**www.riverbanktrust.org.uk** 


## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

**Charity Registration Number: 1143758 Company Registration Number: 7548705** 

**31 March 2021** 

**Annual Report and Financial Statements** 

Simply Churches Chartered Accountants 

17 Heathville Road London N19 3AL 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Annual Report and Financial Statements 2021 Contents** 


||**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Legal and administrative information**|**2**|
|**Annual Report of the Trustees**|**3**|
|**Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees**|**12**|
|**Statement of financial activities**|**13**|
|**Balance sheet**|**14**|
|**Notes to the financial statements**|**15**|



_1_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Legal and Administrative Information For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


|**Charity Name**|Riverbank Trust.|
|---|---|
|**Charity Registration No.**|1143758. The Charity was established on 22 February 2011 and was registered with the|
||Charity Commission on 12 September 2011.|
|**Registered Office**|Holy Trinity Church Centre, Sheen Park, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1UP.|
|**Governing Document**|Memorandum & Articles of Association dated 22 February 2011.|
|**Objectives**|The object of the charity is in the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ to provide support and|
||care for vulnerable women and other needy people, in particular in the London Borough|
||of Richmond-upon-Thames or elsewhere at the Trustees' discretion.|
||In view of the object of the charity, the Mission of Riverbank Trust (“Riverbank”), for the|
||public benefit, is specifically:|
||To bring hope and help through long-term emotional and practical support for single|
||mothers experiencing significant challenges in life. Riverbank does this by equipping|
||families of all faiths and none through one-to-one relationship and inclusive community|
||groups, delivered in partnership with the local church, schools, voluntary organisations|
||and professional services.|
|**Trustees**|Tristan Blood<br>Chairman|
||Sally Buckwell|
||Catriona Johnston|
||Mark Johnston|
||Ellie Hughes|
||Dan Wells|
|**Key Management**|Those in charge of planning, directing, controlling, running and operating the Charity,|
|**Personnel**|including those members of staff who are the senior management personnel to whom the|
||trustees have delegated significant authority or responsibility in the day-to-day running of|
||the charity, are considered by the trustees to be:|
||•<br>The Trustees|
||•<br>Michelle Rutter, director|
|**Main Bankers**|Barclays Bank Plc|
||8 George Street|
||Richmond|
||Surrey TW9 1JY|
|**Independent**|John Helm ACA|
|**Examiner**|Simply Churches Limited|
||17 Heathville Road|
||London N19 3AL|
|**Company Secretary**|P. James Lowther (unpaid volunteer)|



_2_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


The Trustees, who are also the Directors of the Riverbank Trust, submit their annual report and the financial statements of Riverbank Trust (“the Charity”) for the year ended 31 March 2021. The financial statements have been prepared in the format prescribed by the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP2015 (FRS102)) and the Financial Reporting Standard 102. The legal and administrative information set out earlier in this document forms part of this report. This report also constitutes a directors’ report required by section 415 of the Companies Act 2006 as all Trustees of a charity company are directors. 

## **1. Structure, Governance & Management** 

## **1.1. Trustees** 

The Board of Trustees, which can have up to 12 members, administers the Charity. The Trustees meet as a management committee at least four times per year to discuss a full range of matters relating to project work, recruitment, finance and general administration. The Director is appointed by the Trustees to manage the day to day operations of the Charity. To facilitate effective operations, the Director has delegated authority, with terms of delegation agreed by the Trustees. The Director keeps the Trustees abreast of important issues with meetings, by telephone and email communication. The Director also sends out emails to the Trustees from time to time with updates and information on matters arising in the life of the Charity. 

Business and pastoral skills are well represented amongst the Trustees. Trustees aim to maintain and, where necessary, expand this range of skills and experience through training. None of the Trustees receive remuneration. 

New trustees are appointed by the existing trustees. Unanimity is sought concerning such appointments. 

The induction process for any individual newly-appointed to the board of Trustees comprises an initial meeting with at least two of the Trustees (whenever possible one of these two Trustees being the Chair) and receipt of copies of: 

- the Memorandum and Articles of Association 

- the most recent financial statements 

- the Charity Commission’s guidance ‘The Essential Trustee’. 

## **1.2 Risk Management** 

The Trustees acknowledge that they have a responsibility for the identification and proper management of risks faced by the Charity in achieving its primary aims. The Trustees have therefore assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those relating to the specific operational areas of the Charity, its investments and its finances. The Trustees believe that, by monitoring reserve levels, by ensuring that controls exist over key financial systems, and by examining the operational risks faced by the Charity, they have established effective systems and procedures to mitigate those risks. 

## **2. Activities & Achievements** 

The trustees have given due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The trustees believe that the Charity provides benefit to the public through the achievements associated with the following core activities: 

- One to One Relationship 

- Community Groups 

- Collaborative Partnerships 

## **2.1 One to One Relationship** 

Riverbank delivers long-term emotional and practical support to single mothers through one-to-one relationship between each single mother and her Outreach Worker. Outcomes achieved through this relationship include: the **combatting** of **loneliness** and other conditions associated with **poor mental health** , and the provision of a host of **practical support** as described below. 

_3_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


- One-to-one relationship oversight: Riverbank continues to train, equip, and support its staff and volunteers as needed. This is overseen by the Riverbank Pastoral Manager. 

- One-to-one relationship with Mums: Outreach Workers ordinarily devote their time outside of community groups to meet with Mums, to develop relationships both in times of crisis and celebration. This includes assistance with completing applications for crisis grants, food bank vouchers, nursery and school places, and housing applications. Other support includes accompanying Mums to court hearings, appointments with social services, the police etc, and being there for each Mum when dealing with bereavement, miscarriage or marking significant anniversaries and birthdays. These relationships have both an emotional and a practical dynamic. Outreach Workers also signpost to additional specialist support as required. Whilst compliance with government C19 guidance meant activities faced some adjustments, Outreach Workers continued to encourage and support families in need of financial or other practical help in crisis. Riverbank also sent packs to all our families based on the areas of engagement such as schoolpacks for school-work, parenting-packs, well-being packs and food/hygiene parcels. Riverbank continued to help each Mum stay in touch more generally via the Riverbank community newsletter which also helps with signposting further support as needed. Each Mum and her family were delivered a Christmas gift by her respective Outreach Worker. 

- One-to-one relationship with children: Riverbank school-work. In addition to the core one-to-one relationships between Outreach Workers and Mums, Outreach Workers also devote one-to-one time in schools with the children of Riverbank Mums where needed and requested. Riverbank draws on the expertise of its experienced teachers and practitioners and delivers, though its trained Outreach Workers, a highly regarded classroom-based emotional literacy syllabus one-to-one with each child. Over the 2020-2021 school year, the current syllabus comprised 12 units of work: 

1. Friendship 

2. All about me 

3. Anger 

4. Change 

5. Emotions and Feelings 

6. Family 

7. Following instructions and listening 

8. Stress, worry, anxiety 

9. Self-esteem and confidence 

10. Finishing well 

11. Rain Before Rainbows (COVID-related with a book and activity posted to all school families) 

12. Back to school (COVID-related) 

During periods of C19 lockdown, each school family was contacted with the offer of meeting remotely such as over Zoom (remote school sessions). Those children who requested to participate appreciated having1:1 time with their Outreach Worker. Each online session varied depending on the age and need of the child and was structured accordingly. Examples of content related to the pandemic included exploring together: ‘What have you enjoyed most about lockdown?’ ‘What have you missed during lockdown?’ ‘What one thing are you looking forward to when all this is over?’ ‘What is one new thing you have learnt or done?’ Answers were recorded on paper, stuck in the child’s scrapbook, and kept as a reminder of school time together during lockdown. The children have tended to demonstrate a keen interest in their scrapbooks, sharing contents with peers, teachers and parents. Riverbank complies closely with applicable safeguarding requirements; this includes updating its safeguarding policy to reflect how services were adjusted, as well as asking each parent to complete an online consent form. 

Schools have reported that Riverbank’s education-based service has demonstrated the capacity to (i) increase a pupil’s ability to concentrate, (ii) improve behaviour in class, and (iii) improve overall wellbeing. The demand for this service is strong with schools continuing to request that Riverbank extend its service to cover more children. The combination of one-to-one relationship delivered to both mother and child produces in the child a visible increase in resilience and confidence. 

_4_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


## **Key Statistics** 

||**2020-21**|**2019-20**|
|---|---|---|
|Full-time staff|-|-|
|Part-time staff|8|7|
|Families reached|75|73|
|**Schools involved in**|3|3|
|School children reached(Incl. 1:1 sessions)|32|42|
|Contact with other Riverbank schoolparents|12|10|



## **2.2 Community Groups** 

Riverbank delivers emotional and practical support to single mothers through diverse community groups that are often needs-based. Single Mums attend these community groups where they develop relationships, benefit from a shared sense of belonging and community and receive needs-based help such as through the parenting training groups. Outcomes achieved through community groups include: the **combatting** of **isolation** and other conditions associated with **poor mental health** , and the development of **specific skills** such as those associated with parenting. 

- **Little Splashes** : typically runs on Mondays as a drop-in play and stay group where lunch is provided. Mums get the opportunity to meet other women in a safe environment and their children get to engage in early development activities such as singing and storytelling. Mums are often very engaged, sometimes offering to cook or bring home baked goods, tidying away toys and helping wash dishes. We have watched families develop relationships with other families and begin supporting one another outside the group gatherings. Little Splashes could not run during periods of lockdown. Mums were emotionally affected by the pandemic, struggling with different levels of anxiety, feeling isolated and concerned about the safety of loved ones. Throughout lockdown Riverbank Outreach Workers remained engaged with families via different avenues as appropriate and in line with government guidance. 

- **Riverbank at Home** : typically runs on Tuesdays as a café inclusive of breakfast. Mums treat this group as a safe place to meet and provide support for one another. Where feelings of loneliness or isolation remain, some Mums use this group as an opportunity to chat with others in a relaxed and understanding environment. 

- **Little Droplets** : typically runs on Wednesdays at a hostel on Queen’s Road, in agreement with the Council. The hostel provides temporary housing for the vulnerable. All single Mum residents (including Mums-to-be) are invited to the group where they share time together chatting, enjoying breakfast, and having their babies and toddlers present for times of singing, reading and playing musical instruments. The Outreach Worker is supported by a volunteer who is a former resident of the hostel, became a Riverbank Mum and is now registered as a Riverbank volunteer able to give back into the community and empathise with hostel residents. 

- **Connect** : typically runs monthly as a group where parents of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) can be supported, make friends, and build community. We serve tea, coffee, cake, and snacks. Connect is mostly attended by a small group of committed Mums who otherwise would have little support around parenting children with SEN. Mums value the opportunity to share news, swap ideas and equip each other with much needed information. Each of the Mums is vulnerable and so the small group allows participants to feel comfortable and talk freely about their concerns without being judged. Being with other like-minded Mums plays an important role in well-being and has allowed trusting relationships to deepen. Whilst Connect could not run during much of the pandemic, Riverbank looks forward to being able to relaunch Connect at an appropriate time in the future. 

- **Faith Groups** : these are open invitation groups for those wanting to pray and / or have time to fellowship and / or explore the bible through the Living Water group. During the pandemic when restrictions were announced, the group met on Zoom, and when restrictions lifted the group organised outdoor ‘God in nature’ walks as the safest option was to meet outdoors in line with government guidance. Mums appreciated the holistic nature of the group; getting exercise, being in beautiful surroundings and being able to speak freely and honestly about God and their personal relationship with Him without fear of judgement or prejudice. The meetings have been particularly fitting 

_5_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


for Mums who felt isolated during the pandemic and who felt C19 restrictions presented a particular challenge to their spiritual journey. The group became a space accessible to those wishing to build a relationship with God where they could be vulnerable and honest. During the second lockdown the group could only meet via Zoom. Following the lifting of restrictions, the group hopes to meet again in person. Volunteers have been both encouraged and moved by the determination Mums have shown at meetings online or, when allowed, outdoors. 

- **Parenting Groups** : Riverbank partners with **Kids Matter** , a Christian parenting resource that aims to equip parents/guardians to be confident and supported in their parenting. The group typically runs for 7 weeks and is led by our trained staff members and a creche supported by our team of volunteers. It is a very friendly and warm environment where food and refreshments are provided and Mums share parenting highs & lows and give & receive emotional support. It’s a joy to watch Mums grow in confidence and try new things with their children over the course of the Kids Matter programme. Time spent together is one of learning and nurturing. 

In March 2021 Riverbank completed its first online Kids Matter group. We had previously encouraged Mums to invite partners and this was our first ever group to include Dads. The group worked incredibly well. Some key feedback included interest to find more groups like this where Dads can talk and encourage each other in their parenting. Feedback similarly highlighted that the group _“helped to boost conversation about emotions”_ . 

The KM programme topics include: 

- Building a strong family 

- Loving our children well 

- Play, encouragement, and listening 

- Routine and rewards 

- Family rules and consequences 

- The bigger picture 

Riverbank was honoured to be invited by Kids Matter to pilot a Babies Matter group. This was for Mums with younger babies and toddlers (and for pregnant Mums). The course is designed to look at parenthood from the very beginning. As with Kids Matter, it is a privilege to come alongside Riverbank Mums, watching relationships being built, support networks created, Mums learning together and coming away being better equipped and strengthened as parents. Our first Babies Matter group, since the co-pilot with Kids Matter in Spring 2020, has been meeting every Wednesday evening via Zoom since mid-April, with a trained staff facilitator and a staff helper. Over the eight weeks (online only), the programme helps to prepare families for the transition to parenthood and helps strengthen their relationships. The course material is designed to help parents understand their role in creating a secure and loving attachment with their baby and increase awareness of parental mental health. The group allows Mums and Dads (or anyone who forms part of their parenting team) to meet other parents at a similar stage and decrease their risk of isolation. The programme topics include: 

   - Changes for me and us 

   - Strengthening Relationships 

   - Attachment and bonding 

   - Helping baby develop 

   - Baby’s amazing brain 

   - Helping baby to sleep 

- The Christmas party is typically a highlight in the year for families, staff, and volunteers. It is a wonderful time for celebration and sharing quality time together. It is also the one event that our Dads regularly attend with their children. We usually provide families with a bag of gifts. Prior corporate / institutional sponsors have included local and national businesses such as That’s A Wrap and Pladis Global, churches, and the Kew Village Market Committee. No Christmas party was possible in 2020. 

_6_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


## **2.3 Collaborative Partnerships** 

Riverbank delivers emotional and practical support to single Mums through collaborative partnerships with the local church, schools, voluntary organisations and professional services. Outcomes achieved through collaborative partnerships include: the **combatting** of **isolation** and other conditions associated with **poor mental health** in single mothers and their families, and **combatting financial hardship** . 

At a time when the pandemic has hindered the ability of individuals and institutions to work together in ways that were normal before the pandemic, Riverbank has continued its commitment to collaborative partnerships. 

- Riverbank continues to partner with Orleans House Gallery, and 30 families have enjoyed receiving art packs to work on; 

- Riverbank continues to grow and strengthen its relationship with statutory and voluntary services, including Achieving for Children, housing, and social services covering the London Borough of Richmond; 

- Riverbank partners with local primary schools including Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Marshgate, Darell and St. Richards, Ham; 

- Riverbank’s partnership with Kick London and Richmond Knights Basketball enables school-aged children to access free places on holiday camps. During the year many families had signed up but due to the Covid-19 pandemic, camps during half term were postponed/cancelled; 

- Riverbank makes referrals and works alongside other charities providing practical and emotional support including Crosslight Debt Advice, Man and Boy, Crossway Pregnancy, and the Vineyard Community Centre; 

- During this pandemic some Riverbank families with children were hit particularly hard and could not afford essentials like housing, energy, and food. Riverbank saw an increase in requests for personal care and household cleaning products, foodbank vouchers, and parcels. Riverbank’s partnerships with the Richmond & Whitton food banks, and the Hygiene Bank helped support families during difficult times; 

- Richmond Rugby Club provided Riverbank families with hot meals and milk, and offered devices (laptops & tablets) to some of the Riverbank school children; 

- During the pandemic, COOK offered free prepared meals to 28 Riverbank families weekly; 

- On-going partnership and connections with Growbaby, Kingston Vineyard have helped support some families with an immediate need for good quality second-hand children's clothes, equipment, toys, and nappies for 0 - 5year olds; 

- Riverbank received donations of beautifully sewn facemasks for families and children made by the Kew Scrub Hub; 

- • Riverbank was contacted by JoJo Maman Bébé regarding a recycling campaign From ‘A Mother To Another’ to boost support for baby banks across the UK. Some Riverbank families needed clothing packs and benefited from these donations as they included children’s preloved clothing; 

- Riverbank continues its partnership with Kew Gardens through the Community Access scheme which enables Riverbank to use 60 visits each year for a small cost charged to the charity; 

- Riverbank’s collaborative partnerships go beyond the list above to include relationships with (and in some instances prior support from) the following: Waitrose, Finest for Baby Agencies Ltd, LVA Trust, Mind. 

## **3. Additional Achievements and Impact** 

The trustees would like to express their gratitude to all those volunteers who have supported the Charity with their time, effort and ingenuity. 

## **Impact of COVID-19 and Furlough** 

Covid-19 lockdowns have significantly impacted the charity’s work. Despite this, the charity is grateful to have been able to adapt and successfully deliver services in compliance with government guidance. 

After carefully review of finances and how operations were affected by the pandemic, the Trustees decided to apply for the government’s Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CRJS). The scheme enabled us to retain staff while putting them on furlough leave temporarily, with HMRC paying 80% of the wages of retained staff who are not working. 

_7_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


The Covid-19 pandemic also brought an increased demand for services. The Charity created a plan to furlough members of staff for different periods for a minimum of 3 weeks initially with the opportunity to extend or to bring staff back into service later. Under the flexible extensions to the furlough scheme (from July 2020 onwards), staff could either cease working completely, or work reduced hours. This enabled us to continue to function with fewer staff during periods of the pandemic. As the social and economic consequences of the pandemic continued to rise, we saw a rise in the number of vulnerable families relying on Riverbank’s support. We had to innovate through a variety of digital approaches including online sessions/remote support groups. 

## **Additional achievements for the charity include:** 

- The London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Council approved £19,950 funding for Riverbank through the LBRUT Coronavirus Winter Support Fund. 


This was restricted funding and was for the purpose of assisting eligible beneficiaries in the borough with costs associated with food, utilities and other winter essentials. The funding came when the pandemic had already created difficult circumstances for many LBRUT residents and at a time of year when energy costs create added pressure for a number of families, particularly those suffering financial hardship. Riverbank acknowledges the support of the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Council in the impact delivered through this funding which was awarded to a Consortium comprising Riverbank Trust and St. Richard’s CE Primary School, Ham. Riverbank was the designated Lead Organisation in the Consortium. None of the grant was underspent; all funding was spent in line with the funding purpose. 86 families in the borough were supported through this funding. 

- Riverbank continued to work with the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Council to provide outreach support to vulnerable Mums at the Queens Road Hostel. Riverbank continues to engage with many of these women once they are rehoused. 

- Riverbank received generous funding from local, regional and national donors including City of London Corporation, Richmond Parish Lands Charity, Hampton Fund and Marsh Christian Trust. Riverbank also received generous donations from local churches including Holy Trinity - Barnes, Whitton Baptist Church, Holy Trinity – Richmond, Twickenham Green Baptist, and Church of the Living God. 

- At the London Faith & Belief Community Awards in November 2020, Riverbank was an award winner for its work with vulnerable women and families, and received £500 in prize money. The Faith & Belief Forum works towards _‘a society which is fair to people of all backgrounds – religious and non-religious.’_ 

- 

   - Riverbank appointed a new Fundraising, Marketing, and PR Manager. 

- Training and advisory support were provided for staff and volunteers. Volunteers continue to be supported as required and are DBS-checked. 

- Staff participated in relevant training covering areas such as Safeguarding, Emergency First Aid, Kids Matter, Babies Matter, and Domestic Violence. 

- Riverbank continues to see families make the transition from one-to-one support to also engaging within a group setting or attending a wider partnership activity. The charity continues to achieve high retention of families whilst being able to welcome new Mums and children into the Riverbank family. 

- Mums increasingly provide peer support for each other establishing their own networks of support, as Riverbank facilitates meetings and continues to build long-term, trusting relationships with other families in need. The charity continues to be encouraged by the new friendships which are forming, which provide mutual emotional and practical support and promote wellbeing. 

_8_ 



**Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2021** 

## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 


## **Mission and Ministry Work** 

Riverbank works in partnerships with churches and has continued to develop its valued relationships throughout lockdown. This has included the opportunity to deliver presentations at Twickenham Green Baptist Church and Church of the Living God and has included circulation of the Riverbank prayer letter ‘The Ripple’.  Riverbank ordinarily runs a group called Living Water so those who are interested can access a safe and non-judgemental space to explore the teachings of Christ. 

## **Home Office Community Sponsorship Scheme** 

During the year ended 31 March 2021 the Charity supported a Syrian Refugee Family under the Home Office Community Sponsorship Scheme. The Arabic speaking family comprising 2 adults (Mum and Dad) and 3 children (2 of school age and 1 pre-schooler) arrived in the UK in July 2020. With a team of dedicated volunteers, interpreters and Riverbank staff, daily support was provided to help the family settle in. The staff and volunteers on this project completed the Government PREVENT training. The charity remained in contact with the family during lockdown, and the children attended school when possible. Parents continued their learning online during the pandemic and have made noticeable progress in their English by moving up a class now they are back at college. The staff and volunteer team engaged remotely in a number of ways such as providing translation services where necessary, supporting home learning for the children, and providing practical help such as financial support, food, Christmas and Easter gift bags, and attending to appointments. The family has decided to sign another two-year tenancy for their flat which means the family will remain under Riverbank’s care for the foreseeable future. Riverbank’s plans include helping Dad to get work and to study for his driving license, whilst ensuring the family is financially stable and thriving at nursery, school, and college. 

## **4. Going Concern** 

A significant event which has occurred prior to the signing of these accounts is the lockdown restrictions made necessary by the Covid-19 pandemic, which broke out in early March 2020. 

Each year it is the Trustees’ responsibility to state whether or not the annual accounts have been drawn up on a going concern basis (see the accounting policy note on page 15). Going concern is the assumption that an entity, in this case the Charity, has the resources (financial or otherwise) needed to continue operating for the foreseeable future and, in particular, for at least 12 months from the date of approval by the Trustees of these annual accounts. If the going concern principle did not apply, then the accounts would be drawn up on an insolvent basis. 

Clearly, as part of this year’s going concern review, the Trustees have had to consider the likely impact of COVID-19 pandemic on its ministry. It has concluded that the financial risks to that ministry have marginally increased as a result of the lockdown restrictions imposed by the Government but its income, which is substantially individual donations and trust grants has continued and in some cases increased. 

Against this background, the Trustees have reviewed their financial forecast for 2021/22. This review indicates that the Charity will break even in the current year and that its cash reserves are more than adequate to enable the Charity to continue to undertake its activities. The Charity has taken advantage of the furlough scheme where appropriate and has been able to retain its employees. Accordingly, it has concluded that it is appropriate to prepare the 2021 Accounts on a going-concern basis and that it is not necessary to make any adjustment to these accounts as a result of the lockdown restrictions.   The Trustees will continue to keep both the short-term and longer-term impact under review and in particular, the 'degree of return to normality' will be actively monitored in the latter part of 2021, with a view to assessing the likely carryover into 2022 and the effect on the 2022 Budget. 

## **5. Financial Review** 

Funding for the Charity comes primarily from donations from schools, charitable trusts and individuals. 

## **5.1 Financial Activity and Financial Position** 

The Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet can be found on pages 13 and 14 respectively. The Charity’s reserves decreased by £18,359 during the year (2020: increased by £830). The balance sheet shows total net assets of £54,960 (2020: £36,601) of which £30,075 (2020: £17,146) is restricted. 

_9_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


## **5.2 Reserves Policy** 

The Trustees have examined the requirements for free reserves, in other words those unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets. The Trustees consider that, given the nature of the Charity’s work, free reserves should be equivalent to approximately 2 months’ budgeted routine expenditure, plus committed future expenditure on other projects, where funds permit. The Trustees are of the opinion that this provides sufficient flexibility to cover temporary shortfalls in incoming resources and will allow the Charity to cope and respond to unforeseen emergencies whilst specific action plans are implemented. At 31 March 2021 the Charity had net free reserves of £24,885 (2020: £19,455) as follows: 

|**Total reserves**<br>Less: restricted reserves<br>**Free reserves requirement:**<br>2 months’ budgeted routine expenditure|**2021**||**2020**<br>**£**<br>**36,601**<br>(17,146)|<br> <br> <br> <br> <br>|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**£**||||
||||||
||**54,960**||||
||(30,075)||||
||||||
||||**19,455**||
||**24,885**||||
||||||
||||**26,000**||
||||||
||**26,000**||||
||||||
||||||



Reserves have been maintained in the year at just under two months’ expenditure. The 2021-22 budget shows a breakeven result. 

## **5.3 Investment Policy** 

Funds not immediately required for working capital are placed in a bank deposit account. 

## **6. Plans for Future Periods** 

Riverbank successfully adapted its operations during 2020-2021 to facilitate the continuation of services to single mothers and their families. Riverbank expects to continue being **responsive to developments related to the pandemic** in order to comply with government guidance and to meet the needs of the community. 

Following a decade of service to the community, Riverbank has been undertaking a review of its mission, vision and values. This review is using internal input as well as external advice. The review is likely to result in a strengthened focus on Riverbank’s original core mission to single mothers. The charity has been prayerfully working towards production of a **Strategic Development Plan** that frames elements of its vision for the coming decade. Other key aspects of the Strategic Development Plan include: the development of a 9-year funding strategy, a revamping of Riverbank’s online presence, and the first geographic expansion for the charity. 

Riverbank expects to launch a **Ham Hub** , which will be the first geographic expansion of the charity. 

In addition to single mothers self-referring to Riverbank, referrals are also made by statutory services, schools and other civil society agencies. There has been a rise in referrals to Riverbank during the pandemic and plans are in place to expand capacity with a **new Outreach Worker** to meet these needs within the community. 

## **7. Responsibilities of Trustees for the Financial Statements** 

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Charity law in England and Wales 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 Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that period. 

_10_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP; 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the activities of the Charity will continue. 

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enables them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the governing document. 

The Trustees 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. The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the Charity and financial information included in the Charity’s website. 

## **7. Approval** 

The report of the Trustees was approved by the Trustees on 30 November 2021 and signed on its behalf by: 


**Mark Johnston Trustee** 

_11_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Report of the Independent Examiner to the Trustees of Riverbank Trust** 


I report on the accounts of the Riverbank Trust for the year ended 31 March 2021, set out on pages 13 to 19. 

## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** 

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity is required by company law to prepare accrued accounts and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. 

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: 

- examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act); 

- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and 

- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. 

## **Basis of independent examiner's report** 

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. 

## **Independent examiner's statement** 

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: 

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 

3. 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 

4. 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 [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)]. 

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. 


**John Helm ACA 9 December 2021** 

_12_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


|**Note**<br>**Income from:**<br>2<br>Donations and legacies<br>Charitable activities<br>Investments<br>**Total Income**<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>3<br>Raising funds<br>Charitable activities<br>**Total Expenditure**<br>**Net (expenditure)/income**<br>**before tax**<br>Tax payable<br>4<br> <br>**Net (expenditure)/income**<br>**after tax**<br> <br>**Net movement in funds**<br>**Total funds brought forward**<br> <br>**Total funds carried forward**<br>|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br> <br>121,781<br>-<br>48|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>57,189<br>-<br>-<br>**57,189**<br>-<br>44,260<br>**44,260**<br>**12,929**<br>-<br>**12,929**<br>**12,929**<br>**17,146**<br>**30,075**||**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>104,727<br>6,900<br>15|<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>47,480<br>-<br>-<br>**47,480**<br>-<br>45,589<br>**45,589**<br>**1,891**<br>-<br>**1,891**<br>**1,891**<br>**15,255**<br>**17,146**|**Total**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>152,207<br>6,900<br>15|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**Total**|||||
||||**2021**|||||
||||**£**|||||
|||||||||
||||178,970|||||
||||-|||||
||||48|||||
|||||||||
||**121,829**|||**111,642**|||**159,122**|
||||**179,018**|||||
|||||||||
||6,240<br>110,159<br>**116,399**<br>**5,430**<br>-<br>**5,430**<br>**5,430**<br>**19,455**<br>**24,885**|||14,689<br>98,014|||14,689<br>143,603|
|||||||||
||||6,240|||||
||||154,419|||||
|||||||||
|||||**112,703**|||**158,292**|
||||**160,659**|||||
|||||||||
|||||**(1,061)**<br>-|||**830**<br>-|
|||||||||
||||**18,359**|||||
|||||||||
||||-|||||
|||||||||
|||||**(1,061)**|||**830**|
|||||||||
||||**18,359**|||||
|||||||||
|||||**(1,061)**<br>**20,516**|||**830**<br>**35,771**|
||||**18,359**|||||
|||||||||
||||**36,601**|||||
|||||||||
|||||**19,455**|||**36,601**|
||||**54,960**|||||
|||||||||
|||||||||



_13_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2021** 


|**Note**<br>**Current Assets**<br>Debtors<br>5<br>Cash at Bank and in Hand<br>**Creditors - Amounts Falling Due**<br>**Within One Year**<br>6<br>**Net Current Assets **<br>**Net Assets**<br>**Represented By:**<br>Restricted Income Funds<br>7<br>Unrestricted Income Funds<br>**Total Funds**|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>4,965<br>20,502<br>25,467<br>582<br>24,885<br>**24,885**<br>-<br>24,885<br>**24,885**|**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>-<br>30,075<br>30,075<br>-<br>30,075<br>**30,075**<br>30,075<br>-<br>**30,075**|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||
||||**Total Funds**|**Total Funds**|
||||**2021**|**2020**|
||||**£**|**£**|
||||||
||||4,965|7,698|
||||50,577|29,863|
||||||
||||55,542|37,561|
||||||
||||582|960|
||||||
||||54,960|36,601|
||||||
||||**54,960**|**36,601**|
||||||
||||||
||||||
||||30,075|17,146|
||||24,885|19,455|
||||||
||||**54,960**|**36,601**|
||||||



For the financial year ended 31 March 2021 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and no notice has been deposited under section 476. 

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for: 

- ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 

- preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial period and of its profit or loss for the financial period in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as is applicable to the company. 

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).  They were approved by the Trustees on 30 November 2021 and signed on their behalf by: 


## **Tristan Blood** 


**Mark Johnston** 

Company Registration Number: 7548705 

_14_ 



**Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2021** 

## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 


## **1. Accounting Policies** 

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows: 

## **Basis of accounting** 

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102). The financial statements are drawn up on the historical cost basis of accounting. 

The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. 

## **Going Concern** 

There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern and accordingly the accounts have been drawn up on a going concern basis. 

## **Income recognition** 

Voluntary income and donations (including legacies) are accounted for once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be reliably measured. Income from the recovery of tax on gift aided donations is accounted for in the period to which the relevant donation is received. Grant income is recognised on a receivable basis. 

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. 

## **Expenditure recognition** 

Expenditure is accrued as soon as a liability is considered probable, and the amount of obligation can be measured reliably. Longer term liabilities are discounted to present value. The Charity is not registered for VAT and accordingly expenditure includes VAT where appropriate. 

Expenditure included in Raising Funds includes amounts incurred in obtaining grants and other donations. 

Charitable expenditure includes those costs in fulfilling the Charity’s principal objects, as outlined in the Report of the Trustees. Charitable expenditure includes governance costs and an apportionment of support costs. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the Charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs include costs related to the independent examination and legal fees. 

## **Debtors** 

Debtors are included at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. 

## **Cash at bank and in hand** 

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of opening of the deposit. 

## **Creditors and provisions** 

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation arising from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are recognised at their settlement amount. 

_15_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


## **1. Accounting Policies (continued)** 

## **Fund accounting** 

The funds held by the charity are either: 

- Unrestricted general funds - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. 

- Restricted funds - these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. 

## **2. Income** 

|**Unrestricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Funds**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>Donations & legacies<br>Donations<br>70,006<br>Income tax reclaimed<br>6,415<br>-<br>Grants<br>45,360<br>57,189<br>121,781<br>57,189<br>Charitable activities<br>Work in schools<br>-<br>-<br>Investments<br>Bank Interest<br>48<br>-<br>**121,829**<br>**57,189**|||||**Total**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>76,137<br>5,897<br>70,173|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**Total**||||
|||**2021**||||
|||**£**||||
|||||||
|||70,006||||
|||6,415||||
|||102,549||||
|||||||
||||||152,207<br>6,900<br>15|
|||178,970||||
|||||||
|||-||||
|||||||
|||||||
|||48||||
|||||||
||||||**159,122**|
||**179,018**|||||
|||||||
|||||||



Grants includes £nil (2020 - £2,695) received from The Home Office, £19,950 (2020 - £nil) from London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames and £16,221 (2020 -£nil) from the Government (Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme). 

## **3. Expenditure** 

## **3a. Expenditure on Raising Funds** 

|**3a. Expenditure on Raising Funds**||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Fundraising|**Staff costs**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**Other costs**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**6,240**<br>**0**||**Total**||**Total**|
||||**2021**||**2020**|
||||**£**||**£**|
|||||||
||||**6,240**||**14,689**|
|||||||



_16_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


## **3. Expenditure (continued)** 

## **3b. Expenditure on Charitable activities** 

|Support work<br>Governance costs|**Staff costs**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**Other costs**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>120,946<br>32,993<br>-<br>480<br>**120,946**<br>**33,473**||**Total**|||**Total**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**2021**|||**2020**|
||||**£**|||**£**|
||||||||
||||153,939|||143,123|
||||480|||480|
|||||||**143,603**|
||||||||
||||**154,419**||||
||||||||



## **3c. Staff Costs** 

|Included within Expenditure on Raising Funds and Expenditure on Charitable Activities are<br>the following staff costs:<br>Gross salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Pension contributions<br>Employer’s Annual Allowance<br>Of which: gross salaries and benefits paid to Key Management Personnel:<br>The average number of employees during the year:<br>Full time workers<br>Part time workers||**2021**||**2020**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**||**£**|
||||||
||||||
|||120,112||123,539|
|||7,616||7,721|
|||3,458||3,706|
|||(4,000)||(3,000)|
||||||
||**127,186**|||**131,966**|
||||||
|||**29,777**||**28,110**|
||||||
||||||
||**Number**||**Number**||
||||||
||||||
|||-||-|
|||8||8|
||||||
|||**8**||**8**|
||||||



No employee received payments in excess of £60,000 during the year. Trustees are not paid a salary or expenses. 

## **4. Taxation** 

As a charity, Riverbank Trust is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within the provisions of the Corporation Taxes Act 2010 or the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No tax charges have arisen on the Charity. 

_17_ 



## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 

## **Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2021** 


## **5. Debtors** 

|Gift Aid Tax receivable<br>Prepayments and accrued income<br>Other debtors<br>**6. Creditors - Amounts Falling Due Within One Year**<br>Accruals||**2021**||**2020**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**||**£**|
||||||
|||2,476||5,897|
|||989||301|
|||1,500||1,500|
||||||
|||**4,965**||**7,698**|
||||||
||||||
|||**2021**||**2020**|
|||**£**||**£**|
||||||
|||582||960|
||||||



## **7. Restricted Funds** 

|Schools and Community Work<br>Community Sponsorship<br>Beneficiary Support and Other||**At 1**<br>**April**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>7,350<br>4,796<br>5,000<br>**17,146**|**Income**<br>**£**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>32,989<br>(21,311)<br>-<br>-<br>(3,221)<br>-<br>24,200<br>(19,728)<br>-<br>**57,189**<br>**(44,260)**<br>**0**|**Income**<br>**£**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>32,989<br>(21,311)<br>-<br>-<br>(3,221)<br>-<br>24,200<br>(19,728)<br>-<br>**57,189**<br>**(44,260)**<br>**0**|**Income**<br>**£**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>32,989<br>(21,311)<br>-<br>-<br>(3,221)<br>-<br>24,200<br>(19,728)<br>-<br>**57,189**<br>**(44,260)**<br>**0**|**Income**<br>**£**<br>**Expenditure**<br>**£**<br>**Transfers**<br>**£**<br>32,989<br>(21,311)<br>-<br>-<br>(3,221)<br>-<br>24,200<br>(19,728)<br>-<br>**57,189**<br>**(44,260)**<br>**0**|**Gains/**<br>**(losses)**<br>**£**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>**0**||**At 31**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||||||||**March**|
||||||||||**2021**|
||||||||||**£**|
|||||||||||
||||||||||19,028|
||||||||||1,575|
||||||||||9,472|
|||||||||||
||||||||||**30,075**|
|||||||||||



**Schools and Community Work Fund:** funds received to support the activities of the Charity in schools and the community. 

**Community Sponsorship Project:** funds received in support of the Charity’s support for a Syrian family. 

**Beneficiary Support and Other:** funds received for the support of Charity beneficiaries and for other projects. 

Restricted income includes the following grants: £24,750 (2020 - £28,836) received from Richmond Parish Lands Charity; £7,500 (2020 – £nil) from The Hampton Fund; and £19,950 (2020 - £nil for London Borough of Richmondupon-Thames. 

## **8. Property lease Commitments** 

The Charity’s Treasurer, P. James Lowther, a Trustee until 20 November 2020, has made a commitment on behalf of the Charity in respect of a lease of a property which has been made available to a refugee family. The commitment at 31 March 2021 was £2,920, due for payment over the next 14 months. The lease payments until 31 August 2020 were made by the Charity and, with effect from 1 September 2020, have been taken over by the family, though the lease has not yet been transferred into the name of the family. 

_18_ 



**Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2021** 

## **RIVERBANK TRUST** 


## **9. Related Party Transactions** 

Mark Johnston, a Trustee, is also a member of the PCC of Holy Trinity and Christ Church Richmond which donated £7,700 (2020: £13,150) to the Charity. The Charity made payments to Holy Trinity and Christ Church Richmond of £210 (2020: £507) in respect of purchases during the year. 

Michelle Rutter, the Charity’s key management employee, received gross remuneration of £29,777 (2020: £28,110). 

The aggregate unrestricted donations made by Trustees to the Charity were £26,750 (2020: £25,125). 

## **10. Members’ Funds** 

The Charity is a company limited by guarantee without a share capital. Instead of a share capital, each member guarantees to pay not more than £10 in the event of the company's liquidation. The amount of the members' guarantee represents a contingent asset to the company which will crystallise only if the company goes into liquidation. As the company is a going concern, the members have no obligation to pay the sum guaranteed. 

_19_