**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1165796**
## **Report of the Trustees and**
**Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**
**for**
## **Rural Refugee Network**
Sheen Stickland Chartered Accountants
7 East Pallant Chichester West Sussex PO19 1TR
**Rural Refugee Network**
**Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|**Report of the Trustees**|1 to 3|
|**Independent Examiner's Report**|4|
|**Statement of Financial Activities**|5|
|**Balance Sheet**|6|
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|7 to 10|
|**Detailed Statement of Financial Activities**|11|
**Rural Refugee Network**
**Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2022. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
## **Objectives and aims**
Rural Refugee Network (RRN) assists refugees recently arrived in the United Kingdom, in a variety of different ways, with the objective of helping them to resettle into new communities in Hampshire. The assistance provided includes provision of suitable accommodation and essential household items and clothing. IT equipment is also provided where needed and grants towards education and driving lessons can be offered. It also includes providing ESOL, support from a multi skilled team of community volunteers and employment advice and training.
In this financial year RRN was required to react quickly to the crisis created by the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Within a short period of time RRN had established ESOL classes in Petersfield for Ukrainian refugees. This work was funded by East Hampshire District Council and ran for eight weeks. RRN was grateful to St Laurence’s Church for donating a venue for the lessons. In total thirty Ukrainian refugees benefitted from these classes and the feedback was extremely positive.
RRN was also able to provide specialist help to recently arrived Ukrainians with writing CV’s and helping them develop an understanding of the job market.
In addition to ESOL lessons RRN was able to assist families with the cost of essential items such as work clothes and school uniforms. Lap top computers were provided for educational purposes and a mobile telephone provided to a refugee working as an interpreter.
Through utilisation of a programme developed by RRN called the Education and Employment Programme a young Ukrainian cardiologist was given intensive help designed to improve her English and help her navigate her way through the system so that she can use her medical skills in the United Kingdom. Intensive support was given to her to help her get relevant work experience and an understanding of the training and employment requirements for applicants in the National Health Service. Using a grant from RRN she was able to attend a course in phlebotomy and acquired the relevant qualification. RRN plans to use the experience gained and information gleaned in this process to help other medically qualified refugees.
During the course of 2022 an evaluation of the ESOL classes run for recently arrived Ukrainians was undertaken and indicated that there was a clear identifiable need for this project to be continued. RRN applied for and successfully won a grant from the Hampshire and Isle of Wights Community Foundation (HIWCF) to continue delivering ESOL classes. This project will run in 2023 from January to June and will be run in conjunction with the National Careers Service
Meanwhile the core work of RRN continued with our community volunteers supporting six Afghan families. Work with Syrian families that RRN support continued, however, these families are generally living independently of RRN assistance now and consequently RRN is involved only on specific matters on an occasional basis. For instance in 2022 two families moved into new accommodation and RRN provided assistance with these moves.
A specially designed Education and Employment Programme was run for three Afghan clients who successfully completed the course. One of them was able to secure self-employed work as a painter and decorator, receiving impressive positive feedback from one of his first employers. This client now works with various employers as a decorator and the other two went on to further vocational training at college with RRN support.
RRN has also been able to help Afghan families improve their English, specifically those who find it hard to access ESOL provision. Volunteers have been able to offer individual sessions which has helped them to settle within their new communities.
RRN initiated a pilot project called the South Downs Youth Discovery Project, which takes young asylum seekers and refugees into the countryside to explore and learn about the environment. This project was led by one our trustees and the CEO with support from volunteers.
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**Rural Refugee Network**
**Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**
The project involved monthly activity days and a three-day residential in the South Downs National Park. Funding came from the South Downs National Park Youth Action Fund and the Norsdon Corporation with additional practical support from Bedales School and the University of Winchester.
Although it was anticipated that between eight to ten young people would attend in the event eighteen were enrolled and attended on a regular basis. An evaluation of the project was carried out and indicated that the project provided a popular programme of events with extensive benefits for those involved.
RRN has an active Board of Trustees but the main body of work carried out by the charity is delivered by the CEO. The trustees and the CEO are supported by volunteers who provide administrative and IT support, ensuring the smooth running of the charity. RRN's dedicated team of community volunteers provide employment advice, language support and help with sourcing basic equipment. In this way the volunteers are meeting individual needs and making a qualitative improvement to those who are new to this country.
RRN is financially supported in the work that it does by a number of individuals and organisations. In this financial year significant funds were raised through the hard work and support of the staff and pupils at Bedales School and in particular through the organisation and presentation of a highly successful Art Sale.
In managing the work of the charity the Board of Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
## **ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE**
## **Charitable activities**
RRN’s key achievements in this financial year are the provision of urgent and effective assistance to Ukrainian families arriving under the Homes for Ukraine Scheme and its ability to continue to provide core services to other refugee communities simultaneously.
During the year the Board of Trustees started a review of core policies and procedures and updated the Safeguarding Policy.
Two of the projects run by the charity were formally evaluated; the South Downs Youth Discovery Project and ESOL classes based in Petersfield. RRN is proud of the work it has carried out in these areas and the evaluation has inspired a sense of confidence that time, energy and resources are being appropriately utilised. [ Details of the evaluations can be found on the RRN Website under the Projects tab at https://www.ruralrefugeenetwork.org]
## **Financial Review**
The work of the Charity, co-ordinated by our CEO, is reliant upon the skill and expertise of Trustees, volunteers and some retained specialist teachers and upon the financial generosity of our supporters.
2022 income was boosted by a highly successful Art Sale run in partnership with the staff and pupils of Bedales School and this raised close to £29,000. Bedales students also raised close to £19,000 from their Syria Walk-for-Peace and thanks are extended to all involved in these enterprises.
Regular gift-aided giving (£5,000), generous one-off donations (£10,000) and dedicated ‘restricted fund’ grants (£12,000) made up the balance of income during the year. Further details of the restricted funds that had been successfully applied for can be found in Note 9.
The increase in funds at year end leaves the Charity well placed to continue the channels of focused support work that are described above during 2023 and into 2024.
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**Rural Refugee Network**
## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document**
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
## **Induction and training of new trustees**
New trustees are appointed for a period of three years by a properly convened meeting by the charity’s trustees.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number**
1165796
## **Principal address**
Great Holt Lodge Old Lane Dockenfield Farnham Surrey GU10 4HQ
## **Trustees**
A Thistleton-Smith Mrs J Thistleton-Smith Lady E Duncannon S Thomas (resigned 31.3.22) I Bell (resigned 31.3.22) Mrs K Summerfield Mrs K Lawrence (appointed 1.4.22) A Tutt Chair (appointed 30.8.22) R R Ainscow (appointed 20.3.23) A Crowe (appointed 1.4.23)
## **Independent Examiner**
P E H Wright FCA DChA Sheen Stickland Chartered Accountants 7 East Pallant Chichester West Sussex PO19 1TR
## **Bankers**
The Co-operative Bank P O Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................ A Tutt - Trustee
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**Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Rural Refugee Network**
## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Rural Refugee Network**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Rural Refugee Network (the Trust) for the year ended 31st December 2022.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner's statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
P E H Wright FCA DChA
Sheen Stickland Chartered Accountants 7 East Pallant Chichester West Sussex PO19 1TR
Date: .............................................
Page 4
## **Rural Refugee Network**
## **Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**
|Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
funds
Notes
£
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
2
14,438
11,987
Other trading activities
3
48,219
-
**Total**
62,657
11,987
**EXPENDITURE ON**
Raising funds
4
12,149
-
**Charitable activities**
5
Charitable activities
14,401
4,327
**Total**
26,550
4,327
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
36,107
7,660
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
17,751
-
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
53,858
7,660|2022
Total
funds
£
26,425
48,219
74,644
12,149
18,728
30,877
43,767
17,751
61,518|2021
Total
funds
£
14,668
3,783
18,451
7,250
11,241
18,491
(40)
17,791
17,751|
|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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**Rural Refugee Network**
## **Balance Sheet 31st December 2022**
|Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
funds
Notes
£
£
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Cash at bank
54,938
7,660
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
8
(1,080)
-
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
53,858
7,660
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
53,858
7,660
**NET ASSETS**
53,858
7,660
**FUNDS**
9
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|2022
Total
funds
£
62,598
(1,080)
61,518
61,518
61,518
53,858
7,660
61,518|2021
Total
funds
£
18,969
(1,218)
17,751
17,751
17,751
17,751
-
17,751|
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. A Tutt - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
**Rural Refugee Network**
**Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**
## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **Basis of preparing the financial statements**
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
## **Income**
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
## **Expenditure**
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.
## **Taxation**
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
## **Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
## **2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES**
|Donations
Other income|2022
£
24,957
1,468
26,425|2021
£
14,668
-|
|---|---|---|
|||14,668|
continued...
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**Rural Refugee Network**
## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**
## **3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**
|**3.**
**OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**|||
|---|---|---|
|Fundraising events
**4.**
**RAISING FUNDS**
**Other trading activities**
Purchases|2022
£
48,219
2022
£
12,149|2021
£
3,783|
|||2021
£
7,250|
## **5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS**
|Charitable activities
**6.**
**GRANTS PAYABLE**
Charitable activities|Grant
funding of
activities
Direct
(see note
Costs
6)
£
£
14,055
4,673
2022
£
4,673|Totals
£
18,728|
|---|---|---|
|||2021
£
2,887|
## **7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS**
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st December 2022 nor for the year ended 31st December 2021.
## **Trustees' expenses**
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st December 2022 nor for the year ended 31st December 2021.
continued...
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**Rural Refugee Network**
**Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**
## **8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
||||2022|2021|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||£|£|
||Other creditors||1,080|1,218|
|**9.**|**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**||||
||||Net||
||||movement|At|
|||At 1.1.22|in funds|31.12.22|
|||£|£|£|
||**Unrestricted funds**||||
||General fund|17,751|36,107|53,858|
||**Restricted funds**||||
||Asda|-|1,160|1,160|
||Hants & IOW Community Fund|-|6,500|6,500|
|||-|7,660|7,660|
||**TOTAL FUNDS**|17,751|43,767|61,518|
||Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:||||
|||Incoming|Resources|Movement|
|||resources|expended|in funds|
|||£|£|£|
||**Unrestricted funds**||||
||General fund|62,657|(26,550)|36,107|
||**Restricted funds**||||
||Asda|1,500|(340)|1,160|
||Eva Reckitt Trust|1,000|(1,000)|-|
||East Hants District Council|2,657|(2,657)|-|
||Hants County Council|330|(330)|-|
||Hants & IOW Community Fund|6,500|-|6,500|
|||11,987|(4,327)|7,660|
||**TOTAL FUNDS**|74,644|(30,877)|43,767|
The Asda fund represents a grant received towards venue hire, food, clothing and basic IT equipment for newly arriving refugees in the UK.
The Eva Reckitt Trust fund relates to a grant towards the Rural Refugee Network tailored 1:1 Employment Programme.
The East Hampshire District Council fund represents a grant received to fund English language support to refugees through a series of ESOL classes.
The Hampshire County Council fund relates to supported individual 1:1 English language teaching to refugees.
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Community fund represents a grant received for English language teaching to refugees through a series of ESOL classes to be run in 2023.
continued...
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**Rural Refugee Network**
## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**
## **9. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued**
## **Comparatives for movement in funds**
||Net||
|---|---|---|
||movement|At|
|At 1.1.21|in funds|31.12.21|
|£|£|£|
|**Unrestricted funds**|||
|General fund
17,791|(40)|17,751|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**
17,791|(40)|17,751|
|Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:|||
|Incoming|Resources|Movement|
|resources|expended|in funds|
|£|£|£|
|**Unrestricted funds**|||
|General fund
18,451|(18,491)|(40)|
|**TOTAL FUNDS**
18,451|(18,491)|(40)|
## **10. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES**
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st December 2022.
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**Rural Refugee Network**
## **Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st December 2022**
||2022|2021|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**|||
|**Donations and legacies**|||
|Donations|24,957|14,668|
|Other income|1,468|-|
||26,425|14,668|
|**Other trading activities**|||
|Fundraising events|48,219|3,783|
|**Total incoming resources**|74,644|18,451|
|**EXPENDITURE**|||
|**Other trading activities**|||
|Support costs|12,149|7,250|
|**Charitable activities**|||
|Support costs|12,149|7,250|
|Teaching english & sewing club|1,906|1,104|
|Grants to institutions|-|2,188|
|Grants to individuals|4,673|699|
||18,728|11,241|
|Total resources expended|30,877|18,491|
|**Net income/(expenditure)**|43,767|(40)|
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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