Charity registration number: 1169400
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset)
Unaudited Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Contents
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 5 |
| Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities | 6 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 8 |
| Balance Sheet | 9 |
| Cash Flow Statement | 10 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 11 to 25 |
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees Richard Austin Ralph Bullock Gordon East Phil Hindle Annie Maws Tobie Osmond Charity Registration Number 1169400 Principal Office 16/17 Hammett Street Taunton Somerset TA1 1RZ Independent Examiner A C Mole LLP Stafford House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton Somerset TA1 2PX Bankers CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
Page 1
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Trustees' Report
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charities Act 2011 and ''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)'' (as amended for accounting period commencing from 1 January 2016).
Organisation and Legal Status
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which was registered with the Charity Commission on 28 September 2016.
Structure, governance and management
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
CHARIS has an ongoing open trustee recruitment policy with up to two additional positions available for the right candidates. Alignment with culture, values and mission are critically important for potential new trustees.
Trustees are appointed to the board by resolution of the trustees of the board. There must be not less than three trustees. The trustees who served during the year, together with any changes up to the date of approving this report are listed above. Trustees retire in rotation at each annual general meeting and are limited to a term of three years.
The board of trustees administer the charity and meets as necessary but not less than four times a year. The day-to-day operations of the charity are the responsibility of the Chief Executive, to whom the board of trustees have delegated authority for operational matters including finance, employment and development, within the overall strategy agreed by the board.
Induction and training of trustees
We run a very thorough induction for any new trustees, which includes participating in all our mandatory training, visiting staff and volunteers, a full review of Board procedures and governance, a review of CHARIS values, mission and history, meeting refugees and asylum seekers and taking part in activities.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
CHARIS supports and resettles those displaced by war and persecution providing them with the skills they need to integrate into the community and become independent. The purpose and objectives of CHARIS are, for the public benefit and in accordance with Christian principles, to provide relief to those who are displaced, including refugees and asylum seekers, and their dependents in Taunton, Somerset and the surrounding area, or elsewhere in the UK, by providing support and resettlement services, so as to advance them in life and assist them to integrate and adapt within the local community, specifically:
-
Preserving and protecting the physical and mental health.
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Advancing their education and training and
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Relieving them from financial hardship and unemployment.
To deliver these purposes CHARIS has five primary areas of activity:
Page 2
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Trustees' Report (continued)
-
(1) Our main refugee Welcome Centre in Taunton, Somerset provides English classes, employment support, drop-in, benefits and budgeting support, social activities, signposting and referral, mental health support, accommodation
-
(2) We partner with other organisations and charities to run a programme of 5 additional Welcome Centres located in key towns across Somerset
-
(3) We provide asylum seekers with practical support, activities with meaningful purpose to improve well-being, English tuition, volunteering opportunities, and emotional and mental health support
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(4) We sponsor and support the resettlement of vulnerable refugee families through the UK Government's Community Sponsorship Scheme, working with local community groups across the South-West
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(5) We use our voice regionally and nationally to advocate on behalf of the refugees and asylum community and share our stories
CHARIS seeks to support each refugee family, individual or asylum seeker, and in particular their integration into local communities and gaining independence. Through this CHARIS works with local community groups and organisations to enable a grater understanding, education and acceptance, ultimately aiming to create better social cohesion and transforming communities for the better. CHARIS has seen multiple positive examples of this already from working with refugee families and asylum seekers in Somerset and across the South-West over the past five years.
Public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Use of volunteers
CHARIS has a very active and growing volunteer cohort. Volunteers are critical to CHARIS achieving its aims and objectives and many of the volunteers work directly with refugees and asylum seekers. In 2024 we had an average of 62 active volunteers and have had over 150 individual volunteers historically. A high number of volunteers remain with us for several years.
Volunteers work in areas such as supporting English classes, asylum support, community sponsorship, UASCs, resettlement services, in the Welcome Centre, and in running sports and creative arts. We have a mix of genders and ages, and all volunteers are fully trained, vetted and DBS checked.
Achievements and performance
Through 2024, our welcome centre in Taunton has seen over 4200 visitors, 80% of whom are refugees and asylum seekers. We have expanded our English classes and now operate 10 classes per week across different sites offering language and life skills classes. In the area of mental health and wellbeing, we have added additional sports and creative arts classes and run approximately 8 different activities on a regular basis to help refugees and asylum seekers improve their sense of wellbeing.
We have added new activities and classes for Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASCs). Our regular support for families resettled through the community sponsorship routes has continued.
To increase support in the areas of training and employment we commenced a project to develop a social enterprise in Taunton focussed on food and creative arts. We purchased the building for this and have commenced the refurbishment with the aim of being operational in 2025.
Page 3
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Trustees' Report (continued)
Around 40% of asylum seekers we meet do not have access to immigration advice. In 2024, CHARIS achieved accreditation as an approved immigration advice provider and recruited an accredited immigration adviser. This service will start operating in early 2025 and aims to offer immigration advice on a “no fee” basis to the most vulnerable clients who have no other access to regulated advice.
We measure the outcomes and success of our work through a range of KPIs and we produce an annual impact report. These are reviewed quarterly by our Trustees.
Numbers and KPIs though are only a small part of the overall story, the greatest impact by far is reflected and told in the individual and personal stories of those we serve and support.
Through 2024 our short term aims were:
• To continue our operations and maintain a sustainable and high level quality of service
• To develop and commence the social enterprise project to provide employment opportunities and training
• To gain accreditation and set up the immigration advice service to provide access to justice
• To prepare the ground for a new project in 2025 to provide therapeutic mental health support for UASCs
Longer term CHARIS remains focussed on:
-
Development and growth of social enterprises to support employment and training
-
Increasing specialist mental health provision
-
Provision of housing and short term accommodation for those that need it most
-
Increasing and diversifying our income streams
-
Sustaining our volunteer cohort
• Maintaining flexibility and the ability to respond to new cohorts and streams of refugees and asylum seekers arriving in Somerset and the South West
• Increasing the involvement and contribution of those with lived experience across all areas of the charity
Financial review
The results for the year are encouraging as the accounts show a surplus for the year of £162,544 (2023: surplus £72,126). This performance is due to several reasons. First, our good management of the Somerset County Council contract has enabled us to provide excellent services according to contracted KPIs whilst managing our costs very well. There were several one-off additional receipts, in addition to the regular giving from committed individual supporters and church and corporate bodies. We received several grants amounting to £111,003 in support of the many activities not covered by the SCC contract. We maintained our rental income from our refugee tenants with regular receipts and no issues with the tenancies. Consequently, reported income increased from £804,646 to £991,530. Expenditure increased by £96,466 to £828,986.
A rolling budget model has been developed to demonstrate the financial viability of running as a going concern for the lifetime of known and expected future finances. Budgets indicate the charity operating at a small annual surplus. we seek to maintain liquid reserves of around £100,000 which represents approximately three months of expenditure. Any significant cash holdings are held in a CAF Bank savings account to maximise the return on them whilst ensuring sufficient cash funds are available to cover commitments to staff salaries as well as any contingencies.
Page 4
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Trustees' Report (continued)
Policy on reserves
The reserves reported in the balance sheet are £444,963 (2023: £282,419). This includes a property reserve of £250,425 which is invested in the Riverside property being prepared for use as a Social Enterprise. After allowing for other fixed assets of £6,042 and a balance of £12,270 in the restricted funds, the balance of funds of £176,226 are unrestricted of which £87,220 are designated leaving £89,006 of free reserves.
Our official reserves requirement is a minimum of 3 months operation costs. We have reviewed our ongoing fixed costs which are circa £35-30k per month and include salary costs, leases, and other fixed costs. Our minimum free reserves requirement is therefore set at £100,000. Trustees feel that the current reserve level, although slightly below the £100,000 is sufficient.
Risk management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
CHARIS Board of Trustees holds a live risk assessment matrix that addresses all the major risks to the charity. This is formally reviewed, monitored at Trustees meetings and approved annually.
The assessment covers all the key risk areas, these include: Governance, Operational related to Staff and Volunteers, Operational related to Health and Safety, Financial, External, and Legal/Compliance risks. Each risk is weighted and assessed for impact and likelihood to occur. Mitigation measures are noted and assessed, resulting in a residual risk impact.
In 2024 there was one high rated residual risk:
• Negative change in National Government policy towards refugees and asylum seekers - outside of CHARIS control and has ability to impact numbers of refugees and asylum seekers in our areas and additionally can impact our ability to provide them with services.
Four medium rated residual risks were identified:
-
Inability to fill Trustee roles going forwards - mitigated currently as Board adequately filled
-
Loss of key staff - increasingly mitigated through broader and more experienced senior staff team
-
A regional, national or global event that impacts CHARIS ability to operate - unlikely but considered
-
outside our control
• Poor public perception in relation to refugees and asylum seekers - medium risk but risk probably increasing in current political climate
Factors within and outside the charity’s control that have the ability to affect the charity include:
-
National Government policy changes
-
Dispersal of asylum seekers and transfer of UASCs to our operating areas
-
Narrative and mindset changes within the communities and media in our areas influencing attitudes
-
towards those who are displaced
• Funding levels and availability from National Government and Local Authority
Significant events affecting the financial position and performance of the charity in 2024 include:
-
Increased grant funding secured
-
Purchase of the building for social enterprise project
Page 5
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) 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 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 & 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:
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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 accounting 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 business.
The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which 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. The trustees 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 trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Approved by the trustees of the charity on 16/Yee.. and signed on its behalf by:
Ralph Bullock
Trustee
Page 6
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 8 to 25.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) 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 CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset)'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 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset)'s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
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:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
........................... ........... Sarah Twist FCA DChA A C Mole LLP Stafford House Blackbrook Park Avenue Taunton Somerset TA1 2PX Date:............................. ue Suu LOIS
Page 7
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Note Income Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Investment income 4 Other income Total income Expenditure Charitable activities 5 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 15 Note Income Donations and legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 Investment income 4 Total income Expenditure Charitable activities 5 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 15 |
Designated funds £ - 556,966 - - 556,966 (636,570) (636,570) (79,604) (17,951) (97,555) 184,775 87,220 Designated funds £ - 630,572 - 630,572 (578,680) (578,680) 51,892 51,892 132,883 184,775 |
Unrestricted funds £ 25,976 324,063 8,320 1,000 359,359 (127,466) (127,466) 231,893 15,936 247,829 97,644 345,473 Unrestricted funds £ 37,461 91,862 3,923 133,246 (85,448) (85,448) 47,798 47,798 49,846 97,644 |
Restricted funds £ - 75,205 - - 75,205 (64,950) (64,950) 10,255 2,015 12,270 - 12,270 Restricted funds £ - 40,828 - 40,828 (68,392) (68,392) (27,564) (27,564) 27,564 - |
Total 2024 £ 25,976 956,234 8,320 1,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 991,530 | ||||
| (828,986) | ||||
| (828,986) | ||||
| 162,544 - |
||||
| 162,544 282,419 |
||||
| 444,963 | ||||
| Total 2023 £ (As restated) 37,461 763,262 3,923 |
||||
| 804,646 | ||||
| (732,520) | ||||
| (732,520) | ||||
| 72,126 | ||||
| 72,126 210,293 |
||||
| 282,419 |
The notes on pages 11 to 25 form part of these financial statements. Page 8
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) (Registration number: 1169400) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2023|
|2024|£|(As|
|Note|£|restated)|
|Fixed|assets|
|Tangible|assets|10|256,467|-|
|Current|assets|
|Debtors|11|47,058|65,055|
|Cash|at|bank|and|in|hand|281,014|309,536|
|328,072|374,591|
|Creditors:|Amounts|falling|due within|one year|12|(139,576)|(92,172)|
|Net|current|assets|188,496|282,419|
|Net|assets|444,963|282,419|
|Funds|of the|charity:|
|Unrestricted|funds|345,473|97,644|
|Designated|funds|87,220|184,775|
|Restricted|Funds|12,270|-|
|Total funds|15|444,963|282,419|
----- End of picture text -----
we. financial statements on pages 8 to 25 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on & 4s... and signed on their behalf by:
----- Start of picture text -----
a) /,
----- End of picture text -----
Ralph Bullock Trustee
The notes on pages 11 to 25 form part of these financial statements. Page 9
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
| Note Cash flows from operating activities Net cash income Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items Depreciation 10 Investment income 4 Working capital adjustments Decrease/(increase) in debtors 11 Increase in creditors 12 Increase in deferred income 12 Net cash flows from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Interest receivable and similar income 4 Purchase of tangible fixed assets 10 Net cash flows from investing activities Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December |
2024 £ 162,544 7,125 (8,320) 161,349 17,997 41,744 5,660 226,750 8,320 (263,592) (255,272) (28,522) 309,536 281,014 |
2023 £ (As restated) 72,126 - (3,923) |
|---|---|---|
| 68,203 (65,055) 67,202 - |
||
| 70,350 | ||
| 3,923 - |
||
| 3,923 | ||
| 74,273 235,263 |
||
| 309,536 |
The notes on pages 11 to 25 form part of these financial statements. Page 10
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
1 Accounting policies
Statement of compliance and basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless stated otherwise within these notes. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), and the Charities Act 2011.
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Income
All income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
If there is a Service Level Agreement or Contract in place income from administration charges is taken into account in the period to which it relates.
Deferred income
Deferred income represents amounts received for future periods and is released to incoming resources in the period for which, it has been received. Such income is only deferred when:
- The donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in future accounting periods; or - The donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has unconditional entitlement.
Other trading activities
Other income including subscriptions and income from other trading activities is recognised in the period to which it relates.
Investment income
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measure reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
Page 11
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
All resources expended are inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises 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.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is, therefore, exempt from liability to taxation on its income and capital gains, to the extent that they are applied for charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses. Only asset over £500 are capitalised.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
| Asset class | Depreciation method and rate |
|---|---|
| Freehold property | 50 years straight line |
| Office equipment | 25% reducing balance |
| Computer equipment | 25% straight line |
| Plant and machinery | 25% reducing balance |
| Fixtures and fittings | 25% reducing balance |
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trustees.
Page 12
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Financial instruments
The charity only enters into basic financial instruments that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities such as trade and other debtors and creditors together with loans to related parties.
Debt instruments, such as trade debtors and creditors, are initially measured at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost.
Financial assets are assessed at the end of each reporting period for objective evidence of impairment. If objective evidence of impairment is found, an impairment loss is recognised in the income statement.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with FRS 102 requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income, and expenses.
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The company makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The Trustees consider that there are no following critical accounting estimates and judgements have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.
Prior period adjustments
Where an error or omission is identified in respect of comparative figures this is adjusted in the preceding period.
Page 13
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies; Donations from Churches Personal gifts Corporate donations Coffee Scheme Donations and legacies; Donations from Churches Personal gifts Corporate donations Coffee Scheme |
Unrestricted Designated £ General £ - 5,450 - 6,502 - 13,286 - 738 - 25,976 Unrestricted Designated £ General £ - 5,915 - 12,604 - 18,068 - 874 - 37,461 |
Restricted funds £ - - - - - Restricted funds £ - - - - - |
Total 2024 £ 5,450 6,502 13,286 738 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25,976 | |||
| Total 2023 £ 5,915 12,604 18,068 874 |
|||
| 37,461 |
Page 14
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
3 Income from charitable activities
| Somerset County Council Contract Youth Music National Lottery grant Other grants (see below) Rents received Management fees Norman Family Trust Taunton Town Council Youth Grant Somerset Community Fund Somerset County Council Contract Youth Music National Lottery grant Innovation Fund Other grants (see below) Rents received Management fees |
Unrestricted Designated £ General £ 550,476 190,025 1,490 - - - - 111,003 - 21,901 - 1,134 - - 5,000 - - - 556,966 324,063 Unrestricted funds Designated £ General £ 592,334 - 28,318 - - - 9,920 - - 75,432 - 14,178 - 2,252 630,572 91,862 |
Restricted funds £ - - 40,435 - - - 2,500 - 32,270 75,205 Restricted funds £ - - 40,828 - - - - 40,828 |
Total 2024 £ 740,501 1,490 40,435 111,003 21,901 1,134 2,500 5,000 32,270 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 956,234 | |||
| Total 2023 £ (As restated) 592,334 28,318 40,828 9,920 75,432 14,178 2,252 |
|||
| 763,262 |
Page 15
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
| Other grants Garfield Weston Trust Somerset Community Foundation Fairfield Charity Together Funding National Grid Community Matters Benefact Trust Somerset County Council Norman Family Trust Home Office Education Taunton Town Council Charities Trust West of England Sport Foxglove Trust Spark Somerset SCC Education grants 4 Investment income Bank interest Bank interest |
Unrestricted funds Designated £ General £ - 8,320 - 8,320 Unrestricted funds Designated £ General £ - 3,923 - 3,923 |
2024 £ 60,000 - - - - - 8,600 - 4,688 2,659 1,198 4,800 2,500 500 26,058 111,003 Restricted funds £ - - Restricted funds £ - - |
2023 £ 25,000 15,000 10,000 6,536 4,680 4,500 4,450 3,000 1,316 850 100 - - - - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75,432 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 8,320 |
|||
| 8,320 | |||
| Total 2023 £ 3,923 |
|||
| 3,923 |
Page 16
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
5 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Staff costs Premises costs Office costs Contract expenses Housing project Promotional costs Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Independent examiner's fees Accountancy and other services Professional fees Professional fees Riverside refurbishment costs Staff costs Premises costs Office costs Contract expenses Housing project Small grants Promotional costs Independent examiner's fees Professional fees Bank charges |
Unrestricted funds Designated £ General £ 135,215 65,284 18,118 - 36,443 21,180 428,315 18,600 16,936 3,507 1,053 1,130 - 7,125 - 1,250 - 3,795 490 - - 743 - 4,852 636,570 127,466 Unrestricted funds Designated £ General £ 153,749 62,534 20,780 - 30,465 8,213 356,700 - 5,986 2,929 11,000 - - 4,483 - 1,200 - 6,024 - 65 578,680 85,448 |
Restricted funds £ 18,965 - 62 20,000 23,423 - - - - - - 2,500 64,950 Restricted funds £ - - - 37,360 31,032 - - - - - 68,392 |
Total 2024 £ 219,464 18,118 57,685 466,915 43,866 2,183 7,125 1,250 3,795 490 743 7,352 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 828,986 | |||
| Total 2023 £ 216,283 20,780 38,678 394,060 39,947 11,000 4,483 1,200 6,024 65 |
|||
| 732,520 |
6 Trustees remuneration and expenses
During the year two (2023: Nil) Trustees received reimbursement for expenses totalling £163 (2023 - Nil).
Page 17
CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
7 Staff costs
| 7 Staff costs |
||
|---|---|---|
| Gross wages Social security costs Pensions The average number of employees during the year was: |
2024 £ 202,748 10,414 6,302 219,464 2024 £ 11 |
2023 £ 195,428 9,268 11,587 |
| 216,283 | ||
| 2023 £ 11 |
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year. (2023: None). The Trustees are the key management personnel.
8 Independent examiner's remuneration
| Examination of the financial statements Other fees to examiners Accountancy fees Other services and Xero |
2024 £ 1,250 2,900 895 3,795 |
2023 £ 1,200 |
|---|---|---|
| - - |
||
| - |
9 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation, to the extent such income and gains are applied to charitable purposes.
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CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
10 Tangible fixed assets
| Land and buildings £ Office equipment £ Computer equipment £ Cost Additions 255,536 801 1,512 At 31 December 2024 255,536 801 1,512 Depreciation Charge for the year 5,111 200 378 At 31 December 2024 5,111 200 378 Net book value At 31 December 2024 250,425 601 1,134 At 31 December 2023 - - - 11 Debtors Prepayments Accrued income 12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Trade creditors Other creditors Accruals Deferred income VAT Deferred income at 1 January 2024 Resources deferred in the period Amounts released from previous periods Deferred income at year end |
Fixtures and fittings £ Plant and machinery £ Total £ 3,530 2,213 263,592 3,530 2,213 263,592 883 553 7,125 883 553 7,125 2,647 1,660 256,467 - - - 2024 £ 2023 £ (As restated) 17,058 3,347 30,000 61,708 47,058 65,055 2024 £ 2023 £ 86,078 62,670 130 - 4,816 2,571 5,660 - 42,892 26,931 139,576 92,172 2024 £ 2023 £ - - 5,660 - - - 5,660 - |
Fixtures and fittings £ Plant and machinery £ Total £ 3,530 2,213 263,592 3,530 2,213 263,592 883 553 7,125 883 553 7,125 2,647 1,660 256,467 - - - 2024 £ 2023 £ (As restated) 17,058 3,347 30,000 61,708 47,058 65,055 2024 £ 2023 £ 86,078 62,670 130 - 4,816 2,571 5,660 - 42,892 26,931 139,576 92,172 2024 £ 2023 £ - - 5,660 - - - 5,660 - |
|---|---|---|
| 65,055 | ||
| 2023 £ 62,670 - 2,571 - 26,931 |
||
| 92,172 | ||
| 2023 £ - - - |
||
| - |
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CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
13 Retirement benefit schemes
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an Independently administered fund. The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £6,302 (2023: £11,587).
14 Obligations under leases and hire purchase contracts
Operating lease commitments
Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:
| Land and buildings Within one year Between one and five years Other Within one year Between one and five years |
2024 £ 44,310 94,327 138,637 456 722 1,178 |
2023 £ 43,310 138,637 |
|---|---|---|
| 181,947 | ||
| 456 1,178 |
||
| 1,634 |
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CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
15 Funds
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Designated Funds SCC Educational Grants SCC Welcome Hubs SCC Microgrants HPC Safe Days Youth Music Taunton Town Council Youth Grant Designated funds Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds Norman Family Trust Somerset Community Foundation National Lottery Fund Restricted funds Total funds |
Balance at 1 January 2024 £ (As restated) 97,644 14,705 130,344 2,000 9,408 28,318 - 184,775 282,419 - - - - 282,419 |
Income £ 359,359 - 550,476 - - 1,490 5,000 556,966 916,325 2,500 32,270 40,435 75,205 991,530 |
Expenditure £ (127,466) (794) (612,173) - - (23,265) (338) (636,570) (764,036) (2,500) (20,000) (42,450) (64,950) (828,986) |
Transfers £ 15,936 - - (2,000) (9,408) (6,543) - (17,951) (2,015) - - 2,015 2,015 - |
Balance at 31 December 2024 £ 345,473 13,911 68,647 - - - 4,662 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87,220 | |||||
| 432,693 | |||||
| - 12,270 - |
|||||
| 12,270 | |||||
| 444,963 |
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CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
| As restated Unrestricted funds General funds Designated funds SCC Educational Grants SCC Welcome Hubs SCC Microgrants HPC Safe Days Youth Music Innovations Fund Designated funds Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds National Lottery Fund Restricted funds Total funds |
Balance at 1 January 2023 £ 49,846 15,219 99,704 13,000 4,960 - - 132,883 182,729 27,564 27,564 210,293 |
Income £ 133,246 - 592,334 - - 28,318 9,920 630,572 763,818 40,828 40,828 804,646 |
Expenditure £ (85,448) (514) (561,694) (11,000) (4,960) - (512) (578,680) (664,128) (68,392) (68,392) (732,520) |
Balance at 31 December 2023 £ 97,644 14,705 130,344 2,000 - 28,318 9,408 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 184,775 | ||||
| 282,419 | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| 282,419 |
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CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
The designated funds are the monies given to the charity which have been designated to specific purposes, as follows:
SCC Educational Grants - a fund to provide for refugee and asylum seekers education requirements, with discretion to spend as we choose.
SCC Welcome Hubs - SC Welcome Centre contract to support Ukrainian and other refugees in Somerset, including the provision of multiple hubs at designated sites at Somerset.
SCC Microgrants - to enable small grants to be given to unincorporated entities offering unique services and supporting Ukrainian refugees in Somerset.
Taunton Town Council Youth Grant - this grant has been provided to offer support to young people within the area.
HPC Safe Days - Hinkley Point award towards the set up of the Welcome Centre in Taunton for refugees and asylum seekers.
Youth Music - to enable asylum seekers in Somerset to receive musical training and support.
Innovations Fund - A grant to provide transportation and support for improving the wellbeing of asylum seekers in Somerset.
The restricted funds are the monies given to the charity for a specific purpose, and can only be used for that sole purpose, as follows:
Norman Family Trust - this grant was given to assist with the cost of the refurbishment project during the year. These funds were fully utilised during the year.
Somerset Community Fund - during the year the Somerset Community Fund gave £20,000 for the Help through Winter project. They also gave other amounts to support the ongoing work of the Charity.
National Lottery - this grant was given to assist with the costs of the resettlement of 100 Afghan and Middle Eastern refugees over a 3 year period ending in 2025.
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CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
16 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets As restated Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds Designated £ General £ - 256,467 176,336 133,806 (89,116) (44,800) 87,220 345,473 Unrestricted funds Designated £ General £ 184,775 189,816 - (92,172) 184,775 97,644 |
Restricted funds £ - 17,930 (5,660) 12,270 Restricted funds £ - - - |
Total funds at 31 December 2024 £ 256,467 328,072 (139,576) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 444,963 | |||
| Total funds at 31 December 2023 £ 374,591 (92,172) |
|||
| 282,419 |
17 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions in the year (2023 - Nil).
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CHARIS (Christian Help & Action for Refugees in Somerset) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (continued)
19 Prior year adjustments
Fund classification:
During the year it was identified that unrestricted, designated funds incorrectly included funds which were restricted.
These were funds which had been incorrectly categorised between 2022 and 2023. As a result, a prior period adjustment has been made, to reallocate these identified funds to restricted funds. The total amount reclassified as restricted funds was £27,564. the adjustment reclassifies these funds only and there is no net effect on total funds.
The effect of the prior period adjustment on reserves as at 1 January 2023 is as follows:
| As previously reported Reclassification of income Reclassification of expenditure As restated |
Unrestricted funds General Designated 49,846 160,447 - (34,815) - 7,251 49,846 132,883 |
Total funds at 1 January Restricted 2023 - 210,293 34,815 - (7,251) - 27,564 210,293 |
|---|---|---|
Income and expenditure classification:
As part of the above fund review the prior year's comparatives in the Statement of Financial Activities have been updated to reflect a decrease to unrestricted income and increase to restricted income of £40,828. In addition, unrestricted expenditure has been increased and restricted expenditure reduced by £68,392. There is no net impact on total income, expenditure or reserves from this adjustment.
There is no net impact on total income, expenditure or reserves from this adjustment.
Income Recognition
During the year it was identified that income recognition timing in respect of contract income was not consistent with the requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice. Accordingly, the prior year comparatives have been updated increasing both income and accrued income by £61,708. The impact of this adjustment is a £61,708 increase to income in the comparative figures and a £61,708 increase to net assets as at 31 December 2023.
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