2025-09-30-accounts

All Nations Community Centre Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 30 September 2025

The Board of Trustees are pleased to present its annual report. The trustees, who are also the directors of the charity under the Companies House Act 2006, present their report with the financial statement of the year commencing 1[st] October 2024 to 30[th] September 2025.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to small charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 01 January 2015).

Structure, Governance and Management

All Nations Community Centre is a charitable company limited by guarantee incorporated on 16[th] September 2005 and registered as a charity on 26[th] October 2005. The Company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound member are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.00.

The aim of the organisation in line with the Memorandum and Articles of Association are to:

• The aim of the organisation is to improve the quality of life for residents of the City of Gloucester, with a particular focus on supporting those of African-Caribbean heritage, while promoting inclusion and equality for all without discrimination.

• We aim to work collaboratively with local authorities, voluntary organisations, and the wider community to advance education and provide facilities and activities that promote social welfare, recreation, and positive use of leisure time.

• The organisation seeks to establish, maintain, and manage the Community Centre as a welcoming and inclusive hub for community-

led programmes, services, and activities that further these charitable objectives.

• ANCC operates as a non-political and non-sectarian organisation and aligns itself with networks and organisations that share similar charitable purposes.

How We Achieve Our Aims

We achieve these aims by delivering activities and services that enrich the lives of residents of Gloucester and the surrounding areas, particularly those of African-Caribbean heritage, while fostering inclusion, connection, and community cohesion.

Our principal activities focus on:

• Promoting social engagement, cultural celebration, and community entertainment

• Enhancing educational opportunities and recreational activities

• Encouraging active community participation, empowerment, and personal development

• Creating opportunities for association, connection, and lasting friendships

Through these initiatives, ANCC continues to provide a welcoming and supportive environment that strengthens community ties and promotes wellbeing.

The All Nations Community Centre (ANCC) is a registered charity with a wholly owned trading subsidiary, All Nations Social Club Ltd (ANSC), which commenced trading in October 2019 following guidance from the Charity Commission.

ANSC operates as the Charity’s trading arm and supports the financial sustainability of the Centre. While the Centre has continued to grow in popularity overall, there was a decline in hall hire during the 2024–2025 reporting period due to licensing restrictions relating to Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for late-night events. In addition, the Centre was closed to the public for a period while essential building efficiency improvements were undertaken.

Despite these challenges, ANSC has continued to pay its agreed monthly rent, which has contributed towards ANCC’s operational costs. ANCC wish to extend its thanks to ANSC for its contributions over the reporting periods and looks forward to working together more closely to achieve the aims of the Charity.

Appointment and Governance of Trustees

The Charity’s governing document permits the Charity, by ordinary resolution, to increase or reduce the number of committee members and to appoint individuals who are committed to furthering the Charity’s objects, either to fill casual vacancies or to strengthen the existing management structure.

It remains the policy of ANCC that all prospective committee members complete a formal application process. Trustees are required to familiarise themselves with the Charity’s governing document, charitable objectives, values, and key operational policies, including the Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policy.

During the 2024–2025 financial year, four new Trustees were appointed to strengthen board capacity, and one Trustee resigned. The new appointments supported key functional roles, including Treasurer, Secretary, Building Lead, and Children’s Entertainment coordination.

Responsibilities of the Trustees

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual 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 that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

• Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;

• Observe the requirements of the Charities SORP;

• Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and

• Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.

Governance and Management

During the financial period, the Trustees met regularly, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in September 2024 and the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held in July 2025.

During the year, Trustees identified weaknesses in the timeliness and consistency of information presented to the Board, including instances where information was subsequently found to be outdated or incomplete. This impacted the Board’s ability to exercise fully informed oversight and contributed to delays in certain strategic and operational matters.

The Trustees acknowledge their collective responsibility for ensuring robust governance, effective internal controls, and accurate reporting. Steps have therefore been initiated to:

• Strengthen financial oversight processes;

• Improve the accuracy and timeliness of management information;

• Clarify Trustee and officer roles and responsibilities;

• Enhance record-keeping procedures; and

• Reinforce compliance with Charity Commission guidance and trustee duties.

The Board remains committed to strengthening governance standards, improving transparency, and ensuring that decisions are based on accurate and up-to-date information.

Operational Management and Risk

A standard booking form is used for all hires. All new hirers are provided with a guided induction of the facilities and informed of their responsibilities, including health and safety requirements. Fire safety tests are conducted regularly, and equipment inspections are carried out annually by an appropriately accredited external body.

The Trustees actively review the risks facing the Centre and assess the ongoing need for adequate resources to support the maintenance, safety, and upkeep of the building.

Membership of the Centre is open to all individuals aged 18 years and over.

The Trustees collectively oversee the strategic direction of the Centre and are responsible for ensuring compliance with legal, financial, governance, and risk management requirements, including health and safety obligations. ANCC is a company limited by guarantee with charitable status and no share capital. In the event of liquidation, the liability of each member is limited to £1.00. The Charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Achievements and Performance

All Nations Community Centre (ANCC) continues to support a wide range of projects that benefit vulnerable individuals and families in Gloucester and the surrounding areas. This is achieved through supporting established user groups and enabling local community-led initiatives.

We maintain positive working relationships with existing partners and collaborate with statutory organisations to support shared objectives and ensure appropriate provision for our service users.

Partnerships and Connectivity -

The Centre continues to be hired weekly by Black Elders Day Centre and Ebony Community Carers Group. Gloucester Windrush Meal Venture also uses the Centre at no cost on a weekly basis; this needs to be reviewed.

ANCC maintains compliance with statutory and regulatory bodies including the Charity Commission, Companies House, and local Police and Council Licensing Teams, ensuring operations remain aligned with the Centre’s charitable aims and legal obligations.

Marketing and Promotion of the Centre -

Marketing activity has previously included a bi-monthly newsletter, information points within the Centre, a website presence, and multiple social media platforms. These initiatives were well received. The Board intends to strengthen marketing activity in the next financial year through the recruitment or designation of a Marketing and Advertising Lead.

Use of Assets -

Income generated through the hire and rental of the Centre remains the Charity’s principal source of income.

Cultural Programme and Activities -

Core work includes supporting the needs of African-Caribbean communities

and the wider local community. ANCC disseminates information and promotes engagement through its social media platforms and community networks. The Centre continues to support the weekly Wednesday Club, which has evolved since its formation in 2020. ANCC has also supported the development of Friends of ANCC, a parent and carer-led group which, between 2022 and 2025, has delivered a range of successful Play Activity Days. It is estimated that Friends of ANCC has engaged approximately 300 children and families annually over this four-year period.

Provision of a Community Wellbeing Hub -

ANCC remains committed to serving as a community wellbeing hub, with a particular focus on supporting members and service users from AfricanCaribbean communities and addressing issues that affect their social and economic wellbeing.

Modernisation of Financial Processes -

During the year, improvements were initiated within the accounts function through the introduction of an online system (Dext) for the retention of invoices and receipts. This forms the first phase of strengthening internal processes and financial controls.

Trading Subsidiary -

The trading subsidiary, All Nations Social Club Ltd, currently operates three days per week: Sundays and Mondays (19:00–00:00) and Wednesdays (12:00– 18:00). Operating arrangements will be reviewed during the next financial year to ensure alignment with the Charity’s strategic objectives and sustainability plans.

Financial Review

During the financial year 1[st] October 2024 to 30[th] September 2025, total income amounted to £80,740. Of this, £39,081 related to restricted funding from the VSCE Grant and £3,000 represented a further restricted donation.

Total expenditure for the year was £79,474, including the full utilisation of the restricted VSCE grant funding. The Charity reported a net surplus of £1,266 for the year.

The VSCE grant was awarded to improve the energy efficiency of the Centre. As a result, the following improvements were completed during the year:

• Insulation of the front and side walls

• Upgraded lighting in the car park

• Upgrading of internal taps

• Installation of internal sensor lighting

These improvements are expected to contribute to reduced utility costs and improved environmental sustainability in future periods.

The Trustees are satisfied that the Charity remains a going concern.

Reserves

Trustees have reviewed financial management processes during the year and identified areas for improvement in reporting accuracy and oversight. Steps are being implemented to strengthen financial controls, improve the timeliness of management information, and enhance budget monitoring procedures.

The Trustees recognise that the Charity’s continued sustainability depends on maintaining adequate levels of unrestricted reserves. The Board is working towards strengthening its reserves position through improved financial oversight, cost control, and the development of additional income generation streams to improve financial resilience in the forthcoming year.

Future Plans

The primary focus for 2025/2026 is to strengthen board and leadership capacity while addressing overdue building repairs and organisational development priorities.

The Charity will continue developing programmes in line with its constitution and licensing requirements, including pursuing DCMS VCSE funding opportunities to further improve the Centre’s energy efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Due to a reduction in board capacity during the year, Trustees have identified the need to strengthen governance and leadership capability. An external agency has been approached to support this development.

Priorities for 2025/2026

• Continue organisational development work with Black South West Network, prioritising the business model and strategic plan

• Review and implement improvements to the Centre’s booking system

• Develop relationships with other Black-led organisations within the South West and Midlands

• Identify and undertake training to strengthen organisational capacity

• Develop additional income generation activities

• Review organisational infrastructure and explore appropriate staffing arrangements

• Develop and strengthen policies and procedures to ensure clarity, compliance, and shared understanding, including the constitution, code of conduct, conflict of interest arrangements, safeguarding, and financial management policies

• Address building repair and maintenance requirements through dynamic risk assessments and income planning to ensure ongoing health and safety compliance

• Provide training for Trustees/Directors to ensure they fully understand and can effectively perform their roles and responsibilities

• Recruit individuals with strong business, finance, and marketing expertise to enhance board capability

• Recruit individuals with relevant expertise to review, design, and lead the implementation of a sustainable members’ benefit scheme

The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Report above.

Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees.

Dominique Williams Trustee

Date :