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← Bangladeshi Women's Association Limited

2024-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1151816

Company registration number 08085962 (England and Wales)

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Ms Razia Sattar (Chairperson) Mrs Sayrun Nessa (Treasurer) Mr Alek Ahmed Mrs Sabiya Yasmin Mrs Khabita Ali Mrs Syeda Khatun MBE (Principal staff) Charity number 1151816 Company number 08085962 Registered office Tipton Muslim Community Centre Wellington Road Tipton West Midlands DY4 8RS

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

CONTENTS

Page
Report Including Directors' report 1 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 13

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the financial statements and comply with the BWA's governing documents, the Companies Act 2006 & "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

Objectives and activities

The principle object of the Bangladeshi Women’s Association (BWA) is to improve the conditions and quality of life for residents in Tipton and surrounding areas. This is done through:

  1. The promotion of racial harmony;

  2. The relief of financial hardship;

  3. The advancement of education; and

  4. The provision of recreational and leisure activities.

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in England and Wales in deciding what activities the BWA should undertake.

History

The Bangladeshi Women’s Association (BWA) works in Tipton. Encountered with multiple deprivation, BWA was established in 1985 by a group of enthusiastic Bangladeshi women who wanted to meet the social and economic needs of their disadvantaged peers, young people, and families. Its unique genesis resulted in a core advantage for the foundation of the association; it initiated its programmes based on the needs and issues understood by and experienced by communities themselves, where communities are supported to take the lead in identifying and implementing local solutions. The BWA started its activities initially taking the issues of social exclusion, poor access to services, women’s, and children’s rights through a community regeneration approach.

About Tipton

Tipton is one of six towns in Sandwell and contains the wards of Great Bridge, Princes End and Tipton Green. According to Census 2021, the population of Tipton is 44,125. 36% of the population are from ethnic minorities; 25% living in income deprived households; 27% of children in poverty; and 20% of households living in fuel poverty. Overall Tipton is more deprived than England and Sandwell and its deprivation score would put it in the 20% most deprived areas in England.

The picture of poverty in Tipton is one where there are a significant number of families facing deep seated poverty- being reliant on welfare benefits, not being able to get a job, heat their home, pay rent, or buy the essentials for their children. Members of Tipton families whom we have worked with over the years have told us that they wake up every day facing insecurity, uncertainty, and impossible decisions about money. The reality is, many in Tipton experience poverty and it is wasting their potential, depriving Tipton economy of the skills and talents of those who have valuable contributions to make.

Organisational Beliefs

It is BWA’s perception that poverty is created by many interconnected and interdependent problems. BWA believes that the bonds between these problems can only be broken, and development made truly sustainable by addressing many of the issues simultaneously. Most organisations have chosen to specialise their expertise in one or two areas, but BWA has retained its emphasis on the holistic approach. BWA believes it must work in all sectors of the development context to be effective and sustainable. Furthermore, BWA believes that the community will only truly embrace development if they themselves identify their needs and lead the process of change. The BWA’s credentials in community involvement is now widely recognised & many similar organisations in the community sector are following its lead.

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Structure, governance and management

BWA is a formally constituted charity registered with the Charity Commission in England (No: 1151816). BWA is also registered with the Companies House as a Company Limited by Guarantee (No: 08085962). The members of the Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Ms Razia Sattar (Chairperson); Mrs Sayrun Nessa (Treasurer); Mr Alek Ahmed; Mrs Sabiya Yasmin and Mrs Khabita Ali.

The constitution of BWA has given the supreme authority to the Board who approve budgets and major policy amendments. The day-to-day running is overseen by the Chief Executive Officer supported by a team consists of project coordinator, community support officers and sessional workers. In relation to funding, the BWA has its own financial manual and procedures, and the Board is responsible for controlling the budget, allocation of overheads and for the preparation of financial reports.

Quality Standards

Since 2013, BWA has maintained its Matrix Quality Standard for Information Advice Guidance Services and continued to hold its accreditation with the Office of the Immigration Service.

Partnership Networks

As a leading & inclusive charity, BWA works with several community consortiums in Sandwell through its membership of the Inclusive Muslim Action Network, Sandwell Consortium, and the Sandwell Advice Service Network. This has led to mutual benefits including raising BWA’s image whilst interacting with the local community, develop and enhance relationships with networks, being included in joint projects and funding bids, boosting morale within workforce and giving everyone the opportunity to share their skills with their peers, and making a real difference to local people facing disadvantages and deprivation.

Achievements and performance

In the past thirty-nine years BWA has developed into a community organisation of standing and has been successful in building strong partnership working towards serving the totality of community in Tipton, not just BME residents. BWA is particularly proud of its success in bridging the gap between the public sector & the communities– bringing them closer together to create a ‘win-win’ solution for those who are most disadvantaged. The trustees are pleased to report that BWA continued to be committed to Sandwell Council’s Vision 2030 through planning, design and delivery of new, innovative, & exciting community development services for the benefit of the most disadvantaged communities. From 1[st] of April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024, BWA had 22,850 attendances for all services delivered from the two community centres.

Community development services during the 2023-2024 Financial Year Included:

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Financial review

The attached financial statements show a surplus of £97,622 (2023: £46,123) for the year.

It is BWA’s policy that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to 6 month’s expenditure. The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the BWA’s activities while consideration is given to raise additional funds. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the BWA is exposed and are satisfied those systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. We are therefore pleased to report that overall, we are satisfied that the Board is fulfilling its role very well and we retain confidence that the Association is operating fully in accordance with its charitable purpose.

We finish by thanking our staff and our volunteers for their resourcefulness, resilience and forbearance throughout the year and we also thank our community members and partners whose support has proved more valuable than ever. Special thanks go to our key funders (Sandwell Council, the National Lottery Fund, BBC Children in Need, Sandwell Consortium, Greggs Foundation, and Sandwell Council of Voluntary Organisation) who have demonstrated a remarkable commitment to our cause. The report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

The report was approved by the Board of Trustees

Ms Razia Sattar (Chairperson)

Dated: 09 December 2024

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

We report to the Trustees on our examination of the financial statements of Bangladeshi Women's Association Limited (the BWA) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the BWA (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied ourself that the financial statements of the BWA are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, We report in respect of our examination of the BWA’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out our examination we have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the BWA’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. We confirm that we are qualified to undertake the examination because we are a member of Chartered Certified Accountants, which is one of the listed bodies.

We have completed our examination. We confirm that no matters have come to our attention in connection with the examination giving us cause to believe that in any material respect:

We have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Kaiser Nouman Nathan LLP 57 Alfred Street Birmingham B12 8JP

Dated: 09 December 2024

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Total income
3
81,822
430,823
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
4
63,281
351,742
Net (expenditure)/income for the year/
Net movement in funds
18,541
79,081
Fund balances at 1 April 2023
146,685
78,158
Fund balances at 31 March 2024
165,226
157,239		 Total
2024
£
512,645
415,023
97,622
224,843
322,465		 Total
2023
£
337,651
291,528
46,123
178,720
224,843

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
8
Current assets
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
10
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds		 2024
£
42,222
323,589
365,811
(53,158)		 £
9,812
312,653
322,465
157,239
165,226
322,465		 2023
£
25,055
194,340
219,395
(3,913)		 £
9,361
215,482
224,843
78,158
146,685
224,843

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 09 December 2024

Ms Razia Sattar (Chairperson)

Trustee

Company Registration No. 08085962

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Bangladeshi Women's Association Limited is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Tipton Muslim Community Centre, Wellington Road, Tipton, West Midlands, DY4 8RS.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the BWA's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The BWA is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The BWA has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the BWA. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the BWA has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the BWA.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the BWA is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the BWA has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the BWA has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure is included in the financial statements on an accruals basis.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment

15% on written down value

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the BWA reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The BWA has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the BWA's balance sheet when the BWA becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortized cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortized.

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the BWA’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the BWA is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the BWA’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

3 Income

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Income Income 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Enterprise Income 52,265 52,265 52,569
Miscellaneous Grants 4,170 4,170 9,754
Awards For All 2,000 2,000
BBC Children In Need 25,594 25,594 26,094
National Lottery Community Fund Know yourNeighbourhood 22,459 22,459
National Lottery Community Fund Step 49,561 49,561 49,561
G &H Salter Trust 500 500 500
National Lottery Community Fund Cost of Living 63,983 63,983
Festival 2022 Limited 1,412
Duke Of Edinburgh 10,000 10,000
Greggs 19,947 19,947 19,905
SMBC HAF 17,574 17,574
Heart Of England CF 8,868 8,868
Murray Hall: Starting Well 7,556
Sandwell CIPS 1,350
Sandwell Consortium: CATS 18,790 18,790 -
Sandwell Consortium: COLT 15,465 15,465
Sandwell Consortium: Multiply 5,165 5,165 4,764
Sandwell Consortium: BBO: Bridges 21,919
Sandwell Consortium: Reach & Connect 22,653 22,653
Sandwell Consortium: Sandwell Advice Service 26,433 26,433 25,174
Sandwell Consortium: Innovation Fund 10,656
Sandwell Consortium: Sandwell Health Inequalities Program 14,564 14,564 14,279
Sandwell Consortium: Sandwell Language Network 9,101 9,101 6,496
Sandwell Consortium: CRF Black Country 50 Plus 11,185
Sandwell Consortium WDH 2,977 2,977
Sandwell Consortium: Other 470 470
Sandwell Council For Voluntary Organisations 284 284 3,600
Sandwell Community Hubs 29,557 29,557
Smallwood Trust 19,388 19,388
SMBC TMCC – Service Level Agreement 70,877 70,877 70,877
81,822 430,823 512,645 337,651

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

4 Charitable activities

Unrestricted
expenses
Restricted
expenses
£
£
Accountancy& Payroll
1,740

Bank charges & interest
264
License & permits
194 221
Legal & professional
32,023
7,527

Light & heat
19,058
Insurance
1,828
Project costs
1,571
66,807
Repair & renewals
286
5,268
Telephone
4,362
Cleaning
4,275
Staff training & welfare
9,125
Volunteers expenses
500
1,246
Donations
500
Wages & Salary
14,302
198,482
Water rates
656
Travel
1,908
38
Stationery and printing
1,241
163
Equipment expense
129 7,768
Equipment hire
2,497
Sundry Expenses
1,257 773
17,631
5,845
Depreciation
Activity Cost
Room Hire
Temporary Staff & recruitment
Advertising and PR
1,731
40
1,509
2,258





351,742
63,281		 Total
£
1,740
264
415
39,550
19,058
1,828
68,378
5,554
4,362
4,275
9,125
1,746
500
212,784
656
1,946
1,404
7,897
2,497
2,030
1,731
17,671
5,845
1,509
2,258
415,023

Trustees 5

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the BWA during the year.

6 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Employment costs
Wages and salaries		 2024
Number
22
2024
£
212,784		 2023
Number
18
2023
£
201,012

BANGLADESHI WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION LIMITED

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

8 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 April 2023
Additions
At 31 March 2024
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023
Depreciation charged in the year
At 31 March 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2024
At 31 March 2023
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors

Other taxes and social securities
Other creditors		 Plant and equipment
£
38,692
2,182
40,874
29,331
1,731
31,062
9,812
9,361
2024
2023
£
£
42,222
25,055
2024
2023
£
£
26,383
2,413
3,284
23,491
1,500
53,158
3,913
40,874
29,331
1,731
31,062
9,812
9,361
2023
£
25,055
2023
£
2,413
1,500
3,913

9 Debtors

10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

11 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).