CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBER: 1170393
EASTBOURNE NETWORX
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023
S J PICKUP & CO. CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS LONG ACRE MILTON STREET POLEGATE BN26 5RW
EASTBOURNE NETWORX
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Registered Charity Number: | 1170393 |
|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer: | A Reid |
| Treasurer: | B Bird |
| Trustees: | A Reid |
| B Bird | |
| J Mottram | |
| A Mottram | |
| P Bowley | |
| D Fairhead (appointed 9 March 2023) | |
| R Fairhead (appointed 9 March 2023) | |
| Accountants: | S J Pickup & Co. |
| Chartered Accountants | |
| Long Acre | |
| Milton Street | |
| Polegate | |
| BN26 5RW |
EASTBOURNE NETWORX
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Charity - Examiners report | 2 |
| Trustees' report | 4 |
| Statement of Assets and Liabilities | 5 |
| Receipts and Payments Account | 6 |
| Notes | 7 |
TO THE TRUSTEES OF EASTBOURNE NETWORX
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023
I report on the accounts which are set out on pages 5 to 7
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and examiner
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to:
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 seeking 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 examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 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 accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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.
Dated:28 March 2024
S J Pickup & Co. Chartered Accountants Long Acre Milton Street Polegate BN26 5RW
Page 2
EASTBOURNE NETWORX
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023
The Trustees present their annual report for the year ended 31 May 2023 under the Charities Act 2011, together with the financial statements for the year, and confirm that the latter comply with the requirements of the Act, the Trust Deed and the Charities SORP 2005.
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing document
The charity is governed by its Trust deed dated 28 August 2016, and registered as a CIO on 25 November 2016 with the Charity Commission.
Organisation
A board of trustees of 7 members, who meet regularly to administer the charity.
Objectives and activities
A charity that welcomes and supports refugees. We are a voice for those in need, supporting them in housing, education and into employment.
Achievements and performance
If we reflect on our work since 2016, it is encouraging to see how so many families we have supported are well settled in the town, working, studying, learning and participating in the community. That’s not to say life is easy for anyone, as it isn’t for any family. There’s never quite enough money to buy everything that’s needed and there’s always a drama with a failed exam or illness or other incident as in any home. So, our intention when we established the charity to support the resettlement of refugees in our town is very much what is happening. That is encouraging!
We continue to be extremely grateful to all our regular donors who are the reason we can make a difference to the families we support. Every penny donated is used to provide for the needs of our families.
We are also thankful that many churches support us and pray for us as a charity and for the families we support.
Housing has become a big issue in the town for everyone. We are grateful to have landlords who are compassionate enough not to charge high rents making it impossible for families to pay the charges. Our success is very much the result of compassionate landlords.
The Ukrainian resettlement has been extremely well managed across the town and our part has been about looking after the funds provided by the local authority.
We have continued our support of families resettled in town by the council as part of the Vulnerable People’s Resettlement Programme. Eastbourne now has 14 families, Syrian, Afghan and Sudanese.
The six hotels established in the town in 2022-23 have now all closed. There were two for unaccompanied minors and 4 for adults and families. People arrived poorly dressed and we supplied almost £20, 000 of new clothes and shoes to ensure nobody was cold or in need. At one point in the summer there were almost 600 asylum seekers in the town. The local college provided English lessons once they had been here for 6 months and in the meantime, twenty-four Networx volunteers visited two of the hotels throughout each week, to deliver basic English lessons so that everyone attending was comfortable accurately answering basic questions like; What is your full name? What is your date of birth? What is your address? etc. All questions they are repeatedly asked and which require accurate answers.
Page 4
We have supported the teaching of English at a higher level to enable better prospects of work, college and university entry and well- being. The exam course is certified by Cambridge. Thirty students have been supported this year. Most are from Ukraine and some from Iran and Syria. So far this year, 28 certificates have been achieved and a further 26 are in progress.
We have strengthened links with other agencies and community groups. Well- being groups in the Devonshire area run art, music, exercise, gardening and cooking activities. We are a recognised charity making a difference and rapid response at the point of need.
This is at a time when the Government has brought into practice the Illegal Migration Bill, which seeks to criminalise the asylum seeker. The Bill has created powers for mass detention and deportation. Asylum claims made by those arriving will be ignored and victims of modern slavery and trafficking will not be protected. The UNHCR states that ‘The Bill undermines the very purpose for which the Refugee Convention was established. The Convention explicitly states that refugees may be compelled to enter a country of asylum irregularly.’
As always, our purpose is to ensure that whilst our foreign friends are in Eastbourne they will have a happy and supportive stay, and be treated with dignity, and that they know how to find the help they need whenever, and whatever, that might be.
Financial review
We continue to receive financial support from and work in partnership with local authorities and other charities. Grants totalling £58,343 were received in the year from 7 organisations. Chief amongst these was a grant of £30,000 from East Sussex County Council specifically to provide support for Ukrainian refugees displaced by war. The second major grant of £12,000 came from Convoy for Hope specifically to provide winterisation kits. In total we applied £35,893 in the year from all grants received leaving a balance of £27,510 available to spend in the 2023/24 financial year.
We are very grateful for the continuing financial donations provided by our regular and one-off supporters. These provide us with the flexibility to respond to the needs of families as and when they arise. For example, we were able to respond quickly to meet the needs of asylum seekers who presented with very little clothing and provisions when they were placed in Eastbourne hotels by HM Government.
Our financial resources at the end of the year are sufficient to enable us to meet our immediate and known needs.
We remain very grateful for the continuing support of donors and grant making bodies.
Plans for future periods
The trustees are confident to continue their support of vulnerable families
Page 4
EASTBOURNE NETWORX
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES (Continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023
Accounting and reporting responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and 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 incoming resources and application of resources 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 apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and 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;
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prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping 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 provision of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the trustees on 28 March 2024 signed on its behalf by:
A Reid
Trustee
Page 4
EASTBOURNE NETWORX
BALANCE SHEET
| AT 31 MAY 2023 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | ||||
| Loans | 9,700 | 6,730 | ||
| Bank Accounts | 44,563 | 21,808 | ||
| ––––––– | ––––––– | |||
| 54,263 | 28,538 | |||
| Net current assets | 54,263 | 28,538 | ||
| ––––––– | ––––––– | |||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 54,263 | 28,538 | ||
| ––––––– | ––––––– | |||
| Net assets | 54,263 | 28,538 | ||
| ––––––– | ––––––– | |||
| Movement in Funds | ||||
| General Fund | 25,228 | 23,478 | ||
| Eastbourne Borough Council | 1,355 | - | ||
| 3VA | 2,985 | 538 | ||
| Souter Charitable Trust | 171 | 1,422 | ||
| Good News Evangelical Mission Fund | 4,240 | 3,100 | ||
| Barnabas Trust | 2,500 | - | ||
| Homes for Ukraine | 16,239 | - | ||
| Food Team | 20 | - | ||
| East Dean Communities Together | 1,525 | - | ||
| ––––––– | ––––––– | |||
| Total funds | 54,263 | 28,538 | ||
| ––––––– | ––––––– |
Approved by the trustees on 28 March 2024 and signed on its behalf.
A Reid
Page 5
EASTBOURNE NETWORX
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITI RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT: GENERAL FUND
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |||
| INCOME | ||||
| Donations and legacies | ||||
| Gifts and Donations | 10,769 | 8,711 | ||
| Gift Aid | 3,084 | - | ||
| Grants | 58,343 | 16,135 | ||
| East Dean Communities Together` | 1,676 | - | ||
| –––––– | –––––– | |||
| 73,872 | 24,846 | |||
| –––––– | –––––– | |||
| FUNDS FOR ENGLISH LESSONS | ||||
| Grants from Councils | 35,240 | 28,602 | ||
| English Lessons | (35,935) | (29,433) | ||
| –––––– | –––––– | |||
| (695) | (831) | |||
| –––––– | –––––– | |||
| –––––– | –––––– | |||
| Total Receipts | 73,177 | 24,015 | ||
| –––––– | –––––– | |||
| Expenditure | ||||
| Administration Costs | 1,054 | 1,584 | ||
| Family Support | 3,692 | 4,499 | ||
| Housing Costs | 643 | 1,485 | ||
| Training and Education | 2 ,475 | - | ||
| Citizenship Application | - | 1,311 | ||
| East Dean Communities Together | 151 | - | ||
| Food and Fuel Poverty | 4,738 | - | ||
| Cost of Living Crisis | 144 | - | ||
| Loan Cancellation | 100 | - | ||
| Winter Project | 3,100 | 5,900 | ||
| Project 28 | 310 | - | ||
| Afghan Project | 1,251 | 578 | ||
| Homes for Ukraine | 13,712 | 49 | ||
| Back to Work Costs | - | 969 | ||
| Covid Support | - | 5,200 | ||
| PC’s and Software | 522 | 529 | ||
| Winterisation Kits | 12,045 | 1,890 | ||
| Sanctuary Cafe | 313 | 562 | ||
| Asylum Seekers in Hotels | 3,202 | - | ||
| –––––– | –––––– | |||
| –––––– | –––––– | |||
| Total expenditure | 47,452 | 24,556 | ||
| –––––– | –––––– | |||
| (Deficit)/Surplus for the Year | 25,725 | (541) | ||
| –––––– | –––––– |
Page 6
EASTBOURNE NETWORX
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023
1. English Lessons
English Lessons are provided by a business selected solely by Eastbourne Borough Council to deliver tuition to refugees accepted under HM Government’s Vulnerable Persons resettlement Scheme (initially known as the Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement Programme) In an arrangement with Eastbourne Borough Council, Eastbourne Networx pays for the English language tuition services delivered against a list of refugees determined by the Council, and then claims reimbursement in full from the Council This arrangement has existed since 2017.
In 2020 Lewes District Council joined this arrangement, with Eastbourne Borough Council continuing to act as the lead authority.
The English lessons are delivered by a family member of A Reid who has played no part in the selection process nor any decision regarding this project or arising from it.
2. Loan Movement
| oan Movement | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Opening Balance | 6,730 | 3,333 |
| Loans Granted | 6,950 | 5,280 |
| Loans Repaid | (3,880) | (1,883) |
| Loans Cancelled | (100) | - |
| –––––– | –––––– | |
| Closing Balance | ||
| 9,700 | 6,730 | |
| –––––– | –––––– |