Charity number: 1167679
Company number: 09899830
(England and Wales)
St Albans for Refugees
Report of the Trustees and the Unaudited Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2020
St Albans for Refugees Contents Page For the year ended 31 December 2020
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 3 |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 to 9 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 10 |
St Albans for Refugees Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 December 2020
The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for the charitable company for the year ended 31 December 2020. 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 the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).
Chair's report
This has been a quiet year for St Albans for Refugees (StAR) due to Covid‐19 restrictions, but when permitted we continued the receiving and distribution of donations and putting in place strong foundations for the future which will allow us to do more in the years ahead to support refugees around the world.
It is important to remember that none of what we achieved in the year would not have been possible without the ongoing support of a strong trustee group and the amazing team of volunteers who helped in in the year, some of whom gave an hour and some of whom gave lots of hours, but all of whom are crucial to the continuing work of StAR.
StAR is in a good position to continue its work in the future and we look forward to working with our volunteers in the future.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Our charity objects, as laid out in our Memorandum and Articles, are:
To collect and distribute emergency aid for refugees from war, oppression, natural disasters, climate change, and those being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or membership of a particular social group or political opinion.
The relief of financial hardship amongst those granted refugee status and their dependants living (temporarily or permanently) in St Albans and the surrounding area.
To preserve and protect the physical and mental health of those granted refugee status and their dependents.
To advance the education and training of those granted refugee status and their dependents in need thereof so as to advance them in life and assist them to adapt within a new community.
To advance the education of the public in general about the issues relating to refugees and those seeking asylum.
The provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life of those persons who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disablement, financial hardship or social and economic circumstances.
The relief of sickness and financial hardship amongst those seeking asylum in the United Kingdom or who are refugees, and who reside in St Albans and the surrounding area.
The relief of unemployment of those granted refugee status and those seeking asylum in the United Kingdom, and in particular St Albans and the surrounding area, by the provision of vocational and skills training, advice and support.
Objectives and aims
The trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, including the guidance 'public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
1
St Albans for Refugees Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 December 2020
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
St Albans for Refugees (StAR) had a quiet year in 2020, primarily due to Covid‐19 and logistical problems caused by Brexit. However, we were able to provide aid in the following areas:
-
France – At the beginning of the year before lockdowns caused by Covid‐19 we did travel to Calais and Dunkirk, distributing clothing, tents and sanitary products. We helped with food preparation and distribution of meals and we provided some telephones to refugees. We provided social interaction with refugees.
-
Greece – We co‐operated with an aid distribution company to send aid in the form of clothing, sanitary products and toys to refugee camps in Greece.
-
Syria ‐ We co‐operated with an aid distribution company to send aid in the form of clothing, sanitary products and toys to refugee camps in Greece.
Community outreach
Due to the Covid‐19 lockdown we were unable to run our Reverse Father Christmas event at the St Albans Museum in December. However, we ran the event on Zoom instead. The event allows everyone child to see Father Christmas free of charge but they are usually asked to bring a present for distribution to refugees. For 2020 we asked for financial donations instead. St Albans Museum have invited us back for 2021, dependent on further Covid‐19 restrictions.
Work with other groups
We worked with Anaya Aid to provide items for Greece – several journeys to visit Anaya Aid in London Donated towards logistics cost of sending pallets containing winter clothes and other aid sent to CESRT, Chios
Worked with our Volunteers – When permitted between lockdowns we continued to work with volunteers in the St Albans community who have helped to ensure that at least once a week our garages were open for donations and sorting.
Political pressure ‐ We have worked with other organisations to keep up the political pressure on the UK and European governments to work to resolve refugee concerns.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
StAR's finances consist of a general unrestricted fund. This fund comes from donations and fundraising. These donations are funded through our bank account, Justgiving, Paypal and the occasional cash donation. StAR has also noted an arbitrary figure of £20,000 in respect of donated goods, all of which has been redistributed in the year.
Reserves
At the end of December 2020 there was a reserve of £2,676.
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
2
St Albans for Refugees Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 December 2020
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The governing document is the Memorandum and Articles of St Albans for Refugees, a company (no. 09899830) limited by guarantee incorporated on 2 December 2015.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Name of Charity St Albans for Refugees Charity registration number 1167679 Company registration number 09899830 Principal address C/o Needham Accountancy Ltd Berkeley House Barnet Road London Colney Hertfordshire AL2 1BG
Trustees
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Elizabeth Needham Farhat Zia Deborah Playford Jacqueline Freeman Independent examiners Ernest Coupe Bankers Metro Bank St Peter Street St Albans Hertfordshire AL1 3ED
Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by
............................................................................. 19/10/2021 Elizabeth Needham Trustee
3
St Albans for Refugees Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees For the year ended 31 December 2020
I report on the accounts of the charitable company for the year ended 31 December 2020, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Statement of Financial Position and the related notes.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The Trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is required.
Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
to 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 charitable company and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from 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 examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of section 394 and 395 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities
have not been met, or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts
See final page for actual signature
............................................................................. Catherine Borel‐Saladin ACMA
22 October 2022
4
St Albans for Refugees Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account) For the year ended 31 December 2020
| Notes Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 2 Other trading activities 3 Total Expenditure on: Raising funds 4 Charitable activities 5/6 Total Net Income Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted Funds 2020 2019 £ £ 32,180 48,266 0 0 32,180 48,266 (1,597) (1,933) (28,538) (47,325) (30,135) (49,258) 2,045 (992) 2,045 (992) |
|---|---|
5
St Albans for Refugees Statement of Financial Position
For the year ended 31 December 2020
| Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets The funds of the charity Unrestricted income funds Total funds |
Notes 8 |
2020 2,676 2,676 2,676 2,676 2,676 2,676 |
2019 631 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 631 631 |
||||
| 631 | ||||
| 631 | ||||
| 631 |
For the year ended 31 December 2020 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
-
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476,
-
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and signed on its behalf by:
…………………………………………………………………… Elizabeth Needham Trustee
19 October 2021
6
St Albans for Refugees Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2020
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for investments which are included at market value and the revaluation of certain fixed assets and 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 2015)’, Financial Reporting Standard 102 the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), and the Companies Act 2006.
St Albans for Refugees meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
2. Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted funds Donations received Donated goods and services |
2020 £ 12,180 20,000 32,180 |
2019 £ 8,266 40,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 48,266 |
3. Income earned from other activities
| Unrestricted funds Fund raising events |
2020 £ 0 0 |
2019 £ 0 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
4. Expenditure on generating donations and legacies
| 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ |
£ | |
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| Donations | 0 | 0 |
| Support Services | 1,597 | 1,933 |
| 1,597 | 1,933 |
7
St Albans for Refugees Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 December 2020
5. Costs of charitable activities by fund type
| Unrestricted funds Supporting Refugees in France Supporting Refugees in Greece Supporting Refugees in Syria Support costs |
2020 £ 15,478 7,010 6,050 0 28,538 |
2019 £ 37,860 9,465 0 0 |
|---|---|---|
| 47,325 |
6. Costs of charitable activities by activity type
| Activities undertaken directly |
Support Costs |
2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Supporting Refugees in France | 15,478 | 866 | 16,344 |
| Supporting Refugees in Greece | 7,010 | 392 | 7,402 |
| Supporting Refugees in Syria | 6,050 | 339 | 6,389 |
| 28,538 | 1,597 | 30,135 |
7. Analysis of support costs
| Travel Finance General Admin Costs |
General Support Costs £ 191 203 1,153 |
|---|---|
| 1,597 |
8
St Albans for Refugees Notes to the Financial Statements Continued
For the year ended 31 December 2020
8. Movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General Brought forward General 2020 |
Incoming Resources £ 32,180 |
Outgoing Resources £ 30,135 |
Balance at 31/12/2020 £ 631 2,045 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,676 |
Purpose of unrestricted Funds
General
Unrestricted funds are spent or applied at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity’s purposes.
9. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted funds General General |
Net current assets / (liabilities) £ 2,676 2,676 |
Net Assets £ 2,676 |
|---|---|---|
| 2,676 |
9
St Albans for Refugees Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 December 2020
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENT Donations and legacies Donations Donated goods and services Other trading activities Fund raising events Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Raising donations and legacies Donations Charitable activities Supporting Refugees in France Supporting Refugees in Greece Supporting Refugees in Syria SUPPORT COST Travel Finance General Admin Costs Total resources expended Net Income |
2020 £ 12,180 20,000 32,180 0 0 32,180 0 0 (15,478) (7,010) (6,050) (28,538) (191) (203) (1,203) (1,597) (30,135) 2,045 |
2019 £ 8,266 40,000 48.266 0 0 48,266 0 0 (37,860) (9,465) 0 (47,325) (1,254) (229) (450) (1,933) (49,258) (992) |
|---|---|---|
10
St Albans for Refugees Independent Examlners Report lo the Trustees For the year ended 31 Dectmber 2020 I repDrt on the account5 of the ch3rlt3ble cornp3ny for the year ended 31 DecembÈr 2020, whlch comprlse the Staternent of Flnamclal Actlvltles, the 5taternent of Flnanc131 Posltlon and the related notes. RespÈctlve re5pon51bllltle5 of trustees and examlner The Trustee5, who are a150 di ctor5 for the purposes of company law, are responslble for the preparatlon of the a££ount5. The trustees conslder that an audlt Is not requlred for thls year under section 144121 ol the Charltles Ad 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an Independent examlnatlon Is requlred. Having satisfied myself thèt the charlty Is not sublect to audlt under company law and Is eliglble for IndeFendetTrt examination, It is my responsibility to., examine the accounts untjer Sectlon 145 of the 2011 Act.. to follow the procedures laid down the General Dlrectlons glven by the Charity Cornmission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Art,. and to state whether partlcular matters have come to my attention. asls Df Independent examlner's report My examination was carried out in accordance wlth the General Directions ENen by the Charity Cornrnission. An examinatlDn inrludes a reviewof the accounting records kept by the charitable company and a comparison of the accounts presented with thosÈ records. It also includes consideration of any unusu21 items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanationsfrom you astrustee5concemin8 anysuth rnatter5. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is gwen as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view. and the report is limited to those fflatters set out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statement In connection with rny examination, no rnatter has comÈEo Tny attention.. 111 whi¢h gives me reasonable ¢au5e to believe that, In any material respe¢t, the requlrements.. to kÈep accounting records in arcordance with 386 and 387 of the Comp?nie5 Act 2006.. and to prÈpare accounts whlch accord with the attounting records and compty wlth the accountin8 requirernent5 of Section 394 and 395 of the Companles Act 2006 and wlth the methods and prfnclples of the Statement ol Recornmended PrattitÈ.' Accounting and ReportinB by Charfties have not been met, or 121 to which. in my opinion. attentlon should be drawn In order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts c*herlne Borel-saladln ACMA 22 October 2022