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← Stand Together Network

2023-10-30-accounts

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

Registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee

Financial Statements

For the period ended

31[st] October 2023

Company number: 7839780 (England and Wales) Charity number: 1161029

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

Company number: 7839780 (England and Wales) Charity number: 1161029

General Information

Directors & Trustees:

Tasneem Zeenat Pervaiz Dr Mohamed Elhaythem Abdelatey Maha Galaleldin Basirat Matemi Opakunle – Not a trustee from 24[th] February 2021 Dr Mohamed Elmeselhi – Not a trustee from 18[th] August 2023 Shakiratu Opeyemi Akinleye Dr Mohamed Fatouh - Not a trustee from 15[th] July 2022 Aleih Khazali

Secretary :

Soad (Sue) Halawa

Registered office:

311 Fore Street Community House London N9 0PZ

Governing document

Stand Together Network (formerly Skills and Training Network) is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association

Bankers: Unity Trust bank and The Cooperative Bank

Accountant: TACTS Accountant, 61 Fountains Crescent, London, N14 6BD

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

CONTENTS
PAGE
Trustee’s Report 4-7
Independent Examiner’s Report 8
Statement of Financial Activities 9
Balance Sheet 10
Notes 11-14

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

Trustees’/ Director’s Report

The trustees are pleased to present their annual report for the year ended 31st October 2023 which is also prepared to meet the requirements for a directors’ report and accounts for Companies Act purposes.

Special disclosure

Our board of trustees have responded to the latest survey and views of our beneficiaries and stakeholder and changed the name of the organisation from Skills and Training Network (STN) to Stand Together Network (STN) also to match the new services that we offer. The board passed a resolution for this change and application been accepted at both Companies House and Charity Commission.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).

Small company special provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

Statement of Directors’ and Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Companies Act 2006 requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company. Charity trustees are the people who serve on the governing body of a charity. They may be known as trustees, directors, board members, governors or committee members. The principles and main duties are the same in all cases. Trustees have, and must accept, ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of a charity, and ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and meeting the needs for which it has been set up.

Risk management

The Trustees continue to appraise the management risk facing the organisation. This involves identifying the types of risk the charity faces, prioritising them in terms of potential impact and likelihood of occurrence, and identifying ways of mitigating the risks. As part of this process, the Trustees have reviewed the adequacy of the Centre’s current internal controls. The Trustees are pleased to report that the Centre’s internal financial controls, in particular, conform to guidelines issued by the Charities Commission.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Stand Together Network’s emergency responses were activated which mitigated for associated risks and amend accordingly as this reporting period falls partly within the pandemic period. The organisation resilience was responsive and strong which ensured business resilience and sustainability.

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

Objectives and aims

The charity’s objectives are to support and improve the lives of disadvantaged people.

Main Charity Objectives

“The charity’s objects (objects) are specifically restricted to the following:

To promote for the public benefit the provision of culturally sensitive support and advice services for those in need:

(a) To relieve and support those in need due to domestic violence, immigration, homelessness, disability and or unemployment,

(b) Assisting in finding a safe shelter or temporary refuge accommodation,

(c) Advancing education for those who have experienced domestic violence, immigration, homelessness, disability and unemployment by developing skills, capacities and capabilities. to enable them to actively participate in society independently.

(d) Organising recreational and leisure time activities in the interest of social welfare to improve the conditions of life of disadvantaged people.

Our volunteers

Stand Together Network’s volunteers are very involved in the community and rely on voluntary help. 6 volunteers assisted with our on-going activities. We wish to thank our volunteers for their loyal support and contribution.

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty under the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.

Reserves policy

The Board has assessed the charity’s requirements for reserves in the light of the main risks to the organisation. As a result, the Board has approved a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed, should be held in reserve and maintained at a level which ensures that Stand Together Network core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty. The target reserve amount represents at least 6 months’ (26 weeks) expenditure and will be reviewed annually.

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

This past year has been a dynamic one, filled with challenges and thrills. However, it was ultimately a highly gratifying year as the Stand Together Network (STN) succeeded in enhancing, broadening, and maintaining its primary services, reaching an even larger number of racialised communities with personalised services. This was during a time when the entire nation was grappling with the aftermath of Covid-19, the ongoing devastation of the costof-living crisis, inflation surges, and a dysfunctional immigration system. These circumstances significantly affected many STN beneficiaries who have asylum or refugee status.

You might have noticed our new name, Stand Together Network. We made this change for two main reasons. Firstly, our services are being increasingly utilised by women, and secondly, many of these women are dealing with domestic abuse issues. As a result, our Information, Advice, and Guidance services have been increasingly addressing matters related to violence against women and then assisting survivors in rebuilding their lives through skill enhancement, education, and training. Our former name, Skills and Training Network, did not fully reflect this significant strategic shift. Stand Together signifies our advocacy and campaigning against gender-based violence.

Our beneficiaries are primarily migrants or refugees from the Middle East (e.g., Syria), North & East Africa (e.g., Somalia, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Algeria, Egypt etc.), Arab, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, Ukraine, or are Black British. 95% of our users are women, many of whom are single parents, often with caregiving responsibilities, and a significant number have experienced domestic abuse, coercive control, forced marriage, and/or female genital mutilation (FGM).

The accomplishments of STN would not have been possible without the dedication, resolve, and enthusiasm of my fellow trustees, our staff, volunteers, funders, supporters, and the beneficiaries we support and collaborate with, who face systemic inequalities.

We are deeply grateful for the transparency and contributions of our staff team and volunteers, which have enabled the organisation to enhance its robustness, for instance, by achieving the Advice Quality Standard (AQS) accreditation this year. We are also extremely proud of the relationships we have fostered with our beneficiaries, partners, businesses, supporters, and the broader community. Our ability to learn from others and share our experience and understanding of the racialised communities in Enfield, Haringey, and Islington has been instrumental in our continued success. I am immensely proud of how Sue Halawa, STN's CEO, has guided the organisation in the right direction to meet the needs of local people who are experiencing profound levels of deprivation. Many of these individuals' lives are further complicated by a broken immigration system that does not permit asylum seekers to work while they await the outcome of their settlement claim, sometimes for years. Refugees with leave to remain status are allowed to work, but those who lost jobs due to the pandemic could not receive any social welfare support due to the Government's No Resource to Public Funds

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

(NRPF) ruling. A significant portion of our IAG work has involved challenging NRPF decisions and advocating for BAMER women experiencing domestic violence.

Readers of this report will find that the financial accounts presented indicate that the organisation remains financially stable. In fact, our income has grown by approximately 178% between 2019 and 2022. However, we still need to grow to achieve true sustainability levels to meet the increasing and complex needs of our beneficiaries.

STN is deeply grateful to its beneficiaries, funders, partners, local businesses, and supporters. Without them, we could not accomplish all the work that we do. THANK YOU!

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Tasneem Pervaiz Director and Chairperson

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Stand Together Network

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31[st] October 2023, which are set out on pages 9 to 14.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

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 items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking 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’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention (other than that disclosed below *) to indicate that:

• where accounts are prepared on an accruals basis, whether they fail to comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006, or are not consistent with the Charities SORP (FRS102)

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Date: 27/12/2023

Chartered Certified Accountant

TACTS Accountant, 61 Fountains Crescent, London, N14 6BD

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31ST OCTOBER 2023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31ST OCTOBER 2023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31ST OCTOBER 2023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31ST OCTOBER 2023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31ST OCTOBER 2023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31ST OCTOBER 2023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31ST OCTOBER 2023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31ST OCTOBER 2023
Notes
INCOMING RESOURCES:-
Incoming resources from generated funds
Services, Contracts & Commissioning
Incoming resources from charitable
activities
Grants to provide charitable activities
(9)
Other income
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOUCES EXPENDED
Expenses in raising funds
(10)
Charitable Expenses
(10)
TOTAL RESOUCES EXPENDED
Net Incomings and (outgoings) resources
Balances Brought Forward
Balances Carried Forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
12,540
27,250
39,790
-
-
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
247,883
247,883
13,777
195,612
209,388		 Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
12,540
51,961
275,133
205,837
287,673
257,798
13,777
4,050
195,612
258,179
209,388
262,229
39,790 38,495 78,285
(4,431)
48,969 53,824
102,793
107,225
88,759 92,319 181,077
102,793

There were no recognised gains or losses for the above period other than those shown in the statement of financial activities for the above financial year. All incoming resources and resources expended are derived from continuing activities.

(The notes attached form part of these financial statements)

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST OCTOBER 2023
Notes
Fixed Assets
Equipment
Current Assets:
Debtor
(6)
Cash at Bank and In Hand
Current Liability:
Creditors & Accruals
(7)
Net Assets
As Represented By:
Unrestricted Fund
Restricted Fund
(8)
Total Funds		 Funds
Funds
2023
2022
£
£
-
-
-
2,000
202,784
105,564
21,707
4,771
181,077
102,793
88,759
48,969
92,319
53,824
181,077
102,793

The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.

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

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

The accounts were approved by the Directors on 27/12/2023 and signed on their behalf by: -

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Chairperson Secretary (Tasneem Pervaiz) (Soad Halawa)

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

Notes to the account. Accounting Policies

1.1 Accounting convention

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. STN meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The Charity trustees are of the view that measures taken subsequent to the year-end to reduce operating costs and successful in applying for continuation funding have secured the immediate future of the Charity for the next 12 to 18 months and that on this basis the charity is a going concern.

1.2 Fund structure

1.3 Incoming resources

1.4 Resources expended

1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

1.6 Cash Flow Statement

The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No 1 (revised) from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the charity is small.

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

2. Taxation

Stand Together Network is a registered charity and is not liable for corporation tax on its income under section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 to the extent that it is applied to its charitable activities.

3. Support Cost

Allocation of support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back-office costs, finance, personnel, and governance costs which support the Charity activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. The bases on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note 11.

4. Stand Together Network is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee without a share capital.

5 . Staff Costs

The total Staff Costs (Including Sessional workers) for the year were £147,354 (£183,962 in 2021/2022), including Tax and NIC.

Total staff paid on payroll were £52,685 and the number of employees on payroll were 6 (part-time).

The total number of self-employed staff were 7.

None of the employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000 in the year or the previous year.

Trustees are not remunerated for their trusteeship duties.

6. Debtors

People's Health Trust
Total
.Creditors & Accruals
HMRC Tax and NIC
Pension
Professional Fees
Other Creditors
Total		 2023
£
-
-
2023
£
215
48
-
21,445
**21,707 **		 2022
£
2,000
2,000
2022
£
220
51
1,300
3,200
4,771

7 . Creditors & Accruals

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

8. Analysis of Restricted Funds

. Analysis of Restricted Funds
Awards For All
Peoples Health Trust
The London Community Fund
Garfield Weston
Enfield Voluntary Action
City of London
Big Lottery Fund
Groundwork London
Trust For London
Good Thing Foundation		 Balance at
1st
November
2022
Incoming
resources
Outgoing
resources
Balance
at 31st
October
2023
£
£
£
£
7,332
-
7,332
-
2,062
19,576
16,529
5,109
10,007
60,030
42,562
27,475
-
10,000
-
10,000
-
10,415
6,334
4,081
8,798
31,000
28,404
11,394
15,885
81,252
81,014
16,123
-
12,830
8,732
4,098
8,988
12,500
11,422
10,066
752
10,280
7,059
3,973
53,824
247,883
209,388
92,319

9. Grant receivable breakdown

Funder
Purpose
Awards For All
Education and Guidance
Big Lottery Fund
Advice, Employability & Education
City of London
Information and advice
London Community Fund
Information and advice
Lloyds Bank Foundation
Core Support and advice
Trust For London
Welfare advice and guidance
Garfield Weston
AQS and Capacity Building
Enfield Voluntary Action
Trusted Voice and Communication
London Borough of Enfield
Employability & Guidance
Peoples Health Trust
Community Activities Engagement
Groundwork London
Vocation, Health and Social care
Good Thing Foundation
Information and advice		 2023
£
-
81,252
31,000
60,030
27,250
12,500
10,000
10,415
-
19,576
12,830
10,280
275,133		 2022
£
9,998
39,970
11,168
24,195
25,000
31,000
-
-
37,592
19,454
100
7,360
**205,837 **

**Unrestricted Fund of £27,250 received from Lloyds Bank Foundation to support the core cost of the organisation.

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Annual Report for year ending 31st October 2023

10. Resources Expended

0. Resources Expended
Raising Funds
Salary and Sessional worker
Volunteer Expenses
Premises and Room Hire
Partnership and Training
Refreshment
Accreditation and Subscriptions
Contracts Compliance
Foodbank and emergency support
Equipment
E-Learning, Printing & Website
Insurance
Travel and Transport
Professional fees
General Running Expenses
Total resource expended		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
13,777
133,577
3,175
12,963
15,050
432
2,998
-
2,681
5,417
8,238
547
33
4,534
5,967
209,388		 Total
Funds
2023
£
13,777
133,577
3,175
12,963
15,050
432
2,998
-
2,681
5,417
8,238
547
33
4,534
5,967
209,388		 Total
Funds
2022
£
4,050
183,962
4,453
14,024
12,000
613
2,520
21,200
-
1,344
7,998
1,109
156
2,970
5,831
262,230

11. Governance and Support Costs

Premises and Room Hire
E-Learning, Printing & Website
Equipment
Professional fees compliance
Insurance
General Running Expenses		 Support
£
12,963
8,238
5,417
-
-
5,873
**32,491 **		 Governance
£
-
-
-
2,000
547
94
2,640		 Total
£
12,963
8,238
5,417
2,000
547
5,967
**35,131 **

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