Barrow foodbahk Barrow Foodbank Ltd Financial Statements for the year ending 31" March 2024 Company Registration Number . 8382130 Charity Registration Number . 1152753
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Finanaal Ststements Year Ended 31" March 2024 Chairman'5 Statement Page 3 Report of the Trustees Page 4 to 18 Independent Examiners Report Page 19 Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure) Page 20 Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) Page 21 Notes to the Accounts Page 22 Trustees, Certificate Page 23 Page 2
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustee< Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 March 2024 CHAIRMAN'S sfATEMENT My first thought when I was reminded to write this was a smug 'l've already done it. l just must have forgotten to P05t it.. So, I looked in the appropriate file and the was the report I'd written, unfortunately it was dated 2023 and I'd emailed it a year ago. Still the first job you do when writing an annual report is to look at last yearfs report. Overall. iys been a tough year. The amount of food we have in stock has steadily declined. More people want feedin& and the amount of food donations are not keeping up with IL We're buying more and more food. On the other hand, thanks to the generosity of the people of the area we have the money to buy more food. They gave us the money for a rainy day. and now iys raining and we're spending it. But our team has grown. Claire Coulthurst our Project Manager. moved on to new employment. She still makes an appearance as a volunteer and now has a job which works better with her family responsibilities. Matt Burden took her pla as Project Manager and his role as Deputy was taken by Ros Harri50n who has joined our team. More recently Ros has tsken on a new responsibilTty with us, dealing with financial inclusion. After a concentrated period of study. she is now qualified to advise our clients on any number of financial issues which concern them. Having the ability to advise people 'in house, means that people are happier to seek the help because to some extent they already know us. Over the last few years, we have been worktng with the Trussell Trust to try and combat the roots of poverty. In a perfect world we wouldn't need foodbanks. At the moment foodbanks exist because decent and caring people support them, birt they are the sticking plaster our society needs. So with the Trussell Trust we felt that we could use our resources not merely to feed people, but to help them lift themselves Out of poverty. Nobody wants a life of dependency. having to rely on going to a foodbank to feed their family. So, we have been exploring ways where we not merely give people the food they need today, but the 5UPPQrt that means they are less likely to need us in the futu. It could well be that the foodbank is going to evolve into a hub where. rf our clients need it, we can provide them with food. But where we and the organisations we WO closely with. can give them the support the advice. they need to take control of their own destinies and build the life that they want for themselves and their families. But at this point I do have something very important to do. Things are gettin8 tough for everybody, so I feel ivs really important to take this opportunity to reach out and thank those people who have given this year. People who are tightening their belts and still finding that bit of Space in their budget to help others. Jim Webster Page 3
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustee< Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2024 The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law. present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2024. OBJECTIVES AND ACTivrriES The Charitvs objectives are:_ To provide relief to individuals and families in crisis in Southwest Cumbria and surrounding areas, through the provision of emergency food supplies either directly or through approved partner agencies To provide physical, mental, and spiritual support. either dirertly or by referral to approved partner agencies, to enable the Servi users to avoid future crises To involve the community in collecting food. which is then banked and used to give to local people in food crises Barrow Foodbank values dNersity promotes equality and diallenges discrimination. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Objectives. Strategies and Activitses for the Year Overvlew This has been another challenging year for Barrow Foodbank. The continuing cost of INing crisis, international wars and climate catastrophe, to name but a few frdctors. have impacted on the number of people needing to use our service. and the capacity of our supporters to donate to us. Despite these headwinds, the local community has provided us With donations of food, money and volunteer hours. We thank them forthat. There have been significant changes in personnel. In November Claire Coulthurst left to work in a job that better suit her family commttments. We were sad to see her leave, but she continued to be a staunch supporter of our mission retuming as a volunteer. The stsff team now consists of three paid employees supported by dedicated volunteers and a board of trustees that has also seen some changes. Many thanks to all of them for theii work ovef the last year. With reduced stock levels it has been sometimes difficult to find meaningful tasks for volunteers to undertake this year. To mitigate against this. we have spent quite some time looking at. and acttontng, changes in both the warehouse and drop-in aa$ of the foodbank. These changes have been well received by both volunteer5 and people who use the foodbank. We are always keen to move forward and expand our provision, both in terms of what we can offer to people who use our services. and those that support us. As well as food parce15 we provide voucher5 for fresh food, toiletries. cleaning products and pet food. This provision will, we hope, soon be expanded to include access to a 'Pots and Pans Librarf free passes to Barrow or Dalton Leisure Centre, Money Matters Advice and meal making lessons. Watch this space. We have worked with the Project Search initiative offering work experience to young adults with learning difficulties/disabiltties. We hope to be able to offer at least a part of an internship for this project in September of 2024. and intend to increase that provision in the future. Page 4
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustee< Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2024 Objectives. Strategies and Activities for the Year {contlnued) We started to re-establish our links with schools. colleges. youth groups and other organisations that dropped off during the Covid era. We recognise that as well as our primary mission of supplying food to those in crisis. we place great importance on providing 'opportunities for young people, to contribute to their community through volunteerin& work experien and service. We remain committed to enabling this. We received a grant of £2,(KX) from Barrow Community Fund and £9,0(XJ from Project John. These were used to provide 71X) hampers of food at Christmas to local residents in need. We also reIVed a grant of £31.029.53 from the Trussell Trust towards the cost of running the Financial Inclusion project. We are already noticing a positive impart from this service a5 we continue to work towards reducing the need for people to use the foodbank. Finally. again. tnany thanks to all our supporters however that support may manifest. We are all Barrow Foodbank. Thank you. A Year in Brief April 2023 - Two volunteers left the foodbank due to retirement and new job hours. We thanked them for all their hard work and wished them well for the future. We sent out volunteer feedback forms as part of our annual survey. The responses were very positive which was very pleasing. Another volunteer left us to move closer to her family in Bristol and havin8 enjoyed her time at the Foodbank so much that she sought out a Trussell Trust Foodbank in her new location in order to continue her service to the community- May 2023 - Joan Cockin's family donated monies received from her funeral donations to Barrow Foodbank. Joan was a longtime volunteer and she is much missed by many. Two agency training days were held with the intention of reinforcing Barrow Foodbanvs mission and ethos. These were well received by those that attended them. June 2023 - Infomiation folders were completed to support the clients for signposting and placed in the drop-in for them to browse whilst having a drink and waiting to have their vouchers fulfilled. July 2023- The Tesco food drive collected 510.9kg of food which provided 1,548 meals. August 2023 - Claire Coulthurst completed a fire walk which raised £260 for Hindpool Tiger and Barrow Foodbank. This also helped to keep the work of the foodbank in the public eye. September 2023 - We received donations from local churche5, schools and the general public for HaNest Festival and a totsl of 1,753.7kg of food was reived. Ortober 2023- Fumess Funky Craft fdir raised money to donate to buy food by having a craft fair at Ramp5ide Village Hall. Victoria Infant and Nursery School donated enough food for 419 meals. Two members of the team were cogniSed at Cumbri3 Women of the Year - Welma Robinson. the Foodbank treasurer and Claire Coulthurst the Project Manager at the foodbank. Page S
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustee< Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2024 Objectives. Strategies and Activitses for the Year (continued) Following the announcement of Claire's decision to resign as project manager, advertisements for the position of Foodbank Manager were placed on social media and the Indeed website. November 2023- Information was provided to clients of the fTh)dbank relating to 'wami hubs,, free meals and free food projects in a drive to make help them to support themselves. A huge donation of food was made by William and Tori Heavyside. They collected, money, went shopping and deltvered it to the Foodbank. They donated 291.3kg of food. The Keswick to Barrow Committee donated £10,000 at their awards remOnY. 416kg of food was collected at the Tesco manned collection on the last weekend of November. December 2023 - Abbey House Hotel had a Christmas Jumper day food drive and donated the proceeds to the Foodbank. Donations for the Park Run were gratefulty reIved. Pennington Girl Guide5 came to visit us at the foodbank. After a quick tour and explanation of how we work they spent some time making Christmas hampers for us. More hampers were made by our regular volunteers. and seasonal volunteers from Dowdales School. Furness Building Society and Gleeds. January 2024 - Fornier Project Manager. Ann Mills retired from volunteering at the Foodbank. We thanked her for her long service and commitrnent to the project. BBC Northwest came to film at the Foodbank and interviewed Jayne Moorbyi our Social Media Coordinator and Matthew Burden the Project Manager. February 2024- Ros Harrison stsrted working at the Foodbank as the Deputy Projett Manager. Ros was known to us from her work at Spring Mount Church and the Walney Community Trust, both longtime collaborators with Barrow Foodbank. March 2024 - As part of the Trussell Trust Pathfinder project we advertised a job role regarding Financial Inclusion. We were happy to appoint Ros Harrison to this role. She would continue with his role as Deputy Foodbank Manager. The title of her role was changed to Money Matters Advisor with the Financial Inclusion project. People Fed As a foodbank, we work with our 150 ferrdI agencies to ensure that the referrals made are both appropriate and proportionate. People Fed: Voucher5 Redeemed No Adults No Children Total I. April 2022- 31" March 2023 1st April 2023-31St March 2024 3803 2625 3803 3862 2439 2189 6242 6051 Page 6
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Truste& Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2024 Objective4 Stratsgies and Activitles for the Year (e¢)ntsnued) Highest crisis reasons for using the Foodbank in 2023124 Vouchers Redeemed 1767 1089 426 Crisis Type Benefits/not earning Rising c05t of Essentials Ongoing impact physical/mental health Benefit delay Delaying or waiting other income Insecurely Housed Low Income No Adults 2507 1587 661 No Children 1257 937 Total 3764 2534 949 of 198 122 297 139 139 436 325 107 42 135 66 30 165 Itmj I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the Abbey Road Baptist Church who continue to support an accommodate us within their building. Lasi bui not at all least, a sincere thank you to the local community for their continuous donarlons and all the SupeTmarkets that facilitste these donation5 for the ft)odbank - Tesco {Extra, Metro, Millom and Express), Morrison's, Asda, Booths. Roose Co-op and One Stop. And a special thanks to Aldi and Greggs who regularly donate surplus food items for the Foodbank to distribute. Barrow Foodbank in Ulverston I took over as Coordinator for the Barrow Foodbank in Ulverston in November 2022. after a period when the regular volunteers had been nobty managing largely themselves. I thlnk that this branch continuesto work smoothly and efficiently-thanksto all itsvolunteer, who reliablygive up their time to SUPPOrt it. Sadly, Carol Galloway a long-standing stalwart had to step back, needing to care for her husband in his ill health. however, she remains on hand for back-up to cover for volunteer absences. We welcomed new volunteer, Christine Stuart-woodburn who has settled well into our routine and is now a valued member of the Thursday crew. At present, the centre opens two days a week and this appears effertive. Footfall is higher than it used to be, and it is now rare that no clients come in (Thursday being busierthan Mondays when more stock and donation management occurs). We also function as a drop-in venue on a small scale. Afew vulnerable ex/occasional clients call in for a cup of tea. social contact, and general support interestingly they also offer peer support and Ioc31 inforn)ation to current clients on occasion. We routinely signpost clients t the Ufverston Food Wast Project. which has around a hundred local households on its books for weekly food par15* providing an invaluable resource forfeeding the local area, as well as decreasing food waste. Page 7
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustee Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2024 Objectives. Strategies and Activities for the Year (contlnued) We also very much appreciate the kindness and practical Christianity of the Bethany Church in hosting our foodbank branch. Over the year, the service has continued smoothly. In May 2023 Ulverston Town Council donated £I(X)., in June the Ulverston masonic lodge gifted £240.tX) and in July, all volunteers attended Sign posting training. In July, after a sUggeStn by volunteers, we applied to the Glaxo Charitsble Trust for funds for a new stock cupboard. The funds arrived in February 2024 and has been most successful in showcasing 'extrag. We invite c5ients to look through it and make their own selection of a few items that would be helpful to them. recognising that they know best what they need. It is stocked with household goods, some crockery and cutlery, towels. bedding, children's pyjama5 and tnany other random items which turn up a5 donation, or we purchase in response to need (such as thermals). It has proved popular and helpful. In December. 25 Christmas hampers were given out. It is noticeable that as the year has gone on, donations of food have decreased (or the items donated have decreased in value) and it has been more frequentty necessary to purchase stock, especialty toiletries, washing up liquid and soap powder. The most commonly quoted difficulty is With the increase in the cost of livin& unexpected bill, domestic abuse, changes in health and difficufties wtth benefits including sanctions all add to this. Although Ulverston appears a prosperous area there are manyvulnerable people struggling quietly to keep their heads above water. Finally. over the 2023/24 Barrow Foodbank in Ufverson fulfilled 185 vouchers (52% for single adults who appearto be the most vulnerable group in this area). A total of 249 adults and 137 children were fed. A total of 2,667kg of food donations were received with peaks at Harvest Festival and at Christmas. The volunteers generously contributed with 753 volunteer hours. Barrow Foodbank in Millom We continue to receive regular food and money donations. Some local individuals liaise with the volunteers and donate moneylfood regularly. which is wonderful. we also still receive food donations via the Tesco donation 'bin'. We have again reiVed Tesco vouchers totalling £4 from a member of the public. We have families in Millom. who want to remain anonymous. who donate regularly, with a cheque which we pass on to the treasurer, highlighting it is for Millom Foodbank. RentlY we have very kindly received donations of £l.(KX) from Fumess Building Society and £105 from Tottlebank Church. We are so grateful for the local supporL School Holiday Meals Sandside School 15 Still the only School routinely using this scheme. Using local contscts, we had hoped that St Jame5 School would come back on board with this, but nothing seems to have happened. Soclal Media We update our Face-book page and still occasionalty ceIve enquiries via Messenger on our Millom Foodbank Facebook page. It Seems to be a useful way for some people to contact us/find out more. Page 8
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Truste Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2024 Objectives, Strategies and Activitse5 for the Year (conts"nued) Drop In The drop-in hasn't been as effective as we thought it might be but we are currently looking a updating our posters and giving a lot moro information on voucher holders and contact5 which will display on the church notice board - we are hoping that this will see an influx of visitors to our drop-in sessions. Millom Baptist Church have moved their coffee mornings from a Tuesday morning to a Monday morning. This change has just happened recently. so no information on how it has affected the foodbank yet, though it has allowed us to operate consistently across the two days. We are still undecided about the best way forward in Millom. We are continuingto operate a flexible mix of either delivery or pick up-depending on what suits the client. This means that there is no longer a situation where clients Sit and chat over a cuppa, which is why the drop in isn't really happening anymore. We still offer a cuppa and biscuits. whenever we can. Signposting We are updating our information folder detailing what is available for people in Millom, this has changed considerably since COVID lockdown. Volunteers We now have a very capable volunteer, Richard, who will cover for Clare in her absence. We also have a regular third volunteer on a Tuesday and a rota forthe third volunteer for Fridays. We have had to shuffle the rota for drivers around to cover for one of our regular drivers, who is having to take a long break, due to personal circumstances. We do not have any volunteers on a 'waiting list. at the moment. Client Numbers Our client numbers seem completely unpredictable. Quiet for periods. then suddenly busy. We are also still seeing clients who are completely new to us, some with large families. There is obviously ¥(ill a need for the foodbank in Millom. We are unsure about the effect that Millom Network centre has on our client numbers: we try to liaise with the manager, but the situation seems constantly changin& 50 tt is Still a work in progre55. There is no food pantry in the town, so when dients have 'reached their limiv within Trussell Trust procedures, we struggle with where to suggest they go for help. The only option we know of is the Community Shop operated by Millom Network centre, which operates a membership scheme, allowing accessto cheap food. The Network Centre often has free food, such as bread, available for whoever turns up. Page 9
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trusteeg Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2024 Objectives. Strategies and Activitses for the Year (mnts"nued) E Vouchers We have been informed that referral agencies are no longer ableto use papervouchers, when they run out. We are very concerned about this exclusion of 'non-IT-sawrf agencies. We are concerned that this might lead to the reduction of agencies willinE to refer. Having said that one of the agencies we were concerned about losing has managed to issue an e-voucher. That particular agency was able to continue issuing paper vouchers to clients when the database wasn't working. We are in the process of trying to explain the system to one of our very 'non-IT-saw4y agencies. Networking Two workers from The Phoenix Centre visited us at the beginning of the year and explained what they offered. They had not been aware that a foodbank operated in Millom. They were also not aware that a credit union operated in the town. We also didn't know that they gave out foodbank vouchers. so it was an information swap. We had a visit from a group of local junior school children from St James School, wtth their teachers, to talk about poverty. One of the teachers/helpers was the ex-manager of Millom Children's Centre, she enquired about how the school could issue foodbank vouchers. We were thrilled to finally get back into local schools. as we know the need for food support is there, but nothing came of that contact. By happenstance in updating our information folder for clients we are also networking. An example was a recent unannounced visit by the local CADAS {Cumbria Alcohol, Drug and Advice) worker, who we had been chatting to about what was currently available in Millom. Another unexpected contact was the local library who gave us packs advertising the library which included bi5CUits and a sachet of hot chocolate for our clients. One of our volunteers had recently visited the local library. seeing what services were being advertised to update our information folder. Pet Food Donations The collection box for pet food has never arrived, instead a notice appeared above the Millom Tesco's food collection box. so now people put pet food in with the human food and it is stored in Barrow. The plan. which we agreed to, was for a separate pet food collettion bin, that we. in Millom could empty and use locally for clients. I can only presume that the pet charity contacted Tesco directly. We currently struggle getting any information from our local Tesco as there is no dedicated liaison person. We routinely offer dog poo bags to clients along with dog food. Emergenry Food Boxes These are regularly used in Millom. Millom Children's Centre, Baptist Church and St Michael's in Bootle all have boxes. Page 10
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustee< Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2024 Objertives. Strategies and Activitse5 for the Year (contlnued) Referral Agencies No new agencies have joined us in the last 12 months. We are still waiting for the head teacher from Captain Shaws, in Bootle to join with St Michael's Church. There seems to be an administrative hiccup, which we are trying to resolve. Fresh Meat Scheme The butcherfs voucher scheme is running successfully. the clients find the vouchers very useful. Tesco Christmas Collertion Snow almost stopped play, but our hardy volunteers managed to turn up de5Plte it all. We collected a massive £486.41 in cash. The food collection was delayed being pick up due to the heavy snowfall in the area. Most volunteers were snowbound, but we managed. Thank You On the last foodbank day before Christmas. a buffet was laid on to say thank you to all the volunteers for all their hard work throughout the year. Millom Baptist Church Once again, this year, the church has had alterations done to their building but have always made sure that they accommodated Millom Foodbank during the disruption, making sure that the local community had access to this much needed amenity in the town. Statistics so far:_ 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 Sessions Vouchers Adults Children ioi 174 102 120 225 113 100 140 233 152 104 270 453 217 99 300 486 104 187 315 215 156 261 181 170 Volunteers Barrow Foodbank is mainly staffed by volunteers, drawn from all sectors of the community and are a highly valued resource. A supported volunteer programme has been developed to ensure that no members of the community are excluded. Across our 3 sites we have 84 active volunteers. who work in a variety of roles. We also have a number of church repre5entative5 who faithfully collect food in their churches and bring it to the foodbank. We have several volunteerswho give extra time when collecting food at the supermarkets, as well as those who volunteer specifically for the collections. We have several Page 11
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trusteg Annual Report (Incorpor*lng the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2024 Objectives. Strategies and Activibes for the Year {continued) core roles which take a larger amount of time. As things change, volunteers leave for a number of reasons, however we continue to recruit new volunteer5 who have brought freshness to the foodbank. In totsl all our volunteers have donated 5,524 hours of their time to the foodbank during the reporting period. Our sincere thanks go to all the volunteers for their dedication and hard work. Without their help the foodbank would cease to exisL Fund Raislng Standards Information We work with the fundraising regulatorwho setand maintain the stsndardsforcharitable fundraising. The fundraising regulator aims to ensure that fundraisin8 ss respectful. open, honest and accountable to the public. The role of the regulator is to: Set and promote the stsndards for fvndraising practice in consultation with the public, fundraising stakeholders and legislators Investigate cases where fundraising practices have led to significant public concern Adjudicate complaints from the public about fundraising practice, where these cannot be resolved by the charities themselves Operate a fundraising preferen service to enable individuals to manage their contact with charities Where poor fundraising practi is judged to have taken pla. cOmMend best practice guidance and take proportionate remedial action In order to ensure we a fundraising appropriately we do all we can to ensure that fundraisers, volunteers and fundraising contractors working with us to raise funds: comply with the Codes and with this Promise comply with the law including those that apply to dats protection. heahh and safety and the environlnent are clear about who we are, what we do and how your gift is used give a clear explanation of how you can make a gift and amend a regular commitment respert the rights, dignities. and privacy of our supporters and beneficiaries will not put undue pressure on you to make a gift and if you do not want to give or wish to cease giving, we will respect your decision If you tell us that you don't want us to contact you in a particular wayp we will not do so do not use any images or words that cause unjusttfiable diStsS or offence - take care not to cause unreasonable nuisance or disruption If you are unhappy With anything we have done while fundraisin& you can contact us to make a complaint. We have a complaint procedure, a copy of which is available on request. If we cannot resolve your complainL we aCpt the authority of the Fundraising Standards Board to make a final adjudication. Page 12
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Truste Annual Report (Incorpornting the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2024 Financial Review The trustees are satisfied that the Charity has adequate reseNes to continue its work for the next twelve months. Reserves Pollcy The Charity follows the guidance issued by the Charity Commission and seeks to maintain adequate reserves to meet the charl5 commitments. Due to the nature and operations of Barrow Foodbank, the trustees aspire to hold an extra amount of £325,(KK) comprising of the following: a) Contingency funds- in a sltuation where food is lost due to e.g floods - £SOk b) Relocation costs- a minimum of £ICK)k c) The Board considered it prudent to set aside £85k fortwo yearfs funding for the Flnancial Inclusion programme. d) Replenishment of food when stock run low- £30k e) 6 months operating costs- £60k Investment Policy The recommended level of resources which the charity carries in tts current account Is maintained at not more than is required for a normal month's activity. A proportion of the remaining monies are held in an interest-bearing account giving as high a rate of return as possible whist retaining flexibility to be able to draw down monies as and when quIred. The funds designated for future investment are placed in a range of investments. to achieve maximum interest (within an acceptsble balance of risk), so the organisation's strategic development plans a achieved. Donations Policy The poliry of the charity is not to give 8rants/donations to other charities or organisations. Plans for Firture Periods As the end of the year approached it remains apparent that millions of households across the UK are struggling to make their incomes stretch to cover the rising cost of living. With high heating bills, food and fuel price rises, many families must make difficult choices on how to manage their disposable income. The foodbank anticipates an increase of numbers who will require help and support to feed their families. Trustees were determined to make sure that Barrow Foodbank could continue to support those in need and has agreed to set aside reserves to maintain the current food stock held, but also to provide fresh meat and vegetables to those in need. Future plans can only be summarised as Barrow Foodbank will respond as fully as practically possible to our communitVs needs Wlthin the financial constraints we may face. Pa8e 13
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustee Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 March Z024 Structu, Governance and Management The Barrow Foodbank Ltd is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity governed under Articles of Association. Appointment of trustees Trustees are elected at the annual general meetin& are appointed to the Board following nomination by memberorganisations. The Barrow Foodbank has just two members namety. The Barrow Deanery Synod of the Church of England and Churches Together in Barrow who notninates three and four trustees respectively. Recrultment. induction and traini of trustees The Trustee Board regularly conducts a skills audit of Board members and activety seeks out new Trustees as appropriate to ensure the Board hasthe most usefvl Skill mix possible and is representative of the local community. All trustees are experted to be committed to the aims and PTinciples of BaoW Foodbank and be willing to take an active role in the governance of Barrow Foodbank. Induction for all new Trustees covers the strurture, aims and principle of Barrow FoodbanL legal obligations under charity and company law. the objectives and activities of Barrow Foodbank and current business and development plans. Organisational Structure and Networks Barrow Foodbank is govemed by the Board of Trustees. The Board is sponSible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation and has ultimate responsibility for the condurt of Barrow Foodbank, for ensuring that the charity satisfies its legal and contractual obligation5. Board meetings are held bi-monthly with additional meetings as necessary. The trustees meet annually to carry out a full review to determine the future strategic direction of the organisation. Non-Trustee members may be co-opted to attend meetings for a specific expertise they bring for time limited periods. Operational management of Barrow Foodbank is delegated to the Foodbank Manager. who works closely with the Assistant Foodbank Manager and volunteers to ensure delivery of all services. Serdice5 are delivered by a committed team of paid workers and volunteer5. It is calculated that the contribution made by the volunteers equates to £57560.08 per annum {based on national living wage costs onty). Risk Policy The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place. $0 timely artion is taken to mitigate exposure to those risks. The major risk5 to the organisation are two-fold and a reflected in the Reserve PoliLry. Page 14
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trusteeg Annual Report {Incorporntlng the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marrh 2024 Strurture. Governance and Management {conts"nued) A major event for exampte flooding A need to relocate a) The Barrow Foodbank is currently located in the basement of the Abbey Road Baptist Church which has multiple users. If flooding was to occur. it would not be a Simple case of replacing all Stock. The Barrow Foodbank holds on average 20 tonnes of food worth approximately £47.4K. A specialist firm would need to be brought in to clear the site. then a full in depth clean Vuld be required, repairlrep1arnent of equipment and storage facilities and of course. a full restock. Plus of course a temporary venue would be needed. The Board has conservatively estimated the cost at a minimum £50K. b) The Barrow Foodbank currently enjoys accommodation which is of sufficient size and serviced to just meet the Barrow Foodbanvs needs. at less than commercial rates. If relocation became necessary (either planned or due to emergency). the Foodbank would have great difficulty locating Suitable premises locally which would be at commercial rates. In addition. significanl costs would be incurred for example, relocation costs such as MOVal5, supply and connection of Ser415. IT and Telecommunications costs etc. Internal risks are minimised by the implementstion of prOdureS for authorisation of all transactions and projects and to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charitable company. These procedures are periodically reviewed by the trustees and staff to ensure they still meet the needs of the charity. Page 15
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Truste Annual Report (Incorporating the Directo$ Report) Year Ended 31 March 2024 Reference and Administrative Delalls Registered charity name Barrow Foodbank Charity gIstratIon number 1152753 Company Registrdtion number 8382130 Prlnclpal office and registered office clo Abbey Road Baptist Church Comer Abbey Road and Park Drive Barrow-iTk-Furne5S LA13 9BD Trustees Jim Webster {Chair) Jack-Knill Jones Peter Gardner Paul Burden (Resigned 6th November 2023) Karen Edmondson Martin Cooper Welma Robinson Treasurer/Company Secretsry Ke Ma ement rsonnel Matthew Burden Ros Harrison Judy Findlay Welma Robinson Carol Wanvick Liz Goyder Jean Liney Clare Kingston Jayne Moorby Paul Burden Project Manager Deputy Project Mana8er Admin and Warehouse Assistant Treasurer Volunteer Coordinator Ulverston Coordinator Millom Coordinator Millom Coordinator Newsletter Editor and Fabook Coordinator Fundraising Coordinator Auditors Knox Accountin8 Limited 6 Bath Street Barrow in Furness LA14 ILZ Bankers Natwest Bank Dalton Road Barrow In Fumess LA14 IWY Page 16
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Tntee< Annual Report (Intorporatin8 the Dlrectorf5 Report) Year Ended 31 March 2024 Trustees, ResP(sIbIlitieS Statement The trustees. who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the trustee report and the financial statements in accordan with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Prdctice). Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure. for that period. In preparin8 these financial statements. the trustees are required to- select suitable accounting policie5 and then apply them consistentty observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP make jLKlgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are Sufficient to show and explain the chariws transactions and disclose with reasonable accurary at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements compky with the Companies Act 2(X)6. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable step5 for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irresularities. In 50 far as the trustees are aware. there is no relevant audit infonnation of which the charitable companvs auditors are unaware- and the trustees have taken all Steps that they ought to have tsken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit inforniation and to establish that the auditors are aware of that information. Auditor Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that: so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charibKs auditor is unaware: and they have tsken all steps that they oughtto have taken as a trustee to make themselve5 aware of any relevant audit infomlation and to establish that the chariWs auditor 15 aware of that inforniation The auditors are deetned to have been re-appointed in accordan with section 487 of the Companies Act 2006. Page 17
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trusteeg Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 March 2024 Small Company Provlslons This report has been prepared in accordance with the pn)visions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies. exemption. The trustee annual report (incorporating the directod report) was approved on 25 September 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by: Jim Webste an Page 18
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Tntsteeg Annual Report (Ineorporating the Dlrertorfs Report) Year Ended 31 March 2024 Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Barrow Food Bank Limited On The Accounts for The Yr Ended 31st March 2024 Set Out on Pages 2 to 4 Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charlS trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The chariws tru5tee5 consider that an audit is not required under section 144 of the Charities Act 2021 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibilttyto: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charitie5 Act, follow the procedure5 laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)b of the Charities Art), and to State whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of independent examiner5 report My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting record5 kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those record5. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seekin8 explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair Vie and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examinerfs Statement In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention: (i) which gNes me reasonable cau* to believe that in any material respect the requirements (a) (b) to keep accounting records in accordan with section 130 of the Charities Act; to prepare accounts which accord wtth the accounting records and comply with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008} and the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reportin6 by Charitie5 (SORP 2019). (2) to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in orderto enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Knox Accountants limited 6 Bath Street Barrow in Furness Cumbria LA14 ILZ 31" July 2024 Page 19
the Year 31 March 2024 2024 Donations Grants receiv1 Dividend income Interest 9,494 42,652 150,501 159,995 42,652 4,639 3,712 183,495 20,600 3,105 989 4,639 3,712 Total Income 52,147 158.851 210,998 208,189 Dir* tharitatAe EXtlture. Purchases Catering Packaging Furniture and applian Salarles Pension costs Consultancy fees Vehicle njnniru extH Travelling costs Printing sLitIc atKI wblicty Computer consumabl Postage Telecommunication costs Insuran Premises costs Uniforms 10,008 160 2,027 638 44,565 IB79 36,477 160 2,106 1,471 44,565 1,379 22,991 87 277 4,188 39,638 1,372 15,000 1,536 149 2,747 2,136 57 3,137 1,561 11,890 449 150 396 430 571 582 833 1,830 260 2.062 115 162 2,212 1.830 260 2,215 115 162 3.032 1.546 10,708 153 820 10,108 141 141 Training Costs subscripts.ons Bank charges Accntanc¥ f5 Professifflal f Donations Sundy expen Totsl Direct Expendire 1,465 550 631 1,465 550 631 437 80,296 437 109.249 145 109,489 28,953 Depiati of fixed assets 1,718 1.718 2,148 Totsl Expenditure 28,953 82,015 110.967 107,341 Net Surplus for the year Funds at the start of the Year 23,194 76,837 474,770 100,031 512,082 100,848 415 530 Funds at the end of the Yéydr 60,S06 551,607 611112 516.378 20
Limi fixed Assets Depreriating Assets 6,874 8,592 Current et Investment 2CK),IXN) 200,000 47.315 257,073 454 504,842 . Unrestrict1 335,579 608 606.595 Cash account Current liabilities 1,352 Grants in advance Net Current Assets 503,490 £ 611112 É 511082 Capital Acrount 551,607 474,T/O 37,312 £ 61lll2 £ $11082 These finarKial Statem were apwoval by the trust$ the 8th septnL 2024 are signed on their trhalf by: The Chairman Fjweb The Treasurer Dated a5 , ? . XI2L 21
Notes to the Note l Accounting Poliaes The motor van is dqxell at the rate of 20% annum on the reducirmj balan. Note 2 Grants and Subsidies Cumbria County Courn?I Cumbrta Community F(MJndat Trusell Trust Projerl )Jhn GSaxo &nrth Kline 10,6(K) 623 Note 3 Tangible fixed a55ets Totsl At l April 2022 Additions DisrM)sals At 31 Marth 2023 18.167 18,167 Depreciation: At l April 2022 Depreciation on disposal Charge for the year At 31 Marth 2023 9,575 9,575 Net book value: At 31 March 2023 At 31 March 2022 Note 4 . Donated food siock ests'mated value of £18.492.68 t*Jring year vdunteers suptMJtyJ the ftxxlbank wilh +158.2 hwrs of their time auoss the three sites. At a Tate of £11.44 hLwr (Nat1 Li¥iTrJ Wage). this eq to an in kn.nd conthbutson to the Fc¥yJbank of £S1,(KJl.81. Note 6 . Resrns Wicy The Charily follo the guidan isgHI by the c(KTrMisn atMJ seeks to 1n1n auate [NeS to meet the chariws (nMmitMen Due to the nabjre and ati(S of &Arr[ Fotsjbanl the trustees aspire to hold a gnff2nt of £350K (r)mprising the fdkré¥ing: continge funds . tn a 5liuatN vthere f(K¥J is due to e.g. Ilcojlcontsmination - £60k Rektion costs - a minimum of £l(Klk The Board it pnxknt to Set askle £85k for year fiJThJing fDr the nanCIal Inclusion prcMJramme. RepniShMent of fj when stcKk njn knw . £40k Six month5 operating o)sts- £65k b) d)
mi Fina IMarth2 24 We ctsEy that ts Ixth. VO a1 inftxm& pr(xIuc to (Ajr irujew examinw, from which the atirfhed financtal ststements have wepard, (CtaIn a 11 and correct record of our business trdnsactK)ns to best of our sign on trthalf of the lrd of trustees by: F J Webster The (Jkiimian W Rokn'nson The Treasurer Dated 23