Barrow foodbank Barrow Foodbank Ltd Financial Statements for the year ending 31" March 2025 Company Registration Number . 8382130 Charity Registration Number . 1152753
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Financial Ststements Year Ended 31" March 2025 Chairman's Statement Page3to4 Report of the Trustees Page 4 to 17 Independent Examiners Report Page 18 Statement of Financial Artivities {including Income and Expenditure) Page 19 Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) Page 20 Notes to the Accounts Page 21 Trustees, Certificate Page 22 Page 2
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Truste Annual Report (Inc(xporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 March 2025 CHAIRMAN'S sfATEMEKr I think we'll look back on last year as a turning point. hopefully in a good way. On one hand I don't think we've ever had to buy so much food. Now. we aEways have had to buy some food, because there are some things that people never think to give. So, for example, we cannot hand out fresh milk because of issues with shelf life and keeping it cool. so we hand out UHT. So, we've always had to buy UHT. But now donations 'in ktnd. have dropped off. But people are 51111 supporting us, and the*ve giving us the money we need. Given how squeezed people are feeling at the moment, we maIn Senuinely grateful for their generosity. But there have been other changes as well. We have Ros who 13n now deliver the fvll financial inclusion package and we're getting more people trained to help wtth debt advice. When we went down this road and we hoped it would be a useful seNice. We were pretty sure it was necessary, but frankly we've been completety blown away by just how much help we have been able to give our client5. The figures are provably elsewhere in our report. but in slmple tetms, half the people helped no longer needed to rely on the foodbank. Then we have the pots and pans library. It was 3n idea we were working on when I was told about on of our clients. Homeless, they had been rehoused in Barrow and told to get themselves down to the foodbank. We discovered their sole piece of crockery was the dog bowl. Owner and dog had to eat out of the same bowl. washtng it between uses. We can do better than thaL And we do. A lot of people have gtven us spare crockery. Or perhaps thetyve changed to induction hobs and give us all their now obsolete pans. And then there's furniture. We now have a storage container with furniture in that people have donated and which we can give to people who quite Itterally have nothing. Remember some people when housed, quite Iwter311y have little more than what they stand up in. So as I said, we might look back on this year as 3 turning point. Previousty we'd had ideas and pondered our way forward. but this year we've got a btt of momentum. We're still the Foodbank, but now we can provide more help and perhaps give you the help you need to ensure you don't need a foodbank at all. But this hasn't happened by accident. There are a lot of people who have made it happen. Firstly. there are the people of the area WI continue to be generous. Without those who support us, there wouldn't be a foodbank. Then there are staff who habitually go over and above what anybody could expect. So a heartfelt thank you there. Finally. there are our volunteers. l just want you to know how much you are appreciated. The amount of time people donate 15 stsggering. So. thank you all. Pa8e 3
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustee< Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2025 CHAIRMAN'S sfATEMEKf (continued) And at this point I want to pick out the one small group of volunteers who I have the privilege of working with. The trustees. These are the 'board of directorg of the foodbank. People often forget just what a complex operation the foodbank is and I'd like to thank them for their wisdom and generosity of spirit. Jim Webster 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 315t March 2025. OBJECTIVES AND ACtivmES The Charivs objectives are:_ To provide relief to individua15 and families in crisis in Southwest Cumbria and surrounding areas, through the provision of emer8ency food supplies either directly or through approved partner agencies To provide physical. mental, and spiritual support, either directly or by referral to approved partner agencies. to enable the service 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 diversity promotes equality and challenges discrimination. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Objectives. Strategie5 and Activities for the Year Overview This has been another challenging year for Barrow Foodbank. National and International factors continue to cause both an Increased use of our serrfice, and reductions in donations in both real and absolute terms. All that being sad, it is important to acknowledge the continued support of our local community through both indtvidual and corporate benefactors; and the unwavering commitment of the volunteers, sLiff. trustees and member of the foodbank. Thanks, to you all - we have been able to supply emergency food. vouchers for fresh food. toiletries, passes cooking appliances and kitchenware to those in need in our community. Annual Figures As a foodbank, we work with over l(X) referral agencies to ensure that the referrals made are both approprtate and proportionate. Key principles. to receive foodbank assistance The client should be tn a state of actual food p)verty (that is, having Mini food and insufficient means to purchasc adcquate food in the immediate tenn) OT be demonstrably at imminenl risk of being in that situation. The clieTrt's situation should be the result of an identifiable. current crisis. Page 4
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trusteeg Annual Report (IncorponE the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 March 2025 Objectives. Strategies and Actsvitses for the Year (contFnued) The client's circiimstances should be known to directly to the referring agency or the agency should be experienced in assessing the needs of members of the public and securing confirniatory evidence (where appropriate). The client bas not already received foodbank assistance three times for the specific crisis, unless specific arrdDgements for firther SUprt have been made with the Foodbank Project Manager. Vouchers Redeemed 2625 3310 Number Adults 3860 4781 Number Children 2189 2481 Total I" AprTI 2023- 31" March 2024 I" April 2024- 31" March 2025 8674 10572 Highest Crisis Reasons for Using the Foodbank in 202512025 Vouchers fllkd CRISIS TYPE Adults Children Totsl Rising c05t of essentials Priority debt No at$S to financial support due to immigration status Ongoing impact of physical or mentsl health condition Benefit delay Other unexpected expense Insecurely huu5ed 528 166 151 317 1117 270 190 250 203 76 279 131 92 72 198 138 90 75 59 14 273 197 104 The number of vouchers redeemed and therefore people fed has increased from last year. This has coincided with a reduction in donations of food. There has been an increase in the number of people receiving more than three vouchers, however they still maIn in the minority, with the average user if the foodbank accessing our service 1.4 times in 12 months. The Year in Brief There have been many changes overthe lastyear. Ros Harrison. who was appointed as Deputy Project Manager in March 2024, expended her role to include 'Money Matters Advisor. This has allowed us to fulfil our Financial Inclusion provision mandated by our participation in Trussell's Pathfinder project. The role was jointly funded by 3 grant from Trussell and B3rrow Foodbank Ltd. The gains to the local Cotnrnunity so far from this projecttotal overtwo thirds of a million pounds. which I'm sure we will all agree is retnarkable. Sadley this project 15 currently on hold due to RoS serious illness. We all wish Pase 5
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Tru5tees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2025 Objectives, Strategies and Activities for the Year (continued) her a full recovery and thank her for all she has done and will do again in the future. The project will resume in January 2026. and I hope to be able to retK)rt further SUC55 in next yearfs annual report. In March of this year Julie Findley left us after two years of much appreciated seTvice as Admin and Warehouse Coordinator to take on a managerial role in the care sector. We thank her and wish he well. Her time with us had been a part of the healing and growing process she needed after her bereavement. and I thank all of those who contributed to this. Not everything that Barrow Foodbank achieves is all abo food. In March Kieran McGlinchey interviewed for and was appointed as Admin and Warehouse Coordinator. He has been excellent in this role. but we have decided to take advantage of his ski115 in the financial sector and he will train to work in on the Money Matters Advice project. We have recruited a number of new volunteers this year. Some have come through word of mouth recommendations and others have enjoyed the time spent at the foodbank as part of their volunteer days through local businesses, including Subsea. BAE and Furne55 Building Society. Thi5 has been made easieraswe now offerevening deliverie5 as an option on Tuesdays and Thursdays and so people who are at work during the day can volunteertheirtime to help us meet ourgoal of reducin8 poverty in our local communtty. The donations and grants we have received this year from organisations and individuals have been put to good use in funding projects such as ourfresh food vouchers, pots and pans lending library and leisure centre passes. The fresh food voucher scheme has been modified and expanded this year so that foodbank users can spread their spending over three local shops. This has proved very popular and now include5 a shop that caters to the inCa51nglY multicultural demographic nature of Barrow in Furness. The pots and pans library and leisure centre passes have been funded by Westmorland and Furness Council and covers foodbank users in the tx)rough of Barrow in Furness. This scheme has also proved very popular. and we are currently exploring whether or not the local councils of our satellttes in Millom and Ulverston might be able to offer something similar. It just remains for me to thank again our dedicated supporters. both inside and outside of our organisation, and in particular the minister and congregation of Abbey Road Baptist Church. Thank you. Barrow Foodbank in Ulverston Over the year from April 2024 to the end of March 2025. the two volunteer teams have worked harmoniously to provide a twice a week service to the people of Ulverston and surrounding areas including occasionalty Grang&over-Sands and surrounding villages, and villages up from Greenodd and toward5 Coni5ton Water. Although in generdl voucher holders attend the Foodbank to collett, delivery is arranged a5 essary for those without tran5POrt and at a distance, or who are frail. Page 6
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trust* Annual Report (Incorporating the Dirertorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2025 Objectfves. Strategles and Activities for the Year (continued) Over the year we have said goodbye to Carol whose husband needed more care and Eileen whose hips have troubled her more. wè are very grateful to both for their longstanding 5UPPOrt of the service. Local individuals drop by regularly with donations of food. the local CO-OP 5UPPOrt us. as do a selection of churches and communttie5. At Harvest Festiwdl and Christtnas. many schools join in also, sotnetimes sending their pupils on the dellvery run to Bethany! Last Christmas. a local Golf Club got in touch with us, wanting to provide toys for children in need at Christmas: l explained that we are an emergency service who do not'keep people on our book5: but that we work closely with the Ulverston Foodshare who provide week by week support. Between the two organisations we managed to generate a list of around 100 children in families requiring regular 5UPPOrt- the joy on p3renVs faces was a pleasure to see. Before Easter. a representative of Northern /competitions similarly got in touch offering Easter Eggs. We were therefore able to add them to all children's food parcels and share the bounty with the Foodshare. The Ulverston Foodshare is the main source of fresh food in Ulverston. It operates to psck up surplus from supennarkets etc and has a Food Club scheme wherebythose in financial need can pick up a box of food on a weekty basis for £6 providing both fresh food and choice. We heavily encourage all our clients to get to know them. We also encourage clients to drop in to Bethany if passing for winter warmth. a cup of tea and a chat, thereby providing low key social support and further advice to those who want it. It is very noticeable how many reports autistic spectrum disorder orADHD in eitherthemselves or their offspring, making for additional difficulties in coping with the current financial climate. Yet again, approximatety half of all vouchers fulfilled to go to single person households. There is very little designed to support these vulnerable people. As ever we are grateful to the Bethany Church for hosting us so smoothly. It really provides an excellent venue. The staff of Ulverston Town Council are likewise part of the extended 'team', offerin8 advice and vouchers as appropriate and contacting us to discuss where helpful, so we can keep a consistent but supportive approach to those in need in the town. Vouchers fulfilled Adults Fed Children Fed 206- averaging 17 per month. (IO% increase on 2024- 185 vouchers were i55ued) 266- averaging 22 per month. (7% increase on 2024 when 249 adults were fed) 200 - averaging 17 per month. {46% Increa on 2024 when 137 children were fed) SinEle Persons fed Donatlons received Volunteer Hours 98- averagillg 8 per month. {figures remain similar with 2024 when 96 single persons were fed) 2314kg- (in 2024 2667 kg were received - therefore a decrea of 13%} 766 - (in 2Q24 the volunteer hours totslled 753) Page 7
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trusted Annual Report Ilncorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2025 Objectives. Strategies and Activities for the Year (continued) Barrow Foodbank in Millom We continue to receive regular food and money donations. Some local individuals liaise with the volunteers and donate mone¥/food regularly. which we appreciate. WÈ also still receive food donations via the Tesco donation 'bin'. We have families in Millom. who want to remain anonymous. who donate regularly, wtth a cheque. which we pass on to the treasurer, highlighting it for Millom Foodbank We are grateful for the local support we receive. School Hollday Meals This is Still not working despite all our efforts. There is one large family that gets school holiday vouchers from their children'5 5th001 (Haverigg Primary)) but there seem5 to be 50tne i55ues- which we will di5CUS5 With the school, when tt reopens. Soclal Media We update our Face-book page and still occasionally receive enquirres via Messenger on our Millom Foodbank Facebook page. tt Seems to be a useful way for some people to contsd us with their enquiries. Drop In The drip in is still not as effective as it was prior to COVID - we are undecided about the best way forward. Millom Baptist Church have moved their coffee mornings from a Tuesday morning to a Monday morning. Thi5 doesn't seem to have made any effect on people attending the drop in. We are continuing to operate a flexible mix of either delivery or pick up for clients - depending on what suits them individually. The delivery option may have affected the reason for the 'drop' in numbers- we still offer the 'pick-up' clients a chance to talk and offer them a cuppa and biscuits. Signposting We have updated our Information folder detsiling what is available ft>r people in Millom. Thi5 has changed considerably since OOVID lockdown and the changeover of council boundarie5. Volunteers Unfortunately, one of our very capable volunteers. Richard. has had a reoccurrence of a very serious medical condition and has not been able to help out for quite some time. One of our regular drivers ha5 relocated out of the area and is no longer available to help. She had been a volunteer for many years. and we provided a 5Ynall buffet to thank her for her service. Wè are covering her driving glots on an ad hoc basis. using other volunteers, when available. Pa8e 8
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectofs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2025 Objectives. Strategies and Actlvitses for the Year (continuedl We have regular volunteers who help out in the foodbank centre on Tuesdays and Fridays. Unfortunately, the Tuesday person cannot attend through the school holidays, and the Friday helper has a chronic degenerative condition, which sometimes affects hts ability to volunteer. Millom is in need of more volunteers- at the moment we do not have a Wditing list. Client Numbers Our client numbers seem completely unpredictable. Quiet for periods. then suddenly busy. We are also still seeing clients who are completety new to US. some with large families. There is obviously still a need for the foodbank in Millom. We are still unclear about the effect that the newly opened 'community-based food shop, is having on the foodbank. Clare tried to liaise with one of the trustee5 but found out there was conflict between the new trustees. We will try again to hold a meeting wtth them. There is no food pantry in the town. so when clients have "reached their limiv within Trussell procedures. we are still struggling with where to suggest they go for help. At the moment we are unable to recommend anywhere except 'Millom Network Centre. who are also having changes With personnel. Again, we will try to hold a meeting to discuss issues with them. Cltizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Back in May 2025 we contacted our local Citizens Advice about the difficulty we (and clients) were having getting any support or advice. We had had two clients come in. separatety, about more or less the same issue {SsatIOn of benefits and stoppage of PIP. with no understanding about why or what to do.) We have notasyet had a replyfrom CitizensAdviceto ouremail. We could notget any support from Citizens Advice. not even an appointment- fortunately, we We able to access help from another agency which is only in Millom On a week. This agency was Phoenix Trdinin& which we have just been informed is closing in Millom from, 26th August 202S. This leaves Millom people in a difficult situation. As a result of this new urgency, we have re-emailed CAB asking for an urgent response to our email sent in April. E Vouchers This seems to be working well. The only issue seems to be the initial difficulty in getting logged on as a referral agency. There has been an issue for organisations who are willing to become a referral agency, who are too busy to repty to the email within the time parameter5 Eiven. Networking A worker from CADAS popped in a few weeks ago to let us know what the current Situation wa5 in Millom. We also had a very useful visit from An(ty Deacon from Groundworks/The Green Doctor. Pet Food Donations The collection box for pet food has never arrived, instead a notice appeared above the Millom Te5CO'5 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 collection bin, that we in Millom. could empty and use IoG31Jy for clients. I can only presurne that the pet charity contacted Tesco's directly. Page 9
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Tru5tee< Annual Report (Incorpordting the Direttorfs Report) Year Ended 31 March 2025 Objectives. Strategtes and Activities for the Year (continued) We currently struggle getting any infomiation from. our local Tesco's as there is no dedicated liaison person. We are currently looking into setting up a 'pet food voucher scheme, to run along the lines of the butchers, voucher scheme. This should be very useful as 50 may of Millom's clients, also have pets. Emergency F(Kxl Boxes These are regularty used in Millom. At the moment onty Millom Baptist Church holds emergency food boxes. Referral Agencies Millom'5 Children's Centre10st its contract to Cumberland Council, and they are now called Millom Family Hub. This has been one of the key foodbank referral agencies and has now been set up to issue foodbank vouchers again. We are in discussion trying to find storage space to allow us to reinstate emergency food boxers at the centre. We are still waiting for the head teacher from Captsin Shaws School in Bootle to run alongside St Michael's Church as a referral agency. Fresh Meat Scheme The butcherfs voucher scheme is running successfully: the clients find the vouchers very useful. Millom's situation Some time ago a decision was taken for Millom ad Ulverston Foodbank volunteers to no longer attend the bi-monthly Core meetings. Quite a long time has now passed. and Millom Foodbank feels'out of the loop, not really being kept infornied about things happening in Barrow or Ulverston's foodbanks. We have also been told that Millom Foodbank does not need to know what has been discussed as we will be informed about anything we need to know. However. the recent report to the trustees from Ros Harrison Deputy Manager and Money Matters Advisor, alerted Millom to the growing discrepancy between service5 available to BaoW Foodbank clients and those avallable to Millom Foodbank clients. To try and clarify the situation Millom wrote to Trussell Trusvs CEO asking for clarification. A meetlng has been arranged between the Trussell TtU5t Area Manager. The Chair of Barrow Trustees, Barrow Foodbanvs Project Co-ordinator and Millom's Coordinator. The meeting will be in Millom. at 10.(M) am. on the 9 September 2025. We have always found Barr0S support invaluable, so are looking forward to find out how best we can continue to help Millom's clients. Statistics so far- 2024 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Session5 Vouchers Adults Children 104 166 281 173 Ic 156 261 181 101 174 306 170 102 120 225 113 104 270 453 217 99 3th) 140 233 152 368 Page 10
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trusteeg Annual Report (Incorporatin8 the Dirertorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2025 Volunteers Barrow Foodbank is mainly staffed by volunteer5. drawn from all sertors of the community and are a highly valued resource. A sUPPOrted volunteer programme has been developed to ensure that no members of the communty are excluded. Across our 3 Sites we have 75 attive volunteers. who work in a variety of roles. We also have a number of church representative5 who fatthfully collect food in their churches and bring tt to the foodbank. We have several volunteers who give extra time when collecting food at the supermarkets, as well as those who volunteer specifically for the collections. We have several core roles which take a lar8er amount of time. As things change, volunteers leave for a number of reasons, however we continue to Tecruit new volunteer5 who have brought freshness to the foodbank. In total all our volunteers have donated 4,246.25 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 exist. Fund Raislng Stsndards Infonnation We work with the fundraisin8 resulatorwho setand maintain the standards for charttable fundraising. The fundraising regulator aims to ensure that fundraising is respectful. open. honest and accountable to the public. The role of the regulator is to: Set and promote the standards for fundraising practice in consultation with the public, fundraising stskeholders and legislators Investigate cases where fvndraising practices have led to significant public conrn Adjudicate complaints from the public atK)Ut fundraising practice, where these cannot be resolved by the charities them*lves Operate a fundraising preference servlce to enable Individuals to manage their contact with charities Where poor fundraising practice ts judged to have laken pla. recommend best practice guidance and take proportionate remedial action In order to ensure we are fvndraising appropriately we do all we can to ensure that fundraisers, volunteers and fundraising contractorg working with Us to raise funds: comply with the Codes and with this promise comply with the law including those that apply to data protettion, health and Safety and the envtronment are clear about who we are. what we do and how yourgrft is used give a clear explanation of how you can make a gift and amend a regular commitment respert the riEhts. dignities. and privacy of our supporters and beneficiaries will nol Put undue pressure on you lo make a gift and rf you do not want to give or wish to cease giving, we will respert your decision If you tell us that you don't want us to contact you in a particular way. we will not do so do not use any images or words that cause unjustifiable distress or offence- tske care not to cause unreasonable nuisance or disruption Page 11
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trusted Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 Marth 2025 Fund Raising Standards Infonnation (continued) 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 complaint. we accept the authority of the Fundraising Standards Board to make a final adjudication. Financial Review The trustees are satisfied that the Charity has adequate reserves to continue its work for the next twelve month5. Reserves Policy The Charity follows the guidance issued by the Charity Commission and seeks to maintain adequate reserves to meet the charitfs commitments. Due to the nature and operations of Barrow Foodbank, the trustees aspire to hold an extra amount of £385,0(X) comprising of the following: a) Contingency funds - in a situation where food is lost due to e.g fioods - £50K b) Relocation costs- a minimum of £l(X)K c> The Board considered it prudent to set aside £65K for two yearf5 fundins for the Financial Inclusion programme. d) Replenishment of food when stock run low- £60K e) 6 months operating costs- £IIOK Investment Policy The recommended level of resources which the charity carries in its current account is maintained at not more than is required for a nornial month's activity. A proportion of the remaining monies are held in an intere5t-bearing account giving a5 high 4 rate of retum as possible whist retaining flexibility to be able to draw down monies as and when required. The funds designated for future investment are placed in a range of investments. to achleve maximum interest {within an acceptable balance of risk). so the organisation's strategic development pla5 are achieved. Donations Policy The policy of the charity is not to give grants/donations to other charities or organisations. Plan5 for Firture Periods As the end of the year approached it remains apparent that rnillions of households across the UK are struggling to make their incomes stretch to cover the rrsing cost of living. With high heattng bills, food and fuel price rises, many families must make difficult choices on how to manage their disposable Structure, Governance and Management income. The foodbank anticipates an increase of numbers who will require help and support to feed their families. Trustees are detennined to make sure Barrow Foodbank continue to support those in need and has agreed to set aside reserves to maintain the current food stock held, continue with the fresh meat and vegetables voucher Scheme to those in need. Future plans can only be summarised as Barrow Foodbank will respond as fvlty as practically possible to our communitws needs within the financtal constraints we mayface. Page 12
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustee< Annual Report (Incorporatin8 the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 March 2025 Structure, Governance and Management The Barrow Foodbank Ltd 15 a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity governed under Articles of Association. Appointment of trustee5 Trustees a elected at the annual general meeting, are appointed to the Board following nomination by member organisations. The Barrow Foodbank has just two membeys namely, The Barrow Deanery Synod of the Church of England and Churches Together in Barrow who nominates three and four trustees respectively. Recruitment. induction and trdining of trustees The Trustee Board gUlarlY conducts a skills audit of Board members and actively seeks out new Trustee5 as appropriate to ensure the Board has the most useful skill mix possible and is representative of the local community. All trustees are expected to be committed to the aims and principles of Barrow Foodbank and be willing to take an active role in the governance of Barrow Foodbank. Induction for all new Trustees covers the structure. aims and principle of Barrow Foodbank, legal obligations under charity and company law, the objectives and activities of Barrow Foodbank and current business and development plans. Organlsatlonal Structure and Networks Barrow Foodbank ts governed by the Board of Trustees. The Board is sPonSible ft)r setting the strategic direction of the orEanisation and ha5 ultimate responsibility for the conduct of Barrow Foodbank, for ensuring that the charity satisfies its legal and contractual obligation5. Board meetings are held bi-monthly with additional meettngs as necessary. The trustees meet annually to carry out a full review to detennine the future strategic direction of the organisation. Non-Trustee member5 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 A55iStant Foodbank Manager and volunteer5 to ensure delivery of all services. Services are delivered by a committed team of paid workers and volunteers. It is calculated that the contribution made by the volunteers equates to £51,846.83 per annum (based on national INing wage costs onlv). Risk Policy The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in pla. 50 timely action 15 tsken to mitigate exposure to those risks. The major risks to the organisation are two-fold and are reflected in the Reserve PoliLy. A major event for example flooding A need to relocate Page 13
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustees. Annual Report (Incorpolatlng the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 March 2025 Structure. Governance and Management al The Barrow Foodbank is currently located in the basement of the Abbey Road Baptist Church which has multiple user5. 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 firni would need to be brought in to clear the swte. then a full in depth clean would be required, repairlreplacement of equipment and stornge facilities and of course. a full restock. Plus of course a tetnporary venue would be needed. The Board has consetvatively estimated the cost at a minimum £50K. bl The Barrow Foodbank currently enjoys accommodation which is of sufficient size and serviced to just meet the Barrow Foodbanvs needs. at less than commercial rate5. If relocation became necessary (either planned or due to emergency), the Foodbank would have great difficulty locating suitable premtses locally which would be at commercial rates. In addition, si8nificant costs would be incurred for example. relocation costs such as removals, supply and connection of services IT and Telecommunications costs etc. Internal risks are minimised by the implementation of procedure5 for airth0ri5ation of all transactions and projects and to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operdtional aspects of the charitable company. These procedures are periodically reviewed by the tW5tees and staff to ensure they still meet the needs of the charity. Page 14
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustee< Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 March 2025 Reference and Administrative Details Registered Charity name Barrow Foodbank Charity registration number 1152753 Company Registration number 8382130 Principal office and registered offiee elo Abbey Road Baptist Church Corner Abbey Road and Park Drive Barrow-in-Furness LA13 98D Trustees Jim Webster (Chair) Jack-Knill Jones {resigned 31" March 2025) Peter Gardner Karen Edmondson Martin Cooper Treasurer/Company Secretary Welma Robinson Ke Mana ment rsonnel Matthew Burden Ros Harrison Judy Findlay Welma Robinson Carol Warwick Liz Goyder Jean Liney Clare Kingston Jayne Moorby Projert Mana8er Deputy Project Manager Admin and Warehouse Assistant Treasurer Volunteer Coordlnator Ulverston Coordinator Millom Coordinator Millom Coordinator Newsletter Editor and Facebook Coordinator Auditors Knox Accounting Mited 6 Bath Street Barrow in Furness LA14 ILZ Bankers Natwest Bank Dalton Road Barrow in Furness LA14 IWY Page 15
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trusteeg Annual Report (Incorporating the Dire(torf5 Report) Year Ended 31 March 2025 Trustee< Responsibilrties Statement The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the trustees. report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generalty 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 stste of affairs of the charttable company and the incoming resources and application of resour5. including the income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial ststements. the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently observe the methods and princlples in the applicable Charities SORP make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent prepare the financial statements on the going concern 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 charitys transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the char¥ty and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply wtth the Companies Act 2(. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charty and hence for takin8 reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other ieBuIar1ties. In so far as the trnstees are aware: there is no relevant audit infomiation of which the charitable companrfs auditors are unaware. and the trustees have taken all steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit tnformation 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 confim75 that: so far as they a aware, there is no relvdant audit information of which the charitys auditor is unaware; and they have taken all step5 that they ought to have taken a5 a trustee to make themselve5 aware of any relevant audit infomiation and to establish that the charitys auditor is aware of that information The auditors are deemed to have been re-apInted in accordance with section 487 of the Companies Act 2006. Page 16
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directoes Peport) Year Ended 31 March 2025 Small Company Provisi4)ns This report has been prepared in accorda[ with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companieg exemption. The trustees, annual report (incorporating the directors. reportl was approved on 17th September 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by: JIM Webst mian Page 17
Barrow Foodbank Ltd Trusted Annual Report (IncorpoTatins the Directorfs Report) Year Ended 31 March 2025 Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of Barrow Food Bank Limited On The Accounts for The Year Ended 31st March 2025 Set Out on Pages 2 to 4 Respective responsibilTties of trustees and examiner The charitvs trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charirfs trustee5 consider that an audit is not required under section 144 of the Charities Act 2021 (the Charitie5 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)b of the Charitie5 Act). and to state whether particular matters have cotne to Tny attention. Basis of independent examFners report My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual item5 or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the trustees Conrning any such matters. The prOdureS undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is gtven as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair viev/ 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 gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requtrements (a) (b) to keep accounting records in accordan with section 130 of the Charities Act; to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effetttve April 21x18) and the Statement of Recommended Practi. Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2019). 12) to which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Knox Accountants Limlted 6 Bath Street Barrow in Furness Cumbria LA14 ILZ 31" July 2025 Page 18
rrow Food Bank Limi of nanaal the Year ended l March 2024 Notes Funds Funds 20 2024 Income Donations Grants received Diwdend income Interest 107,147 114,528 68,571 5,516 4,985 159,995 42,652 4,639 3,712 68,571 5,516 4,985 Total Income 75,952 117.648 193.6 210,998 Expendire Direct Chariiable EXwditu. Purchases Catering PackagiThJ Fumiture and applian Salaries Pension costs Employer5 NI Supervision ConsultBnry Vehide running expenses Travelling costs Printing Stationery and publi(ity Computer consumak Postage Telecommunication Cogs Insuran Premiw costs Unfforms FunctioThs and conferences Training Co Subscripbons Bank charges Accountsncy fees Profession61 fee5 Pots & Pans project Acis 435 5w"Imming pa55e5 Donations Sundy expenses Total Dirert Expenditure 54121 11,026 65,147 36,477 160 2,106 1,471 44,565 1.379 2,747 1,341 74,783 2,803 1,554 747 1,341 74,783 2.803 1,554 360 3,034 209 1,032 3,034 185 1,027 514 1,830 260 2,215 115 162 3,032 1,546 10,708 24 30 294 2,362 939 1,423 7.626 8.226 118 141 4.876 1,465 550 631 603 659 659 1,969 i.T30 21,220 1,969 1,730 21,220 164 81,959 81 118,523 245 2(MJ,482 437 109,250 Depreciation of fixed assets 1,375 1.375 1,718 Total Eynditure 81.959 119,898 201.856 110,968 Net Surplus for the year Funds at the start of the Year (6,007) (2,250) 551,606 (8,256) 612,112 100,030 512,082 Funds at the end of the Year 54 499 549,357 603R56 611112 19
AsAt 2025 Fixed Assets DepreLiating Assets 5,499 6,874 Current Assets Current Asset In¥etht 313,714 200,000 Bank accounts . Restrtctaa - Unrestricted 35,768 250.558 70,409 335,579 608 606,595 Cash account 600,103 Current liabilities 1,746 1.357 Grants in arfvan Net CUnt Assets 598,357 605,239 £ 603.856 £ 612.112 Represented By: Capltal Account Accumulatad ReseNes S4957 54,499 551,606 60,506 £ 603.856 £ 611112 Th&e finanoal slateM wtte approved by the trustees on trE 17 Septdnber 2025 and are signed on their behalf by: The Chairman F J Webst The Treasurer W Robirson nth 20
3114aTth Note 2 Grants and Subsidies 3821 Cumbria C(Ynmunty FoUnd4n Trusell Trusi Project John Glaxo Smith Kli Acts 435 S Waters 28,467 31.030 9,000 1,740 74 Note 3 Taryible fixed assets Total At l Aprll 2024 18,167 18,167 Dlwsats At 31 Marth 2025 At l Apnl 2024 Deprectabon on di5tx Charge for year At 31 Marth 2025 11.293 11,293 book value: At 31 Marth 2025 At 31 March 2024 estimated vdlue of £24,348.91. Note 5 - Donated time During the year vulunteers the Fbank with 4246.25 hwr5 ( 1[ time the three stte5. At a rate of £12.21 hcwr {NaticThl LNiry Wage), this W(1 4uate tD an in kind contrilxthn to the Fbar of £51.846.71. (harity follows the guthrKe isth by the O)arity CcrfnmissTh aThl th lu r}ntal[l quate tt hold a ggntficant reserve of £385K comErn"NJ the fdk)wir¥J: Contingency furKls. in a sibjatirn where ffyxl is Jst due tri &g. tkMyy(Dntamination . £50k Rekotion costs . 3 minimum of £ItKlk The Board con5ideraJ il ent to Set £65k for two yeAr furKliryJ frK- the finarKial Indu5ion programme. Replenishment of fr1 when stcKk njn kw . £60k SÈX rmntlL% 0[ c(&ts . £IIOk b) 21
nk Lim 31 whith the attached firkincial statry7Bts have been pratl, contsin a full and correct record of Jjr Signed on behalf of the tK>ard of trustees by: F J webster The awirman W Rots'nson Dated Crnbc¥" aCS 22