ARMED FORCES PARA-‐SNOWSPORT TEAM END OF YEAR REPORT APRIL 2021
CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER: 1142135 COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER : 7646099
**Armed
Forces Para-‐Snowsport Team End of Year Report April 2021**
**Chairman
Welcome**
The 2020/21 season has continued to challenge every aspect of society, and AFPST is no exception. Our flexibility, agility and optimism has been carefully balanced with a pragmatism that placed the safety of everyone, especially our beneficiaries, at the forefront of everything we planned and delivered; and by goodness this Team delivered.
I continue to be overwhelmed by how much our dedicated team of volunteers and supporters have given so that we remain in a position to deliver against our mission. The provision of a recovery pathway for wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans through the power of competitive snowsport is a proven model that continues to deliver benefit to all those who commit to the journey.
Our beneficiaries have been particularly brilliant this year, always on hand to help inform us on how we can further adapt our model to provide the best possible provision of support to everyone; particularly important in the face of the ever-‐evolving pandemic. All of this is made possible by the professionalism and continued dedication of a superb Executive and Management Team. Their ability to plan and deliver at pace, safely, is what sets them apart and what makes AFPST such an enduring success – they are brilliant, and I am grateful to them all. This charity is now 10 years old and we remain committed to the founding principles which underpin and guide the Board of Trustees and the Executive and Management Team as we look to plan for the future.
Whilst it is disappointing that the end of the year remains just as complex and constraining as the beginning, with little prospect of a ‘return to normal’, there are reasons for optimism. I genuinely believe the manner in which this team has adapted, adjusted and delivered in the face of uncertainty has ensured that we are now well balanced (physically and financially) for the season ahead. Indeed, I believe given our recent experiences we are better prepared for any further shocks that may come along; we have proven our resilience and character. I have the utmost confidence and belief in the Executive and Non-‐Executive team and know that whatever is thrown at us, they will continue to place the safety, health and wellbeing of our beneficiaries first.
We also remain indebted to those who give their time freely and without wishing for anything in return. The generosity of our volunteers, partners and donors is extraordinary and it never ceases to amaze me just how much they are willing to commit. I am extremely grateful for all that you do – thank you. Our ability to deliver the success we have year in, year out, is down to you. We hope that you continue to be inspired by our brilliant beneficiaries and know that we see you all as an integral and enduring part of our family.
Finally, I would like to thank Mr David Claridge who retired as Chairman of AFPST. His tireless commitment, drive and positive energy ensured that AFPST remained anchored in reality and ambitious in our outlook; I thank him for everything he has done and know that he will remain close the charity that he helped shape. As the 2020/21 season draws to a close, we remain focused on our vision and strategy and will ensure we continue to promote the health and well-‐being of our serving and veteran wounded, injured and sick community.
Brigadier Mark Pullan, Chairman AFPST
**CEO
Overview**
This season has been a year of challenge and achievements. Strategically, the relationship with GB Snowsport is fast maturing with a strong group of AFPST athletes now on the cusp of selection for the Paralympic Winter Games in 2022. Our long-‐term partnership with Team Army and Team Ethos and Leonardo’s continues to flourish and I am delighted to report that our epic Kayaking for Heroes fundraising efforts proved both a financial and spiritual triumph.
We have successfully completed the transformation of our operational model with a realignment of resources to high quality foundation training events that will build towards an international competition between key allies (UK, US, CAN and we hope a few more nations) in 2022. Concurrently we remain committed to the current crop of elite athletes on their World Cup and Paralympic journey.
COVID remains a feature of all our lives. We have successfully navigated this threat while offering as many safe opportunities to get on snow and transform lives as possible. We have continued to embrace a virtual programme of exciting new ways to keep the flame alive and remain utterly committed to our mission.
Finally, may I thank those who continue to make this endeavour possible; the athletes, past and present coaches and management and every single supporter, sponsor and donor.
Brigadier Andy Cox MBE, CEO AFPST
**The
Armed Forces Para-‐Snowsport Team Overview**
**It’s
all about recovery and freedom on the snow**
We are an all-‐volunteer, independent service charity who use competitive para-‐snowsport as a means to support and accelerate the recovery of our wounded, injured and sick military personnel and veterans.
Our experienced team of volunteers provide adaptive snowsport instruction to those with a physical or psychological condition, where help in recovery can be achieved in a competitive sporting environment.
**We
nurture a team ethos where every individual is important to us.**
Our aim is to help restore self-‐esteem and foster a sense of purpose by creating an opportunity for every athlete to experience the exhilarating freedom of snowsport. We run a comprehensive programme for all abilities in three adaptive disciplines – Snowboarding , Alpine and Nordic Skiing . Bespoke training is offered to every athlete, regardless of ability. Although primarily focused upon providing inexperienced team members with drive and purpose, we also create the opportunity for aspiring athletes to compete on the world stage.
**Inspiration
comes in many guises….**
When it comes to our athletes, every single one of them offers a unique insight into how perseverance and bravery can get you through the most difficult of times. Collectively and individually, they are all quite simply inspirational.
Put yourself in their boots…..
Can you imagine tackling a slalom run at 70km an hour with grace and precision, when completely blind? How about operating a sit-‐ski on a Nordic trail with only your arms to propel you along? Would you dive down the steepest mogul field on your snowboard, with both your lower legs missing? How do you ski at all when you are battling with PTSD, a condition that can be triggered at any moment? Our athletes can.
It is their bravery and fighting spirit that makes our snow family so special. We offer them a chance to experience independence and freedom on snow. In return, they astound us with their personal achievements both on and off the slopes. To push boundaries and to taste success helps us all achieve great things in life. Our athletes are testament to that.
‘I can now truly say that I have got the fire in my belly back and I’m feeling part of something again – a team and a family.
Troy Connor – Para Nordic Athlete
**We’re
not just about being on snow….**
Pulling together as a team isn’t just for the winter season, a theory that has been tested fully over the last year. It is fair to say that 2020 has not panned out quite as we originally planned. Like everyone else, we’ve had to find new, innovative ways to stay in touch with our wider snow family. We’ve tried all sorts to keep spirits up -‐ from quiz nights to branded face masks. We launched the ‘AFPST Let’s Get Active’ in partnership with Battle Ready 360 https://battleready360.co.uk and Ollie Ollerton. The aim is to help deliver health and well-‐being sessions for all our athletes and staff. Every participating athlete has received a Battlebox, containing key fitness equipment and access to some awe-‐inspiring workout sessions, to help maintain fitness and keep spirits up during lockdown.
Despite restrictions, our Performance Teams have remained active on the slopes, their sights still firmly fixed on the Paralympics in 2022.
“AFPST continues to have an enormous impact on my recovery. Having a goal to focus on has made a huge difference to my morale. Prior to the charity’s involvement, I was forever being told I couldn’t do things. The AFPST has proved I can”.
Senior Aircraftman Shona Brownlee – Para Alpine Athlete
**Kayak
4 Heroes make a splash for AFPST**
Four of our intrepid, incredibly fit and determined athletes have decided to take the world ‘challenge’ and move it up a notch or two. In June 2021, the Kayak 4 Heroes team intends to navigate some of the UK’s most challenging waters in a bid to paddle from Land’s End to John O’Groats by Kayak – a distance of 1,400 kilometres. They have set a target to raise over £100,000 for the AFPST and we are enormously proud of them.
**Financial
Review**
AFPST continues to operate its own bank accounts in the UK, maintaining full accounting records and utilising a system of pre-‐loaded Mastercards (provided by Equals) to help control the majority of the spend.
Under the direction of the CFO the management group have conducted a 4-‐year financial planning exercise; building the income base in line with the increasing demands of the beneficiaries in the three disciplines. The finance committee and management group meet quarterly to forecast and control the spend and monitor the income. Under the detailed control of the Head of Finance a tightened and transparent financial control mechanism is now in place.
**Supporters
and Donors**
In order to operate effectively, we remain heavily reliant upon the support of our military charity partners, donors and grant givers. We are hugely grateful for the donation of vital funds, resources and networking capabilities, all of which enable us to support our athletes on their recovery pathway. We would like to thank everyone, especially the Scott Erdine Trust, Positive Pathways Grant, Veterans Foundation, ASCB, Team Army and LIBOR for their support and look forward to working closely with the m in the future.
We really appreciate the energy and passion of those that take on incredible challenges and events in order to raise awareness and funds to support us. This year has been no exception, with beginning to gain momentum and will be delivered in the next financial year.
**Partnerships
are vital to our delivery**
Our enduring military partnership has been key to accessing some extraordinary training opportunities this year. Their funding commitments through the Army Sports Control Board, AWSA and Team Army have all ensured a full and varied programme for our deserving athletes. Our long-‐ standing partnership with GB Snowsport continues to flourish, with a number of our athletes benefiting from some key coaching and support as they embark on the Paralympic pathway for 2022.
**Without
our willing volunteers, we could not operate, so thank you.**
As an all-‐volunteer charitable organisation, we are forever grateful for the time and commitment of our Board and staff. There are many more individuals who, moved by our cause, have offered their expertise to enhance our reach, awareness and delivery. This includes the wonderful videos from John Holden, the marketing support from David Nossitor and Nicola Irving and the administrative support from Reed Smith.
**Finance
Processes**
Details of our financial processes are set within the Finance Directive, reviewed annually by the CFO. This document provides the financial governance for AFPST and empowers the Finance Committee to act upon the strategy.
The Finance Committee drives the financial planning, management and reporting for both 'in-‐year' and the broader strategic financial programme. Its principal outputs are:
-
4-‐year detailed budget proposal for agreement by the Board of Trustees.
-
Preparation of draft accounts for submission to the Board of Trustees.
-
IY quarterly review of team accounting procedures, checks and balances.
-
Input to the AFPST Board on all financial matters.
**Bank
Accounts**
AFPST operates three bank accounts and one corporate card account with Equals. The bank accounts are:
-
RBS Sterling Current Account.
-
RBS interest earning Sterling Sweeper Account.
-
RBS 95-‐day deposit account.
**Audit
and Overall Financial Position**
An independent examination of accounts is made at the end of each financial year (30th April) by a qualified accountant, whose report is submitted to Companies House and to the Charity Commission with the accounts. This examination is currently conducted by Col DJ Rutherford MBA FCMA CGMA, and his report is attached.
The amount of free reserves or income, freely available to the charity at the time of the independent examination, was £500399
The amount of money being carried forward this year is in line with the charity’s objective of building the three disciplines while securing appropriately scaled reserves.
**Future
Intentions**
AFPST intends to build upon the strong relationships we have with our donor and trust foundations. Concurrently we must continue to invest energy and time into an annual Gala Dinner and fund raising challenge.
The target for the next four years is to raise an enduring <£216K per year to meet the current demand and allow us to maintain the enhanced levels of activity and support to our beneficiaries for the long-‐term, while concurrently growing sufficient reserves such that the charity will be able to meet the future commitments we have made to our beneficiaries at the beginning of each financial year.
Throughout, spend will be prudently planned and controlled to provide the maximum, sustainable benefit to as many beneficiaries as possible
**Going
Concern**
The Directors consider that Armed Forces Para-‐Snowsport Team (AFPST) remains a Going Concern and have no reason to suspect that this status will change during the forthcoming year.
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of the Armed Forces Para-‐Snowsport Team -‐ Charitable Company (‘the Company’) Number 7646099
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Armed Forces Para-‐ Snowsport Team for the year ended 30 April 2021.
**Responsibilities
and basis of the report**
As the charity’s trustees of the Company (and also its directors 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’). The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’) and that an independent examination is needed.
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited 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 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**
Since the Company’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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 methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities.
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.
Colonel D J Rutherford MBA FCMA CGMA Defence Business Services Centurion Building Gosport Hampshire PO13 9XA
20[th] December 2021
Statement of Financial Activities for Armed Forces Para-‐Snowsport Team COMPANY NUMBER: 7646099
for the year ended 30 April 2021 incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account
| Notes | 2020/21 £ |
2019/20 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming resources | |||
| Voluntary income | 2 | 303111 | 493643 |
| Investment income | 2 | 912 | 1991 |
| Total incoming resources | 304023 | 495634 | |
| Resource expended | |||
| Costs of generating voluntary income |
3 | 25349 | 44707 |
| Charitable activities | 4 | 83639 | 299440 |
| Governance costs | 5 | 11592 | 8305 |
| Total resources expended | 120580 | 352452 | |
| Net income for the year | 183443 | 143182 | |
| Depreciation of Fixed Assets | 8 | (2568) |
(14284) |
| Net movement in funds | 9 | 180875 | 128898 |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 332989 | 204091 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 513864 | 332989 |
The Statement of Financial Activity includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derived from continuing activity.
**Balance
Sheet as at 30 April 2021**
| Notes | 2020/21 £ |
2019/20 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Total fixed assets | 8 | 13465 | 10273 |
| Current assets: | |||
| Debtors | 0 | 0 | |
| Pre-Payments | 0 | 0 | |
| Cash in bank and in hand | 500399 | 322716 | |
| Total current assets | 500399 | 322716 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 0 | 0 | |
| Net current assets or liabilities | 500399 | 332716 | |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 513864 | 332989 |
|
| Total charity funds | 513864 | 332989 |
The accounts for the year ending 30 April 2021 were prepared in accordance with the special provisions in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies, namely:
For the year in question (2020/21), the company was entitled to exemption (from the requirements relating to preparing audited accounts) under Sections 475 and 477 of the Companies Act 2006 .
No Member or Members entitled to do so have deposited a notice requesting an audit within the specified time period; and
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and for preparing accounts, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year, and of its
profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 (duty to prepare individual company accounts and applicable accounting framework), and which might otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to accounts, so far as applicable to the company.
Approved by the Board of Trustees 14 January 2022 and signed on its behalf by:
Mark Pullan AFPST Chairman
**Notes
forming part of the Financial Statements for the year ended 2020/21**
1. **Accounting
Policies**
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year:
1.1 Accounting Convention . The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on 16 July 2014.
1.2 Fund Accounting . The Charity holds an unrestricted General Purpose Fund. This fund can be used at the discretion of the Trustees to further the objectives of the Charity. The Charity currently has no designated, restricted or endowment funds.
1.3 Incoming Resources . All incoming resources are included on a receipts basis.
Voluntary income is received in the way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activity (SOFA) when receivable.
Donated services and facilities are included at the value to the Charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included in these accounts.
1.4 Resources Expended . Expenditure is recognised on a payments basis. Expenditure includes any VAT that cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of expenditure to which it relates:
Cost of generating funds comprise the costs associated with acquiring voluntary income. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity. They include the costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
1.5 Fixed Assets . The cost of additions to Fixed Assets are not capitalized for single items with a value below £2000. Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write-‐off of the cost of an asset over its useful economic life. The expected useful life of the fixed asset (minibus) brought forward from the previous period has been revised and reflected in this year’s accounts.
-
Incoming Resources. The Charity relies almost entirely on donations and other support to fund charitable activities. In addition to support from corporate, individual donors and personal contributions, grants have been received from a number of Service charities to assist with both the procurement of equipment and to support the charity’s development. A small amount of investment income is received in the form of bank interest.
-
Cost of generating funds. The figure reflects the funds utilised in securing donations and sponsorship.
-
Charitable Activities. These are the costs relating to the team travelling to training and competition events, accommodation, lift passes and other team costs. Expendable property and maintenance of capital property used by the team are charged to this category, as are direct support costs.
-
Governance Costs . These are costs associated with running the charity and include legal expenses and insurance costs.
-
Trustee Remuneration and Related Party Transactions . No member of the Trustee Board received any remuneration during the year. A nominal payment is made to one Trustee, but this is for her work for the charity as its Chief Operating officer
-
Taxation . As a charity, Armed Forces Para-‐Snowsport Team (formerly Combined Services Disabled Ski Team) is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or s256 of the Taxation of Chargeable gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to charitable objectives. No tax charges have arisen in the Charity.
8. **Tangible
Fixed Assets**
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Balance brought forward | 30817 |
| Additions | 5760 |
| Disposals | 0 |
| Balance carried forward | 36577 |
| Accumulated depreciation | |
| Balance brought forward | 20544 |
| Disposals | 0 |
| Charge for year | 2568 |
| Balance carried forward | 23112 |
| Net book value | |
| Brought forward | 10273 |
| Carried forward | 13465 |
- Movement in funds
| 9. Moveme |
nt in funds | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| As at 1 May 2020 £ |
Adjustment £ |
Incoming Resources £ |
Outgoing Resources £ |
As at 30 April 2021 £ |
| 332989 | 0 | 304023 | 123148 | 513864 |
The AFPST currently has no designated, restricted or endowment funds.
ARMED FORCES PARA-‐SNOWSPORT TEAM CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER: 1142135
COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER : 7646099
REGISTERED OFFICE ADDRESS: The Broadgate Tower, Third Floor, 20 Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2RS
CHAIRMAN: Brig Mark Pullan MBE CIO
BOARD OF TRUSTEES: Brig Andy Cox MBE, CEO Maj (Retd) Elizabeth Winfield COO Brig Mark Pullan MBE CIO Mrs Jill Ahrens CFO Lt Col Andy Garner Brig Fred Hargreaves OBE Mr Clive Jecks Lt Col (Retd) Spencer Bull Lt Col (Retd) Paul Spanner
COMPANY SECRETARY: Reed Smith Corporates Services Limited
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: Lt Col Rutherford AGC (SPS) FCMA CGMA Bankers
BANK ACCOUNT: Royal Bank of Scotland, Holts RBS branch
SOLICITORS: Reed Smith LLP, The Broadgate Tower, 20 Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2RS