2021-03-31-accounts - R.I.V.A Project

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Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ members of On accounts for the year ended Set out on pages	Charity Name THE RIVA CLUB/PROJECT LTD

	31stMarch 2021 Charity no (if any) 1123964

	3-11
	I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended31 / 03 / 2021.

Responsibilities and As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation basis of report of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn 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: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address:	Date:

	Julie Robinson

	CGMA, ACMA, MAAT,

	Footprints Accountancy Ltd
	24 Napier Court, Gander Lane
	Chesterfield, S43 4PZ

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

IER

Give here brief details of N/A any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

IER

Trustees' Annual Report for the period

Period start date Period end date Day Month Year Day Month Year 1st April 2020 To 31st March 2021

From

Section A Reference and administration details

Charity name

The Riva Club/Project Ltd

Other names charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) 1123964

Charity's principal address 77 Laird Road, Wisewood,

Sheffield

Postcode S6 4BS

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

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Name of person
(or body)
Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole year entitled to
appoint trustee
(if any)
1 Mr Christopher Merrick Chair
2 Ms Kelly Daubney Secretary Resigned 12 [th] November 2020
3 Ms Debra Clarke Treasurer
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Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

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Name Dates acted if not for whole year
Mr Steve Beard Resigned 12 November 2020
Ms Christine Lawlor Resigned 6th August 2020
Mr Stephen Holmes Resigned 6th August 2020
Ms Kelly Daubney Resigned 12 [th] November 2020
Ms Debra Clarke
Christopher Merrick
Vicky Toogood Commenced 12 November 2020
Graeme Cheyne Commenced 17 [th ] September 2020
Scott Burgess Commenced 6 [th] August 2020
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Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

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Type of adviser Name Address
Accountant Footprints Accountancy 24 Napier Court, Gander Lane, Barlborough,
Chesterfield, S43 4PZ
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Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

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Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document Memorandum and Articles of Association

(eg. trust deed, constitution)

How the charity is constituted

(eg. trust, association, company)

Trustee selection methods

(eg. appointed by, elected by)

Company Limited by Guarantee

All Trustees vacancies are advertised on a South Yorkshire wide basis via Voluntary Access Sheffield. People expressing an interest are invited to visit RIVA to give them an understanding of what we do and what we are trying to achieve. Following this anyone wishing to progress with their interest are invited to a Trustees meeting to meet other trustees. Anyone wishing to join the board at this stage is invited to join as a trustee in the first instance followed by the offer of any available position that interests them.

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees;
the charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works;
relationship with any related parties;
trustees’ consideration of major risks and the system and procedures to manage them.
Trustee Induction and Training All Trustees have access to relevant training via PHAB and VAS.
Organisation (Board Meetings etc) The trustees meet monthly and minutes are kept of each meeting including agreed action points.
Related Parties (Remuneration of Trustees and relationships)

We currently have a process in place for the reimbursement of reasonable expenses should this be required.

Risk Management

Risk management has always been taken seriously at RIVA to ensure the safety of students, staff, volunteers and customers. Our processes have recently been audited and updated on a fortnightly basis during Covid 19 in line with guidance from Sheffield City Council and the Director of Public Health and will continue to be done so going forward.

We are now back to normal opening hours following staggered return from Covid 19 lockdown. This is with additional safety measures in place to protect the volunteers and service users

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Section C Objectives and activities

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)	 To advance the education of young people with additional needs in Sheffield To provide facilities for recreation and leisure time occupation for such persons in the interests of social welfare and with a view to improving their quality of life and social inclusion.  To provide assistance for their specialist needs, in particular by the provision of support, training and advocacy in order for them to take control of their lives and live as they choose.  To promote full participation, integration and friendship between the young people with additional needs and their non-disabled peers.
	The principal activity continues to be that of providing work based training activities and independent living skills for people with additional needs.  To provide a friendly welcoming environment for socially isolated people of all ages.  To provide entertainment to suit a range of ages, incomes, interests and capabilities.  To provide access to good quality low cost recycled and upcycled products for people on low incomes and/or wishing to be environmentally friendly. The vision that shapes our activities is our commitment to providing better life chances for people with additional needs in and around Sheffield. We offer work-based training, life skills training and recreational activities for the SEND community (including people with learning disabilities, physical and/or sensory impairments and mental health issues) or anyone who would benefit from independent living skills and confidence to gain employment. The project includes a coffee shop and charity shop and garden all of which are open to the public. In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance on public benefit and fee charging. RIVA relies on grants and the fees and charges to cover its operating costs. In setting the level of fees, charges and other prices the trustees give careful consideration to accessibility for those on low income.

Summary of the objects of the
charity set out in its
governing document
Summary of the main
activities undertaken for the
public benefit in relation to
these objects (include within
this section the statutory
declaration that trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit)


To advance the education of young people with additional needs
in Sheffield To provide facilities for recreation and leisure time
occupation for such persons in the interests of social welfare and
with a view to improving their quality of life and social inclusion.

To provide assistance for their specialist needs, in particular by
the provision of support, training and advocacy in order for them
to take control of their lives and live as they choose.

To promote full participation, integration and friendship between
the young people with additional needs and their non-disabled
peers.

The principal activity continues to be that of providing work based training
activities and independent living skills for people with additional needs.

To provide a friendly welcoming environment for socially isolated
people of all ages.

To provide entertainment to suit a range of ages, incomes,
interests and capabilities.

To provide access to good quality low cost recycled and upcycled
products for people on low incomes and/or wishing to be
environmentally friendly.
The vision that shapes our activities is our commitment to providing
better life chances for people with additional needs in and around
Sheffield. We offer work-based training, life skills training and recreational
activities for the SEND community (including people with learning
disabilities, physical and/or sensory impairments and mental health
issues) or anyone who would benefit from independent living skills and
confidence to gain employment. The project includes a coffee shop and
charity shop and garden all of which are open to the public.
In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities,
the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on
public benefit, including the guidance on public benefit and fee charging.
RIVA relies on grants and the fees and charges to cover its operating
costs. In setting the level of fees, charges and other prices the trustees
give careful consideration to accessibility for those on low income.

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Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

The strategies employed to achieve the charity’s aims and objectives are:  To market our services in an inclusive user friendly way.
To liaise with the appropriate official bodies representing the interests of our client groups.
To work with other organisations in the area offering similar services.
To work to reach a broad range of people to get them actively involved as customers, volunteers and friends of RIVA.
Celebrating diversity by the involvement in different events throughout the year.
Putting these strategies into action we have three major areas of activities which are Education & Training, Charity Shop and Café.

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

policy on grantmaking;
policy programme related investment;
contribution made by volunteers.

Educational Training RIVA is a local registered charity committed to providing better life chances for people with additional needs in and around Sheffield. We know that given the right support and learning opportunities most people could lead a more independent and fulfilling life.

The RIVA project provides a range of learning opportunities for young special needs students in a friendly, encouraging training centre thereby helping them to building confidence, self-esteem and helping students reach their potential.

Our programme of activities provides a friendly, encouraging and rewarding environment, creating opportunities for people with additional needs to develop life skills. This helps them to build confidence, selfesteem and encourages each individual to strive to reach their potential. We provide a range of learning opportunities in our work based training centre which help us to achieve our objectives.

The charity shop enables the students to learn customer service, money, retail and presentation skills. We take students through the whole experience from the preparation of garments for display in the shop through to the sale. This work experience helps users gain valuable, transferable life skills whilst building their self-confidence and making them more inclusive members of the community.

The coffee shop enables participants to gain the relevant skills for working in the food service sector. Students are closely supervised to ensure their safety and customer satisfaction. Participants are able to practice what they learn and gain confidence when interacting with other people.

RIVA also provides a wide range of fun, recreational activities and these are accessible for students unable to follow the work based training

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which includes regular access to a sports hall facility which our students enjoy.

 Coffee Shop

The coffee shop is open Monday to Friday between 9am to 3pm and during this time offers a range of light snacks and hot meals at lunchtime. In addition to the usual daily business, the coffee shop also caters for buffets both on and off site and caters for seasonal celebrations for the local community. In addition to offering training opportunities for our students, the coffee shop also offers volunteering and work experience placements for the local community. All volunteers are supervised and supported during the time they spend with us and we are able to provide references reflecting their skills and experience for potential employers. DBS certificates are processed for all volunteers.

 Charity Shop

The charity shop is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 3pm and this supports the funding of the charity. In addition to being a training opportunity for our students to grow their skills, it also offers volunteering and work placements to the local community for people who are interested in acquiring some retail experience and customer service skills. Again, all volunteers are supervised and supported during their time with us and we are able to provide references reflecting their skills and experience for potential employers. DBS certificates are processed for all volunteers.

 Our Volunteers

RIVA is committed to its involvement with the local community and relies on voluntary help in all areas. Our volunteers include young people who have just left school, university students (seeking involvement in the community and/or seeking to gain experience towards their degrees), mothers who have young children at school (seeking very short part time experience) and also retired and unemployed people wanting to develop their social skills and contribute to society.

We currently have around 10 volunteers. We are proud to say all have returned to us following the Covid 19 restrictions and reduced hours. We have even increased our number of volunteers, who report feeling safe and happy to be working at RIVA.

Section D Achievements and performance

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Section D Achievements and performance

Summary of the main  Achievement and performance. achievements of the charity Our performance is measured generally in financial terms by monitoring during the year earnings but we have also had occasional satisfaction and exit surveys. We have successfully navigated the difficulties enforced on us during the lockdown period and successfully reintegrated employees, students, and volunteers in a safe manner. We are increasing both our volunteer and student numbers.  Customer Experience Up to this point our main practice for monitoring customer satisfaction has been anecdotal. However going forward we will be testing designs for customer’s satisfaction surveys which we hope to undertake more routinely. We have a new sign-in system which when fully integrated will provide valuable feedback from visitors.

Section E Financial review

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves Details of any funds materially in deficit Further financial review details	RIVA has not had a specific reserves account previously and has relied on insurance and a bank account which has sufficient for most day to day occurrences. However we have now decided that being a more mature organisation with staff responsibilities it would be prudent to have a reserves account for 6 months operation to cover these responsibilities and some replacements of equipment. We have managed to maintain this throughout the lockdown period with careful and responsible management. We are currently applying for a separate bank account for reserves only.
	N/A
	(Optional information)

Brief statement of the
charity’s policy on reserves
Details of any funds materially
in deficit
Further financial review details

RIVA has not had a specific reserves account previously and has relied
on insurance and a bank account which has sufficient for most day to day
occurrences. However we have now decided that being a more mature
organisation with staff responsibilities it would be prudent to have a
reserves account for 6 months operation to cover these responsibilities
and some replacements of equipment. We have managed to maintain
this throughout the lockdown period with careful and responsible
management. We are currently applying for a separate bank account for
reserves only.

N/A

(Optional information)

Youmay chooseto include
additional information, where
relevant about:

the charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising);

how expenditure has
supported the key objectives
of the charity;

investment policy and
objectives including any
ethical investment policy
adopted.


Pricing Policy
There continues to be a pressure between profit and keeping the prices
as low as possible so as not to exclude students who come from
households with low and fixed incomes. As our student numbers rise this
is something we continually monitor. All clients have been given an
4.99% increase from the government.

Investment Powers and Policy
We have a healthy bank account and all three parts of our business are
growing steadily with the shop and cafe takings and are back to pre-
lockdown levels. Our pupils have been fully reintegrated and we are
increasing our student numbers. We will endeavour to improve this part
of our business and invest in this area over the next 12 months.

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Section F Other optional information

During the last 6 years RIVA has progressed from a group of people with an idea and a derelict building to being a fully functioning educational training establishment and community asset. Our main sponsors during this time have been Sheffield City Council (premises), Lottery Fund (initial renovation Grant), Thomas Bailey Foundation (renovation and machinery) Newground Together (renovation and machinery) and Sheffield City Council (small community grants used for specific equipment and repairs.).

During the first 4-5 years the main source of our income became the daily fees paid by our students enhanced by the income from the charity shop and community café also housed in the building and used as a training space for our students. Following a significant reduction in student number during the period 2018/19 RIVA undertook a full review of our offer and marketing style which has now resulted in an ongoing growth in student numbers. The subsequent lockdown in 2019 hit our service hard as students could not attend but we have managed to not only retain those students but also increase numbers when we were able to reopen.

Any fluctuations in income from student numbers has historically been mitigated by the changes in the café and the employment of new catering staff resulted in a higher profile role and income for the café and the shop. Despite these areas being unable to open during the lockdown we have successfully reopened them and this continues to be the case. As both the student numbers grow so does the profile of RIVA and success of all three areas of the organisation.

The implementation of professional accounts packages also continues to assist in tighter financial controls, projections, and management. The constitution is in the process of being updated to incorporate the provision of a second account to enable there to be separate account for reserves.

Section G Declaration

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

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Christopher Merrick Debra Clarke Position (e.g. Chair) Chair Treasurer Date

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THE R.I.V.A. CLUB/PROJECT LTD
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period Period start date Period end date
To
from 1st April 2020 31st March 2021
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Student Fees & Activities 42,350 - - 42,350 36,177.00
Charity Takings 3,078 - - 3,078 15,491.00
Café Takings 4,301 - - 4,301 26,086.00
Funding 14,560 - 14,560 20,410.00
Donations 684 - - 684 1,593.00
Grants 51,270 - - 51,270 -
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - 116,242 99,757
Sub total (Gross income for AR) [ 116,242 ]
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 116,242 - - 116,242 99,757
A3 Payments
Café Purchases 1,862 - 1,862 7,820
Student Food/Trips 944 - 944 2,053
Bank Charges 133 - 133 282
Wages, NIC & Pensions 88,154 - 88,154 78,080
Office Expenses 1,171 - 1,171 1,825
Advertising 2,724 - 2,724 2,513
Repairs & Maintenance 1,994 1,994 3,671
Utilities 8,232 - 8,232 11,599
Staff Training 79 - 79 611
Legal 2,232 2,232 1,805
- -
Sub total [ 107,525 ] - - 107,525 110,260
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - - -
Total payments 107,525 - - 107,525 110,260
Net of receipts/(payments) 8,718 - - 8,718 - 10,503
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 78,713 - - 78,713 89,216
Cash funds this year end £ 87,431 - - 87,431 78,713
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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B1 Cash funds	Details Details Surplus to Reserves Details *Total cash funds* (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Bank Account PayPal Cash (inc pending deposits) Details Signature HMRC PAYE Smart Pensions	Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 87,136.84 - 144.24 - 150.00 - 87,431 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Unrestricted - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) Unrestricted 1,116 Unrestricted 1,137 - - Print Name	Endowment funds to nearest £ - - -
			-
			OK
			Endowment funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - Current value (optional) - - - - - - - - When due (optional) Date of approval