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← Friends Of The Gambia Association CIO

2024-12-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA

ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 1171620

Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices

53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

CONTENTS

Page 3 Legal and Administrative Information
Pages 4 to 7 Trustees' Report
Page 8 Statement of Financial Activities
Page 9 Balance Sheet
Pages 10 to 17 Notes to the Financial Statements
Page 18 Independent Examiner's Report

2

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

CHARITY NUMBER

CHARITY NUMBER 1171620 WORKING NAMES Friends of The Gambia Association CIO DATE OF REGISTRATION 15th February 2017 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st January 2024 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st December 2024 TRUSTEES AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 Donna Makins Sandra Hill-Smith Richard Hughes Gillian Hill Jeffrey Phillips

LEGAL STATUS Charitable Incorporated Organisation

GOVERNING INSTRUMENT CIO - Association Registered 15th February 2017, As Amended 20th December 2017.

OBJECTS

The objects of the Association of Friends of Gambia are: To relieve poverty, alleviate pain and suffering and advance education of people in Gambia by: 1 ) The provision of education by: a) The sponsorship of individual School Children in Gambia. b) The sponsorship of individual students in further and higher education including students that have been awarded scholarships outside of Gambia. 2 ) Improving the accessibility and quality of education in Gambia by the provision of classrooms, furniture, books and other educational aids for School. Also by assisting Schools generate income and the direct financial support of Teachers. 3 ) Advancing and improving the availability and quality of medical care and health care by the provision of medical supplies, equipment, facilities and ancillary services for the people in Gambia. 4 ) The provision of Workshops and equipment for carpentry, metalwork, building and other crafts for the benefit of the people of Gambia. 5 ) The provision of aid for communal agricultural projects such as market gardens and other farming activities in Gambia. 6 ) The provision of shipping so that aid and goods may be sent to Gambia and freely distributed to needy people. 7 ) The raising of funds by public and private appeal to finance Charitable projects executed by the CIO in Gambia to benefit the people of that country.

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS 8 Essex Close Morden SM4 4NP PRIMARY BANKERS Barclay Bank Plc 1 Churchill Place London E14 5HP INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ

3

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Chair's Report

It’s been another busy year for us as a small group of trustees and volunteers and we continue to encourage members to join our monthly meetings or take on a few hours a month to help. We have, as well as all the usual administration and management tasks, done some work on rethinking our grants, looking at the variability between what schools charge in fees, especially between government funded and private schools.

In Autumn 2024, the new grant amounts were implemented, due to the favourable exchange rates in the UK. We still pay a higher amount for the first term to help with additional fees charged by many schools and the cost of school uniform. All families saw an increase of between 5% and 22% compared to 2023.

We have also continued to support project work at Bakindik and Govi, and sent a shipment in the Spring of 2024 containing medical and baby supplies, and stationery.

Liaison with the streamlined office staff (due to Modou’s departure) is good, with a weekly report completed and sent to the trustees detailing absence, grants paid, meetings attended and any issues with the building or equipment. In addition, a monthly lunchtime Zoom call helps to keep in personal touch with Sulayman and Jari, and ensures they have an opportunity to raise any issues or suggestions.

We have updated job descriptions and the annual leave policy, and encouraged work to ensure the office is visible and looking smart. There have been some ongoing maintenance issues with the office building including termites and flood damage which have been rectified and have updated antivirus software for the office IT equipment.

We have supported a number of UK-based individuals and groups to fundraise and disseminate equipment when they travel to The Gambia, and our staff on the ground have been instrumental in hosting these groups, accompanying them on visits and helping them to buy equipment locally.

The cost of living crisis, along with the value of the dalasi depreciating by over 6% in 2024, continues to be difficult for our team, the Gambian families that we support, as well as our UK based supporters who are having to make necessary budget cuts to their personal finances. We continue to encourage our staff and supporters to raise the profile of the charity and encourage more people to sponsor, donate or give their time.

Donna Makins - Chair

4

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Secretary's Report

FOTGA currently has five Trustees, plus volunteers contributing anything from a few hours per year to a significant amount of time every week. Many hands make light work – please get in touch if you could help, even in a small way.

We aim to hold a committee meeting for Trustees during most months, and in 2024 we held 10 meetings. We generally invite volunteers to attend as well.

We are currently without a Treasurer, despite calling for volunteers at the 2023 and 2024 AGMs, and advertising via a variety of routes. We have therefore employed Castle Point Accountancy to prepare our year-end accounts and undertake the review. Lynda Redfern is also looking to step down from her book keeping role where she has been extremely valuable. We are thrilled that Sarah has volunteered to take this on from Lynda and will look to arrange a handover in 2025.

Our staff have adapted this year to a new arrangement after our office manager Modou went from a full time to employee to only half a day per week. Sulayman and Jariatou have really stepped up to keep things running smoothly. Unfortunately this included dealing with a burglary of the office in August. This occurred when the family which usually lives in the same compound was staying elsewhere while building work was completed. The family is now back in residence and we have upgraded security by providing a safe for valuables.

The office provides a report each week to inform the Trustees of the activities of the week, and this continues to give us a full picture of their work. We’ve updated our presence on Google Maps and made some changes to signs on the office building to make it easier for visitors to find.

We have looked at our spending in the Gambia over the last few years and adjusted how and when we transfer money from our UK to Gambian accounts in order to make sure that our Gambian expenses can be covered but maintain UK financial protections where possible.

We have tried getting the office staff to increase our publicity in the Gambia with the aim of gaining more sponsors, this has met with mixed success. Our best results are generally when existing supporters spread the word, particularly when they are ‘in country’. If you are visiting the Gambia please consider taking some of our postcards (which we will post to you free of charge) and using them to publicise our work for instance via the tour reps in your hotel.

Sandra Hill-Smith - Secretary

5

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

TRUSTEES' REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Sponsorship Report

FoTGA operates a Sponsorship Scheme primarily providing grants to children and schools. On joining the scheme, the sponsor becomes a member of FoTGA, agrees to pay a monthly subscription and in return will receive updates of their sponsored child’s progress. Once a child has been sponsored through FoTGA, providing they continue to meet certain conditions, they will receive a grant each school term, throughout their education. The grant enables the students to go to school and covers the cost of uniforms, stationery, a satchel, school fees and lunches. Some also receive a travel allowance.

Sadly, as always, we receive many requests for sponsorship, but few offers of new sponsors, just 3 in 2024. Our Waiting List of students is over 60. So please keep asking friends and family and colleagues to help.

The Committee would be glad to receive offers of help in finding new sponsors, publicity and fund-raising, or of any other help you are able to offer. Email info@fotga.org.uk

Much information can be seen on our website https://www.fotga.org.uk/index.html

FoTGA maintains a small office in The Gambia which manages the distribution of grants to the students and also forwards reports & letters back to the UK for onward distribution to sponsors - a very important link. The office also arranges for the distribution of gifts from sponsors such as rice, oil, money, bicycles, laptops etc. to be delivered to the students and their families.

The Sponsorship Scheme is intended to support students up to Grade 12, the equivalent of UK’s ‘A’ levels. However, some sponsors continue to support their students if they go on to further education. By the end of 2024 we had a total of 96

We were also able to make a number of one-off grants to help students complete their education, as well as supporting Brikhama teachers, giving regular fish and rice donations to GOVI school for the blind. We also helped fund raisers for a specific school.

We are happy to accept one-off or regular donations of any amount which we can use to maintain help for students who have lost their sponsor, and to help cover the costs of our Gambian office.

One-off payments can be made direct to our UK bank account or at the following address: https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/page/create_input?campaignUid=d692c4ed-13c3-4ffc-a7eb-e8798a33385f

We are also seeking funds to refurbish the playground at GOVI school for the blind, donations can be made via https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/page/create_input?campaignUid=df971def-7013-4c6c-98ee-e09c7e27a997

G. Hill - Sponsorship Secretary

6

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FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

Notes
INCOMING RESOURCES
Incoming Resources from Generated Funds
Donations, Grants & Legacies
3a
Charitable Activities
3b
Investment Income
3c
Other Incoming Resources
3d
TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Costs of Generating Funds
Cost of Charitable Activities
4a
Governance Costs
4b
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED
NET INCOMING (OUTGOING) RESOURCES
Funds Brought Forward
Transfer of Funds
5
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
5,784
4,906
2,713
13,403
15,496
19,374
-
-
19,374
23,407
711
-
-
711
474
-
-
-
-
216
25,869
4,906
2,713
33,488
39,593
20,968
4,499
3,540
29,007
35,353
1,116
-
-
1,116
1,104
22,084
4,499
3,540
30,123
36,457
3,785
407
(827)
3,365
3,136
59,462
436
7,371
67,269
64,133
(100)
100
-
-
-
63,147
943
6,544
70,634
67,269

Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.

The notes on pages 10 to 17 form part of these financial statements.

8

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO ICharitat4e Incortxxated OrrJanisab"on) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST DECEMBER 2024 TOTAL TOTAL 31-IYec-24 31-D•c-23 Flx•d Asséts TaThJit40 Assats Irwe¥lments T¢)tsl Flxgd Aswts Current A88•ts 14.119 50.144 14.119 57.631 71.750 16.5 51.703 68,229 Cash Ét Bank and in H Tot41 Currwrt A•sel• 7.487 7.487 Cr￿lIOrS. P4n(xmts 18lwwJ dug wilhin r 10 1.116 1.116 T CURRENT ASSETS 63,147 7.487 67269 TOTALK￿ETSI8$s currornl l&¥lits 63.147 70.634 67.26• Cr4dl¢•rt' Ajywits f8lk4 rrm tt y•8r 11 NET ASSETS 63.147 7A87 70.634 67.269 Funds oftheCI￿r1ty G&ral Funds Restr¢cted Furvjs EThJowment Fw 61147 63.147 59462 436 7.371 943 6544 Funds 63.147 7,487 70,634 67,269 &9ne(I ￿ Ihe¢r I￿￿?￿bY Tru#ee................ Prmtsd NY.' MP((L

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Preparation & Assessment of Going Concern

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015) (Second Edition, effective 1st January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Assessment of Going Concern

Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

Incoming Resources

Recognition of Incoming Resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

▪ the charity becomes entitled to the resources;

▪ the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and

▪ the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability

Incoming Resources with Related Expenditure

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource and related expenditure are reported net in the SOFA.

Grants and Donations

Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts

Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.

Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants

This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services has been delivered.

Gifts in Kind

Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable.

Donated Services and Facilities

These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

Volunteer Help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.

Investment Income

This is included in the accounts when receivable.

Investment Gains and Losses

This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

10

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Expenditure and Liabilities

Liability Recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Governance Costs

Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

Grants with Performance Conditions

Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.

Grants Payable without Performance Conditions

These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.

Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees' best estimate of market value.

Currency

Funds are transferred to The Gambia on a regular basis using a registered Foreign Exchange dealer in The Gambia. Payment is made and received on the same day and recorded at the exchange rate quoted. Transactions are recorded using the monthly average exchange rate. Assets at the end of the financial year are converted at the actual rate on Balance Sheet date.

Unrestricted funds

These funds can be used for the general objectives of the charity as set out in the trustees report. The movements of the unrestricted funds are given in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Restricted funds

These funds are where the donor has specified a purpose for the donation made. These restrictions often arise as a result of appeals for special offerings for specific purposes.

Designated funds

These funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for particular purposes or projects.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.

2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

The CIO held no fixed assets during this or the previous financial year.

The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows:

31st December 2024 : None

31st December 2023 : None

11

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

3. INCOMING RESOURCES

Note
a) Donations, Grants & Legacies
Gift Aid
Gifts & Donations
5
Legacies & Memorial Donations
6
b) Charitable Activities
Membership Subscriptions
Sponsorship Income
c) Investment Income
Interest
d) Other Incoming Resources
Sundry Income		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
5,310
-
-
5,310
6,926
474
4,906
-
5,380
5,857
-
-
2,713
2,713
2,713
5,784
4,906
2,713
13,403
15,496
698
-
-
698
680
18,676
-
-
18,676
22,727
19,374
-
-
19,374
23,407
711
-
-
711
474
711
-
-
711
474
-
-
-
-
216
-
-
-
-
216

12

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

4. RESOURCES EXPENDED

a) Cost of Charitable Activities
Activities & Projects
5
Bank Charges
Charitable Grants
6
Equipment Costs
Gifts & Donations
Humanitarian Aid
Office Costs
Printing, Postage & Stationery
Rent & Rates
Repairs & Maintenance
Sponsorship of Schools
Sponsorship of Teachers
Staff Costs
12
Sundry Expenses
5
Telephone Costs
Travel & Subsistence
Utility Costs
Website Costs
b) Governance Costs
Independent Examiners Fees
9
Meeting Costs		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Endowment
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
2023
£
£
£
£
£
1,151
3,779
-
4,930
4,438
246
-
-
246
270
8,051
-
3,540
11,591
15,275
541
-
-
541
892
99
-
-
99
821
-
-
-
-
480
1,709
-
-
1,709
2,502
1,010
-
-
1,010
1,036
791
-
-
791
878
76
-
-
76
860
1,819
-
-
1,819
963
1,478
-
-
1,478
1,490
2,284
-
-
2,284
3,702
556
720
-
1,276
266
366
-
-
366
385
405
-
-
405
466
242
-
-
242
272
144
-
-
144
357
20,968
4,499
3,540
29,007
35,353
960
-
-
960
960
156
-
-
156
144
1,116
-
-
1,116
1,104

13

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

5. RESTRICTED FUNDS

CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR

Rice & Gifts by Sponsors Fund
Humanitarian Donations
Projects Fund
Govi School Fund
Bakindik Clinic
Banyaka Project		 Balance
Balance
01-Jan-24
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec-24
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
2,550
2,393
100
257
235
-
-
-
235
-
1,000
753
-
247
201
-
-
-
201
-
1,356
1,353
-
3
436
4,906
4,499
100
943

PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR

Rice & Gifts by Sponsors Fund
Humanitarian Donations
Projects Fund
Govi School Fund
Bakindik Clinic		 Balance
Balance
01-Jan-23
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
£
-
1,040
1,040
-
-
-
480
480
-
-
235
1,000
1,000
-
235
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,000
2,799
-
201
235
5,520
5,319
-
436

The Restricted funds are wholly represented by the charity's cash reserves and are to be expended as specified above.

14

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

6. ENDOWMENT FUNDS

CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR

Legacy Endowment Fund
PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR
Legacy Endowment Fund		 Balance
Balance
01-Jan-24
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec-24
£
£
£
£
£
7,371
2,713
3,540
-
6,544
7,371
2,713
3,540
-
6,544
Balance
Balance
01-Jan-23
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
£
8,248
2,713
3,590
-
7,371
8,248
2,713
3,590
-
7,371

The Endowment funds are wholly represented by the charity's cash reserves and are to be expended as specified above.

15

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

7. INVESTMENTS

The CIO held no fixed assets investments during this or the previous financial year.

8. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

Cash at Bank & in Hand Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
50,144
7,487
57,631
51,703
50,144
7,487
57,631
51,703

9. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS

Sundry Debtors
The Gambia Office		 Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
4,367
-
4,367
4,871
9,752
-
9,752
11,655
14,119
-
14,119
16,526

10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Independent Examiners Fees
Sundry Creditors		 Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Fund
Fund
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
960
-
960
960
156
-
156
-
1,116
-
1,116
960

11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR

The CIO held no long term liabilities during this or the previous financial year.

12. NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Fixed Asset Investments
Net Current Assets
Long Term Liabilities		 Unrestricted
Restricted
TOTAL
TOTAL
Funds
Funds
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-23
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
63,147
7,487
70,634
67,269
-
-
-
-
63,147
7,487
70,634
67,269

16

FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2024

13. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS

TOTAL
2024
£
Gross Wages, Salaries & Fees
2,284
Employer's National Insurance Costs
-
Pension Contributions
-
2,284
Employees who were engaged in each of the following activities:
TOTAL
2024
Charitable Activities
4		 TOTAL
2023
£
3,702
-
-
3,702
TOTAL
2023
4

The Charity employs staff through a NGO in Gambia. The NGO pays the Gambian equivalent of National Insurance and Pension Costs and staff costs are shown net of National Insurance and Pension Costs. No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2023:None).

14. TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES

The only payments made to the Trustees consisted of reimbursements of expenses incurred in furthering the Charity's objects and no Trustees received any direct benefits.

No other payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them (2023:None).

15. RISK ASSESSMENT

The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated, combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.

16. RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the CIO's needs. This is based on the CIO's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the CIO will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

17. PUBLIC BENEFIT

The CIO acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the CIO has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the CIO should undertake.

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FRIENDS OF THE GAMBIA ASSOCIATION CIO

(Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS

Report to the trustees/ members of the Friends of The Gambia Association CIO on the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024 set out on pages 8 to 17.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the 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

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

K. Collaku MAAT Castle View Accounting Ltd Ground Floor Offices 53 High Street Arundel West Sussex BN18 9AJ

Date: 30th June 2025

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