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← Riverbank Trust

2025-03-31-accounts

www.riverbanktrust.org

RIVERBANK TRUST

Charity Registration Number: 1143758 Company Registration Number: 7548705

31 March 2025

Annual Report and Financial Statements

Tandem Accounting Chartered Accountants

17 Heathville Road London N19 3AL

RIVERBANK TRUST Annual Report and Financial Statements 2024 Contents

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||| |---|---| |Page| |Legal and administrative information|2| |Annual Report of the Trustees|3| |Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees|14| |Statement of financial activities|15| |Balance sheet|16| |Notes to the financial statements|17|

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Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

RIVERBANK TRUST

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
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

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RIVERBANK TRUST

Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

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 2025. 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 Riverbank CEO is appointed by the Trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the Charity. To facilitate effective operations, the CEO has delegated authority, with terms of delegation agreed by the Trustees. The CEO keeps the Trustees abreast of important issues with meetings, by telephone and email communication. The CEO 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:

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:

Outcomes achieved through these activities 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.

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Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

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.

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 includes information about Riverbank groups and events. The newsletter 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 2024-2025 school year, the syllabus comprised 14 units of work:

The syllabus also continues to include individual sessions on the following topics:

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Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

Key Statistics

2024-25 2023-24
Full-time staff 2 2
Part-time staff 7 6
Families reached 95 69
Schools involved 4 4
School children reached(incl. 1:1 sessions) 20 21
Contact with other Riverbank schoolparents 10 21

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 programme groups.

Groups for Mums: Riverbank At Home

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. A member of the Riverbank staff team is present to facilitate where necessary. There are volunteer befrienders as well as a volunteer beautician for manicures or eyebrow styling. Mums themselves also volunteer, whether it be helping with set-up or teaching a new skill, e.g. jewellery making. 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 their self-esteem as they learn new skills. Many of the Mums attend the group regularly and have built up good social and support networks with one another, with the result that many subsequently meet up 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. We also lay out the Hygiene Bank donations for Mums to help themselves to each week.

R@H Ham 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. Jewellery made within the group has been sold on a Riverbank stall at Ham Fair and St Richard Church Christmas Fair. This has encouraged Mums to develop new skills and to recognise the skills and talents that they have. The stalls have also been a great way for Mums to further connect into the local Ham community.

R@H Whitton runs as a Wednesday morning drop-in for single Mums in the Whitton area, run in a large space that gives room for conversations and children to play. Focus is on building community relationships between mothers while in a place they can feel relaxed and safe. Hot drinks, squash and fruit juice are available as well as fruit, pastries and a snack for any children attending. A central part of the event is the table where attendees sit together to eat and talk; this has led to important conversations that have helped build self-esteem and confidence in mothers. Although fairly new, a consistent group of mothers has been attending.

Groups for Mums and Children

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.

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Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

Little Splashes, Whitton moved from Whitton Community Centre to Whitton Baptist church in September 2024. Since then, a regular group of Mums attended. We used a story and song time for children as well as free play and refreshments. Following partnering with Whitton Baptist church to relaunch their toddler group Little Bears , we switched Little Splashes to R@H Whitton to have it more Mum-focused while Little Bears is more child-focused.

Little Bears is a parent and toddler group run for the local community in partnership with Whitton Baptist Church. Supported by Riverbank and volunteers from the church, we run a session that’s free for Riverbank mothers. Sessions include free play, snacks, refreshments and a carpet time with singing and a story. The group focusses on providing a safe place for parents to meet whilst children play safely and benefit from activities that support their physical, emotional and educational development. Although open to the local community a regular group of Riverbank Mums has been attending.

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. A Riverbank Outreach Worker supports the volunteer team running the group. The group is provided for the community on the estate and made accessible for Riverbank families to attend, The playgroup 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. 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. The playgroup has been well attended, with space for up to 40 families that can attend each week. There is a small entrance fee, but 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.

Little Droplets is run at a hostel. A Riverbank Outreach Worker continues to visit 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 2024). When staffing numbers allow, Riverbank encourages mothers to come out to the 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’s 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 hostel. From April 2024 to March 2025, Riverbank reached out to and engaged with 5 families in the hostel.

Online Group: The Raft

The Raft started in July 2024 and is a term time online meeting for working single Mums. The group is aimed at mothers who struggle to attend our mid-week groups due to work. Discussions during the online sessions included a general catch up and topics around wellbeing, self-love languages, Christmas and self-care, New year aims etc. The Raft allows all working mothers to connect and focus on their wellbeing. Since the group has started it has a few regular Mums and a volunteer attending.

Parenting Groups

Kids Matter (KM) partner with Riverbank locally. Kids Matter is 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. A KM programme typically runs for 7 weeks and is led by our trained staff members and a creche supported by our team of volunteers. It’s 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.

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Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

The KM programme topics include:

Refresher Kids Matter ran in the 2024 autumn term for Riverbank Mums who completed the KM programme previously. The Refresher KM session 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. The Refresher KM group saw relationships being built, support networks created, Mums learning together and coming away better equipped and strengthened as parents.

KM Ham launched in the 2024 summer term, reaching 3 local families. It was a valuable opportunity to equip and encourage our Riverbank Ham families, bringing Mums together around the experience of parenthood. Mums were able to share and discuss their parenting experiences, and to grow and deepen friendships with others in the group.

Babies Matter (BM) launched in the 2024 autumn term and completed in the 2025 spring term. A BM programme aims to support new parents across the transition to parenthood and through the first year of a child’s life. The programme typically runs for 6 weeks followed by a reunion session after 6 weeks and a booster session after 3 months. The material is designed to help Mums understand their role in creating a secure and loving attachment with their baby and to increase awareness of parental mental health. The group allows Riverbank Mums to meet other Mums at a similar stage and decrease their risk of isolation.

The BM programme topics include:

Connect is a SEND-related group, supporting Mums with children and young individuals who have Special Educational (additional) and Emotional needs, whether their children are on a pathway for support or not. To meet ongoing and emerging needs, Connect has had to move from monthly to fortnightly from September 2024. Connect facilitates a community that ‘Meet, Chat, Share and Support’ and therefore encourages friendship and sharing of experiences in a safe place. Mums value the space to share news, swap ideas, and equip each other with important information or to just talk about the difficulties they experience. Connect meets 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. One of our Mums is now a volunteer at Connect and has completed her volunteer training. She arrives early, helps to plan for the term and will help clear up. Many Mums have mentioned how hard it is to access support from other organisations/charities. In many cases, the difficulties of travelling to unknow areas or social anxiety has prevented mothers from getting much needed support. Because of this, Riverbank arranged two local charities to visit Connect : Skylarks (providing information, activities, therapies for families with additional needs) and Richmond Aid (Advice and Information on Disability). Mums that attended these sessions were so thankful and felt less fearful and more confident about communicating. Both Skylarks and Richmond Aid have agreed to visit again.

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Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

RIVERBANK TRUST

Sensory Parenting is a course for those parenting children with sensory needs. During the 2025 spring term, we ran a pilot sensory parenting course at St. John the Baptist Junior School, Hampton Wick for 6 weeks. The course was run by Tanya Van Dalen, an Occupational Therapist specialising in neurodiversity and the author of the book ‘Sensory Parenting’. A Riverbank Community Outreach Worker organised the course, liaising with local schools, inviting Riverbank Mums and other school Mums. The Riverbank Outreach Worker supported the course leader and covered the administration and practical requirements for the course. Many of our Riverbank Mums have children with neurodiversity, and many are beginning to recognise that they may share traits with their children. This includes different types of neurodiversity as the sensory system tends to be affected in ways that are not neurotypical and this can lead to seemingly difficult behaviour which parents may struggle to manage. The course adopts a non-judgemental way of focussing on the parent and how they parent, encouraging parents to become self-aware of their own stressors and reactions to stress. A key theme is coregulation i.e. if we can remain calm as a parent, it will help our child to become calmer. The course was well attended; it offered helpful strategies and enabled Mums to feel heard and understood.

Refresh

Refresh is a community collaboration playgroup provided for Mums and Grandmas in partnership with Holy Trinity Church. Refresh typically runs during term time on Mondays. It’s open to the church and local community and offers a safe space for Riverbank Mums 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 supports healthy lifestyle choices; frittata continues to be a popular choice 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 families. For those who express interest, an optional scripture reading and singing time is 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 and techniques to use at home. Some Mums have journeyed from attendance to more engaged participation, in some instances developing enough confidence to assist the staff team and volunteers with setting up, cooking the brunch, engaging with other Mums and offering suggestions to support the running of the group (an example of this is the provision of cereal for the children). One Mum who successfully completed training in Food Hygiene and Safety last year contributes to planning weekly sessions and menus each term.

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, 2024-2025 events included:

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Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

Network Partnerships

Riverbank delivers emotional and practical support to single Mums through collaborative partnerships with local churches, schools, voluntary organisations, and professional services.

Other network partnerships include the following:

Orleans House Gallery

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

  1. Providing spaces for any Riverbank Mums with babies and/toddlers to attend the Curious Tots sessions on Tuesdays at the Gallery;

  2. Running an art workshop at the Gallery for Riverbank families in the summer holidays and autumn half-term break:

  3. During the 2024 summer holidays, families were invited to take part in a music workshop, which included singing and playing instruments. They were also given the opportunity to explore two different exhibitions hosted by OHG in the Summer;

  4. During the 2024 autumn half-term break, families were invited to take part in an interactive art workshop;

    1. Running Play Make Art, a creative art session for 2–5-year-olds and their parents, hosted at Holy Trinity Richmond Church in January 2025. The session focussed on how play and imagination have an impact on our everyday lives; and gave the Riverbank families an idea of what to expect when going along to a Play Make Art session at OHG;

  6. In prior years, Riverbank’s OHG partnership has included volunteering opportunities at the Gallery for Riverbank Mums to develop their skills and experience for a career in the creative sector.

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.

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Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

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 wanting to attend have opportunity to discuss such matters openly.

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.

Future Network Partnerships Planned

FunPact: Riverbank will partner with FunPact in Summer 2025 to deliver their two-part course ‘Transition to Secondary’. The course will be delivered by FunPact facilitators and will bring together Riverbank Mums and their children in Year 6, looking at the challenges of moving up to secondary school. The aim of the course is to help ease the transition by exploring the differences between the two, discussing the importance of making friendships and giving pupils the experience of navigating their new school day. Riverbank is excited to pilot a course that brings together mother and child whilst providing a unique opportunity to explore the journey towards independence together.

3. Additional Achievements and Impact

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

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 15 and 16, respectively. The Charity’s reserves increased by £5,476 during the year (2024: decreased by £7,746). The balance sheet shows total net assets of £142,877 (2024: £137,401) of which £115,639 (2024: £93,619) 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 2025 the Charity had net free reserves of £27,238 (2024: £43,782) as follows:

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Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
£ £
Total reserves 142,877 137,401
Less: restricted reserves (115,639) (115,639)
(93,619)
27,238 43,782
Free reserves requirement:
2 months’ budgeted routine expenditure 44,000 35,000

Reserves are currently lower than two months’ expenditure. The Trustees are committed to increasing the level of reserves, and the fundraising strategy supports this. Interim results of fundraising efforts already suggest an anticipated rise in reserves in the forthcoming reporting period.

5.3 Investment Policy

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

6. Plans for Future Periods

In 2025-2026 Riverbank will continue to invest in supporting vulnerable single mothers and their families across LBRUT, increasing existing outreach workers time to allow more families to be supported throughout the borough.

Riverbank plans to launch in Hounslow in spring 2026. This is to ensure that families in the area 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.

Riverbank aims to expand into residential work. It has been a longstanding vision of Riverbank to provide a residential support programme for vulnerable single mothers and their children facing homelessness. Riverbank will consider launching its first residential project in 2026.

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:

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.

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Annual Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025

RIVERBANK TRUST

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 2 December 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Bettina Huimin Chen Trustee

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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 2025, set out on pages 15 to 21.

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:

Basis of independent examiner's report

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

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

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

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

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities.

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 2 December 2025

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Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account) For the year ended 31 March 2025

Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total Funds Funds Total
Note 2025 2025 2025 2024 2024 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Income from: 2 2
Donations and legacies 90,864 158,567 249,431 64,456 114,711 179,167
Charitable activities 22,055 - 22,055 24,539 - 24,539
Investments 138 - 138 534 - 534
Total Income 113,057 158,567 271,624 89,529 114,711 204,240
Expenditure on: 3
Raising funds 26,976 - 26,976 22,480 - 22,480
Charitable activities 102,625 136,547 239,172 96,340 93,166 189,506
Total Expenditure 129,601 136,547 266,148 118,820 93,166 211,986
Net (expenditure)/income Net (expenditure)/income
before tax (16,544) 22,020 5,476 (29,291) 21,545 (7,746)
Tax payable 4 - - - - - -
Net (expenditure)/income
after tax (16,544) 22,020 5,476 (29,291) 21,545 (7,746)
Net movement in funds (16,544) 22,020 5,476 (29,291) 21,545 (7,746)
Total funds brought forward 43,782 93,619 137,401 73,073 72,074 145,147

Total funds carried forward		 27,238 115,639 142,877 43,782 93,619 137,401

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Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2025

Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total Funds Total Funds
2025 2025 2025 2024
Note £ £ £ £
Current Assets
Debtors 5 7,987 - 7,987 4,690
Cash at Bank and in Hand 23,408 115,639 139,047 133,491
31,395 115,639 147,034 138,181
Creditors - Amounts Falling Due
Within One Year 6 4,157 - 4,157 780
**Net Current Assets ** 27,238 115,639 142,877 137,401
Net Assets 27,238 115,639 142,877 137,401
Represented By:
Restricted Income Funds 7 - 115,639 115,639 93,619
Unrestricted Income Funds 27,238 - 27,238 43,782
Total Funds 27,238 115,639 142,877 137,401

For the financial year ended 31 March 2025 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:

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 2 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Bettina Huimin Chen Trustee

Company Registration Number: 7548705

16

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

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 when received.

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. Grant expenditure is recognised when paid.

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.

17

RIVERBANK TRUST

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

1. Accounting Policies (continued)

Fund accounting

The funds held by the charity are either:

2. Income

2. Income
Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total Total
2025 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Donations & legacies
Donations 74,941 - 74,941 62,646
Income tax reclaimed 3,192 - 3,192 2,645
Grants 12,731 158,567 171,298 113,876
90,864 158,567 249,431 179,167
Charitable activities
Work in schools 22,055 - 22,055 9,490
Investments
Bank Interest 138 - 138 534
113,057 158,567 271,624 189,191

During the year London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames made a grant of £10,000 (2024: £Nil).

Restricted income includes the following grants: £60,200 (2024 - £61,945) received from Richmond Foundation; £10,000 received from Anonymous Funder; £22,278 from Hampton Fund; and £12,500 (2024 - £12,500) from Joseph Rank Trust.

3. Expenditure

3a. Expenditure on Raising Funds

Staff costs Other costs Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Fundraising - 26,976 26,976 - 26,976 22,480

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RIVERBANK TRUST

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

3. Expenditure (continued)

3b. Expenditure on Charitable activities

Staff costs Other costs Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Support work 192,209 46,063 101,725 136,547 238,272 188,606
Governance costs - 900 900 - 900 900
192,209 46,963 102,625 136,547 239,172 189,506

3c. Staff Costs

2025 2024
Included within Expenditure on Charitable Activities are the following staff costs: £ £
Gross salaries 178,473 147,196
Social security costs 13,489 12,126
Pension contributions 5,247 4,272
Employer’s Annual Allowance (5,000) (5,000)
192,209 158,594
Of which: gross salaries and benefits paid to Key Management Personnel: 27,257 21,940
Number Number
The average number of employees during the year:
Full time workers 2 2
Part time workers 7 6
9 8

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

The Charity’s key management employees received gross remuneration of £27,257 (2024: £21,940).

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.

19

RIVERBANK TRUST

Notes to the Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements Notes to the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
5. Debtors
Gift Aid Tax receivable
Prepayments and accrued income
Other debtors		 2025
£
5,837
650
1,500
7,987
~~-~~		 2024
£
2,645
545
1,500
4,690
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
2025
£
4,157
~~_~~		 2024
£
780
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
2024
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Transfers
£
Gains/
(losses)
£
At 31
March
2025
£
67,769
130,278
(109,867)
-
-
88,180
835
-
(835)
-
-
0
25,015
28,289
(25,845)
-
-
27,459
93,619
158,567
(136,547)
0
0
115,639
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
~~1...~~
~~J...~~

Descriptions of the restricted funds are:

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.

20

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025

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 2024, donated £5,700 (2024: £5,700) to the Charity. The Charity made payments to Holy Trinity and Christ Church Richmond of £800 (2024: £508) in respect of purchases during the year.

The aggregate unrestricted donations made by Trustees to the Charity were £5,940 (2024: £6,470).

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.

21