Charity Registered number 1171099 North Yard Community Trust CIO Annual Report 31 March 2023 North Yord Communlty Trust CIO Legal and Administrative Details Constitutoon The charity was C￿ated a5 Charitabk Incowp)rated O￿anisa1￿ on 12 January 2017. Trustees Emma Vidoria Miller Sharon Hill Caitlin Jane Gilla Kevin Sproston Sarnuel Jarnes Ca Chairperson Vice Chal￿e[son Treasurer AA)ointed 12101r2017 AFpointed 12m1r2017 Appointed 1210112017 Appointed 1910212019 Appointed 23102r2021 Appointed 12101r2017 10 23106r2022 Appointed 2310612022 Apposnled 08106r2021 Appoini&l 08106f2021 Appointed 1210112017 to 231c6r2022 Appointed 23106r2022 Twstee T￿Slee Cllr Sally Haydon Truslee Incrninated by PCCI Cllr George Wheeler Twstee Inorninated by PCCI Cllr Bharat Patel (nominated by Twstee Incxninated by PCCI Cllr Mark Antony Cc4(er Tnjstee (nominated by PCCI Cllr Stephen Hulmes TnJ$tee Intstninated by PCCI Cllr Tina Tuohy Tnjstee (nominated by PCCI Trust admini8tsator Caroline Perry Independent ￿VrewerS Harold Duckworth & Co Ltd 41 Houndisconkn Road Mutley Plymouth PL4 6EX Bankers Lloyds TSB Bank plc Raleigh Street Derws Cross Plymouth Charlty number 1171099 Registered in EnglaThJ and Waks North Yard Communlty Trust CIO Statement of TNstees' Respon$lbllltl•s for the year ended 31 March 2023 The chafilys Iruslee5 are responsible for the preparation of Ihe accounts in ￿cordan with thè terms of the Charrties Act 2011 and the Charrties (Accounls and Reports) Regulations 2008. Notwithstanding the expli(xt requiTemenl in the exiant statulory regulations, the Charilies (Accounts and Reports) Regulabons 2008, lo prèpare the financial 5taternents in accordance with the SORP 2(Q5, in view of the fact that the SORP 2005 has been wrthdrawn. the Tiustees determined to in1erp￿t Ihis responsibility as requiring thèm to follow curtenl best prath.ce and prepare the a(Younts ac￿rdIng to the FRS 102 SORP (Statement of Recommended Pia¢tice for Accounting arvj Repwiing by Charities) 2015 las amended by the B￿l￿tIn issued in February 2016} . In particular, charity law requi￿$ the Trustees. rf they prepare accounts on an accruals basis. to prepare financial stalements for each finanual year which give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the tharity as al the end of Ihe finarrial year and of the surplus or defial ofthe charty. In prepanng Ih05e financaal statements the Trustees afe required to:_ - to pfepare the accounts in accordance with United Kingdom Generally A￿epted Accounting Praclice (Unrted Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable lawl. select suitsble accounting policies and apply Ihem consistently., make judgements and estimates Ihal are reasonable and pwdent.. prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless rt is inappropriate to presurne that the charity will c4Jnlinue in business-, - slate whether applKable accounting standards and statements of recommended pra¢tioe have been followed, subje(I to any material departuies disdosed explained in the financial statements., The law requires that the truslees must nol approve the accounts unkss they are satisfied that they give a true and fair of the state of affairs of the tharity and of the surplus or dèficit ol thè tharrty lor the year. The Trustees arè also responsible for maintsining a(kquale accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy al any timè the finanual position of the charity and which are sufficient to show and explain the charitvs transactions and Ènable them to ensure that the finanaal statemenls compty with regulations made under the Chartties Act 2011. They are also responsible fot safeguarding Ihe assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and ¢Jeteclion of fraud and other irregularities. The Tru51ees are also responsible for the contents of the Trustees. report, and the stslulory responsibilrty of the Independent Examiner in relalJ"on to the Truslees, report is limited to examining the report and ensuiing that . on the face of the report. there are no material inconsistencies with the figU￿S disdose(l in the finan¢iaJ statements. Approved by the Trustees on.. Signed by E-.,, In capacity as thair On North Yard Communtty Trust CIO Rèport of th& Ind•p8nd¥nt Examin•r to th• Trusts•s of the charity on the accounts for tho perlod endgd 31 March 2021 RoSp•ctj￿ r&sponslbllltl•s of the Tru$te•s and the Independent Examinor The chanty's Iruslees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wth the Charitses Act 20111.lhe Act"). The charity's IrLtstees consider that an audst is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act and that an independent ex3minats.on is nee(led. The Charity's gross income did not exceed £250,000 and l am qualthed to utxlertake the examination. It is my responsibility lo".- al examine the accounts under Section 145 of the A￿." bl follow the pro¢e(lures in the General Direth"ons given by the Charity Commissiorb under section 14515llbl of the Act and-, c) state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Exarninarfs Statsmant My examinatson was carried oth in accordance general Directions given by the Charrty Commission. An examination includes a ￿vIeW of Ihe accovnling records kept by the chanty and a comparison of the accounts presented Trmth those Tecords. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanatr'ons from the trustees conceming any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be ￿qUI￿d in an audtt. and consequenly no opinion is given as lo whether the a¢¢ounls present a 'true and tsir. view and the rewt is limited lo those matters sel out in the statement below. Independent Examinorfs Statemen( Report and Opinion In Connection wlh my examinab"on. no material matters have come to my attenlion vthich gives me cause lo believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records not kept in accordance ￿ryth section 130 of the Charities the accounts did not accord wth the accounting records." or the a¢¢ounls did not comply wth the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accour¢ts set out in the Charitses (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 1rue and fair. view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examinabon. the a¢¢ounls have not been prepared in accordance with ihe methods and prinaples of the Slalemenl of Recommended Practice for accountsng and ieporbng by chanties (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance vnth the Finan(ial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Rspubfi¢ of Ireland IFRS 10211 I have no ¢on¢ems and have come across no other matters in conneth.on with the examination lo which attention should be drawn in this re￿rt in order to enable a proper nderstanding of the accounts to be reached. Mr Thomas Bickle Harold Duckworth & Co Ltd 41 Houndi5combe Road Mulley Plymouth PL4 6EX North Yard Community Trust CIO Profit and Loss account and Statement of Ilnanclal a¢tlvttles for the year ended 31 March 2023 UnrgStrict8d Restrict8d funds funds 2023 2023 Total funds 2023 Total funds 2022 Note8 Income from: Charitable activities.. Grants received Investments Dividends received Interest receivable 215.840 215,840 192,205 2,000 2.CK16 2,000 2.006 2.240 23 Total Income 219.846 219.846 194.468 Expenditure on: Raising Funds Fundraising and public Charitable aCtivit￿S Cost of operating the chanty Other expenses Total expense 132.6081 132.6081 150,9091 132.6081 132.6081 150,9091 Not In¢omelexpgndituro 187.238 187.238 143.559 Not movemgnt in funds for the ygar 187.238 187.238 143,559 Reconciliation of Funds Total funds at 31 March 2022 952.627 952,627 809,068 Total funds at 31 March 2023 1,139,865 1.139,865 952,627 The statement of financial actsvilies includes all gains and losses recc*Jnised in the year All incoming resources and ￿sourceS expended derive from continuing activittes. North Yard Cofflrnunity Twust CIO Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2023 Unrestricted funds Inc Fund$ Total 2023 Totsl 2022 Fixod as8•ts Tangible as5els Inv8Stments 469 469 421 50,OCrf) 50.421 9).469 Current a88ets Deètors Cash at bank and in hand 336 316 1.0￿.644 903,330 1.090.980 903.646 1.0￿.644 1.OW.980 Credltors.. omo¥nts follln9 duo Wlthin ono year 11.5841 11.5B41 11.4401 Net current a888ts 1.089,3 1.089.￿ 9i2.J Totsl a￿ets 1.139.865 1.139.865 952.627 General unrestricted Designated funds Total un￿$trI¢l¢￿ funds 1.114.314 25,551 1.139.865 1.139.865 952.627 1.139.865 1.139.865 952.627 The chantsble company is entitkd lo exemption from awlrt under se¢b.￿ 477 ofthe Companie5 Act 2006 for the year ended 31 Marth 2023. The member5 have not fequired the company to obtain an audrt ol its finanL?al Statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 in a￿)rd8r￿ ￿7th Seth"on 476 Oftt￿ CCffnpan￿ Act 2006 TIE Iru5tees aCkn￿￿edge their resp0nsibdi￿"eS for lal ensuring that the charitable company keeps ar£ountir¥J recA)rds that ￿lpty Se¢lions 366 367 of the Cornpanies Act 2006 and Ibl preparing finanaal 5tstemen15 which gNe a and fair viv* of the $tste of affairs of the Charitab￿ Compariy 85 at the end of each finanoal year and of ils surplus of defimt for each financial year in ac¢ordance wilh the requirernent5 01 Seth'ons 394 and and wh olhemse Comply with the requirernents of the Companies Acl 2(￿ relatirg to finanoal ststements. so fai a5 applicabje lo the dwritabk company. These financial statements have been prepared tn auxJrdanr* ￿lti the prw$w)ns applicable to charitable comnpanvès subkect lo Ihe small C￿lp8n1e$ wime. The financial slalements We￿ ar4¥0ved by Ihe Board of Trustee5 aT*J auihorised for t5sue on........................ and wete $Wj￿ on ts behaff by". Emma MilleF.lJaR25,.2024 13..51 GMT) E Mi118r Chair C GIlLgrd TreaSu￿r Caitlin Gillard (Jan 25, 2024 18-20 GMT) North Yard Community Trust CIO Statement of ca8h flows as at 31 March 2023 Total Fund8 Prior year funds Cash flows from operating activities: Not cash providgd by oporatlng activitios 185.518 141.489 Cash flows from Inve$ting actlvltios Interest and dividends received Purchase of property plant and equipment Net cash used in financing activities 2.000 12041 1,796 2,240 2,240 Cash flows from financing activities Repayments of borTowing Net cash used in financing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at tho end of the reporting period 187.314 143,729 903.330 759,601 8 1.090.644 903,330 Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities Net incorne for the year (as per the statement of financlal actlvltles Adjustments for: Depreciation charges Donated items Interest and dividends from investsments Ilncreaselldecfease in debtors Increaselldecreasel in creditors lexcluding loans) 187,238 143,559 141 12.CKSO 1201 144 12,2401 30 Nel cash provided by operating activities 185.518 141.489 Analysis of cash and cash equivalents Cash in hand 1,090.644 903,330 North Yard Communlty Trust CIO Notes to the Accounts for the y90r ended 31 March 2023 1 Accounting policie8 Accounting convention The financial stslements have been prepared under the historic cost convenlKJn, with the exception of investments which are induded al fair value. The accounts have ￿en prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice." Accounting and Reporting by Chaiitses preparing their &counts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United ￿ngdorn and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 and the ChaTitses Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practi￿ a5 It applies from 1 January 2015. Recognition olliabilities and expenditure A liability, and the related expenditure, is recognised when a legal or constructive obligation exists as a result of a past event. and when il is more likety than not that a transfef of economic benefits will be required in settlement. and when the amount of the obligation can be measured or reliably estsmaled. Liabilities arising from future funding ccrfnmilments and constructive obligalions. including perfomiance related grants. where the timing or the amount of the future expenditure required to settle the obligation are uncertain, give rise to a provision in the accounts. which is reviewed al the accounting year end. The provision is increased lo reflect any increases in liabilrties. and is decreased by the ulilisalion of any provision within the period. and reversed rf any provision is no longer required. These movements are charged or credited lo the respethe funds and *ts'vities to which the provision relates. Debtors Short term debtors are measured al transaction Pri￿ Iwthich is usualty the invoice price), less any impaimient kjsses for bad and doubttvl debts. Loans and other financial assets are initially recognised at transaction price including any transaction costs and subsequently measured al amortised c051 determined using the effective interest method, ￿$$ any impaim)ent losse5 for bad and doubtful debts. Provisions Provisions li.e. liabilities of uncertain timing or amount) are reccynised when there is an obligation at the reporting date as a result of a past event, rt is probable that economic benefit will be Iransferred to settle the obligation and the amount of the obligation can be esb"mated relrabty. Cash and bank balances Cash held by the Charity is included at the amount actualty held and counted al the year end. Bank balances. whether in credrt or overdrawn, are shown al the amounts properly reconcl￿d to the bank statements. Incoming ro$ource$ Donations All donations are recorded in the statement of financk41 actwilies in the year in whth they are received. Assets donated lo the charity are capitalised at the cost il is eslwnated the charity would have incurred if the asset were purchased. Interest recelvable Interest is included when received by the charity. North Yard Community Trust CIO Notes to the Accounts for the year end￿ 31 March 2023 Charltable actl¥ltl•8 All other income from Charitable Actiwties is recorded in the statement of financial activilies in the year in which they are received. Grants Grants received by the charity are for the S1￿ claim from Plymouth City Council. It is unlikely that part of il will be restricted. If any part is for reslricled use, it will be shown as a restr￿ted fund. Re8ource8 expended Costs ofoperating th• Charity These are the direct costs of running the charity. Fund accountlng Funds held by the charity are eilher- Unrestrlcted genernl funds These are funds whieh can be used in accordance wilh the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. Restncted funds These are funds that can only be used for path"cular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular purposes. 2 L•gal status of the charity The charity 15 a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. The liability of each member in the event of winding up 15 limited lo £1. 3 Donatlons and l•gacles Unrostricted funds 2023 Restrl¢ted funds 2023 Total 2023 Total 2022 Salaries and wages Insurance Depreciation Advertising Grant funding made Sundiies and other project costs 16,480 347 156 16,480 347 156 10.689 343 141 13.699 13,699 38,063 30.682 1.926 32.608 30,682 1,926 32,608 49,236 1,673 50,909 Administration eosts (see note 4) North Yard Community Trust CIO Notes to the Accounts fortho yoar ondod 31 March 2023 4 Other oxpensgs Unrestrlcted Restricted funds funds 2023 2023 Total 2023 Total 2022 Soflware costs Bank charges and interest Sundry expenses Independent examiner 178 178 149 1.584 1,584 1.440 1.926 {1,9261 1,926 11.926 1,673 11.6731 Applied lo charitsble activities 5 Movement in total funds for tho year 2023 2022 This is ststed after charging.. Depreciation 141 6 Investments Othor invostments 2023 2022 Unlisted investments 50,000 50,000 7 Debtors 2023 2022 Other debtors 336 316 8 Crgditors: amounts falling due wtthln one year 2023 2022 Other creditors 1.584 1,584 1,440 1,440 North Yard Communlty Trust CIO Not•$ to th• A¢¢ounts for the year ended 31 March 2023 9 Staff costs 2023 2022 Staff wsls 16,480 16.480 10.689 10.689 Staff c0515 relate to the reimbursement of another charbty for use of one of their staff members. The charity does not pay any staff diredy and therefore there a￿ no wage payments made. No 51aff are paid more than £60,000. 10 Related Parties During the year there were the follwng rebated paty transactions". Caitlin Gillard (Trustee) is associated with Kings Tamerton Community Centre IKTCCI which received grant of £500 in the accounbng peritxl. Cattlin Gillard has a famity member on the board of KTCC. Cllr George Wheeler is associated with Sl Budeaux Baptist Church which received a grant of £2,000 in the accounting period. Cllr George Wheeler had vrritten a letter of support for this application in his capacity of ward councillor and therefo￿. declared no conflict of loyalty. Cllr Mark Coker is associated with the PIE Club CIC which did not r￿1ve a grant in the accountsng period however is expected to receive one in future years ft)Ilowing a succesful grant application. Cllr Mark Coker declared a conflict of loyalty Kevin Sproston and Cllr Mark Cc4(er are associated with Keyham Neighboufhood Watch IKNHWI which had grant funding approved of £1,484.38 which is expeted to be paid in Ihe next accounting year end. Kevin Sproston is the Chair of KHNW and Mark Coker is a member of KHNW. 11 Indepondont Examlnerfs Romuneration The Appointed accountants fees in relation lo the preparation of accounts and indepenl examination were £1.44012022 £1,440) 12 Controlllng party The charity is controlled by the trustees. # **Annual Report and Financial Statement** 1[st] April 2022 to 31[st] March 2023. Charity Number 1171099 ## **Contents** Reference and administrative information Page 1 and 2 Charities Objectives Page 3 Structure Management and Governance Page 3 to 8 - Our history - The board - Management and Governance - Trustee Recruitment - Policies and Risk Management Income and Grant Making Policy Page 8 to 9 - Principal Funding - Going Concern - Grant making policy and procedure - Evaluation and monitoring Achievements and Performance Page 9 to 12 - List of Grants agreed during the period 01/04/2022 to 31/03/2023 - Ongoing grants from previous years - Age analysis of grants agreed - Geographical analysis of grants agreed - Evaluations submitted during the period 01/04/2022 to 31/03/2023 Financial Review Page 12 - Reserves Policy - Return of grants not used for intended purposes - Investments Review of Activities and Plans for the Future Page 13 to 14 Public Benefit Statement Page 14 **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** ## **Reference and administrative information.** The North Yard Community Trust CIO is a general grant giving charity which was set up to manage £150,000 a year for 25 years for the promotion of any charitable purposes for the benefit of the communities in the neighborhoods of Barne Barton, St Budeaux, Kings Tamerton, Weston Mill and Keyham. The area of benefit as defined by the map. The North Yard Community Trust CIO is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and is registered with the Charity Commission: Number 1171099. Registered in England and Wales . |||| |---|---|---| |**Trustees**||Emma Miller
Chairperson
Appointed 12/01/2017
Sharon Hill
Vice Chairperson
Appointed 12/01/2017
Caitlin Gillard
Treasurer
Appointed 12/01/2017
Kevin Sproston
Trustee
Appointed 19/02/2019
Sam Carr
Trustee
Appointed 23/02/2021
Cllr Sally Haydon
Trustee
(Nominated by PCC)
Appointed 12/01/2017 to
23/06/2022
Cllr George Wheeler
Trustee
(Nominated by PCC)
Appointed 23/06/2022
Cllr Bharat Patel
Trustee
(Nominated by PCC)
Appointed 08/06/2021
Cllr Mark Coker
Trustee
(Nominated by PCC)
Appointed 08/06/2021
Cllr Stephen Hulme
Trustee
(Nominated by PCC)
Appointed 08/06/2021 to
23/06/2022
Cllr Tina Tuohy
Trustee
(Nominated by PCC)
Appointed 23/06/2022| |||| Except where noted all of the above served for the entire period. **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** Principal Office North Yard Community Trust CIO C/O Plymouth Drake Foundation Plymouth Science Park Derriford Plymouth PL6 8BX Email: admin@northyardcommunitytrust.org.uk Website www.northyardcommunitytrust.org.uk Governing Constitution incorporated on 12[th] January 2017 Document Trust Ms Caroline Perry Administrator Website Story Connect Management Mr Tim Cadoux 57 Southerway Drive Plymouth PL9 8TB Bank Lloyds TSB Caerphilly (309091) Branch PO Box 1000 BX1 1LT Accountants Harold Duckworth & Co 41 Houndiscombe Road Mutley Plymouth PL4 6EX **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** ## **Trustees Report for the year ending 31[st] March 2022** ## **The Charities Objectives** The objects of the North Yard Community Trust CIO are to advance the following purposes for the benefit of those within the area of benefit as defined by the map: which is available on our website or upon request: - The promotion of any charitable purposes for the benefit of the communities in the neighborhoods of Barne Barton, St Budeaux, Kings Tamerton, Keyham and Weston Mill in the City of Plymouth. - In particular the advancement of education, citizenship and community development, the protection of good health both mental and physical and the relief of poverty and sickness. ## **Structure, Management and Governance** ## **Our history** The North Yard Community Trust was formed on 17[th] December 2012 as a company by limited guarantee not having share capital and having charitable status. The first year up to 10[th] December 2013 was spent ensuring the Board had policies, grant application forms and a process with which to apply to the Trust that would meet the applicants needs and also allow the Board to satisfy itself that they could meet the criteria with which the Trust was set up. On 10[th] December 2013 the Board held its first meeting whereby grants were awarded to those who had applied. On 1[st] December 2016 the Trust applied to the Charity Commission to become a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) of the same name (North Yard Community Trust) and this was formed and formally agreed on the 12[th] January 2017. The North Yard Community Trust CIO is governed by a constitution of a charitable incorporated organisation whose only voting members are it Trustees. The purpose of the North Yard Community Trust CIO is to award grants that meet the criteria and maintain financial stability for the charity both now and in the future and to continue to meet the charities objectives. ## **The Board** The Board is made up of up to eleven Trustees who represent each of the communities in the area of benefit. Of the eleven Trustees seven places are allocated for Resident Trustees and four for Councillor Trustees. The criteria for both allocations are: Resident Trustees: Up to seven Trustees are selected from the areas served by the Trust. The breakdown of allocated positions by area is: - One person representing Keyham **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** - One person representing Weston Mill - Two people representing Barne Barton - Three people representing St Budeaux and Kings Tamerton. - The Resident Trustees must live in the area they would like to represent if applying for a vacant position or do represent if they are currently Trustees. Councillor Trustees: Up to Four Trustees are appointed by Plymouth City Council at their Annual General Meeting each year. The breakdown of allocated positions by area is: - One Councillor who is elected and represents the ward of Ham. For which the area of Weston Mill is part. - One Councillor who is elected and represents the ward of Devonport. For which the area of Keyham is a part. - Two Councillors who are elected and represent the ward of St Budeaux. For which Barne Barton, St Budeaux and Kings Tamerton is a part. All Trustees are registered with the Charity Commission once they join the Board and as part of their introduction are expected to meet with either the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson to ensure they are aware of the Trust’s aims and objectives and the manner in which the Trust carries out its responsibilities. The new Trustees as part of their training and induction are provided with copies of all policies and procedures. The CIO Terms of Office as per the Constitution sets out a maximum period that can be served by each Resident Trustee before standing for re-election or retiring and when required this review is done at the start of each year. The North Yard Community Trust CIO currently has nine Trustees with all four nominated areas having a representative. Of this number four are Nominated Trustees and five are Resident Trustees. This number enables a wide range of views when discussing all Trust business. There are two vacancies currently: one for Barne Barton and One from St Budeaux and Kings Tamerton. ## **Management and Governance** The Trustees are responsible for the management of the Trust and hold regular meetings in order to consider grant applications. These are held bi-monthly in the months of: January, March, May, July, September and November. There are three grants available for all projects, events or activities that benefit the communities within the North Yard Community Trust CIO area of benefit: These are: - The Community Grant: this is a grant of up to £500. It can be applied for up to three times a year. However, certain conditions must be met and these include that all Evaluations for previous grants have been submitted and agreed by the Board. This grant can be applied for alongside an existing Small or General Grant. - The Small Grant: this is a grant of up to £2000. Applicants cannot hold more than one small grant at any one time and before applying to the Trust for further grants all Evaluations must be up to date from any previous grants awarded. This grant can be applied for alongside a Community Grant. **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** - The General Grant: this is a grant of any amount larger than £2000. This grant form is also the form for which applicants wanting to apply for a multi-year grant will use to apply to the Trust. During the Application meeting the Board may consider approving and discussing Evaluations or any other business as required if the time allocated for applications is not full. The Trust have after reviewing our grant process decided to provide a Grant Pledge which is for applicants who are applying for match funding from other charities or businesses or are fundraising for their project or activity and have not yet secured all the funding required. The Board agree that subject to the funds being raised and evidence received by the Trust to award a grant and provide evidence of the grant award in the form of a Pledge Letter. Once the Trust receive evidence of the funds having been raised the applicant signs the Pledge Release Form and the Trust transfer the amount allocated by the Board. The Pledge system will be reviewed to ensure it meets the requirements of the Trust in the long term. On the alternative months of: February, April, June, August, October and December the Board schedule an administrative meeting. These meetings however may be cancelled if not required and the application meetings may be extended to include other business as needed to ensure we keep the best practice expected of the North Yard Community Trust CIO. During administrative meetings the Board may consider applications that are of a time sensitive nature and cannot wait until the application meeting however applicants are informed of the application meeting dates only and therefore should aim to submit all applications in a timely manner for these meetings. The Board will also during an administrative meeting review and agree Evaluations which have been submitted. The Board will review policies which includes ensuring Trustees are kept up to date with developments in charity practice and regulations on an ongoing basis as required, with a minimum review of once a year. The Board is informed of any visits to successful applicant’s projects, events or activities or alternatively to schedule which Trustees will attend invitations received to visit a project, activity or event and the Board will discuss any other business which may have arisen. The Board also use the administrative meetings at least once a year to review and refine the application process during this time the Trustees will reflect on the service we provide and how this can be improved. The Trustees continually look for ways to improve and will take every opportunity to improve and reflect on the objectives of the Trust and how they can continue to meet them: encourage more applicants to apply and how best to advertise the Trust to ensure the funding is maximizing every opportunity for the communities we represent. The Trustees also hold an annual meeting in order to adopt the Annual Report and Accounts and to carry out a formal review of the fulfilment of the charity’s aims and objectives, policies and investment performance over the year. A full day to day administrative service is provided by Ms Caroline Perry who will receive and handle all enquiries ensuring they are referred if necessary to the Chairperson for further advice and guidance. The Chairperson works with Ms Perry to ensure all paperwork associated with the application process is complete before sending onto the board for them to review prior to a meeting. Ms Perry is the first point of contact for the general public wanting to make enquiries and she is able to provide further details of other organisations who provide grant writing support to ensure that all potential applicants are supported through the process when required. The North Yard Community Trust CIO do not employ Ms Perry, the Plymouth Drake Foundation are the principal employers and the North Yard Community Trust CIO contribute half of her salary costs for providing administration to the Trust. The Trust continue to amend and refine our application and evaluation process to ensure best practice at all times. **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** The Trusts accounting arrangements and all reporting are made by the Treasurer with the support of two Trustees. Treasurer Reports are provided at every meeting to ensure transparency and clear accounting responsibility. An accountant is employed to ensure the Trust meet all legal responsibilities. The website is hosted by Mr. Tim Cadoux at Story Connect. Two nominated Trustees and Ms Perry are responsible for the management of the website. Ms Perry has the responsibility of the day-to-day management including ensuring the site is kept up to date with details of grants awarded, vacancies on the Trust, all details on the application process and any case studies submitted. On the website we also provide The Guidance for Funding, all application forms and the Terms and Conditions which can be downloaded. Mr. Cadoux is always available regarding any problems that may arise and for guidance if required on how to use the site. ## **Trustee Recruitment** There is a recruitment process in place for recruiting new trustees. Application forms and associated paperwork along with the recruitment process is reviewed each year by the Chairperson and presented to the Board to ensure best practice is at the heart of our work. Vacancies for positions available on the Board are advertised using a number of avenues to ensure we include all of those within our communities when advertising and not just limit the advertising to one source. Those wishing to apply are requested to email or call Ms Perry as the first point of contact who will send the applicant a Trustee Vacancy Pack which explains who we are and what we do and includes the expected commitment we require from Trustees so those applying are aware of the responsibility and commitment they need to make before applying to join the Board. If the candidate is confident, they meet the criteria they complete an Application Form which is included the Vacancy Pack. The candidate can request to meet with a member of the Board to discuss any questions they have prior to completing the form if required. The Chairperson will nominate a trustee to meet with the potential applicant when they themselves are not available. Upon receipt of an application(s) the Board review the application(s) at the next scheduled meeting. A decision is made and a candidate(s) may be requested to attend the next stage which is an informal interview. This gives the applicant the opportunity to ask questions and find out more about the Trust. Upon completion of the interview and after receiving two references the Board will discuss if a candidate has been successful at the next scheduled meeting and if so a formal offer of a position is made effective from the following meeting but only if the training and induction has been completed. All new Trustees serve a six-month probation period whereby both the Board and the new recruit are able to ensure that the new trustee is able to embed the ethos, skills and meets the expectations of a charity trustee whilst also having the necessary attributes along with the time to fully commit to the Board. During this time support is given along with regular reviews allowing the new trustee adequate opportunity to train and reach a potential whereby they can along with existing trustees ensure the North Yard Community Trust CIO reaches its full potential and achieves its objectives. ## **Policies and Risk Management** The Trustees are satisfied that appropriate policies, procedures, checks and systems are in place in order to mitigate exposure to major risks and to ensure that the Trust operates in accordance with all legal responsibilities. The Chairperson along with the Vice Chairperson review operational risks and **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** policies on an ongoing basis and these are formally agreed by the Trustees at their annual meeting or at any other meeting whereby an update would be required. The principal risks relate to operational risks in terms of grant making, investment performance and reputational risk for the charity. _Operational Risk:_ There is a risk of the Trust not receiving grant applications and therefore not being able to carry out its charitable objectives. However, as an area of high deprivation and with those eligible to apply for grants finding that operational costs are rising but this is not reflected in the income, they are receiving the Trust is confidently able to ensure that this risk is minimized. In an area of diverse communities, the Trust is confident and able to reach people of all ages, genders and backgrounds and this is reflected in the applications we receive. By using all available avenues to advertise the grants, requiring all successful applicants to acknowledge the funding on all printed materials, having the platforms on social media for successful applicants to tag us in their posts relating to the funded projects, activities or events and by attending events and visiting funded projects and activities the Trust ensure we are a visible presence in our communities. Successful applicants are shown on our website and social media and we use opportunities such as drop-in sessions to promote the Trust and what we do. There is also a risk of grants not reaching the intended beneficiaries. The Trust provide clear guidance prior to the application stage by requesting that all applicants read the Guidance for Funding and have clear Terms and Conditions which must be read and signed before any grant can be awarded. Where there are additional Terms and Conditions agreed the applicant must read and sign the Additional Terms and Conditions Form prior to receiving any funding. It is made clear what we do and do not fund on the Guidance for Funding and the area of benefit is shown both in the guidance and via a map which is available both on the website and on request. There is also a section on the Application Forms clearly stating the limited area of benefit and requesting that if a project, activity or event is already running that postcodes of existing users be supplied. It also states that postcodes will be required for the Evaluation giving all applicants every opportunity to understand that the Trust require this information to be submitted. During both the application and evaluation stage postcodes must be supplied to ensure that the funding is used to benefit the communities for which it is intended. Bank account details are confirmed before a grant payment is made and the payments will only go to a registered account in the business name. We also require full financial breakdowns with receipts and/or invoices to show where the funding has been used which needs to be submitted with the evaluation. For multiyear grants there is a midterm report to be completed at the midpoint of each year (i.e., after 6 months of being awarded) and a full evaluation has to be submitted before the next years payment will be released. The Trust do not fund individuals. The risk that the grant is not used for the agreed purpose awarded by the Trust is monitored by the use of evaluation forms and these when submitted are checked against the application and any award made. It is made clear on the Terms and Conditions, award letters and all guidance including on the application form itself that permission must be sought from the Board prior to any deviation in the use of the grant. Where the grant is used for purposes other than the agreed use it is clearly stated that the return of the grant or a portion of the grant may be requested. Another operational risk is applicants not submitting an evaluation or midterm reports alongside all financial evidence for the use of the grant. As per the Terms and Conditions which must be signed by two authorized individuals within the organisation failure to provide the requested information will result in the request for the return of the grant where appropriate. Whereby receipts and/or invoices are not submitted to show the use of the grant the board reserve the right to request the return of any part of the grant for which there is no financial evidence. This is clearly stated in the Terms and Conditions. For multiyear grants no subsequent funding is released until the Trust has received and agreed the previous year’s evaluation. All applications are screened and checks made to ensure that all requested information and paperwork is submitted before the application is discussed **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** by the board. The Trust require two unrelated signatories to countersign all paperwork, constitutions where applicable must be submitted, on the application form the registered address and a company registration number or charity number must be given and the bank accounts must be in the organisation name, all quotes submitted for work must be with a registered business. These checks enable the Trust to ensure that the organizational risk to the Trust is well managed. _Investment:_ The Trustees regularly review the performance of investments. The Trust accept the inherent risk that may result in some years whereby the investment portfolio declines in value but reviewing the performance of the investment ensures we are confident in the allocation of these funds. There is a policy for Investments and clear criteria for all potential investments. _Reputation:_ Best practice is at the heart of all of our work and we endeavor to ensure that all contact with the public and applicants is done in a professional and courteous way. The Trust maintain a positive and confident approach in all interactions with the public and applicants and will visit projects, events or activities that are funded when able to. Trustees are informed and knowledgeable of our practices and procedures and can offer clear advice when requested on how to apply and what we fund when interacting on behalf of the Trust. All public statements go through the Chairperson to ensure that we maintain a professional and consistent approach to publishing the Trust in the media. The Trustees are also local residents and some work within the local area and this provides the opportunity to be fully appraised of events which give rise to unwelcome media attention and hence a reputational risk. _Safeguarding_ : The Trust has a Safeguarding Policy which is aimed at protecting not just the Board members but also beneficiaries of our grants. The Trustees require applicants to have an up-to-date Safeguarding Policy and procedures in place which they must confirm on the Application Form. The Trust also require applicants where applicable to confirm that DBS checks are up to date. _Conflicts of Interest/ Conflict of Loyalty:_ The Trustees have in place a detailed Policy regarding Conflicts of Interest or Loyalty. This Policy clearly explains the impact of this in terms of grant making decisions. The conflicts are managed with proper procedures in place which all Trustees are aware of and adhere to. ## **Income and Grant Making Policy** ## **Principal Funding** The principal funding for the North Yard Community Trust CIO comes from a Section 106 agreement between MVV Environmental Devonport Ltd and Plymouth City Council. This agreement is for a period of 25 years and will conclude in 2037. The funding amounts to a minimum each year of £150,000. ## **Going Concern** The Trustees are confident that the North Yard Community Trust CIO will have adequate resources to continue in operational existence. Up until 2037 under the agreement with MVV Environmental Ltd and Plymouth City Council the Trust will receive each year a payment. Provisions are being made to create an endowment that should ensure that the objective of the trust to give out grants can continue after this time. With that in mind the Trustees are happy that the charity is a going concern and the report and accounts have been prepared on this basis. ## **Grant Making Policy and Procedures** The North Yard Community Trust CIO continues to accept applications from organisations who meet the criteria which is taken into consideration when assessing applications. No applications from **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** individuals are considered. The Trust only considers applications from organisations whose proposed event, activity or project will benefit the communities of the North Yard Community Trust CIO area. All applicants at both the application if it is an existing project or activity and at the evaluation stage must provide postcodes to enable the Board to satisfy itself that the funding will be used to benefit the communities from within the North Yard Community Trust CIO area of benefit. The Trustees aim to keep the application process simple and streamlined with 100% of applications submitted online during this financial period. Step by step guidelines as to how to apply to the Trust, criteria for funding, information on how to submit the application and what should be submitted with the application can be found in the document Application Guidance which is available on the website or on request by email or phone. The process is explained clearly on the website and feedback received from applicants is that the process of applying is straightforward and clear. The Trust require an accurate breakdown of all costs and for material items of over £500 or for structural work the applicant must submit three quotes from a professional regulated company. For projects and activities where the cost is over £5000 the Trust require a project plan. The Board welcome match funding for projects, activities and events and request that letters of support from those providing funding or whom they are working with be supplied alongside the application. All application forms along with terms and conditions can be downloaded from the website. All successful applications are listed on the website along with details of the project, activity or event. All applications are considered on an individual basis. The Trust will not consider funding requests made by organisations that are reapplying for a grant whereby there is an outstanding evaluation which has not been agreed by the board. The Trust will consider awarding grants over a longer term of up to three years with the condition that all reports and evaluations are completed and agreed by the Board before the transfer of the next years funding. Wherever possible visits are made by the Trustees in order to see the impact that the funding has had on the beneficiaries and how the funding has enhanced an organisation. Regular contact is maintained with recipients of grants for monitoring. The applicants at the application stage complete the Terms and Conditions and unless there are Additional Conditions attached to the grant award once a decision is made by the Board the applicant is informed quickly and the funding is transferred as agreed. This makes the process quick and easy for applicants. Where additional conditions are attached to the grant, the applicant is informed with an Additional Terms and Conditions Form to view and sign which clearly states what the funding can be used for and the amounts allocated by the Board. No funding can be transferred until the Chairperson or Vice Chairperson has received this form back and confirmed the form has been correctly completed. For all successful applicant’s payment is made via online banking and this requires two authorized signatories to authorize the payment on behalf of the Trust. Unsuccessful applicants are informed of the Boards decision and cannot apply for the same project, activity or event within six months unless there are exceptional circumstances. Once Applications are received Ms Perry and the Chairperson ensure that all required information is received, and the form is correctly completed and signed. Once that is completed the applications are sent to the Trustees who follow an established process. The applications are listed on the agenda and sent to the Trustees in advance of the meeting. **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** On the Agenda for every meeting is the Declaration of Conflict of Interest and Conflict of Loyalty. It is during this part that all declarations are made. A policy is sent to all new Trustees and forms part of their training and existing Trustees review this policy once a year. The policy clearly sets out what a Conflict of Loyalty and Conflict of Interest are and the importance of declaring any interest. The policy also clearly sets out the procedure used during meetings where a conflict of interest arises. Once a Conflict of Interest or Loyalty are declared the Trustee(s) concerned do not take part in any discussion and are asked to leave the room whilst the Board discuss the item and make a decision. For online meetings any Trustee(s) with a Conflict of Interest or Loyalty are removed from the meeting and readded once this part is completed. ## **Evaluations and Monitoring** All applicants who are awarded grants must complete an Evaluation within one month of the end of the project, activity or event. An extension can be given upon request. A full Evaluation along with financial evidence of the use of the grant must be sent to the Trust. The receipts and invoices must show a date, a business name, the items brought and the amount. Trustees’ endeavors to visit projects, activities and events funded by the North Yard Community Trust CIO. Trustees consistently identify the task of visiting projects as bringing intrinsic value to both their role and the ongoing work of our Trust as well as fostering good relations in the community. The Trust understand that sometimes applicants need to adapt their projects, activities or events and we are fully committed to supporting our applicants to deliver their projects, activities or events to benefit the communities they are targeting and to meet their aims and objectives. All applicants are responsible for ensuring approval to change the use of any grant expenditure is given by the Trust in advance of the funding being used for anything not awarded on the application. ## **Achievements and Performance** Applications continue to be received throughout the year supporting the current operating procedure whereby Trustees meet bi-monthly to consider applications. Our processes are effective in ensuring all information is collected and presented to the Board and that meeting the objectives of the Trust remains a priority when decisions are made. At times during the screening of the applications questions need to be asked to garner further information to support the application and this is done in advance of the meeting to ensure the Trust have all information available to them when making decisions. The Board continues to promote the Trust and the three grant streams available and this is recognized in the rising number of those enquiring about grant funding for projects, activities and events. This year the number of applications received has risen from the previous year whereby Covid was still making an impact in our communities. The applications received have been to enhance community spaces, to being the communities together for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations and Christmas. The Trust has also funded activities and projects that benefit young people within our communities. The funding has benefitted not just those directly involved with the projects but also indirectly benefitted those around them. The funding is making a difference to communities across the area by working with a range of ages, genders and backgrounds we see that the benefit has been widespread and not isolated to one group. The impacts of the projects funded have had many benefits to the communities including educational benefit, social and emotional benefit and physical benefits. **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** In total for the accounting period of 1[st] April 2022 to 31[st] March 2023 the Trust received thirteen Applications totaling £70, 435.38. Of those thirteen applications nine were successful and were awarded funding with a total of £36, 196.38. The amount of £20, 351.16 is ringfenced for two multiyear grants. Of those awarded grants eight were one off grant awards and one was a multiyear grant. The three applications types available were all used during this financial period and the breakdown is shown below. We saw an increase in the use of Community Grants, General Grants and Small Grants from the year before. The breakdown of grant types for this reporting period was: - Five Community Grants (38%) - Three Small Grant (24%) - Five General Grants (38%) **----- Start of picture text -----**
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## **List of grants agreed during the period 01/04/2022 until 31/03/2023** The following organisations were awarded a grant during this period: ## **Community Grants** - **Kings Tamerton Community Centre** were awarded £500.00 towards their Queen’s Jubilee celebrations where they held an event during both the day and evening which brought the community together. The event was open to everyone in the area. They had free activities for both adults and young people throughout the day and free evening entertainment. The event was led by the volunteers who support and run the center. - **All Saints Academy Plymouth** were awarded £500.00 to purchase equipment to be used in the celebration of the Queen’s Jubilee event being held at the school. Some of the equipment purchased will also benefit the young people and families during further events and activities in the school. This event was to promote the wellbeing and positivity in the community by bringing together the students and their families to the event to celebrate together. - **K&S Childcare** were awarded £500.00 towards their Christmas party. Two parties were provided to ensure those with SEND had the opportunity to attend a Christmas celebration which was held as an early slot on the same day before the party was opened to all those attending the nursery. The parties brought the families who attend the nursery together and allowed them to celebrate Christmas. **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** ## **Small Grants** - **St Budeaux Baptist Church** were awarded funding towards a wheelchair lift. This was needed as there are stairs leading to the Cheare Church Hall within the building and there is no access for those in a wheelchair or those who have a disability affecting their mobility. This lift will enable them to welcome everyone to the hall to take part in all the activities, projects and events. The volunteers within the Church run numerous free activities for all ages and this lift will enable everyone to be able to take part. ## **General Grants** - **Tamar Grow Local** were awarded a grant for improving access to the allotments. The grant would ensure that plot holders and visitors to the site were able to access the allotments safely. It would also ensure that access for those in a wheelchair or with a disability which affects their mobility is provided throughout the allotments. - **The Tree Project CIC** were awarded a grant to start their project the ‘Wellbeing Warriors’ in Keyham. This is a youth group open to young people aged 7 to 12 years of age. Provided within this group is the opportunity to take part in various activities including yoga, arts and crafts and themed activities. - **Plymouth Drake Foundation** were awarded a grant for their project ‘Farms for City Children’. This enabled two schools year 6 children to attend a one week residential at Nethercott Farm. This project enabled the children to take part in activities on the farm which includes some farm tasks such as tending to the animals but also incorporates activities such as storytelling and arts and crafts. - **Plaistow Hill Primary School** were awarded funding towards a library revamp. This provided the children with the opportunity to have a space created where they can sit and enjoy reading in a peaceful area and provided a range of new books to ensure that all children are able to access and use the library. - **Keyham Neighborhood Watch** were provided with funding to upgrade the ‘shed’. This is a building which is run by the volunteers for the benefit of the community as a community space and it required some additional internal work to be done to enable the building to be fully utilizing the space they have inside. ## **Ongoing Grants Awarded from Previous Years** The North Yard Community Trust CIO can award multiyear grants. This means future liabilities have been created. The Trust recognizes multiyear grants in full at the time of the award. Where a multiyear grant is awarded the full value of the grant is shown in the list of grants for that financial period whereby the next installment of the grant has been paid, alongside the remaining award granted subject to meeting all conditions. ## **Age analysis of grants agreed** Of the nine grants awarded during this period the age range of beneficiaries ensured that all age groups: from 0 to over 65 years of age had access to a project, activity or event funded by the North Yard Community Trust CIO. The breakdown of age-related activities shows that five of the grants awarded (56%) were to benefit all ages within the communities with the remaining four grants (44%) targeting those aged under 24 years of age. **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** ## **Geographical analysis of grants agreed** Of the nine grants awarded during this period applications which would benefit all the communities within the North Yard Community Trust CIO area were awarded funding. **----- Start of picture text -----**
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St Budeaux and Kings Tamerton Weston Mill Barne Barton Keyham
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The breakdown shows that projects, activities and events as stated on the applications would target the beneficiaries in the communities of each area as follows: St Budeaux and Kings Tamerton 46%, Barne Barton 12%, Weston Mill 17% and Keyham 25%. ## **Evaluations submitted during the period 01/04/2022 to 31/03/2023** During Covid those who received a grant stopped using the grant awarded and suspended all activities, project and events until able to resume safely. This meant that some applicants had an extension to the length of the award. Funding must be used within twelve months unless agreed by the board that an extension is necessary. The Trust has during this reporting period received both Evaluations from the extensions and also from Applications whereby the funding has been used within the financial period from which it was awarded. Of those Evaluations submitted all were agreed and accepted by the Board. The Evaluations received during this period has shown that the funding was used to benefit all ages from 0 to over 65 years of age with the following breakdown noted: 50% of those that benefitted were aged under 24, 20% were aged 25 to 64 and 30% were aged over 65 years of age. Of the areas that benefitted the following can be noted: 16% lived in Weston Mill, 26% lived in Keyham, 21% lived in Barne Barton, and 37% lived in Kings Tamerton and St Budeaux. ## **Financial Review** ## **Reserves Policy** Whilst the North Yard Community Trust CIO has low overheads the Trust does have financial reserves in order to be able to meet its objectives both now and in the future. The Trust takes into consideration expected income and expenditure prior to a decision on the exact level of reserves to be held. In any event immediate reserves are not expected to fall below the amount **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** of funding required to commit to all multiyear grants that have already been agreed. As of the 31[st] March 2022 this figure is £28,675.24. This figure takes into consideration all allocated expenditure for the accounting period that will be required as a minimum to cover expenses and multiyear funding awards. ## **Return of grants not used for intended purposes** The Trustees check that all funding has been used as intended in the application and agreed by the Board. This is done by a rigorous process of checking applications against evaluations and all receipts and invoices which are submitted to evidence the use of the grant. The Terms and Conditions are clear that if a grant is no longer required even if only in part, then the grant or part of the grant not used must be returned to the Trust. The Trust also make it clear that any expenditure on items not awarded and agreed by the Board during the application stage or at a later date may also incur the return of all or part of the grant awarded. In the financial period of this report there were no funds returned to the Trust. ## **Investments** The North Yard Community Trust CIO currently have £50,000 invested with Plymouth Energy Coop which produced a yield during this reporting period of £2000. The Trust have a 32 Day Notice Account with Lloyds TSB and this has given the Trust a yield of £498.62 over the financial period of this report. The Trust have an account with Nationwide which is a 35 Day Business Savers Account and has produced a yield of £1, 318.89. The Trust also opened an account with Charity Bank which produced a yield of £142.14. The Trust also have £231,392.58 ringfenced for potential investments to build up funding to enable the Trust to continue beyond 2037 when the funding ceases. ## **Review of Activities and Plans for the Future** The Trustees consider this a successful year of grant giving. The rising cost of living has impacted on the communities within the North Yard Community Trust CIO area of benefit. The North Yard Community Trust CIO area of benefit is located where there are high levels of deprivation and this impacts on the work done within the community. The effects of increased costs of delivering projects, activities and events will also have an impact on those working with the communities of the North Yard Community Trust CIO. The Trust is committed to ensuring we do our best to react to the changing needs of our communities and to provide support where it is needed and can make a difference. The number of grants received has increased by over 100% since the last reporting period with an additional 8 grants received during this reporting period compared to last year. Communities are starting to come together and people are looking to the future and how we can thrive together and support each other and this underpins every application that we see. We hope to see a continued rise in applications in the coming year and will do everything we can to ensure that those eligible are told they can apply and to make the process as easy as possible for them to apply and access funding. The Trust will **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** continue to put best practice at the heart of our work and ensure that we maintain our ability to respond promptly to applications for funding. The website has ensured that access to a step-by-step guide to obtaining funding along with all documents needed to apply are readily available at any time of the day or night. We continue to use social media where we advertise not just our grants and meeting dates but also grants that may be of interest to those within the North Yard Community Trust CIO area. We signpost on social media and our website to organisations such as Plymouth Octopus Project (POP) who are able to assist with advice on grant writing. The majority of visits and meetings have been face to face but we continue to offer an online platform to meet to ensure we are able to reach everyone in our communities when needed. We will of course continue to review our processes, policies and procedures ensuring we are the best that we can be and that we exemplify our high standards both for applicants and for our Trustees. We have this year met our objectives and in doing seen the funding has made a difference to our area. In the future we plan to extend our social media profiles looking at how we can best utilize these platforms. We will continue to be available to discuss grants with potential applicants and we look forward to ensuring that we continue to promote the Trust and the positive work which is undertaken by us and the difference the funding is making to our communities. Mostly we look forward to seeing the impact that the funding has on those around us and the difference it can make to our communities. ## **Public Benefit Statement** The North Yard Community Trust CIO advances its objects for the benefit of those in the North Yard Community Trust CIO area as explained in this report. All grants awarded during this reporting period were made to organisations who could evidence that they were already benefiting or going to be benefiting the communities within the area of benefit. Through the application process Trustees try to ensure that the funding supports the organisations to fulfil their own objectives which will then benefit those within the North Yard Community Trust CIO area of benefit and where grants are awarded for core costs, they are used to strengthen the organisations’ ability to support their beneficiaries. The Trustees have continued and will continue to review their effectiveness and the performance of the Trust by doing the following: - Ensuring during administration meetings that time is allocated to discuss ways to improve our processes and to look at future grant giving strategies. - Ongoing reviews of the guidelines and instructions, applications, monitoring and evaluations forms, website and all other resources used for the benefit of the Trust to ensure improvements where needed are made. - The Mid Term Report and Evaluations request that grantees account for all funds spent and the impact this has had along with all original receipts and invoices. We will ensure that we continue to meet the high standards set and monitor the funding used and impact it has. - Ensuring that we visit projects, activities and events that we have funded where possible. This will enable us to evaluate the benefit the funding has had on the beneficiaries and the awarded organisations. - Continued training for Trustees as required. **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099** The Trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity’s Commission guidance on the public benefit requirement under the Charities Act 2011. **North Yard Community Trust CIO** **Charity Number 1171099**