## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
## **YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
**Charity Registration Number 1168123**
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
|**CONTENTS**|**PAGES**|
|---|---|
|**Trustees' Annual Report**||
|Objectives & activities|1-2|
|Achievements, performance & plans for the future|2-4|
|Financial Review|4-6|
|Structure, governance & management|6|
|Responsibilities of Trustees|7|
|Reference and administrative details|8|
|**Independent Examiner's Report**|9|
|**Financial Statements**||
|Statement of Financial Activities|10|
|Balance Sheet|11|
|Notes to financial statements|12-19|
**BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
**TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 1
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the period ended 31 March 2024.
## **1) OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES**
## HISTORY
Samaritans was founded in 1953 to offer sympathetic, caring and confidential support at any time to anyone feeling suicidal or in despair. There are more than 200 branches across the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland. These branches are maintained and run by over 20,000 volunteers. Until 2016 most branches were financially independent and raised funds for their running costs and managed reserves. From 2016 branches had the option to remain independent or merge with the central charity. Bristol Samaritans volunteers voted to remain independent, which led to the incorporation of the new charity, registered number 1168123. However, the charity remains very closely affiliated with the central Samaritans, adopts all the policies and procedures developed by the Central Office, and pays annual contribution.
## SAMARITANS VISION, MISSION AND VALUES
Samaritans' vision is that fewer people die by suicide. We work to achieve this vision by making it our mission to alleviate emotional distress and reduce the incidence of suicidal feelings and suicidal behaviour.
We are committed to the following values:
- Listening
- Confidentiality
- Being non-judgemental
- Human contact
- People making their own decisions - Safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults
## VOLUNTEERS
The Branch is staffed entirely by volunteers, whose numbers are around 200. Listening volunteers are on duty for periods on average of 4 hours per week.
## WORK IN PRISONS
Because of the number of prisoners who take their own life, the prison authorities welcome the presence of Samaritans in prisons. The organisation trains suitable prisoners who act as listeners to other prisoners. Due to the turnover of prisoners ending their sentences, this is very much an ongoing process.
## BRANCH INSPECTIONS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
The branch continuously evaluates and seeks to improve its performance. Every 3 years, the branch undergoes an independent Quality Review, conducted by the a panel of experienced volunteers from the central charity's quality team. This ensures that Bristol Samaritans continues to offer a safe, effective and positive service to our callers, in compliance with policies and procedures. The review also ensures that the branch as an ongoing development plan, which is reviewed at a follow-up visit part way through the three year cycle. The last quality review was in April 2022, and follow up on the development plan in March 2024, both with very positive outcomes.
**BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
**TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT ( Continued ) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 2
## RISK MANAGEMENT
The risk register is reviewed and updated regularly, at least annually, by the trustees, most recently in July 2024. Risks are categorised under the headings Governance and Management, Financial Legal and Regulatory, Operational and Safety and Security. The scale of risk is evaluated and mitigation plan is established. Key risks requiring trustees' attention are:
2.2 If annual income declines then our potential income could fall below running costs leading to draw down of reserves. Risk is considered as _probable_ with _significant impact_ , though the velocity of this risk is slow with time to prepare before any significant impact. _Mitigation plan:_ Income is received from a diversity of sources: - Investment Income; a continuous flow of occasional donations; sponsored walks; donations after talks, major events etc, and occasionally an Annual Appeal. General reserve available and established to be between 12 and 18 month’s income which will cover any short fall in near term.
4.12 If Samaritans Central Office (SCO) don’t deliver a timely comms solution on VOIP we will no longer be able to deliver a listening service. Risk is considered as possible with catastrophic impact. _Mitigation plan_ : Dedicated Trustee appointed to supervise the project working in close alignment with the providers and regular reporting to the Trustees Board. Current target is to complete migration during the Autumn of 2024.
5.3 If branch does not comply with Fire, Theft, Health and Safety regulations then there may be a potential for loss of life, injury or financial loss to volunteers and callers; interruption to the service; also implications for Employers' and Public Liability. Risk is considered as _unlikely_ but _catastrophic impact. Mitigation plan:_ The branch validates it's compliance against Samaritans Central Office governance checklists. In January 2024, the trustees also commissioned an independent audit of health and safety, and are implementing an action plan accordingly. A reasonable adjustment policy takes into account whether a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans is required for volunteers.
5.9 If the branch does not have a Safeguarding Policy as required by the Charity Commission then the Trustees could be held in default. Risk is considered as _unlikely_ but _catastrophic impact_ . _Mitigation plan_ : Samaritans Central Office have produced a Safeguarding Policy template, acceptable to the Charity Commission, which the branch has adopted. Volunteers review safeguarding annual through an "Ongoing Mentoring" scheme, and the branch procedures are reviewed and updated annual.
Risks are covered by insurance through the Samaritan standard insurance policy, which includes business interruption insurance to cover the cost of hiring temporary premises etc. The office and operations rooms all have key code locks on them.
## **2) ACHIEVEMENTS, PERFORMANCE AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE**
## **(a) Callers and Contacts.**
The total number of contacts with members of the public were (calendar years):
||2023|2022|
|---|---|---|
|By telephone|19,324|22,956|
|E-mail contacts|3,633|3,770|
|Face-to face Outreach contacts|104|31|
|_Total Callers_|_23,061_|_26,757_|
**TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT ( Continued ) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 3
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **2) ACHIEVEMENTS, PERFORMANCE AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ( Continued )**
Nationally, Bristol Samaritans is a significant contributor to national capacity to support callers. We continue to aim to support callers day and night, it has become more challenging to cover the number of phones lines and hours that we used to. 20% of our volunteer hours are during the night hours when fewest volunteers are available nationally, and when callers are waiting the longest to speak to a volunteer. Email support is now delivered between a mix of a national email hub, and a smaller number of local branches that include Bristol. With additional processes to ensure quality across the board, emails are taking up more volunteer time. Bristol is proud to report that it delivers 3% of the national capacity for responding to email callers. Post-pandemic, the volunteering sector has had difficulty recruiting volunteers who can provide as many hours as they may have done in the past. This combined with increased time on email responses has resulted in a slight reduction in phone calls taken. Face-to-face contacts remain on hold while we focus our resources on getting proactively into the community, though this may be open to be reassessed following the update of the approach nationally .
## **(b) Outreach to the General Public**
Our continued push in going out into the community has seen a rise in face-to-face contacts outside the branch, focusing at-risk groups: visiting high risk parts of the city; reaching vulnerable people such as the homeless and veterans, attending events in the community.
We have remained a part of an ongoing national project working with Network Rail, which seeks to train rail staff to help them recognise suicidal behaviour and to take the appropriate measures. Dedicated funding from GWR has helped us to recruit resources into the Outreach team, increase awareness of our support on the local railway network, and to upskill some of our volunteers to become post-incident responders on the rail network. Another partnership which works on a referral scheme is with A&E Department at the Bristol Royal Infirmary, with patients being discharged from hospitals.
Our longstanding relationship with HMP Bristol and HMP Eastwood Park continues and the branch prison teams continued to train prisoners to support fellow inmates in active listening to enable them to offer emotional support. We have also increased awareness of our support to prison staff at HMP Ashfield, which doesn't currently operate a Samaritans listener scheme.
## **(c) Fund Raising Events**
We see fundraising events not only as a way to support our work but to show people that we are approachable. Some private donors will actually talk to us about their trouble and we can explain what we can offer them should they call us. Fundraising remains an important part of our work as we have to cover branch expenses every month. The Branch continues to participate in coordinated fundraising activities like Dragon Boat Racing, Bristol Baloon Fiesta, Sarah Millican concerts and others. Opportunities to establish additional fundraising pipeline are being explored.
Due to the substantial level of reserves, Trustees decided not to run the Annual Appeal this year, though we hope that our significant coverage on ITV South West in July 2024 will continue to draw attention to our cause.
## **(d) Other significant events**
In December 2022 Bristol City Council have introduced Clean Air Zone, which means that some volunteers are incurring additional costs to be able to drive to the Branch, up to £18 per one shift, when shift goes over midnight. Such costs are reimbursed in line with Branch's policies and the first full year impact on the Branch financials is £630. Together with parking challenges in the centre this continues to make the access to the Branch more and more difficult from accessibility, safety and the cost of volunteering perspectives. This is particularly relevant when Bristol Samaritans are focussing on Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity.
As a response, in 2021 the Branch appointed a team to investigate the options and possibilities to meet these challenges. Their have interviewed and surveyed the volunteers, assessed and compared options, associated pro’s and cons, including costs. As a result of these consultations and the outcome of "Plan for Bristol" project, the Trustees have decided not to pursue any relocation options, but to invest into fixing issues and improving the volunteer experience within existing premises. The current branch leadership team has scoped out programme of potential works for the new branch leadership team (from October 2024 onwards) to be able to take as a starting point for such improvements. In order to support this agenda, the Trustees feel prudent to set Better Bristol Experience (BBE) Reserve to replace previously held Relocation Reserve.
**TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT ( Continued ) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 4
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **2) ACHIEVEMENTS, PERFORMANCE AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE ( Continued )**
For callers who prefer not to use the phone, but require immediate support, the Central Charity is working on an on-line chat service to talk to a Samaritan via instant messaging, in real time. As this service is finalised and rolled out, Bristol Samaritans will need to retain focus on increasing capacity to reach more callers in more ways.
## **(e) Plans for the future**
Bristol Samaritans has continued focus on the following, with a new team to establish specific priorities for the three years ahead:
- Increasing our reach and impact in the local community, as well as partnerships, focussing outreach and activities on high risk groups, with the ultimate aim that suicide rates in the Bristol area begin to reduce. As all of our activities are run by volunteers, this will first require an upscaling of capacity through recruiting more of them.
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity, ensuring that all volunteers have a sense of place and belonging in the charity, and are enabled as far as possible to contribute to our vision that fewer people die by suicide.
## **3) FINANCIAL REVIEW**
## FINANCIAL POLICIES
The Branch Accounts must comply with statutory requirements and with the branch constitution.
## Reserves and Investment Policy
Financial Policies and Procedures, approved by Trustees in May 2017 and last reviewed in May 2024 specify the following key principles in relation to Reserves and Investment:
(1) The income of the charity is intended to be spent to meet the objects of the charity within a reasonable timeframe.
(2) **Restricted funds** will be held separately from the rest of the funds and will be only used in accordance with restrictions as per the contract agreement with the fund provider(s).
(3) It is accepted that the income and expenditure of the charity will inevitably fluctuate and that some level of reserves should be held so that the operations of the charity are not adversely affected by such fluctuations; the designated **Operational Reserve.** The limits are not fixed but relate to general economic conditions. At present the economy is still performing poorly, with the impacts of high inflation, high energy costs and the war in Ukraine unpredictable. The level of donations might fall significantly. At the same time, rental income is expected to remain stable. As a result, the Trustees believe it will be appropriate for the General Reserve to remain larger than under more favourable economic conditions, i.e. 18 months operating expense budget. Based on average monthly spending in the last 3 years, this would be £93,478.
(4) In order to support the agenda of improving volunteers' experience within current premises, the Trustees feel prudent to replace previously held Relocation reserve by to setting **Better Bristol Experience (BBE) Reserve** of £40,000 (with upper limit of £200,000).
(5) The charity retains the right to create further designated reserves for specific purposes. At present there are no other foreseeable areas where such specific reserves are appropriate.
(6) Free **General Funds** , which are the excess of total funds held by the charity after providing for the restricted funds, general and specific reserves described above, were £4,915 as at 31.03.2024 (2023: £19,219).
The Trustee Board considers it would be prudent to keep at least 3 months operating costs in the readily available form, i.e. deposit account at Barclays bank to ensure that, even in the event of a significant fall in donations or a sudden problem with its premises, the branch could have sufficient cash flow to continue to operate smoothly without withdrawing long term investments.
**TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT ( Continued ) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 5
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **3) FINANCIAL REVIEW ( Continued )**
## FINANCIAL POLICIES ( Continued )
## Custodian Trustees.
In order to obviate the need to alter the names of the Trustees of the Building, as changes in the Trustees occur, Samaritans Incorporated, Company Registration 757372, used to act as Custodian Trustee to the building owned by the old charity number 242320, however this has changed with incorporation into CIO and there are no Custodian Trustees to the new Charity number 1168123.
## Investment Powers & Restrictions.
The Charity's constitution places no restrictions on the investment powers of Trustees.
## Financial Controls
The Trustees believe that existing controls are adequate to safeguard the assets of the charity.
## Payments to Trustees
No remuneration was paid to any of the Trustees. All Trustees have duties as active Samaritan Volunteers, (including listening and / or management roles). During the period, 4 Trustees (2023: 4 Trustees) were reimbursed for expenses in performing duties as a Trustee, amounting to £307 (2023: £209).
## RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD
Сompared to the year before, Branch income fell sharply from £83,147 to a modest £34,779. The main drivers of such a decrease were much lower legacies, totalling only £1,015 instead of £38,503 the year before, and continuous decline in all other forms and sources of donations and income, with the exception of steady and sustainable rent income from The Burger Theory at £17,500 per year.
Fundraising team raised £862 through traditional events and general fundraising, including from our regular donors, some of whom have made monthly donations for many years. Others raise funds at their own life events. Such support is invaluable.
GWR (Great Western Railway) have also continued Community Cohesion Programme transferring another £1,220 of restricted funding.
Considering the level of reserves, the Trustees made the decision not to run the Annual Appeal for the sixth year in a row. However this remains a potential source of additional income should the Branch face significant decrease of reserves and/or need to raise funds for some purpose.
Old Mutual Wealth Investment account, which is allocated to Ethical bonds as advised by the Branch's financial advisors Crystal Wealth Management, followed the trends of the financial markets and recovered compared to the previous year's lows, having positive impact of £12,112 on full year results. It is important to remind that this source of income is heavily dependent on macro-economic trends and performance significantly varies. The risk/benefit investment strategy for the branch has not changed and is long term low risk.
Total expenditure in the period continued to grow, most notably in taxi trips, which went up to £5,869 from £3,826 a year before, but also in other volunteers' expenses. Energy costs inflation had hit its maximum, amounting to £6,489 vs £2,722 a year before. It is expected, that energy costs will follow the market and will reduce upon contract renewal, which is kept at annual review.
**BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
**TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT ( Continued ) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 6
## **3) FINANCIAL REVIEW ( Continued)**
## RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD ( Continued ).
Overall financial position however remains strong, liquid funds (cash and investment fund) amount to substantial £144,971 (2023: £153,767), which is more than enough to guarantee operational stability for years to come, unless there are radical changes required. As mentioned previously, there is an ongoing project to enhance premises' fitness for the future, which might result in moderate to high investment needs. The likelihood of such an outcome is hard to predict, but the Trustees considered prudent to keep the dedicated reserve for such a purpose at £40,000.
In adherence with the updated Branch's Reserves Policy the designated operational reserve was increased by £12,324 to £93,478 which is equivalent to the 18 months of operating budget (average actuals for the last 3 years are used to estimate operating budget, including all the expenses categories mentioned in Notes 6 to 11 of the financial statements).
## **4) STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT**
As a means of induction new trustees are provided with an information pack and are required to complete on-line training to cover their role as trustee. Information provided includes the Charity Commission publication CC3 (a) describing the responsibilities of charity trustees, and details of the constitution and governance required, which is specific to their branch. The on-line training package is easily available on-line and has been designed specifically by the Samaritans Central Office with all the needs of trustees in mind.
## ORGANISATION OF THE BRISTOL BRANCH
The Branch operates from a building that it owns at, 37 St Nicholas Street, in the centre of Bristol. This is staffed by the Volunteers 24 hours a day ( with minor exceptions ) and 7 days a week throughout the year. Calls are taken on the telephone or by email. Days are divided into six shifts, each shift having a leader. Phone calls are made to the National number, and they are automatically directed to a branch which has a phone line available at that time. Teams of prisoner listeners have been trained at two prisons, which are managed by Volunteers from the branch.
Bristol Samaritans is financially self-supporting Charity. The Bristol Branch has adopted the model constitution for affiliated branches, with minor amendments. It is managed by a Director and Trustee Board. The Director is responsible for matters relating to callers and Volunteers, as well as the general administration of the Branch. The Trustee Board is responsible for raising funds and providing the facilities to enable the Director to perform the role adequately. The Director is chosen by a process of consultation with Volunteers and by a special sub-committee, and is required to serve for a maximum of three years. The Trustees are elected at Annual General Meetings and serve for a maximum period of six years.
The Director appoints Deputy Directors for each of the major functions. Currently there are Deputies covering each of the following:
Volunteer Journey; Recruitment; Core Training; Embed Training; Mentoring; Continuous Development; Volunteer support; Caller Support & Safeguarding & Leading; IT and Comms; Change & Internal comms; Outreach; Community; Delegated Chair of Trustees; Deputy with Floating Brief
## REMUNERATION POLICY
As all the activities are performed by volunteers only, there are no employees. As a consequence no remuneration is being paid and there is no policy on this matter.
**BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
**TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT ( Continued ) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 7
## **5) STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES**
The trustees are responsible for the preparing of the Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with the applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to
- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
- make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material
- departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and
- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
- that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
By order of the Trustees on
**Mr S. Chumber** Director and Chair of Trustee Board
Date: 19 September 2024
**BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
**TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT ( Continued ) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 8
## **6) REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS**
## LEGAL STATUS
The Samaritans of Bristol is a Registered charity, with charity registration number 1168123 It is an Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by constitution adopted at incorporation on 7th July 2016.
Trustees are responsible for all the affairs of the Charity and may for that purpose exercise all the powers of the Charity.
Associated names to Bristol Samaritans are:
The Samaritans of Bristol
The Samaritans Bristol Branch.
## OFFICERS AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS
## **The Trustees**
|Susheel Chumber
( Director and Chair )|
|---|
|Alex Cheremukhin
( Branch Treasurer )|
|Robert Morgan
( Branch Secretary )|
|Kevin Kirwan|
|Karin Burnett|
|Samanthi Dealwis
- appointed September 2023|
|Jack Burrows
- appointed January 2024|
|Lawrence Goodwin
- appointed April 2024|
|Hana Canter
- appointed April 2024|
|Zoe Sofia Moore
- appointed July 2024|
|David Parker
- resigned October 2023|
|Keith Tempest
- resigned May 2023|
|Harriet Walker
- resigned January 2024|
|Natasha Yelland
- resigned January 2024|
|Helen Turner
- resigned March 2024|
|John Dolton
- resigned June 2024|
|**Registered Office**
37, St Nicholas Street|
|Bristol, BS1 1TP.|
|**Independent Examiner**
Joshua Kingston BSc ACA|
|Burton Sweet Limited Chartered Accountants|
|The Clock Tower|
|5 Farleigh Court|
|Old Weston Road|
|Flax Bourton|
|Bristol BS48 1UR|
|Barclays Bank plc
**Bankers and other Financial**|
|54, Lombard St
**Advisers**|
|London EC3P 3AH.|
|Crystal Wealth Management|
|19, Portland Square|
|Bristol BS2 8SJ.|
**YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 9
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Bristol Samaritans (the Charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.
## **RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT**
As the charity trustees of the Charity 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 2011 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**
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.
## **Joshua Kingston BSc ACA**
Burton Sweet Chartered Accountants The Clock Tower 5 Farleigh Court Old Weston Road Flax Bourton Bristol BS48 1UR
Date: 19 September 2024
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 PAGE 10
Total Funds Total Funds
Year ended Year ended
NOTE Unrestricted Restricted 31 March 31 March
NO Funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies
Donations & Legacies 2 10,825 1,220 12,045 55,195
Local Authority & Prison Grants 3 4,079 - 4,079 7,401
Total Donations and Legacies 14,904 1,220 16,124 62,596
Investments 4 17,793 - 17,793 17,556
Other trading activities 5 862 - 862 2,995
Total Income 33,559 1,220 34,779 83,147
Expenditure on:
Charitable Activities
Premises Expenditure 6 24,498 - 24,498 19,583
Contributions to Central Funds 7 6,113 - 6,113 6,211
Operational Expenses 8,9,10 17,759 3,099 20,858 15,927
Sundry Expenses 11 10,196 - 10,196 28,924
Total Charitable Activities 58,566 3,099 61,665 70,645
Raising Funds 75 - 75 500
Total Expenditure 58,641 3,099 61,740 71,145
Other recognised gains / (losses)
Gains / (losses) on Investments 14 12,112 - 12,112 (9,682)
Net Income/(expenditure) (12,970) (1,879) (14,849) 2,320
Net Movement in Funds (12,970) (1,879) (14,849) 2,320
Reconciliation of Funds
Total Funds Brought Forward 17 612,629 2,200 614,829 612,509
Total Funds Carried Forward 17 599,659 321 599,980 614,829
**----- End of picture text -----**
The prior year comparative for other recognised gains/ (losses) was represented by unrestricted funds. The prior year comparative for net income was represented by unrestricted funds except for £50.
The Charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the results for the year as set out above.
All of the activities of the Charity are classed as continuing.
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
**BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 11
|**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible Fixed Assets
Freehold Property
Fixtures & Fittings
Investments|**NOTE**
**NO**
13
13
14|**31 March 2024**
**31 March 2023**
**£**
**£**
457,881
457,881
3,384
4,374
129,163
117,051|
|---|---|---|
|||590,428
579,306|
|**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors & Prepayments
Cash at Bank & In Hand|15|7,008
11,155
15,808
36,716|
|**CREDITORS FALLING DUE**
**WITHIN ONE YEAR**
Creditors & Accruals|16|22,816
47,871
(13,264)
(12,348)|
|||(13,264)
(12,348)|
|**NET CURRENT ASSETS**||9,552
35,523|
|**CREDITORS FALLING DUE**
**WITHIN MORE THAN ONE YEAR**
Rental Deposit Account
Deposit held for Tenants||8,750
8,750
(8,750)
(8,750)|
|||-
-|
|**NET ASSETS**||599,980
614,829|
|**FUNDS**
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
_Unrestricted - Designated Funds_
_Unrestricted - General Funds_|18
18
18|321
2,200
594,744
593,410
4,915
19,219|
|**Total funds**||599,980
614,829|
Approved by the Trustees on ……………………………..2024 and signed on their behalf by:19 September
Susheel Chumber ( Branch Chairman ).
Alexander Cheremukhin ( Branch Treasurer ).
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 12
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **1) ACCOUNTING POLICIES**
## **a) Basis for accounts preparation**
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention (except where otherwise stated in the accounting policy note) and 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.
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: 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 trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
The charity is a Public Benefit entity.
## **b) Income**
## Income from donations
Income from donations is included in income when it is receivable, except as follows:
(i) When donors specify that donations given to the charity must be used in future accounting periods: (ii) When donors impose conditions which have to be fulfilled before the charity becomes entitled to use such income, the income is deferred until the pre-conditions have been met.
## Legacies
Income from legacies is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to the legacy and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Entitlement is regarded as the earlier of the charity being notified of an impending distribution or the legacy being received.
## **c) Expenditure**
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure includes attributable VAT which cannot be recovered.
## Charitable Activities
Expenditure consists of those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
## Publicity
Publicity costs itemised under note 9 below, are not for raising funds, but to raise awareness of our availability to those in distress and for recruiting potential volunteers.
## Governance Costs
Expenditure includes those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity. They have been included within charitable activities in accordance with the SORP.
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 13
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **1) ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued).**
## **d) Assets**
## Tangible Fixed Assets
Expenditure on tangible assets is capitalised if the cost of any item exceeds £3,000. Fixed assets are held at cost and include full costs of mixed use property when the fair value of the investment property component cannot be measured reliably.
## Investments
Investments are stated at market value. Unrealised & realised gains / losses are shown separately in the Statement of Financial Activities.
## Depreciation Policy
Fixed assets held for use by the charity are depreciated at annual rates calculated to spread the cost (less anticipated residual value) over its expected life.
The following rates are currently used:
Fixtures & fittings 10% straight line basis.
No depreciation has been charged on freehold property as the trustee board considered that the property is maintained to a sufficiently high standard that no diminution in the value has taken place. The trustees consider the estimated residual value of freehold property is not materially different to the carrying value.
## Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
## **e) Debtors**
Debtors are measured at their recoverable amount, or in the case of prepayments, as the amount the charity has paid in advance for goods and services it will receive.
## **f) Creditors**
Creditors are measured as the amounts owed by the charity, including amounts owed for goods and services received but not paid for by the balance sheet date.
## **g) Funds**
## 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. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund.
## Unrestricted - Designated funds
Are funds without any restrictions, e.g. raised by general fundraising or coming from general donations, set aside by the trustees for general (e.g. to cover operational expenses) or specific future purposes (e.g. projects, specific risks).
## Unrestricted - General funds
Are funds in excess of Restricted and Designated funds as described above. Such funds can be used at the discretion of the trustees in accordance with the charitable objects.
**YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 14
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)**
## **DETAILS OF ITEMS IN STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES & BALANCE SHEET**
|**INCOME**
**2**
**DONATIONS & LEGACIES**|**Total Funds**
**Year ended**
**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**31 March**
**Funds**
**Funds**
**2024**|Total Funds
Year ended
31 March
2023|
|---|---|---|
||**£**
**£**
**£**|£|
|Legacies
Donations from Individuals
Donations from Trusts
Donations from Churches
Donations after Talks
Donations from Clubs etc.
Donations from Companies
Tax Repayment on Covenants/Gift Aid
**3**
**LOCAL AUTHORITY & PRISON GRANTS**
National Offender Management Service
**4**
**INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS**
Rent Received
Bank Interest Received
**5**
**INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES**
Balloon Fiesta
Dragon Boat Racing
Miscellaneous Fund Raising
**TOTAL INCOME**|1,015
-
1,015
5,855
-
5,855
3,278
-
3,278
100
-
100
50
-
50
-
-
-
-
1,220
1,220
527
-
527
10,825
1,220
12,045
4,079
-
4,079
4,079
-
4,079
17,500
-
17,500
293
-
293
17,793
-
17,793
-
-
-
668
-
668
194
-
194
862
-
862
33,559
1,220
34,779|38,503
8,888
2,805
100
-
75
4,150
674
55,195
7,401
7,401
17,500
56
17,556
26
1,687
1,282
2,995
83,147|
Prior year comparatives were represented by unrestricted funds except for income of £2,150 in donations from companies.
PAGE 15
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Total Funds Total Funds
Year ended Year ended
Unrestricted Restricted 31 March 31 March
EXPENDITURE Funds Funds 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
6 PREMISES EXPENDITURE
Water and Sewerage 638 - 638 436
-
Housekeeping 4,162 4,162 2,896
-
Equipment 3,889 3,889 4,460
-
Repairs, Maintenance & Health & Safety 3,126 3,126 2,936
-
Gas & Electricity 6,489 6,489 2,722
Insurance 3,500 - 3,500 3,644
Rent and Rates 2,694 - 2,694 2,489
-
24,498 24,498 19,583
7 CONTRIBUTIONS TO CENTRAL FUNDS
On income 964 - 964 1,888
On reserves 5,149 - 5,149 4,323
-
6,113 6,113 6,211
8 OPERATIONAL EXPENSES
Postage 2 - 2 142
Volunteers Expenses 3,862 1,320 5,182 4,795
Bristol Clear Air Zone charges 630 - 630 351
Taxis 5,869 - 5,869 3,826
Printing and Stationery 806 - 806 292
-
Telephone 4,418 4,418 4,173
Training - - - 75
Trustee Expenses 307 - 307 209
15,894 1,320 17,214 13,863
9 PUBLICITY EXPENSES
Publicity and Outreach 309 1,779 2,088 631
10 GOVERNANCE COSTS
-
Independent Examination 1,452 1,452 1,356
Legal fees 18 - 18 -
Reporting Expenses 86 - 86 77
-
1,556 1,556 1,433
11 SUNDRY EXPENSES
Depreciation 990 - 990 990
Donations 5,300 - 5,300 25,000
-
Miscellaneous Expenses 3,906 3,906 2,934
-
10,196 10,196 28,924
EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES 58,566 3,099 61,665 70,645
**----- End of picture text -----**
Prior year comparatives were represented by unrestricted funds except for operation expenses of £2,100. (Volunteers expenses £1,300 and Taxis £800).
|**12**
**EXPENDITURE ABOVE IS STATED AFTER CHARGING:**
Independent Examination
Depreciation
Trustees' travel expenses|**Total Funds**
**Year ended**
**31 March**
**2024**
**£**
1,452
990
307|Total Funds
Year ended
31 March
2023
**£**
1,356
990
209|
|---|---|---|
|( 4 Trustees were reimbursed during the year (2023: 4)|||
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 PAGE 16
13 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Freehold Fixtures / Total
Property Fittings &
Equipment
£ £ £
COST
Balance at 01.04.2023 457,881 18,955 476,836
Balance at 31.03.2024 457,881 18,955 476,836
DEPRECIATION
Balance at 01.04.2023 - 14,581 14,581
Charge for year - 990 990
Balance at 31.03.2024 - 15,571 15,571
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31.03.2023 457,881 4,374 462,255
At 31.03.2024 457,881 3,384 461,265
14 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS Total Funds Total Funds
Year ended Year ended
31 March 31 March
2024 2023
£ £
Market value at start of year 117,051 136,733
Withdrawals - (10,000)
Net gain / ( loss) on revaluation 12,112 (9,682)
Market value at end of year 129,163 117,051
Analysis of Investments by type
£ £
- Investments listed on a recognised stock 129,163 117,051
exchanges
Analysis of Investment Fund
£ £
Aberdeen Ethical Corporate Bond Acc 10,267 9,573
Abrdn Global Sustainable and Responsible Inv Eq 3,184 2,707
Aegon Ethical Corporate Bond Acc 10,518 9,874
Aegon Ethical Equity Acc 2,346 2,073
CT Responsible Global Equity Acc 2,259 1,962
EdenTree Responsible & Sustainable Sterling Bond Inc 10,051 9,789
FP WHEB Sustainability 8,092 7,668
Janus Henderson Global Sustainable Equity 12,097 10,173
Jupitor Ecology 20,979 18,877
Liontrust Sustainable Future Corporate Bond 10,464 9,993
Liontrust Sustainable Future Global Growth 2,223 1,872
Rathbone Ethical Bond Acc 11,803 10,768
Royal London Sustainable World Trust 23,249 19,964
Schroder QEP Global Core - U 1,591 1,278
Other non material funds 40 480
129,163 117,051
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024** PAGE 17
|**15**
**DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS**
Trade debtors
Prepayments
**16**
**CREDITORS & ACCRUALS**
Trade creditors
Accruals & deferred income
**17**
**MOVEMENT OF FUNDS**
Restricted Funds
**Unrestricted funds**
Designated - fixed assets
Designated - operational reserve
Designated - relocation reserve
Designated - Better Bristol Experience
General funds
**Total unrestricted funds**
**Total funds**|**Total Funds**
**Year ended**
**31 March**
**2024**
**£**
15
6,993
7,008
**Total Funds**
**Year ended**
**31 March**
**2024**
**£**
5,335
7,929
13,264
**1 April**
**Transfers**
**2023**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**and Gains**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
2,200
1,220
(3,099)
-
462,256
-
(990)
-
81,154
-
-
12,324
50,000
-
-
(50,000)
-
-
-
40,000
19,219
33,559
(57,651)
9,788
612,629
33,559
(58,641)
12,112
614,829
34,779
(61,740)
12,112|Total Funds
Year ended
31 March
2023
**£**
5,416
5,739
11,155
Total Funds
Year ended
31 March
2023
**£**
4,378
7,970
12,348
**31 March**
**2024**
**£**
321
461,266
93,478
-
40,000
4,915
599,659
599,980|
|---|---|---|
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 18
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **17 MOVEMENT OF FUNDS (continued)**
## **Previous year**
|Restricted Funds
**Unrestricted funds**
Designated - fixed assets
Designated - operational reserve
Designated - relocation reserve
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds|**1 April**
**Transfers**
**2022**
**Income**
**Expenditure**
**and Gains**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
2,150
2,150
(2,100)
-
463,246
-
(990)
-
75,900
-
-
5,254
50,000
-
-
-
21,213
80,997
(68,055)
(14,936)
610,359
80,997
(69,045)
(9,682)
612,509
83,147
(71,145)
(9,682)|**31 March**
**2023**
**£**
2,200
462,256
81,154
50,000
19,219
612,629
614,829|
|---|---|---|
## **Restricted Funds**
Restricted funding is provided by Great Western Railway as a multiyear programme to support local volunteer recruitment and outreach by branches on the GWR route.
## **Unrestricted Funds**
These funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.
## **Designated Funds**
The fixed assets designated fund represents the net book value of fixed assets held. The operational reserve is to hold the equivalent of 18 months of average operating costs to accommodate any shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. Relocation reserve is to provide for potential change of location in case that becomes necessary.
## **18 NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Tangible Fixed Asset Other net Total
fixed assets investments assets
£ £ £
Restricted funds - - 321 321
Unrestricted funds
-
Designated funds 461,266 133,478 594,744
General funds - (4,315) 9,230 4,915
461,266 129,163 9,230 599,659
Total Funds 461,266 129,163 9,551 599,980
Previous year
Tangible Fixed Asset Other net Total
fixed assets investments assets
£ £ £
Restricted funds - - 2,200 2,200
Unrestricted funds
-
Designated funds 462,256 131,154 593,410
General funds - (14,103) 33,322 19,219
462,256 117,051 33,322 612,629
Total Funds 462,256 117,051 35,522 614,829
**----- End of picture text -----**
**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024**
PAGE 19
## **BRISTOL SAMARITANS**
## **19 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS**
There were no related party transactions in the year other than those disclosed elsewhere in the accounts.