**REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1167289**
## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND**
## **UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## **FOR**
## **SHEMA BENI**
Joseph Kahan Associates LLP Chartered Accountants 923 Finchley Road London NW11 7PE
**SHEMA BENI**
**CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
|||**Page**||
|---|---|---|---|
|**Report of the Trustees**|1|to|4|
|**Independent Examiner's Report**||5||
|**Statement of Financial Activities**||6||
|**Statement of Financial Position**||7||
|**Statement of Cash Flows**||8||
|**Notes to the Statement of Cash Flows**||9||
|**Notes to the Financial Statements**|10|to|14|
**SHEMA BENI**
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the period 1st April 2023 to 31st August 2024. 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**
Shema Bni provides a strong, supportive network empowering young couples and families to grow in their life journey, feeling connected, knowledgeable and fulfilled.
Our vision is to inspire, sustain, and connect Jews to their rich heritage, equipping them to pass it on to future generations in a positive and joyful way while preparing them to thrive in an ever-changing world.
By bridging past, present, and future, Shema Bni ensures the flame of Jewish life continues to burn brightly for generations to come.
## **Significant activities**
This year marked a significant phase of growth for Shema Bni. In response to rising demand, we expanded our programmes, classes, and community events.
A key highlight was the launch of the Edgware Hub Community Kollel, providing young professionals and students with deeper educational and social engagement opportunities. This includes mentorship programmes fostering intergenerational leadership and connection.
Additionally, the new Borehamwood Hub was launched, with targeted initiatives for marriage enrichment, women’s issues, parenting support, and Jewish life enhancement. Programmes include seminars, Shabbatonim,weekly learning and social activities for both men and women.
## **Public benefit**
The trustees have carefully considered the public benefit requirements and their duty to ensure that they are compliant with them. They feel that the activities as detailed below, more than adequately, satisfy the public benefit requirement.
The trustees continue to operate within the confines of the charity objectives namely in the respect of the advancement of Orthodox Jewish education by providing educational outreach programmes as well as worship facilities which are open to all members of the Jewish Faith.
## **Volunteers**
We are grateful to the average of 8 volunteers who assist the Charity in numerous ways.
Page 1
**SHEMA BENI**
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
Fundraising and Community Support
Shema Bni remains entirely funded through voluntary donations. We are grateful to our dedicated supporters. Community campaigns and relationship-building with new partners have expanded our donor base and unlocked new funding streams.
## Explanation for Budget Growth
The Trustees wish to explain the key factors that contributed to the increased budget for the financial year ended 31st August 2024. This growth reflects both operational adjustments and investment in new and expanded community services.
## 1. Change to Financial Year-End: Alignment with Academic Calendar
To improve alignment between financial reporting and programme delivery, the Trustees changed the financial year-end to 31st August.
This adjustment enhances forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management, and allows for smoother planning processes.
Financial Impact: The transition created a one-off extended reporting period of 17 months, temporarily increasing reported income and expenditure. Future financial years will return to a standard 12-month cycle.
## 2. Launch and Expansion of Outreach Programmes: Edgware and Borehamwood
Reflecting our commitment to community engagement, Shema Bni launched and expanded outreach initiatives in Edgware and Borehamwood.
## Key Focus Areas:
- •- Engaged and Newly Married Couples: Relationship-building workshops and Jewish learning programmes.
- •- Young Families: Parenting workshops and family educational events.
- •- Youth Provision: Leadership and Jewish education programmes for teenagers and young adults.
- •- Men•'s and Women•'s Activities: Tailored educational and social programmes at various life stages.
Financial Impact: This expansion led to increased staffing, venue costs, materials, and marketing, all essential for community engagement and programme delivery.
3. Expansion of our mentoring and counselling service
In response to rising financial stress, mental health challenges, and relationship pressures within the community, Shema Bni introduced a therapeutic support initiative focused on building resilience and well-being. The Trustees believe this proactive step is essential for strengthening individual and family well-being.
## Support Services Provided:
- •- Signposting and access to qualified therapists and counsellors
- •- Workshops and one-to-one sessions on marriage, parenting, stress management, and emotional well-being
- •- Confidential referrals and subsidised services for those experiencing financial hardship
Financial Impact: This new service increased costs in areas such as professional fees, programme delivery, and administrative resources required for referral management and safeguarding. The Trustees view this as a vital investment in community well-being.
## Conclusion
The Trustees are satisfied that the budget growth reflects responsible, mission-driven investment in three key areas:
Page 2
**SHEMA BENI**
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## **OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
- •- Strategic operational improvements (financial year-end change)
- •- Expansion of educational and social outreach in Edgware and Borehamwood
- •- Increasing provision of mentoring and counselling services.
These developments enhance Shema Bni's impact, build community resilience, and support the long-term sustainability of our work.
## **FINANCIAL REVIEW**
The statement of financial activities show a net Deficit for the year of £2,675 ( 2023 - Surplus: £81,465). The net reserves of £137,260 (2023 : £139,935) will be carried forward to the following year to be used towards the charity's objectives.
## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
## **Governing document**
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitute a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
## **Recruitment and appointment of new trustees**
Appointment of Trustees is governed by the Trust Deed of the Charity. All of the Trustees named above served throughout the year. The Board has the power to appoint additional trustees as it considers fit to do so.
## **Risk management**
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number**
1167289
## **Principal address**
14 Highview Avenue Edgware Middlesex HA8 9TZ
## **Trustees**
A Cohen R D Joseph Dr W Abelman
## **Independent Examiner**
Akiva Kahan Joseph Kahan Associates LLP Chartered Accountants 923 Finchley Road London NW11 7PE
Page 3
**SHEMA BENI**
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 1st July 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
A Cohen - Trustee
Page 4
**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SHEMA BENI**
## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Shema Beni**
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Shema Beni (the Trust) for the period 1st April 2023 to 31st August 2024.
## **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**
Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can 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 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.
Akiva Kahan The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales
Joseph Kahan Associates LLP Chartered Accountants 923 Finchley Road London NW11 7PE
Date: .......July 2025
Page 5
**SHEMA BENI**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
|Notes
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
2
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
3
Advertising and Promotion
Administrative costs
Finance charges
Travelling costs
Educational outreach and seminars
Property costs
Accountancy costs
Governance costs
**Total**
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|Unrestricted
fund
£
546,567
13,630
45,636
-
18,581
460,316
7,750
1,500
1,829
549,242
(2,675)
139,935
137,260|Restricted
fund
£
50,000
-
-
-
-
50,000
-
-
-
50,000
-
-
-|PERIOD
1/4/23
TO
YEAR ENDED
31/8/24
31/3/23
Total
Total
funds
funds
£
£
596,567
331,734
13,630
5,665
45,636
26,658
-
14
18,581
12,599
510,316
200,173
7,750
4,200
1,500
960
1,829
-
599,242
250,269
(2,675)
81,465
139,935
58,470
137,260
139,935|
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 6
## **SHEMA BENI**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31ST AUGUST 2024**
|Notes
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible assets
7
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
8
Cash at bank and in hand
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
9
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT**
**LIABILITIES**
**NET ASSETS**
**FUNDS**
11
Unrestricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Unrestricted
fund
£
1,032
1,680
140,259
141,939
(5,711)
136,228
137,260
137,260|Restricted
fund
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|2024
Total
funds
£
1,032
1,680
140,259
141,939
(5,711)
136,228
137,260
137,260
137,260
137,260|2023
Total
funds
£
1,104
2,500
149,193
151,693
(12,862)
138,831
139,935
139,935
139,935
139,935|
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 1st July 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:
A Cohen - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 7
## **SHEMA BENI**
## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
|Notes
**Cash flows from operating activities**
Cash generated from operations
1
Interest paid
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities
**Cash flows from investing activities**
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
**Cash flows from financing activities**
Loan repayments in year
Net cash used in financing activities
**Change in cash and cash equivalents in**
**the reporting period**
**Cash and cash equivalents at the**
**beginning of the reporting period**
**Cash and cash equivalents at the end of**
**the reporting period**|PERIOD
1/4/23
TO
YEAR ENDED
31/8/24
31/3/23
£
£
24
81,668
(171)
(164)
(147)
81,504
(212)
(370)
(212)
(370)
(8,575)
(2,809)
(8,575)
(2,809)
(8,934)
78,325
149,193
70,868
140,259
149,193|
|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 8
**SHEMA BENI**
## **NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## **1. RECONCILIATION OF NET (EXPENDITURE)/INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES**
|**Net (expenditure)/income for the reporting period (as per the**
**Statement of Financial Activities)**
**Adjustments for:**
Depreciation charges
Interest paid
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase in creditors
**Net cash provided by operations**|PERIOD
1/4/23
TO
YEAR ENDED
31/8/24
31/3/23
£
£
(2,675)
81,465
283
337
171
164
820
(2,500)
1,425
2,202
24
81,668|
|---|---|
## **2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS**
||At 1/4/23|Cash flow|At 31/8/24|
|---|---|---|---|
||£|£|£|
|**Net cash**||||
|Cash at bank and in hand|149,193|(8,934)|140,259|
||149,193|(8,934)|140,259|
|**Debt**||||
|Debts falling due within 1 year|(9,690)|8,576|(1,114)|
||(9,690)|8,576|(1,114)|
|**Total**|139,503|(358)|139,145|
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 9
**SHEMA BENI**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## **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.
## **Tangible fixed assets**
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
|Fixtures and fittings|- 25% on cost|
|---|---|
|Computer equipment|- 25% on cost|
## **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 AND LEGACIES**|||
|---|---|---|
||PERIOD||
||1/4/23||
||TO|YEAR ENDED|
||31/8/24|31/3/23|
||£|£|
|Donations from corporate spons|596,567|331,734|
Page 10
**SHEMA BENI**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## **3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS**
|Advertising and Promotion
Administrative costs
Travelling costs
Educational outreach and seminars
Property costs
Accountancy costs
Governance costs
**SUPPORT COSTS**
Management
£
Advertising and Promotion
13,630
Administrative costs
43,253
Travelling costs
18,581
Accountancy costs
-
Governance costs
-
75,464|Direct
Costs
£
-
1,929
-
510,316
7,750
-
-
519,995
Finance
£
-
171
-
-
-
171|Support
costs (see
note 4)
£
13,630
43,707
18,581
-
-
1,500
1,829
79,247
Governance
costs
£
-
283
-
1,500
1,829
3,612|Totals
£
13,630
45,636
18,581
510,316
7,750
1,500
1,829|Totals
£
13,630
45,636
18,581
510,316
7,750
1,500
1,829|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||599,242||
|||||Totals
£
13,630
43,707
18,581
1,500
1,829|
|||||79,247|
## **4. SUPPORT COSTS**
## **5. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS**
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 31st August 2024 nor for the year ended 31st March 2023.
## **Trustees' expenses**
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the period ended 31st August 2024 nor for the year ended 31st March 2023.
## **6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
||Unrestricted|
|---|---|
||fund|
||£|
|**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**||
|Donations and legacies|331,734|
|**EXPENDITURE ON**||
|**Charitable activities**||
|Advertising and Promotion|5,665|
|Administrative costs|26,658|
|Finance charges|14|
|Travelling costs|12,599|
|Educational outreach and seminars|200,173|
|Property costs|4,200|
|Accountancy costs|960|
Page 11
**SHEMA BENI**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## **6. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES - continued**
|Unrestricted
fund
£
**Total**
250,269
**NET INCOME**
81,465
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
58,470
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
139,935
**7.**
**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**
Fixtures
and
Computer
fittings
equipment
Totals
£
£
£
**COST**
At 1st April 2023
1,027
2,831
3,858
Additions
-
212
212
At 31st August 2024
1,027
3,043
4,070
**DEPRECIATION**
At 1st April 2023
811
1,943
2,754
Charge for year
54
230
284
At 31st August 2024
865
2,173
3,038
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 31st August 2024
162
870
1,032
At 31st March 2023
216
888
1,104
**8.**
**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
2024
2023
£
£
Trade debtors
1,680
2,500|Unrestricted
fund
£
**Total**
250,269
**NET INCOME**
81,465
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
58,470
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
139,935
**7.**
**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**
Fixtures
and
Computer
fittings
equipment
Totals
£
£
£
**COST**
At 1st April 2023
1,027
2,831
3,858
Additions
-
212
212
At 31st August 2024
1,027
3,043
4,070
**DEPRECIATION**
At 1st April 2023
811
1,943
2,754
Charge for year
54
230
284
At 31st August 2024
865
2,173
3,038
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 31st August 2024
162
870
1,032
At 31st March 2023
216
888
1,104
**8.**
**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
2024
2023
£
£
Trade debtors
1,680
2,500|Unrestricted
fund
£
**Total**
250,269
**NET INCOME**
81,465
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
Total funds brought forward
58,470
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
139,935
**7.**
**TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS**
Fixtures
and
Computer
fittings
equipment
Totals
£
£
£
**COST**
At 1st April 2023
1,027
2,831
3,858
Additions
-
212
212
At 31st August 2024
1,027
3,043
4,070
**DEPRECIATION**
At 1st April 2023
811
1,943
2,754
Charge for year
54
230
284
At 31st August 2024
865
2,173
3,038
**NET BOOK VALUE**
At 31st August 2024
162
870
1,032
At 31st March 2023
216
888
1,104
**8.**
**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
2024
2023
£
£
Trade debtors
1,680
2,500|
|---|---|---|
|||250,269|
|||81,465
58,470|
|||139,935|
|||Totals
£
3,858
212
4,070
2,754
284
3,038
1,032
1,104
2023
£
2,500|
Page 12
**SHEMA BENI**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## **9. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**
|Bank loans and overdrafts (see note 10)
Trade creditors
Other creditors
**10.**
**LOANS**
An analysis of the maturity of loans is given below:
Amounts falling due within one year on demand:
Bank loans
**11.**
**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**TOTAL FUNDS**
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
RESTRICTED FUND
**TOTAL FUNDS**|At 1/4/23
£
139,935
139,935
Incoming
resources
£
546,567
50,000
596,567|2024
2023
£
£
1,114
9,690
3,087
2,202
1,510
970
5,711
12,862
2024
2023
£
£
1,114
9,690
Net
movement
At
in funds
31/8/24
£
£
(2,675)
137,260
(2,675)
137,260
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(549,242)
(2,675)
(50,000)
-
(599,242)
(2,675)|
|---|---|---|
Page 13
**SHEMA BENI**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE PERIOD 1ST APRIL 2023 TO 31ST AUGUST 2024**
## **11. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued**
**Comparatives for movement in funds**
|At 1/4/22
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
58,470
**TOTAL FUNDS**
58,470
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
331,734
**TOTAL FUNDS**
331,734|Net
movement
At
in funds
31/3/23
£
£
81,465
139,935
81,465
139,935
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(250,269)
81,465
(250,269)
81,465|Net
movement
At
in funds
31/3/23
£
£
81,465
139,935
81,465
139,935
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(250,269)
81,465
(250,269)
81,465|
|---|---|---|
|||81,465|
## **12. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES**
There were no related party transactions for the period ended 31st August 2024.
Page 14