Chariiy regifiiration number I l (K)034 Ursuline Links Report and Accounts 31 December 2023 Borucki & Co Chart¢ied Arcounlan15 42 Ruad Ham)w Middlt5ex HAI IRZ
ljrsuline l.inks Legal and administrative IOrMation Tru5tee5 Kathletn Colmer Bridgei Dutrnni PanL'la Johnson Karin Riilly Principal 38 GTosveM)r Road ndon E7 8JA Lh8rity number 1161M)34 IndeNdnt vxumlner J l Bi)ruiki FCA Ikiiuiki & C 47 Radnor Road Harruw middle%. HA I I k7. B#nker% Ri)yJl ank (J( SLI?IlJnd pl {)•4)3 Threddnecdl¢ Si IA)ndon F.C?R 111.,
Ursuline Links Trustees Report The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 INTRODUCTION The Trustees present their report and accounts for the period ended 31st December 2023. Ursuline Links was established in 2010 and it gained Charity Status Ino. 11600341, as a charitable incorporated organisation, with its own constitution on 20 January 2015. Trustees are appointed for three years. New trustees are appointed by the trustees. ACTIVITIES Back in the autumn of 2022, the programme for the new academic year, 'Be the Change,, had been launched and a5 we entered 2023, the monthly meetings continued to be well-ottended with 85+ students engaging in the monthly training workshops. The young people were invited to evaluate the sessions., they confirmed that the programme was successful in boosting confidence, enhancin8 skills and buildin8 endurance. There were significant challenges in raising funds for the 2023 projects with several unsuccessful bids for funding. However, undeterred, the search for financial support continued and funding was sourced from the Ursuline Sisters, the Jack Petchey Foundation. The Charles S French Foundation and the Insieme Fund from the Ursuline Generalate in Rome, enabling plans for the summer projects to go ahead. In January, students were invited to engage with the volunteering dimension of the programme. 33 young people elected to engage and made a commitment to volunteer for one week at either a children's 'Day Camp,, a week-long summer project for under-privileged primary School children in Newham, or in the 'London Social Justice Projects.; a ran8e of opportunities for young people to Serve the poor, marginalised and vulnerable in the local community.
Ursuline Links Trustees Report February 2023 focused on service. leadership and engagement. The young volunteers spent a Saturday reflecting and working togetherto determine their prospective roles in the programme and considering their engagement with community. In June. the young volunteers spent a second Saturday together in discussion / workshops where they were invited to ref lect on the concept of service and encouraged to consider their own capacity for effecting change in the world. The day concluded with the young people being 'commissioned' to go forth and serve. In July, the training weekend at Desenzano House, Ilford further developed leadership skills and provided practical training and preparation for volunteering in a range of venues. Topics included Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Risk Assessment and Management. There was ongoing discussion throughout the project regardinE progress towards objectives-, programme leaders evaluated the successes and challenges and used the information to inform future planning. The programme culminated in volunteering opportunities during July and August 2023. Volunteer5 for the children's Day Camp had the option of bein8'residential' for the duration of the project at Desenzano House, the HQ of Ursuline Links, whilst the students volunteerin8 for the London Social Justice projects travelled to venues from home each dav. The Day Camp, at the end of July, was a great success. 22 young people spent the week boarding at Desenzano and travelled, each day, to the Day Camp which was based in a local school. 4 young adults who had previously been participants in the Ursuline Links programme whilst at school. returned to Ursuline Links to support projects and made significant contributions due to their experience and understanding of the Ursuline ethos. The support received from adult volunteers was also much appreciated and the success of the camp was certainly a result of the colle8iate approach and mutual co-operation and commitment of all involved. The venue worked extremely well with plenty of outside space and a Dance Studio for Fun and Fitne55 activities. The programme wa5 varied and included games, sport5, art5 & crafts, dance, music a team qu12 and drama sessions. On Wednesday a day trip to "Call of the Wild Zoo" in Essex proved popular with the children and volunteers. Each evening. followinR dinner, the group met to reflect on the day's events and record those reflections in a journal. All students were fully engaged in these evening Sessions and their responses were mature and receptive.
Ursuline Links Trustees Report Week commencing 7th August we embarked upon our second week of volunteering in a range of venues across Redbridge, Newham and Tower Hamlet5 SUPPOrted by adult volunteer chaperones. Each day, a group of 5/6 students were placed in one of 314 venues and this afforded the young volunteers a wealth of different experiences in Food Banks, a Care Home, a community centre, a community café, ASL workshops for young adults Wlth SEND and a children's project run by a Refugee Support Centre. Staff at every venue each day gave extremely posltive feedback. They were unanimous in their praise for the student5 saying that they were committed, self less in their willingness to work hard and cheerful and compassionate towards those they met. On the Thursday evening of both weeks, we enjoyed a meal together at a local restaurant to celebrate the fun, laughter and 5torie5 we had Shared. The emphasis for both projects was on developing life skills and emotional intelligence, enhancing confidence and promoting well-being. The end beneficiarie5 were not only the young volunteer5 but those served by them.. the elderly, people living in poverty. young adults with SEND. the marginali5ed and under- privileged children in Newham who also benefited Significantly. In September, a thorough evaluation of the projects was undertaken. There had been no significant problems in delivering the projects. Expenditure for the children's Day Camp came in under budget due to some
Ursuline Links Trustees Report carefully considered cost-cutting, and the young volunteers had been responsive and had worked well as a team. During the London Social Justice projects. Strong partnerships were developed with hosting centres and and there was an excellent ran8e of volunteering Opportunities for the young people. We learned to be adaptable and spontaneous in our responses to unforeseen challenges and both volunteering projects were a resounding success with the students who reported that, because of the proEramme, they felt more resilient. discerning and compassionate to those who suffer poverty, loneliness and injustice. Until July 2023. Desen2ano House had been a hub for Ursuline Links activity and energy. The house welcomed groups of students from Ursuline schools for spirttual retreats and conferences, UrsLtline Links training and development days as well as 'Feel Good Fridays,, weekly meetings for disillusioned students at a near-by school. During their sessions students explored personal feeling5, reflected upon life experiences and discussed future plans. The house had provided a warm and familiar environment for young people to feel the benefits of bein8 Part of the Ursuline Family in a safe and welcoming space, and so it was a 8reat sadness that this invaluable resource was to no longer be available. Due to f inancial considerations. changes in personnel and the 1055 of Desenzano House as an available resource. Ursuline Links was to face inevitable change and the need to Consider the viability and sustainability of its provision. Thus, following the projects of Summer 2023, Ursuline Links entered a period of review, further evaluation and plannin8 for the future. All activities were suspended for the academic year whilst a rigorous research survey was conducted across all stakeholders including an on.line questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with students and senior staff of the schools involved. Results from the evaluation exercise have confirmed that Ursuline Links has endured as a source of inspiration and invaluable support for young people. It has been heart-warming to receive feedback from the young people who acknowledged the impart of Ursuline Links on their personal development and on thelr journey towards adulthood with many of them stating their commitment to continue volunteerlng In the future. PUBLIC BENEFIT The Trustees have consulted the guidance made available by the Charity Commission for England and Wales on Public Benefit requirement of the Charities Act 2011. The Trustees are confident that they have complied with their duty under the Act in that they have had due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Commission. The Trustees have given details of the activities and achievements of Ursuline Links in previous paragraphs which indicate the seriousness with which they adhere to this guidance. These works include caring for the least vulnerable in our society, enhancing the lives of young children and developing leadership skills in young adults and other charitable cause5 that come wwthin the object of the CIO. As the Desenzano house is no longer available a number of the chariws resources have been gifted to other charitable organisations. Most resources. though, have been safely stored for future projects.
Ursuline Links Trustees Report RESERVES POLICY The Trustees have a Reserves Policy in place. At the end of each financial year, we aim to have a reserve of £7,5. Such a Sum allows u5 to pay for temporary staff should there be a long-terrn absence, a deposit for the following year's activity before a funding grant has been received and any unforeseen expenditure. On 31 December 2023 the reserves stood at £4.953 which is less than we had hoped. However, as there will be no youth activities for the first six months of 2024 the Trustees are not concerned about this figure. RISK ASSESSMENT The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed. those related to the operations and finances of the Charity and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate our exposure to major risks. The Trustees work under the auspices of the Religious Life Safeguarding Service for all the Protection Against Abuse issues. DBS clearance is obtained for all employees and adult volunteers. The Director and her Assistant have Ursuline Links credit cards. Monthly expenditure is monitored and an account given to the Finance Officer. Single expenditure over £200 must be approved in advance. The Trustees have a Child Protertion policy whith is discussed with all employees and adult volunteers. Safeguarding and Health and Safety training is given to all adult and Youth Leader volunteers. Currently, Mrs. Kim O'Neill is our safeguarding Officer; Ms Cleo Gammon is our trained First Alder. Their training is kept up to date. Risk Assessments are conducted for all our yOh Projetts; additional insurance is taken out for overseas projects. FUTURE PLANS Following the major review the Trustees have agreed to appoint a full-time Director for the charity. The post will be advertised in March 2024 in the hope the new person will be in post by mid-August 2024. Regular reunions will be held between January and July 2024 to keep alive the Ursuline Links spirit among the young people. Once the new Director is in post the Trustees will draw up a 5-year sustainability and development plan. Kathleen Colmer Signed on behalf of the Trustees 28 May 2024
UrsuIlne Llnks
Independent F,xaminer's Report
to thc Trubltes of Ursul1 l.lnks
l irport th¢ a¢couni8 of Utsuline Links tor the ni)d ended 31 DecewnlKr !O?J wthich u)mPTJse ihe Statement nf
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Ursuline J,inks Sia¢emenl of financial actii'ilies lincoryorating an iwome gnd expenditure accowit) for the year ended 31 December 2023 N¢rtes 2023 2022 VrtC(bme Voluntary Incon DoJMtions'. Roman Union of St Ursula Geiieral donarions ContrihutiorLs frnm participant Bank Intere Total Intomt 15,IKK) 10,948 8,5(K) 24,466 1,70.f RewurnY4 expetLded F.xpenditure ¢haritble aetivilies Pr()ILil Lxpendiiure 7..S.54 Admini8rratioo at)d support 74.110 ?4,61)1) TntHI expenditure Net Incomellexptndlturel thnd ntt nwvement fvnds for the year 12,78•1 Reconclll4tlon of iun&s 114l¥nLY brou¥hi forwrd l Janwary 7,7.3.5 f4,6.56 HalnLY4 1'Mrrknl f¢brH4rd.11 l)eremher 4.YSA Lonllnulng iiperalloThq NE)nL' c>f ihL' Lhdriiy% aLIiViiiL'.8 WL'fL aLwuifL.d i)r disLiintinuLsd during i. a)L IWX) finanLial ycdrs. Slatemenl recngnlp<d Itw ThL ihthrily ni) rLLI)b7niiid bidin.% (?r Ic)%%LS tho, shown atM)ve and thL'rL.f()rL' ni) 'parJiL %LIILnK'ni or ioial gains and losscs IS bccn prcparcd.
Ursuline I,inks Balance Shee¢ as at 31 December 2023 Notes 2023 21)22 Current a55ets Dcbiors Cash ai bank and in hand ?.010 4.(H4) 6,059 6.726 8.841 Creditors: amounts falling due wlthln i)ne ylwt 11.1061 N¢1 ¢urr¢nt 7.7.3.5 4.9$.1 7.7.1.5 Capltul and reservc5 Generdl I'und 4.95.1 7.7.15 7.7.3_5 4.Y_S3 AptM)VL(I hy IhL, TtW8fLL'S tMI.%lbTnLd i)n thLir k.half 211th May *0•4 KiiihlLLn ('.(>lm¢r Tni%lL Approv by ilK' Trus.5 on
UrsuIlne Link4 Stotenient of cash flows for the year endtd 31 1)eeember 2023 Ntsle 2(b23 2021 Cash used in operaiing aciiviiies (• 8?91 15.168 C&h flthiv% from irtve%iing a¢iiilie_q Invesinicni in¢nme Cash proiidcd lusedl in investing aciiviiies 152 152 Decrease in cash cash equivalen in year 1?.6771 {5.158} ID¢¢r¢&s¢) in¢r¢as¢ In Cash ai bfjnk and in hand 1•.6771 1ry.6771 15,158} 15,15¥ A. Rec'tsncilimtlon of nct movement In fun(Ls to net cqh flow from operat1 *¢tlvitl¢s 223 2(121 Nct m()vemcnl in fund4 l)LJuLI inv¢4liiicni ItKiin In¥rcJ%c Idc¥rcJ%ci in ¢r¢JIr IlnLr¢&%¢l dcLT¢&S¢ in 4kbioT 19 7A21 1152) 9,()14 105 12.112(Jl 10
Ursuline I.inks Notes to the Aeeounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 l AccpuntlDg wllckn Aecthuntlng conientl(M) The a¥¢ounis have en Prepared under ihe M"siorical cosi coni'ention as moditied by rhe inclusioll i)f inv¢%trn¢nt% at Jn&irk¢t valu¢ and. in with the re4uir¢rnent% c)f th¢ Chdriti¢% ALI 2011. AppliLablL dLLUUnting giatMlaTJ a[ . stdiLlt'[ uf RLLOtIittL'ndLd PraLtiLL "ALLOUtiting and RLporting by ciLS. ISORP ?015) havL 'n ftsllowa. ThL trusl LUnstitll.S a publi¢ I.lfIl ¥nliiy d¥fitvl by FRS I. TIIL tri]$lLL% Lnii%idLr thai ilk'iL arL no maiLnal U[Kirtli11iLs atK)ui ihL TnJ4'8 ability l() eoniinue aq a goillb? Loncern. Incnme All iniome is recognjsed once the chariry has ¢niJilenni io incoTh, it Is probable ihar the Duniiliojis, , T¥Lognis¥d wh¥'n th¥. TtUs1 h)s k'¥n notifJ¥Yi in TIllg of boih th¢ dmuuni settlÈmeni date. InrLIL%I t)n tund% lield nn de$1¢ is inLluded W.. reLeii'ahle atmt IIK anUnI can mLa%uiYd Tiliiihly hy thL Lhariiy.. rhi% 1% rK)rrnally utrtin noiifiLaiion lit IhL' iniLfL'SI paid or puyabl¥ hy th¥ bank. F.ypL'ndlturL' LiiihililiL% tir¢, rLxognis¢d as ¥xp¢ndiwr¢ as swn as ikn.r¢ 1$ a I¢8 or ¢onstw¥livi obligdlii)n niiiuni lif IhL I)hlibl[lI)n Lan hL' mL&%ufLd rlliahly. ExpLncliiurL l)n iharilablL ¢iilll'111¥4 LE)mpri$ dLfLYi LKJn%Ls inLunLd i)n Ik. d¥finul Lhdril&ihl¥ CiC?VLrNnLL ¢l?%l¥ ¢thmpri ()( ¢xJKt)diiur¢' on Complidin. w'ith J(Jvi¢¢ on ln$t]ivilnIll and Ai all LxrKnLliiurL Ldn IK. diiributL'd tl) %lXLifJL LdlLby()riL% nc) aprx)nii>nmLni .1,Ln .18 has bLLn nL*L4%dJ'y. IrrLio%LrdblL VAT 1% inuludLxJ bn jlLnL% of LxJKNdiiui'L w'hiih li rLI#L's. Tr'und RÉLwunilnk The btenerJl t.und those wnie¥, whiih mav be iuw4rds n%e¢inL the ih4rit4ble objeLl1ve% (il Ilie ilianiy ai t1 di%iTeiii)ii ()( Ilie Trusiee8. Taxtltlon ThL Tiii%l, as a registered chariiy. is cxempi fmm ittxalinn on il.s irtcomc and gains falling wiihin SL'L(ion $0$ of IhL TaxLS ALI 1988 or.SLxuon •.56 of TliOn of ChargLablL Gains ALI 1992 to ihe exletLI Ihey are applied io lis chariiable objeciives. No uix charse has arisen in year.
Ursuline I.inks Notes to the Aeeounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 2 Administration and suPrt 2023 2022 Sial-f costs Courses and Conferences Travel Ofl'icc exn)eS Weh%iie AccountatKy charb)¢s Oiher professional Cecs ?1.6()0 21,946 616 -132 924 ?68 691 fA)5 810 756 ?4.110 24.6( 3 Si4ff c¢KsL$ ttnd iru$teeb' rcmunErnIIo 2023 2022 Si#ff Siull Lo%1¥ during the ycur were follows.. Wagc% and %alarics SL)LiuI 4CiUriIy iO%IS Pcns11)n Lost% ?1.559 62 69 21,946 21.Y46 Tru.%tL*%' fL'munL'y¥tion N() Iru%lLY rLicivcil dny leniurnI1(1n reimburlement i)f exFen%e£ in re%peLI i)f %erviLe% a Iru4icc during the ycar ()r in the PTeviou% yeaT. 4 T#xu¢l¢in Ili'%ul¢nL l.ink% L% 41 fL¥i%ILfLLi Lhariiy 41llLI I1K.r(> i¥ n( li4ihl¥ 11> incm) lax vr Lorw)riiiiiin lax un in¢iim¥ 'r11, frt)m ils Lhariiabl¢ acliviiics. as il fall% within varivus ¢xcmpii()ns aNailiibl¢ lo r¥glbt¥r¥d ih4ritsLs S Dc.hti)r5 2023 2022 2.OlQ 2,QlQ 105 PrepJymeni% ?,010 6 Credlt¢Jrs: MNbnts. fullinx due Mithin tsne veur 2023 2022 h¢T c[edir5 A¢inwl$ 5( 6(Xl