2022-03-31-accounts - Riverbank Trust

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www.riverbanktrust.org.uk

RIVERBANK TRUST

Charity Registration Number: 1143758 Company Registration Number: 7548705

31 March 2022

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Tandem Accounting 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	11
Statement of financial activities	12
Balance sheet	13
Notes to the financial statements	14

RIVERBANK TRUST

Legal and Administrative Information For the year ended 31 March 2022

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 – resigned 3 October, 2022
	Sally Buckwell – resigned 3 October 2022
	Catriona Johnston
	Mark Johnston
	Ellie Hughes
	Dan Wells
	Geraldine Stride – appointed 9 May, 2022
	Peter Reekie – appointed 3 October, 2022
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:
	• The Trustees
	• The CEO Laura Lowther (previously Michelle Rutter)
Main Bankers	Barclays Bank Plc
	8 George Street
	Richmond
	Surrey TW9 1JY
Independent	John Helm ACA
Examiner	Tandem Accounting Limited
	17 Heathville Road
	London N19 3AL
Company Secretary	P. James Lowther (unpaid volunteer)

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2022

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 2022. 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; and
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; and
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.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2022

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. This covers one-to-one and group work with both children and parents/guardians as identified by each school. Sessions with children provide a space to explore different issues and support learning needs as identified by teachers. 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 2021-2022 school year, the current syllabus comprised 11 units of work:
All about me;
Anger;
Change;
Emotions and Feelings;
Family;
Finishing well;
Following instructions and listening;
Friendship;
Rain Before Rainbows (COVID-related with a book and activity posted to all school families);
Self-esteem and confidence; and
Worry or anxiety.

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 having one-to-one 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.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2022

Key Statistics

	2021-22	2020-21
Full-time staff	-	-
Part-time staff	8	8
Families reached	75	75
Schools involved in	3	3
School children reached(Incl. one-toone sessions)	37	32
Contact with other Riverbank schoolparents	23	12

2.2 Community Groups

Riverbank delivers emotional and practical support to single mothers through community groups that are often needsbased. Single Mums attend these community groups where they develop relationships and benefit from a shared sense of belonging and community. Mums share and receive needs-based support 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.

Vulnerable single mothers and families were emotionally affected by the pandemic and struggled with anxiety, feeling isolated and being worried about the safety of loved ones. Riverbank Outreach Workers sought to stay in contact with families during the year and engaged via phone calls, emails, texts and Zoom sessions. Riverbank restarted running a number of weekly groups in person from September 2021 following the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19.

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, and the group restarted in September 2021. 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. During the year we added the opportunity for art, baking and craft activities; this enables Mums to have something just for them. We have found this often opens up conversation as Mums take part in activities and it has brought Mums a sense of peace and wellbeing.
Little Droplets : typically runs on Wednesdays at a hostel on Queen’s Road, in agreement with Richmond 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. Post pandemic the group has not yet restarted as the hostel is undergoing renovations. We are in contact with the hostel manager and hope to relaunch the group in the coming year.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2022

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. Being with other like-minded Mums plays an important role in well-being and has allowed trusting relationships to deepen. The group meets with the aim to chat, share and support both emotionally and practically. Connect could not be run during much of the pandemic nor since. Riverbank hopes to relaunch Connect on a monthly basis from April 2022.
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 organized 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 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. This year the group met in person outdoors during covid restrictions and since September became a local church ‘homegroup’. Riverbank has supported the church in restabilising the group and its dynamics during this process. This has been incredibly successful with participants feeling that they not only have grown in their faith but also as a group together, often asking other Mums they know to join them. Volunteers have been both encouraged and moved by the honesty, vulnerabilities and determination Mums have shown at meetings.
Parenting Groups : Riverbank partners with Kids Matter , a Christian charity with a vision to see every child in need raised in a strong family. Kids Matter engages local churches and organisations to use relational, evidence-informed parenting programmes for families of all faiths and none in their communities. A Kids Matter programme 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.

The KM programme topics include:

Building a strong family;
Loving our children well;
Play, encouragement, and listening;
Routine and rewards;
Family rules and consequences; and
The bigger picture.
A Babies Matter programme aims to support new parents (Mums and dads) across the transition to parenthood and through the first year of a child’s life. 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. Since the co-pilot with Kids Matter in Spring 2020, we’ve run one online Babies Matter group (Summer term 2021), and one in-person group (Spring 2022).

This programme also typically runs for 7 weeks (9 weeks online), and the 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 BM programme topics include:

o Changes for me and us;

o Strengthening Relationships;

Attachment and bonding;

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2022

o Helping baby develop;

o Baby’s amazing brain; and

o Helping baby to sleep.

The Christmas party is normally a highlight in the year for families, staff, and volunteers. It is an important time for celebration and sharing quality time together, and is also an event that Dads often attend with the children. Due to the pandemic Riverbank had to change how the event took place in December 2021. To avoid overcrowding and to comply with social distancing measures, only Mums could attend to collect their family gift bags. Riverbank was also able to distribute hygiene bank hampers and gift cards in view of financial challenges faced by families. This was made possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, churches and businesses. 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.

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 ran a half-term art club for some families;
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;
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 the 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;
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 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; and
Riverbank’s collaborative partnerships extend beyond the list above to include relationships with (and in some instances prior support from) the following in prior years: Waitrose, Finest for Baby Agencies Ltd, LVA Trust, Mind. 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. Riverbank has received donations of decoratively sewn facemasks for families and children made by the Kew Scrub Hub.

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.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2022

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 approved in winter 2020/21 and distributed by Riverbank throughout that winter and into April 2021.

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 approved and progressed the implementation of its Strategic Development Plan;
Riverbank received generous funding from local, regional and national donors including Waitrose, The Richmond Charities, Richmond Parish Lands Charity, The Porters Trust, the M H Charitable Trust, Hampton Fund and Marsh Christian Trust. Riverbank also received generous donations from local churches including Whitton Baptist Church and Holy Trinity Richmond;
Riverbank successfully identified an Outreach Worker for its planned Ham Hub;
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;
Riverbank successfully adapted its operations during 2021-2022 to facilitate the continuation of services to single mothers and their families. Riverbank was responsive to developments related to the pandemic in order to comply with government guidance and to meet the needs of the community; and
As in the past Mums increasingly provide peer support for each other establishing 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.

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 various churches 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

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

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2022

their learning online during the pandemic and made noticeable progress in their English. 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. Riverbank’s contract with the Home Office has now completed. 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.

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 increased by £15,474 during the year (2021: increased by £18,359). The balance sheet shows total net assets of £70,434 (2021: £54,960) of which £43,694 (2021: £30,075) is restricted.

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 2022 the Charity had net free reserves of £26,740 (2021: £24,885) as follows:

Total reserves Less: restricted reserves Free reserves requirement: 2 months’ budgeted routine expenditure	2022		2021 £ 54,960 (30,075)
	£

	70,434
	(43,694)

			24,885
	26,740

			26,000

	26,000

Reserves have been maintained in the year at just under two months’ expenditure. The 2022-23 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

In line with its Strategic Development Plan, Riverbank expects to strengthen its focus on Riverbank’s original core mission to single mothers . Other key aspects of the Strategic Development Plan include a revamping of Riverbank’s online presence , and the launch of a Ham Hub which will be the charity’s first geographic expansion .

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.

Riverbank plans to develop impactful beneficiary representation within the organisation.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2022

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.

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.

8. Approval

The report of the Trustees was approved by the Trustees on 15 December 2022 and signed on its behalf by:

Mark Johnston Trustee

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 2022, set out on pages 12 to 18.

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:

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 [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 15 December 2022

RIVERBANK TRUST

Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2022

Unrestricted Funds 2022 £ 102,721 - 4		Unrestricted Funds 2021 £ 121,781 - 48	Total 2021 £ 178,970 - 48
	Total
	2022
	£

	174,211
	-
	4

102,725		121,829	179,018
	174,215

19,558 81,312 100,870 1,855 - 1,855 1,855 24,885 26,740		6,240 110,159	6,240 154,419

	19,558
	139,183

		116,399	160,659
	158,741

		5,430 -	18,359 -

	15,474

	-

		5,430	18,359

	15,474

		5,430 19,455	18,359 36,601
	15,474

	54,960

		24,885	54,960
	70,434

RIVERBANK TRUST

Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2022

Note Current Assets Debtors 5 Cash at Bank and in Hand Creditors - Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 6 Net Current Assets Net Assets Represented By: Restricted Income Funds 7 Unrestricted Income Funds Total Funds	Unrestricted Funds 2022 £ 5,524 21,756 27,280 540 26,740 26,740 - 26,740 26,740	Restricted Funds 2022 £ - 43,694 43,694 - 43,694 43,694 43,694 - 43,694

			Total Funds	Total Funds
			2022	2021
			£	£

			5,524	4,965
			65,450	50,577

			70,974	55,542

			540	582

			70,434	54,960

			70,434	54,960



			43,694	30,075
			26,740	24,885

			70,434	54,960

For the financial year ended 31 March 2022 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 15 December 2022 and signed on their behalf by:

Mark Johnston

Company Registration Number: 7548705

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2022

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.

Tangible Fixed Assets

Small capital items (under £1,000 each) are written off in the year of purchase.

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.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2022

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

		Total 2021 £ 70,006 6,415 102,549
	Total
	2022
	£

	74,818
	3,511
	95,882

		178,970 - 48
	174,211

	-


	4

		179,018
174,215

Grants includes £nil (2021 - £19,950) from London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames and £1,106 (2021 - £16,221) from the Government (Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme).

3. Expenditure

3a. Expenditure on Raising Funds

3a. Expenditure on Raising Funds
Fundraising	Staff costs 2022 £ Other costs 2022 £ 19,408 150	Total	Total
		2022	2021
		£	£

		19,558	6,240

RIVERBANK TRUST

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2022

3. Expenditure (continued)

3b. Expenditure on Charitable activities

Support work Governance costs	Staff costs 2022 £ Other costs 2022 £ 116,575 22,008 - 600 116,575 22,608		Total			Total
			2022			2021
			£			£

			138,583			153,939
			600			480
						154,419

			139,183

3c. Staff Costs

	2022		2021
	£		£

	128,208		120,112
	7,929		7,616
	3,846		3,458
	(4,000)		(4,000)

135,983			127,186

	22,764		29,777


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.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2022

5. Debtors

Gift Aid Tax receivable Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors		2022		2021
		£		£

		3,511		2,476
		513		989
		1,500		1,500

		5,524		4,965

6. Creditors - Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

Accruals		2022		2021
		£		£

		540		582

7. Restricted Funds

Schools and Community Work Community Sponsorship Beneficiary Support and Other		At 1 April 2021 £ 19,028 1,575 9,472 30,075	Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers £ 65,990 (50,831) - - (602) - 5,500 (6,438) - 71,490 (57,871) 0	Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers £ 65,990 (50,831) - - (602) - 5,500 (6,438) - 71,490 (57,871) 0	Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers £ 65,990 (50,831) - - (602) - 5,500 (6,438) - 71,490 (57,871) 0	Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers £ 65,990 (50,831) - - (602) - 5,500 (6,438) - 71,490 (57,871) 0	Gains/ (losses) £ - - - 0		At 31
									March
									2022
									£

									34,187
									973
									8,534

									43,694

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: £59,790 (2021 - £24,750) received from Richmond Parish Lands Charity; £8,700 (2021 – £7,500) from The Hampton Fund; and £nil (2021 - £19,950) from London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2022

RIVERBANK TRUST

8. Related Party Transactions

Mark Johnston, a Trustee, is also a member of the PCC of Holy Trinity and Christ Church Richmond which donated £11,300 (2021: £7,700) to the Charity. The Charity made payments to Holy Trinity and Christ Church Richmond of £nil (2021: £210) in respect of purchases during the year.

The Charity’s key management employees received gross remuneration of £22,764 (2021: £29,777).

The aggregate unrestricted donations made by Trustees to the Charity were £35,823 (2021: £26,750).

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.