Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. 1169750
STORIES FOR LIFE
TRUSTEES REPORT AND
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
1
STORIES FOR LIFE
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Trustees Report | 1 - 3 |
| Receipts and Payments Accounts | 4 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 5 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 6 |
2
STORIES FOR LIFE
TRUSTEES REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Our trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with receipts and payments accounts for the charitable Incorporated Organisation ( the charity) for the year ended 31st December 2023.
This report and receipts and payments accounts have been prepared in accordance with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission.
Legal and administrative information
Charity name Stories for Life Charitable Incorporated Organisation registration no. 1169750 Registered Office: 25 Combermartin Road London SW18 5PP Trustees: Claire Ryan-Cater Chair Barbara Altounyan Louise Gloyne Resigned Sunil Sheth David Smith Andrew Snelgrove Resigned Pamela Rothwell Appointed
Charity review - Annual Review
For Stories for Life the challenges of the pandemic, have resulted in positive change, and greater potential to positively impact more lives. We emerged from the pandemic with plans to expand our remit from recording the life stories of those in hospices, to include those in care homes , hospitals and other charities and multi faith organisations.
The pandemic and restricted access to those cared for in the hospices, limited the potential of our network of 60 hospices and 100+ hospice biographers we had trained .
This led us to look at how we could continue working with hospices, while using our skills and learning to increase our impact, resulting in this positive growth and potential with new working partnerships.
3
To this end we changed the name from The Hospice Biographers to "Stories for Life" with a mission to give everyone the opportunity to record their life story and memories. Capturing their precious voice as a legacy to cherish for families and loved ones for generations to come.
This has meant a change in some of our methods, format and growth of the core team so that we can record more lives that would otherwise be forgotten.
In 2023 - running into 2024 we ran a seven-month pilot to test our plans, funded by a donation from Pure Cremation.
4
STORIES FOR LIFE
TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
This included expanding the number of life stories we recorded by testing the introduction of a paid Regional Biographer to be responsible for building relationships with partners across a geography, in addition to recording at least 100 stories each year and growing that number over time. Working alongside and mentoring our volunteer network.
The pilot has been a success and provided invaluable learning. We are now actively planning the growth of this model.
Being able to grow our impact and unlock the extraordinary tales of our storytellers. The changes they have lived through, experienced and seen is invaluable, not only to our storytellers but their families, friends and loved ones. It plays an important role in passing on the enriching and valuable learning and stories of life and lives, which give families, children and young people a sense of who they are in the world.
We are looking forward to continuing to learn, grow our impact and measuring the benefits our work brings to individuals, families, loved ones and communities.
Our Pure Cremation donation has led to a small excess of expenditure over income.
We have adequate unrestricted funds to support our plans. The trustees have sought to ensure that Stories for Life has policies and procedures to ensure good governance and financial practices to give confidence to future potential donors and funders and this coupled with the future donations from Pure Cremations will strengthen the charities position further
Reserves Policy
As required by the Charities Commission, the trustees have considered the need to ensure sufficient reserves are in place to safeguard the Charity’s ongoing operations. It is the aim of the Charity’s Trustees to hold unrestricted funds at a level sufficient to cover six months operating costs once sufficient incoming resources have been achieved.
Investment Policy
The trustees are aware that the Charity aims to retain a prudent amount of reserves and will seek to optimise a safe return on any available funds in the low return investment market that presently exists.
Going Concern
The Trustees continue to limit expenditure to the level of incoming resources to ensure the Charity is able to continue in operation
Structure of government and management
Governing document
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation (the Charity) operates under its own constitution and is registered with the Charities Commission in England. The Charity was registered on 18th October 2018
5
Members of the Board of Trustees
The members of the board of trustees who served during the period and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
The Charity’s policy is to invite suitable qualified professionals to become Trustees to the Charity. Trustees are initially appointed for a term of 2 to 4 years. The Trustees are encouraged to ensure they understand their responsibilities for governance and also the sector in which the charity operates.
6
STORIES FOR LIFE
TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Organisational structure and decision-making
Decisions are taken by the Trustee Board as a whole. Trustees meet at least quarterly
The Trustees are responsible for the management of the risks faced by the Charity, including new and existing projects
Procedures and written policies are in progress to ensure compliance with the safeguarding of vulnerable beneficiaries and the General Data Protection Regulation.
Remuneration of key management personnel of the Charity comprises the Board of Trustees. No salaries were paid to the key management personnel in relation to the financial year ended 31st December 2023. The founder, who is also a Trustee, is due accrued fees for services supplied in 2017 to set up the Charity under the provisions of the governing document, which are detailed in note 2 to the accounts. No further payments were made against the outstanding balance during 2023
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustee's report above
Approved by the Board of Trustees for issue on 24 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by
C Ryan-Carter
Chair of the Board of Trustees
7
STORIES FOR LIFE
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 ST DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | Funds | |||
| Note | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| 1 | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Total Receipts | 41,415 | - | 41,415 | 81,803 | ||
| Operating expenditure | ||||||
| Funding Commissions | 300 | - | 300 | 750 | ||
| Story Liaison and pilot preparation | 36,124 | - | 36,124 | 31,316 | ||
| Training Costs | 964 | - | 964 | 810 | ||
| Fundraising and administration | 5,127 | - | 5,127 | 9,739 | ||
| _____ | ______ | ______ | ______ | |||
| Total Payments | 42,515 | - | 42,515 | 42,615 | ||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ||||
| ______ | ||||||
| Net Income (expenditure) | ( 1,100) | - | ( 1,100) | 39,168 | ||
| Cash Funds at 1 st January | 2023 | 59,790 | - | 59,790 | 22,312 | |
| ______ | ______ | _____ | _ | ______ | ||
| Cash funds at 31st December 2023 | 58,690 | - | 58,690 | 61,500 | ||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ |
The notes on page 5-6 form part of these accounts
8
STORIES FOR LIFE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS AT 31 ST DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | |||||
| Note | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Cash Funds | |||||||
| Barclays Current Account | 555 | - | 555 | ||||
| 1,252 | |||||||
| Barclays Deposit Account | 58,135 | - | 58,135 | 60,248 | |||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||||
| 58,690 | - | 58,690 | 61,500 | ||||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||||
| Liabilities | |||||||
| Creditors | 1,040 | - | 1,040 | - | |||
| Accrued Expenses | 2 | ||||||
| Hospice liaison and charity set | up fees | 13,200 | - | 13,200 | 13,200 | ||
| Expenses in respect of the foregoing | 879 | - | 879 | 879 | |||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||||
| 14,079 | - | 14,079 | 14,079 | ||||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||||
| Charity Reserves at 31st December 2023 | 43,571 | - | 43,571 | 47,421 | |||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ |
The receipts and payments accounts were approved by the Board of Trustees for issue on 24th September 2024. And signed on their behalf by
C- Ryan-Cater
9
STORIES FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2923
- Transactions with related parties and trustees
The Charity has accrued fees of £13,200 at 31st December 2023 (2022 £13,200) relating to an agreed payment for services supplied at a substantial discount by the founder, Barbara Altounyan for work undertaken in setting up the Hospice Network and volunteer training programmes. The liability remains outstanding at the date of signing of the accounts. Unpaid operational expenses incurred during the initial set up phase by the founder totalling £879 are an accrued liability as at 31st December 2023 (2022 £ 879)
- Information required by the Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations, 2012
No guarantees have been given by the Charity and there are no secured liabilities at 31st December 2023 (2022 £ nil)
10
Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. 1169750
STORIES FOR LIFE
TRUSTEES REPORT AND
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
1
STORIES FOR LIFE
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Trustees Report | 1 - 3 |
| Receipts and Payments Accounts | 4 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 5 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 6 |
2
STORIES FOR LIFE
TRUSTEES REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Our trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with receipts and payments accounts for the charitable Incorporated Organisation ( the charity) for the year ended 31st December 2023.
This report and receipts and payments accounts have been prepared in accordance with the guidance issued by the Charity Commission.
Legal and administrative information
Charity name Stories for Life Charitable Incorporated Organisation registration no. 1169750 Registered Office: 25 Combermartin Road London SW18 5PP Trustees: Claire Ryan-Cater Chair Barbara Altounyan Louise Gloyne Resigned Sunil Sheth David Smith Andrew Snelgrove Resigned Pamela Rothwell Appointed
Charity review - Annual Review
For Stories for Life the challenges of the pandemic, have resulted in positive change, and greater potential to positively impact more lives. We emerged from the pandemic with plans to expand our remit from recording the life stories of those in hospices, to include those in care homes , hospitals and other charities and multi faith organisations.
The pandemic and restricted access to those cared for in the hospices, limited the potential of our network of 60 hospices and 100+ hospice biographers we had trained .
This led us to look at how we could continue working with hospices, while using our skills and learning to increase our impact, resulting in this positive growth and potential with new working partnerships.
3
To this end we changed the name from The Hospice Biographers to "Stories for Life" with a mission to give everyone the opportunity to record their life story and memories. Capturing their precious voice as a legacy to cherish for families and loved ones for generations to come.
This has meant a change in some of our methods, format and growth of the core team so that we can record more lives that would otherwise be forgotten.
In 2023 - running into 2024 we ran a seven-month pilot to test our plans, funded by a donation from Pure Cremation.
4
STORIES FOR LIFE
TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
This included expanding the number of life stories we recorded by testing the introduction of a paid Regional Biographer to be responsible for building relationships with partners across a geography, in addition to recording at least 100 stories each year and growing that number over time. Working alongside and mentoring our volunteer network.
The pilot has been a success and provided invaluable learning. We are now actively planning the growth of this model.
Being able to grow our impact and unlock the extraordinary tales of our storytellers. The changes they have lived through, experienced and seen is invaluable, not only to our storytellers but their families, friends and loved ones. It plays an important role in passing on the enriching and valuable learning and stories of life and lives, which give families, children and young people a sense of who they are in the world.
We are looking forward to continuing to learn, grow our impact and measuring the benefits our work brings to individuals, families, loved ones and communities.
Our Pure Cremation donation has led to a small excess of expenditure over income.
We have adequate unrestricted funds to support our plans. The trustees have sought to ensure that Stories for Life has policies and procedures to ensure good governance and financial practices to give confidence to future potential donors and funders and this coupled with the future donations from Pure Cremations will strengthen the charities position further
Reserves Policy
As required by the Charities Commission, the trustees have considered the need to ensure sufficient reserves are in place to safeguard the Charity’s ongoing operations. It is the aim of the Charity’s Trustees to hold unrestricted funds at a level sufficient to cover six months operating costs once sufficient incoming resources have been achieved.
Investment Policy
The trustees are aware that the Charity aims to retain a prudent amount of reserves and will seek to optimise a safe return on any available funds in the low return investment market that presently exists.
Going Concern
The Trustees continue to limit expenditure to the level of incoming resources to ensure the Charity is able to continue in operation
Structure of government and management
Governing document
The Charitable Incorporated Organisation (the Charity) operates under its own constitution and is registered with the Charities Commission in England. The Charity was registered on 18th October 2018
5
Members of the Board of Trustees
The members of the board of trustees who served during the period and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1
Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees
The Charity’s policy is to invite suitable qualified professionals to become Trustees to the Charity. Trustees are initially appointed for a term of 2 to 4 years. The Trustees are encouraged to ensure they understand their responsibilities for governance and also the sector in which the charity operates.
6
STORIES FOR LIFE
TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Organisational structure and decision-making
Decisions are taken by the Trustee Board as a whole. Trustees meet at least quarterly
The Trustees are responsible for the management of the risks faced by the Charity, including new and existing projects
Procedures and written policies are in progress to ensure compliance with the safeguarding of vulnerable beneficiaries and the General Data Protection Regulation.
Remuneration of key management personnel of the Charity comprises the Board of Trustees. No salaries were paid to the key management personnel in relation to the financial year ended 31st December 2023. The founder, who is also a Trustee, is due accrued fees for services supplied in 2017 to set up the Charity under the provisions of the governing document, which are detailed in note 2 to the accounts. No further payments were made against the outstanding balance during 2023
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustee's report above
Approved by the Board of Trustees for issue on 24 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by
C Ryan-Carter
Chair of the Board of Trustees
7
STORIES FOR LIFE
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 ST DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | Funds | |||
| Note | 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| 1 | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Total Receipts | 41,415 | - | 41,415 | 81,803 | ||
| Operating expenditure | ||||||
| Funding Commissions | 300 | - | 300 | 750 | ||
| Story Liaison and pilot preparation | 36,124 | - | 36,124 | 31,316 | ||
| Training Costs | 964 | - | 964 | 810 | ||
| Fundraising and administration | 5,127 | - | 5,127 | 9,739 | ||
| _____ | ______ | ______ | ______ | |||
| Total Payments | 42,515 | - | 42,515 | 42,615 | ||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ||||
| ______ | ||||||
| Net Income (expenditure) | ( 1,100) | - | ( 1,100) | 39,168 | ||
| Cash Funds at 1 st January | 2023 | 59,790 | - | 59,790 | 22,312 | |
| ______ | ______ | _____ | _ | ______ | ||
| Cash funds at 31st December 2023 | 58,690 | - | 58,690 | 61,500 | ||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ |
The notes on page 5-6 form part of these accounts
8
STORIES FOR LIFE
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS AT 31 ST DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | Total | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | Funds | |||||
| Note | 2023 | 2022 | |||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Cash Funds | |||||||
| Barclays Current Account | 555 | - | 555 | ||||
| 1,252 | |||||||
| Barclays Deposit Account | 58,135 | - | 58,135 | 60,248 | |||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||||
| 58,690 | - | 58,690 | 61,500 | ||||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||||
| Liabilities | |||||||
| Creditors | 1,040 | - | 1,040 | - | |||
| Accrued Expenses | 2 | ||||||
| Hospice liaison and charity set | up fees | 13,200 | - | 13,200 | 13,200 | ||
| Expenses in respect of the foregoing | 879 | - | 879 | 879 | |||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||||
| 14,079 | - | 14,079 | 14,079 | ||||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ | ||||
| Charity Reserves at 31st December 2023 | 43,571 | - | 43,571 | 47,421 | |||
| ______ | ______ | ______ | ______ |
The receipts and payments accounts were approved by the Board of Trustees for issue on 24th September 2024. And signed on their behalf by
C- Ryan-Cater
9
STORIES FOR LIFE
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2923
- Transactions with related parties and trustees
The Charity has accrued fees of £13,200 at 31st December 2023 (2022 £13,200) relating to an agreed payment for services supplied at a substantial discount by the founder, Barbara Altounyan for work undertaken in setting up the Hospice Network and volunteer training programmes. The liability remains outstanding at the date of signing of the accounts. Unpaid operational expenses incurred during the initial set up phase by the founder totalling £879 are an accrued liability as at 31st December 2023 (2022 £ 879)
- Information required by the Charitable Incorporated Organisations (General) Regulations, 2012
No guarantees have been given by the Charity and there are no secured liabilities at 31st December 2023 (2022 £ nil)
10
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS RREPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF STORIES FOR UFE The financial statements of Stories for LSfe for the year ended 3tst December 2023 comprisinB the Receipts and Payments AccoLFnt, statement of Assets and Liabilities and related notes set out on pages 1-6. These financial Statements have been prepared accordan with the Finandal Reporting Standard for Smaller Entlties l FOSSE I effective April 2CI)6 under the historical ¢05t corbvention. Opinion 111 Thè financial statements for the year ended 3tst De¢ember 2023 comprising the Receipts and Payments Account. ststement of Assets and Liabilities and the related notes on pages I to 5 are in agreement with thè books of account kept by the charity lill On the basis of the Infomiation contained in those books of account the Receipts and Payments Account, Statement of Asserts and Liabilities the related notes on pages I to 5 for the year ended 31 st December 2023 comply with the requirements Iliil The financial criteria allowir¢ the production of accountants report insiead of a full audFt has been rnet xter & Co Deerle Bank Halstead Lane Sevenoak5 Kent TN14 7EP Date aa o&oEoJ 202*