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2021-03-31-accounts

Pregnancy Centres Network Annual Report and Financial Statements

for the year ending

31[st] March 2021

Charitable Incorporated Organisation No 1164610

1

INTRODUCING PREGNANCY CENTRES NETWORK (PCN)

PCN was set up in 2014 in response to a request from representatives of numerous independent pregnancy centres operating with a Christian ethos. We are currently in touch with over 75 centres. PCN was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in November 2015.

PCN is run by a board of Trustees, united with a passion to increase the support available to those facing unplanned pregnancy and pregnancy loss concerns, and to young people and vulnerable adults making vital decisions regarding sex and relationships. Between us we combine relevant professional expertise and many years of experience working in this field.

PCN Vision

…is that no-one in the UK has to face unintended pregnancy, abortion or other pregnancy loss alone and that teenagers and vulnerable adults are empowered to make healthy decisions about relationships and sex.

PCN Mission

…is to resource local pregnancy centres working to relieve psychological, emotional and spiritual distress related to unplanned pregnancy, post abortion issues or other pregnancy/child loss by:

  1. Assisting and encouraging pregnancy centres to maintain best practice in their non-directive work of supporting those facing unplanned pregnancy, struggling after abortion or with pregnancy/child loss concerns with care and compassion based on Christian principles.

  2. Supporting centres in raising their profile locally and online to increase their reach.

  3. Providing foundational accredited training which is relevant and accessible to independent crisis pregnancy centres regardless of size or location, thereby increasing resilience and availability of high professional standards in independent, counselling support.

To realise our mission, PCN will:

PCN Ethos

PCN is a Christian-based organisation supporting pregnancy centres practising with a Christian ethos and therefore upholds principles of non-judgmentalism, compassion, care and respect derived from a Christian understanding. Recognising that abortion is a controversial issue that can provoke strong reactions, PCN’s purpose is to support centres in avoiding ideological polarisation and in offering compassion, information and practical support at the point of need. PCN and the centres it supports are not campaigning organisations, do not have a political agenda and are non-proselytising.

We uphold the following values:

2

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Pregnancy Centres Network was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on November 30[th] , 2015. The working name for the charity is PCN.

Registered Charity No: 1164610
Registered Office: Bradbury House
Durngate Place
Winchester
SO23 8DX
Email admin@pregnancycentresnetwork.org.uk
Website www.pregnancycentresnetwork.org.uk
Director: Judy McGibbon
Deputy Director: Ali Thompson (until January 11th2021)
Trustees: Anne Wallace Chair
Celia Wyatt Vice Chair
Lloyd Mushambadzi Treasurer
Carol Steinbrecher
Susan Barnes
Helen Turley
Rob McGibbon
Catherine Kimbangi (From January 9th2021)
Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME19 4JQ
Independent examiner Ronan Wade FCA

3

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

The Need

A. Typical clients

“I really appreciated Sally for challenging me. For listening to what I had to say and allowing me to be free to speak my truth. For so long I had been running away from my feelings and have allowed myself in a safe space to come to terms with everything that has happened” (Client – name changed to protect identity)

B. Statistics

C. Research

Academy of Medical Royal Colleges research recommends “support and care for all women who have an unwanted pregnancy because the risk of mental health problems increases whatever the pregnancy outcome.”[6 ]

“She was given the two tablets but no consultation or scan. She became suicidal …. And is still greatly regretful and depressed. She would have liked to talk it through with someone impartial beforehand.” (Practitioner)

4

Research links miscarriage with PTSD[6] . Many centres test for depression and anxiety before and after support is offered, and tests routinely show a marked improvement following our pregnancy loss support.

“I feel that you provide an invaluable service to people who are often scared and angry and deeply sad. Many people don’t get the help and support they need. I feel very lucky that I was told about your service by a colleague.” (Client)

Many Centres work in schools or prisons, or support the NHS in local hospitals. While this work has needed to pause during Covid, some have engaged in initiatives to support pupils, such as by providing wellbeing packs.

  1. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/abortion-statistics-for-england-and-wales2020/abortion-statistics-england-and-wales-2020 (Accessed 28/8/21)

2. https://publichealthscotland.scot/publications/termination-of-pregnancy-statistics/terminationof-pregnancy-statistics-year-ending-december-2020/ (Accessed 12/7/21)

3. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/conception andfertilityrates/bulletins/conceptionstatistics/2018 (Accessed 28/8/21)

4. https://www.tommys.org/our-organisation/charity-research/pregnancy-statistics/miscarriage ( Accessed 28/8/21)

5. https://www.bestbeginnings.org.uk/domestic-abuse (Accessed 28/8/21)

  1. https://www.aomrc.org.uk/wp-

content/uploads/2016/05/Induced_Abortion_Mental_Health_1211.pdf (p10 Accessed 28/8/21)

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002937819313699 (Accessed 28/8/21)

Strategic aims

To achieve the strategic aim that that no woman is further than 20 miles from her nearest centre, three areas of engagement were identified in 2017 – local centres, local churches and local health providers.

The main activities related to these aims were as follows:

1. Local centres:

  1. Engagement with centres by building relationship, assisting, and encouraging them to maintain best practice in their work with clients. Provision of an active updated website, monthly newsletter and annual conference is of paramount importance.

  2. Supporting centres to be resilient, and to raise their profile locally and online so people find them.

  3. Providing foundational accredited training which is relevant and accessible to independent crisis pregnancy centres regardless of size or location, thereby increasing resilience and availability of high professional standards in independent, counselling support.

Six core projects were identified to progress over the 5 years 2018-23:

a) Building on the work currently undertaken by the Directors but strategizing the contacts, identifying regions and leaders, encouraging more centres to open

b) Continuing with the fundraising strategy

c) Building on the annual conference year by year

5

d) Develop resources in setting up a centre and supporting new and struggling centres

e) Scoping and writing accredited training courses – that encapsulate PCN ethos of professionalism in non-directive care combined with a sound understanding of a Christian theological basis to ensure integrity of delivery.

f) Appointing ambassadors especially among the next generation, to build relationship with churches

We were confident that all the above could enhance and build our reputation, credibility and resilience.

2. Local churches and local health providers. We planned to

Public benefit

We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities. The trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.

We provide public benefit by resourcing and equipping independent centres across the UK engaged in activities which advance education about sex and relationships, pregnancy and termination of pregnancy, and support anyone challenged by pregnancy crisis or loss. They do this by delivering sex and relationships education to young people in schools and youth clubs and providing support and information to clients experiencing pregnancy crisis and loss, including unplanned pregnancy, fetal abnormality, abortion, miscarriage, and stillbirth.

Unplanned pregnancy, abortion and miscarriage are common experiences which can be hard to cope with alone and can be a mental health risk without appropriate support. Also, young people now face the challenge to navigate social media at the same time as sex and relationships.

Clients come to centres from all walks of life and from every ethnic background, including services provided in prisons.

Our support significantly impacts the ability of face to face workers in independent centres to set up and run resilient organisations while providing professional standards of non-directive care to

6

clients. As the sole organisation which fulfils this role, we consider that we provide significant public benefit.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE - OUTPUTS & OUTCOMES

This is our fifth Annual Report, and we are so grateful to everyone who has given time, money, and professional advice during 2020 - 2021.

This has enabled us to continue using newsletters and resources delivered through our website to support our family of centres to build best practice and resilience. This has included:

“My centre would not exist without PCN” (Start up centre leader)

“It has been very helpful to have details of online courses shared and we have undertaken 3 different courses while on lockdown.”

“Feeling connected to the wider network and being able to draw on the wisdom and experience of the PCN team has been completely invaluable to me! I would have been lost without it!” (Centre Leader)

  1. Fundraising – included:

  2. a. We are very grateful to many for ongoing support throughout the pandemic, by giving time to raising money, and by making donations to the charity. Also to many who have given for the first time this year.

  3. a. We are very grateful to many for ongoing support throughout the pandemic, by giving time to raising money, and by making donations to the charity. Also to many who have given for the first time this year.

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3. Annual Conference :

Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual conference had to be postponed until October 2021.

4. Setting up a Centre resource:

This manual is now complete and is being used both in the new centres and in existing centres.

5. Accredited Training:

“Crucially, in the area of crisis pregnancy choices, this course and the work of PCN as a whole, has taught me that there is a third position in the abortion debate and it can be occupied by showing grace and offering genuine non-directive support.” (Trainee)

“So much has been important (on this course). Fundamentally to realise just the heartache and genuine difficulty women face when they have to make a decision with regards to a crisis pregnancy. It is an awful lot harder than I ever imagined.” (Trainee)

6. Ambassadors to Churches:

All of the above have continued to establish the reputation and reach of PCN, enhancing our effectiveness as a catalyst to grow the family of independent crisis pregnancy centres, both in resilience and best practice and in numbers, throughout the UK.

“PCN enables us to access expert support, training and guidance which is essential for a small operation such as ours” (Centre Leader)

8

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Pregnancy Centres Network is a Foundation Charitable Incorporated Organisation, and is governed by a constitution, which outlines the appointment of and powers of trustees, including the following:

Appointment of charity trustees

(1) Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.

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

Number of charity trustees

There must be at least three charity trustees. If the number falls below this minimum, the remaining trustee or trustees may act only to call a meeting of the charity trustees or appoint a new charity trustee.

There is no maximum number of charity trustees that may be appointed to the CIO.

How this works out in practice

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. The Trustees meet five times a year to review progress and make decisions on future developments. The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report are listed on page 3. New trustees are appointed by existing trustees of whom there should be a minimum of three. Trustees are selected for their individual skills, knowledge and vision. New trustees are appropriately trained and inducted.

The management of the charity to date has been the direct responsibility of the Trustees. With the appointment of part time staff this will now devolve to the Directors, who will be responsible to the Board and will be assisted by the Administrator. Regular staff appraisals will facilitate good communication and goal setting for staff members.

Risk Policy

The Trustees maintain a Risk Management policy which is reviewed at least annually.

9

FINANCIAL REVIEW

FINANCIAL REVIEW

For the year ending 31 March 2021, total income received was £53,770 (FY20: £68,554). Individual giving during the year was £7,146 (FY20: £4,309).

We remain grateful for the donations we receive from centres and trusts that continue to support the work of PCN. We have received £15,390 during the year (FY20: £18,945), of which £500 was restricted (FY20: £1,500).

Various fundraising activities have been pursued by volunteers, staff, trustees, and those connected with the charity to raise money for funding of the development of training. These efforts have raised £11,695 (FY20: £13,405).

Total expenses for the year amounted to £42,596 (FY20: £63,332). Due to postponement of the 2021 conference into the next financial year, the main category of expenses remains salary expenses of £29,289 (FY20: £28,398).

Our net income at the end of the year is £11,174 (FY20: £5,221) and available charity funds are £39,065 (FY20: £27,890) of which £21,186 is unrestricted (FY20: £16,627) and £17,879 is restricted (FY20: £11,264).

Reserves Policy

The trustees have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds held by the charity should be a minimum of 3 months of the resources expended to ensure that there are sufficient funds available to cover support and governance costs. At this level, the trustees feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity in the event that funding initially increases more slowly than hoped.

FUTURE PLANS

The challenges faced by many during lockdown brought the need for our work into ever sharper focus, while we learned ways of working which have enabled us to train more widely and effectively than ever before, encouraging new centres which offer excellence in service delivery.

We now find ourselves positioned to significantly widen our reach and increase the rate at which we can seed new centres. We plan to grasp this opportunity to grow the number of centres to 150 throughout the UK, ensuring that no woman is further than 20 miles from a centre and all can access online support.

To achieve this, plans for 2021-22 include:

10

COVID 19

As we enter a new financial year the restrictions that the pandemic brought to the UK have begun to ease. Sadly, the increased pressures on families and the rigours of lockdown are likely to increase the incidence of unintended pregnancy and pregnancy loss. Coercion during early pregnancy – whether this takes the form of pressure to end the pregnancy or of using it as a means of control and domestic abuse remains a risk for many women and the availability of abortion online or via the postal system without any physical appointment to ascertain the gestation of the pregnancy carries the risk that this will remain hidden.

PCN will continue to support the centres as they begin to resume face to face support as they feel safe. Some will resume quickly and others may take longer to consider the risks to their team and their clients. We will continue the monthly online prayer meetings and make any training or support available to the centres as they face the future.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Charity Commissioners require the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of its surplus or deficit for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping 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 Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP): “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” effective from January 2015. 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.

In determining how amounts are presented within items in the statement of financial activities and balance sheet, the Trustees must have regard to the substance of the reported transaction or arrangement, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or practice.

11

Independent examination

The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011) and that an independent examination is needed. The trustees have appointed Ronan Wade FCA as Independent Examiner for the period ended 31[st] March 2021.

Approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by

Anne Wallace Chair of Trustees

12

Statement of financial activities

(Incorporating the income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 March 2021

Notes
Income and endowments from:
Voluntary donations (Centres + Trusts)
Voluntary donations (Individuals)
National conference
Fundraising activities
Gift aid recovered
Grant
Other
Total
2
Expenditure on:
Charity Activities
Charitable donations
Insurance
Total
3
Net income (expenditure)
Opening balances brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
14,890
5,333
-
-
835
-
75
21,133
13,918
2,047
609
16,574
4,559
16,627
21,186		 Restricted
Funds
£
500
1,813
-
11,695
679
17,350
600
32,637
26,022
-
-
26,022
6,615
11,264
17,879		 Total Funds
2021
£
15,390
7,146
-
11,695
1,514
17,350
675
53,770
39,940
2,047
609
42,596
11,174
27,890
39,064		 Total Funds
2020
£
18,945
4,309
27,920
13,405
3,975
-
-
68,554
60,841
1,900
591
63,332
5,221
22,669
27,890

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses for the year. There is therefore no separate statement of total recognised gains and losses prepared.

13

Balance Sheet

for the year ended 31 March 2021

Balance Sheet
for the year ended 31 March 2021
Notes
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Other debtors
Current Liabilities
Creditors: amount falling due within one year
5
Net current assets
Total net assets
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
17,298
4,098
21,396
(210)
(210)
21,186

21,186
21,186
-
21,186		 Restricted
Funds
£
17,879
-
17,879
-
-
17,879

17,879
-
17,879
17,879		 Total Funds
2021
£
35,177
4,098
39,275
(210)
(210)
39,065

39,065
21,186
17,879
39,065		 Total Funds
2020
£
24,312
3,910
28,222
(331)
(331)
27,890
27,890
16,627
11,264
27,890

The notes on pages 14 to 17 form part of these accounts.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 13[th] November 2021 and are signed on their behalf by:

Anne Wallace Chair of Trustees

Registered charity number: 1164610

14

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2021

a. Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SOR (FRS 102)). The financial statements are drawn up on the historical cost basis.

b. Going concern

There is no material uncertainty about the Charity's ability to continue and accordingly the accounts have been drawn up on a going concern basis.

c. Income recognition

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when:

d. Funds

Funds are held by the charity as unrestricted and restricted funds. Unrestricted funds can be used, at the discretion of the trustees, for any purpose within the objects of the charity. Restricted funds are expendable by the trustees in furtherance of some particular aspect of the charity declared by the donor(s).

e. Taxation

Pregnancy Centres network is a registered charity and is not liable to taxation

f. Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

15

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

2. Income and endowments

Income and endowments from:
Voluntary donations (Centres + Trusts)
Voluntary donations (Individuals)
National conference
Fundraising activities
Gift aid recovered
Grants
Other
Total		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
14,890
5,333
-
-
835
-
75
21,133		 Restricted
Funds
£
500
1,813
-
11,695
679
17,350
600
32,637		 Total Funds
2021
£
15,390
7,146
-
11,695
1,514
17,350
676
53,770		 Total Funds
2020
£
18,945
4,309
27,920
13,405
3,975
-
-
68,554

The charity has not received any grants during the accounting period.

Voluntary donations relate to amounts donated by other pregnancy centres or individuals on a one-off or recurring basis.

3. Expenses

3. Expenses
Expenditure on:
Professional subscriptions
National conference
Staff costs
Website
Charitable donations
Insurance
Training
Survey
Volunteer expenses
Engagement with regional groups /
centres
Bank Fees
Administration
Equipment
Total		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
150
95
11,439
113
2,047
609
-
-
-
-
119
2,002
-
16,574		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
17,850
2,025
-
-
6,147
-
-
-
-
-
-
26,022		 Total Funds
2021
£
150
95
29,289
2,138
2,047
609
6,147
-
-
-
119
2,002
-
42,596		 Total Funds
2020
£
143
20,829
28,398
113
1,900
591
3,828
-
321
3,356
141
2,212
1,500
63,332

The charity has not given any grants during the accounting period.

Volunteer expenses are the expenses incurred by volunteers including trustees, that the charity has reimbursed. Training relates to the costs incurred by the charity in developing accredited training courses.

17

Notes to the financial statements (continued)

4. Staff costs: paid employees

Staff costs relate to paid employees. During the year we had 5 paid employees (3: Year ending 31 March 2020). The employees of the charity are: The Administrator, the Deputy Director, the Training Lead, the Training Coordinator, and the Director. No employees have received employee benefits of more than £60,000.

5. Trustees' remunerations

The Trustees have received no remuneration during the period.

6. Creditors

Other creditors 2021
£
210
210		 2020
£
331
331

7. Related Parties

In total, the trustees have donated £1,840 (2020: £1,760) the work of the charity during the period.

8. Analysis of charitable funds

Analysis of fund movements:
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 Fund
balances
brought
forward
£
16,627
11,264
27,890		 Income
£
21,133
32,637
53,770		 Expenditure
£
16,574
26,022
42,596		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£
21,186
17,879
39,065

The unrestricted funds are available to be spent for any of the purposes of the charity.

18

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT tothetru5tee5 of Pregnary Centre5 NetrMkCharftable Incorpurated Orr4nlsatton I report to the charitytrustees on my examlnatlon of the accounts of the above Charity (the aol l¢Jf the year ended 31 March 2021. Respon51bllltles and ba$1$ of ieport Asthe charlty trustee5 Of the CIO you are responsible for the preparatlon of the at¢ount5 In a¢tordance wlth the roqulrements of the Chaflties Act 20111'the Acti. I report in respectof my examlnation of the CIO'5 accounts carried under settion 145 of the ACL In carryin8 Out my examination I have followed 311 appllcable Directions Eiven bythE Ch81ity Cornmisslon under5ection 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. Ind¢pettdent exarnlneesstatement I have completed my exzminatlon. I confirm that no fflatÈrial mètters have come to my attention IA tonnectlon with the examination gNing me cause to believe that In any materlal respect.. accounting recordswete notkÈpt in respect ofiheTrusta5 regulred by sertion 130of the Art: 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. or the account did not comply with the applicable requirements contrrning the form and tontent of accounts set out in the Ch3ritEs (Accounts and Reportsl RÈgulatlons 2008 other than any requirementth3t the accounts give a'true Ènd fall vlew which 15 not a matter con5iderÈd as part of an Independent Examination I have no concerns and have come across no Other matters in connÈction wr(h the examinarion to which attention should be drawn In ihis report In orderto enable a proper understanding of the accountsto be reached. Ron Wade FCA 49 Barncliffe Crescent, Sheffield. S104DA Dale-. 28thJaDuary2021