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2021-12-31-accounts

Trustees' Annual Report for the period

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Section A Reference and administration details

March 2012

TAR

1

Charity name

CHARIS

Other names charity is known by Christian Help and Action for Refugees in Somerset

Registered charity number (if any)

1169400

March 2012

TAR

2

Charity's principal address

2A Church Square

Taunton

Somerset

Postcode TA1 1SA

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole year

March 2012

TAR

3

Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)

1

Ralph Bullock Chair Phil Hindle Treasurer Rathika Chinnadurai Lisa Westlake Resigned September 2021

2 3

4

March 2012

TAR

4

5

Gordon East Tobie Osmond Richard Austin

6

7

8

9

March 2012

TAR

5

io li 12 13 TAR March 2012

14 15 16 17 TAR March 2012

Names of the trustees for the charity, if any, (for example, any custodian trustees)

Name Dates acted if not for whole year

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of adviser Name Address

March 2012

TAR

8

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Gordon East, CEO

Lisa Westlake, Operations Director (resigned September 2021)

Section B Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document

(eg. trust deed, constitution)

CIO – Foundation Registered 28/9/2016

How the charity is constituted

(eg. trust, association, company)

Charitable Incorporated Organisation

Trustee selection methods

(eg. appointed by, elected by)

Approved

Additional governance issues (Optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:

CHARIS has a number of governing policies in addition to its constitution that are approved by the Trustees and in place. These include the Safeguarding policy, Data Protection policy, Confidentiality Policy, Volunteer Management and Recruitment policy, Social Media policy, Media policy, Health and Safety policy and Complaints procedure. These policies are reviewed and updated by the Board on a regular basis.

Training procedures and vetting/reference procedures exist for all volunteers.

March 2012

TAR

9

A formal risk assessment for the activities of the charity and its governance has been conducted by the Trustees and can be found attached.

Section C Objectives and activities

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document

For the public benefit and in accordance with Christian principles, to provide relief to those granted refugee status and their dependents being resettled in Taunton, Somerset and the rest of the UK by providing support services so as to advance them in life and assist them with the adaption within a new community, with the objects of: -

  1. Preserving and protecting their physical and mental health

  2. Advancing their education and training; and

  3. Relieving them from financial hardship and unemployment.

Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)

CHARIS works to resettle refugees in Somerset and across the South West providing for them the opportunity of a new life. These refugees are primarily drawn from the most vulnerable groups and are identified through the UNHCR programs and arrive in the UK via the UK Government’s Community Sponsorship Scheme.

CHARIS seeks to support each family and in particular their integration into local communities and gaining independence. Through this CHARIS works with community groups to enable a greater understanding, education and acceptance, ultimately aiming to create better social cohesion and transforming communities for the better. CHARIS has seen many positive examples of this already from working with the families and continues to plan to continue to directly support further families in 2022.

During 2021 CHARIS continued in its role as the South West Regional Coordinator for Community Sponsorship as a Partner of Reset (the organisation that holds the UK Government grant for developing and expanding the infrastructure to support Community Sponsorship’s growth nationally). In this role, CHARIS works with many other Community Sponsorship Groups across the South West, helping and supporting them through their application process and in addition raising awareness of the scheme to attract more groups to apply.

Alongside this, CHARIS has continued the formal provision of English classes for refugee families based in Taunton and the “drop-in” style support service for local refugee families and continued support for another young refugee couple through this service during the year.

Finally, CHARIS has been active throughout the year in its role as an advocate and promoter of the Community Sponsorship Scheme nationally and internationally and participates in discussions with UK Government and other interested parties to discuss ways the scheme and refugees as a whole can be better supported and integrated.

The Trustees have reviewed the aims, objectives and impact of the charity’s activities with regards to the statutory guidance on public benefit and are satisfied that these are in line with guidance.

March 2012

TAR

10

Additional details of objectives and activities (Optional information)

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about:

During 2021 CHARIS received income from a number of sources including individual and corporate donations and various grants.

The provision of grants has allowed CHARIS to employ four part-time members of staff during the year, which have enabled it to conduct and expand its activities as indicated above. CHARIS also engaged one further individual on a part-time self-employed basis.

The remainder of CHARIS personnel in 2020 have all been volunteers and their contribution in time, energy and expertise has been enormously valuable and is recognised by the Trustees. This continues to mean that only a small proportion of funds raised goes towards administration of the charity, namely insurance, accounts inspection etc, allowing the majority of funds to go directly to support families, increase awareness, help improve integration within their communities and provide support to other community sponsorship groups within the South West.

March 2012

TAR

11

Section D Achievements and performance

March 2012

TAR

12

Section D Achievements and performance

Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year

Family Resettlement Programme CHARIS started planning to resettle its first refugee family shortly after becoming a CIO in September 2016. Resettlement of refugee families is carried out under the UK Government’s Community Sponsorship scheme. Under this scheme, CHARIS is responsible for providing a complete wrap around support service for the families for a minimum of one year and to provide accommodation for at least two years. The support provided includes, welcome on arrival, finding and furnishing a suitable property, English language tuition using ESOL qualified teachers, Arabic translators, registration and support for schooling, transport, assistance with benefit claims and opening bank accounts, befriending, showing the family how to get around and where to buy necessary foods, assistance with health appointments, and enrolment in local activities. The refugee families are matched to the accommodation, schooling provision and context in which they are to be resettled and are selected from the UNHCR list of vulnerable refugees.

CHARIS seeks, prepares and trains a group volunteers to undertake the tasks and activities outlined above.

For each refugee family it supports, CHARIS signs a legal agreement with the UK Government Home Office and is committed to support the family for 2 years.

Prior to COVID restrictions in 2022, CHARIS successfully welcomed and supported three refugee families from Syria and Iraq through this scheme.

In 2021, CHARIS once again resettled families in Taunton and Exeter and made applications to support families in Dorset, Devon and Cornwall, These families will be arriving in 2022.

South West (SW) Regional Coordinator

In this role, CHARIS has been working with over 40 separate community sponsorship groups across the SW (from Wiltshire to Cornwall). CHARIS spends time meeting with these groups, encouraging them, supporting them through the application process and after their families arrive, and organising both formal and informal training, regional network meetings and peer to peer workshops.

Provision of Local Services for Refugees

CHARIS has continued to teach a formal ESOL programme to refugees in Taunton. The programme in 2021 included three classes and between around 20 students and will run through the academic year to July 2022.

March 2012

TAR

13

Section D Achievements and performance

CHARIS started its “drop-in” service based in Taunton in 2019. This staffed by a part time support worker and continued to operate through 2021.

Summary

As CHARIS reflects at the end of 2021, despite the COVID 19 pandemic restrictions, it feels privileged to have been able to continue to support its existing families, welcome new families in 2021, prepare applications for new families in 2022, continue to develop its services for local refugee families and further expand its work with other groups across the South West.

It has been truly encouraging to see resources both in terms of funding, staffing and volunteers come together to enable CHARIS to undertake and complete its tasks and objectives.

The Trustees have reviewed the work of CHARIS and are pleased to be able to report that all the activities are in line with the objectives and aims of the charity. The value of Community Sponsorship as a preeminent tool in refugee resettlement has become stronger and clearer and CHARIS is delighted to play a part in this global movement. Each day, CHARIS sees the real transformation of vulnerable refugee families, the volunteers that work with them and significantly the communities in which they are resettled.

Section E Financial review

March 2012

TAR

14

Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves

The Board of Trustees have reviewed the status of the accounts and confirm that CHARIS has sufficient reserves to cover all commitments. The Trustees will continue to monitor the accounts in this respect.

Details of any funds materially in deficit

Further financial review details (Optional information)

You may choose to include CHARIS has received income of £72,476 (an increase of 40% additional information, from 2020) in the reporting period. Donations and corporate where relevant about: giving have also been largely in line with the previous year. the charity’s principal During 2021, grant and other external funding was received sources of funds from Reset and Somerset County Council for the program of (including any English classes.

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)

Full name(s) March 2012

TAR

15

Ralph Bullock Phil Hindle

Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc)

Chair Treasurer

Date

4 May 2022

March 2012

TAR

16

CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & ACTION FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET) RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 Registered Charity: 11694(Kl

Payl CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & AclloN FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET) RECEIPT5 AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR ThE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 2021 2020 RECEIPTS Per Schedule I 72,476 PAYMENTS Per Schedule 2 54.116 38.015 NEf RECEIPTS/{PAYMENT5) 18,360 14.622 CASH BALANCE AT I JANUARY 2021 74,418 59,796 CASH 8ALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2021 92.778 74,418 STATEMEKf OF ASSEfs AND UABIUTIES AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021 CASH FUNDS Per Schedule 3 92,778 74,418 UABIUTIES 92.778 Signed as approved by the Trustees on ... Sl8nature...... 5ignature............... Name", ..£ALf.l. £UiLO CK T>L Office held: ........ ... ............................. Office held:

Pa8e 2 CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & ACtION FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 SCHEDULE I- RECEIPTS 2021 2020 Churches Grants Donations Coffee Scheme Corporate Receipt for CHARIS Exeter Less Payment to CHARIS Exeter 3.350 59.372 7.656 1,092 1.765 3.136 {3.8951 5,087 41.479 3.795 1.029 1.247 72,476 Totsl Receipts 72,476 52,637

Pag* 3 CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & ACTION FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNT5 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 SCHEDULE 2- PAYMENTS 2021 2020 Clients Rent Subsidy Interpretation and Translation Housing costs Grants to Family Welcome pack Transport costs 1.959 1.771 3.048 555 216 379 1,108 Charlty Insurance Fundraising Office Supplies Professional Fees 7.927 683 1,852 1,614 1,668 590 1,696 1,931 2.561 5.817 Volunteers Telephone Travelling and Subsistence Training 332 242 412 1,012 1,206 Staff C05tS Telephones Salary Pension 2,218 986 942 25,248 1.361 15.930 1.506 27.551 ESOL Course Teaching 7,937 9.256 7.937 Support Drop In Centre 2,570 2,047 Finance CAF Bank Charges 96 60 Totsl Payments 54,116 38,015

Page 4 CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & AcfioN FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET) NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER Z021 SCHEDULE 3- CASH FUNDS 2021 2020 CAF Bank- Cash Account 92.778 74.418 92,778 74.418 Represented by: General Fund 42,375 28.707 Deslgnated Funds SCC Educational Grant ESOL Program Grants Home Office Grant Reset Grant 15.714 21.163 16.303 10,328 3.628 15,452 13,526 Total Funds 92,778 74,418

Pa8e 5 INDEPENDEKf EXAMINERS. REPORT TO THE TRusfEES OF CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & AcfioN FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET} FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021 We report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 December 2021. which are set out on pages I to 4. Respective Responsibllities of Trustees and Independent Examiner As Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the account5,' you consider that the audit requirement of S144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Attl doe5 not apply and that an Independent Examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act and to follow the procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under S14515) Ibl of the Att, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner< Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It a150 includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fairf view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examlner5' Statement In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention- 11) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect. the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act- have not been met; or {21 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Rev Geoff FCA CTA Geela Accountancy Limited 36 Bakers Close Bishops Hull Taunton Date: 25 March 2022 TAI 5HD

CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & ACTION FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET)

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Registered Charity: 1169400

Page 1

CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & ACTION FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET)

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

2021 2020
£ £
RECEIPTS
Per Schedule 1 72,476 52_,637_
PAYMENTS
Per Schedule 2 54,116 38,015
______ ______
NET RECEIPTS/(PAYMENTS) 18,360 14,622
CASH BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY 2021 74,418 59,796
______ ______
CASH BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2021 92,778 74,418
______ ______
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021
CASH FUNDS
Per Schedule 3 92,778 74,418
LIABILITIES - -
______ ______
92,778 74,418
______ ______
Signed as approved by the Trustees on ……………………………………….
Signature……………………………………….. Signature…………………………………
Name: …………………………………………… Name: ……………………………………………
Office held: ……………………………......... Office held: …………………………….........

Page 2

CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & ACTION FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

SCHEDULE 1 – RECEIPTS
Churches
Grants
Donations
Coffee Scheme
Corporate
Receipt for CHARIS Exeter
Less Payment to CHARIS Exeter

Total Receipts		 £
3,350
59,372
7,656
1,092
1,765
3,136
(3_,895_)		 2021
£
72,476
72,476		 2020
£
5,087
41,479
3,795
1,029
1,247
-
-
52_,637_

Page 3

CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & ACTION FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

SCHEDULE 2 - PAYMENTS
Clients
Rent Subsidy
Interpretation and Translation
Housing costs
Grants to Family
Welcome pack
Transport costs

Charity
Insurance
Fundraising
Office Supplies
Professional Fees

Volunteers
Telephone
Travelling and Subsistence
Training

Staff Costs
Telephones
Salary
Pension

ESOL Course
Teaching

Support
Drop In Centre
Finance
CAF Bank Charges
Total Payments		 £
1,959
1,771
3,048
555
216
379
683
1,852
1,614
1,668
-
1,012
1,206
942
25,248
1,361
7,937		 2021
£
7,927
5,817
2,218
27,551
7,937
2,570
96
54,116		 2020
£
-
1,108
-
344
-
-
_
1,452
590
1,696
1,931
2,561

6,778_
332
242
412

986_
-
15,930
1,506
___
17,436		 2020
£
-
1,108
-
344
-
-
_____
1,452
590
1,696
1,931
2,561
_____
6,778
332
242
412
_____
986
9,256
_____
9,256

2,047
_____
60
38,015

Page 4

CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & ACTION FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET)

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

SCHEDULE 3 – CASH FUNDS
£
CAF Bank - Cash Account
Represented by:
General Fund
Designated Funds
SCC Educational Grant
ESOL Program Grants
Home Office Grant
Reset Grant
Total Funds		 2021
£
92,778
92,778
42,375
15,714
21,163
-
13,526
92,778		 2020
£
74,418
74,418
28_,707_
16,303
10,328
3,628
15,452
74,418

Page 5

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF CHARIS (CHRISTIAN HELP & ACTION FOR REFUGEES IN SOMERSET) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

We report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 31 December 2021, which are set out on pages 1 to 4.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Independent Examiner

As Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of S144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply and that an Independent Examination is needed. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act and to follow the procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under S145 (5) (b) of the Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiners’ Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and the seeking of explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiners’ Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

………………………………………………… Rev Geoff Bowyer FCA CTA Geela Accountancy Limited 36 Bakers Close Bishops Hull Taunton TA1 5HD

Date: 25 March 2022