## **BritishUkrainian Aid**
## **2023 ANNUAL REPORT**
**www.british-ukrainianaid.org**
## **British-Ukrainian Aid**
A charitable company limited by guarantee
## **ANNUAL REPORT and Financial Statements**
**For the Year Ended 29 December 2023**
Charity number 1164472 Company number 9364712
Annual Report • 2023
**British-Ukrainian Aid**
## **Table of contents**
|Legal and Administrative Information
Our Aims and Objectives
How Our Activities Deliver Public Beneft
Charity Main Areas of Help In 2023
Financial Review
Independent Auditor’s Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Accounts|Legal and Administrative Information
Our Aims and Objectives
How Our Activities Deliver Public Beneft
Charity Main Areas of Help In 2023
Financial Review
Independent Auditor’s Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Accounts|Legal and Administrative Information
Our Aims and Objectives
How Our Activities Deliver Public Beneft
Charity Main Areas of Help In 2023
Financial Review
Independent Auditor’s Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Accounts|Legal and Administrative Information
Our Aims and Objectives
How Our Activities Deliver Public Beneft
Charity Main Areas of Help In 2023
Financial Review
Independent Auditor’s Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Accounts|Legal and Administrative Information
Our Aims and Objectives
How Our Activities Deliver Public Beneft
Charity Main Areas of Help In 2023
Financial Review
Independent Auditor’s Report
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Statement of Cash Flows
Notes to the Accounts||7
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Legal and
Administrative
Information
Annual Report • 2023
**British-Ukrainian Aid**
The Board Committee presents its directors’ report and audited financial statements for the year ended 29 December 2023.
**Charity name British-Ukrainian Aid Charity registration number** 1164472 **Company registration number** 9364712
**Principle Office and** 154 Holland Park Avenue, London, W11 4UH **Registered Office Address**
## **Names of the Charity trustees who managed the Charity in the reporting period**
**Mr Andrii Mykhaylov**
Trustee, termination of appointment on 20 March 2023
**Mrs Natalia Ravlyuk** Trustee
**Dr Rainer-Elk Anders** Trustee, appointed 6 May 2023 **Dr Tetyana Vovnyanko** Trustee
**Mrs Yuliya Shyyan** Trustee, termination of appointment on 5 February 2023
## **Auditors**
**Goldwins Limited** 75 Maygrove Road, West Hampstead, London, NW6 2EG
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OurAims
and Objectives
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**British-Ukrainian Aid**
## **Our charity’s purposes, as set out in the objects contained in the company’s memorandum of association, are to:**
**1. The relief and assistance of people** in any part of the world who are the victims of war or natural disaster, trouble, or catastrophe, in particular by the supply of medical aid to such persons and organisations caring for them.
For the purpose of this clause “medical aid” means goods, services and facilities necessary for the provision of medical treatment and rehabilitation; financial assistance for covering the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation.
**2. To promote social inclusion** for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society.
For the purpose of this clause, “socially excluded” means being excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of one of more of the following factors[:]
- unemployment;
- financial hardship;
- youth or old age;
- ill health (physical or mental);
- substance abuse or dependency including alcohol and drugs;
- discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, disability, ethnic origin, religion,
- belief, creed, sexual orientation or gender re-assignment;
- poor educational or skills attainment;
- relationship and family breakdown;
- poor housing (that is, housing that does not meet basic habitable standards;
- crime (either as a victim of crime or as an offender rehabilitating into society).
**3. To advance the education** of the general public in Ukrainian culture and its history.
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## **Ensuring our work delivers our aims**
We conduct an annual review of the Charity’s activities to ensure that we are meeting the Charity’s goals and objectives. This review evaluates the charity’s accomplishments and the results of the teamwork over the past 12 months. We assess each significant activity and the benefits it has provided to the groups of people we are set to assist.
The review also helps us confirm that the aims, objectives, and activities remain aligned with the charitable purposes. When reviewing our aims and objectives and planning our future activities, we have considered the requirements outlined in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.
## **The focus of our work**
Our focus in 2023 has remained consistent with the priorities identified in 2022, ensuring ongoing support where it is most needed.
The team continued to provide aid to those affected by the war in Ukraine. We maintained our core objectives, focusing on facilitating the evacuation of the wounded and supplying essential medical equipment and supplies for war casualties and the injured. The charity supported organisations on the ground that provide care to those impacted by the conflict.
- **Ambulances and Evacuation Vehicles:** providing transportation and evacuation for injured and vulnerable individuals.
- **Medical Equipment and Aid** : supplying essential medical equipment, including first medical aid and tactical medicine; helping with prosthetics and rehabilitation treatment.
## **• Humanitarian Aid:**
- providing funding to support communication technologies (e.g., satellite-enabled systems) used by the rescuers to enhance their services and to help with evacuation in the dangerous zones affected by the war;
- supplying power stations and generators to help people in Ukraine with extended electricity blackouts.
Our online platforms and social media continued raising awareness and enhanced the general public’s understanding of Ukraine’s history, culture and current situation in Ukraine.
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How Our
Activities
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## **Who used and benefited from our services**
In 2023, we continued to support medical institutions and organisations on the ground caring for people affected by war by supplying first medical aid, essential equipment and the vehicles used on the grounds to transport paramedics and evacuate war casualties.
Our focus was delivering ambulances and evacuation vehicles to hospitals and frontline medics. This enhanced their mobility, allowing them to reach and treat the injured and wounded more swiftly, ultimately saving more lives.
We also continued supplying **Individual First Aid Kits** (IFAKs), providing civilians, rescuers, and paramedics with immediate access to life-saving medical tools in areas where medical assistance was limited or unavailable.
Additionally, we partnered with charitable organisations in Ukraine to assist amputees and supply unique parts for prosthetics; help them to receive rehabilitation after serious injuries, helping them regain a more active and healthy life.
Thanks to our supporters and donors, we also responded to the Kakhovka Dam disaster by supplying several hospitals in the region with filtration systems, ensuring access to clean water. As a result, the medical team could continue treating patients.
## **How do we do this**
In 2023, British-Ukrainian Aid expanded and fortified the network of local partners, non-government organisations based in Ukraine, and volunteers, who continued to be the driving force behind the Charity’s initiatives.
The Charity’s structure remained the same as in 2022, where the dedicated volunteer groups worked on the main projects and focused on specific tasks. However, to enhance our day-to-day operations, we introduced a few paid positions, including a bookkeeper and an administrator, to better support our work.
## **Charity partnering organisations**
In 2023, the charity continued working with UK and Ukraine-based charities and NGOs that shared the similar objectives and areas of help. The combination of shared vision and joint efforts helped us achieve our mission of delivering medical and humanitarian aid directly to end-users in Ukraine.
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Our main partners included _Support Ukraine_ , _Medical Life Lines Ukraine (MLLU), SMART Medical Aid, Hospitallers Ukraine Aid_ , _Forest Initiatives and Communities,_ and the _Citizen/Gromadyanyn Charity Foundation_ .
In 2023, _Support Ukraine_ continued to be an instrumental partner in coordinating logistics from London to Ukraine. Their volunteer team and network played a crucial role in assembling Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs). BritishUkrainian Aid procured and supplied the main tactical medicine components for the IFAKs, and the _Support Ukraine_ volunteers assembled them as the ready-to-send kits.
_Medical Life Lines Ukraine Ltd (MLLU)_ is a non-profit company based in the UK that is committed to providing medical supplies, equipment, and ambulances to Ukraine.
Our partnership is about working together, sharing the same purpose, and achieving united objectives in our aid efforts for Ukraine.
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The charitable foundation _SMART Medical Aid_ has enabled us to provide direct support to state-run medical institutions in Ukraine.
In our work we prioritised hospitals in regions currently experiencing ongoing active hostilities and those throughout Ukraine that provide care for the wounded and transport from the front lines.
_Hospitallers Ukraine Aid_ is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Its core team represents _Hospitallers_ in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
The charity is focused on sourcing and delivering medical supplies for paramedics who save human lives in Ukraine.
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The _Citizen/Gromadyanyn Charity Foundation_ provides comprehensive assistance to people with amputations, offering modern prosthetics, physical and psychological rehabilitation, and education.
In 2023, in cooperation with _Citizen_ , our charity supported a fundraising initiative that helps wounded Ukrainian veterans with prosthetics, rehabilitation, and social support.
_Forest Initiatives and Communities_ NGOs develop and implement positive initiatives for better nature and life. Their core team helped us deliver generators and portable stations to Ukraine on a regular basis.
**We express our gratitude** to the partnering NGOs in Ukraine for their assistance, aided by their expertise and knowledge of the real-time situation on the ground in Ukraine. They have organised the distribution of aid to beneficiaries and end-users in the country.
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Charity's Main
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## **Charity’s Main Areas of Help and Activities**
## **Ambulances and Evacuation Vehicles**
In 2022 and 2023, the focus on providing specialised vehicles to Ukraine was critical in supporting emergency and medical response efforts, particularly near war zones. Ambulances and evacuation vehicles played an essential role in facilitating efforts to rescue the wounded. These vehicles allowed paramedics to reach the injured quickly and to safely transport them from evacuation points, often located a mile from the frontline, to medical facilities where they could receive more specialised treatment.
In 2023, the charity purchased and delivered over 230 vehicles to Ukraine. Of these, 74.8% were evacuation vehicles, 17.2% were ambulances, 4.2% were vans, and 3.8% were armoured vehicles.
Each type of vehicle purchased and sent to Ukraine served a distinct purpose in supporting medical and civilian evacuation efforts during the ongoing war.
**Ambulances** are critical for **hospitals** and **first responders** providing emergency medical care at the scene and transporting the wounded to medical facilities.
**Vans** play an important role in **evacuating civilians** from conflict zones and transporting **wounded individuals** . Their larger capacity makes them practical for moving groups of people, particularly in non-combat areas or relocating the injured from hospitals to safer locations.
**4x4 Vehicles** including pickup trucks are in the **high demand** for work near **frontline** . Their off-road capabilities make them ideal for navigating rugged terrains that are inaccessible to standard vehicles. In heavily shelled areas, 4x4s are often the only means of safely evacuating the injured, moving paramedics, and delivering supplies close to the areas most affected by the war.
The charity purchased eight armoured Snatch Land Rovers to serve as **bulletproof evacuation vehicles** , helping to protect medical personnel and the wounded from shelling during evacuation, ensuring that critical care can be administered without delay, saving more lives as a result.
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Together, all these vehicles enhance Ukraine’s capability to respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies and evacuations.
To ensure that donor funds are used efficiently and transparently, the charity implemented a Vehicle Procurement Policy that sets clear standards for acquiring vehicles for Ukraine. This policy includes:
**1. Established Procurement Criteria:** the charity defined specific criteria for selecting vehicles based on their suitability for different tasks (ambulances, vans, 4x4 vehicles, etc.).
**2. Price Cap for Each Vehicle Type:** a price cap for each vehicle type was introduced to prevent overspending and to ensure that vehicles are reasonably priced and each purchase is cost-effective.
**3. Recommended Mileage:** to improve reliability and longevity of the vehicles, the charity set guidelines for the maximum mileage for vehicles being procured.
To streamline the process, the charity collaborated with **Ukrainian NGOs** to establish an efficient **logistics chain** for vehicle delivery and to ensure that vehicles reach their intended destinations and beneficiaries. Additionally, **volunteers in Ukraine** helped validate vehicle requests, ensuring that the vehicles were allocated based on verified needs.
## The charity also adhered to **approval and allocation procedures**
established in 2022 to ensure that each vehicle is distributed to an area or organisation with most urgent need, and that resources are deployed where they are most effective.
- **Red (first priority)** — requests from paramedics and responders working close to the front line.
- **Yellow (second priority)** — requests from hospitals and clinics specialising in treating the wounded.
- **Green (third priority)** — requests from regional hospitals, clinics, and other organisations.
## **Medical Equipment and Aid**
In 2023, the charity procured and delivered life-saving equipment to clinics, hospitals, and paramedics throughout Ukraine. The equipment provided included: electrocardiographs (ECGs), disposables for Belmont rapid infusers, Siemens Siremobil Compact L X – Arm with Dual Flat Screen, Sked® Basic Rescue System.
These critical medical supplies were distributed to support healthcare providers in western Ukraine and the paramedics on the frontlines, ensuring better care for those affected by the ongoing war.
• **Ten fully integrated 12-Lead ECG Brightfield Healthcare E12 machines** were provided to medical institutions in the Dnipro, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions, as well as to paramedics operating near the frontline.
Recipients of this vital medical equipment include the Central Hospital in Barvinkove, the Centre of Primary Medical Care in the village of
Raivka, the Hospital in Pershotravensk, the Centre of Primary Medical Care in Vasylivka, the Regional Clinical Hospital of Trauma in Kropyvnytskyi, and others.
• The charity supplied **3-bag spike disposables** , valued at over £26,000, for the **Belmont® Rapid Infuser RI-2** , a leading medical device used in the treatment of hypothermia and blood loss.
The Belmont Rapid Infuser RI-2 delivers lifesaving, warmed blood and fluids quickly at the touch of a button, allowing clinicians to provide optimal care in war-affected areas.
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• Twenty-four **CU Medical iPAD SP1 defibrillators** and one **AED trainer** , worth £21,000, were donated to the Main Directorate of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in the Kherson region.
These defibrillators were distributed among operational units working in Kherson to support rescue operations.
• The charity delivered dozens of **Sked® Basic Rescue Systems** , also known as Skedco stretchers, valued at £43,000 to paramedics and emergency responders operating in some of the most challenging areas in Ukraine. Due to their lightweight design and compact size when stowed, these stretchers are widely recognised as the emergency response stretchers of choice by paramedics, rescue teams, and firefighters worldwide. We are happy that they helped save lives of many people.
## **Helping Injured Defenders with Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Treatment**
In 2023, British-Ukrainian Aid partnered with the charitable foundation _Citizen 24_ , based in Kharkiv. One of Citizen’s ambassadors, _Roman Kashpur_ , who lost a limb in the war, participated in the London Marathon, demonstrating that it is possible to have an active lifestyle and while wearing prosthetics.
Roman’s story is remarkable. He was seriously injured at the front, resulting in the amputation of his leg. Six weeks after the amputation, Roman could stand for the first time. He even attempted to run, but his prosthesis couldn’t handle the strain and broke. “It turns out it’s not suited for running, not even for fast walking,” Roman said.
During his long-term treatment and rehabilitation, Roman remained in close contact with other amputees. Many of them were amputated above the knee; some had no legs left at all. Despite this, they did not lose their optimism and tried to adapt to the new circumstances as quickly as possible, remaining active. “Sport is the best rehabilitation for
amputees,” said Roman. He successfully completed the entire 26.2-mile distance of the London Marathon.
British-Ukrainian Aid was proud to support the “Cyborgs” programme, a modern prosthetics initiative launched by the Citizen 24 Charity Foundation. The programme aims to provide amputees with advanced prosthetic (endoprosthesis) technologies. The funds raised through Roman Kashpur’s participation in the London Marathon were used to purchase forearm prosthetics for _Vadym Svyrydenko_ , a quadruple amputee. The total cost of the prosthetics was over 480,000 hryvnias, approximately £8,000.
Vadym Svyrydenko, the President’s Commissioner for the Rehabilitation of Combatants and an Ambassador for the Citizen Charitable Foundation highlighted the challenges that amputees encounter in their lives: “Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the prices for prosthetic components
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have skyrocketed. The Ukrainian government provides prosthetics for war veterans, but only within the price range set by law. Unfortunately, this often falls short of covering the cost of modern prosthetics, which is where the support of charities and donors becomes essential.”
British-Ukrainian Aid have supported the project, resulting in Vadym receiving higher quality prosthetics for both his upper limbs.
## **First Medical Aid**
Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK) is a compact, portable medical kit designed to provide **immediate care** when professional medical help is delayed or inaccessible. This essential first aid kit is designed for individuals facing high-risk environments, whether on the frontline, in remote areas, or during emergencies.
In 2023 these life-saving kits continued to be in **high demand** throughout the war zone, and their need remained critical on the ground. The charity continued to procure tactical medical components and assemble these life-saving kits, with the invaluable support of a dedicated team of volunteers from Support Ukraine. Thanks to the **generosity of our donors** and the tireless work of volunteers the charity procured and sent almost 5,000 **Individual First Aid Kits (IFAKs)** to Ukraine.
Our **IFAK** is equipped with products from the **most trusted manufacturers in the world** and consists of the following components.
- 6″ Israeli style bandage — a specially designed pressure bandage used to stop bleeding from hemorrhagic wounds caused by traumatic injuries in pre-hospital emergencies.
- Celox Rapid Haemostatic gauze — is designed to help stop bleeding from emergency life-threatening injuries.
- Foxseal Vented Chest Seal — a unique 360º hyper-vent system — the first ever chest seal with 512 vents allowing for more ways to release pressure, prevent blockages and save a life.
- CAT Tourniquet Gen 7 — a medical device designed to stop lifethreatening bleeding in the extremities, especially from severe wounds, including partial limb loss.
- Thermal blanket — helps prevent hypothermia by retaining body heat in trauma situations.
- Nasopharyngeal airway and lubricant — a tube that helps secure and open the airway, ensuring proper airflow in cases where the airway is compromised.
- Compressed gauze — a compact gauze used for wound packing, essential for managing deep wounds.
- Microporous tape — a breathable tape used to secure bandages and dressings.
- Crepe and Triangular bandages — versatile bandages for wound support,
- immobilization, and securing dressings.
- Burn dressing — an emergency first aid burn dressing, relieves pain, cools & comforts, helps prevent contamination and is non-adherent.
- Marker — for noting tourniquet application times.
- Traumatic scissors — blunt-tipped scissors designed to safely cut clothing and bandages.
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## **Medical backpacks for paramedics at the front line**
In 2023, we partnered with the charitable organisation _SMART Medical Aid_ to provide fully equipped backpacks for paramedics. We procured all the essential components needed by paramedics when administering first aid to the wounded, along with the backpacks. In total, 170 fully equipped backpacks were supplied to Ukraine.
## **Humanitarian Aid**
The destruction of the Kakhovka Dam on 6 June 2023 caused widespread devastation, severely impacting water supplies, sanitation, sewage systems, and health services.
In response, British-Ukrainian Aid launched an appeal, supported by _Revolut Bank_ , to raise funds to relieve those affected by the Nova Kakhovka dam explosion. Thanks to donations from Revolut customers, the charity purchased three Ecosoft Commercial Reverse Osmosis Systems MO 6500. Each of these systems enables reliable water purification solutions for various commercial and residential settings.
We are grateful to the _Ecosoft_ engineers who replied quickly and installed these systems at the Kherson City Clinic named after O.C. Luchanskiy, the Kherson Regional Cardio Centre, and the Kherson Regional Clinic of Infectious Diseases. Additionally, the charity sent 100 Grifaid Household Water Filters and two larger community water filters to the villages of Kozatske and Vesele in the Nova Kakhovka region, ensuring access to safe drinking water in these heavily impacted areas.
## **Power stations and generators**
As Russia continued to destroy infrastructure in Ukraine, the demand for alternative sources of power significantly increased in 2023. We continued receiving numerous requests for power stations and generators. A total of over £86,000 was allocated to this project.
Generators and power stations were delivered to local community centres, hospitals, and mobile medical units across Ukraine. Our partner NGO, _Forest Initiatives and Communities_ , played a crucial role in the logistics chain, facilitating the delivery of equipment from London to small communities and medical centres in Eastern Ukraine.
_15-KW Generator delivered to the Kharkiv Children’s Hospital No. 5_
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In 2023, the charity’s total income from donations and grants amounted to £1,321,768. Total expenditure was £1,965,327, including reserves allocated for projects from 2022. We express our heartfelt gratitude for the support and contributions received during these unprecedented and challenging times for people in Ukraine.
## **Expenditure Breakdown on Charitable Activities**
In total, £1,909,024 was allocated to various charitable activities, detailed as follows:
- Ambulances: £167,639
- Evacuation Vehicles: £879,281
- Humanitarian Aid: £31,805
- Medical Equipment and Aid: £226,993
- Generators: £86,751
- First Medical Aid: £516,555
The graph below illustrates the distribution of funds across different types of aid.
## **Structure, Governance, and Management**
British-Ukrainian Aid is a company limited by guarantee with company number 9364712 and a charity registered in England and Wales with charity number 1164472.
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It is managed by trustees and supported by dedicated volunteers who are deeply committed to Ukraine’s stability and peaceful future.
The charity’s team consists of highly skilled professionals from diverse industries, whose combined expertise ensures the organisation’s effectiveness. No financial compensation, whether in cash or equivalents, was provided to the trustees, directors, or volunteers involved in the charity’s work.
## **Volunteers**
Our team consists of volunteers, many of whom dedicate their time to charity projects in addition to their daily full-time jobs. The contribution of these volunteers to British-Ukrainian Aid is invaluable, as they have been instrumental implementing the charity’s operations since its inception.
Their efforts included assembling IFAKs, sorting humanitarian and medical aid, loading vehicles, ambulances, and trucks, organising fundraising events, managing social media and the website, assisting with administrative duties, providing legal advice, overseeing warehouse and logistics management.
**We are deeply grateful** for their unwavering support of the charity.
## **Administrative Support**
Due to the growing volume of administrative tasks and documents the charity was handling, the board decided to hire an administrator and a bookkeeper to ensure the sustainable and effective management of its resources. The charity also sought professional advice whenever necessary to ensure compliance with charity law and adherence to the regulations set by the Charity Commission.
## **Governing Document**
British-Ukrainian Aid was incorporated in 2014 and is governed under its Articles of Association. In 2015, the organisation became a charity registered in England and Wales. Articles of Association, including the memorandum, are the primary documents that set out the Charity’s operational framework.
## **Principal Funding Sources**
In 2023, our primary income was derived from the following sources:
- **Donations and grants** — received from charitable foundations, trusts, private and corporate donors through cheques, cash, bank transfers, various fundraising platforms, and the charity’s website.
- **Charitable activities** — organised by members of the public and charity volunteers and aimed to raise funds while increasing awareness of the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
## **Key fundraising platforms for the Charity were:**
The JustGiving fundraising platform and the Ukraine Aid – Help Now! appeal continued to bring together various initiatives and numerous fundraisers across the UK.
We are deeply grateful to many of our supporters, including _Helen Ashdown_ , _Paul Williams_ , _Antoine Pesenti_ , _Oksana Litynska_ , and _The County Group_ , who collectively raised £48,000 for medical equipment and ambulances.
Other fundraising platforms included _PayPal Giving Fund_ , _UK Online Giving_ , _Charities Trust_ , _Charitable Giving Benevity_ , _Charities Aid Foundation_ , _Crowdfunder Ltd_ , _Payroll Giving_ , _Collection Pot_ , _GoFundMe_ , and others.
We are deeply grateful for the exceptional support from UK businesses, organisations, and individuals who donated generously.
Many companies contributed themselves and also encouraged their employees’ donations, often matching their contributions.
Special thanks go to _Bloomberg Philanthropies_ for their continued support of their employees’ charitable initiatives and for facilitating donations for BritishUkrainian Aid.
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We also extend our heartfelt thanks to _Revolut_ for providing a platform for customer donations to support our charity projects. One of the most successful campaigns was the relief effort following the Kakhovka Dam explosion.
## **Charitable activities:**
In 2023, we were humbled by numerous offers from individuals and organisations across the UK, eager to support Ukraine by participating in tournaments and organising fundraising events. Their contributions played a crucial role in raising funds and awareness for British-Ukrainian Aid. These efforts contributed significantly to our mission, demonstrating the power of collective action in the face of adversity. We are deeply grateful for the solidarity shown by our supporters.
Below are highlights of some key events which, along with many other charitable activities, contributed to the British-Ukrainian Aid.
Various fundraising events took place in 2023, including the **London Charity Gala Ball** , **A Concert Which Begins and Ends With Ukraine** by _The Lea Singers_ , and the **London Marathon 2023** .
Additionally, the **Paris Marathon for Ukraine** , **Candlelight Concert of British and Ukrainian Music** , and the **Charity Concert: Spring for Ukraine** played important roles in fundraising.
Artistic events, such as **B&W and Bright: An Exhibition of Paintings and Collage** by _Katya Gerasymova Bosky_ and _Natasha Arendt_ and **Jazz Night 4 Ukraine** , also contributed.
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Music group like _Rowsie Band_ supported the cause by donating proceeds from their single _**Makeshift Grave**_ .
Further notable contributions came from _Odesa_ , _Shetland_ , which raised £1,400 through a series of concerts, and events like **Walk for Ukraine** and **Swimming the English Channel for Ukraine** brought communities together in fundraising efforts.
Fundraising parties, e.g., **Ukrainian 90s Hits** , and performances such as **Anarchy! McLaren Westwood Gang** and **Tosca in Odesa** were instrumental in raising additional funds.
Other events, like the **Spring Concert for Ukraine** , celebrated Ukrainian culture while supporting those in need. Fundraisers in _Cheltenham_ , with support from tireless volunteers, and the **Padel for Ukraine** charitable tournament were also key in supporting medical aid efforts.
Additionally, British-Ukrainian Aid’s **Annual Ukrainian & English Carols** at _Trafalgar Square_ brought communities together during the festive season to raise awareness and funds.
Moreover, the _Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London_ hosted a celebratory **Christmas Carol Service** , rounding off a year filled with immense support and solidarity for Ukraine.
## **Risk Management and Internal Control**
The Management Committee carefully reviewed the major risks to which the charity was exposed. Where necessary, systems and procedures were implemented to mitigate the identified risks. The charity continued to maintain **internal finance control** and to follow strict procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. In addition, policies were in place to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations for staff and volunteers. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure they remain effective and continue to meet the charity’s evolving needs.
The challenges faced in 2023 were thoroughly analysed to ensure financial stability and to support the continued delivery of the charity’s mission in the coming year.
Over the course of 2023, the charity experienced a decline in income. This decrease had been anticipated following the significant influx of donations in 2022, which came in response to the initial shocking news of Russia launching the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Several factors contributed to this downturn in donations:
- **Donor Fatigue:** The prolonged nature of the war led to reduced enthusiasm among donors, as sustaining support over a long period became more challenging.
- **Uncertainty of War’s End:** With no clear resolution in sight, many potential donors became hesitant about further contributions.
- **Decreased Media Coverage:** As the war faded from the headlines, public attention shifted towards other world events and crises, charitable giving for Ukraine declined.
These factors collectively contributed to reduced income in 2023, prompting careful financial planning for the future and designing the reserves policy.
## **Reserves Policy**
At the close of 2023, the charity held total funds amounting to **£330,356** .
- **£282,057** of these were unrestricted funds, available for general use.
- **£48,299** were restricted funds, specifically allocated for procuring and delivering ambulances.
The charity’s reserves were set at **£170,000** to mitigate risks and to support future operations, ensuring the organisation remains resilient. Several factors were considered when setting the reserve amount.
First, the charity’s Management Committee reviewed expenditures for the third and fourth quarters of 2023 across the following critical areas:
Ambulances - £ 58,542
Evacuation vehicles - £ 396,899
First Medical Aid - £ 112,637
Generators - £ 13,540
Humanitarian Aid - £ 26,960
Medical Equipment and Aid - £ 81,533
Total - £ 690,111.
The charity’s reserves were set at **£170,000** , representing **one quarter of the Q3 and Q4 expenditures** , designed to ensure that the charity can continue its operations, maintain sustainability, and provide vital support to Ukraine.
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Annual Report • 2023
Annual Report • 2023
**British-Ukrainian Aid**
**British-Ukrainian Aid**
## **Charity Policies**
To ensure consistency and reinforce the expected standards across our operations, we have adopted and followed the following policies:
## **• Financial Internal Controls Policy**
This policy establishes a framework for managing financial transactions, ensuring accuracy and accountability in the handling of funds. It includes guidelines for budgeting, financial reporting, and internal auditing to prevent fraud and mismanagement.
## **• Anti-Money Laundering Policy**
This policy outlines measures to prevent and detect money laundering activities within the charity. It includes procedures for due diligence on donors and partners, staff training, and reporting suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
## **• Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk of Abuse Policy**
This policy ensures the protection of vulnerable individuals involved with the charity. It establishes procedures for reporting and responding to allegations of abuse, ensuring a safe environment for all beneficiaries.
## **• Data Protection Policy**
This policy governs the collection, storage, and processing of personal data in compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR. It outlines the rights of individuals regarding their data and the charity’s responsibilities in safeguarding that information.
## **• Procurement Policy for the Purchase of Evacuation Vehicles**
This policy outlines the criteria and procedures for procuring evacuation vehicles to meet the operational needs of the charity while adhering to ethical and financial standards. The policy aims to guarantee transparency, accountability, and value for money in the procurement process.
## **• Financial Reserves Policy**
This policy helps ensure the charity has enough funds to cover unexpected costs or respond to future needs, providing stability in delivering its mission.
- **Risk Management Policy**
Designed to protect the charity, this policy identifies potential risks to its operations, reputation, and goals. It includes steps to review risks and develop strategies to reduce them regularly.
## **• Serious Incident Reporting Policy**
The policy helps the charity manage significant issues by defining what counts as a “serious incident” and how to report it to relevant authorities.
By implementing these policies, the charity seeks to uphold high standards of governance, accountability, and ethical conduct in all its operations, ensuring the effective use of resources and the protection of those we serve.
## **Plans for Future Periods**
The Charity plans to continue the activities outlined in this report in the forthcoming years, subject to satisfactory funding arrangements.
## **Responsibilities of the Management Committee**
In accordance with company law, the Management Committee is required to prepare financial statements for each financial year that provide a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet date, as well as the incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year.
In preparing these financial statements, the Management Committee adhered to the following best practices:
- Selecting suitable accounting policies and applying them consistently;
- Making judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- Preparing the financial statements on a going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to assume that the company will continue in operation.
The Management Committee is responsible for maintaining accurate accounting records that provide a clear and reliable view of the charitable company’s financial position at any time. This allows the Committee to ensure that the financial statements comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 1985.
In addition, the Committee is responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and for taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
- **Trustee Conflicts of Interest Policy**
This policy ensures that trustees act in the charity’s best interests by requiring them to disclose any personal or financial connections that could affect their decisions.
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Annual Report • 2023
Annual Report • 2023
**British-Ukrainian Aid**
**British-Ukrainian Aid**
## **Members of the Management Committee**
The Management Committee members, acting as directors under company law and trustees under charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 9.
The directors, in compliance with company law, confirm that they have taken the necessary steps to be informed about any relevant information concerning the audit. We also confirm that all relevant audit information was provided to the charity’s auditors to ensure transparency and compliance with auditing requirements.
As the charity’s directors and trustees, we certify that we have exercised due diligence in overseeing the charity’s financial affairs. Furthermore, we confirm that the auditors have been provided with all necessary and relevant information. This certification serves as a safeguard, reinforcing our commitment to accountability and transparency in the governance of the organisation.
## **Auditors**
## **Declarations**
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the Charity’s trustees:
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Signature
Full name Rainer-Elk Tetyana Natalia
Anders Vovnyanko Ravlyuk
Position Trustee Trustee Trustee
Date 28 October 28 October 28 October
2024 2024 2024
**----- End of picture text -----**
_Goldwins Limited_ was appointed as the charitable company’s auditors in 2022 and has expressed its willingness to continue in this role. Their expertise and commitment have been instrumental in ensuring the charity’s financial transparency and accountability, contributing to the ongoing success of our operations.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (issued in March 2005) and in accordance with the special provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 1985 relating to small entities.
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