The
Bentswood Community Partnership
Working for a better future
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT TO THE AGM FOR 2022-23
Dear BCP Members and residents,
This has been a something of a year of two halves that have shown great work and great difficulties for the BCP and the community.
To this end, the Trustees have met at least seven times since last year’s AGM, more than double the usual amount, and I would firstly like to pay tribute to my colleagues for their contributions and thanks for the imposition upon their time.
The first half of the year saw the continuation of the superb and varied work carried out by volunteers and the paid Hub Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator through the Bentswood Hub in America Lane. I shall not go into great detail on the activities as they are largely known to residents, suffice to say that their scope fulfilled many of the Objects of this charity and supported many of the families, young and older people living in Bentswood and nearby. Recent events and feedback from residents has shown how highly this was appreciated and accolades and awards were rightly won by Sussex Clubs for Young People’s (SCYP) team. With this in mind the BCP Trustees supported work by SCYP and Clarion Futures to raise funds to support the running of the Hub, the employment of staff and the key activities being carried out. The success of their efforts can be seen in the funds that we are currently holding.
Sadly, in late June/early July SCYP went into administration and the knock-on effect of this was hugely felt in Bentswood and, indeed, across the whole of Sussex such was the scope of their work with young people and increasingly their wider community activities. For us here it meant that the Hub had to immediately close as the lease effectively fell away and along with it the relevant building and liability insurances. Sadly it also meant the loss of the staff running the Hub and we should bear in mind the huge impact upon them personally as well as the loss to the Community.
However, Clarion Futures made the huge decision to directly take on the lease of the Hub and the employment of staff and we should recognise the commitment of Nicky Dodds and Dawn Rennie to this community that they managed to persuade their Directors to take this new direction for Clarion Futures. The lease was agreed in relatively short time for these things but other administrative matters unfortunately went at the slow pace that these things do in huge organisations and this caused real difficulties for all concerned.
In October we learnt of the forming of the “Bentswood Hub CIC” and it has transpired that they have subsequently worked on setting up their projects around the larder and youth activities independently. This has left Clarion Futures with the problem of the commitment of a 3-year lease but without the benefit of the previous Hub staff to call upon.
The BCP Trustees continue to meet regularly to keep appraised of this evolving situation and remain committed to support all Partners who are delivering services to support our community. Before signing off I would also like to pay tribute to the Town Council for their support during the year but also as intermediaries over the last couple of months as we seek to find a way forward for joint working between Clarion Futures, BCP and the new CIC.
I wish you all a wonderful Festive Season and would like to express my deepest thanks to each and every one of you who give up your time and energy to support our residents.
Stephen R Hillier, Chairman 2014 – present 6[th] December 2023
Registered Address:c/o Warden Park Primary Academy, New England Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH16 3JS Registered Charity Number: 1167891
Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1[st ] September 2022 To 31[st ] August 2023 Charity name: BENTSWOOD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Charity registration number: 1167891
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To develop the capacity and skills of the members of the socially and economically disadvantaged community of the Bentswood Ward in Haywards Heath and surrounding areas in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to participate more fully in society |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
We are one of three partners in the hugely successful Bentswood Hub. This is now where the vast majority of the activities are carried out and includes: a food larder using supermarket waste to support struggling residents, weekly drop-ins with supportive agencies such as CAB, youth groups, Sunday roasts for isolated older people. In addition the BCP supports communityevents |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The guidance has been circulated this year to all Trustees |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | As a rule we are not a grant-making organisation but we have procedures for residents to follow if they wish support withanewproject |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | N/A |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The work of our volunteers is priceless! Mostly through the work of the Development Officer there are now in excess of 30 regular volunteers supporting the Hub and volunteering to assistis strongly encouragedinthe youthgroups |
| Other |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | The first half of the year saw the continuation of the superb and varied work carried out by volunteers and the paid Hub Coordinator and Assistant Coordinator through the Bentswood Hub in America Lane. I shall not go into great detail on the activities as they are largely known to residents, suffice to say that their scope fulfilled many of the Objects of this charity and supported many of the families, young and older people living in Bentswood and nearby. Recent events and feedback from residents has shown how highly this was appreciated and accolades and awards were rightly won by Sussex Clubs for Young People’s (SCYP) team. With this in mind the BCP Trustees supported work by SCYP and Clarion Futures to raise funds to support the running of the Hub, the employment of staff and the key activities being carried out. The success of their efforts can be seen in the funds that we are currently holding. Sadly, in late June/early July SCYP went into administration and the knock-on effect of this was hugely felt in Bentswood. However, Clarion Futures made the huge decision to directly take on the lease of the Hub and the employment of staff and we should recognise the commitment of Nicky Dodds and Dawn Rennie to this community. The BCP Trustees continue to meet regularly to keep appraised of this evolving situation and remain committed to support all Partners who are delivering services to support our community. Before signing off I would also like to pay tribute to the Town Council for their support during the year but also as intermediaries over the last couple of months as we seek to find a way forward for joint working between Clarion Futures, BCP and the new CIC |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | We are in a good financial position but it should be noted that due to the hiatus resulting from the demise of Sussex Clubs for Young People, we are holding significant specific reserves awaiting the recommencement of delivery projects |
|---|---|---|
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | We keep fixed outgoings to an absolute minimum and therefore have virtually no formal need for reserves. However, bearing in mind the comment above, we try to hold sufficient funds to ensure key projects like youth support can be maintained duringtheyear |
|---|---|---|
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | See CC16a |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | n/a |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | n/a |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as agoingconcern |
Para 1.23 | None |
Additional information (optional)
| Additional information (optional) | Additional information (optional) | Additional information (optional) |
|---|---|---|
| You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: | ||
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | A mix of grant applications, community events and activities such as the volunteer-run coffee morning and the youth-runSaturday breakfasts |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investmentpolicyadopted |
Para 1.46 | N/A |
A description of the principal At present we can foresee none. We have risks facing the charity minimal fixed costs and no long-standing Para 1.46 financial commitments and are supported by a good number of Trustees Other
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: | n/a | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document | Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charityconstituted? | Para 1.25 | Charitable CIO |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Prospective Trustees apply, completing a form, and are decided upon by the Trustees. There is an Annual Meeting for all members where these are validated and the Officers elected |
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees Para 1.51 The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works Para 1.51 Relationship with any related parties Para 1.51 Other
Reference and Administrative details
| Charityname | Bentswood CommunityPartnership |
|---|---|
| Other name the charityuses | |
| Registered charitynumber | 1167891 |
| Charity’s principal address | c/o Warden Park Primary School New England Road Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 3JS |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee(if any) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen Hillier | Chairperson | |||
| Joyce Sharma | Secretary | |||
| Zoltan Demjan | Financial Officer | Appointed 28/10/22 | ||
| Barbara Lank | ||||
| Bryan Fairhall | ||||
| Nicky Dodds (representing Clarion Futures) |
||||
| Alan Jenkins | ||||
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity None
Name and objects of the charity on whose n/a behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects
Details of arrangements for safe custody and n/a segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
adviser Type of Name Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
N/A
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date 23/1/24
1
30/06/2023
| Stephen R Hillier | Ruth de Mierre |
|---|---|
| Chairperson | Trustee |
----- Start of picture text -----
BENTSWOOD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP 1167891
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period 01/09/2022 31/08/2023
To
from
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
General Wellbeing - - - - 100
Youth Wellbeing - 25,000 - 25,000 5,000
Community Events - - - - 2,166
Community Hub - 3,450 - 3,450 13,119
Community Café - 1,681 - 1,681 2,039
- - - - -
- - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total (Gross income for
AR) [ - ] 30,131 - 30,131 22,424
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts - 30,131 - 30,131 22,424
A3 Payments
General Admin Costs 60 - - 60 657
Youth Wellbeing - - - - 9,750
Community Events - 278 - 278 870
Community Hub - 7,809 - 7,809 9,576
Community Cade - 4 - 4 296
Volunteer Support - 54 - 54 218
Newsletter - 167 - 167 -
Community Fun Day - 82 - 82 -
General Wellbeing 273
Gardening Projects - - - - 27
Sub total [ 60 ] 8,394 - 8,454 21,667
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - - -
Total payments 60 8,394 - 8,454 21,667
Net of receipts/(payments) - 60 21,737 - 21,677 757
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 1,670 35,982 - 37,652 36,895
Cash funds this year end 1,610 57,719 - 59,329 37,652
----- End of picture text -----
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
30/03/2026
1
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Restricted | Endowment | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | funds | |||||
| **to nearesl£ ** | to | **nearest£ ** | **to nearest£ ** | ||||
| 81Cashfunds | 1,610 | **57,7 ** | 19 | ||||
| . | |||||||
| Totalcashfunds | 1,610 | 57,719 | . | ||||
| **(agree balances withreceiptsandpayments ** | |||||||
| account{s» | |||||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Endowment | |||||
| funds | funds | funds | |||||
| Ie | **tonearestE ** | to | **nearest£ ** | **tonearest £ ** | |||
| 82Othermonetaryassets | |||||||
| . | |||||||
| " | Fundtowhich assetbelonCis |
Cost(opfonal) , |
Current value **footional) ** |
||||
| 83Investment'1ssets | |||||||
| . | |||||||
| . | |||||||
| . | ..,'<, | Fundto w hich asset belongs |
Cost(optional) | Current value IQptional) |
|||
| 84Assetsretainedforthe | |||||||
| charity'sownuse | |||||||
| Fundtowhich | Amountdue | When due | |||||
| Ott 1115 | liabiUty relates | (oDtlonal) | (oDtional) | ||||
| 85Liabilities | |||||||
| Signedbyoneortwotrusteeson behalfofallthetrustees |
Signature | Print Name | Dateof aproval |
||||
| Ste hen | R Hillier | 23/03/2026 | |||||
| RuthdeMierr~ | 23/03/2026 |
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ BENTSWOOD COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP members of 31 August 2023 Charity no (if 1167981 On accounts for the year ended any) Set out on pages Receipts & payments Account ( CC16-A) on pages 1&2 Respective responsibilities of The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees and examiner trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity examiner’s statement Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the 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 In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which statement gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Date: 26 March 2026 Signed: Name: Timothy Fraser Relevant professional Chartered Accountant qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 7 The Dell, Haywards Heath RH16 1JG
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items None that the examiner wishes to disclose .