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2023-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1169436

Report of the Trustees and

Unaudited Financial Statements

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

for

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Locke Williams Associates LLP Chartered Accountants c/o Blackthorn House St Pauls Square Birmingham West Midlands B3 1RL

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Page
Report of the Trustees 1 to 5
Independent Examiner's Report 6
Statement of Financial Activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes to the Financial Statements 9 to 16

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The principle activity of the Equality and inclusion Partnership is to promote equality and diversity for the public benefit by:

Public benefit

As part of the updated Charities Act 2006 all charities need to promote and show how public benefit is being addressed. All activities are undertaken to further the charity's purposes for the public benefit, therefore the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Achievements and performance

As we reflect on the past year of the Equality Services Contract, from 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023, we are pleased to present the annual report of the Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP). In a year marked by both challenges and triumphs, we have strived to make tangible progress toward the ideal of a county where equality, diversity and inclusion is celebrated and discrimination is eradicated.

A Year of Resilience and Progress

Over the past year, Warwickshire continued to grapple with an array of complex social, economic, and political challenges. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the Cost of Living Crisis has underscored existing inequalities and tested our collective resilience. EQuIP, dedicated to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, recognised the urgency of its mission in the face of these challenges. Our work this year was guided by a profound sense of responsibility to advocate for marginalised communities and to ensure that the principles of equity remained at the forefront of public discourse.

Promoting Inclusivity

One of the fundamental pillars of our work at EQuIP is to foster inclusivity at all levels of society. In 2022-2023, we made significant strides in this area. During the year, we revamped and relaunched the countywide Equality Network, which currently has a membership of 24 partner agencies from the public and voluntary sectors. We also launched awareness campaigns through our involvement in the Warwickshire Hate Crime Partnership and training initiatives designed to raise awareness of hate and methods of reporting. Furthermore, this year, we launched the Equality Refresher sessions, designed to support Equality Network partners to challenge discrimination, biases and improve awareness of cultural nuances and sensitivities among our diverse communities. These efforts are helping to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents in Warwickshire.

Page 1

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Advancing Equality

The pursuit of equality is central to our mission and EQuIP remained committed to addressing systemic disparities in various areas. From healthcare access to education, housing to employment, EQuIP has been actively involved in advocating for policy changes and supporting initiatives that address these inequalities. By collaborating with Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police, other partners and engaging with the community, we have been able to make progress towards dismantling some of the barriers that perpetuate disparities.

Diversity Celebrated

At EQuIP, we firmly believe that diversity is one of humanity's greatest strengths. This year, we celebrated the rich tapestry of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences that make our county vibrant and diverse. Through events, dialogues, and focused projects, we brought our community closer together, fostering a sense of unity and mutual understanding.

Championing Accessibility

Accessibility is a cornerstone of inclusion. EQuIP has strived to break down the barriers that impede participation for individuals with disabilities. This year, we launched campaigns to raise awareness of accessibility issues and worked closely with local partners and agencies to ensure that physical and digital spaces are accessible to all. Our efforts culminated in the creation of a Disability Forum that serves as a valuable resource for both individuals with disabilities and organisations striving to be more inclusive.

Our key achievements during the year 2022-23 include:

For further information regarding EQuIP's activities, please visit www.equipequality.org.uk.

Page 2

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Our financial positioning

As we reflect on the financial year that has passed, it is with transparency and a commitment to our mission that we share insights into the deficit incurred by EQuIP. While financial setbacks are never easy, we believe it is essential to communicate the circumstances that led to this deficit, as well as the strategic decisions taken to navigate these challenges.

One of the primary drivers of the deficit was our deliberate refocus of efforts in alignment with securing the Equality Services contract from our main funder.

Securing the Equality Services contract, however, came with its own set of challenges. The process demanded an in-depth reassessment of our services to meet the new and evolving specifications stipulated in the contract. This required a significant investment of time and resources to ensure that our services and initiatives aligned seamlessly with the contract's mandates. As we navigated this process, our organisation faced the inevitable consequence of diverting attention away from income generation activities.

Historically, our financial stability has been fortified by a robust income generation strategy. However, the demands of adapting our services to meet the specifications of the contract meant that less time could be dedicated to traditional income-generating activities. This shift in focus, while necessary for the long-term sustainability of our mission, did impact our short-term financial health.

It is crucial to emphasise that while the deficit represents a temporary setback, the strategic decisions made were instrumental in securing the Equality Services contract and positioning EQuIP as a leader in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

As we move forward, we are rededicating ourselves to a balanced approach that not only upholds our mission but also ensures the financial sustainability of EQuIP. This includes a renewed focus on diversifying our income streams and optimising operational efficiency without compromising the core principles that define us.

Reserves policy

The Board of Trustees considers that, given the need to ensure the completion of long term projects and protect the work of the Charity, reserves should be set at a level equivalent to three months of the Charity's general expenditure.

The Charity currently holds reserves of £82,441 comprising solely of general funds. Of these general funds, £446 is currently invested in fixed assets, leaving free reserves of £81,995.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

As we reflect on the past year, we acknowledge the significant progress made, but we also recognise that there is much work yet to be done. The ongoing struggle for equality, diversity and inclusion remains at the forefront of our efforts, and we are eager to continue the journey with renewed commitment and enthusiasm.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police, all our partners, supporters, and the community for their unwavering commitment to our cause. It is your continued support that drives us to strive for a world, a country and a county, where everyone is treated with fairness, respect, and dignity.

This achievements of EQuIP are testament to the collective power of community-driven change, and it is with great hope and determination that we look ahead to the future, forging a path towards a more inclusive, equitable, and harmonious society. Together, we can achieve our vision of a society that embraces diversity, where people live and work equally in peace and harmony.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Charity constitution and governing document

The Equality and Inclusion Partnership is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO registration number 1169436) and is governed by it constitution.

Page 3

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the management of the Charity. The day to day running of the charity is by the CEO Junaid Hussain. The Board meets at least six times a year. Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee is appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees has regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. Employment and Finance sub committees have been established, each meeting at least three times per year.

Induction and training of new trustees

New Trustees have access to sessions to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Constitution, the committee and decision-making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the Charity. Trustees have regular opportunity to meet key employees and other Trustees. Trustees are able to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of the role. A Trustee Handbook has been compiled to provide key information and is available to all current Trustees.

Trustees expenses

Trustee Expenses - None given during the period 2022/2023.

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

Financial risks are assessed by the EQulP Trustees on a regular basis and all actions are conducted in accordance with EQulP's Financial Management Protocol.

Qualifying indemnity provision

During the year the Charity took out Trustees Indemnity insurance.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number

1169436

Principal address

Warwickshire College Rugby Centre Rugby CV21 1AR

Trustees

Dr J Shera - Chair K Dulay - Treasurer K Mistry - Vice Chair Y Ahmedabadi C Bain J Graham (resigned 1.3.23) Y P Tara B Smith S Hammond S Rai M Mangat (appointed 1.3.23) N Tangri (appointed 31.1.23)

Page 4

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Report of the Trustees

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Independent Examiner David J Williams FCA FCCA Locke Williams Associates LLP Chartered Accountants c/o Blackthorn House St Pauls Square Birmingham West Midlands B3 1RL

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 21 November 2023 and signed on its behalf by:

K Dulay - Trustee

Page 5

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP) (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

David J Williams FCA FCCA

Locke Williams Associates LLP Chartered Accountants c/o Blackthorn House St Pauls Square Birmingham West Midlands B3 1RL

Date: 4 December 2023

Page 6

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Statement of Financial Activities

for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
14,831
Charitable activities
3
Charitable activities
135,660
Total
150,491
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
4
Charitable activities
231,730
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
(81,239)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
163,680
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
82,441
Restricted
fund
£
18,150
-
18,150
18,150
-
-
-
31.3.23
Total
funds
£
32,981
135,660
168,641
249,880
(81,239)
163,680
82,441
31.3.22
Total
funds
£
94,690
143,114
237,804
237,161
643
163,037
163,680

CONTINUING OPERATIONS

All income and expenditure has arisen from continuing activities.

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Balance Sheet 31 March 2023

Notes
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
9
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
11
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
FUNDS
14
Unrestricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS
31.3.23
£
446
4,197
85,125
89,322
(7,327)
81,995
82,441
82,441
82,441
82,441
31.3.22
£
1,907
16,421
147,416
163,837
(2,064)
161,773
163,680
163,680
163,680
163,680

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 21 November 2023 and were signed on its behalf by:

K Dulay - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 8

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity and rounded to the nearest £.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Page 9

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued

Expenditure

o other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of its expenditure on charitable activities.

Allocation and apportionment of costs

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Computer equipment - 33% on cost

Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

Financial instruments

The charity only has basic financial instruments.

Financial assets

Financial assets comprise items such as cash at bank and in hand and trade and other debtors. These are initially recorded at cost on the date they originate, the charity considers evidence of impairment for all individual elements comprising financial assets and any subsequent impairment is recognised in income and expenditure.

Financial liabilities

Financial liabilities comprise items such as PAYE and other taxes, bank and other loans, accruals and trade and other creditors. These are initially recorded at cost on the date they originate, net of transaction costs where applicable, the charity considers evidence of impairment for all individual elements comprising financial liabilities and any subsequent impairment is recognised in income and expenditure.

Page 10

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
Grants
Other income
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
PCC Grants
Warwickshire Police
Erasmus + Supeer
NHS Coventry & Rugby
Rugby Borough Council
Warwickshire County Council - Safer Streets Project
Warwickshire CC - Healthy Warks of Life
Oxfordshire Community Foundation
MHCLG - Windrush Day
South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust
Other
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust
SDC Engagement
3.
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
WCC Equality Services
Contract
Charitable activities
Translation services
Charitable activities
NHS Coventry & Rugby
Charitable activities
Other income
Charitable activities
31.3.23
£
-
32,583
398
32,981
31.3.23
£
5,000
10,500
3,933
4,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,650
4,500
32,583
31.3.23
£
135,375
-
-
285
135,660
31.3.22
£
4,196
90,494
-
94,690
31.3.22
£
5,045
10,500
15,601
-
516
24,000
9,940
1,000
14,692
8,900
300
-
-
90,494
31.3.22
£
135,375
972
3,847
2,920
143,114

Page 11

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

4.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Charitable activities
5.
SUPPORT COSTS
Charitable activities
Governance costs include:
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements
Direct
Costs
£
248,260
Support
costs (see
note 5)
Totals
£
£
1,620
249,880
Governance
costs
£
1,620
31.3.22
31.3.22
£
£
1,620
1,440

6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Trustees' expenses

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2023 nor for the year ended 31 March 2022.

7. STAFF COSTS

STAFF COSTS
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
Number of staff
31.3.23
£
199,691
13,853
7,926
221,470

31.3.23
8
31.3.22
£
181,507
11,381
7,297
200,185
31.3.22
7

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

Page 12

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

8.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
fund
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
70,189
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
143,114
Total
213,303
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
207,310
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
5,993
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
157,687
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
163,680
9.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023
DEPRECIATION
At 1 April 2022
Charge for year
At 31 March 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 March 2023
At 31 March 2022
Restricted
Total
fund
funds
£
£
24,501
94,690
-
143,114
24,501
237,804
29,851
237,161
(5,350)
643
5,350
163,037
-
163,680
Computer
equipment
£
4,383
2,476
1,461
3,937
446
1,907

Page 13

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

31.3.23
£
Trade debtors
4,197
Prepayments and accrued income
-
4,197
11.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
31.3.23
£
Trade creditors
624
Social security and other taxes
4,320
Other creditors
763
Accruals and deferred income
1,620
7,327
12.
LEASING AGREEMENTS
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
31.3.23
£
Within one year
3,528
13.
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
31.3.23
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
fund
fund
funds
£
£
£
Fixed assets
446
-
446
Current assets
89,322
-
89,322
Current liabilities
(7,327)
-
(7,327)
82,441
-
82,441
14.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Net
movement
At 1.4.22
in funds
£
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
163,680
(81,239)
TOTAL FUNDS
163,680
**(81,239) **
31.3.22
£
15,238
1,183
16,421
31.3.22
£
624
-
-
1,440
2,064
31.3.22
£
3,150
31.3.22
Total
funds
£
1,907
163,837
(2,064)
163,680
At
31.3.23
£
82,441
82,441

Page 14

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Comparatives for movement in funds
Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
150,491
18,150
168,641
At 1.4.21
£
157,687
5,350
163,037
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(231,730)
(81,239)
(18,150)
-
(249,880)
(81,239)
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.3.22
£
£
5,993
163,680
(5,350)
-
643
163,680

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
Restricted funds
Restricted Funds
TOTAL FUNDS
Incoming
resources
£
213,303
24,501
237,804
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(207,310)
5,993
(29,851)
(5,350)
(237,161)
643

Page 15

Equality and Inclusion Partnership (EQuIP)

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2023

15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £7,926 (2022:£7,297). £763 remains unpaid at the 31 March 2023 (2022 £nil).

16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Page 16