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2021-08-01-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1162144

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

FOR

THE BRIDGE GROUP

UHY Calvert Smith Chartered Accountants Heritage House Murton Way Osbaldwick York North Yorkshire YO19 5UW

THE BRIDGE GROUP

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 6
Independent Examiner's Report 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 17
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 18 to 19

THE BRIDGE GROUP

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 2019).

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and Activities

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing The Bridge Group's aims and objectives and in planning future activities. Consistent with our charitable objects, our work invariably focuses on the advancement of education and the relief of disadvantage amongst young people. The trustees' definition of "disadvantaged people" is consistent with that used by academic researchers, practitioners, and as advised by government bodies including the Office for Students.

More specifically, this includes:

We collate, commission, undertake, and analyse relevant research to provide insights and learning on social mobility, and to build the evidence base underpinning policy design and implementation. The trustees' definition of "promoting social mobility" is used to capture the range of activities to further our charitable purposes, i.e., the relief of disadvantaged young people by developing their capabilities, competences, skills and understanding to enable them to achieve their full potential.

Employing this analysis, we publish briefings and reports to influence policy and system-wide reform for the benefit of disadvantaged young people. These outputs are invariably made publicly available and are sometimes published in partnership with other charitable organisations. In relation to this activity, we have carefully studied the Charity Commission's guidance, Research by Higher Education Institutions, and our understanding of this is referenced in greater detail in the local policies upheld by the Charity to guide its work in this area.

To support this process, we host events (e.g., policy seminars, research briefings - all online in this period) to promote understanding about the key educational issues affecting disadvantaged people, to help stakeholders understand their roles in furthering our charitable objectives, and to access a wide range of expertise. These events are open to all and the outputs from them are publicly shared via the website and the e-newsletter. We maintain an informal network of professionals through which colleagues share information, experience and good practice relating to our charitable objectives, and how they can most effectively collaborate to realise them. We undertake non-party political activities to promote awareness of the educational inequalities facing disadvantaged young people by speaking at conferences and events, engaging with the media, and responding to requests for information, advice, and guidance. In relation to this activity, we have carefully studied the Charity Commission's guidance, Speaking Out, and our understanding of this is referenced in greater detail in the local policies upheld by the charity to guide its work in this area.

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Achievements and performance

Our research and policy work is undertaken independently and driven by guidance from the Charity Commission. Find out more about our approach as a charity here .

Our key research themes are:

Learner progression from school and college to higher education:

Equality of student outcomes in higher education:

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace:

The Bridge Group conducts all research in accordance with our ethics policy . Data gathered through our research is managed and stored in accordance with our data security and confidentiality policy which can be found here . The Bridge Group has been awarded the Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus certification .

During this reporting period, the Charity has achieved the following highlights. The effects of the pandemic continue to expose and exacerbate the charitable needs that we work to address. Our experience has been that our work is increasingly valuable and impactful in this environment. The Bridge Group team have operated remotely since inception and adapted positively to restrictions; and the trustees and senior staff at the Charity have given attention to caring for staff and responding to their needs.

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Principal funding sources

The Charity's principal sources of funds in this period are from commissioned research, analysis, and advice, with revenue received from:

Reserves policy

The trustees' policy is to build up unreserved funds to represent at least three months' running costs, planning for adverse economic conditions and other potential threats, safeguarding the long-term future of the Charity. At 31st July 2021, the reserves of the Charity not attached to restricted or designated funds, stood at £33,347. Three months' running costs for the Charity, including the payroll costs of staff delivering paid commissioned work, were in the region of £68,000 net of VAT.

The trustees note that during this year the Charity has successfully navigated a range of challenges relating to the effects of the pandemic, including reduced revenue, and staffing absences due to caring responsibilities. It has therefore been a strategic decision to draw on a small proportion of our reserves to ensure the continued effective operation of the organisation, and to build the staffing base with confidence as the Charity looks to the opportunities for increased revenue and impact in the year ahead. Therefore, the trustees have considered all available information at the date of approving the accounts and consider the charity a going concern.

Funds in deficit

There are no funds in deficit.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document

Constitution

Charity constitution

Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ experience and skills.

Decision making

The trustees determine the strategic direction of the Charity and delegate responsibility for the day-to-day management and operations to the Chief Executive and the senior team. The Board meets on a quarterly basis to ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ .

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Induction and training of new trustees

New trustees undergo a thorough induction into the workings of the Charity.

Risk management

The trustees have examined the major strategic, business, and operational risks which the Charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to lessen these risks.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number

1162144

Principal address

Mr N Miller Lambourne house Orchard Lane York North Yorkshire YO10 3TX

Trustees

Professor Sir John Holman - Trustee, Chair Deb Conner - Trustee Nathalie Trott - Trustee Laura Yeates - Trustee Jude Heaton - Trustee Anne-Marie Canning MBE - Trustee Andre Flemmings - Trustee (Appointed 16/05/2020) Ann Easwary Swampillai - Trustee (Appointed 21/04/2021) Hephzibah Ayomide Adeosun - Trustee (Appointed 21/04/2021) Andrea Rose Waugh - Trustee (Appointed 21/04/2021) Timothy John Smith - Trustee (Appointed 21/04/2021)

Independent Examiner

Hayden Priest ICAEW UHY Calvert Smith Chartered Accountants Heritage House Murton Way Osbaldwick York North Yorkshire YO19 5UW

18 April 2022

Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:

........................................................................ Prof Sir J Holman - Trustee

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE BRIDGE GROUP

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Bridge Group

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Bridge Group (the CIO) for the year ended 31 July 2021.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the CIO, 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 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of ICAEW which is one of the listed bodies.

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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 to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Hayden Priest ICAEW UHY Calvert Smith Chartered Accountants Heritage House Murton Way Osbaldwick York North Yorkshire YO19 5UW Date: .............................................

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

2021
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
1,000
Charitable activities
Research
279,295
Total
280,295
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
2
-
Charitable activities
3
Research
318,023
Total
318,023
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(37,728)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
71,075
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
33,347
2020
Total
funds
£
2,902
355,877
358,779
11,534
304,276
315,810
42,969
28,106
71,075

The notes form part of these financial statements

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

BALANCE SHEET 31 JULY 2021

2021
Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
9
3,632
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
42,163
Cash at bank
150,466
192,629
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
11
(162,914)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
29,715
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
33,347
NET ASSETS
33,347
FUNDS
12
Unrestricted funds
33,347
TOTAL FUNDS
33,347
2020
Total
funds
£
1,378
18,225
161,780
180,005
(110,308)
69,697
71,075
71,075
71,075
71,075

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 23 March 2022 ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. Prof Sir J Holman - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The charity is a CIO ������������������������������������������� s registered office address can be found on page �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the Charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. Invoices for commissioned work are raised once the work is completed. The charitable activity of research on the face of the SoFA comprises commissioned research, analysis, and advice in relation to the objectives of the charity.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings, they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Fixed assets are measured at cost less depreciation.

Computers and Office equipment - 25% Reducing balance basis.

Taxation

The Charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

The charity had no restricted funds during the year ended 31 July 2021 nor in the preceding year.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

continued...

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

2. RAISING FUNDS

Raising donations and legacies

2021
£
Events expenses
-
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Support
Direct
costs (see
Costs
note 4)
£
£
Research
232,064
85,959
SUPPORT COSTS
Office
Finance
Governance
overheads
costs
Depreciation
costs
£
£
£
£
Research
73,136
627
1,211
10,985
Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:
Office overheads
2021
Research
£
Wages
55,469
Social security
2,839
Pensions
918
Insurance
940
Postage and stationery
-
Travel and subsistence
1,718
Computer expenses
11,252
73,136
2020
£
11,534
Totals
£
318,023
Totals
£
85,959
2020
Total
activities
£
49,544
4,356
925
940
1,229
5,124
7,611
69,729

3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

4. SUPPORT COSTS

Support costs, included in the above, are as follows:

Office overheads

continued...

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

4. SUPPORT COSTS - continued Finance costs

4. SUPPORT COSTS - continued
Finance costs
2021 2020
Total
Research activities
£ £
VAT surcharge 627 -
Depreciation
2021 2020
Total
Research activities
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 1,211 457
Governance costs
2021 2020
Total
Research activities
£ £
Independent examiner�s remuneration 1,800 3,750
Accountancy fees 750 2,100
Professional fees 8,435 2,415
10,985 8,265
5. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER�S REMUNERATION
2021 2020
£ £
Independent examiner�s remuneration 1,800 3,750

continued...

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 July 2021 nor for the year ended 31 July 2020.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 July 2021 nor for the year ended 31 July 2020.

7. STAFF COSTS

STAFF COSTS
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
2021
£
230,718
12,850
4,488
248,056
2020
£
211,328
19,922
4,402
235,652

The key management personnel of the charity comprise Nicholas Miller, Marianne Blattes, Bonita Edwards, and Penelope Jane Griffin. The total remuneration of the key management personnel, inclusive of pension and employer social security costs, was £141,580 (2020: £144,117)

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

Average number of employees 2021
9
2020
8

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

����������

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

8. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
fund
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies 2,902
Charitable activities
Research 355,877
Total 358,779
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds 11,534
Charitable activities
Research 304,276
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 42,969
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward 28,106
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 71,075

����������

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

9.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 August 2020
Additions
At 31 July 2021
DEPRECIATION
At 1 August 2020
Charge for year
At 31 July 2021
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 July 2021
At 31 July 2020
10.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade debtors
11.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Other creditors
2021
£
42,163
2021
£
3,575
144,451
14,888
162,914
Computer
equipment
£
1,971
3,470
5,441
593
1,216
1,809
3,632
1,378
2020
£
18,225
2020
£
-
102,002
8,306
110,308

����������

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
At 1/8/20
£
71,075
71,075
Incoming
resources
£
280,295
280,295
Net
movement
At
in funds
31/7/21
£
£
(37,728)
33,347
(37,728)
33,347
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(318,023)
(37,728)
(318,023)
(37,728)

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net
movement At
At 1/8/19 in funds 31/7/20
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 28,106 42,969 71,075
TOTAL FUNDS 28,106 42,969 71,075

continued...

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
358,779
358,779
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(315,810)
42,969
(315,810)
42,969

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows:

Net
movement At
At 1/8/19 in funds 31/7/21
£ £ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 28,106 5,241 33,347
TOTAL FUNDS 28,106 5,241 33,347

A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
639,074
639,074
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(633,833)
5,241
(633,833)
5,241

13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 July 2021.

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Charitable activities
Commissioned work
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Events expenses
Charitable activities
Wages
Social security
Pensions
Consultant and other direct costs
Support costs
Office overheads
Wages
Social security
Pensions
Insurance
Postage and stationery
Travel and subsistence
Computer expenses
Finance costs
VAT surcharge
Depreciation
Computer equipment
Governance costs
Independent examiner��������������
Carried forward
2021
£
1,000
279,295
280,295
-
175,249
10,011
3,570
43,234
232,064
55,469
2,839
918
940
-
1,718
11,252
73,136
627
1,211
1,800
1,800
2020
£
2,902
355,877
358,779
11,534
161,784
15,566
3,477
44,998
225,825
49,544
4,356
925
940
1,229
5,124
7,611
69,729
-
457
3,750
3,750

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

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THE BRIDGE GROUP

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2021

Governance costs
Brought forward
Accountancy fees
Professional fees
Total resources expended
Net (expenditure)/income
2021
£
1,800
750
8,435
10,985
318,023
(37,728)
2020
£
3,750
2,100
2,415
8,265
315,810
42,969

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

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