an increase to both income and expenditure and kick started our plans to diversify income streams and become less reliant on grant funding.
We are grateful to all our volunteers and supporters who gave funds and in-kind donations during the year. These include individuals, churches, schools, and many other organisations. We would like to thank the following organisations for financial or in-kind support:
Albert Hunt Trust, Ascension Church, Asda Foundation, Aspers Good Causes Fund, Awards for All England from the National Lottery Trust, BBC Children in Need, Benefact Trust, Bruderhof Community, Calverton School, CEM Church, Central Park Primary School, City Harvest, City of London Corporation, Clothworkers Foundation, Cooperative Community Fund, Company of Secretaries and Actuaries, Custom House Baptist Church, Drapers’ Charitable Fund, Felix Project, Garfield Weston Foundation, Hospital Saturday Fund, Kingswood House School, Lloyds Bank Foundation, London Borough of Newham, London Catalyst, Masonic Charitable Foundation, Memorial Community Church, Mrs Smith and Mount Trust, Necessity, Newham Food Alliance, Parish of St Giles and St George Ashtead, Petts Wood Christ Church, Plaistow Christian Fellowship, Rausing Foodbank Fund, Rotary Club Stratford, Scott Wilkie School, Southall Trust, St Oswald’s Croxley Green, St George’s and Ethelbert’s East Ham, Tin in a Bin, The 7 Stars Foundation, The Childhood Trust, The Southall Trust, Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, Wanstead Parish, Worshipful Company of Insurers.
Structure, governance & management
Alternatives Trust East London is a trust and was established by a charitable trust deed on 20 April 2004.
Organisational Structure
The trustees meet at least four times a year to oversee the charity’s work. Day-to-day operations are dealt with by the paid, freelance professional and volunteer staff under the overall management of the Charity Director. At the time of signing off this report, the General Manager (Lizi Oni) has stepped into an Acting Director role as an interim arrangement after the Director (Elizabeth Booker) left at the end of October 2023. A recruitment process is currently taking place with a view to appoint in January 2024.
Grateful thanks to Elizabeth who has steered the organisation with excellence and faithfulness, and to Lizi for taking on this extra responsibility in the interim.
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.
Selection and appointment of Trustees
New trustees are appointed by the agreement of the existing trustees.
Grateful thanks to Chris Andrew, Christina Baby and John Coombs who have resigned as trustees in the past year. We appreciate the many years of services offered by each of them. We are delighted to welcome two new trustees: Funmilade Aloutade and Hannah Davey.
Trustee Induction and Training
On their appointment, new Trustees are provided with information, in the form of an induction pack, on their role as a Trustee. Ongoing training is provided as required.
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Risk management
Trustees have reviewed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and systems or procedures have been put in place to manage those risks. A risk register is reviewed at each quarterly trustee meeting.
Financial review
During the current year the Charity achieved a surplus of £12,993 (15 months ended 31 March 2022: deficit of £44,368). This resulted in total reserves increasing in the period to £199,633 (31 March 2022: £186,640).
The Trustees are satisfied with the financial performance of the Charity throughout the year.
Of the total reserves held at period end £134,802 were unrestricted as to use (31 March 2022: £142,529), however only £74,196 were available as general funds (31 March 2022: £79,017).
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the trust that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six months’ expenditure. The trustees considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the trust’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.
Statement of Board of Trustees’ responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law they are required to prepare the financial statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Under charity law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the excess of income over expenditure 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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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material
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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
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that the Charity will continue its activities.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Charity’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. In addition, the Trustees confirm that they are happy that content of the annual review in pages 5 to 11 of this document meet the requirements of the Trustees’ Annual Report under charity law.
They also confirm that the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the Charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable
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Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on 16 July 2014.
This report was approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 7 December 2023 and signed on its behalf by:
REBECCA WATHERSTON INTERIM CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
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Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
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Independent examiner’s report
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of Alternatives Trust East London (Charity number 1103724) for the year ended 31 March 2023 which are set out on pages 14 to 27.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act). The Charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under
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section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and,
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
This report, including my statement, has been prepared for and only for the Charity’s Trustees as a body. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity’s Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity’s Trustees as a body for my examination work, for this report, or for the statements I have made.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 the Trustees concerning 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
Since the Charity’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 Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
• the accounts 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.
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Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
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.
ANDREW PHILIP NASH ACA
MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES – 2461833
DATED: 7 DECEMBER 2023
Andy Nash Accounting & Consultancy Ltd Units 24 & 25 Goodsheds Container Village Hood Road Barry CF62 5QU
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Alternatives Trust East London
Year ended 31 March 2023
Annual report and financial statements
Statement of financial activities
For the year ended 31 March 2023
| Notes Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 & 6 Charitable activities 5 & 7 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds 12 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Funds brought forward 12 & 13 Funds carried forward 12 & 13 |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds Funds Funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 15 mths to 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2022 £ £ £ £ 72,174 243,055 315,229 321,057 27,870 - 27,870 28,584 |
|---|---|
| 100,044 243,055 343,099 349,641 |
|
| 12,783 - 12,783 18,803 94,988 222,335 317,323 375,206 |
|
| 107,771 222,335 330,106 394,009 |
|
| (7,727) 20,720 12,993 (44,368) - - - - |
|
| (7,727) 20,720 12,993 (44,368) 142,529 44,111 186,640 231,008 |
|
| 134,802 64,831 199,633 186,640 |
The notes on pages 16 to 27 form part of the financial statements.
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Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
Balance sheet
As at 31 March 2023
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible fxed assets 9 Current assets Debtors and prepayments 10 Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets Net assets Funds of the charity Restricted 12 & 13 Unrestricted General 12 & 13 Development fund 12 & 13 Unrestricted Total funds |
£ 15,062 233,979 |
Total funds 31 Mar 2023 £ 7,852 191,781 |
£ 42,545 176,393 |
Total funds 31 Mar 2022 £ 14,648 171,992 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 249,041 (57,260) |
218,938 (46,946) |
|||
| 74,196 60,606 |
79,017 63,512 |
|||
| 199,633 | 186,640 | |||
| 64,831 134,802 |
44,111 142,529 |
|||
| 199,633 | 186,640 |
The notes on pages 16 to 27 form part of the financial statements.
These financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 7 December 2023 and signed on their behalf by:
REBECCA WATHERSTON
INTERIM CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
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Notes to the financial statements
1. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation of the financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with ‘Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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) second edition (effective 1 January 2019)’, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), including Update Bulletin 1, and relevant charities law.
The effect of any event relating to the year ended 31 March 2023, which occurred before the date of approval of the financial statements by the Board of Trustees has been included in the financial statements to the extent required to show a true and fair view of the state of affairs at 31 March 2023 and the results for the period ended on that date.
Under the exemption available to smaller charities the Board of Trustees has chosen not to include a Statement of Cash Flows within the financial statements.
The functional currency of the Charity is sterling and amounts in the financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound.
Legal status
Alternatives Trust East London is a charitable trust registered in England & Wales, and meets the definition of a public benefit entity. The registered office is Forrest House, 63 Rowntree Clifford Close, Liddon Road, Plaistow, London, E13 8AB.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis as the Board of Trustees is confident that future reserves and future income is more than sufficient to meet current commitments. There are no material uncertainties that impact this assessment, and the ongoing uncertainty within the wider economic environment has had no material impact on this assessment.
Change in accounting period
During the previous financial period the Trustees agreed to amend the accounting year end date from 31 December to 31 March, via a resolution at the board meeting on 22 September 2022, and to apply this to the period that commenced on 1 January 2021 and ran until 31 March 2022. This decision was made to ensure that the financial statements fitted more closely to the financial tax year. This means there are limitations with the comparatives as they represent a fifteen month period as opposed to the current period figures which represent a twelve month period.
Fund Accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds that are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or that have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in note 12 of the financial statements.
Income
Income is recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance indicators attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.
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1. Accounting policies (continued from previous page)
Income (continued from previous page)
Donations are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when entitled, receipt is probable and when the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Gift aid receivable is included when claimable – i.e. when the eligible donation is received.
Grant income is credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when received or receivable whichever is earlier, unless the grant relates to a future year, in which case it is deferred.
Income from charitable activities is credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when received or receivable whichever is earlier, unless it relates to a specific future period or event, in which case it is deferred.
Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities.
Indirect costs, including governance costs, which cannot be directly attributed to activities, are allocated between activities proportionate to the direct costs incurred in those activities. Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of expenditure for which it was incurred.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Any assets costing more than £500 are capitalised other than those purchased using restricted funds. Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of fixed assets, less their residual value, over their useful life, on the following basis:
Leasehold improvements 10% p.a. on cost Fixtures, fittings & equipment 25% p.a. on net value Computers 25% p.a. on cost
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash in hand, deposits with banks and funds that are readily convertible into cash at, or close to, their carrying values, but are not held for investment purposes.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount is applied.
Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party, and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.
Financial instruments
Basic financial instruments are measured at amortised cost other than investments which are measured at fair value.
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1. Accounting policies (continued from previous page)
Critical estimates and judgements
In preparing financial statements it is necessary to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. The treatment of tangible fixed assets is sensitive to changes in useful economic lives and residual values of assets. These are reassessed annually. In the view of the Trustees in applying the accounting policies adopted, no judgements were required that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements nor do any estimates or assumptions made carry a significant risk of material adjustment in the next financial year.
Pensions
The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is administered by an external independent pension provider. Contributions are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as they fall due.
2. Comparative statement of fnancial activities
| Notes Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds 5 & 6 Charitable activities 5 & 7 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds 12 Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Funds brought forward 12 & 13 Funds carried forward 12 & 13 |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 15 mths to 15 mths to 15 mths to 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 £ £ £ 65,408 255,649 321,057 24,764 3,820 28,584 |
|---|---|
| 90,172 259,469 349,641 |
|
| 18,803 - 18,803 89,083 286,123 375,206 |
|
| 107,886 286,123 394,009 |
|
| (17,714) (26,654) (44,368) - - - |
|
| (17,714) (26,654) (44,368) 160,243 70,765 231,008 |
|
| 142,529 44,111 186,640 |
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Year ended 31 March 2023
Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
- Income from donations and legacies
| 4. Income from charitable activities Charitable rental income Consultancy and training Other charitable income Charitable rental income Consultancy and training Other charitable income Grants Donations Grants Donations |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 £ £ £ 38,396 239,887 278,283 33,778 3,168 36,946 |
|---|---|
| 72,174 243,055 315,229 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 15 mths to 15 mths to 15 mths to 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 £ £ £ 30,631 237,257 267,888 34,777 18,392 53,169 |
|
| 65,408 255,649 321,057 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 £ £ £ 13,994 - 13,994 1,355 - 1,355 12,521 - 12,521 |
|
| 27,870 - 27,870 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 15 mths to 15 mths to 15 mths to 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 £ £ £ 15,884 - 15,884 1,145 - 1,145 7,735 3,820 11,555 |
|
| 24,764 3,820 28,584 |
Charity number 1103724
19
Alternatives Trust East London
Year ended 31 March 2023
Annual report and financial statements
5. Total expenditure
| Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities |
Direct Direct staff other Indirect Total costs costs costs costs Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 £ £ £ £ 8,257 891 3,635 12,783 191,664 35,419 90,240 317,323 |
|---|---|
| 199,921 36,310 93,875 330,106 |
|
| Direct Direct staff other Indirect Total costs costs costs costs 15 mths to 15 mths to 15 mths to 15 mths to 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 £ £ £ £ 9,988 2,452 6,363 18,803 181,696 66,543 126,967 375,206 |
|
| 191,684 68,995 133,330 394,009 |
Indirect costs, including governance costs, which cannot be directly attributed to activities, were allocated between cost centres proportionate to the direct staff and other costs allocated to those activities.
An analysis of costs of raising funds split between restricted and unrestricted funds can be found in note 6.
An analysis of charitable activities split between restricted and unrestricted funds can be found in note 7. An analysis of staff costs can be found in note 8.
Charity number 1103724
20
Year ended 31 March 2023
Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
5. Total expenditure (continued from previous page)
Indirect costs includes:
| Staff costs Premises Administration Depreciation Loss on disposals Impairment loss Independent examination |
Total Total costs costs Year ended 15 mths to 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2022 £ £ 28,029 43,688 24,880 44,067 30,642 21,091 5,754 9,547 - 5,342 3,106 8,131 1,464 1,464 |
|---|---|
| 93,875 133,330 |
6. Expenditure on raising funds
| Direct staff costs Direct other costs Indirect costs Direct staff costs Direct other costs Indirect costs |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 £ £ £ 8,257 - 8,257 891 - 891 3,635 - 3,635 |
|---|---|
| 12,783 - 12,783 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 15 mths to 15 mths to 15 mths to 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 £ £ £ 9,988 - 9,988 2,452 - 2,452 6,363 - 6,363 |
|
| 18,803 - 18,803 |
Charity number 1103724
21
Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2023
7. Expenditure on charitable activities
| Staff costs Direct staff costs Direct other costs Indirect costs Direct staff costs Direct other costs Indirect costs Gross salary Employer’s NIC Employer’s pension |
Unrestricted Funds Year ended 31 Mar 2023 £ 17,949 8,694 68,345 |
Restricted Total Funds Funds Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 £ £ 173,715 191,664 26,725 35,419 21,895 90,240 |
|---|---|---|
| 94,988 | 222,335 317,323 |
|
| Unrestricted Funds 15 mths to 31 Mar 2022 £ - 42,642 46,441 |
Restricted Total Funds Funds 15 mths to 15 mths to 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 £ £ 181,696 181,696 23,901 66,543 80,526 126,967 |
|
| 89,083 | 286,123 375,206 |
|
| Total Total costs costs Year ended 15 mths to 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2022 £ £ 216,754 222,915 7,876 9,007 3,320 3,450 |
||
| 227,950 235,372 |
8. Staff costs
The average headcount during the period was 14 persons (15 months ended 31 March 2022: 12 persons).
No employee received employee benefits above £60,000 (15 months ended 31 March 2022: Nil).
The total employee benefits paid to key management personnel during the year was £41,286 (15 months ended 31 March 2022: £47,688).
Charity number 1103724
22
Year ended 31 March 2023
Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
9. Tangible fxed assets
| Cost As at 1 April 2022 Additions As at 31 March 2023 Accumulated depreciation As at 1 April 2022 Charge in year Impairment As at 31 March 2023 Net book value As at 1 April 2022 As at 31 March 2023 |
Leasehold Fixtures & improvements ftings Computers Total £ £ £ £ 26,656 11,769 20,690 59,115 - - 2,064 2,064 |
|---|---|
| 26,656 11,769 22,754 61,179 |
|
| 18,526 9,761 16,180 44,467 2,139 496 3,119 5,754 3,106 - - 3,106 |
|
| 23,771 10,257 19,299 53,327 |
|
| 8,130 2,008 4,510 14,648 |
|
| 2,885 1,512 3,455 7,852 |
An impairment has been recognised against the leasehold improvements as the landlord has given notice to vacate the premises at the end of the current lease in October 2023.
10. Debtors and prepayments
| Accounts receivable Prepayments Accrued income Gift aid recoverable Other debtors |
Total Total funds funds 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2022 £ £ 3,192 14,416 5,766 3,398 2,756 18,394 1,515 1,515 1,833 4,822 |
|---|---|
| 15,062 42,545 |
Charity number 1103724
23
Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2023
11. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Deferred income consists of the following grant income: Accounts payable PAYE control Pensions control Accruals Deferred income As at 1 April 2022 Amounts released in year Amounts deferred in year As at 31 March 2023 |
Total Total funds funds 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2022 £ £ 5,135 2,267 56 - - 604 2,248 2,163 49,821 41,912 |
|---|---|
| 57,260 46,946 |
|
| Total Total funds funds 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2022 £ £ 41,912 71,720 (41,912) (71,720) 49,821 41,912 |
|
| 49,821 41,912 |
Charity number 1103724
24
Year ended 31 March 2023
Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
- Analysis of charity funds
| Restricted funds ASDA Foundation Aspers Awards for All Benefact Trust Big Give Charles French Children in Need City Bridge Trust Clothworkers COVID relief Comic Relief Drapers Education Food Club Garfeld Weston Henry Smith Health Partners LBN Mental Health Lloyds London Catalyst Mrs Smith & Mount Trust Rausing Trust Building fund Restricted assets Safe Place Stepping Stones SW-HAM Toy appeal Trusthouse WF Southall Trust 7 Stars Foundation Total restricted Unrestricted General Development fund Total unrestricted |
Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Balance brought in the in the between carried forward period period funds forward Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 £ £ £ £ £ - 1,500 (1,500) - - 2,041 1,080 (3,121) - - 1,466 2,500 (3,966) - - - 18,500 (2,934) - 15,566 1,058 - (1,058) - - 1,105 - (1,105) - - 4,213 32,519 (34,895) - 1,837 (2) 35,351 (35,187) - 162 5,938 - (5,494) - 444 1,764 - (1,764) - - 208 - (81) - 127 - 6,792 (4,406) - 2,386 1,697 - - - 1,697 3,706 3,095 (5,687) - 1,114 - 25,000 (25,000) - - 2,761 - (2,761) - - - 7,723 (3,552) - 4,171 - 10,000 (9,117) - 883 1,382 27,250 (24,118) - 4,514 1,251 - (1,251) - - - 6,667 (1,713) - 4,954 - 12,091 (2,640) - 9,451 7,542 - - - 7,542 6,524 - (6,524) - - 220 - (153) - 67 (2,248) 36,304 (24,140) - 9,916 - 3,100 (3,100) - - - 1,420 (1,420) - - 3,485 6,663 (10,148) - - - 3,000 (3,000) - - - 2,500 (2,500) - - |
|---|---|
| 44,111 243,055 (222,335) - 64,831 |
|
| 79,017 100,044 (104,865) - 74,196 63,512 - (2,906) - 60,606 |
|
| 142,529 100,044 (107,771) - 134,802 |
|
| 186,640 343,099 (330,106) - 199,633 |
Charity number 1103724
25
Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2023
12. Analysis of charity funds (continued from previous page)
| Restricted funds All Churches Aspers Awards for All Big Give Charles French Children in Need City Bridge Trust Clothworkers COVID relief Comic Relief Education Food Club Henry Smith LBN Covid Winter Lloyds London Catalyst London Funders MIND Restricted assets - building fund Restricted assets Safe Place Stepping Stones SW-HAM SWIRE Trusthouse TT Staff Welfare Tudor Trust Total restricted Unrestricted General Development fund Total unrestricted |
Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Balance brought in the in the between carried forward period period funds forward 15 mths to 15 mths to 15 mths to 15 mths to 15 mths to 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 £ £ £ £ £ - 17,700 (17,700) - - - 3,241 (1,200) - 2,041 - 7,500 (6,034) - 1,466 - 17,580 (16,522) - 1,058 1,105 - - - 1,105 8,674 41,437 (45,898) - 4,213 4,058 23,837 (27,897) - (2) - 10,000 (4,062) - 5,938 4,752 - (2,988) - 1,764 - 2,007 (1,799) - 208 3,797 - (2,100) - 1,697 - 5,632 (1,926) - 3,706 17,369 - (14,608) - 2,761 - 1,826 (1,826) - - 2,350 12,917 (13,885) - 1,382 1,688 1,000 (1,437) - 1,251 - 9,020 (9,020) - - - 6,033 (6,033) - - 1,542 6,000 - 7,542 21,445 - (14,921) - 6,524 2,000 2,000 (3,780) - 220 - 8,304 (10,552) - (2,248) - 3,100 (3,100) - - - 10,000 (10,000) - - 1,985 25,002 (23,502) - 3,485 - 2,000 (2,000) - - - 43,333 (43,333) - - |
|---|---|
| 70,765 259,469 (286,123) - 44,111 |
|
| 74,888 90,172 (85,043) (1,000) 79,017 85,355 - (22,843) 1,000 63,512 |
|
| 160,243 90,172 (107,886) - 142,529 |
|
| 231,008 349,641 (394,009) - 186,640 |
Charity number 1103724
26
Year ended 31 March 2023
Alternatives Trust East London Annual report and financial statements
13. Analysis of net assets
| Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2023 £ £ £ 7,852 - 7,852 184,210 64,831 249,041 (57,260) - (57,260) |
|---|---|
| 134,802 64,831 199,633 |
|
| Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 31 Mar 2022 £ £ £ 8,124 6,524 14,648 181,351 37,587 218,938 (46,946) - (46,946) |
|
| 142,529 44,111 186,640 |
14. Trustee remuneration
During the year, no trustee received any remuneration (15 months ended 31 March 2022: £Nil). No members of the Board of Trustees received reimbursement of expenses (15 months ended 31 March 2022: £Nil).
15. Related party transactions
During the year there were no related party transactions (15 months ended 31 March 2022: £Nil).
16. Other fnancial commitments
At 31 March 2023, the Charity had annual future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases (all for property) as set out below:
| In one year In two to fve years |
Total Total 31 Mar 2023 31 Mar 2022 £ £ 8,581 16,200 - 8,581 |
|---|---|
| 8,581 24,781 |
Charity number 1103724
27
altemat ves TRUST EAST LONDON