| Trustees' Annual Report for theperiod | |||||||
| From | Period start date | To | Period end date | ||||
| 01 | 04 | 2022 | 31 | 03 | 2023 |
Section A Reference and Administration details
| Charity name | Friendship Link and Action Group | Friendship Link and Action Group | Friendship Link and Action Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other names charity is known by | FLAG Bedford | ||
| Registered charity number (if any) | 1165681 | ||
| Charity's principal address | Priory Methodist | Church | |
| 63 Newnham Avenue | |||
| Bedford | |||
| Postcode | MK41 9QJ |
Names of the Charity Trustees who manage the Charity
| Trustee Name | Office (if any) |
Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person/body entitled to appoint Trustee |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Laura M Peggs | Chairperson | Re-elected 18/05/22 | FLAG membership |
| 2 | Tracey Brightman | Treasurer | Re-elected 18/05/22 | FLAG membership |
| 3 | Linda Clements | Secretary | Re-elected 18/05/22 | FLAG membership |
| 4 | Brendan Gaunt | Vice Chair | Re-elected 18/05/22 | FLAG membership |
Names of the Trustees for the Charity, if any, (for example, any Custodian Trustees) – None
Names and addresses of Advisers (Optional information) – None
Name of Chief Executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) – None
FLAG Bedford Trustees Annual Report 2022/23 Charity No. 1165681 Page 1 of 8
Section B Structure, Governance and Management
Description of the Charity’s trusts
Type of governing document (e.g. trust deed, constitution) How the charity is constituted (e.g. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods (e.g. appointed by, elected by)
Constitution Association Model Elected by members
Additional Governance issues (Optional information)
In addition to our Constitution FLAG has 16 Policies and Procedures, to enable Trustees to deal with all foreseen eventualities.
The Policies and Procedures are reviewed by the FLAG Trustees annually or biannually, as appropriate, or sooner in response to changes in any relevant legislation, contractual arrangements, good practice or in response to an identified failing in its effectiveness.
Trustees are elected annually from the membership by the membership. The Trustees focus on carrying out activities suggested by the Members that elect them, providing it is safe and appropriate to do so.
A thorough Risk-Assessment is carried out before any Activity or Event to assess its suitability.
After each Activity or Event a review is carried out, by the Trustees, to see if there is anything that can learned or improved for future events.
Section C Objectives and Activities
The objects of the CIO are:
The promotion of social inclusion among disabled adults in Bedford Borough and the surrounding area, who are socially excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of being disabled in particular but not exclusively by:
-
providing recreational facilities and opportunities for disabled people and their carers;
-
outings and social trips including transport to and from home.
During 2022/2023 and after the worse of the Covid Pandemic FLAG successfully continued its programme. We held 33 Drop-ins and 7 Committee meetings (held FLAG Bedford Trustees Annual Report 2022/23 Charity No. 1165681 Page 2 of 8
approximately every six weeks). Our monthly Coffee Afternoons were chanounted as Drop-ins as they had become indistinguishable anyway.
New for 2022/23 we held more organised activities during our Thursday Afternoon Drop-ins such as Bingo, a visit from an Animal experience organisation, a Ukulele band, a Virtual Reality session and a Musical Experience. Members have asked for some of these to be repeated and have suggested other things for us to try. We also held our summer Fundraiser, which was successful, and again took part in St Pauls Church Community Christmas Tree Festival.
FLAG also successfully organised 3 local events and 3 coach trips throughout the year. There was our AGM and Fish Supper in May, a day out at Southendon-Sea in July, a trip to Wimpole Hall in September, Afternoon Tea at a local Garden Centre in November, our annual Christmas Meal in December and a Meal out at a local restaurant in February.
Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)
Our Volunteers play a vital role in the running of FLAG. They are essential for providing the practical support needed to run a group for people with disabilities. Their support includes pushing wheelchairs, preparing for local events and carrying food and drinks.
FLAG Volunteers work very hard driving members to and from events, essential as many members are unable to use public transport and are unable to drive.
If a Volunteer is unable to transport a member or a member is a wheelchair user then FLAG will pay up to £20 per event for taxi fare. FLAG has recently increased the amount it will contribute for wheelchair users to a maximum of £40 as the cost for wheelchair taxis is considerably higher.
FLAG offers to refund Volunteers all out of pocket expenses and pays for their meals or event entry fees.
FLAG employs one Administrator for 10 hours a week to help with the everyday running and coordinating activities.
Section D Achievements and Performance
During 2022/23 FLAG met all its objects on running trips, holding Thursday afternoon sessions and Committee meetings. In addition, we added more structured activities for our Thursday afternoon sessions, such as Bingo, a visit from an Animal experience organisation, a Ukulele band, a Virtual Reality session and a Musical Experience. We also held our Summer Fundraiser and again took part in St Pauls Church Community Christmas Tree Festival.
FLAG Bedford Trustees Annual Report 2022/23 Charity No. 1165681 Page 3 of 8
Section E Financial Review
Brief statement of the Charity’s policy on Reserves.
FLAG’s Reserves Policy is to have a minimum of six months’ Reserves for continuation of the charity.
Further financial review details (Optional information)
The majority of FLAG’s income is obtained through grants and awards. All of which we greatly appreciate. It cannot be underestimated their vital role and contribution to the work that FLAG aims to achieve.
Awards all go to the benefit of out wider membership.
Section F Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Annual Report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Laura M Peggs Tracey Brightman Position (eg Chairperson Treasurer Secretary, Chair etc) Date
FLAG Bedford Trustees Annual Report 2022/23 Charity No. 1165681 Page 4 of 8
Independent Examiners’ report to the Trustees of Friendship Link & Action Group for the year ended 31st March 2023
I report on the accounts of the charity.
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner.
The charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charity’s Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145(2) of the 2011 Act.
-
follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity’s Commissioner under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act, and
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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 charity 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 you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiners 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 requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the
-
2011 Act: and,
-
To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and
-
comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act.
Have not been met, 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
Carolyn Smith FMAAT.
Licenced and regulated by AAT under licence number 6102.
FLAG Bedford Trustees Annual Report 2022/23 Charity No. 1165681 Page 5 of 8
Friendship Link & Action Group Receipts & Payments Account for the year ended 31 March 2023
| 2022 | 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |||
| Funds | Funds | Funds | |||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Receipts | |||||
| 200.00 | Grants & Donations | 2 | 120.00 | 9945.00 | 10065.00 |
| 21.80 | Fundraising | 990.04 | 0.00 | 990.04 | |
| 25.00 | Membership Fees / Donations | 343.00 | 0.00 | 343.00 | |
| 0.00 | Contributions to Events | 1739.00 | 0.00 | 1739.00 | |
| 0.00 | Tea/Coffee Afternoons | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 0.00 | --- | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 0.00 | --- | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 246.80 | Total Receipts | 3192.04 | 9945.00 | 13137.04 | |
| Payments | |||||
| 619.04 | Wages, NI & Pension | 0.00 | 5200.00 | 5200.00 | |
| 169.20 | AGM Expenses | 256.90 | 61.88 | 318.78 | |
| 989.50 | Event Costs | 2022.59 | 1030.00 | 3052.59 | |
| 627.40 | Events Coach/Travel Costs | 0.00 | 3224.00 | 3224.00 | |
| 247.50 | Room Hire | 631.16 | 487.59 | 1118.75 | |
| 321.92 | Volunteer Travel Expenses | 198.38 | 810.32 | 1008.70 | |
| 232.10 | Insurance | 24.53 | 212.07 | 236.60 | |
| 20.50 | Equipment | 81.76 | 0.00 | 81.76 | |
| 63.10 | Postages | 0.00 | 240.04 | 240.04 | |
| 54.40 | Photocopying | 0.00 | 90.55 | 90.55 | |
| 90.00 | Telephone | 0.00 | 152.19 | 152.19 | |
| 55.71 | Consumables | 0.00 | 148.58 | 148.58 | |
| 38.88 | Website/Publicity | 38.88 | 0.00 | 38.88 | |
| 0.00 | Memberships | 40.00 | 0.00 | 40.00 | |
| 0.00 | Sundry Payments | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 0.00 | --- | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 3529.25 | Total Payments | 3294.20 | 11657.22 | 14951.42 | |
| -3282.45 | Net Receipts / (Payments) | -102.16 | -1712.22 | -1814.38 | |
| 10269.62 | Cash Funds at start of this Period (01/04/22) | 4266.31 | 2720.86 | 6987.17 | |
| 0.00 | Transfers between Funds | -1631.00 | 1631.00 | 0.00 | |
| 6987.17 | Cash Funds at end of this Period (31/03/23) | 2533.15 | 2639.64 | 5172.79 |
FLAG Bedford Trustees Annual Report 2022/23 Charity No. 1165681 Page 6 of 8
Friendship Link & Action Group Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the year ended 31 March 2023
| 2022 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | Note | £ | |
| Cash Assets | |||
| 3.31 | Bank Accounts | 4849.31 | |
| 7081.18 | Cash in Hand | 168.03 | |
| 7084.49 | Total Receipts | 5017.34 | |
| Other Monetary Assets | |||
| 196.10 | Prepayment (Insurance) | 203.53 | |
| 0.00 | Coach Fare deposit paid in advance for trips in 2023/24 | 100.00 | |
| 196.10 | 303.53 | ||
| Assets Retained for Charity's own use | |||
| 26.40 | Stock (of Postage Stamps) | 6.92 | |
| 26.40 | 6.92 | ||
| Liabilities | |||
| 137.50 | Creditors - (Room Hire / Photocopying Mar 2023) | 110.00 | |
| 0.00 | Creditors - (Taxi Fares owed to Committee Members) | 20.00 | |
| 0.00 | Creditors - (Prepayments from Members re Event) | 25.00 | |
| 40.52 | Creditors - (Hollie - Expenses) | 0.00 | |
| 70.00 | Creditors - (WWRY - Taxis) | 0.00 | |
| 41.80 | Creditors - (Prepayments from Members re Craft) | 0.00 | |
| 30.00 | Creditors - (Cash borrowed - Treasurer) | 0.00 | |
| 319.82 | 155.00 | ||
| 6987.17 | Reserves | 5172.79 |
FLAG Bedford Trustees Annual Report 2022/23 Charity No. 1165681 Page 7 of 8
Friendship Link & Action Group Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023
1 Accruals Accounts
Refers to accounts prepared on a ’true and fair’ basis in accordance with accounting standards and the methods and principles of the applicable Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). In contrast to receipts and payments accounts, where income and expenditure is accounted for only when the money is received or paid out, accruals accounts record the income of a particular activity when there is entitlement or probability about income, and expenses, when the liability is incurred. The statement of financial activities (SoFA) should show all incoming resources, and resources expended during the year (and for company charities only, an income and expenditure account, except where the SoFA incorporates the income and expenditure account).
| 2 Grants and Donations Sundry Grants and Donations 3 Funds Analysis Restricted Funds The Harpur Trust - Salary The Harpur Trust - Room Hire Donations re Ros Graham meal Drop-in Costs (from Unrestricted) National Lottery - use by 30/06/23 Unrestricted Funds General Fund --- Total Funds |
Restricted Unrestricted Total 9,945.00 120.00 10,065.00 9,945.00 120.00 10,065.00 Opening Closing Balance Balance £ £ £ £ £ 380.96 0.00 -1,808.68 1,427.72 0.00 346.19 0.00 -549.47 203.28 0.00 1,030.00 0.00 -1,030.00 0.00 0.00 963.71 0.00 -810.32 0.00 153.39 0.00 9,945.00 -7,458.75 0.00 2,486.25 Receipts Payments Transfers |
Restricted Unrestricted Total 9,945.00 120.00 10,065.00 |
|---|---|---|
| 9,945.00 120.00 10,065.00 |
||
| 2,720.86 9,945.00 -11,657.22 1,631.00 2,639.64 |
||
| 4,266.31 120.00 -222.16 -1,631.00 2,533.15 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 |
||
| 4,266.31 120.00 -222.16 -1,631.00 2,533.15 |
||
| 6,987.17 10,065.00 -11,879.38 0.00 5,172.79 |
4 Trustees' Remuneration
During the period, £278.34 was reimbursed to 3 Trustees and 1 Employee for expenses.
5 Glossary of Terms
Restricted Funds : These are funds given to the charity, subject to specific restrictions set by the donor, but still within the general objects of the charity.
Creditors : These are amounts owed by the charity, but not paid during the accounting period.
Prepayments : These are services that the charity has paid for in advance, but not used during the accounting period.
FLAG Bedford Trustees Annual Report 2022/23 Charity No. 1165681 Page 8 of 8