----- Start of picture text -----
) ( dy:( =
FS
€ Rescue‘; S&™eyé
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
OPERATION FLORIAN LIMITEDREPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
AND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30[th] SEPTEMBER 2024
Two Dennis ex-service fire appliances delivered to the dock in the UK for shipping to Zimbabwe
Prepared By:
Anthony Burscough Operation Florian Ltd Treasurer
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
ae OT)
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 30 September 2024
The trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30[th] of September 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' issued in March 2005.
INCORPORATION
The charitable company was incorporated on 13 January 2012 and commenced trading on 1 October 2012.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Company number 07909070 (England and Wales)
Registered Charity Number 1149445
Registered Charity Office The Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing West Sussex, BN14 7RN
Registered Company Office
60 Crawford Avenue Leyland, Lancashire PR25 3FN
Trustees
| A Burscough Treasurer (re-elected 27/02/23) |
A Burscough Treasurer (re-elected 27/02/23) |
A Burscough Treasurer (re-elected 27/02/23) |
|---|---|---|
| B Lees (re-elected 27/01/25) |
||
| R Barraclough (re-elected 27/01/24) |
||
| S Ndlovu (re-elected 27/01/24) |
||
| P Summers (elected 27/01/25) |
||
| P Gratrix (re-elected 27/01/25) |
||
| M Ellis (re-elected 27/02/23) |
||
| S Snape | (re-elected 26/01/24) |
Company Secretary R Barraclough
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
oyLo Way,
a CAA
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
Governing document
The charity is a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. It is governed by its constitution/articles, dated 13 January 2012.
Recruitment and appointment of new trustees
The governing documents identify 9 Trustee positions. The Trustees are appointed at the Annual General Meeting for a three-year term of office, with a third of the nine posts elected each year. The elected Trustees sit on the Management Committee alongside other officers appointed at the AGM. The collective committee are responsible for the day-to-day management of the Charity and for ensuring compliance with the governing documents, Charity Commission and Company House rules. A skills audit is carried out periodically by the committee to ensure there is sufficient capability to ensure the Charity meets its objects.
Induction and training of new trustees
Each Trustee and Management Committee member has undergone induction training. This is delivered by the Trustees advisor and is based upon the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) "The Good Trustee Guide" ISBN 0- 7199-1610-0. We set aside one meeting each year for specific training and have appointed one member who is an experienced trustee with another Charity to act as mentor for new trustees and to act as 'critical friend'.
Organisational structure
The management committee is responsible for governance and policy and is the custodian of the charity's assets. The Committee meets at least four times a year. Operation Florian Ltd consists of nine Trustees and three non-voting Executive’s. The Trustees also have a director’s role as well.
Trustees Roles
The charity has put in place a renewed board structure to meet the needs of the charity, its members and those countries/communities we help with humanitarian aid. Each board member has been given a more defined and specific role in their references. The board has developed “job descriptions” for each of these roles.
Non-Voting Executive
On 17/01/20 the Trustees decided to invite Steve Owen-Hughes on to the board as a “Non-Voting Executive”. A position he duly accepted. The development of this position has helped, assisted, guided and advised the Trustees in the running of the charity.
Matt Bedford was invited by the Trustees to join the charity as a Non-Voting Executive to assist, guide, advise and develop the website and communications in February 2023.
The two executives have proved vital in moving the charity forward to meet the demands placed on Operation Florian Ltd in today’s world.
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 30 September 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Risk Management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. In 2023 Operation Florian Ltd continued to review its “risk management” structure and administration.
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
oyLo Way,
a CAA
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
The committee continues to monitor the major risks to which the charity is exposed and to keep under review the adequacy of the policies and systems which it believes are adequate and appropriate to the size of the charity and the nature of its operations.
A Risk Management Register has been produced by the Board which is a live document, this scrutinised at each change or addition of risk accordingly. Dynamic risk assessments are produced for any activities or bespoke projects.
The Risk Register was reviewed in 23/24 and continues to be reviewed on a regular basis. It is a standard agenda item at each board meeting.
During the “pandemic” the board monitored the situation and followed all government guidelines. Possible future “Pandemics” are now included in Operation Florian Ltd risk assessment.
Operation Florian Ltd is totally reliant on volunteers which can be a significant risk in managing such large projects both from a UK perspective and in theatre.
Operation Florian Ltd Policies
Over the recent years the Trustees have reviewed existing policies and developed new ones. This has created a library of 18 policies relating to the charity. They act as guides, reference, as advice and protocols. These are all available on our website www.operationflorian.org.uk.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The objective of the charity is to promote the protection of life amongst communities in need in any part of the world by the provision of equipment and training to improve firefighting, first aid and rescue capabilities. We also strive to create safer communities by educating in Community Fire Safety Schemes.
The charity delivers its projects to communities across the world. We are currently planning mission activities in several different countries across 4 continents.
The benefit we provide to emergency services ensures an improved efficiency of delivering fire and rescue services across diverse communities, in supporting planning, preparation and protection against environmental disaster and provides education for communities to engender greater self-awareness and self-help in planning and preparing for emergencies.
Operation Florian Ltd reflects the fact that disasters do not differentiate between genders, orientation, race or religion and is by nature non-partisan. Each project is carefully assessed so as to ensure equality of access within communities irrespective of the ability to contribute towards the assistance given, ensures that any ethnic tensions or divides are carefully managed, and communities are equally valued, and benefit based upon need.
Significant activities
Operation Florian Ltd is operated almost entirely by serving or recently retired firefighters, members of other emergency services and personnel with specific skills underpinned by willing volunteers. This ensures that the skills and understanding are up to date and that the project's scope can be delivered within current resources and capabilities. The products are all validated and are delivered to recognised standards often tailored to meet the specific environment.Projects are selected by the Charity Board on recommendation by funder, or a request, which can come from a local representative in the country or a UK government official (Embassy staff etc) or as part of an ongoing sustainability programme.
In all cases a proposal is considered by the management committee and decisions made about the need, the importance of the project for the country and for Operation Florian, the ability to deliver, the funds available to allocate to the project and a timescale to deliver. The Committee would also identify critical success factors or what a successful project would deliver. Once that is agreed it will appoint a project manager who will then be responsible to the Committee for successful delivery and budget management. The Charity Board which acts as Administrator provides the support and guidance and project control tools as well as communication with the broader membership.
The Trustees are mindful of the necessity to demonstrate the public benefit in accordance with the Charities Act and have considered the advice from the Commission aimed at small charities. This report details specific activity carried out by the Charity during the year and each paragraph identifies the purpose of the project and the beneficiaries allowing clear assessment of the public benefit.
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
of¢Lo
Ly z
o
a/(Q@, /\:
=<
BUN),
OS
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
Storage Facilities
Operation Florian Ltd has five stores throughout the UK to store donated equipment ready for shipping to locations throughout the word. The main storage facility is based in Chorley Lancashire. Operation Florian Ltd greatly appreciates the help given by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service in allowing the charity to base its stores there. The charity also thanks all Fire and Rescue Services who allow storage of donated vehicles and equipment at their facilities.
Main stores in Lancashire – Oxfordshire FRS donating BA sets to Operation
We have donated an estimated £291,000 worth of vehicles, equipment and PPE in 23/24. The estimation of donations is difficult to calculate effectively due to the vast majority of donations being of used/end of service life. The board look at websites such as ebay, auction sites, to gain an overall impression of value. From this information we calculate the individual cost of each item, then it is multiplied by the number being donated to come up an approximate figure.
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 30 September 2024
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Volunteers
Operation Florian Ltd on its formation looked in detail at the running costs of the charity and how to administer it. Financial stability of the charity is paramount. To that end the charity does not employ any personnel. The Charity Commission recommends that charities carry “Employers Liability” to cover charitable activities. This was added to our insurance policy in 22/23 and again this year. This is a significant cost to the organisation.All the charities needs are met by volunteers, including Trustees/Directors and Executives who are also volunteers.The work of the administrator has been spread over the Board members to carry out this role. This role is reviewed every year at the Charities AGM.
We have now two Non-Voting Executives with specific skills. One is a “webmaster” for our website and the other acts as an advisor and guide.Alongside the Board, the Charity relies on volunteers to deliver its aims. To date we have more than 300 volunteers on our register, many who are very involved working behind the scenes in the UK in activities such as collecting stores, managing the stocks and storage areas, collecting and maintaining the fire appliances and equipment readying for donation.
During 2023/24 the Charity volunteers were engaged in delivering 3 fire appliances to a UK dock for shipping to Zimbabwe. A team drove 4 x fire appliances to Macedonia and carried out a training programme. Volunteers also carried out a scoping visit to Montenegro to look at future training plans in 2025. Our volunteers also loaded 1 x 40ft containers of PPE and equipment for shipping to Chile. We also loaded 2 x 40ft containers of PPE for the Philippines.
The Charity could not operate without the commitment, dedication and effort of its volunteers.
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
oyLo Way,
a CAA
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
Donors
The Charity requires a ready supply of equipment and appliances in order to deliver our objects. In 2012 we forged links with relevant industries that could support what we are trying to achieve. In particular we are pleased that several fire service suppliers adopted Operation Florian Ltd as its preferred route for disposal of PPE and equipment still in service no longer used in the UK.
UK Fire and Rescue Services continue to support with donations of fire appliances, equipment, resources and information. Also, on occasions sponsorship of personnel to work on our projects overseas. These services include Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, West Midlands Fire Service, Cleveland Fire Brigade, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, South Wales Fire and Rescue Service to name a few.
Due to the constant changes within the Emergency Services in the UK and ever-presenteconomic climate and legacy of the pandemic and the situation in Ukraine it is increasingly difficult for the Charity to secure the donations required for missions. Particularly in the area of specialist equipment, such as RTC hydraulic rescue gear. This has increased the workload of all the membership securing what is required for the charity to operate throughout the world on missions.
The Charity is still required in many cases to purchase equipment and fire appliances through open competition however we are still able to attract some donations to us directly.
The recognition of the work of Operation Florian Ltd has gained a much higher profile in the wider Fire Service Industry thanks to the work of our Volunteers at many high-profile events throughout the country. This attracts Companies and Organisations that helps us develop symbiotic partnerships that may prove beneficial in the longer term in creating Trade and Industry opportunities on a global basis.
As a charity we are working even harder to secure donations of equipment, PPE and vehicles because as we now know and expected as the pandemic disruption subsides, and travel restrictions now lifted the need for help in communities in need are greater than ever before throughout the world. We must ensure we have the materials constantly available to continue valuable work.
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
oyLo Way,
a CAA
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
Report of the Trustees f or the Year Ended 30 September 2024
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
Charitable activities have continued. We attended the “Emergency Services Show”, on an individual stand held at the NEC in Birmingham over the two days.Our volunteers ran a “bar” at “Glastonbury” and “Fields of Gold” festival concerts. Their superb efforts raised thousands of pounds towards projects in Macedonia, Montenegro and Cape Verde.
Charity volunteers also ran a number offund-raising events throughout the year.
We managed to ship 3 containers of PPE and equipment. 7 x fire appliances and a 4x4 vehicle were also donated to several locations.
Delivered over 28,000 student training hours on our missions.
Operation Florian also helped/assisted several other charities in the loan of volunteers and donation of equipment.
Projects in this financial year 23/24
In 2022/2023 the charities activities returned to normal. There is still a legacy of the “pandemic” and Ukraine in certain areas as mentioned previously in this report. This financial year proved to be very successful for Operation Florian Ltd. Below are just some of the charities activities.
Zimbabwe
A total of 3 fire appliances were shipped to Zimbabwe. Three were shipped to Bulawayo.
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
5
é =&
) ( dy:
s
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk
W:operationflorian.org.uk
End of training in Harare – Zimbabwe – September 24
The charity also carried out two training missions in Zimbabwe. Each one consisted of a two-week intensive training program in many fire service disciplines. All subjects included theoretical and practical sessions. Over 16,000 student hours of training was achieved by our members.Planning is well underway for future projects in Zimbabwe in 2025. We also plan to donate further equipment, PPE and vehicles.
Macedonia
In 2023/2024 Operation Florian Ltd drove four fully equipped fire appliances to Macedonia.
On arrival the Operation Florian team members carried out training with the local fire services the vehicleshad been delivered to, this included an intensive training programme on the operation of the appliances and the equipment they carried. The four vehicles are now on the run in their respective municipalities providing vital fire cover to their communities.
Cape Verde
This is the 9th year of the Cape Verde project, and it continues to be a massive success. It all began when a couple living on Maio reached out to Operation Florian with concerns over the medical intervention capability on the island. Their concerns ranged from emergency response to the continuing training and development of the responders. Since this time the project has grown to span across the beautiful islands of Maio and São Nicolau, with hope to expand further across many more of the Cape Verdean islands. The team’s commitment to excellence and professionalism has enabled us to successfully achieve all targets set by this ever-expanding project.The Cape Verde project team has concentrated on raising funds for project work in 2025.
Montenegro
In 2024 a team of Operation Florian members returned to Montenegro to carry out a comprehensive scoping visit to look at the opportunities for carrying out training within the country in 2025 and also the possibility of firefighters from Montenegro attending training in the UK. The project team continues to raise funds for these potential activities.
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
) ( dy:( cos
=
€ ( eyé
Rescue Se™
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
Operation Florian members training firefighters in Montenegro
Ukraine
Operation Florian continues to help several charities involved in Ukraine. We donated sets of PPE to Ukraine firefighters via NFCC. Many of our members were also involved driving donated fire appliances and equipment to Poland, to be picked up by Ukraine firefighters. As a charity we continued to donate blankets to “International Aid” https://internationalaidtrust.org.uk and several other charities and organisations sending aid to Ukraine.
Croatia
In 2024 a number of Operation Florian team members attended events in Croatia to celebrate the work carried out by the charity over 25 years. We also attended several meetings looking at future partnership projects.
Other Requests
Through our website we continued to receive requests for assistance in 2023/2024. As protocol dictates the requests are presented to the Charity Board to allow them to make realistic and informed decisions about supporting such requests.
We are communicating with a number of countries to develop potential partnerships. They would hopefully include the donation of vehicles and equipment, followed by a training team of Operation Florian members flying out to train the firefighters on the donation. Many are either on hold awaiting further detail, some are passed to partner organisations working in that country or region, and others are given a definitive no.(these are in the minority)
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
Working with other agencies
A number of fire appliances were donated to the charity by sympathetic fire authorities as a donation or at reduced purchasing costs, as well as much needed equipment sourced and funded through either donation or procured using general funds. This helped Operation Florian Ltd to showcase to central government departments and other charities what it does and how it goes about doing it and allowed effective communication between charities promoting the collective effort to improve the protection of communities across the world from fire and other emergencies.
Local communities often raise funds locally to support the sourcing, provision and delivery of training. A prime example of this is the continued funding by Local Government and Local Councils in Zimbabwe. Sponsorship by Embassies throughout the world is another source of funding to provide equipment, vehicles and training.
These appliances and equipment improve the quality of fire protection in destinations we work within. The appliances enhance the current provision or provide the initial provision and ensure that the firefighters are equipped and competent to deliver an effective service to their community. The donations are often independently validated by the government inspectors of fire and rescue services and other agencies in the country of donation.
Operation Florian continues to collaborate closely with all other UK similar organisations.
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
oyLo Way,
a CAA
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
Other developments
Social Media
Our website continues to evolve and is updated regularly. We continue concentrating on populating the various sections. The reason we had to develop a new website was to enable it to interact with modern devices. www.operationflorian.org.uk is now capable of working with the latest electronic communication devices.
All our 18 policies are available on the website and are reviewed annually. The Board recognised the importance of modern media through electronic communication. As a board we recognise the importance of the multimedia world. The Board sees this as an essential and vital investment to move the Charity forward.
Facebook membership continues to evolve and now has over 6,500 followers. Every year the number of followers increases. There is an increase in people watching the Charities activities through this medium. We continue to have a reach of up to 8,500 on each social media post. Importantly these hits are throughout the world, especially in countries the charity has worked in.
On the Bulawayo project in 2024 we had over 250,000 people who looked at the posts over the three week mission.
It is vital to use this media to show our commitment to developing communities, to show how we work, how we raise funds, how we achieve our projects, how we achieve donations, how we work on our missions, show our success on our missions, the list goes on and on. What is a fantastic achievement is that many of the followers are from countries we have worked in and these follower numbers continue to increase. Twitter also continues to increase in membership.
We use “mailchimp” as an improved communication system with our members. There is a cost implication but the benefits far out way the investment.
You can follow or visit us on:
www.facebook.com/OperationFlorian https://twitter.com/OpoFlorian https://www.linkedin.com/company/8553378/ http://www.operationflorian.org.uk
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
Pe"Loa RY CR)
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 30 September 2024
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE
Charitable activities
In 2012 we introduced a "Twitter Account" now known as “X”, we have over 2,900 followers. The number of followers increases year on year.
Members Newsletter
In 2020 Operation Florian Ltd reintroduced regular newsletters. This has continued into 2023/2024. We continue to develop the newsletter for the benefit of our members with the help of our dedicated media volunteer. Communication with our members is vital to enable them to have an understanding of the charity, its aims and its activities.
In 2021 the board decided to use the services of “Mailchimp”. This has proved to be a success in sending information to members, partners and friends. We continue to learn and develop how we can use this system.
Awards and recognition
During 2023/2024 many individual members continued to have received recognition within their Fire and Rescue Services for the work they have done with Operation Florian Ltd.Operation Florian win at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards 2023.The Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards took place on 1st December 2023 in London. Operation Florian were delighted to be shortlisted in the award category for International Best Practice, alongside Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures (CROSS), IETUK and IGA Istanbul Grand Airport Rescue Firefighting Team. It was an honour to be finalists alongside these organisations, as we all share a passion and commitment for fire safety.We were beyond thrilled to be announced as the winners of the International Best Practice Award.This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers and members all around the world. We couldn’t have done it without you and your ongoing support.
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
oyLo Way,
a CAA
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
Operation Florian Trustee and Director Roy Barraclough accepted the award on behalf of the charity
The Charity continues to look at new and exciting fundraising events. This is an area the charity has to re-focus in to develop and increase funding. The more successful we are in this field, the more communities we can help.
Internal and external factors
The Charity exclusively relies on the same unpaid volunteers to both fundraise and deliver the projects. They are assisted and advised by the Charities Board.
The members have often expressed their desire to return to the previous style of projects where funds were raised locally to deliver small scale projects. However, these did not fully account for the full costs of the charity and individual volunteers often had to financially support the delivery and were often out of pocket for a long time.
The charity is now structured to cope with large scale Government (MOD, UN, NATO etc) backed projects, large scale overseas Government projects, local Government (municipalities etc) projects, specific small-scale projects. Working in partnership with other charities and organisations.
The accounting process adopted on formation of the Limited status allows close project financial planning and control.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The reserve is based upon a strategy of allowing the Charity to operate at its lowest level of activity and cover the fixed costs of consultancy, insurances and fuel for six months. The Trustees consider this an adequate period of time to allow other sources of funding to be secured or for the Charity to be wound down. The Treasurer considers the position on an annual basis and makes a recommendation to maintain the current or increase the level of reserves, to the Management Committee. This is in line with the charity commission guidelines.
Principal funding sources
The principal sources of funding in 23/24 were local Government and Local Councils within the countries we work in, British and American Embassies in various countries, Individual private sponsorship. Vital fundraising efforts by Operation Florian Ltd charity members.
For the projects agreed and planned the funding source has to be sufficient to allow the Charity to deliver and continue to operate effectively.
In the past the Management Committee was pleased with the balance between general fundraising activities by the Charity even in this present economic climate and the grants provided by government agencies.
The Committee is still actively trying to engage in a number of fundraising streams and on a voluntary advice only basis to identify other fundraising opportunities and to develop in-house skills. The Committee is also setting a direction of smaller 'donation and training projects' to encourage more involvement and fundraising activity by our volunteers. But again, these areas are so limited if they are open at all.
Since the government combined FOC and DIFFD overseas grants have been very difficult to secure.
“Just Giving” continues to be used to gain maximum benefit from tax allowances allowed by the Government. This is the effective way for "gift aid" and was set up to achieve this. The Trustees have been actively promoting this as a vital source of income. More members and friends of the charity have set up “regular giving” to Operation Florian. This has proved vital in sustaining the charities existence. Without their generosity the charity would be in a very precarious position. The Trustees wish to express their gratitude to these people.
Work is continuing to increase the number of donors to this very effective way of fund generation.
Fundraising Compliance Officer
The Trustees have appointed one of the board members to fulfil this role. This being a“Fundraising Compliance Officer”. The purpose of this position is to advise the Trustees on fund raising ideas, development and activities. Ensure the Trustees comply with all charity fundraising guidelines. They will also advise members on fundraising and be a link to the Trustees.
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
oyLo Way,
a CAA
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk
W:operationflorian.org.uk
Potential Project work in 2024/25
The new financial year 20224/25 looks to be another busy period. Potential project work is on the horizon in a number of countries.
Macedonia
Operation Florian Ltd is in discussions with a number of municipalities within the country about the prospect of delivering fire appliances, donating PPE and equipment then carrying out training programmes.
Cape Verde
The work on the islands of Cape Verde continues to be vital. The project team has concentrated on raising funds for the next phase. Planning is underway for project work in 2025.
Montenegro
Following Operation Florians scoping visit in 2024 the project team are putting a program together to carry out training in Montenegro. The team is also looking at the feasibility of firefighters from Montenegro training in the UK.
Zimbabwe
Operation Florian project team is planning two training missions in Zimbabwe. One in Bulawayo and the other in Harare. The team is also looking at potential missions in other areas of the country. The charity is also in discussions with several fire services about shipping fire appliances and containers of donated PPE and equipment.
Due to our success in 2023/2024 and previous years which are widely reported in a number of media outlets. We continue to receive requests for help from a number of African countries and several South American countries. As with any request a great deal of work takes place to ensure Operation Florian can fulfil the request, secure equipment, PPE and vehicles to be donated. We have an extensive membership of volunteers to call upon. The biggest hurdle is securing sufficient funds for the project, either that be a short term, medium term or long-term project.
From request arriving to the mission starting can entail up to two years in planning. Operation Florian always ensures that when the charity commits to a project it can fulfil its part in the partnership. Value for money is always a priority, along with sustainability.
Philippines
It is proposed subject to funding being secured to continue to work with Fire Services/Brigades within the country. A scoping visit was completed in 2024.
Report of the Trustees f or the Year Ended 30 September 2023
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
The Trustees consider that the charity now has a large enough volunteer base and stable position and profile within the international community to enable us to deliver both grant aided and fundraised projects. One of the key objectives of Operation Florian Ltd is to stimulate and encourage self-sufficiency. This is only enabled where longer term funding can be secured.
Our current experience suggests that we are not able to deliver this key strategy at this time. This places the donations and training we have delivered at risk and the Committee is continually trying to match demand against limited resources. The immediate future is very dependent on the type and number of grants, and these are likely to reduce or be available to limited areas whilst UK plc is engaged in worldwide conflicts and National Disasters. These areas are attracting more of the available government grant funds and the countries are too unstable for Florian to engage in.
The Board will continue to implement and develop the Strategic Action Plan and meet the rules and requirements of the Charity Commission and Companies House.
On 30 September 2013 we completed the Charity's first year as a Company Limited by Guarantee. This has been a long and difficult process to arrive at this present position. However, these efforts are now showing fruition. We are more equipped and organised to meet the needs placed on the charity by the different bodies.
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
oyLo Way,
a CAA
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
We published our first accounts with Companies House for the period 13 January 2012 to 30 September 2012. These were dormant accounts because the charity started trading as Operation Florian Limited on 1st October 2012.
The Charity continues to publish its accounts in accordance with the Charity Commission and Companies House rules and within the appropriate time scales. Demonstrating, transparency and conformity.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................... M Doherty - Chair and Trustee of Operation Florian Ltd
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES for the Year Ended 30 September 2024
The trustees (who are also the directors of Operation Florian Ltd 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 judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any materialdepartures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
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. The trustees 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.
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
----- Start of picture text -----
oyLo Way,
a CAA
----- End of picture text -----
E:admin@operationflorian.org.uk W:operationflorian.org.uk
Operation Florian
Worthing Fire Station, Ardsheal Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BNI4 7RN Registered Charity No. 1149445 | Registered Company No. 07909070
Operation Florian Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 30 September 2024
| Income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Donations | 4,127 | |
| Donated Other | 113,085 | |
| Bank Interest & Rebate | 512 | |
| 117,723 |
| Income Donations 4,127 Donated Other 113,085 Bank Interest & Rebate 512 117,723 |
Income Donations 4,127 Donated Other 113,085 Bank Interest & Rebate 512 117,723 |
|---|---|
| Expenses Project Expenses Insurance Vehicle Insurance Vehicle Expenses Storage Costs Trustee Expenses & Meetings Computers & Software Stationery Accountancy Fees Fund Raising Materials Underspend |
51,116 2,951 5,021 1,530 359 2,379 577 32 113 2,199 66,276 51,447 |
| Income Just Giving/Regular Giving Rate Rebate Rebate DVLA Donated Other Bank Interest Expenses Project Expenses - See Breakdowns |
4,127 0 25 113,085 486 117,722 51,116 |
|---|---|
| Insurance - Trustees Vehicle Expenses - Fuel Vehicle Expenses - Repairs &Servicing Vehicle Expenses - Licences Vehicle Expenses - Insurance Storage Costs - Rates Storage Costs - Container Rentals Storage Costs - General Storage Costs - 8 Tonne Skip Storage Costs - Shelving Trustee Expenses & Meetings Computers & Software - Website Hosting Just Giving subs Computers & Software - Stationery Accountancy Fees Fund Raising Materials |
2,951 100 750 680 5,021 0 0 359 0 0 2,379 397 180 32 113 2,199 66,276 |
|---|---|
Balance
Receipts
Payments
Macedonia
----- Start of picture text -----
9,892
2,629 7,263
Cape Verde
3,331
184 3,146
Bulawayo
47,743
18,155 29,589
Chile
5,395
4,395 1000
Philippines
6,794
4,550 2,244
Harare
0
1,526 -1,526
Montenegro 5,000
334 4,666
Kenya
0
0 0
Macedonia 2
34,930
19,343 15,587
----- End of picture text -----
Receipts Total Payements Total Project Underspend
113,084.70 51,115.79
61,969
Current Assets as at 30.09.24
| Donated Stock - PPE/Vehicles/Equipment Zimbabwe Macedonia/Montenegro Chile Mutare Philipinnes Ukraine Total Stock Donated Stock for Future Allocation Cash at Bank Current Account Reserve Account Current Assets Cash at Bank Stock for Future Allocation |
75,000 90,000 60,000 1,000 60,000 5,000 291,000 320,000 125,645 33,353 158,998 320,000 478,998 |
|---|---|
Operation Florian Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 30 September 2024
| Income | ||
|---|---|---|
| Donations | 4,127 | |
| Donated Other | 113,085 | |
| Bank Interest & Rebate | 512 | |
| 117,723 |
| Income Donations 4,127 Donated Other 113,085 Bank Interest & Rebate 512 117,723 |
Income Donations 4,127 Donated Other 113,085 Bank Interest & Rebate 512 117,723 |
|---|---|
| Expenses Project Expenses Insurance Vehicle Insurance Vehicle Expenses Storage Costs Trustee Expenses & Meetings Computers & Software Stationery Accountancy Fees Fund Raising Materials Underspend |
51,116 2,951 5,021 1,530 359 2,379 577 32 113 2,199 66,276 51,447 |
| Income Just Giving/Regular Giving Rate Rebate Rebate DVLA Donated Other Bank Interest Expenses Project Expenses - See Breakdowns |
4,127 0 25 113,085 486 117,722 51,116 |
|---|---|
| Insurance - Trustees Vehicle Expenses - Fuel Vehicle Expenses - Repairs &Servicing Vehicle Expenses - Licences Vehicle Expenses - Insurance Storage Costs - Rates Storage Costs - Container Rentals Storage Costs - General Storage Costs - 8 Tonne Skip Storage Costs - Shelving Trustee Expenses & Meetings Computers & Software - Website Hosting Just Giving subs Computers & Software - Stationery Accountancy Fees Fund Raising Materials |
2,951 100 750 680 5,021 0 0 359 0 0 2,379 397 180 32 113 2,199 66,276 |
|---|---|
Balance
Receipts
Payments
Macedonia
----- Start of picture text -----
9,892
2,629 7,263
Cape Verde
3,331
184 3,146
Bulawayo
47,743
18,155 29,589
Chile
5,395
4,395 1000
Philippines
6,794
4,550 2,244
Harare
0
1,526 -1,526
Montenegro 5,000
334 4,666
Kenya
0
0 0
Macedonia 2
34,930
19,343 15,587
----- End of picture text -----
Receipts Total Payements Total Project Underspend
113,084.70 51,115.79
61,969
Current Assets as at 30.09.24
| Donated Stock - PPE/Vehicles/Equipment Zimbabwe Macedonia/Montenegro Chile Mutare Philipinnes Ukraine Total Stock Donated Stock for Future Allocation Cash at Bank Current Account Reserve Account Current Assets Cash at Bank Stock for Future Allocation |
75,000 90,000 60,000 1,000 60,000 5,000 291,000 320,000 125,645 33,353 158,998 320,000 478,998 |
|---|---|