2022-03-31-accounts - Cherry Groce Foundation

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION

Trustees’ Annual Report

31 March 2022

Charity Number: 1165412

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION

Registered CIO: 1165412 Principal Office : 336 Brixton Road, London SW9 7AA

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022 CONTENTS

Trustees’ report
Full name .... .... ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	3
Registered charity number	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	3
Registered address .... ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	3
Trustees .... .... ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	3
Bankers .... .... ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	3
Independent examiner	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	3
Report of the trustees
Governing document ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	4
Organisation & management	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	4
Aims and objectives ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	4
Structure, governance & management				....	....	....	....	....	....	4
Summary of the main achievements during the period							....	....	....	4
Main activities during the period			....	....	....	....	....	....	....	5
Financial review ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	7
Risk management ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	7
Reserve policy ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	7
Statement of Trustees responsibilities				....	....	....	....	....	....	8
Staffing .... .... ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	8
Small charity provisions	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	8
Statement as to disclosure of information				to independent			examiner		....	8
Trustee declaration ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	8
Independent examiner's report
Responsibilities of examiner	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	9
Basis of independent examiner’s report				....	....	....	....	....	....	9
Independent examiner’s statement				....	....	....	....	....	....	9
Statement of financial activities
Income & expenditure ....	....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	10
Balance sheet .... ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	11
Exemption from audit .... ....	....		....	....	....	....	....	....	....	12
Notes to the Financial Statements
Note 1, Principle accounting policy				....	....	....	....	....	....	13
Note 2, Transactions with related parties				....	....	....	....	....	....	15

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022 CHARITY DETAILS

The trustees submit their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31March 2022.

C herry G roce F oundation(CGF)

FULL NAME C herry G roce F REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 1165412 PRINCIPAL OFFICE 336 Brixton Road London SW9 7AA TRUSTEES Mr Kaleb Hailu Mr Lee Lawrence Mr Steven McKay BANKERS Metro Bank PLC One Southampton Row London WC1B 5HA Independent Examiner JG & ASSOCIATES Marco Polo House 3-5 Lansdowne Road Croydon Surrey CR0 2BX

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

The trustees present their report along with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st ] March 2022. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page12 and comply with the charity’s constitution and applicable law.

TRUSTEES

The trustee’s names on page 2 have served throughout the year. Appointment of trustees is governed by the Constitution of the CIO. The Board of Trustees is authorised to appoint new trustees to fill vacancies arising through resignation or death of an existing trustee.

AIMS AND OBJECTS

Cherry Groce Foundation exists to:

To relieve the need of those with a physical or mental impairment / disability by:-

Acting as a resource for disabled persons and their carers;
Providing or assisting in the provision of activities that will enable disabled persons and their carers to participate within the community;
Providing or assisting in the provision of facilities and activities for recreation with the object of improving their quality of life;
Advancing education;
Advocating for the rights of disabled persons and their carers; and
Promoting and delivering other activities that support those affected by disability that meet the agreement of the trustees.

GOVERNANCE

The charity is governed by 3 trustees and managed by 5 Management Committee Members. The charity has a further 4 volunteers who support its activities.

In developing strategies, setting objectives, and undertaking activities, the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commissions general guidance on public benefit.

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

The charity continues to act as a resource for disabled persons and their carers by providing information, advice, guidance, help, encouragement, and practical support to BMEs, in particular, and the wider community for public benefit.

In our on-going partnership with Mobility Enterprise, we worked together to provide transport to the community, giving opportunities for those who are wheelchair bound and physically immobile to experience a range of sensitive transportation services, which incorporated cycling taster sessions to and from their homes as part of their journey.

During the year under review

The Cherry Groce Foundation continues to act as a resource for disabled persons and their carers by providing information, advice, guidance and practical support to Black Minority Ethnic groups in particular and the wider community for public benefit.

Our partnership with Mobility Transport continues as we work together to provide transport using a wide range of adapted vehicles for clients who are either wheelchair bound or have other physical impairments. Our aim is to enhance quality of life with minimal complications.

During the fiscal year 2021-2022, the charity made approximately 949journeys for clients attending hospital appointments, therapy sessions, education classes and leisurely activities. However, our drivers were still required to observe the current COVID-19 rules, wearing appropriate PPE where necessary whilst continuing to sanitise their vehicles on a regular basis.

UNVEILING OF THE MEMORIAL

Following the design and construction of the memorial, , by Sir David Adjaye that not

only to honour Cherry Groce’s legacy, but to also provide a place of reflection and inspiration in the pursuit of racial justice.

Unfortunately, we were unable to unveil the memorial in Windrush Square as planned on 29 September 2020 to mark the 35[th] anniversary of the shooting due to the pandemic.

To celebrate its completion, this was pushed back to 25 April 2021 which coincided with Cherry’s 10 year anniversary of her passing, with speakers from Lambeth council, the MET Police Service, Lee Lawrence and family members, under strict covid guidelines.

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

On lookers at the memorial

Council member MET presentertive

Siblings and family of Cherry Groce

We had previous sponsorship and collaborations with organisations to put this together.

There was wide media and radio coverage on this event, including BBC News, The Voice newspaper, Brixton Buzz to name a few.

As part of the unveiling on the 24[th] April 2021, we also hosted an online live-streamed event Together, We Rise reached over 800+ people across the UK.

To ensure for those who could not be part of the unveiling on the day due to restrictions could still take part, the Charity featured a combination of conversations, performance and testimony.

The three conversations:

What happened: The Brixton Uprisings and their aftermath
The importance of memory and memorials with Sir David Adjaye
Still We Rise - how we create a more just future

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

FUNDING

We made a successful application for core funding to Social Investment Business (SIB) who work in partnership with The Ubele Initiative.

The Ubele Initiative has been instrumental in guiding the charity by hosting regular workshops and one to one meetings. We submit reports on a regular basis, detailing any activities that we have fulfilled. Their aim is to ensure we are performing at an optimum level, offering advice on how to further our reach and make a bigger impact within our community.

DEVELOPMENTS

Due to the support given by SIB, the charity has been able to appoint an Operations Manager whose responsibilities include liaising with multiple organisations and implementing appropriate policies and procedures. They also ensure that legislative and compliance obligations are met to a high standard and have regular communication with Trustees and Stakeholders informing them of any developments and ensuring they agree with any changes.

Furthermore, as part of promoting the charity, the Operations Manager has regular contact with a Social Media content creator whose primary aim is to increase engagement on our various media platforms. This has had a positive impact and has increased awareness, resulting in further exposure and support from the public.

We also appointed a Business Consultant whose services include budgeting and strategic business planning as well as organisational development as set out in the agreed project plan. We have regular meetings to ensure our short-term plans are met.

Advancing Education

Through targeted events and public engagements, the Charity continues to educate people about injustices such as that which Cherry Groce suffered. During this year, as part of his commitment to the Charity, Lee delivered presentations for different schools and organisations, such as:

Brixton Police Town Centre Team
Old Palace School
Friends of Carnegie Library
West Midlands Police
The National Black Prosecution Association

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Additionally, he regularly attended Hendon Police College, Community POP week and has been instrumental in the training of new recruits.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive:

“It was extremely sad to hear about Lee’s story. It’s made me realise that children will have serious trauma due to the police. This will then be passed on to generations if behaviour remains”.

“ ...powerful and particularly hard hitting; thought provoking ”.

“ One’s experience can overturn your entire focus and thoughts about your responsibilities as a police officer”.
“...very meaningful and links extremely well with the way I could police London ”.

“…it’s made me realise how important it is to…question the actions of other police officers…”

Big Lottery Awards For All: FUNDING

We also received funding from Awards for All which was used to appoint an education lead. One of the new aims and objectives, the Foundation has designed an education programme which we intend to introduce to local schools as we continue to support a decolonised curriculum, teaching children about their local Black history.

The Education Programme will become part of each school’s Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons and is based on Lee Lawrences book, The Louder I Will Sing.

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

The aim of the project is to tell students about Cherry Groce’s story, inform them about the historical and cultural background, make them think about ideas of justice and to empower them as they go forward in life. Great care has been taken to ensure that the project is relevant to students’ own experiences and allows them to deepen skills like listening, speaking, creativity and teamwork. The project will lead to a practical outcome for the students involved and the school through poetry, posters, and special assemblies.

REBRANDING

Following the unveiling of the Cherry Groce Memorial in 2020 and as the first anniversary approached, we decided to rebrand, update the LOGO and website, giving a more streamlined look and feel.

Furthermore, it was important to us to pay homage to the Memorial which stands in Windrush Square, Brixton, to make our brand more identifiable.

We worked with a company called Linked UP London who are a charitable organisation that provides skilled workers for social causes on a pro bono basis. We were allocated a company called

After some discussion, we finally had the finished product by the ending of March 2022. Please see below for examples:

Our website has also been updated with the branding and we plan to make this more user friendly however, it is still in the process of being completed. But you can visit www.cherrygroce.org to see the developments thus far.

CHERRY GROCE ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY:

At the beginning of 2022, we decided to mark the first anniversary of the unveiling of the Cherry Groce Memorial. It is our view that by celebrating this milestone, it will uplift our community’s spirit and promote unity especially as we have all been affected by the pandemic.

Initially, we had to gain permission from Lambeth Council and request the necessary permits, allowing us to host a large gathering of people.

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Other plans included:

Crowd management
Stalls
Health and Safety
Security
Infrastructure (staging, lighting, marquees etc)
Fire, Safety and emergency procedures.

However, the event was planned for Sunday 24th April and will be covered in more detail in the next annual report.

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

FINANCIAL REVIEW

For the year ended 31[st] March 2022and the trustees consider the financial position of the charity to be in line with expectations.

RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain appropriate to the charity’s needs. This is based on the charity’s size and the level of commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil their charitable objectives.

RISK REVIEW

The trustees conduct periodic reviews of the major risks to which the charity is exposed and systems and procedures to manage those risks identified are implemented so as to minimise any potential impact on the charity should any of those risks materialise.

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT TRUSTEES’ REVIEW YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:

a) select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
b) make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
c) state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
d) Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for keeping 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 1993. 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.

Small charity provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act.

Statement as to disclosure of information to independent examiner

So far as the trustees are aware, there is no relevant information of which the charity's independent examiner are unaware and each trustee has taken all the steps that he or she ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant information and establish that the independent examiner is aware of that information.

Trustee declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above, on the 26 January 2023, and is signed on their behalf by Lee Lawrence:

____

Lee Lawrence, Trustee

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT EXAMINERS REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Independent Examiners Report

To the trustees of Cherry Groce Foundation, I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31[st] March 2020 which are set out on pages 9 to 15.

Responsibility of Examiner

The charity’s 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. It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 43(3)a of the 1993Act;
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993Act; and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the company and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the trustees have not met the requirements to ensure that:
a. proper accounting records are kept; and
b. accounts are prepared which agree with the accounting records. Or
to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed …………………………………………… Date:………30.01.2023…………

Joanna Goodridge, MICB JG & ASSOCIATES

Marco Polo House 3-5 Lansdowne Road Croydon, Surrey CR0 2BX

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT INCOME AND EXPENDITURE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

		Unrestricted	Restricted	£	£
INCOMING RESOURCES		Funds	Funds	2022	2021

Donations		1,940	56,434	58,374	38,586

Grants		-	34,640	34,640	10,188

Investment Income		-	6	6	9

Other		0	-	0	0

Total incoming resources	£	1,940	91,080	93,020	48,783

RESOURCES EXPENDED

Cost of raisingfunds		0	1,000	1,000	250

Expenditure on Charitable Activities		1,200	80,558	81,758	22,139

Other expenditure		-	0	0	0

Total resources Expended	£	1,200	81,558	82,758	22,389


Net resources surplus(deficit) for theyear	£	740	9,522	10,262	26,394

Transfer between reserves		0	0	0	0
Total funds brought forward		8,179	20,749	28,928	2,534

Total funds carried forward	£	8,919	30,271	39,190	28,928

The notes form part of these financial statements.

Statement of total recognised gains and losses.

The Charity does not have any gains and losses other than the income and Expenditure for the period to report.

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2022

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2022

Notes ASSETS Tangible assets 1.6 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS: amounts falling due within one year Net Asset Total Net Assets Funds of the Charity Restricted Unrestricted	2022 0 0 41590 41590 2400 39190 39190 30271 8919 39190	2022 0 0 41590 41590 2400 39190 39190 30271 8919 39190	2021 0 3200 26628 29828 900 28928 28928 27708 1220 28928	2021 0 3200 26628 29828 900 28928 28928 27708 1220 28928
	41590 2400		29828 900

These financial statements were approved and signed by the trustees on the 26 January 2023.

Lee Lawrence, Trustee

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

Exemption from audit

The charity is exempt from the requirements relating to preparing audited accounts in accordance with the audit requirement of the Act.

The trustees have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question.

The trustees declare that they have approved the accounts above.

Signed on behalf of the Charity's trustees on 26 January 2023:

Lee Lawrence, Trustee

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are as follow:

1.1 Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015).

1.2 Incoming resources

Donations and similar incoming resources are accounted for on receipt by the charity, any pledges of income also gift aid refunds are accrued in the accounting period that they arise.

1.3 Investment income

Investment income consists of interest received from saving and deposit accounts at the bank.

1.4 Resources expended

Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accruals basis, inclusive of any VAT that cannot be recovered.

1.5 Fund accounting

Funds held by the charity are:

Restricted - these are funds which can only be used in accordance with the charitable specific purpose;
Unrestricted (general funds) - these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

1.6 Depreciation Tangible Assets

Individual fixed assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised at cost. Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates on assets in order to write off their cost less any residual value over their estimated useful. The rates of depreciation are as follow:

Fixtures & Fittings …. …. …. .... 20%
Motor Vehicle …. …. …. …. 25%  Computer Equipment …. …. …. 20% reducing balance  Plant and Machinery …. …. …. 33.33% reducing balance
1.7 Staff costs and trustees' remuneration

Trustees Renumeration Value of contribution to Trustees Pension Total £ Employees Wages & Salaries Social Security Pension Volunteer Expenses Total £	2022 0 0 0 16474 0 0 530 17004	2021 0 0
		0
		663 663

A total of 5 volunteers throughout the year.

1.8 Related Party Transactions

The charity was under the control of the Trustee throughout the current year. No transactions with related parties were undertaken such as that required disclosure.

CHERRY GROCE FOUNDATION TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022

2. Resources Expended

The notes on this page do not form part of the financial statements.

	Unrestricted	Restricted	2022	2021
	Funds	Funds	£	£

Cost ofgenerating income
Fundraising Costs	1000		1,000	250

Expenditure on Charitable Activities
Accounting Fees	750		750	750
Advertising & Promotions		400	400	-
Bank Charges		-	-	-
Charity Activity		14,411	14,411
CommunityTransport		40,387	40,387	12,517
Consultancy Fees		5,133	5,133	3,003
Equipment			-	445
Event Days			-	-
General Administration			-	263
Independent Examination	450		450	450
Insurance		12,734	12,734
Interest Payble			-	660
IT/Internet		258	258	1,228
Office Supplies		30	30	321
Printing & Stationery		437	437
Refreshments			-	261
Rates		189	189	1,434
Rent		1,113	1,113
Salary		4,010	4,010
Subscriptions		96	96	144
Telephone		493	493
Travel & Subsistence		337	337	-
Volunteer Expenses		530	530	663

	1200	80,558	82,758	22,389