2023-04-05-accounts - Maria Relief Fund

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From: 6[th] April 202 Period start date To: 5[th] April 2023 Period end date

Charity name: Maria Relief Fund

Charity registration number: 1113029

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in governing document	Para 1.17	Our goal is to bring relief to families and children suffering poverty and distress, whether due to political oppression, national disaster or any other cause, primarily in countries where there is little charitable aid. Education plays a key role in improving social mobility and so we direct a lot of our work toward facilitating access to education, which is so often unavailable.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	Maria Relief Fund has established a child- sponsorship scheme in Ukraine, whose everyday management is entrusted to a team of local volunteers. Their natural understanding of their own country’s society and culture is invaluable, and they enjoy personal contact with the children and families involved. We have tried to visit them annually since 2007 when we started to help them. In the period of coronavirus and the current war, we were able to arrange several visits by one of our coordinators. As trustees we are pleased to say that we have been able to make a significant change to distressed children’s and families’ lives. We are operating in three communities, and for each community we have appointed a community mother who coordinates the work. Natalia, who was an English teacher in a local college, is responsible for the main activities. We have also involved several churches, and there are more than ten priests amongst our local volunteers. We have been given an office for the Maria Relief Fund in the cathedral at Chortkiv, the largest of the three communities where the charity operates, and we have also established a Maria Community Centre there.

		We are fortunate to be operating in the west of Ukraine, in a region (Ternopil) which is relatively safe from the threat of war damage. Since the war in Ukraine began, many Ukrainians have arrived in London. We were able to assist them in establishing a Ukrainian community centre in a Catholic church in the Leyton area of East London. Since 2015 we have helped the Baobab centre, a registered charity which supports the wellbeing of adolescents in exile, and they they work in partnership with us in one of their projects.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	It is important to confirm that we referred to the advice contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Trust’s aims and objectives and setting the grant making policy? for the year.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

	SORP reference
Policy on grant making	Para 1.38	1.Purpose The purpose of this policy is to set out the principles, criteria and processes that govern how the Maria Relief Fund makes grants to individuals and organisations. A grant is defined as a financial award made by the Maria Relief Fund from its funds to individuals and organisations. The charity may also choose to pay directly for items or services for an intended beneficiary or in support a particular project, in lieu of a financial grant. 2.Policy Statement Grants will be made primarily to individuals, resident in the UK, who can demonstrate need and to organisations whose purposes and intended beneficiaries are consonant with the objects of the Maria Relief Fund. In the case of organisations, applicants must be registered

charities, not-for-profit organisations, local authorities or NHS providers of services. 3. Grant Application Application forms for grants are available from the trustees - address to follow. There is no deadline for applications and all will be acknowledged. The trustees generally meet once every two months. At these meetings, having reviewed all applications received in the previous months, the trustees approve the grants to be made to the successful applicants. 4. Criteria The main criteria used to assess a grant are: that the purpose(s) of the grant is/are consonant with the charitable objects of the Maria Relief Fund that the amount applied for and the grant period timescale indicated is appropriate for the realisation of the grant’s purpose(s) that the individual or organisation can demonstrate competence and enthusiasm towards realising the outcomes described in the application that, to the best of the trustees’ knowledge, the individual or organisation is in good standing that the application, if successful, would be broadly consistent with grants awarded in the past that the applicant understands the need to provide information to the trustees as to how the grant is being used and, at the end of the grant period, how the grant’s objectives have been realised. The size of the grants may vary according to the need of the individual, the organisation or

particular project. The funds may or may not be paid by instalments. 5. Grants of up to £500 Applications will be considered from individuals for grants up to £500. These applications will be considered by a sub-committee of the trustees. A recommendation will then be made to the main Board of Trustees. These grants will be oneoff and not repeated. 6. Grants between £500 and £1,000 For grants in the above category, applications will be considered from organisations, as indicated in paragraph 2 above. The decision will be made by the Board of Trustees at a trustee meeting. In order to support particular projects, these grants may be repeated on an annual basis. 7. Follow up Applicants are required to report back to the Trustees after a specified period on how the grant is being used and, at the end of the grant period, how the purposes of the grant have been realised. A member of the Trustee Board will personally follow up all grants over £500 to ensure that they are being used for the purposes in the original application. For grants below £500 the Trustees will base their monitoring on the reports sent back to them by the individual or organisation. In a case where the trustees notice a misspend of the grant, they will suspend any future instalments of the grant and reinstate payment only if they are satisfied that a future misspend will be avoided. 8. Record Keeping Records will be kept of all grants made and/or items purchased. Decisions on major items of capital

		expenditure will be recorded in trustee minutes. Records will also be kept of decisions taken by smaller sub-committees.
Policy on social investment including program related investment	Para 1.38
Contribution made by volunteers	Para 1.38	Volunteers contribute their time and their expertise.
Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	Our main achievement during the year was to continue supporting more than 150 Ukrainian families in these difficult times. We have been assured through active communication with our coordinators that the children are living in a safe environment with their families. We also maintain a trusting relationship between our volunteers, our beneficiaries and the charity. Concentration on children’s education continues to be prominent feature of our work. A significant number of children are doing well in their studies, and some who are now grown up attend university. We have presented our work and philosophy to the young people among our friends in this countryand,as a result,theyhave developed

an interest in helping us. Some of the children we have helped who are now adults are actively involved in the charity’s work.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41	We are glad to say we are achieving the charity’s objectives.
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	Through the charity’s long-standing friends, we have raised funds successfully. The war in Ukraine has encouraged their generosity.
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41
Other

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	The review of the charity’s financial position shows that we are in a good state - see the independent examiner’s attached report.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	Our reserve policy is designed to ensure the financial security of both existing projects and those planned for the future. We always set our budget at least one year in advance. The Trustees have decided to increase the number of families helped. Annually we need over £20,000 (twenty thousand pounds) for them. Many of our supporters are elderly and a number have died in the last few years. We have therefore adopted a prudent reserving policy because our efforts to find new supporters may not make up for the numbers lost and we consider it important to provide consistent support for the families being helped in Ukraine.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	£20,000 is held in reserve for: 1 – Response to any international crises such as natural disasters 2 – Insurance against our financial commitment. 3 – Projects compatible with the aims of the Charity which may come to the attention of the trustees in the future.
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	N/A
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	N/A
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	N/A

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements	where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	The principal source is ongoing donations from friends of the charity including the rental from the late Valerie Brooks’ flat which she donated to the charity.
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	N/A

A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46	We were concerned about the Ukraine war and the disruption it might bring in transferring money to the beneficiaries. However, thanks to our Ukrainian helpers’ commitment and the support of the bank transferring money, this uncertainty was overcome.
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	Trust deed
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	The charity is a Charitable Trust
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	According to the Charitable Trust Deed: 4. THE TRUSTEES 4.1 The Trustees as charity trustees have control of the Charity and its property and funds 4.2 The full number of Trustees is four individuals 4.3 Future Trustees must be appointed by resolution of the Trustees. 4.4 Every future Trustee must sign a declaration of willingness to act as a Trustee of the Charity before he or she may vote at any meeting of the Trustees. 4.5 A Trustee automatically ceases to be a Trustee if he or she: (1) is disqualified under the Charities Act from acting as a charity trustee or trustee for a charity; (2) is incapable, whether mentally or physically, of managing his/her own affairs; (3) is absent without notice from 4 consecutive meetings of Trustees and is asked by a majority of the other Trustees to resign; (4) resigns by written notice to the Trustees (but only if at least two Trustees will remain in office); (5) is removed by a resolution passed by all the other Trustees after they have invited the views of the

Trustee concerned and considered the matter in the light of any such views. 4.6 A retiring Trustee is entitled on written request to an indemnity from the continuing Trustees at the expense of the Charity in respect of any liabilities properly incurred during his/her trusteeship. 4.7 A technical defect in the appointment of a Trustee of which the Trustees are unaware at the time does not invalidate decisions taken by the Trustees. 5. PROCEEDINGS OF TRUSTEES 5. 1 The Trustees must hold at least 2 meetings each year 5.2 A quorum at a meeting of the Trustees is 2 Trustees. 5.3 A meeting may be held either in person or by suitable electronic means agreed by the Trustees in which all participants may communicate with all the other participants. 5.4 The Chairman or (if the Chairman is unable or unwilling to do so) some other Trustee chosen by them presides at each meeting of the Trustees. 5.5 Except where otherwise provided in this Deed, every issue may be determined by a simple majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the Trustees but a resolution which is in writing and signed by all the Trustees is as valid as a resolution passed at a meeting. For this purpose, the resolution may be contained in more than one document and will be treated as passed on the date of the last signature. 5.6 Except for the chairman of the meeting, who has a second or casting vote, every Trustee has one vote on each issue. 5.7 A procedural defect of which the Trustees are unaware at the time does not invalidate decisions taken at a meeting of the Trustees. 6. ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS OF TRUSTEES

The Trustees have the following powers in the administration of the Charity: 6.1 To appoint the Chairman, a Treasurer and any other honorary officers from among their number. 6.2 To delegate any of their functions to committees consisting of two or more persons appointed by them and all proceedings of committees must be reported promptly to the Trustees). 6.3 To make rules consistent with this Deed to govern their proceedings and proceedings of committees. 6.4 To make regulations consistent with this Deed to govern the administration of the Charity including the use and application of the income property and funds, the operation of bank accounts and the commitment of funds). 7. BENEFITS TO TRUSTEES 7.1 The property and funds of the Charity must only be used for promoting Objects and do not belong to the Trustees. 7.2 No Trustee may receive any payment of money or other material benefit (whether direct or indirect) from the Charity except: (1) under clauses 3.15 ( indemnity insurance) and 7.3 (contractual payments); (2) reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including authorised hotel and travel costs) actually incurred in the administration of the Charity; (3) interest at a reasonable rate on money lent to the Charity; (4) a reasonable rent or hiring fee for property let or hired to the Charity; (5) an indemnity in respect of any liabilities properly incurred in the running the Charity (including the costs of a successful defence to criminal proceedings);

(6) payment to a company in which the Trustee has no more than a I per cent shareholding; (7) in exceptional cases, other payments or benefits (but only with the written approval of the Commission in advance). 7.3 A Trustee may not be an employee of the Charity, but a Trustee or any connected person may enter into a contract with the Trustees to supply goods or services in return for a payment or other material benefit but only if: (1) the goods or services are actually required for the Charity; (2) the nature and level of the benefit is no more than reasonable in relation to the value of the goods or services and is set at a meeting of the Trustee in accordance with the procedure in clause 7.4; and (3) not more than one half of the Trustees are interested in such a contract in any one financial year. 7.4 Whenever a Trustee has a personal interest in a matter to be discussed at a meeting of the Trustees or any committee, the Trustee concerned must: (1) declare an interest before the meeting or at the meeting before discussion on the matter begins; (2) be absent from the meeting for that item unless expressly invited to remain in order to provide information; (3) not be counted in the quorum during that part of the meeting; (4) be absent during the vote and have no vote on the matter.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Para 1.51

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees		The induction and training of Maria Relief Fund (MRF) trustees The induction and training of charity trustees are essential components of effective governance within the Maria Relief Fund. Establishing clear policies and procedures helps to ensure that trustees understand their roles, responsibilities, and the mission of the charity. Below are the key elements of our policies and procedures for the induction and training of charity trustees. The chairman or the manager of the charity takes responsibility for conducting this process: 1. Welcome and Orientation `o` Provide a comprehensive MRF welcome pack with essential documents such as the MRF's Charitable Trust Deed, strategic plan, annual reports, and financial statements. `o` Schedule an orientation session to introduce new trustees to the Charity's history, mission, values, and current programs or projects. 2. Roles and Responsibilities `o` Clearly outline the roles and responsibilities of trustees, including legal duties, fiduciary responsibilities, and expectations regarding time commitment and participation. `o` Provide information on the division of roles within the board, such as the roles of the chairperson, treasurer, and other key positions. 3. Code of Conduct and Ethical Guidelines `o` Explain a code of conduct outlining expected behaviour, ethical standards, and conflicts of interest policies. `o` Emphasise the importance of confidentiality and the need for trustees to act in the best interests of the charity. 4. Legal and Regulatory Compliance `o`Ensure that trustees are aware of relevant laws and regulations governing charitable organizations,

	including reporting requirements
	and compliance obligations.
`o`	Provide training on legal
	responsibilities, such as the duty of
	care, duty of loyalty, and duty of
	obedience.
5.	Training on Governance and
	Decision-Making
`o`	Offer training sessions on effective
	governance practices, decision-
	making processes, and the board's
	role in setting strategic direction.
`o`	Include in the training sessions
	information on risk management,
	financial oversight, and the
	importance of maintaining a diverse
	and inclusive board.
6.	Financial Literacy
`o`	Provide training on financial matters,
	including budgeting, financial
	statements, and the organization's
	financial health.
`o`	Ensure that trustees understand
	their role in financial oversight and
	the importance of transparency in
	financial reporting.
7.	Networking and Relationship
	building
`o`	Encourage networking among
	trustees and provide opportunities
	for them to build relationships with
	staff, volunteers and other
	stakeholders.
`o`	Foster a sense of community and
	collaboration among board
	members.
8.	Evaluation and Continuous
	Learning
`o`	Establish processes for the periodic
	evaluation of trustees' performance
	and the effectiveness of the board
	as a whole.
`o`	Promote ongoing learning
	opportunities, such as workshops,
	seminars, or conferences on topics
	relevant to the organization's
	mission and governance.
9.	Succession Planning

		`o` Develop a succession plan to ensure a smooth transition when trustees step down, including the identification and recruitment of new trustees. `o` Provide guidance on mentorship and knowledge transfer between outgoing and incoming trustees. 10. Documentation and Record Keeping `o` Maintain accurate records of trustee training, including attendance at induction sessions and ongoing development activities. `o` Ensure that trustees have access to a repository of relevant documents and resources. By implementing comprehensive policies and procedures for the induction and training of charity trustees, MRF can enhance the effectiveness of their governance structures and contribute to the long-term success of its charitable mission.
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	Board of Trustees: Prof Alison Assiter: President Dr Armin Danesh: Chairperson Ms Stella Farrar: Treasurer Ms: Jane Adams: Manager/Secretary Subcommitee’s members: Mrs Georgina Oliver Mr Andrew Costello Ms Jill Grinstead Ms Marisa Adams Mr Ben Assiter Miss Adrianna Rojeck Ms Kristina Danesh Mr Nivad Movagharzadeh
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	N/A
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Maria Relief Fund
Other name the charity uses	MRF
Registered charity number	1113029
Charity’s principal address	26 Seaforth Gardens, London, N21 3BS

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)
Prof Alison Assiter	President	07thSeptember 2018	Trustees
Ms Jane Adams	Manager/Secretary	01stMay2018	Trustees
Ms Stella Farrar	Treasurer	12thMarch 2011	Trustees
Dr Armin H Danesh	Chairperson	17thFebruary2006	Trustees

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name N/A

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
N/A

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)	Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)	Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser Name Address
Accountant	Mr Martin Johnson FPMI	S.R.Barnden and Co. Bank House, Southwick Square, Southwick, West Sussex, BN42 4FN
Solicitor	Adam & Remers LLP	Trinity House, School Hill, Lewes, Sussex, BN7 2NN

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

The Charity is run by volunteers.

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

N/A

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date	Armin Danesh	Jane Adams
	Dr Armin H Danesh	Ms Jane Adams
	Chairperson	Secretary
	15 Dec 2023
	15 Dec 2023

Maria Relief Fund Year ended 5 April 2023 Charity number 1113029

Maria Relief Fund Year ended 5 April 2023 INDEX General information Balance sheet ReiptS and expenditure Notes to the accounts Independent examiners report

Maria Relief Fund Year ended 5 April 2023 General information Charity number 1113029 Date of registration 17-Feb-06 Trustees Rev George Linnegar (chairman) Dr Armin Hamid Danesh Ms Stella Farrar Professor Alison Marie Assiter Miss Jane Adams Principal address 26 Seaforth Gardens London N213BS Main charitable objects The relief of need of the public and in particular women and young girls who are victims of poverty and distress resulting from oppression, persecution, natural disaster or any other cause. The advancement of the education of the public and in particular the educational needs of women and young girls. Main area of benefit The Middle East Bankers HSBC Solicitors Adams and Remers page 1

Maria Relief Fund Balance sheet at 5 April 2023 Note 2023 Assets HSBC account 11349902 HSBC account 41358618 94 Wordsworth Court 2022 25,543.31 24,369.72 92,821.00 142,734.03 15,150.67 24,267.01 92,821.00 132,238.68 Less liabilities Professional costs Balance held at 5 April 2022 0.00 142,734.03 0.00 132,238.68 All funds held by the Maria Relief Fund are unrestricted funds. Approved by Dr Amin Hamid Danesh (Chairman) Date page 2

Maria Relief Fund Year ended 5 April 2023 Receipts and expenditure Receipts 2023 2022 Note Donations received Interest Rent Uplift base cost of property to allow for improvements Tax repayment - Gift Aid Returned donations 22,824.62 102.71 6,061.33 0.00 3,869.49 0.00 32,858.15 18,780.48 2.95 4,954.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 23,737.71 Expenditure Donations made Professional costs Property repairs and improvements Office Travel Ico Bank charges 22,217.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 35.00 110.80 24,969.00 0.00 0.00 400.00 0.00 35.00 21.40 22,362.80 25,425.40 Balance at 5 April 2021 Balance at 5 April 2022 Balance at 5 April 2023 133 926.37 132 238.68 132 238.68 142 734.03 page 3

Maria Relief Fund Year ended 5 April 2023 Notes YIE 05104123 Donatlons By type CAF Voucher Cheques Cash Standing Orders Direct Credit A F Wood Stewardship Gade Insurance Services HRF YIE 05104122 250.00 11,336.88 0.00 2,837.74 100.00 4,800.00 0.00 3,500.00 22 824.62 150.00 14.560.00 0.00 4,070.48 0.00 0.00 0.00 18,780.48 Income Interest account 11349902 Interest account 41358618 0.00 102.71 102.71 0.00 2.95 2.95 Bank Account analysis Account 41358618 Opening balan Add Interest Less Transfer to 11349902 Closing Balance 24,267.01 27,264.06 102.71 2.95 0.00 24,369.72 3,000.00 24,267.01 Account 11349902 Opening Balance Add Donations received Rent Donations returned Tax repayment - Gift Aid Transfer from 41358618 15,150.67 14,091.31 22,824.62 6,061.33 0.00 3,869.49 0.00 47,906.11 18,780.48 4,954.28 0.00 0.00 3,000.00 40,826.07 Less Donations made Expenses 22,217.00 145.80 22,362.80 24,969.00 706.40 25,675.40 Closing balance 25,543.31 15,150.67 Property 94, Wordsworth Court- donated from the estate of Valerie Brooks deaSed on 11 February 2011 Uplift to allow for improvements 92,821.00 92,821.00 0.00 92,821.00 0.00 92,821.00 Donations made Ukranian children Missionszentrale der Franziskaner Baobab Centre Maria Rojek V Tysbulska Natalya Vitev Olga Veresshchynska 21,017.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 0.00 500.00 200.00 22,217.00 23,969.00 0.00 0.00 500.00 500.00 0.00 24,969.00 Less Refund from previous year 0.00 22 217.00 0.00 22,600.00 Professional costs Accountancy 0.00 0.00 250.00 250.00 page 4

Maria Relief Fund Year ended 5 April 2023 Independent examiners report Report to the trustees of Maria Relief Fund on the accounts for the year ended 5 April 2022 as set out on pages 1 to 4. Respective responsibility of the trustees and examiner The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this period (under section 43(2) of the charities Act 1993 (the Act)) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts (under section 43 of the Act); to follow procedure laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 43(7)(b) of the act), and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's ststement My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts. Independent examiner's ststement In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that: proper accounting records are kept (in accordance with section 41 of the Act), and accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the act; or 2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Date M V Johnson S R Barnden & Co Bank House Southwick Square Southwick West Sussex BN42 4FN page 5

Maria Relief Fund Year ended 5 April 2023 Charity number 1113029

Maria Relief Fund Year ended 5 April 2023 INDEX General information Balance sheet ReiptS and expenditure Notes to the accounts Independent examiners report