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← The Bee Friendly Trust

2025-04-30-accounts

OFFICIAL

Trustees report and financial statements

For the financial year ending 30 April 2025

The Bee Friendly Trust CIO Charity number 1161614 Registered office

6 Clarion House, St Anne’s Court London W1F 0BA

OFFICIAL

The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Table of Contents

Company Information .............................................................................................. 3 Trustees Report ........................................................................................................ 4 Independent Examiner ........................................................................................... 12 Statement of Financial Activities .......................................................................... 13 Balance Sheet ......................................................................................................... 14 Notes to Financial Statements .............................................................................. 15 Policy Documents .................................................................................................. 23

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Company information

Trustees Dr Jane Louise Turner - Chair Rebecca Mary Hall Elizabeth Anne Vaughan Turner

Charity number 1161614 Registered office 6 Clarion House, St Anne’s Court London W1F 0BA Senior management Luke Dixon, CEO

Governing documents Memorandum and Articles of Association Independent examiner Glenn Lee 133 St George’s Road London SE1 6HY

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Trustees report for the year ending 30 April 2025

The Trustees present their year-end report and the financial statements as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) for the charity’s year ended 30 April 2025

The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the charity's trust deed and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: SORP applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

Objectives and activities

The Bee Friendly Trust aims to promote the conservation protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment, particularly but not exclusively by promoting the craft of bee keeping and promoting the importance of bees and other pollinators in the environment; and

To advance education in the conservation, protection, and improvement of the physical and natural environment, particularly but not exclusively by:

The main activities of the charity during this period have been:

Achievements and Performance

The charity’s main achievements during the year have been:

New projects included:

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Art Commissions :

.

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

The continued development of the Wildlife Garden at Coram’s Fields in London as both a haven for urban wildlife and an educational resource for young people. We refurbished the hives in the garden, developed a bee club meeting regularly, and held social events for our freelancers and volunteers.

We once again gave our Bee Friendly Awards on World Bee Day to recognise the achievements of those towns, villages and communities supporting bees and pollinators.

The Bee Friendly Trust has maximised the positive power of community and collaboration to expand its team of volunteers, as well as engaging local independent businesses, artists, and British makers on many of its projects.

New collaborations were established with:

Achievements against objectives set

We consolidated our relationships with the rail delivery companies, Community Rail and Transport for London.

We successfully expanded our gardening and art projects to exceed expectations and developed many new relationships and partners.

We did major work on developing our network of volunteers at all our projects.

We forged new partnerships with funders (including Arts Council England), businesses and community groups.

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Structure, governance, and management

Every Trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the trustees.

In selecting individuals for appointment as trustees, the trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO.

The trustees will make available to each new trustee, on or before his or her first appointment:

New trustees are given a full induction into the activities of the charity, including visits to current projects and a full brief on all activities including future plans.

New trustees will be DBS checked and made aware of the charity’s protection policies.

The trustees have reviewed all current policy documents, which are attached at the end of this report.

Financial review

The net deficit for the year was £8,594 (2024: surplus of £65,036). Restricted funds at year-end totalled £2,500 (2024: nil). General reserves comprise £153,813 in unrestricted funds and £35,000 in designated funds (2024: £164,907 and £35,000 respectively), giving a total funds balance of £191,313 as at 30 April 2025 (2024: £199,907).

Reserves policy and going concern

The charity’s policy is to regularly review and maintain reserves, comprising unrestricted and designated funds, to ensure prudent day-to-day financial management and to meet its obligations.

Under this policy, unrestricted funds are to be built up to a level equal to the greater of 10% of annual turnover or £25,000. As at 30 April 2025, total unrestricted funds exceed this target range; however, the focus remains on securing new funding to support the delivery of charitable activities and projects.

Designated funds are set aside specifically to meet charitable obligations. The charity has allocated £25,000 towards the maintenance of planters installed at stations and within communities.

The trustees have identified no significant short- or medium-term financial risks to the charity’s continued operations. Accordingly, the accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis.

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Funding

The charity’s principal sources of funding are:

The Trust has continued with several successful commercial partnerships, including those with Bloom & Wild. The Trustees are aware of the need to do due diligence to ensure the Trust’s commercial partners align with the directives of the charity.

Risk

Regular funding for the charity’s activities came to an end on 30 April 2024. In preparation, the charity had built up substantial reserves in recent years, which are now being drawn upon to meet day-to-day operating costs.

To protect the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, monthly management accounts will be produced for the management team, and an 18-month financial projection will be maintained. This approach provides assurance of at least 12 months of sustainable operations, with an additional 6 months of wind-down capacity if required.

The charity is now actively pursuing new sources of regular funding. However, its activities will be at risk if such funding is not secured within the next three years.

Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities

Law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the period and of its financial position at the end of the period. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the Trustees should follow best practice and:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website. Legislation in the United

Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

This report was approved by the Trustees on 30 September 2025 and signed by:

==> picture [235 x 70] intentionally omitted <==

Dr J L Turner

Chair

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Independent Examiner’s report to the trustees of The Bee Friendly Trust

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 30 April 2025 which are set out on pages 13 to 22.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiners statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF The Bee

Friendly Trust

Glenn Lee

==> picture [100 x 35] intentionally omitted <==

133 St George’s Road, London SE1 6HY

30 September 2025

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Charity No 1161614 Annual accounts for the period Period end Period start date To 01/05/2024 date 30/04/2025

Section A Statement of financial activities

Recommended categories by
activity
Incoming resources (Note 3)
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activities
Other trading activities		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
income
funds
Endowment
funds
Total funds
Prior year
funds
£
£
£
£
£
F01
F02
F03
F04
F05
22,715
5,478
-
28,193
107,607
22,713
57,820
-
80,533
76,507
-
-
-
-

-
Total 45,428
63,298
-
108,726
184,114
Resources expended (Note 4)
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities		 -
-
-
-
-
56,522
60,798
-
117,320
119,078
Total 56,522
60,798
-

117,320
119,078
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forw ard
Net income/(expenditure)		 11,094)
(
2,500
-
8,594)
(
65,036
199,907
-
-
199,907
134,871
Total funds carried forward 188,813
2,500
-
191,313
199,907

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Section B Balance sheet

Fixed assets
Current assets
Debtors (Note 5)
Cash at bank and in hand (Note 7)
Total current assets
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year (Note 6)
Net current assets/(liabilities)
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets or liabilities
Funds of the Charity
Endowment funds (Note 27)
Restricted income funds (Note 8)
Unrestricted funds
Revaluation reserve		 Unrestricte
d funds
Restricted
income
funds
Total this
year
Total last
year
£
£
£
£
F01
F02
F04
F05
3,754 - 3,754
11,461
204,452 2,500 206,952
195,281
208,206 2,500 210,706
206,742
19,393 - 19,393
6,835
188,813 2,500 191,313
199,907
188,813 2,500 191,313
199,907
188,813 2,500
191,313
-
-
-
-
- 2,500 2,500
-
188,813
188,813
134,871
-
Total funds 188,813 2,500 191,313
134,871

The company was entitled to exemption from audit under s477 of the Companies relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the the Companies Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102

The Financial Statements on pages 13 - 22 were approved by the board on 30 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Dr J Turner Chair

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Note 1 Basis of preparation

This section should be completed by all charities .

1.1 Basis of accounting

These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with:

• and with
• and with		 ✓ the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014
the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of
Ireland (FRS 102)
✓

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by a FRS 102.*

1.2 Going concern

If there are material uncertainties related to events or conditions that cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, please provide the following details or state "Not applicable", if appropriate:

An explanation as to those factors that
support the conclusion that the charity is a
going concern;
Disclosure of any uncertainties that make
the going concern assumption doubtful;
Where accounts are not prepared on a
going concern basis, please disclose this
fact together with the basis on which the
trustees prepared the accounts and the
reason why the charity is not regarded as a
going concern.		 The trustees are of the view that unrestricted funding -
confirmed until April 2024, and the current reserve funds,
are adequate to continue in operational existence for the
foreseeable future and is therefore a going concern
Not applicable
Not applicable

1.3 Change of accounting policy

The accounts present a true and fair view and no changes have been made to the accounting policies adopted in note { }.

in note { }.
Yes
No		 ✓ * -Tick as appropriate
✓

1.4 Changes to accounting estimates

No changes to accounting estimates have occurred in the reporting period (3.46 FRS102 SORP).

Yes
No		 ✓ * -Tick as appropriate
✓

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Note 2 Accounting policies

Recognition of income
2.4 ASSETS
They are valued at cost.
2.3 EXPENDITURE AND LIABILITIES
The charity accounts for basic financial instruments on initial recognition as per
paragraph 10.7 FRS102 SORP. Subsequent measurement is as per paragraphs
11.17 to 11.19, FRS102 SORP.
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:
• the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
• it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources;
• the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the general income
recognition criteria are met (5.10 to 5.12 FRS102 SORP).
Tangible fixed assets for
use by charity
Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or
constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of
the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
The depreciation rates and methods used are disclosed in note 14.
Grants and donations
Deferred income
No material item of deferred income has been included in the accounts.
Basic financial
instruments
Tax reclaims on
donations and gifts
2.2 INCOME
In the case of performance related grants, income must only be recognised to the
extent that the charity has provided the specified goods or services as entitlement to
the grant only occurs when the performance related conditions are met (5.16 FRS 102
SORP).
Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the
donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that
gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the
donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise.
This is only included in the SoFA once the charity has provided the related goods or
services or met the performance related conditions.
The charity has incurred expenditure on support costs.
Contractual income and
performance related
grants
The charity has creditors which are measured at settlement amounts less any trade
discounts
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least
Support costs
Creditors		 Yes
No
N/a*		 Yes
No
N/a*		 Yes
No
N/a*
✓ ✓ ✓
Yes
No
N/a*
✓ ✓ ✓
Yes
No
N/a*
✓ ✓ ✓
Yes
No
N/a*
✓ ✓ ✓
Yes
No
N/a*
✓ ✓ ✓
Yes
No
N/a*
✓ ✓ ✓
Yes
No
N/a*
✓ ✓ ✓
Yes
No
N/a*
✓ ✓ ✓
Yes
No
N/a*
✓ ✓ ✓
Yes
No
N/a*
✓ ✓ ✓
£500
Yes
No
N/a*
✓ ✓ ✓

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Section C Notes to the accounts C Notes to the accounts (cont) (cont)
Note 3 Analysis of income
Restricted
Unrestricted
income		 Endowment
funds funds funds Total funds Prior year
Analysis £ £
Donations Donations and gifts: Other 5,178 - - 5,178 10,068
and Donations and gifts: Mary Merchant Trusr - - - 26,000
legacies: Donations and gifts: GoodLoop - - - 21,250
General grants provided by
government/other charities 5,478 - 5,478 50,000
Donations and gifts: Business 17,537 - - 17,537
Other - - - 289
Total 22,715 5,478 - 28,193 107,607
Charitable
activities:
Great Western Railway - 11,950 11,950 11,850
Govia Thameslink Railway Ltd 5,700 5,700 - 11,400 5,700
Network Rail - 10,600 - 10,600 5,750
Transport for London 4,000 6,000 - 10,000 9,000
Nandos Chickenland LTD - 10,000 - 10,000 -
South Wessex Community Rail - 4,500 - 4,500 -
Other 3,914 - - 3,914 1,842
First Great Western - 3,300 - 3,300 -
London Boroughof Enfield - 2,770 - 2,770 -
Community Rail Network 750 1,000 - 1,750 -
West Midlands Combined Authority - 1,500 - 1,500 -
Bloom & Wild Limited 1,333 - - 1,333 1,232
Other 580 - - 580 2,435
Arriva Rail London Limited - 500 - 500 -
Sudbury Town Stations 250 - 250 -
Frome Town Council - - - - 14,680
MREF IV Colchester Property Ltd - - - - 2,740
Witham Town Council - - - - 2,650
Essex County Council - - - - 2,500
Coram's Fields - - - - 840
Burt's Bees - - - - 5,000
Education Services - - - - 2,250
Hertforshire County Council - - - - 2,000
Magners - Secret Garden Event - - - - 1,988
Total 16,527 57,820 - 74,347 72,457
Income from Interest income 6,186 - - 6,186 4,050
investments: Total 6,186 - - 6,186 4,050
TOTAL INCOME 45,428 63,298 - 108,726 184,114

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)

Note 4 Analysis of expenditure

Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
income
funds
Endowment
funds
Total funds
Expenditure on
charitable activities:
56,522 60,798 - 117,320
Total expenditure on
charitable activities
56,522

60,798
-
117,320
Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities
Activities
undertaken
directly
Grant
funding of
activities
Support
Costs
Total this
year
£
£
£
£
- 21,998 7,333 29,331
- 18,488 - 18,488
- - 4,792 4,792
- - 3,911 3,911
-60,798-60,798
-101,284 16,036 117,320
Other - Restricted charitable activities
Total
Management - Charitable activities
Project delivery - Charitable activities
Administrative overheads - Charitable
activities
Marketing - Charitable activities
Other information:
This year
Activity or programme
Charitable activities
This year
Analysis		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
income
funds
Endowment
funds
Total funds
65,018 54,060 - 119,078
65,018
54,060
-

119,078
Activities
undertaken
directly
Grant
funding of
activities
Support
Costs
Total last
year
£
£
£
£
- 30,000 10,000 40,000
- 19,615 - 19,615
- - 4,453 4,453
- - 950 950
-54,060-54,060
Last year
Last year
-103,675 15,403 119,078

Note 5 Debtors and prepayments

Please complete this note if the charity has any debtors or prepayments.

This year Last year 5.1 Analysis of debtors £ £ Trade debtors 3,270 11,010 Prepayments and accrued income 484 451 Total 3,754 11,461

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)

Note 6 Creditors and accruals

Please complete this note if the charity has any creditors or accruals.

6.1 Analysis of creditors

6.1 Analysis of creditors
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors		 This year
Last year
This year
Last year
£
£
£
£
7,226 3,450 - -
11,667 3,385 - -
500 - - -
Total 19,393 6,835 - -
Amounts falling due
within one year
Amounts falling due after
more than one year
6.2 Deferred income
Please explain the reasons why income is
deferred.
Please complete this note if the charity has		 deferred income.
This year
Transport for London
£10,000 for Garden
Projects, 2025/26 activity.
Hertfordshire County
Council £667 for 2025/26
activity
Last year
Movement in deferred income account
Balance at the start of the reporting period
Amounts added in current period
Amounts released to income from previous periods
Balance at the end of the reporting period		 This year
Last year
£
£
- 50,000
10,667 -
-(50,000)
10,667 -
Note 7 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and on hand
Total
Short term cash investments (less than 3 months maturity date)
Short term deposits		 This year
Last year
£
£
- -
70,000 85,000
136,952 110,281
206,952 195,281

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Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)

Note 8 Charity funds

8.1 Details of material funds held and movements during the CURRENT reporting period

* Key: PE - permanent endowment funds; EE - expendible endowment funds; R - restricted income funds, including special trusts, of the charity; and U - unrestricted funds

the charity; and U - unrestricted funds
Donation - Trust & foundation
UR
Supports charitable activities
Donations - Business
UR
Supports charitable activities
Type
PE,
EE R
or UR
*
Purpose and Restrictions
Fund names**		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
114,375
-		 Income
Expenditure Transfers
Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
£
£
£
- ( 32,339) -82,036
17,537 ( 8,927) -8,610
Donations - Individual
UR
Supports charitable activities
Merchandise & workshops
UR
Supports charitable activities
Other funds - BFT activities
UR
Supports charitable activities
Restricted funding - Station projects
R
Charitable activities
Restricted funding - Community projects R
Charitable activities		 16,483
5,903
63,146
-
-		 5,178 ( 4,660) -17,001
3,914 ( 1,669) -8,148
18,799 ( 8,927) -73,018
42,550(42,550) --
20,748 ( 18,248) -2,500
-
199,907
Total Funds		 - - - --
108,726(117,320)-191,313

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)

Note 8 Charity funds (cont)

8.2 Details of material funds held and movements during the PREVIOUS reporting period

* Key: PE - permanent endowment funds; EE - expendible endowment funds; R - restricted income funds, including special trusts, of the charity; and U - unrestricted funds

* Key: PE - permanent endowment funds; EE - expendible endowment fu
of the charity; and U - unrestricted funds		 nds; R - restricted income funds, including special trusts,
Donation - Trust & foundation
UR
Supports charitable activities
Donations - Individual
UR
Supports charitable activities
Merchandise & workshops
UR
Supports charitable activities
Other funds - BFT activities
UR
Supports charitable activities
Restricted funding - Station projects
R
Charitable activities

Restricted funding - Community projects R
Charitable activities


Fund names
Type
PE,
EE R
or UR
*
Purpose and Restrictions**		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
Income
Expenditure Transfers
Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
£
£
£
£
65,743 97,250 ( 48,618) -114,375
11,304 10,357 ( 5,178) -16,483
4,685 2,435 ( 1,217) -5,903
53,139 20,012 ( 10,005) -63,146
- 45,330 ( 45,330) --
- 8,730 ( 8,730) --
- - - --

Total Funds		 134,871 184,114(119,078)-199,907

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Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)

Note 9 Transactions with trustees and related parties

If the charity has any transactions with related parties (other than the trustee expenses explained in guidance notes) details of such transactions should be provided in this note. If there are no transactions to report, please enter “True” in the box or "False" if there are transactions to report.

9.1 Trustee remuneration and benefits

This year

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with their charity or a related entity (True or False)

TRUE

In the period the charity has paid trustees remuneration and benefits. Please give the amount of, and legal authority for, any remuneration or other benefits paid to a trustee by the charity or any institution or company connected with it.

Last year

None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with their charity or a related entity (True or False)

TRUE

9.2 Trustees' expenses

If the charity has paid trustees expenses for fulfilling their duties, details of such transactions should be provided in this note. If there are no transactions to report, please enter “True” in the box below. If there are transactions to report, please enter "False".

No trustee expenses have been incurred (True or False)

TRUE

9.3 Transaction(s) with related parties

Please give details of any transaction undertaken by (or on behalf of) the charity in which a related party has a material interest, including where funds have been held as agent for related parties. If there are no such transactions, please enter 'true' in the box provided.

This year

This year
Last year
There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period (True or False)
There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period (True or False)		 TRUE
TRUE

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

BEE FRIENDLY TRUST POLICY DOCUMENTS

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

The Bee Friendly Trust is committed to encouraging equality, diversity, and inclusion among our workforce, including our volunteers, and eliminating unlawful discrimination.

The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best.

The charity - in providing goods and/or services and/or facilities - is also committed against unlawful discrimination of customers or the public.

This policy’s purpose is to:

  1. Provide equality, fairness, and respect for all in our employment, whether temporary, part-time or full-time, or volunteering.

2. Not unlawfully discriminate because of the Equality Act 2010 protected

characteristics of:

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The Bee Friendly Trust Trustees report and financial Statements For the year ending 30 April 2025

The charity commits to:

  1. Encourage equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace as they are good practice and make business sense

  2. Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all, and where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued. This commitment includes training managers and all other employees and volunteers about their rights and responsibilities under the equality, diversity and inclusion policy. Responsibilities include staff conducting themselves to help the charity provide equal opportunities in employment, and prevent bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination.

All staff should understand they, as well as their employer, can be held liable for acts of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, in the course of their employment, against fellow employees, customers, suppliers and the public

  1. Take seriously complaints of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination by fellow employees, customers, suppliers, visitors, the public and any others in the course of the charity’s work activities.

Such acts will be dealt with as misconduct under the charity’s grievance and/or disciplinary procedures, and appropriate action will be taken. Particularly serious complaints could amount to gross misconduct and lead to dismissal without notice. Further, sexual harassment may amount to both an employment rights matter and a criminal matter, such as in sexual assault allegations. In addition, harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 – which is not limited to circumstances where harassment relates to a protected characteristic – is a criminal offence.

  1. Make opportunities for training, development, and progress available to all staff and volunteers who will be helped and encouraged to develop their full potential, so their talents and resources can be fully utilised to maximise the efficiency of the charity.

  2. Make decisions concerning staff being based on merit (apart from in any necessary and limited exemptions and exceptions allowed under the Equality Act).

  3. Review employment practices and procedures when necessary to ensure fairness, and also update them and the policy to take account of changes in the law.

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  1. Monitor the make-up of the workforce regarding information such as age, sex, ethnic background, sexual orientation, religion or belief, and disability in encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion, and in meeting the aims and commitments set out in the equality, diversity and inclusion policy.

Monitoring will also include assessing how the equality, diversity and inclusion policy, and any supporting action plan, are working in practice, reviewing them annually, and considering and taking action to address any issues.

The equality, diversity and inclusion policy was agreed by the charity’s trustees and is reviewed annually. Details of the charity’s grievance and disciplinary policies and procedures can be obtained from the Chair of Trustees. This includes with whom an employee or volunteer should raise a grievance.

Environmental policy

The Bee Friendly Trust recognises that it has a responsibility to the environment beyond legal and regulatory requirements. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact and continually improving our environmental performance as an integral part of our business strategy and operating methods. We will encourage customers, suppliers and other stakeholders to do the same.

Luke Dixon, CEO, is responsible for ensuring that this environmental policy is implemented, however, all employees have a responsibility in their area to ensure that the aims and objectives of this policy are met.

We endeavour to:

1. Paper

We will:

2. Energy and water

We will seek to:

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3. Office supplies

We will:

4. Transportation

We will:

5. Maintenance and cleaning

We will:

6. Monitoring and improvement

We will:

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7. Culture

We will:

Sustainable Procurement Policy

Sustainable Procurement “A process whereby organisations meet their needs for goods, services, works and utilities in a way that achieves value for money on a whole life basis and generates benefits not only to the organisation, but also to society, the economy and the environment”.

The Bee Friendly Trust accepts its responsibility through its business practices and policies to enhance and be accountable for the social, economic, and environmental aspects of its local community and the communities that it operates within.

The Bee Friendly Trust are conscious that our activities affect the environment in which we exist, and we are acting to minimise negative environmental and social impacts associated with the products and services we supply and purchase.

The Bee Friendly Trust acknowledge our responsibilities in delivering this policy and recognise the importance of engaging our suppliers and (internal) customers in its implementation. In addition to supporting The Bee Friendly Trust Environmental Management System and complying with The Bee Friendly Trust broader Environmental Policy, we will embrace the following principles:

Organisational commitment to making more sustainable choices when applying our services through procurement. This means identifying more sustainable ways of meeting requirements and designing sustainable procurement specifications accordingly. The approach will address the social, economic, and environmental implications of product and service choices. When relevant it will embrace whole- life costing and address how aspects such as design, manufacturing materials, operating costs, energy consumption, waste and recycling options support a more

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sustainable approach; and working in partnership with our suppliers and contractors to minimise the environmental and social impacts of our supply chain.

Procurement Policy Statement

The Bee Friendly Trust will incorporate sustainability into our everyday procurement activity to benefit society, the economy, and the environment.

The Bee Friendly Trust will purchase goods and supply services in a way that minimises the impact on the environment where it is practical and economically viable.

The Bee Friendly Trust will initiate savings in materials, energy, reduce waste, and promote a sustainable approach to the way we conduct our business.

Working with colleagues and suppliers we will ensure whole-life costs are considered and that, where practical and economically viable, purchases have been manufactured and are delivered, used, and disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

This policy will be supported by a Sustainable Procurement Strategy and Delivery Plan covering the 10 Steps to Sustainable Procurement, together with specific objectives and targets. This policy, strategy, and delivery plan will be reviewed annually.

Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

The Bee Friendly Trust has considered its responsibilities to young people and adults at risk participating in its workshops and other educational activities very carefully and has produced the following Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy and underpinning procedures to set out the standards we wish to uphold in providing activities for children and safeguarding the welfare of children in our care.

1. Policy statement

The Bee Friendly Trust acknowledges its duty of care to safeguard the welfare of all young people (defined as those under 18) and adults at risk taking part in its workshops and other educational activities.

All young people have a right to protection, and have their particular needs taken into account. The Bee Friendly Trust will therefore endeavour to ensure the safety and protection of all young people involved with the Trust through these child protection guidelines adopted by the Trustees of the Trust. It is the responsibility of all adults working with the Trust to assist the Trustees in this endeavour.

2. Policy aims

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3. Principles

4. Responsibilities and communication

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Health & Safety Policy

Purpose of policy

The Bee Friendly Trust (the Employer) takes health and safety issues seriously and is committed to protecting the health and safety of its staff and volunteers and all those affected by its business activities and attending its projects.

Employer responsibilities

  1. The Employer is responsible for taking reasonable steps to safeguard the health and safety of staff, people affected by the Employer’s business activities and of people visiting its projects.

  2. The Trustees have overall responsibility for health and safety and has appointed Emma Pritchard and Luke Dixon as the Principal Health and Safety Officers with day-to-day responsibility for health and safety matters.

  3. Any concerns about health and safety matters should be notified to the Principal Health and Safety Officers.

Staff and volunteer responsibilities

  1. All staff and volunteers must take responsible care for their own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions.

The Trust has devised these working protocols which all staff and volunteers must follow when working on station projects:

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Grievance procedure

1. Dealing with grievances informally

If you have a grievance or complaint about your work or someone you work with you should start by speaking with your manager wherever possible. You may be able to agree a solution informally between you. Your manager will usually be whoever you are working with on the day. Otherwise refer the matter to Luke Dixon or Emma Pritchard.

2. Formal grievance

If the matter is serious or you wish to raise it formally you should put the grievance in writing to your manager, as above. You should keep to the facts and avoid language that is insulting or abusive.

If your grievance is against your manager and you feel unable to approach them, you should raise it with Luke or Emma. If your grievance is with them you should refer the matter to the Trustees. A current list of Trustees and contacts can be found on the charity’s website.

3. Grievance hearing

Your manager or a Trustee will call you to a meeting, usually within 5 working days, to discuss your grievance. You have the right to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative.

After the meeting your manager or the Trustee will give you a decision in writing, usually within 24 hours.

If the manager or the Trustee needs more information before making a decision, they will inform you of this and the timescale.

4. Appeal

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If you are unhappy with the decision on your grievance you can raise an appeal. You should tell your manager or the Trustee who handled your grievance.

You will be invited to an appeal meeting, normally within 5 working days, with a more senior manager (or a different Trustee). You have the right to be accompanied by a colleague or trade union representative.

After the meeting the manager (or Trustee) will give you a decision, usually within 24 hours. That decision is final.

Charity Governance Code

The Trust follows the principles of the Charity Governance Code.

There are seven principles which make up this Code. These seven principles build

on the assumption that a charity is meeting its legal and regulatory responsibilities as a foundation.

1. Organisational purpose

The board is clear about the charity’s aims and ensures that these are being

delivered effectively and sustainably.

2. Leadership

Every charity is led by an effective board that provides strategic leadership in line

with the charity’s aims and values.

3. Integrity

The board acts with integrity, adopting values and creating a culture which help

achieve the organisation’s charitable purposes. The board is aware of the

importance of the public’s confidence and trust in charities, and trustees undertake

their duties accordingly.

4. Decision-making, risk and control

The board makes sure that its decision-making processes are informed, rigorous and timely and that effective delegation, control and risk assessment and management systems are set up and monitored.

5. Board effectiveness

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The board works as an effective team, using the appropriate balance of skills,

experience, backgrounds and knowledge to make informed decisions.

  1. Equality, diversity and inclusion

The board’s approach to diversity supports its effectiveness, leadership and

decision-making.

  1. Openness and accountability

The board leads the organisation in being transparent and accountable. The charity

is open in its work, unless there is good reason for it not to be.

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