Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 05088364 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1104502
BSC Multicultural Services Company Limited by Guarantee Unaudited financial statements
31 March 2025
Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
| Pages | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' annual report (incorporating the directors' report) | 1 to 7 |
| Independent examiner's report to the trustees | 8 |
| Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 11 to 20 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the directors' report)
Year ended 31 March 2025
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006 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 published in October 2019.
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity name BSC Multicultural Services Charity registration number 1104502 Company registration number 05088364 Principal office and registered Room 29 office 19 Tower Street Ipswich Suffolk IP1 3BE
The trustees
The trustees who served during the year and at the date of approval were as follows:
B Ali (Chairperson) M Alam (Treasurer) M Ali J Begum K Miah M Miah H Pugh Company Secretary M Khan Independent examiner A Robinson FCA Lovewell Blake LLP Chartered accountants First Floor Suite 2 Hillside Business Park Bury St Edmunds IP32 7EA Bankers Lloyds Bank Plc Cornhill Ipswich
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the directors' report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Objectives and activities
The charity's objective is to relieve the people from BME communities in Ipswich and Suffolk of deprivation and other related problems by challenging disadvantages and discrimination by providing general services to the members of the community.
BSC Multicultural Services (BSCMS) is an award-winning grassroots-based community organisation established in 1998 by a group of local volunteers. It has since been working in Ipswich and Suffolk for over 25 years and has an excellent track record of engaging disadvantaged, marginalised and vulnerable members of the local BME and wider communities.
The organisation provides a number of capacity building programmes for local communities, is a resource and learning centre and key referral advice agency. BSCMS also works closely with statutory and voluntary organisation partners on projects related to health & well-being, education, immigration, employment, housing, welfare rights and crime in order to raise awareness and empower individuals and communities, so they can play their part in society. The centre also organises various sporting, cultural and community events.
BSCMS's Project & Activities are being accessed by thousands of Suffolk's most vulnerable people who continue to experience poverty and deprivation. BSCMS recognises the compelling needs outside of Ipswich for support and other services from particularly isolated ethnic minority groups.
BSCMS is now a highly significant ethnic minority organisation which represents a diverse range of interests - well-beyond its originally core beneficiary group, Bangladeshi community members - supporting more than 50 different nationalities.
Public benefit
The charity substantially relies on grants, and the trustees give careful consideration to the accessibility of its activities for those on low income.
In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on Public Benefit including, The Public Benefit Requirement (PB1), Running a Charity (PB2) and Reporting (PB3).
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the directors' report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Achievements and performance
We had another busy year at BSC Multicultural Services (BSCMS). Below is a brief summary of our performance, impact and achievements during this period:
Drop-in Support Services - This year we dealt with more than 2500 cases. Demand for this service continues to grow. Clients received advice, guidance and support on a range of issues including benefits, housing, council tax, finance, health issues, hate crime, pensions, filling-in forms, immigration, signposting to mainstream services, etc. This core service was provided by two part-time, bilingual, qualified Advice Officers working 5 days a week. Drop-in on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. A ppointments only on Wednesday for complex cases (double appointments). We support clients of diverse background (more than 65 different nationalities), especially women, elderly people, disabled, family carers, refugees, asylumseekers, etc.
Health and Capacity Building Project - This project organised or supported training and courses to upskill local people and improve individual/organisational capacity. This included staying safe online for children and their families, safeguarding, health & safety, money management workshops, immigration training, roles & responsibilities of trustees, and how to use social media, etc.
Befriending Scheme - More than 110 disadvantaged and socially isolated BME people (men and women) received help and support via home and accompanied visits. We also helped clients to lead active, independent lives through various activities including chair-based exercise, outings, healthy walks, tea clubs for BME men, health-related workshops/seminars.
Supplementary School - Over 250 BME children and their families received support with their learning, physical and sports/recreational activities. This project tackled educational underachievement, addressed anti-social behaviour, promoted citizenship and social cohesion through Saturday school, homework club, sports days, online safety training, health and wellbeing sessions, swimming with parents, educational trips and outings, etc.
Carers Project - Working in partnership with Suffolk Family Carers and other stakeholders, more than 120 BME carers and their families received support through respite breaks, chair-based exercise, tea clubs, healthy walks and health seminars for both men and women in Ipswich and Suffolk. Respite breaks and related activities aside, we signposted clients to other service providers and undertook outreach across Suffolk to raise awareness of caring role within the BME communities.
Sports Project - This project engaged BME people, especially those from Norwich Road and surrounding areas, in a range of sporting activities, including one community cup, and cricket sessions in partnership with Suffolk Cricket, Suffolk FA and ITFC. This project reduced community tension, promoted social integration, and improved health and wellbeing of participants.
Suffolk BME Business Awards - For the 5th year, this biennial event attracted more than 250 people at the University of Suffolk. More than 100 nominations were received from local ethnic businesses and an independent panel of judges selected the winners. This award ceremony recognised and celebrated the contribution of 100s of BME businesses to the local economy and society.
Global Food and Pita Festival - For the 12th year, this annual event attracted around 2000 people of diverse background, celebrating world food and culture. Entries were received from Asian, African, Middle Eastern and Eastern European communities. Independent panel of judges selected the winners. Educational awards were also given to more than 25 students for outstanding performance in GCSEs, A- Levels, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, and volunteering.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the directors' report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
1 BIG Multicultural Festival - For the 12th year, we worked closely with local artists, performers, local councils, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders to make this event a great success. With the support of IBC's Events team, BSCMS promoted diversity through cultures, music, sports and food from around the world. More than 8000 people of diverse background came together at Alexander Park Ipswich and had a great time with family, friends and people from wider communities.
Hardship Fund - This project supported clients: a) by offering hardship grants to individuals/families in need, b) distributing hot meals to the homeless in Ipswich, 3) by offering supermarket vouchers to individuals/families due to cost of living crisis, and 4) liaised with local organisations (statutory and voluntary) to help local vulnerable/disadvantaged people.
Office Refurbishment - Thanks to additional funding from Lottery Community Fund and The Rope Trust, BSCMS was able to secure additional office space at 19 Tower Street, Ipswich and refurbish existing rooms, reception area, meeting room and the corridors. A grade II listed building, our office looked tired and worn out. Modernisation of the office has improved staff, trustees, sessional workers, volunteers and client's confidence, self-esteem and morale.
Above projects/activities were supported by Lottery Community Fund, Lloyds Bank Foundation, Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk County Council, Suffolk Community Foundation, NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB, The Rope Trust, BBC CIN, SAI Estates, 405 Cabs, Suffolk Family Carers, Suffolk Cricket, and Active Suffolk, among others. BSCMS is grateful for their support, financial or otherwise.
Awards and Recognition - In recognition of its outstanding contribution and achievements, BSCMS received a runner-up 'Health Equity Champion' award from NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICS for identifying and supporting more than 100 BME carers and cared for in Ipswich and Suffolk. Boshor Ali, Chair of BSCMS, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Suffolk for more than 25 years of contribution to community development and regeneration. Also, Mohammed Alam, BSCMS Centre Manager, and Mojlum Khan F.R.A.S., Company Secretary and Funding Manager, received 'County Councillor Award' from Suffolk County Council for making a positive difference to the lives of local people over the last two and a half decades.
Future - People of more than 65 different nationalities now access BSCMS services and projects. With the support of existing and new funders, we intend to continue this work. Offer of core Lottery and Lloyds Bank Foundation funding will ensure BSCMS remains a financially stable organisation. At the same time, it is essential to maintain relatively healthy reserves for short-term sustainability and long-term prospects. The trustees and management of BSCMS are aware of the challenges ahead, but the needs of our growing client groups will always be a priority. Thank you.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the directors' report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Financial review
The charity’s income for the year was £318,662 (2024: £372,847) of which £228,788 (2024: £320,427) related to project restricted activities. The charity's expenditure amounted to £330,144 (2024: £277,148) of which £291,266 (2024: £232,227) related to project restricted activities. The net expenditure before transfers on restricted funds is £62,478 (2024: net income of £88,906) and overall net expenditure amounted to £11,482 (2024: net income of £95,699). As a result, total funds have decreased to to £325,035 (2024: £336,517).
Principal funding sources
The principal funding sources for the charity are currently by way of grants, project income from local authorities and other organisations as detailed in the notes to the financial statements.
Reserves policy
The trustees’ policy is to maintain adequate reserves for the following purposes:
-
To enable the BSCMS to fulfill statutory and legal obligations to employees and others.
-
To provide a contingency fund to meet unforeseen falls in income or increases in expenditure.
-
To allow for the orderly wind up of the charity if required.
Historically, the trustees established a designated property fund with the long-term aim of enabling the charity to acquire its own property and thereby help to secure its future.
In the charity’s circumstances the trustees believe it is prudent to maintain reserves of £77,000 (2024: £94,000) which are the equivalent of no less than six months unrestricted expenditure, amounts reserved for cyclical maintenance and a dissolution fund. At 31 March 2025 the charity’s free reserves amounted to £119,691 (2024: £99,948) which is expected and in line with the overall aims of the policy, a position which the trustees feel is prudent given the current economic circumstances and planned changes for the future.
Plans for future periods
BSC Multicultural Services intends to continue its much-needed work in Ipswich and Suffolk, but this is very much dependent upon it being able to access sufficient funding from both local and national sources. The organisation has always been very slim and lean, but maintaining a healthy reserve for organisational sustainability and future prospects is more important now than ever before. The trustees and management of the charity are well aware of this.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the directors' report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Structure, governance and management
Governing document
BSC Multicultural Services also known as BSC or BSCMS, with any of these terms used throughout these accounts, is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The charitable company was incorporated on 30 March 2004 (number 05088364) and its registered charity number is 1104502. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association, which sets out its objects and powers and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
Organisational structure
BSC Multicultural Services is governed by a board of trustees who meet quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. At present the board has 7 members from a variety of backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity. The secretary also attends meetings but has no voting rights.
BSC Multicultural Services employs 2 part time centre managers who are responsible for the day to day provision of services, ensuring that project objectives are met and managing staff and volunteers.
Recruitment and appointment to the board of trustees
The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the trustees are elected at the Annual General Meeting and are listed in the reference and administrative details sections of these accounts.
Further trustees may be appointed at any time, at the discretion of the trustees in accordance with the charity's recruitment policy. Copies of this policy and the trustee "job description" are available on application to the company secretary.
Trustee induction and training
All current trustees are familiar with the work of the charity, the majority having served on the Board for some time and have regular training sessions.
New trustees are invited to attend a meeting with the chairperson and the treasurer to familiarise themselves with the charity and the context within which it operates. The meeting would cover:
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The obligations of being a trustee;
-
An overview of the services the company provides;
-
The main documents which set out the operational framework for the charity including the Memorandum and Articles;
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The financial position as set out in the latest published accounts;
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Future plans and objectives.
Risk management
The trustees have reviewed the financial and operating risks pertaining to the charity and identified key risks to the charity. Policies and procedures are in place to remove or reduce the risks identified. The board reviews and re-appraises risk on an ongoing basis.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the directors' report) (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Independent examiner reappointment
A resolution to appoint A Robinson FCA of Lovewell Blake LLP as independent examiner will be proposed at the next meeting.
Small company provisions
This report has been prepared taking advantage of the small companies' exemption of section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
3/11/2025 The trustees' annual report was approved on .............................. and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
B Ali (Chairperson) Trustee
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of BSC Multicultural Services
Year ended 31 March 2025
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account), balance sheet and the related notes.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company's financial statements as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
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 and Wales (ICAEW), which is one of the listed bodies.
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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
A Robinson FCA Independent Examiner
Lovewell Blake LLP Chartered accountants First Floor Suite 2 Hillside Business Park Bury St Edmunds IP32 7EA 4/11/2025
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account)
Year ended 31 March 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | ||||
| funds | funds | Total funds | Total funds | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 5 | 88,895 | 195,149 | 284,044 | 343,959 |
| Charitable activities | – | 33,041 | 33,041 | 14,853 | |
| Other trading activities | 150 | 210 | 360 | 13,140 | |
| Investment income | 829 | 388 | 1,217 | 895 | |
|
|
|
|
||
| Total income | 89,874 | 228,788 | 318,662 | 372,847 | |
|
|
|
|
||
| Expenditure | |||||
| Charitable activities | 6 | 38,878 | 291,266 | 330,144 | 277,148 |
|
|
|
|
||
| Total expenditure | 38,878 | 291,266 | 330,144 | 277,148 | |
|
|
|
|
||
| Net (expenditure)/income before | transfer of | ||||
| funds | 50,996 | (62,478) | (11,482) | 95,699 | |
| Transfers between funds | (31,253) | 31,253 | – | – | |
|
|
|
|
||
| Net movement in funds | 19,743 | (31,225) | (11,482) | 95,699 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 159,948 | 176,569 | 336,517 | 240,818 | |
|
|
|
|
||
| Total funds carried forward | 179,691 | 145,344 | 325,035 | 336,517 | |
|
|
|
|
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
The notes on pages 11 to 20 form part of these financial statements.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Balance sheet
31 March 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Fixed assets | |||||
| Tangible fixed assets | 10 | 1,654 | 4,853 | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Debtors | 11 | 147,605 | 72,058 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 191,094 | 280,913 | |||
| | | ||||
| 338,699 | 352,971 | ||||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due within | |||||
| one year | 12 | (15,318) | (21,307) | ||
| | | ||||
| Net current assets | 323,381 | 331,664 | |||
| | | ||||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 325,035 | 336,517 | |||
| | | ||||
| Net assets | 325,035 | 336,517 | |||
| | | ||||
| Funds of the charity | |||||
| Restricted funds | 145,344 | 176,569 | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 179,691 | 159,948 | |||
| | | ||||
| Total charity funds | 14 | 325,035 |
336,517 |
For the year ending 31 March 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
-
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
-
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.
These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 3/11/2025 ........................, and are signed on behalf of the board by:
B Ali (Chairperson) Trustee
Company registration number: 05088364
The notes on pages 11 to 20 form part of these financial statements.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2025
1. General information
The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales and a registered charity in England and Wales. The address of the registered office is Room 29, 19 Tower Street, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 3BE.
2. Statement of compliance
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
3. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis.
Going concern
The accounts have been prepared on the on going concern basis and the Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected income and expenditure for the next 12 months from authorising these financial statement. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the Charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
Income tax
As a registered charity, the activities are exempt from United Kingdom Income and Corporation taxation, provided that the income is applied to charitable purposes.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.
Income
All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Income (continued)
-
income from donations or grants is recognised when there is evidence of entitlement to the gift, receipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably.
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income from contracts for the supply of services is recognised with the delivery of the contracted service. This is classified as unrestricted funds unless there is a contractual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and returned if unspent, in which case it may be regarded as restricted.
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Income derived from events is recognised as earned, being when the related events have occurred.
-
Investment income is recognised on a receivable basis.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:
- expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.
Tangible assets
Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:
Office and computer equipment - 25% straight line
Financial instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs, unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where it is recognised at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.
Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised cost.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Defined contribution plans
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.
When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.
4. Limited by guarantee
The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company if it is wound up during the time that he or she is a member, or within one period afterwards, for payment of the debts and liabilities of the company contracted before the time at which he or she ceases to be a member and of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves such amount as may be required not exceeding £1.
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
5. Donations and legacies
Year ended 31 March 2025
| Year ended 31 March 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| funds | funds | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | |||
| Donations | 2,145 | 3,155 | 5,300 |
| Grants | |||
| Suffolk County Council | – | 96,200 | 96,200 |
| Lloyds Bank Foundation | 75,000 | – | 75,000 |
| NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG | – | 55,000 | 55,000 |
| Children in Need | – | 16,654 | 16,654 |
| Rope Trust | – | 15,000 | 15,000 |
| Ipswich Borough Council | 11,000 | 1,740 | 12,740 |
| Suffolk Community Foundation | – | 7,400 | 7,400 |
| East Suffolk Council | 750 | – | 750 |
|
|
|
|
| 88,895 | 195,149 | 284,044 | |
|
|
|
|
| Year ended 31 March 2024 | |||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| funds | funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | |||
| Donations | 3,452 | 273 | 3,725 |
| Grants | |||
| The National Lottery Community Fund | – | 193,062 | 193,062 |
| Suffolk Community Foundation | 12,420 | 31,487 | 43,907 |
| Suffolk County Council | 12,500 | 20,000 | 32,500 |
| NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk CCG | – | 30,241 | 30,241 |
| Ipswich Borough Council | 8,250 | 14,220 | 22,470 |
| Children in Need | – | 17,654 | 17,654 |
| Ipswich Museum | 400 | – | 400 |
|
|
|
|
| 37,022 | 306,937 | 343,959 | |
|
|
|
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Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
6. Expenditure on charitable activities
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2025 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Salaries and payroll costs | 9,317 | 171,724 | 181,041 | |
| Workshops, seminars and events | 363 | 74,876 | 75,239 | |
| Post, stationery, printing and copying | 1,342 | 1,378 | 2,720 | |
| Advertising and promotion | 75 | 6,282 | 6,357 | |
| Support costs | 27,781 | 37,006 | 64,787 | |
|
|
|
||
| 38,878 | 291,266 | 330,144 | ||
|
|
|
||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | ||
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Salaries and payroll costs | 2,265 | 154,963 | 157,228 | |
| Workshops, seminars and events | 21,142 | 51,091 | 72,233 | |
| Post, stationery, printing and copying | – | 2,503 | 2,503 | |
| Advertising and promotion | 635 | 5,659 | 6,294 | |
| Support costs | 20,879 | 18,011 | 38,890 | |
|
|
|
||
| 44,921 | 232,227 | 277,148 | ||
|
|
|
||
| Analysis of support costs | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Rent, rates and service charges | 37,562 | 14,642 | ||
| Insurance | 1,409 | 1,338 | ||
| Telephone and fax | 1,630 | 3,020 | ||
| Office costs | 10,664 | 9,627 | ||
| Computer expenses | 2,428 | 80 | ||
| Depreciation | 3,199 | 3,437 | ||
| Independent examiners fee | 3,462 | 3,546 | ||
| Miscellaneous expenses | 4,433 | 3,200 | ||
|
|
|||
| 64,787 | 38,890 | |||
|
|
|||
| 7. | Net (expenditure)/income | |||
| Net (expenditure)/income is stated after | charging/(crediting): | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Depreciation of tangible fixed assets | 3,199 |
3,437 |
- 15 -
Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
8. Staff costs
The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Wages and salaries | 170,956 | 151,698 |
| Social security costs | 9,512 | 5,530 |
| Employer contributions to pension plans | 573 | – |
|
|
|
| 181,041 | 157,228 | |
|
|
Key management personnel
Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the charity. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £117,612 (2024: £97,546).
The average head count of employees during the year was 7 (2024: 10).
No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year (2024: Nil).
9. Trustee remuneration and expenses
The trustees neither received nor waived any remuneration during the year (2024: £Nil).
No trustee received reimbursement for expenses in the year (2024: one trustee £212).
10. Tangible fixed assets
| Office and | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| computer | |||
| equipment | |||
| £ | |||
| Cost | |||
| At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 | 35,126 | ||
|
|||
| Depreciation | |||
| At 1 April 2024 | 30,273 | ||
| Charge for the year | 3,199 | ||
|
|||
| At 31 March 2025 | 33,472 | ||
|
|||
| Carrying amount | |||
| At 31 March 2025 | 1,654 | ||
|
|||
| At 31 March 2024 | 4,853 | ||
|
|||
| 11. | Debtors | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Prepayments and accrued income | 147,605 | 72,058 | |
|
|
- 16 -
Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| Trade creditors | 49 | 1,827 | |
| Accruals and deferred income | 3,462 | 19,480 | |
| Other creditors | 11,807 | – | |
|
|
||
| 15,318 | 21,307 | ||
|
|
||
| 13. | Deferred income | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| At 1 April 2024 | 16,654 | 85,808 | |
| Amount released to income | (16,654) | (85,808) | |
| Amount deferred in year | – | 16,654 | |
|
|
||
| At 31 March 2025 | – | 16,654 | |
|
|
Deferred income relates to conditional grant income received in the year in respect of projects being completed in following years.
14. Analysis of charitable funds
Restricted funds
| Restricted funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer | |||||
| At 1 April | between | At 31 March | |||
| 2024 | Income | Expenditure | funds | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Tenants Support | 837 | 2,502 | (3,386) | 47 | – |
| Supplementary School | 5,901 | 17,428 | (21,119) | – | 2,210 |
| Multicultural Festival | – | 14,772 | (13,778) | – | 994 |
| Carers Project | 22,686 | 6,580 | (24,254) | – | 5,012 |
| Seeds for Change | 11,181 | 3,205 | (9,590) | – | 4,796 |
| Integrated Care Board | |||||
| (Formerly Social | |||||
| Prescribing Service) | 12,131 | 55,000 | (20,521) | – | 46,610 |
| Miscellaneous Projects | 4,579 | 16,022 | (21,142) | 4,781 | 4,240 |
| Hardship fund | 522 | 8,004 | (7,904) | – | 622 |
| Empowering BME | |||||
| Communities | 118,732 | 2,000 | (134,657) | 13,925 | – |
| Suffolk Outreach - | |||||
| Felixstowe | – | 8,275 | (2,236) | – | 6,039 |
| Income maximiser | – | – | (5,676) | 12,500 | 6,824 |
| Health & Capacity | |||||
| Building Project | – | 80,000 | (17,494) | – | 62,506 |
| Rope Trust | – | 15,000 | (9,509) | – | 5,491 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 176,569 | 228,788 | (291,266) | 31,253 | 145,344 | |
|
|
|
|
|
- 17 -
Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
| Transfer | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At 1 April | between | At 31 March | |||
| 2023 | Income | Expenditure | funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Tenants Support | 362 | 5,220 | (4,745) | – | 837 |
| Supplementary School | 8,529 | 17,805 | (20,433) | – | 5,901 |
| Multicultural Festival | 619 | 14,025 | (15,350) | 706 | – |
| Carers Project | 13,388 | 25,257 | (15,959) | – | 22,686 |
| Seeds for Change | 6,271 | 16,000 | (11,090) | – | 11,181 |
| Social Prescribing | |||||
| Service | 31,812 | 32,832 | (52,513) | – | 12,131 |
| Miscellaneous Projects | 4,466 | 3,913 | (3,800) | – | 4,579 |
| Euro Legacy | 2,075 | – | (2,075) | – | – |
| Hardship Fund | 5,433 | 12,313 | (17,224) | – | 522 |
| Empowering BME | |||||
| Communities | 14,708 | 193,062 | (89,038) | – | 118,732 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 87,663 | 320,427 | (232,227) | 706 | 176,569 | |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted fund purposes:
The Tenants Project provides support to IBC tenants in connection with their housing and tenancy related issues.
Supplementary School runs a homework club, Saturday school, sports days and educational trips/outings for the benefit of 100s of disadvantaged children, young people and their families.
Multicultural Festival relates to income received specifically for the annual event usually held in September in Ipswich.
The Carers' Project engages BME carers and their families with respite breaks, signposting to mainstream services and other activities to help them in their caring role.
Seeds for Change, funded by IBC and other partners, is a sports project being delivered as planned and will be completed soon.
Integrated Care Board (Formerly Social Prescribing Service) funding is a partnership between BSCMS and NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB aimed at improving the health and well-being of BME people through a range of health-related events and activities, focusing on prevention rather than cure.
Miscellaneous Projects are various restricted balances accumulated together for presentational and bookkeeping purposes, and these are managed and recorded separately for accountability. A transfer from the general fund was made in the current year to top up this fund following unanticipated overspends on these projects.
The Hardship Fund relates to income received specifically for the purposes of assisting those in periods of hardship.
Suffolk Outreach - Felixstowe relates to income received specifically for engaging BME people in community engagement events and activities in and around Felixstowe.
Income maximiser is income funding relating to funds received specifically to raise awareness and understanding of how to maximise income aimed at BME people, focusing on those with low income. A transfer into the general fund was also made in the current year to top up unanticipated overspends.
- 18 -
Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
Health & Capacity Building Project relates to income received specifically for improving the health and wellbeing of BME people in Ipswich and building capacity for individuals and organisations through a range of training/courses.
Rope Trust funding covered a combination of core staff and organisational costs. This helped to sustain BSCMS's core function.
The following restricted projects have been completed:
The Empowering BME Communities fund relates to income received specifically for the purposes of the fund. A transfer from the general fund was made in the current year to top up this fund following unanticipated overspends on these projects.
Unrestricted funds
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer | |||||
| At 1 April | between | At 31 March | |||
| 2024 | Income | Expenditure | funds | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General fund | 99,948 | 89,874 | (38,878) | (31,253) | 119,691 |
| Designated Premises | |||||
| fund | 60,000 | – | – | – | 60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 159,948 | 89,874 | (38,878) | (31,253) | 179,691 | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Transfer | |||||
| At 1 April | between | At 31 March | |||
| 2023 | Income | Expenditure | funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| General fund | 93,155 | 52,420 | (44,921) | (706) | 99,948 |
| Designated Premises | |||||
| fund | 60,000 | – | – | – | 60,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 153,155 | 52,420 | (44,921) | (706) | 159,948 | |
|
|
|
|
|
The trustees have decided to designate funds with the long term aim of enabling the charity to acquire its own property and thereby help to secure its future. Each year this is reviewed and where possible, amounts are transferred from the general fund.
- 19 -
Docusign Envelope ID: 6E7B6075-BB25-408F-913C-AE60B6273625
BSC Multicultural Services
Company Limited by Guarantee
Notes to the financial statements (continued)
Year ended 31 March 2025
15. Analysis of net assets between funds
As at 31 March 2025
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Tangible fixed assets | 1,581 | – | 73 | 1,654 |
| Net current assets | 118,110 | 60,000 | 145,271 | 323,381 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Net assets | 119,691 | 60,000 | 145,344 | 325,035 |
|
|
|
|
|
| As at 31 March 2024 | ||||
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | Total Funds | |
| Funds | Funds | Funds | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Tangible fixed assets | 3,510 | – | 1,343 | 4,853 |
| Net current assets | 96,438 | 60,000 | 175,226 | 331,664 |
|
|
|
|
|
| Net assets | 99,948 | 60,000 | 176,569 | 336,517 |
|
|
|
|
16. Related parties
There were no related party transaction in this or the prior year.
- 20 -