National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
TRUSTEES / DIRECTORS
The trustees of the charity, who also serve as directors of the company, who served from 1[st] January 2023 up to approval of these accounts, are:
Anne Therese Peacey Kevin Francis Burr Michael Clarke Mary Susan Ingham Paul Southgate Annette Brindle Michael Chambers Nalini Nathan Brian O’Toole
Elected Chair 22 July 2023 RIP 25 June 2023 Chair until 22 July 2023, resigned 23 September 2023
Until 20 August 2023 Resigned 09 October 2023 Appointed 11 May 2024
In addition, the following are non-voting co-opted persons who are not Trustees Ashley Ralston Barbara Butler Maire Hayes Michael Chambers Liz Archibald James Buchanan
Appointed 20 August 2023 Resigned 11 May 2024 Appointed 01 September 2023 Appointed 23 September 2024
SECRETARY
Kevin Francis Burr
REGISTERED OFFICE
39, Eccleston Square London. SW1V 1BX
BANKERS
The Royal Bank of Scotland Drummond House (BM) Branch, Drummond House 1 Redheughs Avenue Edinburgh EH12 9JN
CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1114947
COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER 5036866
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National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS / TRUSTEES
The Directors / Trustees have pleasure in presenting their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.
ORGANISATION / GOVERNANCE
The Company was incorporated on 6 February 2004 as a company limited by guarantee not having any share capital. The Company was registered as a Charity with the Charity Commission (Registration Number 1114947) on 27 June 2006.
Trustees / Directors are appointed and voted into office at the Annual General Meeting and serve for up to four-year periods. All such appointments are made from the membership of that year. Executive meetings are held six or more times a year.
In addition to the Trustees, there are non-voting co-opted members of the Executive Committee who are not Trustees.
Trustees and co-opted members consider their training needs at least once a year to ensure the effective governance of the Charitable company and are invited to attend specific courses to develop their competencies for their respective roles as deemed necessary.
CHARITABLE OBJECTS
To promote the advancement of education in the Christian values of justice and peace by charitable means, in particular by:
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promoting the work of justice and peace
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working in conjunction with the Roman Catholic bishops of England and Wales and their agencies to advance the practice of social teaching of the catholic church by the encouragement and support of diocesan Justice and Peace groups and other bodies that share their concern to bring the good news of Christ's love and peace to people who are disadvantaged and to work to empower them to improve their circumstances
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promoting appropriate prayer, study, celebration and spirituality within religious practice to inspire solidarity with those in need
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raising awareness about social justice, non-violence, ecological and human rights issues as central to the life of the church and beneficial to the well-being of the community
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encouraging and promoting work, action and campaigning for social change on issues of justice and peace by raising awareness through provision of training, workshops, conferences, publications and the like; and building networks with all those who share our vision and aims, promoting communication to seek collaboration over action, resources, methods and good practice and
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in pursuing the objects, the network shall be non-party in politics, ecumenical in approach and shall, in its own activities, implement an effective equal opportunities policy.
REVIEW OF PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE VISION
National Justice and Peace Network, enlightened by the Gospel vision of God's Kingdom, seeks a world in which:
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there is respect for the integrity of the whole of creation and for the dignity and freedom of every human being
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people live in peace, without nuclear weapons or trade in arms, seeking non-violent ways of resolving conflict
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all have access to food, clean water, shelter, health, education and a livelihood
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there is justice for those who at present have no land, are in debt or are enslaved by their work and
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the development and use of resources is sustainable.
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National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
MISSION
The Mission of the Charity is to work with all who share our commitment to bring the good news of Christ's love and peace to people who are poor, oppressed or excluded:
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inspiring them through prayer, celebration and a spirituality that informs their whole lives
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sustaining each other in prophetic witness and in working for change
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raising awareness of J&P as central to the life of the Church
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networking and communicating effectively
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providing training, workshops and conferences and
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seeking collaboration over resources, ideas and good practice.
Based on the Scriptures - and in particular on the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, on the Church's Social Teaching and on our own faith experience, the values that inspire us are:
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wonder at God's Spirit throughout creation and in every human being
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love, hope and compassion
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solidarity and subsidiarity
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partnership and dialogue
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care for the whole of creation
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non-violence and reconciliation and
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simplicity and sustainability of lifestyle.
ACTIVITIES
In 2023, the Charity planned to:
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the National Conference, on the subject of 'Sustainability? Survival or Shutdown', will be held on 23rd to 25th July. The Charity has already paid a non-refundable deposit to secure the same venue for 2024, and expects to book for 2025
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the Website, its management and costs will continue to be maintained
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four Network meetings, two outside London, will be held, and feedback from these to be reviewed and future policy determined again these may be ‘zoomed’
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the Charity will again apply for core funding from CAFOD and will also look for diverse ways of funding from other sources
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the charity will spend resources, mainly time, seeking sponsorship for the 2023 National Conference and additional core funding for extra hours of administration work
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the Charity will continue to liaise closely with its members, related bodies and the Bishops’ Conference to strengthen the effectiveness of the Network
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the Charity will continue to support working parties researching environmental injustice, media and marketing, and fundraising
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the executive will organise a two-day strategic planning meeting in September to consolidate current activities and plan future activities and
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The executive will continue to closely monitor the effectiveness of the Administrator, and the number of hours worked.
In 2023, the Charity made the following progress against its 2023 plans:
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It has been a challenging year, with our Treasurer dying in June 2023 and our Administrator in November.
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In July, NJPN held its 45[th] Annual weekend Conference – ‘Sustainability? Survival or Shutdown! With lectures from leading authorities, and workshops led by experienced presenters, we examined the United Nations Sustainability Goals, discussed the responses the 120 participants would be taking, disseminated the outcomes to our Network.
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In Octobeber, the Trustees, met with all Executive members to review forward planning, endorsing the Statement of the July 2023 Annual Conference ‘NJPN accepts the precariousness of life on earth and is fully committed to firstly, raising greater awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals, and further, to challenging all locally and nationally that, in pursuit of future sustainability, no-one is left behind.’
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National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
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The following Open Network Meetings were held:
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25 February, an Open On-line Network Meeting, on ‘Cost of Living Crisis - Living or Existing?’ hearing from two experienced outreach workers on poverty from the NorthEast England.
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13 May, an Open Network Meeting and AGM with the title ‘Women in Prison – How come the experience of Women in Prison can be so different to that of Men in Prison?’ led by an ex-Prison Chaplain, author of two books on the subject, and a joint Awardwinning Prison visitor who devised and introduced ‘Making Connections’ to a number of women’s prisons.
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23 September, in Birmingham, ‘The Windrush Generation’, Revd Eve Pitts, longstanding campaigner for Racial Justice, spoke of the Windrush experience, and the issues we need to address today.
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21 November, an Open On-line Network Meeting, on ‘What J & P issues keep you awake at night?’, an opportunity to hear from our Network
In 2024: the charity plans to:
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As a matter of urgency seek to appoint a new Administrator and Treasurer.
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Hold the Annual Conference ‘Just Politics’, 19-21 July, and has already paid a deposit for the 2025 conference at the same venue;
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The website, its management and costs will continue to be maintained;
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Four quarterly ‘Open Network ‘ Days will be held with at least one outside London. Feedback suggests that ‘Zoomed’ Network meetings are popular and will be used more frequently in future;
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The Charity will again apply for funding from CAFOD and will also look for diverse ways of funding from other sources;
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The Charity will spend resources, mainly time, seeking sponsorship for the 2024 and 2025 Conferences;
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The Charity will continue to liaise closely with its members and related bodies, including the Bishops’ Conference, to strengthen the effectiveness of the Network;
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The Charity will continue to support working parties researching environmental, particularly climate change issues, justice and truthfulness in politics, and fundraising;
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The Executive will organise a two-day strategic planning meeting in the Autumn to consolidate current activities, and to continue inducting new staff , and plan future avenues of concern, including activities.
REVIEW OF FINANCIAL POSITION
During the year, the Charity recorded a deficit of £ 1081 .
The financial performance of the Charity is monitored by Trustees on a regular on-going basis and appropriate action is being attempted to ensure positive reserves at the end of each year.
RESERVES POLICY
The objects of the Charity specify that the income and property of the Network shall be applied solely towards the objects of the Charity and no part shall be paid by way of a dividend. The Charity aims to have sufficient reserves at year-end to cover salary costs for a nine-month period, thus allowing the following year’s Conference to take place. Unrestricted reserves at £ 51,759 are sufficient to cover a whole year’s expenditure at its current rate.
FUND RAISING POLICY
The Trustees will continue to increase membership by advertising on the web site and public meetings, and by application to registered funders for grants for specific projects.
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National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The company demonstrates public benefit in the following ways:
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1 Through our Annual Conference and Open Network meetings: (attended by nonmembers and members)
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a) raise awareness of issues of public concern the charity has hosted 45 annual conferences, eg immigration, asylum and dispersal (2009), food security (2010), and reflected in Conference titles Justice issues in the Workplace (2011), and on China (2012), The message of the Bible in a modern world (2013), The significance of water both spiritually and physically (2015) Morality in Politics (2016), A Sabbath for the Earth and the Poor (2017), In the Shelter of Each Other People Live(2018) Forgotten People Forgotten Places (2019), Post Pandemic Church(2020), Action for Life on Earth (2021), Hope: a Verb with it’s sleeves rolled up (2022)
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b) analysis of these issues from the perspective of a radical Christian faith and spirituality c) engage expert speakers to educate on the social issues
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d) engage expert speakers to educate on Christian Scriptures and the Church’s Social Teaching, particularly on Pope Francis’ initiatives
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d) run workshops i) to deepen understanding of the issues
- ii) provide training in support of campaigns iii) developing campaigning skills , eg dealing with the media, organising meetings
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e) provide opportunities for networking with other activists from England & Wales;
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f) support campaigning and welfare charities by publicising their work; and
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f) providing extended opportunities for Christian prayer and the development of appropriate pathways to mature spirituality.
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2 Through our website (which is available to all):
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a) inform with a list of regional (diocesan) contact people with e-links to their websites
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b) inform with a list of campaigning organisations on a wide range of social issues with e-links to their websites
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c) inform with a calendar of events, meetings, conferences, campaigns, on a wide range of social issues around England & Wales, with links and other contact details
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d) offer a year planner, highlighting recurring special religious days, UN days, and other relevant anniversaries
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e) publicise a range of resources – articles, reports, etc on social issues
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f) inform and educate with a library of relevant church documents and official statements on social issues and
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g) support and encourage web-page visitors in their campaigning and life-style choices by all of the foregoing.
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3 Through our 3-per-year Newsletter (available to members and non-members), we inform, support and encourage all our readers by:
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a) profiling current issues, reports, campaigns
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b) profiling new regional contacts
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c) profiling a particular campaigning organisation or charity, or regional activity d) advertising a calendar of events, as 2c above and
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e) flagging up new resources and campaigns.
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4 Through our email group mailings (which is again available to all), we inform our subscribers, when possible, via:
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a) a two-weekly E-Bulletin, a round-up of e-mail and other correspondence received at head office
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b) providing notice of relevant official statements and press releases from Dioceses and from the Bishops’ Conference of England & Wales.
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5 Through all of the above, together with personal contact with NJPN staff and volunteer trustees, our membership is encouraged to engage in more effective grass-roots activity within their local communities.
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National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
RISK MANAGEMENT
The trustees have considered and identified the major risks that could affect the Charity. The trustees considered the existing system of internal controls and procedures to be adequate in mitigating the Charity’s exposure to those risks. However, the search for a new IT consultant and a replacement Treasurer have continued throughout 2023, but with no success. In July 2023 our Treasurer died. In August 2023 our Administrator became seriously ill and died in November 2023, prompting an immediate search for a replacement. (A new Administrator was appointed in March 2024.) In all other respects, the Company is pleased to report that no other incidents (serious or otherwise) took place in 2023.
DIRECTORS, TRUSTEES AND THEIR INTERESTS
The directors and trustees during the period are shown on Page 1. The company has no share capital, being a company limited by guarantee.
TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the Charitable company and of the income and expenditure of the Charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed and give details of any departures; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charitable company will continue to operate.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2005). They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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In so far as the trustees are aware:
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there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company’s independent examiner is unaware; and
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the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information.
SMALL COMPANY PROVISIONS
For the year ending 31 December 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts 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 accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
By Order of the Board Kevin Burr, Company secretary
Dated 02 October 2024
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National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
Independent Examiner's report to the trustees of the National Justice & Peace Network I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 December 2023, which are set out on pages 10 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees (who are also directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; or
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(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Name: Simon Tweedy CFA Date: 30 September 2024
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National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (incorporating an income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 December 2023
| Note Incoming resources from charitable activities National Conference Grants and donations 2 Other income Total incoming resources Resources expended (charitable expenditure) National Conference Other Total resources expended |
Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended 31/12/2023 31/12/2023 31/12/2023 31/12/2022 31/12/2022 31/12/2022 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds £ £ £ £ £ £ 28,516 - 28,516 26,876 - 26,876 1,525 17,000 18,525 3,550 17,000 20,550 11,978 - 11,978 11,369 - 11,369 |
|---|---|
| 42,019 17,000 59,019 41,795 17,000 58,795 29,338 - 29,338 21,519 - 21,519 12,417 18,561 30,978 9,298 27,120 36,418 |
|
| 41,755 18,561 60,316 30,817 27,120 57,937 |
|
| OPERATING SURPLUS 3 Interest receivable |
264 (1,561) (1,297) 10,978 (10,120) 858 217 - 217 45 - 45 |
| SURPLUS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION Tax credit on ordinary activities 5 |
481 (1,561) (1,080) 11,023 (10,120) 903 - - - - - - |
| NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Funds brought forward Funds carried forward |
481 (1,561) (1,080) 11,023 (10,120) 903 51,278 10,084 61,362 40,255 20,204 60,459 51,759 8,523 60,282 51,278 10,084 61,362 |
The notes on pages 10 to 12 form part of these financial statements.
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National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
BALANCE SHEET As at 31 December 2023
| Notes CURRENT ASSETS Prepayments and other debtors 6 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 7 |
2023 2023 £ £ 11,607 51,339 62,946 (2,664) |
2022 2022 £ £ 9,736 68,302 78,038 (16,676) |
|---|---|---|
| TOTAL ASSETS less CURRENT LIABILITIES |
60,282 | 61,362 |
| RESERVES Unrestricted 8 Restricted 9 |
51,759 8,523 |
51.278 10,084 61,362 |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 60,282 |
For the year ending 31 December 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts 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 accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
Approved by the Board on 02 October 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Anne Peacey Chair
Kevin Burr
Director & Company Secretary
The notes on pages 10 to 12 form part of these financial statements
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National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 December 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008) and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and reporting by Charities (2005)”.
b) Income
Income (turnover) is the value of goods sold and services provided, together with any grants accrued to the period and donations received from groups and individuals. Income is taken into account when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The company is not registered for value added tax.
c) Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised in the period to which it relates.
d) Cash flow statement
The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption for small companies under the Financial Reporting Standard for smaller entities and consequently, no cash flow statement has been produced.
e) Restricted funds
Where a donor has specified a particular purpose for a grant or donation, the income is shown as restricted income in the Statement of Financial Activities. Any such income not spent at the yearend is shown as a restricted fund in the Balance Sheet.
2. GRANTS AND DONATIONS
Grants and donations consisted of the following:
| CAFOD grant Other donations and grants |
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds Unrestricted Restricted Total funds 2023 2023 2023 2022 2022 2022 - 12,000 12,000 - 12,000 12,000 1,525 5,000 6,525 3,550 5,000 8,550 |
|---|---|
| 1,525 17,000 18,525 3,550 17,000 20,550 |
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National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
3. OPERATING SURPLUS
The operating surplus is after charging the following staff costs:
| Gross National Insurance Pension arrangements |
2023 2022 £ £ 15,015 22,427 - - 1,408 2,090 |
|---|---|
| 16,423 24,517 |
The average number of employees during the year was one (2022 – 2).
No Governance costs were incurred.
4. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
No director or trustee received any remuneration or other emoluments during the period, although they are reimbursed reasonable expenses incurred for attending meetings. One representative (2022 - 1) claimed such expenses and the total amount reimbursed was £ 286 (2022 – £ 362)
5. TAXATION
NJPN is a registered charity and takes advantage of tax exemptions available to charities.
6. DEBTORS
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Prepayments | 6,068 | 9,736 |
| Other debtors | 5,539 | - |
| 11,607 | - |
7. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Accruals | 2,664 | 4,676 |
| Income in advance | - | 12,000 |
| 2,664 | 16,676 |
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National Justice and Peace Network
2023 Accounts
Charity Registration number 1114947 Company Registration number 5036866
8. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Retained surplus brought forward | 51,278 | 40,255 |
| (Deficit) /surplus for theperiod | 481 | 11,023 |
| Retained surplus carried forward | 51,759 | 51,278 |
9. RESTRICTED FUNDS
| 2023 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Total | Total | |
| Balance brought forward | 10,084 | 20,204 |
| Grants received | 17,000 | 17,000 |
| Expenditure | (18,561) | (27,120) |
| Balance carried forward | 8,523 | 10,084 |
10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Current assets | Current | Fund balances | |
|---|---|---|---|
| liabilities | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | 54,423 | (2,664) | 51,759 |
| Restricted funds | 8,523 | - | 8,523 |
| 62,946 | (2,664) | 60,282 |
11. REGISTRATION STATUS
The Company is registered as a company limited by guarantee and not having a share capital. Its trustees, of whom there were six as at 31 December 2022, undertake to contribute in a winding up to a maximum of £1 each.
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