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2022-12-31-accounts

Welcome to Porridge and Pens 2022 Annual Trustee Report

Porridge and Pens had a year of development and growth, led by our Ghanaian partners.

The Brightlingsea Academy 2022

Over 700 nutritious meals cooked each day, with bigger portions and better nutritional value.

----- Start of picture text -----
340 children enrolled at Corporal punishment free
The Brightlingsea Academy teaching, continued to be led
supported with a free by Ben Antwi Boetang –
education. Headteacher.
----- End of picture text -----

Girl Power 2022

Over 80 girls enrolled within Girl Power, between the ages of 5-27 receiving free education, safe shelter when needed and guidance from Claudia, our Girl Power Foundation Country Director, and her team.

Supporting girls and young women from informal settlements and low-income families with free education at good schools with strong headteachers.

Our UK and Ghanaian Teams work in partnership with a common goal to support over 520 children and young adults every day to fulfil our charities objectives: Children should have food to eat at school, free education, and safe shelter.

The Brightlingsea Academy – Established in 2016

The Brightlingsea Academy is a small school for 340 children in rural Kumasi, known as The Assenua Village, established in 2016. It is a free school with no corporal punishment. You will find some of the most caring and dedicated teachers you could ever meet there. They are led by Ben, a genuinely remarkable Headteacher and leader. Ben leads the groundbreaking Brightlingsea Academy, which we believe is one of a kind. The joy felt at the Brightlingsea Academy is indescribable, it is the embodiment of happiness.

In the community and surrounding villages, children who attend the school live in conditions of multidimensional poverty. 50% of households in the village live without electricity or access to clean water. Initially, it was a school for 30 children aged 0-5 years with four classrooms. Now, with growing support, we have 13 classrooms, a sick bay, and resources room.

We employ twenty members of staff teaching 340 children aged 0-14. Children from remote communities and surrounding villages can complete their primary school education and receive two complimentary meals daily. Student’s parents are able to find employment opportunities while their children attend school.

“What makes the Brightlingsea Academy di�erent is the way we treat our sta�, because they feel loved, they care more for the children. Devoted teachers, who are paid fairly and treated with care and kindness.” – Ben Antwi Boetang, Headteacher of Brightlingsea Academy

“Our school is a beautiful, vibrant, and bright. There is colour and joy everywhere and no sign of the cane. We use other strategies to help support behaviour management. There is no fear here for the child. That is why some of them come as early as 5am in the morning, to help prepare and sweep the school grounds for the day ahead.” – Madam Bernice.

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– Madam Bernice.
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“Children at The Brightlingsea Academy thrive, they have a wholesome and deeply rich curriculum. We don’t just teach the basics, children get a little bit of everything to find their passions and strengths. At Brightlingsea Academy we teach confidence” – Jemma Williams, Founder of Porridge and Pens Ghana.

We know this about the children from our school:

63% of families live within informal se�lements and can be asked to move on at moment’s no�ce. The staff and teachers at Brightlingsea Academy support families to find be�er and more secure condi�ons for within the village.

But we also know The Brightlingsea Academy is making a significant difference:

The Girl Power Project – Established in 2018

We work in partnership with The Girl Power Foundation LGB, based primarily in Kumasi, to make a difference to girls who at risk of not completing their education, those at risk of child labour, abuse or homeless. In partnership with Girl Power, we facilitate and fund girls’ and young women’s places at school, college, or university. In the areas we work, approximately 3% of students are enrolled in higher education, and of those just 11% are female. Girl Power strives to support girls to complete their higher education as, once a girl graduates with a degree, they earn an average of £65 a week, compared to their peers who earn as little as £7.50 a week as an unskilled worker. We work in partnership with local orphanages, NGOs, schools, universities, churches and families to identify girls and young women between the ages of 5-30, living in multi-dimensional poverty, who have a strong desire to improve their own circumstances through an education pathway. We offer mentoring through our Girl Power partner charity and safe shelter at their residential centre for girls.

One of our biggest concerns is always the safety and security of the girls we support. In 2022, we managed to buy our own plot of land with The Girl Power Foundation. This will be developed into a Girl Power Centre. Once completed, we will no longer rent a centre for the girls to stay, we won’t have the fear of being told to move on at moment’s notice. We can be sure the girls will always have a roof over their heads.

In 2022 we received more funding than previous years, ringfenced to Higher Education for our students. This means we have more trainee teachers, nurses, midwifes and even engineers going through Girl Power than ever before. They are the future of Ghana.

“What is more apparent than ever, is a place on Girl Power transforms a girl’s life. Yes, it provides them with food, water, shelter, education, clothes, and opportunities but perhaps most importantly, it provides a sense of unity, family and security, something they might not have had before they joined the project. – Jemma Williams, Founder of Porridge and Pens.

“Girl Power is my supportive family; it is perfect to me. A lifesaving project which has given me a new world. It’s my joy.”

A year of highlights 2022

our UK In February

Operations Manager, Lia Smith, went to visit Ghana for the first time since she started working with us in 2018. It was a fantastic trip, meeting our partners in Ghana.

In February we were working with over 30 schools and universities in Ghana. They facilitate over 80 Girl Power educational spaces in partnership.

In March we received support from existing and new connections with local community groups, clubs, and schools. We are always grateful to have opportunities to share the work we do.

On March 8[th] 2022 we lost our beautiful school cook, Anita. Anita left behind seven children, two of whom still study at Brightlingsea Academy. Anita is remembered fondly and will always be missed. She had a truly beautiful nature and kindess about her.

In April, over the Easter Holidays, we held an Easter trail fundraiser for the residents of Brightlingsea to get involved with. Its become a sucessful annual event raising vital unrestricted funds for Porridge and Pens.

our friends at In May, Childrensalon took on a triathlon for us!

And we had more trainee teachers on Girl Power than ever before!

Our Chair of Trustees and Founder took on Ride London raising over £2000.

there was In June, fundraising for Porridge and Pens from as far as Florida!

And even more charity talks all over Essex!

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we held three
In July,
summer fundraising events
from Tunbridge Wells to
Brightlingsea!
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And an epic Sky Dive took place with our friends from Childrensalon!

In August, Brightlingsea Academy held its first whole school spelling competition and we started to build an additional five new classrooms!

In September, we got the chance to take part in the Tunbridge Wells annual Boat Race to help raise funds.

And the new classrooms at Brightlingsea Academy really started to take shape.

In October, Lizzie, one of our trustees, took on the London Marathon whilst our new classrooms got a lick of paint!

Also in October, our Founder and Chair of Trustees visited Ghana with our corporate donors, Childrensalon. As part of the trip, we raised funds to buy story books written and illustrated by African artists and writers.

The visitors from Childrensalon witnessed the huge impact of their monthly funds to Porridge and Pens. They support our feeding program, teacher salaries and Girl Power Project. Thank you to their unwavering support we can continue to grow.

By November our five new classrooms were completed, our Girl Power Team had two new resident dogs and some very challenging fundraising events were in full swing.

we cleared our As the year ended, very own plot of land to start building our

Reference and Administrative Information:

Porridge and Pens Ghana

Registered Charity Number: 1166497

Principal Address: Porridge and Pens Officer, 1 Chapman Close, Brightlingsea, Essex, CO7 0FS,

Trustees : G Weaver (Chair of Trustees), C Tibbs, J Meek, E Smith, P Tibbs, E Merrell (appointed 20[th] July 2022)

UK staff: L Smith and J Williams

Bankers : Barclays Bank, 9 High Street, Colchester, CO1 1DA

Accountants: Edmund Carr LLP, 146 New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0AW

Charity Objectives and Activities

Porridge and Pens works with children and young adults in Ghana. We do this by providing access to free educa�on, medicine, safe shelter, and school meals so young people can create their own bright and sustainable futures, free from poverty.

Strategic Plan 2022 - 2027

The impact we aim to achieve through our five-year strategy is reducing extreme poverty for very low-income families for the children and their families from our project communities. We retain a particular focus on working with families living within informal settlements. Our projects focus on three priority areas: equal access to education, free food at school, and safe shelter. As Porridge and Pens progresses and our income grows, we will remember our three common goals, food, education, and shelter.

Public Benefit

The trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when determining the charity’s activities.

Our activities and achievements throughout the year are detailed in the first part of this report.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE, AND MANAGEMENT

Porridge and Pens Ghana was registered as a charity (CIO) in 2016 and is governed by its Trust Deed.

How we work and our partners in Ghana

Since Porridge and Pens were established in 2016, the number of children and young people seeking support from one of our projects has increased by 70%. Most of this growth has been in the past two years. It is only possible because trustees have invested in our charity’s organisational resources in the UK by employing two staff members. We have been able to focus our efforts on the operations with our partners in Ghana and fundraising from the UK to grow the work we do with our partners.

Brightlingsea Academy is a registered Private School in Ghana with the Ghanaian Education Service, and The Girl Power Foundation LBG is a separate NGO governed by Ghanaian charity laws. Porridge and Pens works in partnership with our allies in Ghana, supporting them in every way possible to achieve our charity’s goals. The three organisations work together, in unity to fulfill the goals of Porridge and Pens. That is, to help provide food, education, and shelter to those most in need. We believe our partners in Ghana are experts in understanding their country, culture, and economy. Through shared learning experiences, years of trust, and friendship, our partnerships are strong and continuously developing. We are very grateful to the staff and directors we work with in Ghana.

Our board of trustees continue to make an invaluable contribution to the day-to-day management of our organisation. We have some very dedicated volunteers who offer their services to the organisation. Our trustees and staff continue to work hard together to ensure the smooth running of the organisation. Trustees are appointed by invitation from the existing Board of Trustees. A trustee will be appointed if there is a unanimous agreement of all existing trustees. New trustees will be given a copy of the Charity Commission's guidance for trustees, "The Essential Trustee" (CC3), and a copy of the latest accounts.

Risk Management

Potential risk to the charity is considered and discussed by the trustees at the start of every year, and they are regularly updated on any project risks by the CEO. We use our risk management policy and seek guidance from the necessary bodies to ensure compliance and limit risk to the organisation, staff, trustees, and beneficiaries.

Sending money to Ghana

Porridge and Pens transfer funds to Ghana in two ways. Sendwave allows recipients to receive the funds instantly using their mobile money account. This is a widespread, safe, and accepted way of collecting money in Ghana. We currently use Sendwave as it has very low transaction fees and has always been reliable and fast. We send money this way when there is an unexpected cost, or a project needs the funds urgently. Once money is sent from the UK Porridge and Pens account it is with the recipient in minutes. This is one of the ways we rely on getting funds for our projects. The second way is via Wise (formerly TransferWise). It is cheaper to send funds using Wise than through our bank, Barclays. It can from two hours to two days to send money in this way and may take another day to clear the bank account in Ghana so we plan ahead to send funds in this way. However, we can send larger amounts, in this way, straight to an official bank account.

Financial Review

The accounts show income in the year of £283,453 (2021: £133,147). Expenditure totalled £265,098 (2021: £133,064), with over £220,000 of grants and support for the Brightlingsea and Girl Power projects. Total funds of the Charity at 31 December 2022 were £114,037 of which £11,300 were restricted, £35,000 designated to the Girl Power Project (for the purchase of a new minibus and towards the cost of the building work) and £67,737 unrestricted.

Reserves policy

Porridge and Pens aims to hold general unrestricted reserves of at least £47,300. This amount is reviewed regularly by our trustees and will provide our partners in Ghana with enough funding to continue the work for three months, should no other resources be available.

Financial Statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following 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) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The annual report was approved by the Trustees of the charity on 13 September 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

G Weaver – Chair of Trustees

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2022

Registered Charity Number 1166497

EDMUND CARR LLP Chartered Accountants 146 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 0AW

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

CONTENTS

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||| |---|---| |Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees|1| |Statement of financial activities|2| |Balance sheet|3| |Notes to the financial statements|4|

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PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2022 which are set out on pages 2 to 9.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

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 charity 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.

...................................

Colin Barker FCA

Edmund Carr LLP 146 New London Road Chelmsford CM2 0AW

13 September 2023

1

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

£
£
Note
INCOME from:
Donations and legacies:
2
135,691
122,956
Fundraising
3
23,739
-
Other income
1,067
-
TOTAL INCOME
160,497
122,956
EXPENDITURE on:
Raising funds
2,221
-
Charitable activities
4
128,501
134,376
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
130,722
134,376
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)/
29,775
(11,420)
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
72,962
22,720
Total funds carried forward
102,737
11,300
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds		 Total Funds
£
258,647
23,739
1,067
283,453
2,221
262,877
265,098
18,355
95,682
114,037
2022		 Total Funds
2021
£
133,075
-
72
133,147
1,896
131,168
133,064
83
95,599
95,682

The notes on pages 4 to 9 form part of these financial statements.

2

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

BALANCE SHEET

At 31st December 2022

Note
Fixed assets
8
Tangible assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
9
Cash at bank
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within
10
one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
12
Unrestricted - general
Unrestricted - designated
Total unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS		 £
£
1,290
22,318
92,429
114,747
2,000
112,747
114,037
67,737
35,000
102,737
11,300
114,037
2022		 £
£
700
505
95,677
96,182
1,200
94,982
95,682
62,962
10,000
72,962
22,720
95,682
2021

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 13 September 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

…........................

G Weaver

Chair of Trustees

The notes on pages 4 to 9 form part of these financial statements.

3

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Porridge & Pens is an unincorporated registered charity and meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Incoming Resources

Donations are recognised when receivable.

Resources Expended

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and includes VAT as the charity is not VAT registered. The majority of costs are attributable to specific charitable activities. Governance costs are associated with the governance arrangements of the charity.

Debtors and creditors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Creditors are recognised at their settlement amount.

4

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Fund accounting

Funds held by the charity are either:

Unrestricted general funds – these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds – these are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects.

Restricted funds – these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity.

Taxation

As the Association is a charity, it is exempt from taxation - other than VAT, which is included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities - to the extent that any income and gains are applied to its charitable objectives.

2. DONATIONS

Donations
Gift aid
Grants		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
99,447
26,194
10,050
135,691		 Restricted
Funds
£
37,141
-
85,815
122,956		 Total Funds
2022
£
136,588
26,194
95,865
258,647		 Total Funds
2021
£
72,885
8,790
51,400
133,075

5

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

3. INCOME FROM RAISING FUNDS

Sales
Fundraising
4.
CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
Girl power projects
Brightlingsea Academy projects
Other direct costs
Support and administration costs:
Depreciation
Postage, Freight & Courier
Insurance
Printing & Stationery
IT Software and Consumables
Salaries
Pensions Costs
General Expenses
Travel
Governance costs (note 5)
Total support costs
Total cost of charitable expenditure		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
2,813
20,926
23,739
Unrestricted
Funds
£
43,360
38,009
5,090
86,459
507
1,513
439
687
1,030
31,632
959
-
904
4,371
42,042
128,501		 Restricted
Funds
-
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
87,619
46,757
-
134,376
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
134,376		 Total Funds
2022
£
2,813
20,926
23,739
Total Funds
2022
£
130,979
84,766
5,090
220,835
507
1,513
439
687
1,030
31,632
959
-
904
4,371
42,042
262,877		 Total Funds
2021
£
-
-
-
Total Funds
2021
£
27,634
76,521
-
104,155
233
84
434
191
422
22,330
830
32
-
2,457
27,013
131,168

6

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

5. GOVERNANCE COSTS

Fees payable to independent examiner: accounts and examination
Fees payable to independent examiner: other services
Bank Fees
Trustee Expenses		 Total Funds
2022
£
2,096
768
5
1,502
4,371		 Total Funds
2021
£
1,521
936
-
-
2,457

6. STAFF COSTS AND EMOLUMENTS

Total staff costs were as follows:
Wages & salaries
Employer pension contributions		 2022
£
31,632
959
32,591		 2021
£
22,330
830
23,160

Particulars of employees:

The average number of employees during the year was: 2 2

No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the period.

7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

No remuneration was paid to Trustees in the year (2021 - Nil)

Travel and subsistence expenses totalling £1,502 were paid on behalf of Trustees in the year (2021 - Nil)

7

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

8.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Cost
At 1 January 2022
Additions
At 31st December 2022
Depreciation
At 1 January 2022
Charge for year
At 31st December 2022
Net book value
At 31st December 2022
At 31st December 2021
9.
DEBTORS
Gift aid recoverable
10. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
Accruals
Other creditors		 Computer
£
933
1,097
2,030
233
507
740
1,290
700
2022
£
22,318
2,000
-
2,000		 Total
£
933
1,097
2,030
233
507
740
1,290
700
2021
£
505
1,200
-
1,200

11. RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS

There were no related party transactions during the year.

8

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

12. FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General
1)
Designated
Restricted funds
2)
Girl Power
3)
Brightlingsea Academy		 Balance at
01/01/2022
£
62,962
10,000
72,962
20,250
2,470
22,720		 Incoming
£
160,497
-
160,497
74,069
48,887
122,956		 Outgoing
£
(120,722)
(10,000)
(130,722)
(87,619)
(46,757)
(134,376)		 Transfer
(35,000)
35,000
-
-
-
-		 Balance at
31/12/2022
£
67,737
35,000
102,737
6,700
4,600
11,300

13. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS (between restricted and unrestricted funds)

Restricted
Designated
Unrestricted		 Tangible
fixed assets
£
-
-
1,290
1,290		 Other net
assets
£
11,300
35,000
66,447
112,747		 Total
£
11,300
35,000
67,737
114,037

9

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2022

Registered Charity Number 1166497

EDMUND CARR LLP Chartered Accountants 146 New London Road Chelmsford Essex CM2 0AW

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

CONTENTS

----- Start of picture text -----
||| |---|---| |Independent Examiner's report to the Trustees|1| |Statement of financial activities|2| |Balance sheet|3| |Notes to the financial statements|4|

----- End of picture text -----

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2022 which are set out on pages 2 to 9.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees 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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

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 charity 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.

...................................

Colin Barker FCA

Edmund Carr LLP 146 New London Road Chelmsford CM2 0AW

13 September 2023

1

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

£
£
Note
INCOME from:
Donations and legacies:
2
135,691
122,956
Fundraising
3
23,739
-
Other income
1,067
-
TOTAL INCOME
160,497
122,956
EXPENDITURE on:
Raising funds
2,221
-
Charitable activities
4
128,501
134,376
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
130,722
134,376
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)/
29,775
(11,420)
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
72,962
22,720
Total funds carried forward
102,737
11,300
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds		 Total Funds
£
258,647
23,739
1,067
283,453
2,221
262,877
265,098
18,355
95,682
114,037
2022		 Total Funds
2021
£
133,075
-
72
133,147
1,896
131,168
133,064
83
95,599
95,682

The notes on pages 4 to 9 form part of these financial statements.

2

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

BALANCE SHEET

At 31st December 2022

Note
Fixed assets
8
Tangible assets
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
9
Cash at bank
CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within
10
one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS
NET ASSETS
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
12
Unrestricted - general
Unrestricted - designated
Total unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL CHARITY FUNDS		 £
£
1,290
22,318
92,429
114,747
2,000
112,747
114,037
67,737
35,000
102,737
11,300
114,037
2022		 £
£
700
505
95,677
96,182
1,200
94,982
95,682
62,962
10,000
72,962
22,720
95,682
2021

These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 13 September 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

…........................

G Weaver

Chair of Trustees

The notes on pages 4 to 9 form part of these financial statements.

3

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of accounting

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared in accordance with the statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.

The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Porridge & Pens is an unincorporated registered charity and meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Incoming Resources

Donations are recognised when receivable.

Resources Expended

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and includes VAT as the charity is not VAT registered. The majority of costs are attributable to specific charitable activities. Governance costs are associated with the governance arrangements of the charity.

Debtors and creditors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Creditors are recognised at their settlement amount.

4

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Fund accounting

Funds held by the charity are either:

Unrestricted general funds – these are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds – these are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted funds for specific future purposes or projects.

Restricted funds – these are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity.

Taxation

As the Association is a charity, it is exempt from taxation - other than VAT, which is included in the relevant costs in the Statement of Financial Activities - to the extent that any income and gains are applied to its charitable objectives.

2. DONATIONS

Donations
Gift aid
Grants		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
99,447
26,194
10,050
135,691		 Restricted
Funds
£
37,141
-
85,815
122,956		 Total Funds
2022
£
136,588
26,194
95,865
258,647		 Total Funds
2021
£
72,885
8,790
51,400
133,075

5

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

3. INCOME FROM RAISING FUNDS

Sales
Fundraising
4.
CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE
Girl power projects
Brightlingsea Academy projects
Other direct costs
Support and administration costs:
Depreciation
Postage, Freight & Courier
Insurance
Printing & Stationery
IT Software and Consumables
Salaries
Pensions Costs
General Expenses
Travel
Governance costs (note 5)
Total support costs
Total cost of charitable expenditure		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
2,813
20,926
23,739
Unrestricted
Funds
£
43,360
38,009
5,090
86,459
507
1,513
439
687
1,030
31,632
959
-
904
4,371
42,042
128,501		 Restricted
Funds
-
-
-
Restricted
Funds
£
87,619
46,757
-
134,376
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
134,376		 Total Funds
2022
£
2,813
20,926
23,739
Total Funds
2022
£
130,979
84,766
5,090
220,835
507
1,513
439
687
1,030
31,632
959
-
904
4,371
42,042
262,877		 Total Funds
2021
£
-
-
-
Total Funds
2021
£
27,634
76,521
-
104,155
233
84
434
191
422
22,330
830
32
-
2,457
27,013
131,168

6

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

5. GOVERNANCE COSTS

Fees payable to independent examiner: accounts and examination
Fees payable to independent examiner: other services
Bank Fees
Trustee Expenses		 Total Funds
2022
£
2,096
768
5
1,502
4,371		 Total Funds
2021
£
1,521
936
-
-
2,457

6. STAFF COSTS AND EMOLUMENTS

Total staff costs were as follows:
Wages & salaries
Employer pension contributions		 2022
£
31,632
959
32,591		 2021
£
22,330
830
23,160

Particulars of employees:

The average number of employees during the year was: 2 2

No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 during the period.

7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

No remuneration was paid to Trustees in the year (2021 - Nil)

Travel and subsistence expenses totalling £1,502 were paid on behalf of Trustees in the year (2021 - Nil)

7

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

8.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Cost
At 1 January 2022
Additions
At 31st December 2022
Depreciation
At 1 January 2022
Charge for year
At 31st December 2022
Net book value
At 31st December 2022
At 31st December 2021
9.
DEBTORS
Gift aid recoverable
10. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year
Accruals
Other creditors		 Computer
£
933
1,097
2,030
233
507
740
1,290
700
2022
£
22,318
2,000
-
2,000		 Total
£
933
1,097
2,030
233
507
740
1,290
700
2021
£
505
1,200
-
1,200

11. RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS

There were no related party transactions during the year.

8

PORRIDGE & PENS GHANA

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

12. FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
General
1)
Designated
Restricted funds
2)
Girl Power
3)
Brightlingsea Academy		 Balance at
01/01/2022
£
62,962
10,000
72,962
20,250
2,470
22,720		 Incoming
£
160,497
-
160,497
74,069
48,887
122,956		 Outgoing
£
(120,722)
(10,000)
(130,722)
(87,619)
(46,757)
(134,376)		 Transfer
(35,000)
35,000
-
-
-
-		 Balance at
31/12/2022
£
67,737
35,000
102,737
6,700
4,600
11,300

13. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS (between restricted and unrestricted funds)

Restricted
Designated
Unrestricted		 Tangible
fixed assets
£
-
-
1,290
1,290		 Other net
assets
£
11,300
35,000
66,447
112,747		 Total
£
11,300
35,000
67,737
114,037

9