ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022 The Queens Award foTVolvnt•ry Servi(• ILJlllJi.LJL ## ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022 ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED Financial Statements for the year ended 31st March 2022 ## **FACES Bedford** Company limited by guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No: 5372026 Registered Office: Church Lane Community Centre. 147 Church Lane, Bedford MK41 0PW Registered Charity No: 1108574 Honorary President: Lady Valerie Skeet ## ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022 CONTENTS **Reference and Administrative Information...............4 Chair’s Introduction........................................................5 Report of the Board of Trustees...................................6 Report from the SLT.......................................................11 Trustees’ Responsibilities for the Accounts..............12 Independent Examiner’s Report to the Members on the Unaudited Financial Statements....................13 Statement of Financial Activities...............................14 Balance Sheet.................................................................15 Notes to the Financial Statements.............................17** ## REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE Information ## **Trustees:-** ## **Name of Charity:-** FACES Bedford Eve Burt (Chairman) David Twigden (Treasurer) ## **Registered Charity:-** No.1108574 ## **Company Limited by Guarantee:-** No.5372026 ## **Registered Office:-** Church Lane Community Centre 147 Church Lane Bedford MK41 0PW Jennie Bayliss Susannah Bradley Sarah Janes Caroline Leonard Eoin Longworth Sue Turner Chris Young ## **CEO** Wendie Harvey ## **Telephone Number:-** 01234 270601 ## **Website Address: -** ## **Senior Leadership Team:-** Michaela Martindale Amy Archer Hazel Kumar www.facesbedford.org ## **Bankers:-** Royal Bank of Scotland plc Bedford Branch, 15–19 Mill Street Bedford MK40 3EU ## **Independent Examiner and Reporting Accountants:-** Addison Accounts 26 Halsey Road Kempston MK42 8AT ## **Solicitors:-** Woodfines LLP Solicitors 16 St. Cuthberts Street Bedford MK40 3JG page 4 ## CHAIR’S Introduction The FACES Annual Report for 2021-22 yet again shows that innovation and creativity are always at the forefront of what we do here in Bedford. The gradual coming out of pandemic restrictions, responding to the, sometimes dramatic, effects there had been on some families situations and mental health, and working towards new and challenging projects to bring support, advice and friendship to those who need it most. The charity and not for profit world has overall found this one of the most challenging years. Funds that were utilised during peak pandemic times have left Trusts depleted and fund - giving organisations facing their own challenges. We are hugely grateful to the funders noted later in this report for standing with us and continuing to fund the life-changing work carried out under the FACES banner. This report will give you the facts and figures behind our work, but all the detail is only there because of an extraordinary staff team, who work tirelessly and with purpose to ensure our projects are relevant, innovative and are ‘fit for purpose’ in an ever-changing world. The volunteer team gives so freely of their time and energies in support of all out families and projects and must be commended for their commitment to FACES. At the end of the 2021-22 year our Chief Executive Wendie Harvey retired from the organisation to pursue other interests. We are indebted to Wendie for her 15 years with the team and for her wider work in support of families in the Bedford area. > I am grateful to my fellow Trustees. They have a wealth of expertise and give of their time freely - **putting families first** we are fortunate to have a group of diverse skills and talents. The year ahead might prove challenging across the country and the world; finances will be tight and work will not reduce, but I know that everyone involved with FACES will give 100% of their energies and expertise. I never cease to be amazed and humbled by the energy, commitment and positivity shown by all connected with us. ## **putting families first** FACES carries on apace, in family support, sexual exploitation work, domestic abuse, poverty issues and in new projects we strive for excellence in all we do, with families at the heart of our work. ## **Eve Burt Chairman** page 5 ## **Report of the Board of Trustees** The Board presents its report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022 ## **Objectives and Activities** FACES Memorandum and Articles of Association states:- - “The objects for which FACES Bedford is established are:- - to safeguard, protect and preserve the good health, both mental and physical of children and parents of children - to prevent cruelty to or maltreatment of children - to relieve sickness, poverty and need amongst children and parents of children - to promote the education of the public in better standards of childcare in particular, within the area of England.” ## **Appointment of Board Members** The Board Members, who are the trustees of FACES and the directors of the company for the purposes of the Companies Act, are also members of the company. Board Members are recruited and co-opted following the requirements of the governing documents and when appropriate a skills audit is carried out. All new board members co-opted stand for election by the members at the next Annual General Meeting. ## **Induction and Training of Board Members** To help new Board Members become familiar with FACES work and with their new duties they have an opportunity to visit the FACES office to meet staff and be briefed about FACES. Each Board Member will receive an application pack during their initial interview with the Chairman and Board. New members have an induction session to spend time with the SLT and/or the Chairman to work through the induction pack and be updated on current issues. ## **MISSION** FACES supports families so that they can provide a safer, happier and healthier home in which their children can thrive and reach their full potential. ## **VISION** - To become the pre-eminent charity for the provision of early help services to children in Bedford Borough. - To remain flexible, spontaneous and creative to meet the changing needs of the local community. - To recruit both employees and volunteers from the local community and provide them with high quality training to give back to our community. page 4 ## **Risk Management** The major risks to which FACES are exposed as identified by the Board, have been reviewed and systems or procedures have been established to manage those risks on an ongoing basis. ## **Governing Documents** The Board Members meet quarterly to review and set strategic objectives. Regular monitoring of FACES principal activities is delegated to sub-groups. The current sub groups are:- - Finance and Funding - Quality - Health and Safety / Environmental The SLT and CEO are responsible for the day-to-day management of FACES affairs, for implementing policies agreed by the Board and is assisted by a team of Practitioners and support staff FACES is firmly rooted in the local community and is known by our partners to be proficient and competent in engaging with the families who do not traditionally access universal services. We reach families through a team of dedicated and inspirational volunteers and staff who offer parent-support and support to young people which enables us to deliver non-stigmatising and respectful ‘Early Help’ services. - Managing Change - People sub group.. This structure enables a clear focus on policy and procedure review and offers managerial support within a clear framework. FACES' aspiration is that children are safe, healthy and creative with the personal confidence, skills and opportunities to achieve and contribute more than thought possible and that they are supported in being part of resilient, healthy and happy families. ## **Induction and Training of Board Members Think Family** We will engage a full range of partners to help support parents/carers in providing a healthier, happier and safer home for their child(ren). **Think Child** We will make sure we understand our local populations of children and young people - taking action early as soon as possible to tackle emerging problems. ## **Think Community** We will make sure we understand and engage with the communities we serve. We will apply a bottom up approach when identifying emerging needs and designing services to meet those needs. ## **Think** We will ensure that our volunteers and staff receive excellent and regular training and support. We will work closely with partners to learn with them and from them. page 4 page 7 ## **Measuring our Social Impact** ## **In 2021/22** FACES measures the extent to which our work makes a difference and how outcomes are achieved through regular evaluation with families, volunteers and referrers. We have developed a web outcome tool which is child-focused and designed to capture the journey of change for each family and their child(ren). We use this tool to summarise how well we are doing on specific areas of support such as Domestic Abuse, child behaviour and safeguarding issues and concerns etc. **9** Trustees **9** Staff **39** Volunteers _**supported**_ **146 F** amilies including **272** Children ## **Safeguarding Children** FACES is committed to:- - Promoting a culture where issues about safeguarding the welfare of children are addressed and that there **Induction and Training of Board Members** - is a clear line of accountability. - Ensuring that we comply with the Local Safeguarding Children Board procedures. - Ensuring that all front line staff and volunteers receive mandatory safeguarding training and that our strict safer recruitment procedures are adhered to. - The maintenance of accurate recording and effective arrangements for information sharing. page 4page 8 ## **Partnership Working** FACES' aim is to improve services and outcomes for children and their families. FACES has an excellent reputation for working in partnership with different agencies such as health, social services, voluntary organisations and education, ensuring services are complementary, co-ordinated and community-orientated. Developing these relationships has ensured that FACES remains consistent in offering a tailored package of support which is unique to the services it offers. FACES participates in various partnership working and development boards to ensure that the services offered are effective, joined-up and shaped around individuals and communities. These external involvements include:- - Member of the Bedford Borough Safeguarding Children Board on behalf of the VOCypf (Voluntary Organisation Consortium for Young People and Families). - Executive member (Vice Chair) of the Voluntary Organisations Consortium for young people and families. - Attending and reporting at Child Protection Conference meetings and other professional meetings as required. - Consultation with the Local Authority, Central Government and Health. **Moments and Milestones 20212022** ## **lunch parcels** 590 - **590 Lunch Parcels** during Easter and Summer Holidays - **119 Easter Bunny Egg deliveries** - Our **Christmas Party** was attended by Santa and 209 individuals. Each child had a visit to Santa where they were given a gift. Each family left with some extra goodies. - Our first ever **Christmas pop up shop** was established to ensure parents who were struggling financially had gifts to give their children on Christmas morning. - Our **Summer Gulliver’s trip** was attended by 180 individuals. This annual trip provides an enjoyable day out for children who wouldn’t ordinarily have an experience such as this. - In Summer we partnered with Early Childhood Partnership and Bedford Blues Foundation to provide a provision for the HAF (Holiday Activities and Food ) programme. Our element **providee family support and guidance to Bulgarian families** . - Consortium partner with the Early Childhood Partnership. - Membership of the Bedford Independent Poverty Action Group (BedIPAG) In addition FACES continues to share resources with other local voluntary organisations including training opportunities, mentoring support and consultation. page 4page 9 In May 2021 I began volunteering with FACES. Not being able to work due to the pandemic, I found myself thinking about lonely and vulnerable people who depended on others for support. This made me reach out to FACES because I feel passionately about helping families with young children. After intense and invaluable training I began supporting a young family. My weekly visits involve taking Mum and baby to the Family centre run by FACES, where we enjoy lots of activities. We also do various things in the family home, playing games, cooking or visits to the park. I offer emotional and practical support whenever it is needed, and very much enjoy knowing that the family look forward to my visits and they are grateful for the support they receive from FACES. **Katrina** ## **Volunteers** All volunteers attend the 40 hour induction training and complete the LSCB e-learning on Awareness of Child Abuse and Neglect (core version) as part of this compulsory process. **Induction and Training of Volunteers** FACES volunteers reflect the diversity of our communities. They provide us with a wealth of understanding about their lives and that of the area they live in. We value and encourage time in the volunteer training to discuss life experiences. Volunteers are supervised on a regular basis in line with the family review. This is approximately every six weeks for the majority of our volunteers. During this supervision, volunteers are encouraged to develop their skills through further e-learning in areas of interest to them such as Mental Health, Domestic Abuse etc. This forms a key part of the learning which has been invaluable in creating and improving services, promoting volunteering opportunities and it gives us a better understanding of family life in Bedford Borough. We have robust safer recruitment policies and procedures. Our volunteers come to us with a wide variety of reasons for wanting to volunteer. Some are empty nesters and some want to explore the possibility of working to bring more experience to vocational and further educational courses. We always welcome volunteers who have previously been supported by FACES and feel they want to give something back and help a family in a situation that was similar to their own. To the 39 FACES volunteers who supported children and their families throughout 2021/2022 page 4 page 10 ## REPORT FROM THE SLT The FACES team continued to provide exceptional support to the families we engaged with and our wider community. We adapted and evolved in response to the ever-changing lockdowns, restrictions and government guidance. This flexibility ensured there were no gaps in support and our families’ needs were being met. During these unprecedented times, we received an extremely high number of calls from families experiencing financial difficulty and crisis. We were able to support these families with foodbank vouchers, one-off emergency fuel payments and signposting to other agencies. Through our crisis funds, we were able to support families in need of white goods, emergency clothing, household items and school uniforms. We saw an increase in families fleeing domestic abuse and being placed in temporary accommodation. Quite often, this would be in a hotel or an unfurnished property. We created basic supply packages to issue to families on the same day. As we begin to recover from the pandemic, we are seeing emerging issues arise. Many families experienced extreme isolation resulting in increased mental health difficulties. Babies and toddlers had minimal social interaction with their peers and wider family members. This has affected their social and emotional development that we anticipate will become more apparent as they head towards school readiness. We are confident that FACES is in a strong position to continue to adapt to meeting the changing needs of vulnerable families, children and young people. However, demand has continued to grow and fundraising is under great pressure. We are in the early stages of a cost of living crisis and energy price rise, which is going to push the families we support and many others, into poverty or even further into poverty. It will be even more important in the coming months and years to redouble our fundraising efforts, and think creatively about how we generate the funds that we need to continue. It is also important to us that we maintain our identity as a local, independent and pre-eminent admin@facesbedford.org family support charity. 01234 270601 The Senior Leadership Team would like to express their gratitude to the FACES Team, www.facesbedford.org Trustees and volunteers for their continued dedication and commitment despite FACESBedford conquering personal challenges brought on by the pandemic. The FACES team will continue to be present, responsive and beacon of hope for our families and the wider community. page 11 ## TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ACCOUNTS The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: - Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. - Observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP. - Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that 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 Companies Act 2006, Financial Reporting Standards in so far as they are appropriate to the charity, and with the Statements of Recommended Practice issued by the Charity Commission. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. In so far as the Trustees are aware: - there is no relevant information of which the company's reporting accountants are unaware; and - the Trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the reporting accountants are aware of that information. **By order of the Board:** **Eve Burt Date: 05.12.22** page 12 ## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FACES BEDFORD ## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Faces Bedford ('the Company')** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 March 2022. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act'). Having satisfied myself that the accounts 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 charity's accounts 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 your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of FCA 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: - 1.accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts 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 4. the accounts 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 but do have the following observations Trustees Annual Report was not available. There are 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. Craig Dyer Addison Accounts & Training Ltd page 13 Date: ....15/11/22.................. FACES BEDFORD STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022 The notes form part of these financial statements page 14 FACES BEDFORD BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2022 2022 Total fllnds 2021 Total fi￿d$ funds FLiTD ASSETS Tangible assets io 7.712 7,712 13,824 CITIUiENT ASSETS Debtors Cash in hand 7S,027 92,856 13?23 148,738 113,383 256,037 241,593 167.882 162,061 329943 369,420 CREDITORS Amouuts fallllig due ￿-1th1n Ime year 12 (31574) (15,833) (47.407) (68,075) ET CUIUiENry ASSETS 136J08 146228 282,536 301,345 TOTAL ASSETS LESS ci]Ul￿ 144,020 146228 290248 315,169 NET ASSETS 144,020 146228 290248 315,169 page IS ## FACES BEDFORD BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2022 CONTINUED page 16 ## FACES BEDFORD BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2022 CONTINUED page 16 FACES BEDFORD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022 ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of Section 1A "Small Entities" of Financial Reporting Standard 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. **Subsequently to the year end, the global health crisis caused by Coronavirus (COVID -19) has had a significant impact on all businesses. The trustees have assessed the potential impact of this uncertain situation on the charity and does not consider that it will lead to any subsequent impairment of the reported amount of the value of assets. Contingency plans have been put in place in order to mitigate the negative effects of any period of interrupted trading, which will enable the charity to continue as a going concern.** ## **Income** All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. ## **Expenditure** Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. ## **Raising funds** Restricted funds are to be used for specified purposes laid down by the donor. Expenditure for those purposes is charged to the fund, together with a fair allocation of overheads and support costs. ## **Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources received or generated for expenditure on the general objectives of the charity.** ## **Designated funds are unrestricted funds which have been designated for specific purposes by the trustees.** ## **Pensions** The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for the benefit of the employees. The assets of the scheme are administered by trustees in a fund independent from those of the charity. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the profit and loss account in the period to which they relate. page 17 FACES BEDFORD NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022 ## **Tangible fixed assets** Depreciation is calculated to write down the cost of fixed assets over their expected useful lives. ## **The rates and methods generally applicable are:** **Fixtures and fittings 15% - on cost Office equipment 15% - on cost Computers 15% - on cost** Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Minor additions of less than £250 are not capitalised. ## **Taxation** **The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.** page 18 **Objectives and Activities** office@facesbedford.org 01234 270601 www.facesbedford.org FACESBedford