2024-03-31-accounts - Riverbank Trust

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www.riverbanktrust.org

RIVERBANK TRUST

Charity Registration Number: 1143758 Company Registration Number: 7548705

31 March 2024

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Tandem Accounting Chartered Accountants

17 Heathville Road London N19 3AL

RIVERBANK TRUST Annual Report and Financial Statements 2023 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

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2024

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
	Daniel Wells (resigned 23 May 2024)
	Geraldine Stride
	Peter Reekie
	Bettina Huimin Chen (appointed 22 April 2024)
	Katie Madanat (appointed 25 April 2023)
	Eleanor 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
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 2024

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 2024. 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

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
Network 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 Riverbank Outreach Worker. Outcomes achieved through one-to-one relationships include increased connectedness (combatting loneliness), community (combatting isolation), confidence, and supply of services related to accessing support such as practical or emotional support services within or outside Riverbank.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2024

One-to-one relationship oversight

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. 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 and continue to encourage and support families in need of financial or other practical help in a crisis. 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 & 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 2023-2024 school year, the syllabus comprised 14 units of work:

All about me
Anger
Beginning well
Change
Emotions and Feelings
Family
Finishing well
Following instructions and listening
Friendship
Personal Space
Rain before Rainbows
Self-esteem and confidence
Worry/anxiety
Year 6 Transition

Key Statistics

	2023-24	2022-23
Full-time staff	2	1
Part-time staff	6	7
Families reached	69	72
Schools involved	4	4
School children reached(incl. 1:1 sessions)	21	33
Contact with other Riverbank schoolparents	21	15

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2024

RIVERBANK TRUST

Community Groups

Riverbank delivers long-term emotional and practical support to single mothers through community groups that are often needs-based. Single Mums attend these community groups during term time; they develop relationships and benefit from a shared sense of belonging and community. Mums also share and receive needs-based support through the parenting training groups. Outcomes achieved through community groups include increased connectedness (combatting loneliness), community (combatting isolation), confidence , and the development of specific skills such as those associated with parenting.

Riverbank at Home (R@H)

R@H Richmond runs on Tuesday mornings. This is a café style coffee morning which includes breakfast. Mums meet in a safe, relaxed environment to chat and support each other, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Members of the Riverbank staff team are present to facilitate, as necessary. Volunteers support in various ways such as befriending or teaching necessary skills or by simply delivering a manicure. Each session includes a creative activity, often a craft or creative writing. 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. Many of the Mums attend weekly and have built good social and support networks with each other, with the result that many subsequently meet up regularly outside of the group to connect further and help each other out. This development of community is a key objective of the group. Crosslight Advice have partnered by attending and offering money management advice to Mums. The Hygiene Bank have provided a basket of donations for Mums to help themselves at each group.

R@H Ham launched in September 2023. It runs on Monday afternoons from St Richards Church premises. Following the format of the established R@H Richmond, the group is run as a café style coffee afternoon. Tea and coffee are served with sweet and savoury light lunch bites to eat. Mums meet in a safe, relaxed environment to engage in conversations, mutual support, and in getting to know each other. There is also the opportunity to take part in a simple craft activity such as jewellery making which further promotes conversation and connectedness between Mums. Newly launched, the group is developing and is starting to see Mums regularly attending.

Little Splashes

Little Splashes is a drop-in stay and play group with lunch provided. Mums have opportunity to meet other women in a safe environment, and their children can take part 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 Droplets

Following ongoing work with Richmond Council since the first 2020 C19 lockdown and following pre-launch preparatory meetings at the hostel in November and December 2023, Riverbank was delighted to relaunch Little Droplets in January 2024. Since restarting this playgroup, Riverbank visits the hostel each Wednesday (term-time), introducing Riverbank to resident single mothers and offering a hot drink and food, small Hygiene Bank gifts, and a Christmas Gift Bag (December 2023). When staffing numbers allow, Riverbank encourages mothers to come out to communal area of the hostel where they can enjoy a hot drink and breakfast whilst their children play with toys/activities set-up for them. There is also a time of reading a story and singing together. This gathering encourages Mums who live in the hostel to get to know each other better, building a small support community within the hostel, and making Mums aware of how Riverbank can support families during their time in the hostel and how Mums can get involved with Riverbank groups outside the host.

Seedlings

Seedlings playgroup runs in partnership with St Richards Church in Ham. Seedlings is a stay-and-play playgroup open to all parents and carers of children aged 0-5 years local to the Ham area. Seedlings 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, interaction between parents/carers and their children, and social interaction with other families within the local community.

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2024

RIVERBANK TRUST

A typical playgroup session includes free play, a craft activity, snack time, story-time, and singing time. Refreshments are also available for adults. Calendar highlights include playgroup parties for special events such as Christmas and Easter. Seedlings has been well attended, often with 30 or more families attending each week. There is a small entrance fee, so a discrete free place card system is available to low-income families to ensure they can attend free of charge. Seedlings has become an important gathering for participants to get to know other families in the community.

Connect

Connect is a monthly support group for Mums with children and young individuals who have Special Educational (additional) and Emotional needs. Connect facilitates a community that supports, encourages, makes friends, and shares experiences in a safe place. Mums value the space to share news, swap ideas, and equip each other with important information. Connect happens around a table set with healthy snacks e.g. hummus, vegetable pizza, fruit, and drinks.

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/or isolated. At Connect Mums can discover that they are not alone and can learn from each other whilst signposting to organisations that support parents and children with SEN.

Each Connect session introduces a question/thought 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?”, and how to navigate filling in forms (EHCP, PIP applications etc). As an example of the impact of such conversations – more experienced Mums who have been through the process have helped and guided less experienced Mums fill in their forms, where previously those Mums had simply given up due to the volume of application questions.

To meet ongoing and emerging needs Connect will move from monthly to fortnightly from September 2024.

Refresh

Refresh is a community collaboration playgroup run in partnership with Holy Trinity Church and typically runs term time on Mondays. It is open to the church and local community and offers a safe space for Riverbank Mums and their children. 20 Refresh places are reserved for Riverbank mothers and their children. The number of Riverbank Mums varies but is generally up to 65% of attendees.

The morning starts with free play for the children followed by a brunch for everyone, aiming for participants to sit and eat together at a table with their children and the team/volunteers. The carefully selected menu also supports healthy lifestyle choices. For instance, frittata has been included on the menu resulting in Mums requesting the recipe to replicate an affordable, nourishing dish at home. These outcomes represent both a health and a financial impact for local families.

For those who request it or express interest, an optional scripture reading and singing time can be included near the end.

Refresh is an important community group that Mums look forward to. To extend the health and financial wellbeing outcomes, Refresh plans a termly cooking activity that produces a take-home lunch or snack and creates opportunity to learn additional affordable meal ideas to use at home.

Some Mums have journeyed 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, engaging with other Mums, and helping set down. One Mum successfully completed training in Food Hygiene and Safety. There are currently 2 Mums that would like to volunteer at Refresh when they are able to do so.

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 churches and organisations to use relational, evidence-informed parenting programmes for families of all faiths and none in their communities.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2024

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. Mums grow in confidence and try new things with their children throughout the 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.

In the 2023 Autumn Term, we ran two Refresher Kids Matter sessions for Riverbank Mums who had completed the KM programme with us previously. These Refresher sessions were popular and provided an opportunity for Mums to revisit some of the topics covered in the programme, and to encourage one another on their ever-evolving parenting journeys.

Annual Groups

Riverbank runs events throughout the year, including during school breaks, to create opportunities for Riverbank families to meet and benefit from community. Among other events referenced in this report, 2023-2024 events included:

1) A Spring family drop-in morning at Holy Trinity Church in the February 2024 half-term break;
2) The Riverbank Mums Easter Gathering: the event included a buffet breakfast, a short Easter message, Easter baking, and an optional session with Psalms and Stretches (as seen on BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live). Riverbank families received an Easter egg per family, a Hygiene Bank gift, and a chocolate gift for each Mum;

3) At Christmas, Riverbank ran its Supermums event, an annual highlight for Mums, staff, and volunteers. The event included light breakfast, a Christmas crafting session led by Hobbycraft, a nail bar, bracelet-making, a Christmas message and performance song, and a proper Christmas lunch. Riverbank distributed Hygiene Bank hampers, boxes of biscuits, an advent calendar, and supermarket gift cards to support families through financial challenges. This was made possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, churches, and local organisations such as the Kew Village Market Committee.

Network Partnerships

Riverbank delivers emotional and practical support to single Mums through collaborative partnerships with local churches, schools, voluntary organisations, and professional services. Outcomes achieved through collaborative partnerships include increased connectedness (combatting loneliness), community (combatting isolation), confidence , and the combatting of financial hardship.

Riverbank continues to receive referrals from statutory and voluntary services, including Achieving for Children (Richmond Council), RUILS (NHS social prescription services), housing, and social services covering LBRUT;
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;
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;
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, SEEN, and the Vineyard Community Centre;
Riverbank continues a 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 2023 halfterm break trip;

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2024

A trip for Mums was made to the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park. This included a group walk to the Plantation and a picnic inside;
A new Beauty Boost event was held in partnership with the Hygiene Bank during National Hygiene Week 2023. The event included various beauty and skincare experiences: a group facial massage lesson, a personal facial massage by an Aromatherapist and Facial Massage Expert, mini manicures delivered by therapists from Hampton SkinFit Clinic, a make-up product selection to choose from and take home, and a mini flower bouquet gift from Fenton Yard Flowers. Riverbank hopes to partner with the Hygiene Bank Hampton for a similar event in 2024;
Riverbank partnered with Psalms & Stretches (as seen on BBC One’s Sunday Morning Live). Psalms & Stretches conducted a session of mindfulness-based exercises combining movement and a psalm);
The Riverbank Day Trip was relaunched for Riverbank Mums; this year’s visit was to Hobbledown Heath in Hounslow. This was made possible through a generous grant from Family Holiday Charity;
Other network partnerships include the following:

Orleans House Gallery

Riverbank continues to partner with Orleans House Gallery in various ways:

Providing a free space for any Riverbank Mums with babies and/toddlers to attend the Curious Tots sessions on Tuesdays at the Gallery.
Providing volunteering opportunities at the Gallery for any Riverbank Mums to develop their skills and experience for a career in the creative sector, or to meet new people and enjoy their time in a friendly environment.
Running an art workshop at the Gallery for Riverbank families in the summer holidays and during spring and autumn half-term breaks.

Some of the workshops have been delivered at Holy Trinity Church, but from 2024 we will be delivering them at the Orleans House Gallery.

In the 2024 spring half-term break, families were invited to take part in creating a large origami model city inspired by LBRUT. The artist who led the workshop was from an interactive theatre and art company called A Line Art. Both Mums and children contributed by drawing, colouring, and decorating their own large origami shaped house, boat, car, or local landmark, and were able to be part of an evolving drawn installation.

After the workshop, there was a light lunch along with a walk in the surrounding woodland area of the gallery. To conclude the morning, families were invited to engage with ‘Play Works’ at the gallery – an interactive exhibition where parents are encouraged to sit back while their children celebrate the endless possibilities of play and are encouraged to let their imaginations take flight. Mums noted how creative their children became throughout the time at the event, and Mums appreciated being able to sit back and just watch. It was encouraging to witness the children develop relationship with each other during the play time.

LVA Trust (LVA)

LVA are known locally for their delivery of high quality, inclusive relationship sex and health education. Riverbank partnered with LVA to run a 6-week course focusing on how Mums can talk to their older children about relationship and sex. Mums have lunch together and talk about a topic, then engage in an activity and discussion. Topics include positive body image, self-esteem, coercion and control, empowered relationships, online behaviour, and reproductive and sexual health. Mums increase their understanding, grow confidence, and feel equipped to talk to their children about these important topics.

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 this is wanted. Faith-focussed 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.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2024

Riverbank’s collaborative partnerships extend beyond the list above and include relationships with (and in some instances financial support from) the following organisations and groups in prior years: Waitrose, Finest for Baby Agencies Ltd, JoJo Maman Bébé, and Mind. Richmond Rugby Club, COOK, the Kew Scrub Hub, Growbaby, Kingston Vineyard.

3. Additional Achievements and Impact

The Trustees are grateful to all those volunteers who supported the Charity with their time, effort, and ingenuity.

Riverbank launched in Whitton. All three Riverbank services operate in Whitton: 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;
Having awarded funds to Riverbank to distribute to local families in 2021, Richmond Council supported Riverbank with
funding in 2023 for provision of food in Riverbank groups providing services that help local people affected by the costof-living crisis. Riverbank acknowledges the generous support of the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Council);
Riverbank received generous funding from local, regional, and national donors including Kew Fete, The Richmond Charities, Richmond Parish Lands Charity, Joseph Rank Trust, Hampton Wick United Charity, 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 and Emergency First Aid.

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, by working with volunteers and partnering in community activities.

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 12 and 13, respectively. The Charity’s reserves decreased by £7,746 during the year (2023: increased by £74,713). The balance sheet shows total net assets of £137,401 (2023: £145,147) of which £93,619 (2023: £72,074) 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 2024 the Charity had net free reserves of £43,782 (2023: £73,073) as follows:

	2024	2023
	£	£
Total reserves	137,401	145,147
Less: restricted reserves	(93,619)	(93,619) (72,074)
	43,782	73,073
Free reserves requirement:
2 months’ budgeted routine expenditure	35,000	29,000

Reserves have been maintained in the year at over two months’ expenditure. The 2024-24 budget shows a break-even result.

RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2024

5.3 Investment Policy

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

6. Plans for Future Periods

Riverbank will launch in Hampton Wick in Summer 2024. This is to ensure that families throughout LBRUT have a Riverbank centre where they can access support easily, increasing the number of families Riverbank impacts and the quality of support Riverbank is able to supply.

In 2025 Riverbank aims to launch in the Barnes area to complete the strategy that throughout LBRUT all vulnerable single mother families can access support easily.

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 January 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

M. D hem — 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 2024, 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.

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 January 2025

RIVERBANK TRUST

Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2024

		Unrestricted	Restricted		Unrestricted	Restricted
		Funds	Funds	Total	Funds	Funds	Total
	Note	2024	2024	2024	2023	2023	2023
		£	£	£	£	£	£
Income from:	2	2
Donations and legacies		64,456	114,711	179,167	133,058	106,743	239,801
Charitable activities		24,539	-	24,539	9,490	-	9,490
Investments		534	-	534	92	-	92
Total Income		89,529	114,711	204,240	142,640	106,743	249,383
Expenditure on:	3
Raising funds		22,480	-	22,480	11,006	-	11,006
Charitable activities		96,340	93,166	189,506	85,301	78,363	163,664
Total Expenditure		118,820	93,166	211,986	96,307	78,363	174,670

Net (expenditure)/income	Net (expenditure)/income
before tax		(29,291)	21,545	(7,746)	(7,746) 46,333	28,380	74,713
Tax payable	4	-	-	-	-	-	-

Net (expenditure)/income
after tax		(29,291)	21,545	(7,746)	(7,746) 46,333	28,380	74,713

Net movement in funds		(29,291)	21,545	(7,746)	(7,746) 46,333	28,380	74,713
Total funds brought forward		73,073	72,074	145,147	26,740	43,694	70,434
Total funds carried forward		43,782	93,619	137,401	73,073	72,074	145,147

RIVERBANK TRUST

Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2024

		Unrestricted	Restricted
		Funds	Funds	Total Funds	Total Funds
		2024	2024	2024	2023
	Note	£	£	£	£
Current Assets
Debtors	5	4,690	-	4,690	18,348
Cash at Bank and in Hand		39,872	93,619	133,491	128,075
		44,562	93,619	138,181	146,423
Creditors - Amounts Falling Due
Within One Year	6	780	-	780	1,276
Net Current Assets		43,782	93,619	137,401	145,147
Net Assets		43,782	93,619	137,401	145,147
Represented By:
Restricted Income Funds	7	-	93,619	93,619	72,074
Unrestricted Income Funds		43,782	-	43,782	73,073
Total Funds		43,782	93,619	137,401	145,147

For the financial year ended 31 March 2024 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 January 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Mark Johnston

Company Registration Number: 7548705

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

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 2024

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	Restricted
	Funds	Funds	Total	Total
	2024	2024	2024	2023
	£	£	£	£
Donations & legacies
Donations	61,811	835	62,646	124,707
Income tax reclaimed	2,645	-	2,645	16,318
Grants	-	113,876	113,876	98,776
	64,456	114,711	179,167	239,801
Charitable activities
Work in schools	24,539	-	24,539	9,490
Investments
Bank Interest	534	-	534	92
	89,529	114,711	204,240	249,383

London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames made a grant of £10,000 (2023: £Nil).

3. Expenditure

3a. Expenditure on Raising Funds

	Staff costs	Other costs	Total	Total
	2024	2024	2024	2023
	£	£	£	£
Fundraising	-	22,480	22,480	11,006

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

RIVERBANK TRUST

3. Expenditure (continued)

3b. Expenditure on Charitable activities

	Staff costs	Other costs	Total	Total
	2024	2024	2024	2023
	£	£	£	£
Support work	158,594	30,012	188,606	162,884
Governance costs	-	900	900	780
	158,594	30,912	189,506	163,664

3c. Staff Costs

	2024	2023
Included within Expenditure on Charitable Activities are the following staff costs:	£	£
Gross salaries	147,196	137,224
Social security costs	12,126	11,209
Pension contributions	4,272	4,140
Employer’s Annual Allowance	(5,000)	(5,000)

	158,594	147,573


Of which: gross salaries and benefits paid to Key Management Personnel:	21,940	19,132


	Number	Number
The average number of employees during the year:
Full time workers	2	1
Part time workers	6	7
	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	Notes to the Financial Statements	Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2024
5. Debtors Gift Aid Tax receivable Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors			2024 £ 2,645 545 1,500 4,690 ~~-~~	2023 £ 16,318 530 1,500 18,348
6. Creditors - Amounts Falling Due Within One Year Accruals and deferred income		6. Creditors - Amounts Falling Due Within One Year	6. Creditors - Amounts Falling Due Within One Year 2024 £ 780 ~~_~~	2023 £ 1,276
7. Restricted Funds	7. Restricted Funds
7a Current Year Schools and Community Work Community Sponsorship Beneficiary Support and Other 7b Prior Year Schools and Community Work Community Sponsorship Beneficiary Support and Other		At 1 April 2023 £ Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers £ Gains/ (losses) £ At 31 March 2024 £ 59,648 85,623 (77,502) - - 67,769 973 - (138) - - 835 11,453 29,088 (15,526) - - 25,015 72,074 114,711 (93,166) 0 0 93,619 At 1 April 2022 £ Income £ Expenditure £ Transfers £ Gains/ (losses) £ At 31 March 2023 £ 34,187 88,979 (63,518) - - 59,648 973 - - - - 973 8,534 17,764 (14,845) - - 11,453 43,694 106,743 (78,363) 0 0 72,074 ~~1...~~ ~~J...~~

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: £61,945 (2023 - £52,672) received from Richmond Parish Lands Charity; and £12,500 (2023 - £12,500) from Joseph Rank Trust.

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2024

RIVERBANK TRUST

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 May 2023, donated £5,700 (2023: £4,050) to the Charity. The Charity made payments to Holy Trinity and Christ Church Richmond of £508 (2023: £701) in respect of purchases during the year.

The Charity’s key management employees received gross remuneration of £21,940 (2023: £19,132).

The aggregate unrestricted donations made by Trustees to the Charity were £6,470 (2023: £18,053).

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.