Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01/01/2021 Period start date To 31/12/2021 Period end date Charity name: ST NICHOLAS WORLD DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Charity registration number: 1125836
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | |||
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| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The Charity is motivated by the Christian faith to promote human development and social justice in under- developed countries by working with local charities, aid workers and indigenous people in these countries so that it can : 1] Promote sustainable development for the benefit of the local people by the relief of poverty and the improvements of the conditions of life in socially and disadvantaged communities. 2] Develop the capacity and skills of the socially and economically disadvantaged communities in the Developing World in such a way that they are able to identify and help meet their needs and to participate more fully in society. 3] Relieve financial hardship, either generally or individually, of people living in the Developing World by making grants of money for providing or paying for items, services and facilities. |
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| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
In planning the following activities for the public benefit, the Trustees have paid due regard to the Commissions public benefit guidance. 1]Feed My Lamb Community School in Uganda The school continues to cater for 140 vulnerable children, 40 of whom were street children brought to Gweri in the district of Kabarole from Nuguru slum four years ago; and the remainder are from local child- headed families |
who would not otherwise receive an education. The staffing of the school comprises of 7 fully qualified teachers who specialise in particular aspects of the curriculum whilst some of them have particular whole school responsibilities, for example, Head Teacher and Director of Studies. There are also two Teaching Assistants to support learning. The School Board includes a wide range of people from the local community who support the school; the School Administrator, Head Teacher and one other teacher. We continue to provide accomodation in two hostels –both of which we now own, as a second one was built this year on the school site. This means we no longer have to pay the high rent being charged locally. These house the children from Kampala and some who are at risk in the community. Claire Dorcus, Founder and Administrator , arranges Guardian support for the local orphan children. We provide food for the whole school community. We provide medical insurance so that the children and staff can be safe in the knowledge that they will receive the care that they need. This year it has been especially helpful during the continuing Covid pandemic, providing regular testing and hospital isolation and care. Other items of provision include teacher salaries, learning materials, examination fees, clothing, shoes and toiletries. We have also provided some funding for the development of the arable, animal and fish farming, though this has become less as the projects have yielded more profits. The hairdressing and tailoring are becoming financially self-sufficient and providing education and employment for the older pupils and members of the local community. 2] Support for Trafficked Adults and Children in Albania We support the urgent need for shelter, food and education for these people. Their plight has been more extreme during the continuing pandemic.The work is coordinated by Sr Imelda of the Loreto Order. 3] Support for Trafficked Women and
| Children in Romania We help to provide a home for these families until they are able to make their own provision by working in either the sewing or restaurant projects set up by Fr Petru and Sr Kathleen from the Sisters of St Paul. These projects have struggled during the Covid pandemic so the main aim has ben to keep them safe, healthy and fed. |
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| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
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| SORP reference | ||
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | The Trustees of St Nicholas World Development Group are committed to organising the support needed to raise funds for the World Development Projects identified by the members of St Nicholas Parish. All funding is transferred directly to the Projects and any expenses kept at an absolute minimum. Each Project chosen has to adhere to the following criteria: a] It should have close links with St Nicholas Parish. b] There should be close links to the Project Manager in the field. c] There should be regular liaison with the Project Manager and the Trustees to ensure the best allocation of funds. d] It should be possible to transfer money easily and at a minimum cost. e] Funds should go directly to the project. |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | The Charity does not normally make investments. |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The Charity may seek the support of volunteers to assist with Charity events and activities. |
Other
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | For another year COVID has dramatically affected the development of our Projects and our opportunities to fundraise. However, there have been achievements despite this situation in Uganda. a] In spring the long- awaited harvesting of the fish ponds began and initially raised £3,335.Since then the ponds have been repaired and readied for restocking . b] Eggs, milk and some vegetables have been sold and profits used to help meet the high maize and sugar prices. c] Face masks have been made in the sewing project and sold at a profit. d] Shipments including electric sewing machines; carpentry tools, school stationary and other equipment from TWAM [ Tools With A Mission] and shoes, toys, clothes and toiletries from our donors have all been successfully delivered. e] The Guardians in the community were able to access some of these goods including sanitizing products f] They have made a good profit from selling rabbits – an entirely new venture. g] Despite all the school closures in the year P7 recorded outstanding examination results. 20 students passed -18 achieved Grade A and 2 Grade B h] A new hostel has been built on the school premises for the boys who had lost their previous rented accomodation. This will save a great deal on rent and in a short time will have paid for itself. |
i] A replacement for the old truck, which is essential for taking children to the hospital and collecting large quantities of maize, sugar, rice etc has been purchased. j] Two local Guardians have used their small allowance to open stores in the village. In Albania and Romania work has been able to continue, although, due to Brexit regulations, the sewing project has had to close in Romania. However, employment has now been found for all those able and wishing to work.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 |
Please see above |
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| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | For the second year our usual fundraising activities were curtailed due to COVID restrictions. We have been fortunate in receiving Trust Funding and some very generous donations and have exceeded our financial targets. |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | Not applicable |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Despite being unable to raise a percentage of our funding through events, our appeals to donors and our successful appeals for Trust Funding have resulted in us being able to meet all our funding commitments to our three Projects and allowed us to hold some extra reserve funds for 2022. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Due to the current pandemic and uncertain future which may prevent the usual opportunities for fundraising and donations in 2022 we felt keeping larger reserves was appropriate at this time. Also, sadly, the benefactor of the Hatfield Trust died during 2021. The trust is a significant donor to the Charity and is not guaranteed to continue with its present level of donations. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £29,043 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | N/A |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 |
Planned Giving, Gift Aid, Appeals, Trust Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | N/A |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | 1] The risk of a third-party claim for loss arising from one of the Charity’s fund-raising events. The Charity transfers this risk by purchasing a Public Liability Insurance annually to protect itself from potential financial liability. |
In 2021, the Charity deferred this insurance whilst it was unable to run events. This will be reviewed when it becomes possible to resume fundraising events. Any events will be held in line with government guidelines and will be risk-assessed. 2] The risk of reduced governance due to the Coronavirus pandemic The Coronavirus [ COVID -19] pandemic and restrictions are likely to impact the ability of the Society to meet as a group and limit interactions with projects. This will be mitigated by using online communication where possible. This risk is partly reduced as the Charity has demonstrated it can work effectively with remote working during 2020/2021. The Charity accepts any additional risk arising from the inability to conduct a Feed My Lamb monitoring inspection in 2021. and notes that this element of risk increase year on year while inspections are not possible. Other
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
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| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Association |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Appointed by committee of Trustees |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 |
All potential Trustees are initially members of the Management Committee for a period of, at least, two years in order that they become familiar with the ethos, work of the Projects and the management of the Charity. Potential Trustees with specific skills and experience may be appointed earlier. All Trustees are also requested to read the support and training materials provided by the Charity Commission. |
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| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The Charity has a Management Committee comprising 7 Trustees and 3 Members who meet regularly throughout the year. Working parties may be set up to deal with particular issues, for example, planning events, drawing up policies or applying for funding. When events are able to take place up to 24 volunteers may help with the fundraising. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | We work closely with members of St Nicholas Parish, families, friends and the local community; Sisters of the Lereto Order and Sisters of St Paul. |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | ST NICHOLAS WORLD DEVELOPMENT GROUP |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | ST NICHOLAS WDG |
| Registered charity number | 1125836 |
| Charity’s principal address | 70, STATION ROAD SUTTON COLDFIELD |
WEST MIDLANDS B73 SLA
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maureen Hickey | Chair | |||
| LesleyDevlin | Secretary | |||
| Stephanie Prestage |
Treasurer | |||
| Helen Middlemass | PublicityOfficer | |||
| Peter Middlemass | ||||
| Julie Bleasedale | ||||
| Di Hitchcock | ||||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity N/A Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this N/A falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets N/A from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Names and | addresses of advisers (Optional information) | addresses of advisers (Optional information) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of adviser |
Name Address |
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| Advisory | Professor Samuel Hickey |
14 Deeping Avenue, Whalley Range, Manchester M16 8GB |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc)
Date