Engineers for Overseas Development Limited (Limited by Guarantee)
Annual Report for the period ending
31 July 2024
Companies House Registered Number: 07697421
Registered Charity Number: 11441408
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Annual report for the period ended 31 July 2024
| Annual report for the period ended 31 July 2024 |
|
|---|---|
| Pages | |
| Trustees and advisers | 3 |
| Trustees’ report | 4-6 |
| Statement of Trustee Directors’ responsibilities | 7 |
| Independent Examiner’s report | 8 |
| Statement of financial activities | 9 |
| Balance sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the accounts | 11-12 |
3
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Registered Charity No 1144140 Trustees, advisers and principal grants received
Trustees (who act as Directors for the purposes of company law)
The Trustees during the year, together with changes to the date of approval of the financial statements were:-
Mr I.W Flower OBE Jane Hodgson Julian Howe
Company Secretary
Principal address
Second Floor Cambrian Buildings Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff CF10 5FL
Bankers
Barclays Bank PLC
Principal grants received
Jacobs (via Benevity) Arup Mott MacDonald Institution of Civil Engineers Quest Award WCVA
4
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited (Limited by Guarantee)
Trustees' report
The Trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the Charity for the period ended 31 July 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out on pages 11 and 12 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity’s trust deed and applicable law. The financial statements also comply with the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in May 2008.
Incorporation and transfer of net assets
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited (“EFOD”) was incorporated as a limited company under the Companies Act on 7 July 2011 and was registered with the Charity Commission on 5 October 2011.
Charitable objectives
EFOD’s principal objectives include:-
-
to prevent or relieve poverty anywhere in the world by providing grants, goods and services to communities or individuals in need and/or charities, or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty, including but not limited to the designing and/or building of infrastructure; and by setting up and/or supporting income generating projects and by the provision of training facilities either generally or through the provision of grants, goods, or services;
-
to relieve sickness and preserve the health of people anywhere in the world by the provision of facilities, training and equipment not normally provided by the authorities; and
-
the promotion for the benefit of the public of urban or rural regeneration in areas of social and economic deprivation by any or all of the following means: a) relief of financial hardship b) relief of unemployment
-
c) the advancement of education, training or re-training.
In addition to this EFOD exists to enhance the experience of young construction professionals, challenging members to undertake development projects which improve the health, hygiene, education and self-sufficiency for those from some of the poorest communities in rural Africa and those participating with an opportunity to broaden their skills and experience.
Constitution
EFOD is a company limited by guarantee and, accordingly, the governing document is the Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Organisational structure and appointment of directors
The Charity is administered by a Management Committee, which comprises the Directors of the Company, together with co-opted members. The Management Committee has the power to admit to membership any individual or entity which supports the charitable objectives.
New Management Committee members are elected individually at the Annual General meeting from individual members of the Company or from persons nominated by organisations which are members. The Management Committee may also co-opt up to two other persons, whether or not members of the Company, to serve as Committee Members.
Investment powers and policy
Under the terms of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Trustees have general powers of investment, subject to the provisions of the general law.
5
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Review of activities
EFOD became a Company in July 2011, and registered as a charity in October 2011. It had formerly operated as a subgroup of the Institution of Civil Engineers Wales Cymru, and was established to enhance the training of young Civil Engineers by challenging them to undertake development work in Sub Saharan Africa. As the interest spread and requests from other areas in the UK grew, and the number of groups increased EFOD began to operate independently. The Groups from Cardiff (2000), Bristol (2007) and West Midlands (2009) were joined by a North West Group founded in 2011, and South West Wales and London in 2012. The Group from Bristol merged with the West Midlands Group in 2018, and the South West Wales Group has not operated since completion of Kachumbala Health Centre 3 Maternity Unit in late 2017.
In 2019 a Group in Nottingham was formed to give more work to Arup staff through a 3 year Arup /EFOD Strategic Partnership. Five groups have been active throughout the year, although from March 2020, Covid-19 restrictions prevented site visits to Uganda to supervise construction until 2023.
EFOD Cardiff is working on Faith Nursery and Primary School in Kachumbala, a Community Based Organisation (CBO), a community not-for-profit school founded in 2012 at the request of the local community. The local Government school is heavily oversubscribed and the resulting education is poor. EFOD Cardiff worked with the local community and management committee to identify their needs. Subsequently EFOD purchased land for the school and commissioned a borehole survey for a school and community water supply. Water was found 200m from the school site, and so a small 100sm piece of land was purchased to locate a new borehole for the benefit of the school and the local community. A contractor was commissioned to sink a new borehole in March 2018, which is needed to provide water for the school, the community and for building. The Group developed the design for the new premises for 300 pupils, working with the School of Architecture Graduate Programme of University of Virginia, US. Work on construction of Phase 1, comprising 3 classrooms and a dining room was completed in June 2022, when 3 classes entered the new buildings.
During 2023-24, volunteers travelled to site and managed construction of a latrine block and classrooms. As well as being awarded grants, EFOD Cardiff ran a successful fundraising bike ride.
EFOD West Midlands took over the scheme to design and construct a grain store and mill for the Revival Centre in Matugga, Uganda for the UK based charity Give a Child a Hope (Charity No 1153184), because of the lack of volunteers in Bristol. The Group developed an outline scheme and commissioned a survey of the sloping site owned by the Revival Centre. A large culvert was constructed in 2018/19 to allow access to the site from the adjacent highway. A contract was let to a Bolt Construction to construct a retaining wall creating a level platform for the mill and store, supervised by 3 teams of EFOD volunteers (6 in total) visiting for short periods. Local labour was hired and trained to lay the foundations and base slab of the structure. In addition, 4000 ISSB blocks were manufactured by a small team who were trained as block makers. Covid-19 restrictions in March 2020 prevented planned visits, and construction work was suspended.
Following the lifting of travel restrictions in January 2023, Trustees and members of the Management Committee have visited the site and met with the clients to agree next steps. Work on site is due to restart soon, based to volunteer availabity to travel.
EFOD North West adopted a scheme in 2018 to deliver a coffee facility for Zukuka Bora Coffee in Mbale, part of the Jenga International Charity based in UK and Mbale, Uganda. Design of a drying shed for coffee was completed in late 2019, although plans to visit site in Spring 2020 were cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. Instead, EFOD funded a local contractor to construct a semi-permanent structure at Koutulai, where EFOD have developed a complex, including mill, store and village hall. Further land was purchased, the fence line modified, and a team of 6 was employed and trained by Zukuka Bora Coffee to process, dry and store coffee on the site, allowing the client to adhere to its growth plan.
Design and fundraising were carried out for a new brick building at Zukuka Bora Coffee. Travel restrictions having lifted, volunteers travelled to site during 2023-24 and managed construction of the foundations and preparatory work for the next stage of construction, in association with local Uganda partners.
EFOD South West Wales had been inactive since the opening of Kachumbala Heath Centre 3 Maternity Unit in late 2017 in June 2023. The midwife funded to study to degree level graduated in June 2023. In 2023/24 EFOD South West Wales undertook no work.
EFOD London rebuilt the medical waste incinerator constructed by EFOD NW in 2012, provided replacement batteries to run the emergency power supply of the operating theatre in mid 2018, and funded the repair of the
6
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited (Limited by Guarantee)
inverter in late 2018 to ensure the system worked. The Group developed the design of a latrine block (EcoSan) for patients and laid the foundations in 2019. Two teams (4 in total) went out to site to supervise continued construction of the latrines, and the latrine collection chambers and floor slabs were cast, but work was suspended in March 2020 because of Covid. In March 2021 a brick press was purchased from a supplier in Kampala, delivered to the hospital, and local workmen trained to press sufficient ISSB blocks to construct the latrine block. The Surgical Ward was refurbished in 2021-22.
In 2023/24 the design work on the latrine block was completed. Volunteers travelled to site and, continuing to work with local partners, constructed the latrine block. They also worked with the client to begin scoping the next project.
N ottingham/ Arup SP Group have worked with HKS Architects of Dallas, US, to design a 40 bed Neo Natal Unit at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda for the benefit of pre-term babies. The client is ‘Born on the Edge’, a UK charity specialising in pre-term births. Design work sufficient for costing was competed, but the ravages of Covid in 2020 delayed endeavours by the client to raise funds for the project.
Maintenance of Past EFOD Projects
EFOD offers to provide facilities but requires the recipient to maintain them. Whilst all agree to this it is acknowledged that raising local funds for maintenance often proves very difficult, and repairs are ignored. During 2032/24, two Trustees and a member of the Management Committee travelled to Uganda. They visited completed and ongoing projects and met with partners, including potential new opportunities. They arranged and funded the repair of one of the water tanks at an early EFOD project – Soroti Baptist Medical Centre.
EFOD Members have been involved in the preparation of Technical Papers during the year, and some volunteers successfully used the experience gained whilst working for EFOD to support their application for Membership of the Institution of Civil Engineers.
Projects completed in the period
No major schemes, but several maintenance & repairs were completed.
Risk Management
The Trustees regularly review the major risks to which the Charity is exposed at monthly Management Meetings. Risks related to travel are reviewed together with its operations and finances The Trustees are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to major risks. Safeguarding, Environmental and Equal Opportunity Policies are reviewed regularly.
Reserves policy
Fundraising is undertaken for each project, and all funds spent on the purchase of materials, the hire of labour and the cost of flights and accommodation for volunteers whilst in Africa. Funds for each Group are held in interest bearing accounts.
By order of the Board of Directors.
I.W.Flower OBE, Managing Director, 25 April 2025
7
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited (Limited by Guarantee)
Statement of the Trustee Directors’ responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also directors of Engineers for Overseas Development Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law 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 charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material 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 charitable company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
8
Independent Examiners Report to The Members of Engineers for Overseas Development Limited (Limited by Guarantee)
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the 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
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:-
-
1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records andcomply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
-
2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Graham Dubberley 29 April 2024.
9
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited
(Limited by Guarantee)
Statement of Financial Activities (Incorporating the income and expenditure account) for the period ended 31 July 2023
| Unrestricted Funds 2023/24 £ |
Unrestricted Funds 2023/24 £ |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming resources | |||
| Grants from the Construction Industry &Professional Institutions. |
5675 | ||
| Fund raising activities | 53876 | ||
| Total incoming resources | 59551 | ||
| Resources expended | |||
| Charitable Activities:- | |||
| Expenditure incurred in delivering field projects |
72124 | ||
| Net incoming resources | -12573 | ||
| Total Funds brought forward | 58929 | ||
| Fund balance carried forward | 46356 | ||
The net incoming resources arise wholly from continuing operations.
10
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited (Limited by Guarantee) Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2024
| Note | 31 July 2024 £ |
31 July 2024 £ |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current assets | |||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 46,356 | ||||
| Net current assets | 46,356 | ||||
| Net assets | 46.356 | ||||
| Capital and reserves | |||||
| Called up share capital | 7 | ||||
| Profit and loss account | |||||
| Shareholder’s funds | 46,356 | ||||
The financial statements on pages 7 to 10 were approved by Directors on 25 April 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
I.W. Flower OBE.
Companies House Registered Number: 07697421
11
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited (Limited by Guarantee) Notes to the accounts – 31 July 2024
1. Statement of accounting policies
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards in the United Kingdom. A summary of the more important accounting policies, which have been applied consistently, is set out below.
The financial statements comply with the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” issued in May 2008 and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention.
Cash flow statement
The financial statements do not include a Cash Flow Statement because the company, as a small reporting entity, is exempt from the requirement to prepare such a statement under the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).
Grants receivable
Grants receivable are accounted for in the period to which the grants relate and are dealt with in accordance with the terms of the grant.
Grants receivable for capital projects are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period in which the related asset is acquired and depreciation commenced. Where the Charity receives grants for a combination of capital and revenue expenditure, the capital element is matched against the related asset depreciation over the life of the asset.
Taxation
No provisions are required for taxation as the Company is a registered charity. Irrecoverable Value Added Tax is charged to the relevant expenditure heading to which the net cost is associated.
1. Principal accounting policies (Continued)
Debtors
Any known bad debts are written off and specific provision is made for any debts considered to be doubtful, if appropriate.
Fund accounting
The various types of funds for which the Charity is responsible and which require separate disclosure are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
Unrestricted funds are funds that are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objects or administration of the Charity.
Restricted funds
Restricted funds arise by way of donations and grants that are earmarked by the donor for specific purposes or the purchase of specific assets. Such purposes are within the overall objectives of the organisation.
1. Resources Expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred.
2. Staff costs
Nil
12
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited (Limited by Guarantee)
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited does not employ any staff directly and has not paid any salaries or wages.
3. Trustees’ remuneration and expenses
The Trustees act on a voluntary basis and, accordingly, did not receive any remuneration during the year.
No payments were made to Trustees for professional services or expenses incurred in providing their services.
4. Analysis of total assets
| Unrestricted Funds |
Unrestricted Funds |
Unrestricted Funds |
Total Funds |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||||||
| Net current assets | 46,356 | 46,356 | ||||||
5. Related Parties
The Directors listed on page 1 were related parties of Engineers for Overseas Development Limited during the period.
Apart from the matters detailed above, there have been no other material related party transactions.
6. Donations in kind
Engineers for Overseas Development Limited is also reliant on the support of volunteers who make no charge for their time.
7 Share capital
The company is limited by guarantee and therefore has no share capital. The extent of the guarantee is £10 per member.