## Gillingham Foodbank 

Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2025 

1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk 



## **GILLINGHAM FOODBANK** 

## **LEGAL & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE Wessex House 8 High Street GILLINGHAM Dorset SP8 4AG GOVERNING DOCUMENT Declaration of Trust dated 23 March 2012 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1146565 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THE CHARITY Hannah Gibbons Clive Ozzard Sheela Vishnu Upton Robert Rickards (resigned June 2024) Neil Ian MacBean (appointed March 2024) Simon Vivian Chase (appointed May 2024) Lewis Buckwell (appointed April 2025) Alistair Angus (resigned October 2024) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB 

## **INDEX** 

Page 1 Legal & Administrative Details Pages  2-11 Trustees' Report Page 12 Independent Examiner's Report Page 13 Receipts and Payments Account Page 14 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages 15 Notes to the Accounts 

Page 1 



## Gillingham Foodbank Trustees’ Annual Report 

**1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025** 

Gillingham Foodbank, Wessex House, 8 High Street, Gillingham SP8 4AG Registered charity no. 1146565 

Page 2 



[A] Objectives and activities 

## **National and county context** 

The first UK foodbank was established in 2000 by Christian charity The Trussell Trust in Salisbury. The Trust now co-ordinates a network of over 1400 local foodbanks, to which it provides consultancy, training, systems, services and quality assurance. Gillingham Foodbank began operating in December 2011 and has continued since then to assist people living in, or imminently facing, food poverty. 

## **Gillingham Foodbank purposes** 

The objects of the charity are to relieve poverty, hardship or distress through the provision of food to people in need of emergency supplies in North Dorset, South Somerset and Wiltshire (‘the Blackmore Vale and adjacent areas’) and by such other means as the trustees may decide. 

In setting our objectives and planning our activities, Gillingham foodbank trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Charity Commissioners’ public benefit guidance, in particular, when exercising powers or duties in advancing our objectives, conforming with the Charities Act 2011. 

## **Foodbank main activities** 

Gillingham Foodbank provides emergency food assistance to local residents in short-term financial crisis. We operate using via a Distribution Centre within the town, located at Gillingham Community Church (GCC), as well as via other distributors, notably in Shaftesbury and Castle Cary (refer to section B2, below). 

Clients are normally referred to the foodbank by a front-line service or agency, such as a health worker, children’s centre, council service or housing association.  Agencies hold boxes containing a minimum, emergency amount of food for 3 day’s consumption on our behalf and distribute accordingly whereas clients who have self-referred or are referred by an agency to one of our distributors receive food parcels (bags) which are generally more substantial in content.  This referral process ensures that the client’s need has been validated, and thereby ensures that assistance is targeted appropriately. 

The client receives a voucher code which is also forwarded by email to the foodbank.  There the client receives food designed to last at least 3 days, suitable for the size of their family.  The food is donated by the general public and is non-perishable standard groceries. Clients are usually limited to three vouchers per crisis in order to prevent the development of a dependency relationship. 

Those in need of emergency food help may also self-refer to the Foodbank on Monday or Thursday mornings at our Distribution Centre on Gillingham High Street. Here, clients are interviewed to ensure they are receiving all statutory benefits to which they are entitled, or are making use of additional services offered by local agencies, before being appropriately signposted as needed. 

We additionally employ the services of Citizen’s Advice (CA) Central Dorset to provide advice and support to assist clients exit a crisis, moving them to become more independent of the Foodbank. This service equates to 20 hours per week and is partially funded by an ongoing grant from Trussell Trust that runs until the end of 2026. 

Like other foodbanks in the Trussell network, Gillingham Foodbank is run by mainstream Christian churches.  However, the operation and objectives of Gillingham foodbank is entirely charitable, and 

Gillingham Foodbank Trustees’ Annual Report 

January 2026 

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non-religious in nature.  Clients, partners and volunteers of all backgrounds are welcomed and treated equally. 

Since October 2021 we have extended our opening hours to include Tuesday and Wednesday mornings where Foodbank clients who no longer require food can come to a safe place.  There is a need for some to operate within a supportive community so that they avoid the need of help with food from the Foodbank.  Activities include life skills, fun activities, tea coffee and cake and a listening ear.  This was initially funded by Trussell Trust from a grant received for that purpose but is now financed directly by Gillingham Foodbank. 

## [B] Achievements and performance 

## B1. Outcomes: food allocations to clients 

**Total “person allocations” during this report period = 2156** (comprising  1401 adults and 755 children) 

The number of persons helped during the year was, somewhat surprisingly, far fewer than in the preceding year 2023-24, when 2919 people were fed. We fulfilled 902 emergency vouchers (1569 during 2023-24), representing a 42.5% decrease on the preceding year. Of these 902 vouchers, 445 unique households received food help, with 228 being first time referrals. 

Although North Dorset and adjacent areas are very much rural in nature, where many areas appear affluent, there are pockets of poverty and low income.  It is difficult to explain the reason for this year’s reduced level of demand, except that it follows a busy previous year whereby demand was unexpectedly up by 40% so, with this in mind, the 42.5% decrease represents a return to a more usual situation.  One thing is clear though - there remain real issues of poverty in this rural area. 

Trends in demand over the year show peaks at major school holidays, when there is additional demand from families identified as genuinely reliant upon “free school meals” during term-time. 

In any six-month period, clients access the foodbank on average twice.  This is consistent with the principle of providing specific crisis-relief, and not long-term, regular or open-ended assistance. 

## Age and ethnicity of clients 

|**Age of client**|**Client 17-24**|**Client 25-64**|**Client 65+**|**Undisclosed**|**Under 17**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Number assisted|274|1053|60|16|753|



Simple statistics are collected about the age of clients and the number of “adults” and “children” in their household. The small number of clients over 65 is notable.  This elderly group is not in natural contact with many of the voucher-holding agencies, and also can be reluctant to seek or accept charitable help. 

## B2. Voucher referral agencies 

Foodbank vouchers are held by 41 referral agencies, mostly with a local focus, of which 6 are notably active. As in the previous year, the Distribution Centre at Gillingham Community Church, Open House (Shaftesbury – Father’s House church) and Cary Cares (a Castle Cary community initiative) 

Gillingham Foodbank Trustees’ Annual Report 

January 2026 

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were our three busiest distributors. The role of referral agencies remains absolutely crucial to the operation of the foodbank, and their continuing partnership is greatly appreciated. 

The rate of referrals is highly variable between voucher-distributors, reflecting the varied scope of their work, the needs of their clientele and the period in which they have held vouchers. 

Vouchers are issued by the Foodbank itself where there are _bone fide_ contacts validated by agencies that do not themselves hold vouchers, or where an agency asks the foodbank to issue an “emergency voucher”.  Virtually all of our distributors now use the e-voucher system provided by the Trussell Network for emergency food parcels (not food boxes). 

## B3. Food collections and donations 

Food donations from the general public remain consistently high, albeit with notable peaks throughout the year, such as harvest and Christmas.  The Foodbank continues to attract strong support from the public at large with nearly 23,450kgs of food donated over the period. 

## Food donors 

|**Stock in source**|**Donated in kg**<br>**(% of source**<br>**total)**|**Purchased in**<br>**kg (% of source**<br>**total)**|**'% of overall**<br>**total**|
|---|---|---|---|
|Donations from donors - Charities|35.6(100.0%)|0.0(0.0%)|0.14%|
|Donations from donors - Churches|1454.46<br>(100.0%)|0.0(0.0%)|5.60%|
|Donations from donors - Community<br>groups|1707.5(100.0%)|0.0(0.0%)|6.57%|
|Donations from donors - Corporates|606.9(100.0%)|0.0(0.0%)|2.34%|
|Donations from donors - Educations|1749.5(100.0%)|0.0(0.0%)|6.74%|
|Donations from donors - Individual(s)|1308.34<br>(100.0%)|0.0(0.0%)|5.04%|
|Donations from donors - via<br>Supermarkets|16587.22<br>(100.0%)|0.0(0.0%)|63.87%|
|AB Group Packaging (paper carrier<br>bags)|0.0(0.0%)|84.6(100.0%)|0.33%|
|Purchased - Asda - online store|0.0(0.0%)|151.1(100.0%)|0.58%|
|Purchased - Asda Gillingham|0.0(0.0%)|1595.4<br>(100.0%)|6.14%|
|Purchased - Lidl Gillingham|0.0(0.0%)|123.9(100.0%)|0.48%|
|South West Packaging|0.0(0.0%)|174.6(100.0%)|0.67%|
|Returns from food bank centre|N/A|N/A|1.51%|
|**Totals**|**23449.52**|**2129.6**|**100%**|



As of 31.03.25, the level of stock held stood at a little under 3761kgs, a manageable and relatively sustainable amount for day-to-day foodbank operations. 

Last year we received 23450kgs of donated food, which represents a decrease of 21.9% on 2023-24 (and which in itself was a decrease of 11% on 2022-23). Despite targeted food drives at 

Gillingham Foodbank Trustees’ Annual Report 

January 2026 

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supermarkets, and requests for specific items to cover shortages, we still needed to buy food most months to provide the variety of food required for clients. 

The top 3 sources of donated food: 34% were received via Waitrose (Gillingham), 18.7% Tesco (Shaftesbury) and 10% Lidl (Gillingham) with proportions being steady throughout the year. 

It is worth noting that in monetary terms, there has been a 20% decrease in the amount of food purchased (£4375, previously £5485) when compared with 2023-24. Just 2.4% (2.6% in previous financial year) of all donated food was unusable (out of date, partially used or damaged), a total of 560kgs. 

## B4. Levels of abuse 

Fraud, abuse and misuse are minimised by Trussell’s voucher referral system, whereby clients only access the foodbank when referred by an agency that has validated their level of need. Some clients will, nevertheless, attempt to abuse the system.  The systematic processing of vouchers, discussion with voucher-issuing agencies and data checks keeps this under control. 

It is believed that the level of actual abuse remains below 5% and may well be under half that figure. This low rate reflects the robust systems that are in place, although sustained vigilance will always be required to maintain this security. 

## B5. Future projections 

Geographically, the Gillingham foodbank has reached its natural frontiers.  We continue to work with the local Pantries and other food initiatives established during or as a result of the pandemic and are a member of the North Dorset Poverty Action Group and the Dorset Food Project (a food sustainability initiative) established by charity Help and Kindness. 

National forecasts suggested a continuing increase in demand during the last year; however, unlike in the previous year, a surprisingly large reduction occurred. Despite food and energy costs continuing to fluctuate, household incomes are at last outstripping the rate of inflation, a situation which may partially explain the reduced demand. Additionally, 2023-24 proved to be an exceptionally busy year for the foodbank and it is felt that this downturn is perhaps a return to a more representative level of the overall trend. 

Based upon this assumption, Gillingham Foodbank will again plan for an increase in demand during 2025-2026, anticipating this may put pressure on certain aspects of our operation: 

- **Outlet opening arrangements** and volunteer numbers will be periodically reviewed to ensure capacity to handle local levels of demand 

- **Food supply** we will undoubtedly need to continue purchasing food to supplement our stock. We have sufficient funds to support this – indeed, many donors give money specifically for this purpose, in lieu of donating food. Although public food donations were lower than during the last financial year, we anticipate a sustained level of public donation, primarily via food bins located in many local stores but also through occasional supermarket ‘stock building’ drives. 

- **Foodstore capacity** will not be a problem as we have two adjacent premises based in Paris Court, Gillingham - one acting as a receiving, sorting and packing station, the other a warehouse for ‘long dated’ non-perishable food. 

There is no foreseeable reason why the foodbank will not be able to meet the challenges and continue to provide vital assistance to households in crisis across its area of operation.  A Strategic Plan, due to be renewed during the forthcoming year, is in place to meet the aims of the charity. 

Gillingham Foodbank Trustees’ Annual Report 

January 2026 

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## **[C] Financial review** 

## C1. Key points 

During the year 2024-25 Gillingham foodbank received total income of £73,895 (FY 2023-24: £80,002) and dispersed £71,643 (FY 2023-24: £63,815). Of the £73,895 income, £45,645 was unrestricted and £28,250 was restricted.  Of the expenditure, £38,431 was unrestricted and £33,213 was restricted. 

The Foodbank trustees decided at the end of this year to substantially reduce the amount of cash held in the Co-operative Bank current account, in favour of that held for several years with the Great Western Credit Union (hereinafter GWCU, formerly Wyvern), to take advantage of the much better rate of interest offered. 

## C2. Income and expenditure 

Our donations, whilst less than those received during the preceding year, continue at a sustainable level and marginally exceed expenditure. 

We received additional income due to the high level of individual donors willing to Gift Aid their financial donations. 

During 2024-25 we were grateful to receive significant grant income from major corporate donors including Trussell Trust, Dorset Council Household Support Fund, Griffiths Foods, Tesco, Asda, and The Neighbourly Foundation, as well as generous financial donations from a significant number of local churches. 

## C3. Reserves policy 

## Cash reserves 

The foodbank’s cash reserves held on 31st March 2025 were as follows: 

|||
|---|---|
||**£**|
|||
|||
|**Funds:**||
|||
|||
|Co-op Bank – current account|69,965|
|||
|||
|GWCU Credit Union|80,474|
|||
|||
|**TOTAL CASH FUNDS**|**150,439**|
|||



The trustees confirm that, at the end of FY 2024-25, the charity met its reserves policy for 2024-25. 

## Monetary investments 

The foodbank has no money directly invested in property, securities or other forms of investment. 

Gillingham Foodbank Trustees’ Annual Report 

January 2026 

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## Reserves policy for general funds 2025-26:  £44,000 

Gillingham foodbank’s reserves policy is reviewed and approved annually by trustees. The Foodbank aims to hold a minimum of £44,000 in its general funds at any time during the financial year 202526. This excludes planned use of designated general funds, and any use of restricted funds in line with their aims and objectives. This level of reserves is to provide funds for: 

- Unforeseen emergencies or unexpected needs, such as unplanned urgent poverty support, equipment failure, or unanticipated premises repair bills [£10,000] 

- Covering unforeseen day-to-day operational costs, such as employing temporary staff in the event of long-term sickness absence of our Foodbank Manager [£8,000] 

- One year’s employment costs for our Foodbank Manager in the event of loss of regular donations income [£14,500] 

- Unexpected shortfalls in food donations, causing the Foodbank to purchase significant quantities of specific items to supplement donated foodstuffs, over an extended period [£5,000] 

- Additional funds for fresh food purchases in the event of discontinued grant support for this specific purpose [£5,000] 

- One year’s warehouse running costs (utilities, insurance, etc) in event of loss of regular donations income [£1,500] 

## Designated general funds for FY 2025-26 onwards: £75,250 

Additional to maintaining the above reserves policy, our trustees have taken the decision to ringfence the following amounts in our general funds, designating them for the following purposes: 

1. to meet our current contractual commitment (period 1.4.25 to 31.12.26) towards Citizen’s Advice adviser[1] costs:  £17,000 (match funded by grant from Trussell Trust) 

2. to pay all Distribution Centre manager and rent costs[2] for period 1.10.25 to 30.09.26:  £21,750 

3. towards ongoing Citizens Advice adviser costs, until the end of financial year 2027-28 (assumes a match funding grant can be raised):  £16,500 

4. towards ongoing Distribution Centre management costs until the end of financial year 2027-28 (assumes a match funding grant can be raised):  £15,000 

5. to pay all further Distribution Centre rent until the end of financial year 2027-28:  £5,000 Primarily, funds are set aside to ensure continuity of these services. Without new match-funding grant support, these services can only be run for half the above periods. The ongoing costs of our Foodbank Manager are currently covered directly from regular donations and gift aid income. 

## Restricted funds at 31 March 2025: £22,696 

1. Trussell Trust Financial Inclusion grants to support our Citizens Advice services:  £17,972 

2. Gas and Electricity bills support for Foodbank clients in need:  £1,237 

3. Fresh Food (grants received from Dorset Council’s Household Support funds and from Griffiths Foods, used to purchase specific fresh food items as needed):  £3,487 

## **Total cash funds at year end:** 

The charity’s total cash funds held at 31.3.25 were £150,439. 

## C4. Investment policy and performance 

> 1 subcontracted to Citizens Advice Central Dorset under a partnership agreement with Gillingham Foodbank 

> 2 subcontracted to Gillingham Community Church under a partnership agreement with Gillingham Foodbank 

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January 2026 

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The foodbank’s investment policy is to diversify its (limited) funds in bank accounts and deposit accounts only. It has no other financial investment products or any investment property. The foodbank has no endowment funds, currently. 

Short-term deposits are lodged directly with Co-operative Bank plc and attract rates of interest comparable with available commercial market rates. Deposits lodged with Great Western Credit Union attract a dividend which is currently 3%. In FY 2024-25 Gillingham foodbank’s deposit account funds attracted an average interest rate of 0%. 

## C5. Statement of Liabilities 

The trustees believe that it is reasonable to conclude that the charity can settle its liabilities when they fall due, for at least the next twelve months. It continues to be able to raise funding to support all of its activities, and further to extend those activities. The foodbank has adequate reserves to cover any shortfall in anticipated income. 

## C6. Deficits 

The foodbank’s total income exceeds its net expenditure, and the charity does not operate in deficit. The charity has no subsidiary funds or undertakings. 

## **[D] Governance and charitable status** 

Gillingham foodbank was set up in 2011 by Gillingham Community Church (GCC), St. Benedict’s Catholic Church Gillingham, Gillingham Methodist Church (now closed) and St. Mary’s Church Gillingham. 

The foodbank is a charitable trust with independent charitable status and is constituted as a body of incorporated trustees with six trustees on the trust body. 

The foodbank’s governing document is a trust deed, executed on 23[rd] March 2012. 

Trustees are appointed to Gillingham foodbank (GFB) by a resolution of the trustees passed at a special meeting of the trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment as trustees, the trustees have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the charity. Every trustee is appointed for a minimum of three years. The Chair of trustees is elected by the other trustees at an ordinary meeting of trustees. 

One of GFB’s trustees, Mrs Hannah Gibbons, was paid by GCC as an employee during the year. Part of her role for GCC during FY 2024-25 included specified staff services provided to GFB, funded by GFB as agreed by the other GFB trustees. No other trustees were employed or received any remuneration or benefit from the charity during FY 2024-25. 

**==> picture [443 x 55] intentionally omitted <==**

Gillingham Foodbank Trustees’ Annual Report 

January 2026 

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The foodbank is audited every two years by the Trussell Trust, to verify the efficiency, effectiveness and probity of its policies and procedures.  This audit generates a written report to the trustees and any actions are then carried out, if needed. 

The foodbank is registered with the Information Commissioners Office.  All volunteers are required to sign confidentiality agreements, protecting both client personal details and operational information. 

## **Risk Management** 

The trustees have considered the risks that the charity is exposed to and put strategies in place to mitigate those risks. Policies are established for financial control, health and safety, safeguarding and data protection, equal opportunities, IT and communications, social media, managing conflicts of interest, and for processing complaints. 

## **Operational structure** 

The foodbank operates from two locations.  One, in Paris Court, Station Road Gillingham hosts the food stores, and the other, Wessex House, 8 High Street, Gillingham, deals with the administrative functions and the public-facing outlet. 

## **Volunteers** 

Mrs. Helen Weaver is the current Project Manager for the Foodbank, ably assisted by around 40 active volunteers who contribute to the foodbank operation in administration, stock management, deliveries and public-facing roles.  All public-facing volunteers receive training to ensure consistency of procedures and standards.  It has been calculated that the volunteer hours put into the foodbank equate to 2.5 full time paid staff, which if paid the minimum wage would cost over £25,000. We are therefore very grateful to all our volunteers who give up their time. 

## **[E] Exemptions from disclosure** 

None. 

## **[F] Funds held as custodian trustee** 

Gillingham foodbank holds no funds as custodian trustee.  Nor does it collect any sums as agent for any other bodies for passing on to them. 

## **[G] Trustees’ responsibilities** 

Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year. 

We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. 

Gillingham Foodbank Trustees’ Annual Report 

January 2026 

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We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities. 

## **[H] Trustee approval** 

This annual report was approved by the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by: 

**Name: Signed:** clive ozzard Clive Ozzard clive ozzard (Jan 20, 2026 11:02:21 GMT) **Position: Date:** Jan 20, 2026 Chair of Trustees 

Gillingham Foodbank Trustees’ Annual Report 

January 2026 

Page 11 



## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT** 

## **TO THE TRUSTEES OF** 

## **GILLINGHAM FOODBANK** 

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Gillingham Foodbank ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 on pages 13 to 15 following. 

## **Responsibilities and basis of report** 

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). 

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. 

## **Independent examiner’s statement** 

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 

2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records. 

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

## Sarah Crispin 

Sarah Crispin (Jan 22, 2026 12:04:32 GMT) 

Sarah Crispin ACA Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB 

Date: Jan 22, 2026 

Page 12 



## **GILLINGHAM FOODBANK** 

## **RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

|Notes<br>**_Income receipts_**<br>Donations<br>Gift aid receipts<br>Grants<br>Other<br>**_Total receipts_**<br>**_Payments_**<br>2<br>**_Total payments_**<br>Transfers between funds<br>3<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>Cash funds as at last year end<br>**Cash funds at this year end**<br>A<br>Net of receipts / (payments) before<br>transfers<br>Payments<br>in<br>relation<br>to<br>charitable<br>activities undertaken directly|General<br>Funds<br>£<br>37,605<br>549<br>7,014<br>478<br>45,645<br>38,431<br>38,431<br>7,214<br>-<br>7,214<br>120,529<br>127,743|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>28,250<br>-|2025<br>£<br>37,605<br>549<br>35,264<br>478<br>73,895<br>71,643<br>71,643<br>2,251<br>-<br>2,251<br>148,188<br>150,439|2024<br>£|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||32,831<br>3,207<br>42,766<br>1,198|
|||28,250||80,002|
|||33,213<br>33,213<br>(4,963)<br>-<br>(4,963)<br>27,659<br>22,696||63,815|
|||||63,815|
|||||16,187<br>-|
|||||16,187<br>132,001|
|||||148,188|



The notes on page 15 form part of these accounts. 

Page 13 



## **GILLINGHAM FOODBANK** 

## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

|Notes<br>**A**<br>**Cash funds**<br>Cash at bank with immediate access<br>**B**<br>**Other monetary assets**<br>Gift aid due to charity<br>**C**<br>**Liabilities**<br>**Falling due within one year**<br>Fee for Independent Examination<br>Pension payments|General<br>funds<br>£<br>127,743<br>127,743<br>2,284<br>2,284<br>1,110<br>148<br>1,258<br>Unrestricted|Restricted<br>funds<br>£<br>22,696<br>22,696<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|2025<br>£<br>150,439<br>150,439<br>2,284<br>2,284<br>1,110<br>148<br>1,258|2024<br>£|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||148,188|
|||||148,188|
|||||546|
|||||546|
|||||1,050<br>194|
|||||1,244|



## **D Assets retained for charity's own use** 

|Equipment|Fund to<br>which asset<br>belongs|Cost<br>£|
|---|---|---|
|||5,000|
|||5,000|



Current values have been estimated by the trustees because reliable valuations are not available 

The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by: 

## clive ozzard 

clive ozzard (Jan 20, 2026 11:02:21 GMT) 

___________________________________ Clive Ozzard 

Jan 20, 2026 Date:_______________________ 

The notes on page 15 form part of these accounts. 

Page 14 



## **GILLINGHAM FOODBANK** 

## **NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS** 

## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025** 

## **1 Accounting policies** 

The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs. 

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects. 

|**2**<br>**Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly**<br>Staffing costs<br>Direct costs<br>Premises costs<br>Insurance<br>Office costs<br>Professional fees & governance|Unrestricted<br>General<br>funds<br>£<br>25,758<br>4,017<br>4,427<br>959<br>2,219<br>1,050<br>38,431|Restricted<br>Funds<br>£<br>22,611<br>10,602<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>33,213|Total<br>2025<br>£<br>48,369<br>14,619<br>4,427<br>959<br>2,219<br>1,050<br>71,643|Total<br>2024<br>£|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||37,516<br>14,152<br>8,609<br>1,084<br>930<br>1,524|
|||||63,815|



Staffing costs include £12,506 paid to Gillingham Community Church (2024 - £14,380) for seconded staff, including £5,500 to Hannah Gibbons (a trustee of the charity) and £22,621 paid to Citizens Advice (2024 - £20,454) for services provided by advisors. Hannah Gibbons - trustee of Gillingham Foodbank - received payments for her role as Foodbank Distribution Manager employed by Gillingham Community Church. This was part of the service provided to Gillingham Foodbank by Gillingham Community Church under a subcontract agreement, and was funded by Gillingham Foodbank. 

## **Movement of funds** 

|General funds<br>Restricted funds<br>Citizens Advice Consultancy<br>Strategic Resources grant GCC<br> Client utilities fund (Gas and Electric)<br> Client fresh food top up fund<br>Total funds|Opening<br>balance<br>£<br>120,529<br>20,832<br>-<br>3,132<br>3,694|Receipts<br>£<br>45,645<br>19,750<br>-<br>-<br>8,500|Payments<br>£<br>(38,431)<br>(22,611)<br>-<br>(1,895)<br>(8,707)|Transfers<br>£<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|Closing<br>balance<br>£<br>127,743<br>17,972<br>-<br>1,237<br>3,487|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||27,659|28,250|(33,213)|-|22,696|
||148,188|73,895|(71,643)|-|150,439|



. 

Citizens Advice Consultancy - This fund provides payment to Citizens advice so that they can provide advisers to work with food bank clients. 

The strategic resources grant is for staffing of foodbank and is paid to Gillingham Community Church for staff who are seconded to the foodbank. 

The client utilities fund is to support clients with gas & electricity costs The client fresh food top up fund is to purchase fresh food 

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