CHARITY NUMBER: 1141024
BIG HELP PROJECT
(A Registered Incorporated Charity)
REPORT AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2021
BIG HELP PROJECT
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2021
| CONTENTS | PAGE |
|---|---|
| Legal & Administrative Information | 1 |
| Report of the Trustees | 2 - 3 |
| Auditor's Report | 4 - 5 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 6 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 8 - 9 |
| Detailed Income & Expenditure Account | 10 |
BIG HELP PROJECT
LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION for the year ended 31 March 2021
| TRUSTEES: | Peter Mitchell | Executive Chair |
|---|---|---|
| Colette Goulding | Assistant CEO | |
| Steven Bolger | ||
| Jennifer McGuinness | ||
| Kenneth Eaton | ||
| OTHER KEY PERSONNEL | Mike Black | Director of Housing |
| Simon Cowie | Chief Operating Officer | |
| REGISTERED OFFICE: | Hope House | |
| 212H Boaler Street | ||
| Liverpool | ||
| L6 6AE | ||
| CHARITY NUMBER: | 1141024 | |
| AUDITOR: | Leslie Eriera | |
| LESLIE ERIERA & CO ACCOUNTANTS | ||
| 11-17 Fowler Road | ||
| Ilford | ||
| Essex | ||
| IG6 3UJ | ||
| ACCOUNTANT: | Mark Roberts FCCA | |
| CHARTERED CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS | ||
| 13 Clinton Place | ||
| Liverpool | ||
| L12 7HB |
Page 1
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (INCLUDING THE TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT) for the year ended 31 March 2021
BIG HELP PROJECT
The trustees of the Charity present their report with the financial statements for year the ended 31 March 2021 The legal and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The trustees have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Trustees are responsible for the management and administration of the Charity's properties and funds in accordance with our trust deed dated 6 February 2011. Except where otherwise agreed, every issue may be determined by a simple majority of the votes cast at a meeting of the Trustees. A resolution which is in writing and signed by all trustees is as valid as a resolution passed at a meeting. Each Trustee has one vote on each issue, in the event of a tie the Chair of the meeting has a second deciding vote.
TRUSTEES
The trustees during the year under review, who are appointed by the members in accordance with procedures set out in the Memorandum and Articles, were:
Peter Mitchell Colette Goulding Steven Bolger Jennifer McGuinness (appointed 01.09.20) Kenneth Eaton (appointed 20.09.20 - resigned 01.12.20)
Much of the Charity’s work focuses upon providing advice and support to local people of varying age groups with a variety of problems and from varied backgrounds. The trustees seek to ensure that the needs of these groups are appropriately reflected through the diversity of the trustee body. The trustees are familiar with the practical work of the charity and are encouraged to attend regular training, feedback and update sessions.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The trustees have conducted a review of the major risks to which the Charity is exposed and where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the Charity faces. External risks to funding have led to the development of a strategic plan which will allow for the diversification of funding and activities. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, service users and visitors to the premises. Standards are monitored both internally and externally to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the Charity. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the Charity.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE
The trustees meet regularly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the Charity. The managers also attend these meetings but have no voting rights. A scheme of delegation is in place and day to day responsibility for the provision of the services rest with the managers, volunteers and finance & administration staff. There is shared responsibility for ensuring that the Charity delivers the services specified, that key performance indicators are met and that the staff team continues to develop their skills and working practices in line with good practice.
The principal objects and activities of the Charity in the year under review continued to focus on the provision of advice, information and support to young people and adults together with the development and coordination of community based projects and initiatives within Knowsley, Sefton and the Liverpool City Region. The Charity has continued to achieve this by providing tailored advice and support on a wide range of issues including Welfare Rights, Debt, Knowsley Foodbank, and Next Steps Employability. In addition, resources and facilities are provided to advance the well being and improve the conditions of life and the education of people in the area. In achieving these objectives, the Charity operates a number of projects and initiatives and works in partnership with other agencies to secure the widest range of services is available that best matches the needs of its client population.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
In so far as it is complementary to the Charity’s objects, the Charity is guided by both local and national policy. Advice from local organisations has proved invaluable to the Charity in establishing improved links within the community and identifying relevant policy developments and prospective funding.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (INCLUDING THE TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT) (CONTINUED) for the year ended 31 March 2021
BIG HELP PROJECT
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Charity has seen an increased and continuing demand for its services and now operates at various locations in the area and has had some success in obtaining commitments for future funding to enable it to further its aims. The trustees are continuing to seek additional funding to support future operational plans.
The year between April 2020 and March 2021 was the most challenging year that Big Help Project has ever faced in 10 years, but of course, it was the most challenging for over 100 years for our country. At the start of the pandemic Big Help Project were feeding circa 350 people per week. At the peak of the first lockdown this increased to 3000 people per week. Working closely with KMBC we put together a support package for everyone who presented as vulnerable in Knowsley and surrounding ares.
The trustees are incredibly grateful for the hard work and commitment of all our staff team and for the amazing support we have received from local people and business through the most difficult time.
This year saw the growth of supporting people with homelessness and our pivalate programme of Freshstart has grown expediently. This year has enabled Big Help Project to grow its fiscal base and as a result of grant funding, the trustees hope that over the next 2/3 years, long term financial sustainability will be embedded into the charity.
Page 3
AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BIG HELP PROJECT for the year ended 31 March 2021
BIG HELP PROJECT
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Big Help Project (the 'charity') for the period ended 31 March 2021 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2021 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the period then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the ISAs report to you where:
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the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is not appropriate; or
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the trustees have not disclosed in the financial statements any identified material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt about the charity's ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Charities Act 2011
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:
-
the information given in the trustees' report, of company law, for the financial period for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and
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the trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Page 4
BIG HELP PROJECT
AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BIG HELP PROJECT (CONTINUED) for the year ended 31 March 2021
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees' report; or
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sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is 'necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditors responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144* of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Leslie Eriera LESLIE ERIERA & CO ACCOUNTANTS 11-17 Fowler Road Ilford Essex IG6 3UJ
20 January 2022
Leslie Eriera is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of his eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
Page 5
BIG HELP PROJECT
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) for the year ended 31 March 2021
| RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS | 2021 | 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | ||
| From charitable activities: | ||
| Income | 9,486,263 | 950,740 |
| Investment Income - UK Interest Receivable | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 9,486,263 | 950,740 |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||
| Charitable Activities | (6,598,437) | (927,224) |
| Governance Costs | (3,000) | (2,000) |
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | (6,601,437) | (929,224) |
| NET INCOMING RESOURCES | ||
| - Net Income for the year (note 3) | 2,884,826 | 21,517 |
| Tax on Profit/Loss on Ordinary Activities | 0 | 0 |
| TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD | 157,516 | 135,999 |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 3,042,341 | 157,516 |
Page 6
BIG HELP PROJECT
BALANCE SHEET as at 31 March 2021
| Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets Investments CURRENT ASSETS Stock 4 Debtors 5 Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 6 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES NET ASSETS FUNDS Restricted & Unrestricted Income Funds 7 |
£ £ 47,546 2 47,548 230,500 2,642,310 879,820 3,752,630 757,836 2,994,794 3,042,342 3,042,342 3,042,342 2021 |
£ £ 13,691 2 13,693 190,000 67,390 14,058 271,448 127,625 143,823 157,516 157,516 157,516 2020 |
£ £ 13,691 2 13,693 190,000 67,390 14,058 271,448 127,625 143,823 157,516 157,516 157,516 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13,693 143,823 |
|||
| 157,516 | |||
| 157,516 | |||
| 157,516 |
The trusteess acknowledge their responsibilities for:
(a) ensuring that the charity prepares accounts which accord with the accounting records, and
(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of each financial year, and of its income and expenditure for each financial year in accordance with the accounting requirements and methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (revised 2005).
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on it's behalf by
Peter Mitchell
20 January 2022
Page 7
BIG HELP PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2021
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year.
Basis of Accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities issued in March 2005 and the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).
Incoming Resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Grants, where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific performance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
This year income from both The Big Help Project and Big Help Trading Ltd (CRN 09366282) would combine to over £1.4m. Consolidated, combined accounts can be made available upon request.”
The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.
Investment income is included when receivable.
Incoming resources from charitable trading activities are accounted for when earned.
Incoming resources from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by performance.
Resources Expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for beneficiaries.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity.
Fixed Assets
Individual fixed assets costing £3,000 or more are capitalised at cost.
| 2. STAFF COSTS Staff Salaries & NI Employers Pension No employees received emoluments of more than £60,000 The average weekly number of full time equivalent employees during the year was as follows: Advice, information and project work |
2021 2020 £ £ 471,807 289,584 6,771 2,712 |
|---|---|
| 478,578 292,296 |
|
| 2021 2020 Number Number 40 22 |
Page 8
BIG HELP PROJECT
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the year ended 31 March 2021
| 3. NET EXPENDITURE 2021 £ This is stated after charging: Audit & Accountancy Fees 3,000 4. STOCK 2021 £ Purchases 230,500 230,500 5. DEBTORS 2021 £ Due within one year Trade Debtors 80,359 Other Debtors 2,561,951 Prepayments & Accrued Income - 2,642,310 6. CREDITORS 2021 £ Due within one year Bank Loans & Overdrafts - Trade Creditors 741,996 Other Taxes & Social Security Costs 10,267 Other Creditors 3,573 Accruals & Deferred Income 2,000 757,836 7. FUNDS At start of year Net incoming resources for the year At end of year - Advice, information, support & training represented by net current assets |
2020 £ 2,000 2020 £ 190,000 190,000 2020 £ 10,200 57,190 - 67,390 2020 £ - 61,319 35,760 28,546 2,000 127,625 Restricted Income Funds £ 157,516 2,884,826 |
|---|---|
| 3,042,342 |
Page 9
BIG HELP PROJECT
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT for the year ended 31 March 2021
| Income Grants, Contracts & Donations Other Income Rental Income Interest Receivable Distribution Costs Opening Stock Grants & Support Purchases Community Events & Hospitality Direct Costs Rental Costs Closing Stock Administration Expenses Staff Salaries & NI Employers Pension Rent & Rates Insurance Light & Heat Repairs & Maintenance Advertising & Marketing Motor & Travel Telephone Printing, Postage & Stationery Computer & Internet Subscriptions Sundry Expenses Professional Fees Audit & Accountancy Fees Depreciation Bank Charges Interest Payable Total Expenditure Net Income |
£ £ 7,182,794 709,503 1,593,966 0 9,486,263 190,000 2,583,000 204,995 6,328 17,379 2,697,004 (230,500) 5,468,205 471,807 6,771 11,708 194,170 30,846 11,307 517 11,154 3,734 6,334 9,604 8,313 508 344,595 3,000 15,849 1,498 1,519 1,133,232 6,601,437 2,884,826 2021 |
£ £ 788,797 161,943 0 0 950,740 84,000 0 239,895 14,948 109,770 0 (190,000) 258,612 289,584 2,712 109,244 15,882 8,864 18,293 1,895 7,079 2,470 2,335 1,363 4,142 51 197,574 2,000 4,564 719 1,842 670,611 929,224 21,517 2020 |
£ £ 788,797 161,943 0 0 950,740 84,000 0 239,895 14,948 109,770 0 (190,000) 258,612 289,584 2,712 109,244 15,882 8,864 18,293 1,895 7,079 2,470 2,335 1,363 4,142 51 197,574 2,000 4,564 719 1,842 670,611 929,224 21,517 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5,468,205 | 258,612 | ||
| 471,807 6,771 11,708 194,170 30,846 11,307 517 11,154 3,734 6,334 9,604 8,313 508 344,595 3,000 15,849 1,498 1,519 |
289,584 2,712 109,244 15,882 8,864 18,293 1,895 7,079 2,470 2,335 1,363 4,142 51 197,574 2,000 4,564 719 1,842 |
||
| 1,133,232 | 670,611 | ||
| 21,517 |
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