North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network (operating as Race Equality North Somerset) Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Charity Registered in England and Wales Number: 1162483
North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network Reference and Administrative Details For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Trustees
I Noah (Chair) S Ahmed Y Clark K Roberts
Registered Office The Other Place 81-83 Meadow Street Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QL
Independent Examiner Michelle Ferris BSc (Hons) FCA DChA Albert Goodman LLP Goodwood House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton Somerset TA1 2PX
North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network (operating under the name of Race Equality North Somerset or RENS) is a registered charity. The trustees present their Report, together with the Financial Statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023, which have been prepared in accordance with the current statutory requirements, and its governing documents.
Constitution
North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, number 1162483, controlled and managed by the trustees, under a governing document dated 1 July 2015.
Trustees
The following were Trustees during the year and since the year end:
I Noah (Chair) S Ahmed Y Clark (appointed 5 January 2023) K Roberts
Trustees are appointed by the current board, based on their expertise and experience of the charity. New trustees receive a copy of the charity’s constitution, accounts and major policies on appointment. It is anticipated that any new trustees are likely to already be aware of the charity’s operations but full briefing will be given by existing trustees if required.
The charity is run on a day to day basis by its trustees. All trustees are volunteers and practically the operations are carried out by volunteers, both trustees and others. The charity does not have any paid staff.
The trustees consider the major risks to the charity at every meeting and what is being done to manage them.
Principal Activities and Objectives
The objects of the CIO as set out in the governing document are: “ To promote the social inclusion for the public benefit by working with people in North Somerset who are socially excluded on the grounds of their ethnic origin and to relieve the needs of such people and assist them to integrate into society and to promote racial harmony, in particular but not exclusively by all or any of the following means:
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The advancement of education, social and economic inclusion and good race relations by eliminating discrimination on the grounds of race and encouraging equality of opportunity between the racial groups in the area of benefit;
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Assisting in the development of voluntary sector organisations representing those persons referred to above;
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Promoting the efficient application of resources for charitable purposes by charities and voluntary organisations working for the benefit of or for the furtherance of the minority ethnic voluntary sector in the area of benefit.
North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Achievements and Performance
At the end of 2021, through grant funding, Race Equality North Somerset (RENS) had received over £270k to help build a community hubs network in Weston through a programme of complexity-informed Participatory Action Research. New premises, acquired in February 2022, had been officially opened at the end of March as ‘The Other Place’, a space for inclusive, community-led experimentation and action.
Operating as a ‘no agenda’ space and Public Living Room, it has brought together communities and individuals with a wide variety of lived experiences. It provides opportunities for many new connections to be made leading to the growth of a diverse, inclusive and welcoming community, a ‘second home’ for many.
The Other Place also provides an important base for RENS activities, supporting the development of existing projects, opening up new opportunities for significant new initiatives and facilitating widespread community engagement.
Lasting partnerships were formed with other community organisations working with frequently marginalised groups This supported an intersectional approach, and the growth and expansion of trusted networks. Strong working relationships were also developed with voluntary sector organisations working at scale and at a strategic level, with North Somerset Council, Weston Town Council, and many VCSFE organisations including those working within the Integrated Care System locally.
These wider strategic partnerships have been particularly important in what has been a period of significant and substantial change, post-pandemic, within the public sector. With the increased focus on community engagement and collaboration, The Other Place has provided an important point of connection between the public sector and frequently marginalised communities.
The work carried out has provided valuable, detailed insights into the challenges being faced by many and some of the wider systemic issues at a local level. Importantly, it has highlighted opportunities for building strength and expanding reach through the development of a community ecosystem that helps to address complex interrelated racial, cultural and social problems in ways that benefit all.
Significant charitable activities undertaken in the year were:
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Successful management, distribution and delivery of the largest single Community Renewal Grant received by any local voluntary charity of our size, has demonstrated not only our capacity for innovation, but also our capacity for competent project leadership and management, further building our credibility and relevance as a charity worthy of having been bestowed with the Queens Award for Voluntary Services in 2020.
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Developing a Cultural Heritage and Anti-Racism education programme that engages with national initiatives such as Race Equality Week, Black Inclusion Week, Black History Month and Islamophobia Awareness Month and brings a local focus. Benefits have included developing connections with leading organisations nationally, opportunities to promote initiatives to local organisations and more sustained and sustainable outreach programmes.
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Creating a welcome space for members of the Refugee and Asylum Seeker communities provided an important place of connection that helped combat isolation, build friendships, and facilitate the work of support organisations. The evidence of need generated a range of new initiatives led by others, which continue to be supported by RENS.
North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
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Direct support for over 40 different projects, organisations, events and activities has contributed to raising awareness of the issues, shared learning, and also providing specific services and resources, and improving community relations.
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Support for cultural groups has helped amplify work being carried out by existing groups, created a new social and cultural support organisation for the African and Caribbean community, and brought new connections and strengthened existing.
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Setting up ‘Cookspace’, a community kitchen that helps tackle food insecurity, has facilitated the development of new cooking skills and the regular sharing of food from a range of cultures within the wider community.
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Supporting the development of other community spaces has built strong partnerships and an interconnected community hubs network that continues to grow.
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The publication of three reports: ‘Time for Change: Developing an Anti-Racism Strategy for Weston’ , ‘ Talking Towns: A Place Based Conversational AI Project’ , and ‘The Other Place: A Feasibility Study’ has shared learning and contributed to the understanding of some of the issues faced by racially and culturally minoritised groups.
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Highlighting the importance of tackling racism as a complex problem and using Wicked Lab’s Tool for Systemic Change to demonstrate the advantages of a transparent and accountable system that supports collaborative action, tracks activity, avoid duplication and identifies gaps in effort.
The pandemic brought with it significant social change and starkly highlighted the impact of inequalities on individuals and communities. Key priorities included bringing people back together in positive ways to rebuild connections and support wellbeing, understanding need within an emerging context and identifying the ways RENS could have most impact.
Through a complexity-informed programme of Participatory Action Research, we created a ‘safe-to-fail’, experimental environment to explore these issues and the resulting outcomes significantly exceeded expectations.
The Other Place provided an incubator space for initiatives and brought many together who would not otherwise have been likely to meet. It normalised and celebrated diversity and created fertile ground for new conversations and collaborations to develop. Importantly, the complexity-informed approach identified issues of equity and inclusion that need serious consideration if wellbeing initiatives are to achieve their objectives and we began to develop replicable ways of working that would actively contribute to success.
The rapid growth of the Community Hubs Network demonstrated clear need. The day-to-day involvement has built understandings of the work being carried out by all, and the depth and strength of the partnerships that were developed continues to provide active, informal and formal support for all involved – significantly enriching the range of opportunities available.
At a strategic level, RENS involvement in a range of Public and VCSE sector initiatives has built connectivity and supported the reciprocal flow of information between these initiatives and grass roots, front-line projects.
North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Quantitative and qualitative measures have been used to assess both the number of connections made and their impact.
During the Community Hubs funded period we counted visits to The Other Place for events and for drop-in visits. Throughout the period, numbers notably increased for both. We also counted ‘Knowledge Transfers’, each representing a significant level of engagement with another organisation. During the ‘Cookspace’ funded project, we counted the number of hot meals provided, the number of people with improved cooking skills and the number of people visiting the Public Living Room.
While these provided useful measures at specific points in time, a primary focus has been on building a well-connected, strong and inclusive, distributed system that enables individuals and communities to take action and that supports initiatives to create a cohesive community, where all feel they belong. We have supported the opening of five new community spaces, two new social enterprises, and multiple new community groups (both formal and informal). These have significantly contributed to the development of a wide reaching, trusted network.
However, perhaps the most significant measure is the success of The Other Place. What started as a time-limited feasibility study has established itself as a known and valued resource within the community and is continuing to provide a base for RENS to develop further initiatives of direct benefit to the RENS community.
The most significant challenge for us during this period was the rapid growth of a wide range of activities within a fast-changing context, as the country and public sector emerged from the pandemic. This was positive in the opportunities it created, but it also presented a need to restructure internal operations, policies and procedures to take account of new systems emerging in the wider context and to build capacity at speed. This work is ongoing.
The Trustees confirm that they have paid due consideration to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, as described in our charitable objects.
As the oldest and most experienced charity run for and by ethnic minorities in North Somerset and the only locally based charity solely dedicated to promoting racial equality and with a successful record of strategic impact and community-wide engagement, we continue to ensure that the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit is appropriately fulfilled.
We are grateful for the support of our funders including the UK Government Community Renewal Fund and the National Grid. We are also grateful for the support of our Patron, the Deputy Lieutenant Denis Burn as well as the High Sheriffs of Somerset; the Town Mayor and Town Council of Weston-superMare, North Somerset Council, and the many VCSFE organisations and individuals with whom we work and who generously provide us with their time, experience and expertise. Thank you to everyone who has, and continues to, support our work.
North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network Trustees’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Financial Review
The income of the charity rose by £60,623 in the year to 31 March 2023, to £176,476 (2022 - £115,853). This was due entirely to the final receipt of Community Renewal Funding from North Somerset Council, amounting to £164,677 (2022 - £109,785). Associated expenditure also rose from £70,665 to £202,140, meaning that the charity generated a deficit for the year of £25,664 (2022 – surplus of £45,188). This is entirely due to spending down the Community Renewal Funding which was brought forward from the prior year. The project was completed in November 2022, and the fund was fully spent, with a management charge being shown as a transfer between funds. There was a net surplus on the unrestricted funds for the year of £3,351.
Overall, the funds of the charity carried forward totalled £29,648 (2022 - £55,312), entirely made up of unrestricted funds (2022 – restricted surplus of £50,583 for the Community Renewal Fund.
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards relevant to smaller charities preparing their accounts on the receipts and payments basis.
The 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 state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which 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, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed/constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the board on 30 January 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
I Noah
Trustee
North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network Independent Examiners’ Report For the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Independent examiners report to the Trustees of North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of North Somerset Black and Minority Ethnic Network (“the charity”) for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as 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 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not comply with these records.
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.
Michelle Ferris BSc (Hons) FCA DChA
Albert Goodman LLP Weston Gateway Business Park 3 Filers Way Weston-super-Mare BS24 7JP
Date: 31 January 2024
Charity Name No (if any) North Somerset Black and Minority Ethic Network 1162483 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period Period start date Period end date To from 01/04/2022 31/03/2023
| Section A Receipts and payments | Section A Receipts and payments | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ - 800 999 10,000 - - - - 11,799 - - - 11,799 110 - 425 - 1,918 91 27 - - 2,946 265 1,200 450 - - - - 792 224 8,448 - - - 8,448 3,351 21,568 4,729 29,648 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ 164,677 - - - - - - - 164,677 - - - 164,677 295 34,747 4,890 7,300 78,729 1,332 3,496 6,779 408 9,520 6,949 2,100 14,982 - 4,650 7,513 2,123 7,613 266 193,692 - - - 193,692 - 29,015 - 21,568 50,583 - |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds to the nearest £ 164,677 800 999 10,000 - - - - 176,476 - - - 176,476 405 34,747 5,315 7,300 80,647 1,423 3,523 6,779 408 12,466 7,214 3,300 15,432 - 4,650 7,513 2,123 8,405 490 202,140 - - - 202,140 - 25,664 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|
| North Somerset D.C Grant | - | 109,785 | ||||
| Donations | 800 | 6,055 | ||||
| Other Income | 999 | 13 | ||||
| National Grid funding | 10,000 | - | ||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| - | - | |||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
11,799 | 115,853 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
||||||
| - | ||||||
| - | - | |||||
| Sub total | - | - | ||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
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| 115,853 | ||||||
Bank Charges |
110 | 71 | ||||
| Projects & Equipment | - | 14,400 | ||||
| Kitchen expenses | 425 | - | ||||
| Media and comms | - | - | ||||
| Events | 1,918 | - | ||||
| Mileage | 91 | - | ||||
| Accountancy | 27 | - | ||||
| Rates | - | - | ||||
| Insurance | - | 312 | ||||
| Utilities | 2,946 | 1,004 | ||||
| Other Expenditure | 265 | 6,937 | ||||
| Rent | 1,200 | 15,480 | ||||
| TrainingCourses and classes | 450 | 5,189 | ||||
| Softwares and Websites | - | 26,723 | ||||
| Donations | - | - | ||||
| LGBT forum | - | - | ||||
| Renewproject | - | - | ||||
| The Other Place | 792 | - | ||||
| Telephone Charges | 224 | 549 | ||||
| **Sub total ** | 8,448 | 70,665 | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases (see table) |
||||||
| , | - | |||||
| - | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | ||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
||||||
| 70,665 | ||||||
| 3,351 | - 29,015 | - | - 25,664 |
45,188 | ||
| 21,568 | - 21,568 | - | - | - | ||
| 4,729 | 50,583 | - | 55,312 | 10,124 | ||
| 29,648 | - | - | 29,648 | 55,312 |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
31/01/2024
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| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at | Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at | the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
Signature Ian Noah Accountancy Details Details Cash at bank and in hand Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 29,648 - - - - - 29,648 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) 1,320 - - - - Print Name I Noah |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval |
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| Ian Noah | I Noah | 30/01/2024 | |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
31/01/2024
2