2023-03-31-accounts - Riverbank Trust

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

www.riverbanktrust.org.uk

RIVERBANK TRUST

Charity Registration Number: 1143758 Company Registration Number: 7548705

31 March 2023

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Tandem Accounting Chartered Accountants

17 Heathville Road London N19 3AL

RIVERBANK TRUST Annual Report and Financial Statements 2022 Contents

	Page
Legal and administrative information	2
Annual Report of the Trustees	3
Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees	10
Statement of financial activities	11
Balance sheet	12
Notes to the financial statements	13

RIVERBANK TRUST Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2023

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	The Trustees who served during the year and who were still serving at the date of this
	report were:
	Catriona Johnston
	Mark Johnston
	Dan Wells
	Geraldine Stride (appointed 9 May 2022)
	Peter Reekie (appointed 3 October 2022)
	Katie Madanat (appointed 25 April 2023)
	Tristan Blood (resigned 3 October 2022)
	Sally Buckwell (resigned 3 October 2022)
	Ellie Hughes (resigned 25 April 2023)
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

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2023

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 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in the format prescribed by the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP2019 (FRS102)). 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

Activities & Achievement

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.

One-to-One Relationship

Riverbank delivers long-term emotional and practical support to single mothers through one-to-one relationships between each single mother and her Outreach Worker. Outcomes achieved through one-to-one relationships include a reduction in loneliness and isolation , an improvement in mental health and confidence , and the receipt of practical support as described below.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2023

Oversight of all one-to-one relationship services: Riverbank continues to train, equip, and support its staff and volunteers as needed. This is overseen by the Riverbank CEO.

One-to-one relationship with Mums: The Outreach Workers ordinarily devote their time outside of community groups to meet with Mums, to develop relationships both in times of crisis and celebration. These relationships have both an emotional and a practical dynamic. 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. Outreach Workers also signpost to additional specialist support wherever needed alongside Riverbank’s ongoing services to Mums. Riverbank continues to help each Mum stay in touch more generally via the Riverbank community newsletter which also helps with signposting further support as needed.

One-to-one relationship with children: Riverbank schoolwork

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 through conversation, art and craft, and play. Riverbank draws on the expertise of its experienced teachers and practitioners and delivers, through its trained Outreach Workers, a highly regarded classroombased emotional literacy syllabus one-to-one with each child. Over the 2022-2023 school year, the syllabus comprised 12 units of work:

All about me;
Anger;
Change;
Emotions and Feelings;
Family;
Finishing well;
Following instructions and listening;
Friendship;
Rain before Rainbows;
Self-esteem and confidence;
Worry or anxiety; and
Personal Space.

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 well-being. The demand for this service is strong with schools continuing to request that Riverbank extend its service to cover more children. The combination of a one-to-one relationship delivered to both mother and child produces in the child a visible increase in resilience and confidence.

Key Statistics

Key Statistics
	2022-23	2021-22
Full-time staff	1	-
Part-time staff	7	8
Families reached	72	75
Schools involved in	4	3
School children reached (Incl. 1:1 sessions)	33	37
Contact with other Riverbank schoolparents	15	23

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2023

RIVERBANK TRUST

Community Groups

Riverbank delivers emotional and practical support to single mothers through community groups that are often needsbased. Single Mums attend these community groups during term-time 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 a reduction in loneliness and isolation , an improvement in mental health and confidence , and the development of specific skills such as those associated with parenting.

Refresh: Riverbank relaunched a playgroup for mums and their preschool children. The playgroup is a community collaboration programme run in collaboration with Holy Trinity Church, and typically runs on a Monday. It is open to the church and community and also offers a safe space for Riverbank Mums and their children. The programme includes reserved places for up to 20 Mums and their children. The morning starts with free play for the children and a brunch for everyone, aiming for participants to sit and eat together at a table. For those who express interest or request it, there is also an optional scripture reading and singing session toward the end of the morning. Refresh has become a community group that Mums look forward to each week. We aim to run a termly cooking activity that not only produces a delicious take-home lunch or snack, but also gives opportunity to learn some affordable meal ideas to replicate at home. It has been rewarding to see Mums journey from attendance to more engaged participation and in some instances developing enough confidence to assist the staff team and volunteers each week such as by setting up, cooking the brunch for the day, engaging with other Mums, and helping set down. One Mum successfully completed training in Food Hygiene and Safety.

Riverbank at Home: typically runs on Tuesday mornings. This is a café style coffee morning which includes breakfast. Mums meet in a safe, relaxing environment to chat and support each other, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Many of the Mums attend weekly and have built good social and support networks with each other, with the result that many meet up regularly outside of the group to connect further and help each other out. Each session includes a simple activity, which is often a craft. Sitting around a table to complete a task has helped Mums start conversations and build relationships with each other. It has also been a way for Mums to build self-esteem as they learn new skills. Some Mums have begun to lead in these activities, sharing their talents with others in the group.

Little Droplets : Post-pandemic the group has still not yet restarted as the Queen’s Road hostel is undergoing renovations. Riverbank remains in communication with the hostel manager with regard to a date for restarting services. The group previously ran on Wednesdays at the hostel in agreement with Richmond Council.

Connect: This is a support group for Mums with children and young individuals who have Special Educational (additional) and Emotional needs. We relaunched monthly in April 2022, intending to facilitate a community group that supports, encourages, makes friends, and shares experiences in a safe place. 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. Mums have shared how hard it is to find people who understand the difficulties that come with raising a child with disabilities. Even the easiest of activities like taking a child to the playground or supermarket can result in Mums feeling helpless, judged, lonely and isolated. It aims to allow Mums to discover they are not on their own and to learn from each other whilst also signposting to organisations that support parents and children. At each Connect we introduce a question for the day, for example, “How did you get your child into school when they didn’t want to go?” or “If your child has after-school ‘meltdowns’, what tips have worked for you?” To illustrate the potential impact of such conversations in safe spaces, on one such occasion following 3 Mums sharing personal experiences and tips about getting their children into school, especially after a weekend, all 3 children successfully showed up at school on the Monday morning and the Mums were able to attend Refresh with their preschool aged children.

Connect presently has 12 local Mums on the register.

Seedlings playgroup : Since launching Riverbank in Ham, Riverbank began the Seedlings playgroup in September 2022 in partnership with St. Richard’s Church. Seedlings is a stay-and-play playgroup open to all parents/carers of children aged 0-5 years local to the Ham area. Seedlings typically runs on Wednesday mornings at St Richards Church in Ham. The playgroup is set up with a variety of toys and activities to promote early years development, interactions between the

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2023

parent/carer and their children, and social interaction with other families from the local community. A typical playgroup session would include free play, a craft activity, snack time, story-time, and singing time. Refreshments are also available to adults. Playgroup parties for special events such as Christmas and Easter are a highlight of the Seedlings calendar. As the playgroup has a small entrance fee, a discrete free place card system is available to low-income families to allow them to attend free of charge. As the COVID pandemic had caused many of the local children’s activities to close, and no other local playgroups were running in Ham, Seedlings has been well attended. Families have reported on the value of the group, how much the sessions are being enjoyed, and how Seedlings has become a key avenue for participants to get to know other families in the local area.

Faith Groups: Riverbank delivers its services in partnership with church communities. The charity is proud that the spiritual element of its identity has equipped it to also meet the spiritual needs of families whenever requested. Faithfocussed groups become spaces accessible to those wishing to speak freely and honestly about God without fear of prejudice. Those wishing to attend have opportunity to discuss such matters openly. Participants report that they feel they have grown individually and also as a group together.

Parenting Groups: Riverbank partners with Kids Matter, a charity with a vision to see every child in need raised in a strong family. Kids Matter engages local groups to use relational, evidence-informed parenting programmes for families 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 throughout 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’s a privilege to come alongside Riverbank Mums, watching relationships being built, support networks created, Mums learning together, and coming away 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). The programme also typically runs for 6 weeks followed by a reunion session in 6 weeks and a booster session in 3 months. 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:

Changes for me and us;
Strengthening Relationships;
Helping baby develop;
Baby’s amazing brain; and
Helping baby to sleep.

Network 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 a reduction in loneliness and isolation , an improvement in mental health and confidence , and the combatting of financial hardship .

Riverbank continues to partner with Orleans House Gallery and runs a half-term art workshop for families;

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2023

Riverbank continues to receive referrals from statutory and voluntary services, including Achieving for Children, RUILS (NHS social prescription services), housing, and social services covering the London Borough of Richmond;
Riverbank partners with local primary schools including Holy Trinity CE Primary School, Marshgate Primary School, Darell Primary and Nursery School, and St Richard's C E Primary School;
Riverbank’s partnership with 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 cost of living crisis, Riverbank saw an increase in requests for personal care and household cleaning products, and foodbank vouchers. Riverbank’s partnerships with the Richmond & Whitton food banks and the Hygiene Bank helped support families during these difficult times;
On-going partnership and connections with Growbaby, Kingston Vineyard has helped support some families with an immediate need for good quality second-hand children's clothes, equipment, toys, and nappies for 0 – 5 year olds;
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 led a summer 2022 half-term break trip; and
Riverbank’s collaborative partnerships extend beyond the list above to include relationships with (and in some instances financial support from) the following organisations and groups in prior years: Waitrose, Finest for Baby Agencies Ltd, LVA Trust, JoJo Maman Bébé, and 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 C19 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.

In line with its Strategic Development Plan, Riverbank continued to strengthen its focus on Riverbank’s original core mission to single mothers;
Riverbank launched in Ham. Riverbank Ham is a milestone development in the history of the charity as it represents the organisation’s first ever geographic expansion. All three Riverbank services operate in Ham: Riverbank’s 1:1 support for Mums (and 1:1 support delivered in school for the children of vulnerable single mothers), Riverbank community group-work, and Riverbank’s network partnerships. The successful launch in Ham was due to a number of factors, including inter alia the support of Riverbank’s valued partners, collaboration with St Richard’s Primary School and St Richard’s Church, and engagement with 86 families for the distribution of financial support from Richmond Council (prior to the Ham launch, Richmond Council awarded £19,950 from the Coronavirus Winter Support Fund for Riverbank to distribute to local families. Riverbank acknowledges the support of the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Council);
In view of rising referrals from statutory services, schools, the NHS social prescription network (RUILS), and rising self-referrals, Riverbank expanded capacity with a new Outreach Worker to meet this rising demand. As this role was filled by a former Riverbank beneficiary, Riverbank was also able to successfully increase beneficiary representation within the organisation;
Riverbank received generous funding from local, regional, and national donors including The Richmond Charities, Richmond Parish Lands Charity, Joseph Rank Trust, Evangelical Trust Ltd, and Southwark Diocese (Benefact Trust funding). Riverbank also received generous donations from local churches;
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 TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2023

Riverbank runs events throughout the year during the various school breaks, to create an opportunity for Riverbank families to gather, catch up, have fun, play games, eat together, and experience community. 2022-23 events included: a drop-in morning at Halford House, a picnic in Ham, a Spring family morning in February 2023 half-term break, and an Easter family morning with Easter crafts, games, free play, singing, the Easter message and an Easter egg hunt. Riverbank families received a giant Easter egg for each child, special chocolate gifts for each Mum, and a HOPE magazine donated by Gideon’s Trust. This was made possible by the generosity of local churches;
Christmas 2022: At Christmas, Riverbank re-launched its Supermums event which was welcomed by Riverbank Mums, staff, and volunteers. The event included Christmas crafting, pampering, a Christmas message, and a proper Christmas lunch. Riverbank was also able to distribute hygiene bank hampers, boxes of biscuits, supermarket gift cards to support families through financial challenges, and books for children to engage with the message of Christmas. This was made possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, churches, and local businesses such as the Kew Village Market Committee;
Riverbank continues to see families make the transition from one-to-one support to 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; 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 that are forming, which provide mutual emotional and practical support and promote wellbeing.

4. Mission and Ministry Work

Riverbank works in partnerships with churches and has continued to develop its valued relationships by delivering presentations at various churches and has included the circulation of the Riverbank prayer letter ‘The Ripple’.

5. Financial Review

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

5.1 Financial Activity and Financial Position

The Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet can be found on pages 11 and 12 respectively. The Charity’s reserves increased by £74,713 during the year (2022: increased by £15,474). The balance sheet shows total net assets of £145,147 (2022: £70,434) of which £72,074 (2022: £43,694) 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 2023 the Charity had net free reserves of £73,073 (2022: £26,740) as follows:

Total reserves Less: restricted reserves Free reserves requirement: 2 months’ budgeted routine expenditure	2023		2022 £ 70,434 (43,694)
	£

	145,147
	(72,074)

			26,740
	73,073

			26,000

	29,000

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2023

Reserves have been maintained in the year at over two months’ expenditure. The 2023-24 budget shows a break-even 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 continue strengthening its focus on the charity’s original core mission to single mothers.

The charity plans the launch of Riverbank in Whitton.

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 21 December 2023 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 2023, set out on pages 11 to 17.

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.

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 21 December 2023

RIVERBANK TRUST

Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2023

Unrestricted Funds 2023 £ 133,058 9,490 92		Unrestricted Funds 2022 £ 102,721 - 4	Total 2022 £ 174,211 - 4
	Total
	2023
	£

	239,801
	9,490
	92

142,640		102,725	174,215
	249,383

11,006 85,301 96,307 46,333 - 46,333 46,333 26,740 73,073		19,558 81,312	19,558 139,183

	11,006
	163,664

		100,870	158,741
	174,670

		1,855 -	15,474 -

	74,713

	-

		1,855	15,474

	74,713

		1,855 24,885	15,474 54,960
	74,713

	70,434

		26,740	70,434
	145,147

RIVERBANK TRUST

Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2023

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 2023 £ 18,348 56,001 74,349 1,276 73,073 73,073 - 73,073 73,073	Restricted Funds 2023 £ - 72,074 72,074 - 72,074 72,074 72,074 - 72,074

			Total Funds	Total Funds
			2023	2022
			£	£

			18,348	5,524
			128,075	65,450

			146,423	55,542

			1,276	540

			145,147	55,002

			145,147	55,002



			72,074	43,694
			73,073	26,740

			145,147	70,434

For the financial year ended 31 March 2023 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 21 December 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Mark Johnston

Company Registration Number: 7548705

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2023

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 2023

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 Funds 2023 £ Restricted Funds 2023 £ Donations & legacies Donations 114,336 10,371 Income tax reclaimed 16,318 - Grants 2,404 96,372 133,058 106,743 Charitable activities Work in schools 9,490 - Investments Bank Interest 92 - 142,640 106,743				Total 2022 £ 74,818 3,511 95,882
		Total
		2023
		£

		124,707
		16,318
		98,776

				174,211 - 4
		239,801

		9,490


		92

				174,215
		249,383

Grants includes £nil (2022 - £1,106) from the Government (Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme).

3. Expenditure

3a. Expenditure on Raising Funds

3a. Expenditure on Raising Funds
Fundraising	Staff costs 2023 £ Other costs 2023 £ 10,798 208	Total	Total
		2023	2022
		£	£

		11,006	19,558

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2023

RIVERBANK TRUST

3. Expenditure (continued)

3b. Expenditure on Charitable activities

	Total	Total
	2023	2022
	£	£

	162,884	138,583
	780	600
		139,183

163,664

3c. Staff Costs

	2023		2022
	£		£

	137,224		128,208
	11,209		7,929
	4,140		3,846
	(5,000)		(4,000)

147,573			135,983

	19,132		22,764


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 2023

5. Debtors

Gift Aid Tax receivable Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors		2023		2022
		£		£

		16,318		3,511
		530		513
		1,500		1,500

		18,348		5,524

6. Creditors - Amounts Falling Due Within One Year

Accruals and deferred income		2023		2022
		£		£

		1,276		540

7. Restricted Funds

At 1 April 2022 £ 34,187 973 8,534 43,694	Gains/ (losses) £ - - - 0	At 31
		March
		2023
		£

		59,648
		973
		11,453

		72,074

At 1 April 2021 £ Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers £ 19,028 65,990 (50,831) - 1,575 - (602) - 9,472 5,500 (6,438) - 30,075 71,490 (57,871) 0	Gains/ (losses) £ - - - 0
At 1 April 2021 £ 19,028 1,575 9,472 30,075		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: £52,672 (2022 - £59,790) received from Richmond Parish Lands Charity; £nil (2022 – £8,700) from The Hampton Fund; and £12,500 (2022 - £nil) from Joseph Rank Trust.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2023

8. Related Party Transactions

Mark Johnston, a Trustee, who was also a member of the PCC of Holy Trinity and Christ Church Richmond until 15[th] May, 2022, donated £4,050 (2022: £11,300) to the Charity. The Charity made payments to Holy Trinity and Christ Church Richmond of £701 (2022: £nil) in respect of purchases during the year.

The Charity’s key management employees received gross remuneration of £19,132 (2022: £22,764).

The aggregate unrestricted donations made by Trustees to the Charity were £18,053 (2022: £35,823).

9. 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.