# **GLOUCESTERSHIRE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORTERS’ NETWORK**
**TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] MAY 2024**
**Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters’ Network is a charitable company, limited by guarantee Registered in England. Company No. 6239404**
1
## **Registered as a Charity in England and Wales No. 1121337 www.gbsn.org.uk**
2
## **CONTENTS**
- **Trustees’ Annual Report:** Page 3
- **Statement of Financial Activities:** Page 9
- **Balance Sheet:** Page 10
- **Notes to the Financial Statements:** Page 11
## **AGM, 4[th] December 2024:** Page13
3
## **1: REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
**Name:** Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters’ Network Also known as GBSN
**Company number:** 6239404
**Charity number:** 1121337
**Address and Registered Office:** 125 Summer Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1PQ
## **Trustees:**
Kirstie Clarke (Chair)
Nicola Bradley (Vice Chair)
Dr Nicola Wilson Rebecca Hooper
Kate Martin (Treasurer)
Trustees are also directors for the purposes of company law.
**Bankers** : National Westminster Bank 31 The Promenade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1LH
## **2. STRUCTURE, MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE**
## **Nature of Governing Document**
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 9 May 2007 and registered as a charity on 22 October 2007. The company was established under a Memorandum and Articles of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.
## **Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees**
The Trustee Board must consist of at least four and no more than 12 individuals. The serving trustees can appoint new trustees at any time, although such coopted trustees hold office only until the next AGM, at which point they may be formally appointed by the Board. There is no set period for which a trustee can serve, but one third of trustees must step down at each AGM.
The current trustees have been recruited from within the GBSN community with a view to achieving, across the trustees, a diverse but complementary range of skills and experience. As a result, the Board is a balanced mix of Breastfeeding Counsellors (BFCs), Peer Supporters and business professionals.
## **Organisational Structure**
The Trustee Board meets approximately every six weeks to decide on matters of policy and other issues arising. To be quorate, each meeting must have at least four trustees in attendance. Every issue is determined by a simple majority of
4
the votes cast. Each Trustee has one vote, except the Chair of the meeting who has a second casting vote.
## **Risk Management**
The Trustees are aware of the risks to which the Charity is exposed. All GBSN groups work closely with their host organisations, be these community buildings or Children’s Centres. GBSN has created policies to cover significant areas including safeguarding children, fair assessment, complaints and malpractice procedures.
## **3. OBJECTS, AIMS AND ACTIVITIES**
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefits when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
## **Purposes of the Charity**
The objects of the charity, as set out in the Memorandum of Association are:
To advance and promote the physical and psychological health of parents and children through education of the techniques of and the provision of training regarding breastfeeding in the county of Gloucestershire, including but not limited to raising the awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding.
a) By the provision of physical, emotional and practical support and information to breastfeeding women and the advancement of education among volunteers by the provision of relevant training. b) By advancing the education of the public and especially those concerned with the care of children on the health benefits, both immediate and long term, of breastfeeding.
c) By the development and maintenance of peer support groups.
d) By the provision of a resource body co-operating with other agencies and health professionals.
## **Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the company may achieve its objects by any or all of the following methods:**
- 1) The provision of information about breastfeeding.
- 2) Campaigning to improve services, facilities and support for breastfeeding women in the county of Gloucestershire.
- 3) The promotion of services including groups and course support services in preparation for breastfeeding and to support breastfeeding.
- 4) The provision of support services for parents who wish to breastfeed by training local women who have breastfed to enable them to support breastfeeding mothers.
- 5) The provision of training and information for peer supporters by specialist workers. 6) The education of those who will become parents and those who are supporting parents. 7) The fostering and undertaking research into any aspects of the objects of the company and the dissemination of the results of any such research.
5
- 6) The promotion of good working relationships with others to achieve greater understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding.
## **How our activities deliver Public Benefit**
The charity operates seven, weekly, face to face breastfeeding support groups throughout the county of Gloucestershire. These groups are run by volunteer peer supporters; these are mothers from the local community who have breastfed themselves and who have undertaken a training course, designed and delivered by GBSN, to equip them with the appropriate information and skills to enable them to help women attending our groups. Each group is always attended by a qualified Breastfeeding Counsellor, whose role is to counsel mothers with more complex breastfeeding issues, as well as provide ongoing development to the Peer Supporters. All groups are free to attend and welcome families at every stage of their breastfeeding journey, from pregnancy through to weaning from the breast and beyond, offering a complete universal service.
Each group benefits from a library of free-to-borrow books and a catalogue of evidence-based information on all aspects of breastfeeding as well as other common parenting concerns such as birth, sleeping, introducing solids and baby behaviour.
GBSN works closely with other health professionals including midwives, health visitors and family support workers, to identify and reach families who may need breastfeeding information and support.
6
## **4. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
From 31[st] March 2023 to 1[st] April 2024, GBSN has offered support nearly three thousand times, through in-person groups and virtual one-to-one sessions with Breastfeeding Counsellors.
7
## **5. FINANCIAL REVIEW**
The financial position of the charity started out the year in a somewhat depleted state.
Due to the huge fundraising efforts of our volunteers, in particular Sarah Houghton (Dursley Peer Supporter) we ended the year in a very healthy position.
For the financial year ended 31 May 2024 total income was £33,531 while total expenditure was £21,956. Taking into account our Administrative Costs, our operating profit was therefore £8,925. This is extremely encouraging, given that we made a loss of a similar amount in the previous financial year.
We carry forward total funds of £27,824, of which £25,712 is unrestricted.
## **Income**
The charity is as ever grateful for the donations made by individuals and families attending our groups on a weekly basis. We are also extremely fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers who run cake sales, raffles, quiz nights and fetes on our behalf.
The majority of our income is from grants received, and we have a very successful team, headed by Sarah Houghton, who have managed to raise £17,300 from grant applications in this period.
## **Expenditure**
The Trustees remain committed to providing an exemplary, free of charge, service to the families accessing our services. No significant new costs have been incurred within the timescale of this financial report.
## **Reserves Policy**
To ensure that GBSN can continue to run its services through periods of low income, the Trustees have decided to hold reserves to cover the cost of running the charity at its current level for at least a further six months. This amount gives the Trustees time to secure new sources of funding, should income streams disappear. Our current reserves stand at almost a full year of funding, but we do not intend to amend our policy. The reserves fund can be spent as necessary when decided by the Trustees.
## **Funding**
The charity is continuing to operate on a quarter-to-quarter basis to ensure it does not commit beyond its financial capabilities and to ensure appropriate decisions can be taken in response to changing circumstances. The Trustees receive monthly management reports from our Treasurer, Kate Marting, which enables forecasting. We have access to Online banking, and use our accounting software package Xero to ensure that the Treasurer and Chair are aware of the financial status of the company at any given time.
## **6. FUTURE PLANS**
The Charity plans to continue its hard but rewarding work supporting families across Gloucestershire. Ot is likely that we will be able to reinstate our popular
8
“Preparing for Breastfeeding” workshops and introduce a new offering entitled “Returning to Work” over the next 12 months.
We are pleased that there continues to be a stream of wonderful volunteers wishing to take part in our Peer Supporter training.
We have had to say goodbye to Trustee Anna Wood, who has left to pursue other commitments. We are pleased to welcome Danni Grieve and Aleisha Foreman as new Trustees. They are currently attending meetings as observers while we undertake a restructure of the charity’s governance.
The Trustees are grateful to Roxy Khakinia for providing voluntary legal services to the board. With Roxy’s guidance, the governance and legal entity of the charity will be updated to become a _Charitable Incorporated Organisation_ over the next year. This will not affect the day-to-day running of the charity, but will remove the somewhat onerous requirement for all Trustees to be Directors of a limited company.
## **7. TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES**
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).
Company law 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 charitable company and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charitable company 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 of the Charities SORP;
- Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
- Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is
- inappropriate to assume 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 charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements company with the Companies Act 2006. 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.
On behalf of the Trustees
9
Kirstie Clarke
th
4 December 2024
10
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
|**Account**|**Apr 2023-May 2024**|
|---|---|
|**Turnover**||
|Donations|15,840.19|
|GrantsReceived|17,300.00|
|Investments (inc bank interest)|179.76|
|Other Trading Activities (inc. fundraising
events)|211.20|
|**Total Turnover**|**33,531.15**|
|**Cost of Sales**||
|Admin & Data Collection|991.50|
|Charitable Activities-BFC Hourly Fee|14,007.60|
|Charitable Activities-BFC Travel Costs|304.00|
|Charitable Activities-Group Sundries|577.70|
|Charitable Activities - Room Hire (Weekly
Groups)|5,635.52|
|Charitable Activities-Volunteer Training|240.00|
|Material Expenses Item|200.00|
|**Total Cost of Sales**|**21,956.32**|
|**Gross Profit**|**11,574.83**|
|**Administrative Costs**||
|Advertising & Marketing|1,000.00|
|Audit & Accountancy Fees|13.00|
|Bank Fees|1,153.03|
|General Expenses|33.51|
|Insurance|271.42|
|IT Software & Support|178.36|
|**Total Administrative Costs**|**2,649.32**|
|**Operating Profit**|**8,925.51**|
|||
|**Profit on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation**|**8,925.51**|
|||
|**Profit after Taxation**|**8,925.51**|
11
## **BALANCE SHEET**
||**Account**|**31 May**
**2024**|
|---|---|---|
|**Fixed Assets**|||
||**Tangible Assets**||
||Computer Equipment|1,836.00|
||Less Accumulated Depreciation on Computer
Equipment|(1,120.00)|
||Office Equipment|150.00|
||**Total Tangible Assets**|**866.00**|
|**Total Fixed Assets**
**Current Assets**||**866.00**|
||**Cash at bank and in hand**||
||Business Current|4,932.78|
||Cash in Hand|35.13|
||GLOS BREASTFEEDING|219.80|
||Reserve Account|21,491.15|
||**Total Cash at bank and in hand**|**26,678.86**|
||Prepayments|130.75|
|||2,637.77|
|||**29,447.38**|
||Accounts Payable|805.56|
||Accruals|825.30|
||PayPal|858.48|
|**Total Creditors: amounts falling due**
**within one year**
**Capital and Reserves**||**2,489.34**|
||**Net Current Assets(Liabilities)**|**26,958.04**|
||||
||**Total Assets less Current Liabilities**|**27,824.04**|
||||
||**Net Assets**|**27,824.04**|
||||
||Current Year Earnings|12,426.94|
||Restricted Income Fund - MOBS S|434.92|
||Restricted Income Funds|3,708.00|
||Retained Earnings|(14,458.80)|
||Unrestricted General Fund|25,712.98|
|**Total Capital and Reserves**||**27,824.04**|
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## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **Accounting Policies**
## **Basis of accounting**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity Act 2011, the Charities SORP (FRS 102) Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015 and as subsequently updated), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). The policies adopted for items which are judged material to the financial statements are as follows:
## **Going concern**
At the time of approving the accounts, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operation existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
## **Recognition of Income**
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. Voluntary income, including donations under Gift Aid, is therefore recognised as income when received. Where applicable, associated income tax recovery is recognised when the recovery is receivable. Interest is recognised as income when receivable.
## **Recognition of Expenditure**
Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity’s objects comprise those costs incurred by the charity as a result of the delivery of its service. Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income. Governance costs comprise those costs incurred by the charity in meeting its constitutional and statutory requirements.
## **Donated services and facilities**
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised when received and measured on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount in then recognised in the expenditure in the period of receipt.
In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised. The trustees’ annual report contains more information about their contribution.
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## **Stock**
Stocks consist of goods for resale and are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
## **Financial instruments (including debtors and trade creditors)**
The charity has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments held are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value, based on the amortised cost and effective interest methods. Financial assets comprise cash as bank and in hand, together with other debtors. Financial liabilities comprise trade creditors.
## **Creditors**
Creditors are recognised when the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due can be measured of estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
## **Funds**
Restricted funds are donations which that donor has specified are to be solely used for a specified group or specific projects being undertaken by the charity. Unrestricted funds are funds which can be utilised at the discretion of the trustees.
## **Trustee remuneration and expenses**
No Trustees were paid any remuneration or received any other benefit or expenses from employment with GBSN during the year. However, Nicola Bradley was contracted to provide services as Breastfeeding Counsellor to GBSN.
## **Taxation**
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
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## **GLOUCESTERSHIRE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORTERS’ NETWORK ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, 4[TH] DECEMBER 2024 FIORO LOUNGE, BATH ROAD, CHELTENHAM**
## **Agenda:**
- Apologies
- Financial Report
- Resignation and reappointment of Trustees
- Intention to appoint new Trustees
- Restructure of Charity legal status
- Any Other Business
## **1. APOLOGIES**
Apologies received from:
Elizabeth Mayo Meg Walker Lisa Cam Emily Miles Kate Martin
## 2. **FINANCIAL REPORT**
As at 31[st] May 2024:
Total cash at bank and in hand: £18,264.15
Income: £33,531.15 Expenditure: £21,956.32 **Gross Profit: £11,574.83**
Administrative costs: £2,649.32 **Operating Profit: £8,925.51**
**Total capital and reserves: £27,824.04**
## **3. RESIGNATION AND REAPPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES**
Kirstie Clarke and Nicola Wilson hereby resign and the Trustees would like to reappoint them in their roles.
Proposer:
Seconded:
15
## 4. **INTENTION TO APPOINT NEW TRUSTEES**
Danielle Grieve and Aleisha Foreman are recommended by the Trustees to be appointed when the Charity’s restructure has completed.
Proposer:
Seconded:
## 5. **RESTRUCTURE OF CHARITY LEGAL STATUS**
It is proposed that the Registered Charity and Registered Company known as Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters’ Network (GBSN) should become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Legal advice will be sought and the appropriate procedures completed before the date of the next Annual General Meeting.
Proposer: Seconded:
## 6. **ANY OTHER BUSINESS**
It is to be acknowledged that our strength is in our people. We have an extraordinarily committed legion of volunteers who are passionate about the values of our charity. They put in hours of their own time, above and beyond their weekly groups, to ensure that this small charity delivers its absolute best to the families we support.
The last financial year has been no exception, but amongst our Peer Supporters are a few specific shining stars that deserve a special mention.
## **Amy Sturgeon** Churchdown
Amy has been a regular attendee at CRIBS with her own children. She completed the Peer Supporter training course and has been working hard alongside Anny and Catherine. CRIBS has been building its popularity and is now a thriving group. Amy has undertaken Breastfeeding Counsellor training under her own steam, and is to be congratulated for graduating the course. She is an asset to our Churchdown group, and to GBSN as a whole.
**Alice Hopkin** Cheltenham Hesters Way and Gardners Lane Alice, together with Edie and Mabel, are a permanent fixture of our two Cheltenham groups. As well as providing her quietly reliable presence at weekly group sessions, Alice contributes to our fundraising and communications committees. She is truly a home-grown superstar, and our grateful thanks goes out to her for all that she does.
## **Sarah Houghton** Dursley
Sarah is pretty much single-handedly responsible for saving our “financial butt” this year. She is a long time Peer Supporter at our Dursley group, having been a “Mobs Mummy” with her two daughters, Bessie and Tilly.
16
Now that her girls are older, Sarah still takes the time to volunteer each week at mobs, and has taken charge of our grant applications. Sarah has brought in over £20,000 worth of donations from local organisations, together with help from her small but mighty team. Without her hard work, things could look very different for GBSN, so I would like to thank her so much for her work on this.
## **Kate Martin** Stroud
Kate is our hard-working Treasurer and super-dedicated Peer Supporter at our Stroud group. She and her two little boys are stalwarts of the Thursday morning sessions. Her listening ear has lent support to many mums over the last few years, and her reliable presence is hugely appreciated by Danni and Emily, the group’s BFC. Kate has a good head for numbers, which is certainly good as I don’t, and steers a straight course for the charity’s finances. Thank you to Kate.
## **Beccy Walsh** Cirencester
Beccy, partner-owner of the Oddsocks Café, where our Cirencester group makes its weekly home, is one of our longest standing regular peer supporters. Her baby, now in his twenties, has grown up with GBSN, and we are so glad that Beccy has stayed with us for all these years. She is BFC Nikki’s right-hand-woman. Her depth of knowledge and gentle presence has given so much to so many. Her continuing work as one of our team of Trustees really shows how absolutely dedicated she is. A huge thank you to Beccy for everything that she does.
Kirstie Clarke 4[th] December 2024
17
# **GLOUCESTERSHIRE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORTERS’ NETWORK**
# **TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] MAY 2024**
**Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters’ Network is a charitable company, limited by guarantee Registered in England. Company No. 6239404**
**Registered as a Charity in England and Wales No. 1121337 www.gbsn.org.uk**
1
## **CONTENTS**
- **Trustees’ Annual Report:** Page 3
- **Statement of Financial Activities:** Page 9
- **Balance Sheet:** Page 10
- **Notes to the Financial Statements:** Page 11
**AGM, 4[th] December 2024:** Page13
2
## **1: REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
**Name:** Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters’ Network Also known as GBSN
**Company number:** 6239404
**Charity number:** 1121337
**Address and Registered Office:** 125 Summer Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 1PQ
## **Trustees:**
Kirstie Clarke (Chair)
Nicola Bradley (Vice Chair)
Dr Nicola Wilson
Rebecca Hooper
Kate Martin (Treasurer)
Trustees are also directors for the purposes of company law.
**Bankers** : National Westminster Bank 31 The Promenade, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 1LH
## **2. STRUCTURE, MANAGEMENT AND GOVERNANCE**
## **Nature of Governing Document**
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 9 May 2007 and registered as a charity on 22 October 2007. The company was established under a Memorandum and Articles of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.
## **Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees**
The Trustee Board must consist of at least four and no more than 12 individuals. The serving trustees can appoint new trustees at any time, although such co-opted trustees hold office only until the next AGM, at which point they may be formally appointed by the Board. There is no set period for which a trustee can serve, but one third of trustees must step down at each AGM.
The current trustees have been recruited from within the GBSN community with a view to achieving, across the trustees, a diverse but complementary range of skills and experience. As a result, the Board is a balanced mix of Breastfeeding Counsellors (BFCs), Peer Supporters and business professionals.
## **Organisational Structure**
The Trustee Board meets approximately every six weeks to decide on matters of policy and other issues arising. To be quorate, each meeting must have at least four trustees in attendance. Every issue is determined by a simple majority of the votes cast. Each Trustee has one vote, except the Chair of the meeting who has a second casting vote.
3
## **Risk Management**
The Trustees are aware of the risks to which the Charity is exposed. All GBSN groups work closely with their host organisations, be these community buildings or Children’s Centres. GBSN has created policies to cover significant areas including safeguarding children, fair assessment, complaints and malpractice procedures.
## **3. OBJECTS, AIMS AND ACTIVITIES**
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefits when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
## **Purposes of the Charity**
The objects of the charity, as set out in the Memorandum of Association are:
To advance and promote the physical and psychological health of parents and children through education of the techniques of and the provision of training regarding breastfeeding in the county of Gloucestershire, including but not limited to raising the awareness of the health benefits of breastfeeding.
a) By the provision of physical, emotional and practical support and information to
breastfeeding women and the advancement of education among volunteers by the provision of relevant training. b) By advancing the education of the public and especially those concerned with the care of children on the health benefits, both immediate and long term, of breastfeeding.
c) By the development and maintenance of peer support groups.
d) By the provision of a resource body co-operating with other agencies and health professionals.
## **Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the company may achieve its objects by any or all of the following methods:**
- 1) The provision of information about breastfeeding.
- 2) Campaigning to improve services, facilities and support for breastfeeding women in the county of Gloucestershire.
- 3) The promotion of services including groups and course support services in preparation for breastfeeding and to support breastfeeding.
- 4) The provision of support services for parents who wish to breastfeed by training local women who have breastfed to enable them to support breastfeeding mothers.
- 5) The provision of training and information for peer supporters by specialist workers. 6) The education of those who will become parents and those who are supporting parents. 7) The fostering and undertaking research into any aspects of the objects of the company and the dissemination of the results of any such research.
- 6) The promotion of good working relationships with others to achieve greater understanding of the benefits of breastfeeding.
4
## **How our activities deliver Public Benefit**
The charity operates seven, weekly, face to face breastfeeding support groups throughout the county of Gloucestershire. These groups are run by volunteer peer supporters; these are mothers from the local community who have breastfed themselves and who have undertaken a training course, designed and delivered by GBSN, to equip them with the appropriate information and skills to enable them to help women attending our groups. Each group is always attended by a qualified Breastfeeding Counsellor, whose role is to counsel mothers with more complex breastfeeding issues, as well as provide ongoing development to the Peer Supporters. All groups are free to attend and welcome families at every stage of their breastfeeding journey, from pregnancy through to weaning from the breast and beyond, offering a complete universal service.
Each group benefits from a library of free-to-borrow books and a catalogue of evidence-based information on all aspects of breastfeeding as well as other common parenting concerns such as birth, sleeping, introducing solids and baby behaviour.
GBSN works closely with other health professionals including midwives, health visitors and family support workers, to identify and reach families who may need breastfeeding information and support.
5
## **4. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
From 31[st] March 2023 to 1[st] April 2024, GBSN has offered support nearly three thousand times, through in-person groups and virtual one-to-one sessions with Breastfeeding Counsellors.
6
## **5. FINANCIAL REVIEW**
The financial position of the charity started out the year in a somewhat depleted state.
Due to the huge fundraising efforts of our volunteers, in particular Sarah Houghton (Dursley Peer Supporter) we ended the year in a very healthy position.
For the financial year ended 31 May 2024 total income was £33,531 while total expenditure was £21,956. Our operating profit was therefore £8,925. This is extremely encouraging, given that we made a loss of a similar amount in the previous financial year.
We carry forward total funds of £27,824, of which £25,712 is unrestricted.
## **Income**
The charity is as ever grateful for the donations made by individuals and families attending our groups on a weekly basis. We are also extremely fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers who run cake sales, raffles, quiz nights and fetes on our behalf.
The majority of our income is from grants received, and we have a very successful team, headed by Sarah Houghton, who have managed to raise £17,300 from grant applications in this period.
## **Expenditure**
The Trustees remain committed to providing an exemplary, free of charge, service to the families accessing our services. No significant new costs have been incurred within the timescale of this financial report.
## **Reserves Policy**
To ensure that GBSN can continue to run its services through periods of low income, the Trustees have decided to hold reserves to cover the cost of running the charity at its current level for at least a further six months. This amount gives the Trustees time to secure new sources of funding, should income streams disappear. Our current reserves stand at almost a full year of funding, but we do not intend to amend our policy. The reserves fund can be spent as necessary when decided by the Trustees.
## **Funding**
The charity is continuing to operate on a quarter-to-quarter basis to ensure it does not commit beyond its financial capabilities and to ensure appropriate decisions can be taken in response to changing circumstances. The Trustees receive monthly management reports from our Treasurer, Kate Marting, which enables forecasting. We have access to Online banking, and use our accounting software package Xero to ensure that the Treasurer and Chair are aware of the financial status of the company at any given time.
## **6. FUTURE PLANS**
The Charity plans to continue its hard but rewarding work supporting families across Gloucestershire. Ot is likely that we will be able to reinstate our popular “Preparing for Breastfeeding” workshops and introduce a new offering entitled “Returning to Work” over the next 12 months.
We are pleased that there continues to be a stream of wonderful volunteers wishing to take part in our Peer Supporter training.
7
We have had to say goodbye to Trustee Anna Wood, who has left to pursue other commitments. We are pleased to welcome Danni Grieve and Aleisha Foreman as new Trustees. They are currently attending meetings as observers while we undertake a restructure of the charity’s governance.
The Trustees are grateful to Roxy Khakinia for providing voluntary legal services to the board. With Roxy’s guidance, the governance and legal entity of the charity will be updated to become a _Charitable Incorporated Organisation_ over the next year. This will not affect the day-to-day running of the charity, but will remove the somewhat onerous requirement for all Trustees to be Directors of a limited company.
## **7. TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES**
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).
Company law 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 charitable company and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the charitable company 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 of the Charities SORP;
• Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
• State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
• Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume 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 charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements company with the Companies Act 2006. 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.
On behalf of the Trustees
Kirstie Clarke
> 4[th] December 2024
8
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
|**Account**|**Apr 2023-May 2024**|
|---|---|
|**Turnover**||
|Donations|15,840.19|
|Grants Received|17,300.00|
|Investments(inc bank interest)|179.76|
|Other Trading Activities (inc. fundraising
events)|211.20|
|**Total Turnover**|**33,531.15**|
|**Cost of Sales**||
|Admin&Data Collection|991.50|
|CharitableActivities- BFCHourlyFee|14,007.60|
|CharitableActivities- BFCTravelCosts|304.00|
|CharitableActivities-Group Sundries|577.70|
|Charitable Activities - Room Hire (Weekly
Groups)|5,635.52|
|Charitable Activities - Volunteer Training|240.00|
|Material Expenses Item|200.00|
|**Total Cost of Sales**|**21,956.32**|
|**Gross Profit**|**11,574.83**|
|**Administrative Costs**||
|Advertising &Marketing|1,000.00|
|Audit &AccountancyFees|13.00|
|Bank Fees|1,153.03|
|General Expenses|33.51|
|Insurance|271.42|
|ITSoftware & Support|178.36|
|**Total Administrative Costs**|**2,649.32**|
|**Operating Profit**|**8,925.51 **|
|||
|**Profit on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation**|
**8,925.51**|
|||
|**Profit after Taxation **|**8,925.51 **|
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## **BALANCE SHEET**
||**Account**|**31 May**
**2024**|
|---|---|---|
|**Fixed Assets**|||
||**Tangible Assets**||
||Computer Equipment|1,836.00|
||Less Accumulated Depreciation on Computer
Equipment|(1,120.00)|
||Office Equipment|150.00|
||**Total Tangible Assets**|**866.00**|
|**Total Fixed Assets**
**Current Assets**||**866.00**|
||**Cash at bank and in hand**||
||Business Current|4,932.78|
||Cash in Hand|35.13|
||GLOS BREASTFEEDING|219.80|
||Reserve Account|21,491.15|
||**Total Cash at bank and in hand**|**26,678.86**|
||Prepayments|130.75|
|||2,637.77|
|||**29,447.38**|
||Accounts Payable|805.56|
||Accruals|825.30|
||PayPal|858.48|
|**Total Creditors: amounts falling due**
**within one year**
**Capital and Reserves**||**2,489.34**|
||**Net Current Assets(Liabilities)**|**26,958.04**|
||||
||**Total Assets less Current Liabilities**|**27,824.04 **|
||||
||**Net Assets**|**27,824.04**|
||||
||Current Year Earnings|12,426.94|
||Restricted Income Fund - MOBS S|434.92|
||Restricted Income Funds|3,708.00|
||Retained Earnings|(14,458.80)|
||Unrestricted General Fund|25,712.98|
|**Total Capital and Reserves**||**27,824.04**|
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## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2024**
## **Accounting Policies**
## **Basis of accounting**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity Act 2011, the Charities SORP (FRS 102) Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015 and as subsequently updated), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s). The policies adopted for items which are judged material to the financial statements are as follows:
## **Going concern**
At the time of approving the accounts, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operation existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the accounts.
## **Recognition of Income**
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. Voluntary income, including donations under Gift Aid, is therefore recognised as income when received. Where applicable, associated income tax recovery is recognised when the recovery is receivable. Interest is recognised as income when receivable.
## **Recognition of Expenditure**
Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity’s objects comprise those costs incurred by the charity as a result of the delivery of its service. Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income. Governance costs comprise those costs incurred by the charity in meeting its constitutional and statutory requirements.
## **Donated services and facilities**
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised when received and measured on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount in then recognised in the expenditure in the period of receipt.
In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised. The trustees’ annual report contains more information about their contribution.
## **Stock**
Stocks consist of goods for resale and are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
11
## **Financial instruments (including debtors and trade creditors)**
The charity has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments held are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value, based on the amortised cost and effective interest methods. Financial assets comprise cash as bank and in hand, together with other debtors. Financial liabilities comprise trade creditors.
## **Creditors**
Creditors are recognised when the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due can be measured of estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
## **Funds**
Restricted funds are donations which that donor has specified are to be solely used for a specified group or specific projects being undertaken by the charity. Unrestricted funds are funds which can be utilised at the discretion of the trustees.
## **Trustee remuneration and expenses**
No Trustees were paid any remuneration or received any other benefit or expenses from employment with GBSN during the year. However, Nicola Bradley was contracted to provide services as Breastfeeding Counsellor to GBSN.
## **Taxation**
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
12
## **GLOUCESTERSHIRE BREASTFEEDING SUPPORTERS’ NETWORK**
**ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING, 4[TH] DECEMBER 2024**
**FIORO LOUNGE, BATH ROAD, CHELTENHAM**
**Agenda:**
- Apologies
- Financial Report
- Resignation and reappointment of Trustees
- Intention to appoint new Trustees
- Restructure of Charity legal status
- Any Other Business
## **1. APOLOGIES**
Apologies received from:
Elizabeth Mayo Meg Walker Lisa Cam Emily Miles Kate Martin
## 2. **FINANCIAL REPORT**
As at 31[st] May 2024:
Total cash at bank and in hand: £18,264.15
Income: £33,531.15 Expenditure: £21,956.32 **Gross Profit: £11,574.83**
Administrative costs: £2,649.32 **Operating Profit: £8,925.51**
**Total capital and reserves: £27,824.04**
## **3. RESIGNATION AND REAPPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES**
Kirstie Clarke and Nicola Wilson hereby resign and the Trustees would like to reappoint them in their roles.
Proposer:
Seconded:
13
## 4. **INTENTION TO APPOINT NEW TRUSTEES**
Danielle Grieve and Aleisha Foreman are recommended by the Trustees to be appointed when the Charity’s restructure has completed.
Proposer:
Seconded:
## 5. **RESTRUCTURE OF CHARITY LEGAL STATUS**
It is proposed that the Registered Charity and Registered Company known as Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters’ Network (GBSN) should become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Legal advice will be sought and the appropriate procedures completed before the date of the next Annual General Meeting.
Proposer: Seconded:
## 6. **ANY OTHER BUSINESS**
It is to be acknowledged that our strength is in our people. We have an extraordinarily committed legion of volunteers who are passionate about the values of our charity. They put in hours of their own time, above and beyond their weekly groups, to ensure that this small charity delivers its absolute best to the families we support.
The last financial year has been no exception, but amongst our Peer Supporters are a few specific shining stars that deserve a special mention.
## **Amy Sturgeon** Churchdown
Amy has been a regular attendee at CRIBS with her own children. She completed the Peer Supporter training course and has been working hard alongside Anny and Catherine. CRIBS has been building its popularity and is now a thriving group. Amy has undertaken Breastfeeding Counsellor training under her own steam, and is to be congratulated for graduating the course. She is an asset to our Churchdown group, and to GBSN as a whole.
**Alice Hopkin** Cheltenham Hesters Way and Gardners Lane
Alice, together with Edie and Mabel, are a permanent fixture of our two Cheltenham groups. As well as providing her quietly reliable presence at weekly group sessions, Alice contributes to our fundraising and communications committees. She is truly a homegrown superstar, and our grateful thanks goes out to her for all that she does.
## **Sarah Houghton** Dursley
Sarah is pretty much single-handedly responsible for saving our “financial butt” this year. She is a long time Peer Supporter at our Dursley group, having been a “Mobs Mummy” with her two daughters, Bessie and Tilly. Now that her girls are older, Sarah still takes the time to volunteer each week at mobs, and has taken charge of our grant applications. Sarah has brought in over £20,000 worth of donations from local
14
organisations, together with help from her small but mighty team. Without her hard work, things could look very different for GBSN, so I would like to thank her so much for her work on this.
## **Kate Martin** Stroud
Kate is our hard-working Treasurer and super-dedicated Peer Supporter at our Stroud group. She and her two little boys are stalwarts of the Thursday morning sessions. Her listening ear has lent support to many mums over the last few years, and her reliable presence is hugely appreciated by Danni and Emily, the group’s BFC. Kate has a good head for numbers, which is certainly good as I don’t, and steers a straight course for the charity’s finances. Thank you to Kate.
## **Beccy Walsh** Cirencester
Beccy, partner-owner of the Oddsocks Café, where our Cirencester group makes its weekly home, is one of our longest standing regular peer supporters. Her baby, now in his twenties, has grown up with GBSN, and we are so glad that Beccy has stayed with us for all these years. She is BFC Nikki’s right-hand-woman. Her depth of knowledge and gentle presence has given so much to so many. Her continuing work as one of our team of Trustees really shows how absolutely dedicated she is. A huge thank you to Beccy for everything that she does.
Kirstie Clarke 4[th] December 2024
15
## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts**
|**Section A Independent Examiner’s Report**|**Section A Independent Examiner’s Report**|**Section A Independent Examiner’s Report**|
|---|---|---|
|**Report to the**||Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters’ Network|
|**trustees/directors/**|||
|**members of**|||
||||
|**On accounts for the year**
**ended**||31 May 2024|
||||
|||**Charity no.:**
1121337
Company no.:
06239404|
||||
|**Set out on pages**||1 to 16
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)|
|||I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the|
|||Company for the year ended 31/05/2024.|
|**Responsibilities and**||As the charity’s trustees of the Company (who are also the directors of the|
|**basis of report**||company 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 for this year 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**||I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have|
|||come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me|
|||cause to believe that:|
|||• accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the|
|||Companies Act 2006; or|
|||• the accounts do not accord with such records; or|
|||• the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under|
|||section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the|
|||accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part|
|||of an independent examination; or|
|||•the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities|
|||SORP (FRS102).|
1
**October 2018**
**IER**
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
* _Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply._
**Signed: Date:** 25/02/2025 ~~.~~ **Name:** Rebecca Benneyworth **Relevant professional** Chartered Accountant **qualification(s) or body** Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales **(if any):** ~~a~~ **Address:** Valley View The Ridge, Bussage Stroud GL6 8HD **Section B Disclosure** ~~<=~~ Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). **Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** .
2
**October 2018**
**IER**