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2022-12-31-accounts

Charity number: 1168872

LINKS INTERNATIONAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

LINKS INTERNATIONAL

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees' report 2 - 10
Independent auditors' report on the financial statements 11 - 14
Statement of financial activities 15
Balance sheet 16
Statement of cash flows 17
Notes to the financial statements 18 - 32

LINKS INTERNATIONAL

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Trustees

P Moore, Chair G Jones, Treasurer C Read (resigned 2 November 2022) A King D Kirby B Ansell B Gisbey E Gladwell

Charity registered number

1168872

Principal office

P O Box 198 Littlehampton West Sussex BN16 3UQ

Independent auditors

Baldwin Scofield Ltd Chartered Accountants Statutory auditors 3 Newhouse Business Centre Old Crawley Road Horsham West Sussex RH12 4RU

Bankers

Lloyds Bank plc 1 Silver Street Enfield EN1 3EE

Solicitors

Swaby, Clerk and Norris 16-21 Wakering Road Barking Essex IG11 8QN

Page 1

LINKS INTERNATIONAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

The Trustees present their annual report together with the audited financial statements of the Charity for the 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022.

Objectives and activities

Policies and objectives

The charitable objects of the charity are:

(a) the relief of poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in socially and disadvantaged communities; and

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Objectives and activities (continued)

Strategies for achieving objectives

Links’ vision is to connect people, confront poverty and create potential. We do this by working together with key nationals and partners around the world, focusing on the five areas of Faith; Health; Business; Education; and Justice.

Faith

Our Christian faith underpins all of the work that we do, and we believe that international development is the logical outworking of the Christian message of God’s restoration of all things through the finished work of Christ. We carry out extensive work around the areas of church partnerships, starting new faith communities and raising-up leaders.

Health

Links Community Healthcare (CHC) provides preventative health training to teams of volunteer CHC workers throughout the majority-world, working in slums, tribal communities and rural areas with limited medical facilities. Our SHINE programme comprises sanitation, hygiene, immunisation, nutrition and education, which eliminates many of the problems faced by the majority-world. A significant number of our other projects also have a direct impact on healthcare, whether these are agricultural projects, clean water projects, latrines providing greater sanitation or clinics meeting the needs of communities.

Business

Through business development, whether on a micro or macro level, Links has seen many tens of thousands of families come out of extreme poverty through training and micro-loan systems. Links also facilitates the development of income-generating projects to empower organisations in the majority world to raise much needed funds to cover their core costs, thus freeing them from the tyranny of having to constantly rely on funds being raised from the so called 'developed' world. Links has a strong portfolio of business development training resources for both loan recipients and micro-finance management committees.

Education

Links’ education branch seeks to empower our partners around the world to provide innovative forms of education, from schooling to training and teaching in business, health, leadership and a range of sociological, political and theological issues.

Justice

Some of the key areas that we focus on are racial and gender equality, children’s rights and protection, developing local justice systems, awareness of dangers, such as the predatory nature of people traffickers and dismantling cultural norms that contradict the culture of the Kingdom of God. We believe that as we work together, we can bring holistic solutions to the problems caused by poverty throughout the majority-world.

Achievements and performance

Public benefit

The Trustees regularly consider and review the public benefit arising from the activities of the Charity. Their focus remains on maximising public benefit by supporting those in need, disadvantaged or economically deprived. The activities of Links International bring significant public benefit. Details of our particular projects and activities are best described on our website www.links.charity. The Trustees confirm that they have regard to the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Achievements and performance (continued)

Introduction

2022 was an exciting year for Links, with new partners, projects and team and trip opportunities around the world. It was probably the first year following the pandemic that things felt a little closer to usual operational rhythms. However, it has also been a year of tremendous upheaval with significant international crises, both natural and man-made. This year we have responded with emergency appeals to help partners affected by the war in Ukraine and the devastating flooding that hit Pakistan.

With the accompanying economic crisis that the UK has experienced, a key challenge has been funding the core costs of running the charity as many donors have inevitably had to reduce their giving. However, we have continued to strengthen our fundraising output and effort, with two specific campaigns to cover areas of Links’ work and we are also developing the Fundraiser role.

Links’ infrastructure and spending are kept to a minimum and we have been very grateful to receive legacy funding that has strengthened our reserves and been a source to draw on in what has otherwise been a leaner year. Aside from funds raised for operational costs we see that funding for our projects continues to remain strong and interest in our work continues to grow. This year we were able to complete an overdue rebrand, which has been very well received and fostered even more interest with new potential markets and donors. Another impact financially has been the embryonic implementation of a change to our charges around project management and trip administration which has helped balance our profit and loss.

Our Act4You service has also continued to grow with new projects, corporate and church partnership, alongside growing input with movements such as Pioneer International, and individuals supported to make an impact around the world.

Review of the year

We have continued to support and invest in our partnership with organisations overseas in over 40 different countries, and also here within the UK, throughout the year through:

Staff team

The Links staff team continues to develop with greater interaction and synergy now that there is a stronger rhythm of hybrid working, both office-based and also utilising technology to have the flexibility for home and distance working.

One exciting opportunity for a number of our office-based staff came in September, when they were able to visit our Africa Regional Office in Malawi and to take part in training visits to many of our partners around the country. This was an inspiring time for those involved and helped solidify the importance of their roles, which they can sometimes feel are more behind the scenes.

The team consistently goes over and above in their work and carries the heart and ethos of Links to change lives and transform communities.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Achievements and performance (continued)

Overseas trips

In 2022 we were finally able to really begin to travel and engage more directly, as opposed to only digitally with our partners around the world. We have been able to carry out trips to many communities around the world, delivering training in the areas of Business Development, Healthcare, Education, Leadership development, Justice issues such as racial and gender equality and also basic agricultural development. Alongside this practical work, we have also provided a great deal of spiritual input, speaking and teaching in churches, seminars and conferences around the world. Links has also had the privilege of being able to facilitate team and trip experiences for UK churches. We also continue to utilise technology to carry out digital training for partners across the world.

January – February

Malawi and Zambia – Sam Walker (Africa Region Coordinator) carried out a number of training sessions with partners in various regions throughout Malawi and digital training into neighbouring Zambia.

March

Uganda – Joe Gisbey (CEO) and Sam Walker carried out business training and leadership development. Kenya – Sam Walker visited partners around the country providing project consultancy and training. Sam also carried out a site visit of a potential new site for Links’ African base.

April – May

Malawi – Further training in various locations carried out by Sam Walker.

June – July

Tanzania – Fundraising trip where Joe Gisbey and Sam Walker took part in a sponsored climb of Mount Kilimanjaro.

September

Kenya – Micro Enterprise Training and site visits. Malawi – Links staff including Ann Edmunds (Healthcare Manager), Paula Orr (Office Manager) and Mandy Dukes (Accounts Manager) joined Sam Walker in Malawi to carry out predominantly healthcare training for partners in various locations around the country.

October

UK – Visit from Links USA team for planning and strategy sessions. Malawi – Links facilitated the visit of a small team from Ashwood Church.

November

Sri Lanka – Joe Gisbey visited communities affected by the economic crisis in the country and carried out business and leadership development training.

December

Kenya – Sam Walker carried out training and a site visit, before return to the UK for Christmas.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Achievements and performance (continued)

Projects

Our aim is that all of the projects that Links initiates will be either self-sustaining or working towards that goal. We also ensure that our projects are holistic, empowering and create an income stream for our partners. There are a number of our projects connected to specific areas of our work, such as water and agricultural projects that connect to our healthcare training; or macro businesses, that can generate further funding for micro-enterprise development. Whether business, health, education or social benefit focused, our projects will often be identified through needs assessments carried out together with our partners during team trips.

Working both with targeted funds from partners and general funds, in 2022 we have been able to support a range of projects. These included works aimed at:

India

Alongside these we were also able to fund new micro-enterprise projects in Colombia, Uganda, Kenya, India, Malawi and Zambia, alongside maintaining the value of existing micro business funds (in response to high local inflation) and to encourage more growth in successful micro businesses. One of the ways that this area of work is growing is in our “MED+1” scheme (MED = Micro Enterprise Development) to enable the employment of others within existing micro businesses, for those unable to lead their own business. Alongside this we also continue to develop co-operative village banking groups.

Act4You

Under our Act4You initiative, the number of accounts managed by Links has again increased. By the end of the year, we were handling 128 accounts on behalf of approximately 105 individuals, businesses and organisations involved in charitable work in approximately 30 countries, as well as offering governance and consultancy services where required. Due to the growing demands and wanting to ensure that we are carrying out sufficient due diligence and providing an excellent service we have increased the charges on these accounts to ensure ongoing sustainability.

National offices

Relationships with the Links USA office remain strong and together we collaborate on several projects and initiatives around the world. We are also developing our Africa-based regional office to better serve our partners throughout the continent. Looking forward we are investigating the potential of a Latin American and Asian regional base.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Achievements and performance (continued)

Communications

Having carried out a rebrand process towards the end of 2021 and early 2022, we were excited to launch the new brand in spring and have received a lot of positive feedback. This has also created a great opportunity to increase our social media and website output. We made the decision for 2022 to send out our annual review/ update magazine as a digital download, rather than sending physical copies. This was driven both by our desire to be more ecologically responsible, and also recognising that this would be far more cost-effective. It was very well received and we will repeat this method for 2023.

We also send out both a video and written monthly e:link, which has been a very successful way of keeping our partners up to date with news and developments. Both the e:link and e:magazine are sent on request and without charge to around 3,200 households in the UK and overseas.

The monthly email newsletter (e:Link) is currently distributed to approximately 1,000 recipients. This has proved to be popular and is a good way of increasing traffic to our website.

Fundraising

We had another successful year in the area of sponsored events with participants raising both funds and awareness through events such as the London Marathon. We also saw an increase in individuals taking the initiative in setting up their own fundraising ideas such as short sponsored runs, walks, quizzes and cake sales. Several new church partnerships were established and a rhythm of events such as “Drinks With Links” to promote our corporate partnership programs were also carried out.

Financial review

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. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.

Reserves policy

.The Trustees aim to maintain an ongoing reserve within general unrestricted funds of six months of usual operating costs. At present reserves are in excess of this and the trustees are considering various strategic options for the long-term use of some of these funds to ensure the most effective return on investments to secure the future activities of the charity.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Results

Total incoming resources for the year were £1,453,310 (2021 - £1,805,816). Outgoing resources were £1,549,735 (2021 - £1,531,783). This resulted in a deficit for the year of £96,425 (2021 - £274,033 surplus).

The Trustees note that the change from a surplus in 2021 to a deficit in 2022 was largely due to a decrease in income. The two significant factors were a significant legacy income in 2021 which, by its nature, is not a regular occurrence and, in addition, the present economic state of the UK which, amidst high increases in the cost of living, is creating pressure on regular donations, as is the case with many charities.

The Trustees have reviewed the position of the Charity and reflected the present economic conditions in their ongoing budgeting process for the current year.

As at the year end, the charity had total funds of £980,805 (2021 - £1,077,230) of which restricted funds, held separately in a dedicated bank account, represented £774,245 (2021 - £772,030)

Financial risk management objectives and policies

The Trustees review their assessment of the major risks to which the Charity is exposed on a regular basis each year or when circumstances significantly change, if earlier. These risks include the dangers that can arise from working in potentially hostile settings. As such, we have developed policies and procedures to mitigate against such risks, including dynamic risk assessments, anti-terrorism, fraud and money laundering policies etc. Our procedures, policies and systems are reviewed at least annually to mitigate against the various risks.

Investments

The level of investments and their location are reviewed at least annually or when any significant income is received.

Payments to Trustees

There were no remunerative payments to Trustees; only expenses incurred by Trustees related to attending board meetings.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Structure, governance and management

Constitution

The Charity is established as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) and is governed by a constitution, the current version of which was adopted on 23 August 2016 on the incorporation of the Charity. The Charity is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

The governance of the Charity rests with the Board of Trustees. The Trustees are the persons with the general control and management of the administration of the Charity. The Trustees carry the overall responsibility for the Charity including its financial stability and the implementation of its charitable aims and objectives. Strategic decisions as to the aims, activities, planning and budgets of the Charity are made by the Trustees. The Board meets at least four times per year.

The constitution provides that there must be at least three Trustees but does not specify an upper limit on the size of the Board. In practice, the Charity seeks to operate within the range of six to twelve Trustees at any time. Appointment of Trustees is governed by the constitution. Every Trustee is appointed for a term of three years by way of a resolution passed by the Board. In selecting individuals for appointment as Trustees, the Board has regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the Charity. The Chief Executive is responsible for coordinating the induction of new Trustees, together with the Chair. Day-to-day management of the Charity is delegated to the staff team, via the Chief Executive.

The Charity has informal connections to Links USA, a US-based entity, operating under the “Links International” banner, which operates autonomously. Though it is a separate entity, Links USA works in relationship with the ‘Head Office’ in the UK, holding to Links’ vision, mission, ethos and values, following the Charity’s methods, branding and also utilising Links’ training resources and operational models. The Charity does not have a trading subsidiary.

Plans for future periods

Links continues to grow, building capacity by developing our internal structures and staff team and also expanding into new regions by creating regional hubs to cascade our work out into the different continents.

Some of the current activities being worked on include:

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

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 & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and 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.

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:

Auditors

The auditors, Baldwin Scofield Ltd, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 18 October 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

P Moore

(Chair of Trustees)

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LINKS INTERNATIONAL

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Links International (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 December 2022 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is 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 financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards 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 been withdrawn.

This has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LINKS INTERNATIONAL (CONTINUED)

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' responsibilities statement, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LINKS INTERNATIONAL (CONTINUED)

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the charitable incorporated organisation and determined that the most significant are those that relate to the reporting framework in conformity with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the relevant direct and indirect tax compliance regulations in the United Kingdom.

We understood how the charitable incorporated organisation is complying with those frameworks by making enquiries of management to understand how the charitable company maintains and communicates its policies and procedures in these areas and corroborated this by reviewing supporting documentation and minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.

We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur by considering the risk of management override to be a fraud risk. In addition, we considered the risk of management override by sampling from the entire population of journals, identifying specific transactions which did not meet our expectations based on specific criteria and investigated these to gain an understanding and then agree back to source documentation.

Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify noncompliance with such laws and regulations. Our procedures involved verifying that material transactions were recorded in compliance with Financial Reporting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF LINKS INTERNATIONAL (CONTINUED)

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and its trustees, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Baldwin Scofield Ltd

Chartered Accountants Statutory auditors 3 Newhouse Business Centre Old Crawley Road Horsham West Sussex RH12 4RU 18 October 2023

Baldwin Scofield Ltd are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
5
Investments
6
Other income
7
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
9
Total expenditure
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
funds
2022
£
1,283,963
-
-
-
-
1,283,963
-
1,281,748
1,281,748
2,215
772,030
2,215
774,245		 Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
108,322
40,369
18,058
2,598
-
169,347
28,907
239,080
267,987
(98,640)
305,200
(98,640)
206,560		 Total
funds
2022
£
1,392,285
40,369
18,058
2,598
-
1,453,310
28,907
1,520,828
1,549,735
(96,425)
1,077,230
(96,425)
980,805		 Total
funds
2021
£
1,761,659
36,530
4,700
2,278
649
1,805,816
50,487
1,481,296
1,531,783
274,033
803,197
274,033
1,077,230

The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The notes on pages 18 to 32 form part of these financial statements.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022

Note
Current assets
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
17
Unrestricted funds
17
Total funds		 26,612
962,741
989,353
(8,548)		 2022
£
980,805
980,805
980,805
774,245
206,560
980,805		 24,772
1,059,120
1,083,892
(6,662)		 2021
£
1,077,230
1,077,230
1,077,230
772,030
305,200
1,077,230

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 18 October 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

G Jones

(Treasurer)

The notes on pages 18 to 32 form part of these financial statements.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Net cash provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Net cash provided by financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
The notes on pages 18 to 32 form part of these financial statements		 2022
£
(98,977)
2,598
2,598
-
(96,379)
1,059,120
962,741		 2021
£
291,896
2,278
2,278
-
294,174
764,946
1,059,120

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

1. General information

The Charity is established as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) and is governed by a constitution, the current version of which was adopted on 23 August 2016 on the incorporation of the Charity. The Charity is registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The 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 the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published 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.

Links International 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.

2.2 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the executor is satisfied that the property in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate. Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the Charity, can be reliably measured.

Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

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LINKS INTERNATIONAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.3 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

2.4 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.5 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

2.6 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and 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.

2.7 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.8 Financial instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

2.9 Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.

2.10 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

3. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Legacies
Grants
Donations
Legacies
Grants		 Restricted
funds
2022
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
£
1,283,963
69,891
-
17,819
-
20,612
1,283,963
108,322
Restricted
funds
2021
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
£
1,519,314
81,865
-
145,000
-
15,480
1,519,314
242,345		 Total
funds
2022
£
1,353,854
17,819
20,612
1,392,285
Total
funds
2021
£
1,601,179
145,000
15,480
1,761,659

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

4. Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Income from charitable activities - Administration fees received
40,369
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
Income from charitable activities - Administration fees received
36,530
5.
Income from other trading activities
Income from fundraising events
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Fundraising events
18,058
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
Fundraising events
4,700
6.
Investment income
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
Investment income - bank interest
2,598		 Total
funds
2022
£
40,369
Total
funds
2021
£
36,530
Total
funds
2022
£
18,058
Total
funds
2021
£
4,700
Total
funds
2022
£
2,598

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

6. Investment income (continued)

Investment income - bank interest
7.
Other incoming resources		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
2,278		 Total
funds
2021
£
2,278
Other incoming resources
8.
Analysis of grants
Grants to projects
Grants to projects		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
649
Grants to
Institutions
2022
£
1,281,748
Grants to
Institutions
2021
£
1,273,945		 Total
funds
2022
£
Total
funds
2021
£
649
Total
funds
2022
£
1,281,748
Total
funds
2021
£
1,273,945

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

9. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Direct costs of charitable activities
Direct costs of charitable activities		 Restricted
funds
2022
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
£
1,281,748
239,080
Restricted
funds
2021
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
£
1,273,945
207,351		 Total
2022
£
1,520,828
Total
2021
£
1,481,296

10. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Direct costs
Direct costs		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2022
£
209,541
Activities
undertaken
directly
2021
£
181,231		 Grant
funding of
activities
2022
£
1,281,748
Grant
funding of
activities
2021
£
1,273,945		 Support
costs
2022
£
29,539
Support
costs
2021
£
26,120		 Total
funds
2022
£
1,520,828
Total
funds
2021
£
1,481,296

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

10. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Travel costs
Regional African Coordinator
Other costs
Telephone and broadband
Website fees
Sundry expenses
Office rent and costs
Insurance
Computer and software costs
Postage
Office equipment maintenance
Photocopier costs
Staff training
Africa office administration		 Activities
2022
£
173,667
5,088
4,890
428
355
9,037
612
6,495
3,905
2,246
677
39
174
396
1,532
209,541		 Total
funds
2022
£
173,667
5,088
4,890
428
355
9,037
612
6,495
3,905
2,246
677
39
174
396
1,532
209,541

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

10. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs (continued)

Staff costs
Travel costs
Regional African Coordinator
Other costs
Project costs
Telephone and broadband
Website fees
Sundry expenses
Office rent and costs
Insurance
Computer and software costs
Postage
Equipment maintenance
Photocopier costs		 Activities
2021
£
151,964
1,088
3,539
120
7,749
534
6,174
320
5,035
1,490
887
1,077
242
1,012
181,231		 Total
funds
2021
£
151,964
1,088
3,539
120
7,749
534
6,174
320
5,035
1,490
887
1,077
242
1,012
181,231

Analysis of support costs

Professional fees
Professional fees		 Activities
2022
£
29,539
Activities
2021
£
26,120		 Total
funds
2022
£
29,539
Total
funds
2021
£
26,120

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

11. Auditors' remuneration

2022 2021
£ £
Fees payable to the Charity's auditor for the audit of the Charity's annual
accounts 4,920 4,800

12. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2022
£
163,673
7,288
2,706
173,667		 2021
£
143,963
5,566
2,435
151,964

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

Direct charitable activities
Administration		 2022
No.
4
1
5		 2021
No.
4
1
5

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

Joe Gisbey is the chief executive and is paid a salary amounting to £43,971 (2021 - £42,697) plus pension contribution benefit amounting to £1,132 (2021 - £1,094). Employment expenses relating to traval costs amounting to a total of £2,367 (2021 - £1,488) were incurred with respect to the chief executive.

13. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2021 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 31 December 2022, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2021 - £NIL) .

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

14. Debtors

Due within one year
Other debtors
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Pension contributions payable
Accruals and deferred income		 2022
£
26,612
26,612
2022
£
2,973
535
5,040
8,548		 2021
£
24,772
24,772
2021
£
1,253
509
4,900
6,662

15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

16. Financial instruments
2022 2021
£ £
Financial assets
Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure 962,741 1,059,120

Financial assets measured at fair value through income and expenditure comprise….

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

17. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
General Funds - all funds
Restricted funds
Africa
Columbia
Europe
India
Kenya
Malawi
Mexico
Nepal
Nigeria
Philippines
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Uganda
UK
Other
General/worldwide
Pakistan
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
January
2022
£
305,200
13,233
15,940
55
13,260
25,123
31,527
19,278
15,859
803
11,989
3,086
61,319
1,296
44,386
9,282
49,763
38,679
4,491
347,464
65,197
772,030
1,077,230		 Income
£
169,347
125,629
102,113
1,615
43,146
39,560
114,145
18,431
14,355
2,748
23,325
59,485
47,443
404
12,122
6,000
100,917
79,916
34,676
304,041
153,892
1,283,963
1,453,310		 Expenditure
£
(267,987)
(104,851)
(107,615)
(1,330)
(41,937)
(39,729)
(118,111)
(16,094)
(16,740)
(625)
(25,686)
(55,474)
(35,110)
(385)
(16,479)
(2,300)
(106,839)
(74,430)
(35,278)
(342,111)
(140,624)
(1,281,748)
(1,549,735)		 Balance at
31
December
2022
£
206,560
34,011
10,438
340
14,469
24,954
27,561
21,615
13,474
2,926
9,628
7,097
73,652
1,315
40,029
12,982
43,841
44,165
3,889
309,394
78,465
774,245
980,805

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

17. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
General funds
Major project donations
Restricted funds
Africa
Columbia
Europe
India
Kenya
Malawi
Mexico
Nepal
Nigeria
Philippines
Sierra Leone
South Africa
Tanzania
Thailand
Togo
Uganda
UK
Other
General/worldwide
Pakistan
Total of funds		 Balance at
1 January
2021
£
268,787
7,749
276,536
7,038
16,073
-
13,334
24,764
33,468
20,440
10,941
-
11,315
51,201
44,373
1,650
39,768
5,582
34,471
43,151
7,760
140,634
20,698
526,661
803,197		 Income
£
286,502
-
286,502
53,007
86,779
60
55,364
47,162
80,226
13,153
19,635
1,328
11,089
33,769
56,761
1,295
16,341
6,000
121,788
67,432
35,338
600,735
212,052
1,519,314
1,805,816		 Expenditure
£
(250,089)
(7,749)
(257,838)
(46,812)
(86,912)
(5)
(55,438)
(46,803)
(82,167)
(14,315)
(14,717)
(525)
(10,415)
(81,884)
(39,815)
(1,649)
(11,723)
(2,300)
(106,496)
(71,904)
(38,607)
(393,905)
(167,553)
(1,273,945)
(1,531,783)		 Balance at
31
December
2021
£
305,200
-
305,200
13,233
15,940
55
13,260
25,123
31,527
19,278
15,859
803
11,989
3,086
61,319
1,296
44,386
9,282
49,763
38,679
4,491
347,464
65,197
772,030
1,077,230

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

18. Summary of funds

Summary of funds - current year

General funds
Restricted funds
Summary of funds - prior year
General funds
Restricted funds		 Balance at 1
January
2022
£
305,200
772,030
1,077,230
Balance at
1 January
2021
£
276,536
526,661
803,197		 Income
£
169,347
1,283,963
1,453,310
Income
£
286,502
1,519,314
1,805,816		 Expenditure
£
(267,987)
(1,281,748)
(1,549,735)
Expenditure
£
(257,838)
(1,273,945)
(1,531,783)		 Balance at
31
December
2022
£
206,560
774,245
980,805
Balance at
31
December
2021
£
305,200
772,030
1,077,230

19. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2022
Unrestricted
funds
2022
£
£
774,245
215,108
-
(8,548)
774,245
206,560		 Total
funds
2022
£
989,353
(8,548)
980,805

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

19. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
772,030
-
772,030		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
311,862
(6,662)
305,200		 Total
funds
2021
£
1,083,892
(6,662)
1,077,230

20. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income/expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial
Activities)
Adjustments for:
Dividends, interests and rents from investments
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities
Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents		 2022
£
(96,425)
(2,598)
(1,840)
1,886
(98,977)
2022
£
962,741
962,741		 2021
£
274,033
(2,278)
21,393
(1,252)
291,896
2021
£
1,059,120
1,059,120

21. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

22. Analysis of changes in net debt

Cash at bank and in hand
Debt due within 1 year		 At 1
January
2022
£
1,059,120
(509)
1,058,611		 Cash flows
£
(96,379)
(26)
(96,405)		 At 31
December
2022
£
962,741
(535)
962,206

23. Pension commitments

"The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £2,706 (2021 - £2,435) An amount of £535 (2021 - £509 was payable to the fund at the balance sheet date and is included in creditors.

24. Related party transactions

The trustees made a decision to engage Leap Fundraising Ltd as an external fundraising consultant having considered a number of options. Ben Ansell, a trustee, is a director of Leap Fundraising Ltd to which an amount of £9,240 (2021: £34,122) was paid during the year for fundraising consultancy services.

Ben Gisbey, a trustee, is the brother of Joe Gisbey who is employed by the charity as the chief executive and as such there is a potential conflict of interest in acting as a trustee which has been disclosed to the trustees.

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