Swim Narberth CIO
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CIO
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Registered Charity Number: 1162606
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2024
Swim Narberth CIO Trustee Report & Accounts 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2024
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Swim Narberth CIO
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the period 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2024
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| About Swim Narberth CIO | 3 |
| Trustees' report | 4-7 |
| Statement of financial activities | 8-9 |
| Notes to the accounts | 10 |
| Examiner's report | 11 |
Prepared by Chris Walters (Chairman) and Ann Stephens & Co Ltd Accountants
Swim Narberth CIO Trustee Report & Accounts 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2024
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Swim Narberth CIO
Trustee’s Report
The Trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st October 2024.
The Trustees have prepared the report in accordance with the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Swim Narberth CIO
Charity Number: 1162606
Registered in England and Wales - Registered Office
Swim Narberth CIO Narberth Swimming Pool, The Old School Estate Station Road Narberth Pembrokeshire SA67 7AD
Trustees
Mr. Christopher Walters (Chairman) Mrs Nina Goldsworthy-Griffiths Mr Richard Jones Mrs Judith Jones
Governing document
Registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 22st January 2015
Bankers
NatWest Bank 18 High Street Haverfordwest Pembrokeshire SA61 2DE
Independent Examiner
Ann Stephens & Company Ltd. The Lodge Allensbank Providence Hill Narberth Pembrokeshire SA67 8RF
Swim Narberth CIO Trustee Report & Accounts 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2024
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Swim Narberth CIO
History
Swim Narberth CIO was formed from the Friends of Narberth Pool (FoNP), who in December 2013 decided to challenge the decision of Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC) to close Narberth Swimming Pool.
In January 2014, FoNP became formally constituted and developed a viable and sustainable plan to take over and run the pool for the benefit of the community.
After presenting the plan to PCC, the group was given three months to raise £80,000 from private sources to enable the takeover to proceed.
In total, FoNP raised in excess of £120,000.
Swim Narberth CIO was formally constituted in April 2014 and took over a 125-year lease of the grounds, buildings, and full management of the pool on 1st November 2014.
The organisation was later registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 9th July 2015.
Structure, Governance and Management
Swim Narberth CIO was registered as a charity on 9th July 2015 and is governed according to its constitution as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) by the Trustees.
The charity has four Trustees, who meet quarterly with the Pool Manager to:
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Set policies and determine strategy.
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Make management decisions.
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Review operations to ensure they continue to meet the aims and objectives of the charity.
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Review all income and expenditure of the charity.
All Trustees serve on a voluntary basis. The four Trustees were appointed for an unlimited term; natural turnover will occur as required, and a review will be carried out when appropriate. New Trustees will be recruited as needed.
The pool is supported by a Friends of Narberth Pool (FONP) Committee, which includes Trustees, members of the Friends of Narberth Pool, pool users, representatives of other community groups, and other interested individuals.
The General Committee plays an important role in:
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Raising funds.
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Recruiting volunteers.
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Hosting events in support of the pool.
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) for the Friends of Narberth Pool is held in December, at which future plans are reviewed and the strategy for the coming year is agreed.
Public benefit statement
The charity advances its objectives for public benefit by providing an affordable swimming pool for the community and members of the general public.
Swim Narberth CIO delivers a wide range of services, including:
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Public swimming sessions.
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Swimming lessons for five local schools.
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Private swimming lessons.
Swim Narberth CIO Trustee Report & Accounts 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2024
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Swim Narberth CIO
- A variety of water-based activities designed to promote good health, enjoyment, and water safety.
Through these activities, the charity supports both physical and mental wellbeing, fosters community engagement, and helps ensure that swimming remains accessible and inclusive for all.
Risk Management & Safeguarding
All staff and volunteers are fully trained for the positions they hold. The Pool Manager/Safeguarding Lead is specifically trained in both safety and safeguarding management. All policies, procedures and training are regularly reviewed and updated in line with best practice and the standards applied in municipal swimming pools across the county, with the support of our external HR & HSE advisory company, Key Group Services Ltd.
In addition to operational and financial risks, the charity recognises the importance of safeguarding risks. Robust safeguarding policies and procedures are in place to protect children, young people, and vulnerable adults who use the pool. All staff and volunteers receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role, and concerns are dealt with promptly and in line with statutory guidance.
It is the policy of Swim Narberth CIO to proactively identify, assess and manage risks inherent in our services, operations and strategic plans. This approach ensures the safety and wellbeing of service users, protects the assets of the charity, and supports the long-term sustainability of the pool for the community.
Objectives and Activities
In addition to public swimming and lessons for all ages, Swim Narberth CIO provides a wide range of activities, including:
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Parent and Baby classes
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Parent and Toddler classes
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Junior Life Saving Club
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Swimming lessons for local schools
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Aqua-Fit classes
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Over 55 Club
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Ladies Only sessions
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Canoe Club
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Swimming for the Disabled
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Swimming for the Autistic
The pool also has a meeting room, which is used for:
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Training courses for Lifeguards, First Aid, and Life Saving
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Over 55 Club activities
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Children’s pool parties
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Training sessions
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A free venue for any local community group requiring a meeting space
Communication with the community is supported through our website (www.Swim Narberth CIO.com) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/Swim Narberth CIO). We also produce an annual Pool Newsletter, which is distributed by email to subscribers and displayed in the meeting room and on community notice boards.
Swim Narberth CIO Trustee Report & Accounts 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2024
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Swim Narberth CIO
Achievements and Performance including Challenges 2023-2024
1. Grant Funding
We continue to supply Pembrokeshire County Council with schools’ swimming lessons and freeswimming provision, in line with the Welsh Assembly Government commitment.
2. Community Funding and Support
We secured a small amount of funding for Warm Spaces and training grants from local fundraising pots, alongside donations from the community.
3. Income Streams
Despite challenges, we maintained a steady and reliable income through swimming lessons and private hires.
4. Development
We began exploring a new membership software system to improve financial tracking and payment processing for swimmers, with the intention of implementing this in 2025.
Challenges & Plans
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Shortage of skilled staff has made recruitment and retention difficult.
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Turbulent management during the year, resulting in the recruitment and dismissal of a Pool Manager in a short timeframe.
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Ongoing and unforeseen repairs to the building due to poor historic workmanship, alongside significant costs in the plant room.
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A small PV fire caused damage to the building and required urgent repairs.
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Repeated plant room breakdowns led to lesson cancellations on safety grounds, reducing income and disrupting provision.
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HMRC liabilities relating to PAYE have added financial pressure.
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Repairs have overtaken expenditure, leaving limited scope for fundraising.
- Looking ahead, our plans include:
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Reviewing all services, staffing levels and timetables to ensure sustainable provision and reduce costs.
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Continuing the ongoing provision of a range of classes to meet the needs of local people, including disability sessions, women-only and exercise classes.
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Implementation of a suitable price increase to cover ongoing costs.
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Refreshing our fundraising efforts to maintain and complete improvements and encouraging our staff to get involved.
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Developing further in-house training opportunities for both children and adults through our professional offering.
Financial review and reserves policy
The charity’s total income for the year ended 31 October 2024 was £241,208 (2023: £215,452). This increase reflects higher pool and café income together with continued support from grants and donations.
Total expenditure was £238,349 (2023: £216,909). The largest costs remain wages and staff costs (£156,387), utilities, insurance and premises costs (£24,969), and professional, administrative and compliance costs. In addition, £5,148 was invested in equipment and café improvements.
Swim Narberth CIO Trustee Report & Accounts 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2024
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Swim Narberth CIO
The year closed with a small net deficit of £2,288 (2023: deficit of £6,520). While this represents an improvement on the prior year, the Trustees remain mindful that operating margins are tight, and the charity continues to face cost pressures from utilities and staffing.
At year end, the charity held unrestricted reserves of £2,468 (2023: £4,757). These remain below the level the Trustees consider necessary to provide resilience against unforeseen events. It is the Board’s intention to gradually build reserves equivalent to at least three months of core operating expenditure in order to protect the charity against volatility in income and rising costs.
To strengthen financial sustainability, the Trustees have agreed to:
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Appoint a new Manager with the skills and experience to enhance operations and income generation.
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Work with HMRC to reduce outstanding liabilities and appoint an independent financial advisor to guide financial planning.
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Increase applications for external funding, with support from PAVS in Haverfordwest.
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Review and adjust pricing for pool and café services to reflect rising operating costs.
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Continue to engage with the Welsh Government and other stakeholders to secure greater recognition and support for community swimming pools.
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Keep the community informed of financial challenges and encourage greater local engagement and support.
The Trustees will also continue to update the Risk Register and Reserves Policy, ensuring that financial and operational risks are managed effectively. Budgets and expenditure will be monitored closely to ensure resources are used efficiently in pursuit of the charity’s objectives.
The charity’s income remains below the £500,000 audit threshold under the Charities Act 2011, and the Trustees have therefore determined that the accounts will continue to be independently examined, providing assurance while avoiding the additional cost of a full audit.
Trustees' Responsibilities
The Trustees of the charity acknowledge their responsibility to:
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Maintain proper accounting records.
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Prepare annual accounts that show a true and fair view of the activities of the charity.
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Take appropriate measures to safeguard the assets of the charity and protect them from major loss or misuse.
This Report is prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the requirements of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.
Approval
This report was approved by the Trustees on the 29/August/2025 and is signed on their behalf by:
Signed:
Christopher James Walters Chairman – Swim Narberth CIO
Date:
29/08/2025
Swim Narberth CIO Trustee Report & Accounts 1st November 2023 to 31st October 2024
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Swim Narberth CIO Auditors, Re ort CHARITY COMMISSIOM FOR ENGIANO AND WAIFS Receipts and payments accounts Section A Receipts arml paYnnts lunos furbds lunds Last yu A1 Receipts &n$ I•M20 21$ 7.700 194.74) ?is. 241311 211$2 Su) io¢•lffyos• m¢om• lorARI SI tot 341200 1412Q• 215.452 ?.712 .?12 1SSJ17 arK¥ 13<019 1925? 754 2.>73 4J¥3 1¢2 74 S)2 tota 2UJ49 has•5 5.148 s.1 SI S.14• Tot•lpayments 243.0$ 245IX 211,gn 6,521 Cash lund5 last eTrJ Cash fun(ts this ye 11.177 4,756 Swim Narberth CIO Trustee Report & Accounts 1st November 2023 to 31 st October 2024 Page 8 of 11
Swim Narberth CIO (IIARIIY (OMMISSION FOI ENGLIJIDANO VIPIES Receipts and payments accounts Section B Staternent of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrstn¢ted knd5 Rstn¢i+4 hJrwJs hJrwJ5 81 C••h ld• 11 Totsl c•sh knds Diails DiJils B3 knv¢•1nI M••t• B4 A8•et8 retained ty th• Details B5 Lithilitiel Swim Narberth CIO Trustee Report & Accounts 1st November 2023 to 31 st October 2024 Page 9 of 11
Swim Narberth CIO (HARITY (OMMISSION FOQ ENGIAPID AND WIAIES Receipts and payments accounts Section C Notes to the account5 C18a•i8 ol wepwation C2 Guarantee• C3 S¢¢wed d¢bl• Swim Narberth CIO Trustee Report & Accounts 1st November 2023 to 31 st October 2024 Page 10 of 11
Swim Narberth CIO (HARNY CCWSSI( EK)M) ANO WALES Independont •xamlnees rnport on the accounts 1182•0 f# Tnri yw w¥J•d 31 2024. ••Ukni 145(SXbl ol th• •tal•m•nt Ciym to my ottonkn kn cts)¢11 wllh Iho •xm¢nbon whKh glV•S Ilkl tr• •¢¥)untsr4 r•conts nol k•pt In Kcothnc4 ¥tr4¢h ••don 130 • lh• ¢unply dKI •prAt•t48 rwuirnmnt• -zci 2Di£ R•l•w•rt Swim Narberth CIO Trustee Report & Accounts 1st November 2023 to 31 st October 2024 Page 11 of 11