THE SAMARITANS OF SOUTH DEVON ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
THE SAMARITANS OF SOUTH DEVON
CONTENTS PAGE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
| Index | Pages |
|---|---|
| Trustees' annual report | 1 - 3 |
| Trustees' responsibilities | 4 |
| Independent examiner's report | 5 |
| Receipts and payments account | 6 |
| Statement of assets and liabilities | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 - 9 |
THE SAMARITANS OF SOUTH DEVON
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
The trustees have pleasure in presenting their Annual Report and the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023
The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the accounting policies set out in notes one, the governing document and the Charities Act 2011. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 (effective 1 January 2019).
Structure, governance and management
The South Devon Branch of the Samaritans is a registered charity, number 1168726. The charity's principal address is 21 Warren Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5TQ.
The charity was established under a deed of constitution dated 1971 and subsequently amended up until 1983. In October 2016, as part of a restructuring of the national Samaritans organisation, the assets, liabilities and activities of Samaritans of South Devon were transferred to a new charitable incorporated organisation (CIO). References to the charity and the CIO are used interchangeably.
The trustees who served the charity during the year and up to the date of signature of the accounts were as follows:
D Sanders (Chair / Director) C Rudge (Tresurer) C Stone (Secretary) A Martin T A Stott - appointed 15 September 2022 L A Batten - appointed 15 September 2022 R Langdon - resigned 15 September 2022 K Wray - resigned 15 September 2022
The trustees are legally responsible for the overall management and control of the South Devon Branch of the Samaritans. The Branch Leadership Team, including the trustees, meet 12 times per year. An annual general meeting is held in September. Scrutiny of the finances of the charity takes place at every meeting of the trustees. Income and expenditure and monetary assets are reported on and monitored monthly. Assessment and approval is required for every major item of expenditure over £100.
Objectives and activities
The charity's core objects, as set out in its Deed of Constitution, are to work for the assistance of persons who are suicidal, despairing or in distress and thus reduce the incentive of suicide. To enable such persons to receive immediate help, compassion and befriending from members of the charity, who are selected and prepared for the purpose of working under direction. Also, where appropriate in accordance with Samaritan procedure, referral to persons having specialist or professional skills and to support the company and aid in the establishment and support of probationary branches and the support of recognised branches of Samaritans.
In setting our objectives and planning our activities, our trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.
THE SAMARITANS OF SOUTH DEVON
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Volunteers
The charity has the continuing support of 140 volunteers (which includes 124 active listening volunteers), who undertake receiving telephone calls, administrative work and fundraising. In 2022/23, 18,749 calls were answered. There were no responses to emails as this service was withdrawn nationally at the end of December 2021. No callers visited the centre.
The charity has continued to recruit and train new volunteers during the year. The trustees thank all the volunteers for their service.
Achievements and performance
The Branch has continued to contact other agencies to promote our services and to agree a Partnership if appropriate. Following previous refurbishment work, the premises are now in a well maintained state and regular reviews are carried out.
There are no subsidiaries.
Financial review
The charity had a surplus of £2,489 for the 2022/23 year (2022: £6,772) and the funds at the end of the year were £78,707 (2022: £76,218) of these £18,479 (2022: £16,206) related to restricted funds.
In the longer term the charity will have to raise funds to cover its regular outgoings. To this aim the charity has set up a fundraising team but its work has been restricted by the COVID19 epidemic.
The charity owns its own property in Torquay.
Going concern
The charity's main source of income is donations and fundraising. The trustees have considered the impact on cash reserves and are satisfied that the charity can continue as a going concern.
Fundraising
Volunteer fundraisers mainly set up a Samaritans banner and stand in public locations such as town centres, supermarkets and fetes. We also hold events such as coffee mornings, dances, quizzes, plant sales etc. We do not participate in any door-to-door campaigns.
There is no voluntary scheme or standard in place.
We do not employ a professional fundraiser. There have been no complaints in the last year about fundraising. The charity does not approach people for funds, as they are voluntary payments from the public, so it does not affect vulnerable people.
THE SAMARITANS OF SOUTH DEVON
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Risk
The trustees are aware of their requirements and responsibilities for risk management. This is to continue the work of the branch mainly providing for the supply and care of volunteers, raising funds and maintaining the building and its contents.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the trustees to maintain reserves at a level appropriate to the trust's operations. Reserves are maintained at such a level as to be able to respond to any requests for assistance. The trustees consider the level of reserves currently held to be sufficient.
Signed on behalf of the trustees
D Sanders - Chair
Date: 07 August 2023
THE SAMARITANS OF SOUTH DEVON
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Page 4
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (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 the charity and of the incoming receipts and application of payments of the charity for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
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 trust deed. 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.
THE SAMARITANS OF SOUTH DEVON
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Page 5
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Act. 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
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
Mr J L Coombs MA (Cantab), FCA Simpkins Edwards LLP Chartered Accountants Michael House Castle Street Devon EX4 3LQ
Date: 09 August 2023
THE SAMARITANS OF SOUTH DEVON
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
Page 6
----- Start of picture text -----
2023 2023 2023 2022
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
£ £ £ £
Receipts
- - -
Deeds of covenant and gift aid 1,450
Bank and building society interest 126 - 126 6
Donations 21,534 - 21,534 17,787
-
General fund raising 6,401 6,401 8,964
NOMS - 1,741 1,741 2,487
Abbfest - 1,000 1,000 -
Grants 5,700 - 5,700 3,497
- - -
Legacies 2,000
Total receipts 33,761 2,741 36,502 36,191
Direct charitable expenditure
-
Heating and lighting 1,422 1,422 2,163
-
Telephone 3,002 3,002 3,055
Insurance 821 - 821 767
Water rates 643 - 643 465
-
Cleaner, cleaning materials 1,490 1,490 1,365
-
Alterations and repairs 3,453 3,453 3,169
Branch contribution - Affiliation fee 2,054 - 2,054 1,082
-
12,886 12,886 12,066
Other expenditure
Publicity and advertising 1,200 - 1,200 340
-
Stationery, printing and postage 1,207 1,207 1,394
-
Travelling expenses 5,637 5,637 13,362
Refreshments etc. 709 - 709 560
Training expenses 79 - 79 208
Miscellaneous 1,083 - 1,083 523
Accountancy 744 - 744 702
Abbfast - 468 468 -
Grants 10,000 - 10,000 -
NOMS - - - 264
20,659 468 21,127 17,353
Total payments 33,545 468 34,013 29,419
Surplus of receipts over payments
before capital expenditure 216 2,273 2,489 6,772
- - - -
Capital expenditure
Surplus of payments over receipts 216 2,273 2,489 6,772
Transfers between funds - - -
Monetary assets as at 31 March 2022 60,012 16,206 76,218 69,446
Monetary assets as at 31 March 2023 60,228 18,479 78,707 76,218
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THE SAMARITANS OF SOUTH DEVON
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
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FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Page 7
31 March 2023 31 March 2022
£ £ £ £
Monetary assets
Barclays instant savers account 60,563 58,418
Barclays current account 18,144 15,800
Other debtors - 2,000
Total monetary assets (note 3) 78,707 76,218
Non monetary assets
Freehold property 65,628 65,628
Fixtures and fittings 139,598 139,598
Additions to fixtures and fittings
139,598 139,598
Less: Accumulative depreciation (133,690) (127,782)
Depreciation at 20% cost (5,908) (5,908)
(139,598) (133,690)
-
5,908
Total non monetary assets 65,628 71,536
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We approve the Statement above and the Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 31 March 2023
D Sanders C Rudge Chair of Trustees Treasurer Date: 07 August 2023 Date: 06 August 2023
THE SAMARITANS OF SOUTH DEVON
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
1. Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of accounting and accounting covention
The accounts have been prepared on the receipts and payments basis.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland ('FRS 102') and the Charities SORP "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).
The financial statements 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 the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The principal accounting policies are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. This the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 Receipts and payments
Income is recognised on the receipt of funds into the charity and is allocated to the relevant charity fund. Expenditure payments are recorded as they are settled. Expenses are recorded on a gross basis, as VAT is not recoverable.
2. Trustees' remuneration & expenses and other related party transactions
None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year. However, £278 (2022: £1,963) was paid to 3 Trustees (2022: 4 Trustees) in respect of reimbursed expenses during the year. There were no other disclosable related party transactions during the year (2022: None).
THE SAMARITANS OF SOUTH DEVON
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
3. Fund analysis
| Incoming/ | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance | as at 1 | (outgoing) for the | Transfer | Balance as at 31 | ||
| April 2022 | year | between funds | March | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Unrestricted fund | 60,012 | 216 | - | 60,228 | ||
| Restricted fund: | ||||||
| Outreach fund | 16,206 | 2,273 | - | 18,479 | ||
| Total restricted funds | 16,206 | 2,273 | - | 18,479 | ||
| Total monetary funds | 76,218 | 2,489 | - | 78,707 |
Restricted funds
The Outreach fund represents money held for Outreach work at Channings Wood Prison under the National Offender Management Service. These funds include donations from NOMS and Abbfest.
4. Grants paid
During the year, a grant of £10,000 was given to the Samaritans of North Devon and North Cornwall, to support their ongoing work. No grants were paid during the 2022 year.
5. Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.