## **CRIBS International Ltd** A Charity for helping Refugee Mothers with young babies ## **Report and Financial Statements** For the Year Ended 28[th] February 2021 Charity Number 1173021 Company number 10644387 ## **ANNUAL REPORT: CRIBS INTERNATIONAL** ## **Welcome to our 2020-2021 Annual Report.** We have reached the end of our 5th year of ensuring a decent life for pregnant women in Athens and those with new babies and I’m sure it will come as no surprise that it has been the toughest year yet. The Covid pandemic has, of course, impacted on us in many ways: families were unable to move out of accommodation, our volunteers were unable to visit families, Athens experienced extremely tough lockdown measures and inevitably some of our families have had Covid - all the more difficult in a country where you don’t speak the language and struggle to access medical care. On the positive side we are extremely proud of the fact that we have continued to house 22 families during this reporting year. Our core team of 4 stipended volunteers in Athens did an amazing job of supporting families through some really difficult times and the Free Shop continued to safely distribute essential parcels of clothing and goods even during the strictest lockdowns. Volunteers in both Athens and the UK became comfortable with using Zoom and we continued to meet on a weekly basis although we are very overdue on a Board member visit - hopefully this will happen soon. The pandemic also had a detrimental effect on our ability to fundraise as an organisation and our income fell significantly with no events for over 18 months. We have however been able to significantly strengthen links with other NGOs in Athens and in particular the collaborative project with German charity, Just Human, has seen us delivering services and also fundraising together. Politically, the situation for refugees and those supporting them has deteriorated further still in Greece. Prosecutions of those working on the islands for trafficking are threatened and we know that these repressive attitudes are not going away anywhere quickly. The government is building closed camps on several islands and also the mainland and it doesn’t take a leap of imagination to see where this is heading. Combined with cuts in income to refugees and isolation from towns where it was manageable for people to keep an eye and an ear to what is happening - suffice to say it is all very scary. We continue to have women share flats in order to maximise our capacity. It isn’t what we would choose to do as we would like to offer more privacy to people however, we are driven by the situation we work in. We are looking towards doing improvements on our housing stock and have plans to make the most of cheaper places by spending some funds on this. Our workers in Athens have begun this work and it is ongoing. We know very well that we are a small organisation making a difference to a small percentage of women and their families amongst a huge population of homeless, hungry people. But for the people we help, who the CRIBS family helps, we make all the difference. Page 2 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 This year we said farewell to Georgina Ralston. As a single mum and running her own business, CRIBS was a bridge too far. However we are delighted to say she is still on the sidelines offering invaluable help when we are a bit stuck. We welcomed Petra Davis, who has worked hard on improving the welfare of the team in Athens as well as representing CRIBS on a multi-NGO group sharing her expertise in women’s rights. Natalie Luzmore, a returned volunteer and post-graduate student in conflict and gender has brought deeper insight and understanding on these issues to the board as well as working on our linking group with Just Human. Ultimately none of this work would be possible without you, our wider CRIBS family. When we receive heartfelt thanks from women who are off the streets, who are able to be a mum, who leave us with a brighter future, we always say “It is teamwork” Thank you for being a part of the team. Without you none of this would be possible. **Sally Hyman Founder** Page 3 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **Contents** 1. ABOUT CRIBS INTERNATIONAL ................................................................................................................ 5 2. OUR BENEFICIARIES ................................................................................................................................. 8 3. FUNDRAISING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW ................................................................................................ 11 4. WHAT NEXT? .......................................................................................................................................... 14 5. OUR PEOPLE ........................................................................................................................................... 15 6. GOVERNANCE ........................................................................................................................................ 17 7. FINANCIAL REPORT ................................................................................................................................ 19 Page 4 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **CRIBS INTERNATIONAL LIMITED** ## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 28[th] FEBRUARY 2021** The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 28 February 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). ## **1. ABOUT CRIBS INTERNATIONAL** ## **1.1 Remit** We are a growing charity (UK registered charity number 1173021) based in the UK providing simple but safe homes in Greece for refugee women and their families who are pregnant or have a baby under one year old. The families we currently work with come from Afghanistan, Iran and Central Africa. When we meet them, they are all either in poor accommodation or homeless. Every penny raised or donated, and every action of support means we help people urgently needing a place to call home. ## **1.2 How we work and deliver Public Benefit** Those who benefit from CRIBS International’s work are refugee women who are either pregnant in the third trimester, pregnant with complications or who have a baby under 12 months old and their immediate families. We are registered to work in Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy and Turkey, though for now our benefit is only to refugees in Greece. In reviewing our strategic objectives and planning our activities for the year, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The trustees are satisfied that the strategic objectives are in line with the charity’s objects as set out in the governing document. ## **1.3 How Families find us** We have upgraded our referral process to include and link closely with other sister organisations in Athens. We focus on receiving referrals from Diotima, a specialist organisation for women survivors of male violence; from Love without Borders who we have cooperated with for a long time; from Amurtel whose work with pregnant women and children under two is a great match for us both. Other groups also refer potential beneficiaries to us and we find this process makes the work of meeting people more manageable for our workers in Athens. It is very easy for workers to become burnt out and we are striving to avoid this. We only open referrals when we have places as we believe that running a waiting list gives false hope to people in need. Page 5 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **1.4 How we support Families** New families receive moving in costs, basic food supplies, and a stipend to cover basics. The cashcard situation has become more and more unreliable and now few of the families housed with us receive any state income. We give families clothing (including maternity and baby clothing), as well as assistance with any legal or medical referrals. We also aim to get school places arranged for the children and access to Greek language and other classes for adults. We provide ongoing support to our families, paying utility bills and making regular visits with extra supplies. We also support them with access to postnatal healthcare and birth control, as well as education on breastfeeding. Every family is assigned a volunteer caseworker and during this reporting period we have had a strong team consisting of Daphne, Silvia and Anna who have helped move our families towards independence. Caseworkers provide: - Support with medical appointments - Translation services (all are French Speakers and we can access Arabic and Farsi too) - Support with legal issues and asylum claims - Access to classes and training - Support with finding employment and childcare - A wealth of other things that a woman’s family might provide in her home country Since 2018 we have made a ‘Moving On’ grant as we recognise that in a baby’s first year, families have very little opportunity to save additional money. Consequently, when in a position to leave CRIBS’s care and find their own accommodation they require additional support with such associated costs. We also support families from the wider refugee community through our Free Shop. Appointments can be booked (not more than monthly) and families can browse our well stocked shop, taking what they need in a dignified manner. The shop is managed by volunteer Iñaki, assisted by a growing team of dedicated volunteers who help keep the shop stocked with donated goods, make emergency parcels if required, and help families find what they need. The team of volunteers also includes refugees who are looking to support their community. Donated goods are shipped from the UK, are provided by Athens based NGOs such as Christian Refugee Relief (CRR), Means to Dream led by Mary Dallas, Carol Skinner and also from members of the public in Athens. The shop stocks nappies, sanitary products, condoms, clothing for children and adults, bedding and towels, baby essentials such as buggies and slings and also some household items. On occasion we receive offers of mattresses and furniture which we are able to deliver to flats. This year the situation on the Greek islands has become more unsustainable so in an attempt to release pressure, the authorities have allowed more vulnerable people to leave and go to the mainland. These people are however not often housed in suitable accommodation (for example no cooking facilities) and we have seen an increase in requests as a result. We are also experiencing an increase in single mothers arriving from Central African countries and more often than previously we are having to ask families to share accommodation. We do not like having to do this but the situation demands it. However we aim to house families with others who share a language and culture where possible thereby creating a supportive environment. Page 6 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 In 2004 Ager and Strang – in a report commissioned by the UK Home Office – found that improved ‘social bonds’ (connections within refugees’ own communities) can enable groups to ‘get on’ without substantial external aid and play an important role in helping refugees to maintain a sense of identity and community, which contributes to a sense of security and wellbeing. We hope that by using the commonality of language and culture the women will support each other, form new bonds and share experiences. As we write this report. we are very excited to be planning an expansion service to our Free Shop to provide women a place where they can learn and practice new skills in addition to offering our Athens Team and volunteers an office space to work and collaborate. ## **1.5 How we ensure our Work delivers our Aims** We review our aims, objectives and activities during our regular meetings. This review looks at what we have achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months, and considers the success of our key activity and the benefits brought to those people we aim to help, ensuring our aims, objectives and activities remain focussed on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, recognising that our client group falls within an exempted category. Due to the pandemic, we have not been able to hold a full team convention since early March 2020; however, we continue to communicate and plan using Slack and Zoom on a regular basis. Page 7 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **2. OUR BENEFICIARIES** ## **2.1 Overview** Through 2020/21 CRIBS supported 22 families by covering their rent and utilities, in order to provide a safe and secure home. 9 families moved on either to employment and their own home or reunification with family members. The Covid pandemic meant that families stayed with us until their babies were over 12 months as it was impossible to find accommodation and physically move house during lockdowns. The trustees were satisfied that this was an acceptable reason to extend the time that beneficiaries were supported. At the time of writing (October 2021) all of our families have either moved on or are putting plans in place and we have been able to open the referrals process to take in new families. During 2019 we had housed 5 families in Rafina (on the Greek coast). However, this arrangement proved unsustainable and in February 2020 we were delighted to welcome them back to Athens. These families were due to stay with CRIBS until their children were two years old and of course this agreement was honoured. ## **2.2 How we have helped** Through generous donations CRIBS has ensured that 22 families have had a roof over their heads, with a bathroom, kitchen and their own front door. This provision ensures a healthy and secure start to life for the babies as well as having many positive knock-on effects for all family members. In addition, we have supported around 150 additional beneficiaries by providing clothing and essential goods through the Free Shop. ## **2.3 Monthly Living Expenses and Purchases** While a family does not have a UNHCR cash-card, we pay living expenses. Each adult receives €100, each baby €50 and children are given between €30 and €100 depending on age and needs. We continue to pay this money until the cash-cards come through, which can take many months. This variable expense makes it harder for us to plan and so increases the stresses on our finances. We also supply nappies to families where possible and encourage the use of terry nappies, provided by donation from the UK. The provision of cash cards has become more unstable and families now lose their money two months after receiving asylum. This has had a knock-on effect on our costs. ## **2.4 Legal Support** CRIBS International makes referrals to pro-bono lawyers for help with cash-cards, preparation for asylum interviews and assistance in dealing with asylum services. Page 8 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **2.5 Medical Support** CRIBS workers help families access medical support through Greek hospitals, Médecins Sans Frontières, AMURTEL, Medical Volunteers International, and local social pharmacies. We assist with problems of nutrition, pregnancy, postnatal needs, breastfeeding, weaning, birth control and reproductive issues. CRIBS also provides over-the-counter medication and pays for hospital prescriptions, which are not free to refugees in Greece. The majority of the people we house are survivors of rape or have witnessed terrible things. Their journeys often entail one or all of the following: sexual trafficking, hunger, imprisonment, deprivation, long marches, loss and injury. We do our best to support them as they begin their recovery. ## **2.6 Education** Because we have provided housing for families, the children and adults have been able to go to school and language classes. We are really proud to report that all nursery-age children regularly attended nursery, and all school-aged children regularly attended local schools and have begun to integrate into the community. ## **2.7 Case Studies: Individuals** We housed C who had been sleeping in the park, seven months pregnant as a result of rape. It was very hot and she was unwell. We placed her temporarily in a hostel while her room was prepared. When she moved in, she told us that the bed she had was the first in two years she could call her own. Our wonderful caseworker helped her to access medical support, the first in the pregnancy, clean clothes and shoes, toiletries and food which had not been left over at the market or come out of bins. Other women already in the flat helped C settle in and supported her when baby Z was born. C was able to attend some classes although Covid made this difficult. As time passed the painfully slow wheels of the Greek bureaucracy came good for C and she got her passport. We are happy to say she is now in France and starting a new life. We are happy for her. A came to CRIBS with her partner and new-born baby daughter as a family. They were previously homeless and suffered extensively on their journey to Greece. She was very quiet and reserved at first. When a relationship of trust was built, she found the courage to report physical abuse by her partner. We got him out of the flat. We offered him psychological and practical support which he refused. We also offered supervised contact with his daughter with the mother’s consent, but unfortunately, he chose not to keep in touch. A was offered very close psychosocial support by us. She enrolled in Greek and computer classes, and participated in a couple of online wellbeing seminars. We worked alongside a lawyer for A’s asylum case and to get all her documentation organised once she gained refugee status. Both she and her daughter got public health insurance and were brought up-to-date with medical checkups, vaccines etc. When she expressed the desire to move to another country so she could be with relatives and get away from the memories of the abusive relationship we supported and enabled her to travel. Page 9 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **2.8 Case Studies: Free Shop** Cribs Free Shop currently operates five days a week with the help of four volunteers. On a general basis there are two days deployed to pick up donations and arrange the shop. The Free Shop offers vulnerable women and their families a choice in the goods they receive, whether essential or accessories, restoring some of their autonomy. There are three days of appointments, with around 25 families coming every week, so around 100 families per month. The majority of appointments are for young single women with new-born babies and/or children up to 3 or 4 years old. The predominant nationalities of Free Shop clients are Afghan and Congolese, followed by people from Iran, Cameroon, and, Syria. There are also women from a wide range of other countries including Haiti, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Albania, and Iraq. One of our refugee volunteers recently said that “Coming to and helping out in the shop helps me forget my daily issues and difficult life. When I stay at home for prolonged periods, my migraine and headaches seem to be more intense." Another volunteer, a mother of a 2 year old boy, coming to the shop with him “I am here because I want to help others who face an even more challenging reality than I do" ## **2.9 Referral, Progression and Monitoring** We are proud to say we still hear from the very first family that we housed who are now settled in Scandinavia with a new baby as well. We are delighted that women have been able to take control over their lives. We have been contacted by two women from families we previously housed. Their husbands had been physically abusive to them but both have been able to leave the abuse behind them. Others are settled in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and France. We have been able to continue to assist from afar for those who have moved on. We feel that this is evidence of the quality of support that we offer. Normally families stay with us until the baby is 12 months but have been able to assist for longer for some women whose situations demand it. This may be due to disability, mental ill-health and other complex issues. Covid has complicated this situation and we have not moved on as many people as we would have liked as things were just “stuck” in Greece. Those who have left have a place to go where they can continue their lives. Maintaining good relationships with related NGOs and organisations is essential to CRIBS’s work. We are well embedded in the refugee worker network and support each other. Page 10 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **3. FUNDRAISING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW** ## **3.1 Growth** In 2020-21, CRIBS continued the consistent growth it has achieved since its foundation, with an increase of 21% in income. While we are proud of this, we recognise that the challenges of the pandemic will continue into 2021-22, and the only certain feature of environment in which we operate is its uncertainty. Nevertheless, our record income in 2020-21 represents a significant achievement both for our fundraising team in the UK and for our Athens team who have managed the growth in delivery both effectively and efficiently. ## **3.2 Income and Expenditure** The following charts show where CRIBS’s funds come from, and where they go. Page 11 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **3.3 Donations** Donations totalled £62,341 from individuals in 2020/21, an increase of 17% from the previous year. The vast majority of our donations are between £10 and £100. As a registered charity, CRIBS International is eligible for Gift Aid and has received £5,503 through tax payers’ donations. This funding constitutes an important part of our income and we urge all donors to give us permission to claim Gift Aid on their donations. Unless specified otherwise, all donor income is restricted to being spent directly on assisting our families. ## **3.4 Grants and Donation in Kind** We received £29,522 of grant funding, an increase of 20% from the previous year. In addition, SafePlace International donated the rent on the apartments we used in Rafina, a welcome addition of £6,000 in kind for which we are very grateful. ## **3.5 Auctions** This was an exceptional year for Auctions, raising £8,221, an increase of 75%. The team work hard to set up and run these once or twice a year, and it is great to see their effort rewarded so well. ## **3.6 Sales** Sales include the annual CRIBS Calendar. For this year, we commissioned some beautiful refugeethemed art. Page 12 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **3.7 Events** Due to the pandemic, our income from events was just over half that of the previous year. Given the challenges, this is a creditable achievement. We look forward to the eventual end of the pandemic to bring this source of our income back to its historic levels. ## **3.8 Delivery Costs** Our average monthly total cost of supporting each family includes supporting our team of volunteers, fitting out maintaining and repairing our flats, medicines, support for education, and shipping of goods, and several other Athens-based activities as well as rent, services, and utilities. As predicted in last year’s Annual Report, this increased as we developed our team of support volunteers in Athens. Given our strengthened delivery capability in Athens, we consider the increase of 14% good value for money. The costs in euros are summarised in the table, which shows the average monthly cost of supporting each family. |**Year**|**Average number**
**of Families**|**All Costs**
**per Family per Month**| |---|---|---| |2018-19|11|€414| |2019-20|18|€413| |2020-21|22|€469| |Change from 2019-20 to 2020-21||14%| ## **3.9 Financial Position** CRIBS reported a net surplus for the year ended 28th February 2021 of £3,580. At the balance sheet date reserves amounted to £24,752 of which £4,127 was restricted. ## **3.10 Reserves Policy** The purpose of holding reserves is to ensure that CRIBS International is able to continue to meet its charitable objectives regardless of reasonable risks. Risks can arise in areas such as fundraising, currency exchange, beneficiary support, and trustee availability. As a small charity, CRIBS International has defined its reserves as consisting of its bank balance, less accounts payable, and less any funds that are restricted or committed to purposes other than family support. CRIBS International’s Trustees have examined the requirements for reserves in the context of the main risks to the organisation. They have established a policy whereby the reserves held by CRIBS International should be between 3 and 6 months of the charity’s monthly direct expenditure on families. In the year 2020-21, direct expenditure on families was £106,621, which represents £8,885 per month, giving a reserves target of between £26,655 and £53,310. Page 13 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 As of 28 February 2021, CRIBS’s reserves were £24,752. CRIBS’s reserves therefore represented 93% of 3 months of the charity’s monthly direct expenditure on families. The trustees recognise that this is lower than it should be, and are taking steps to ensure that reserves return to a level that will provide sufficient working capital and contingency for orderly management of the charity should there be an unexpected drop in funding or unexpected expenses. This policy is reviewed by the Trustees on an annual basis as part of the charity’s budgeting processes. ## **4. WHAT NEXT?** ## **4.1 What happens to those who we can’t help?** This is an increasingly complex problem in Athens as rents increase and government support diminishes. Sometimes women are able to take their own flat and share with friends. Some families travel to northern Europe and are able to resettle there. Sadly, for some the isolation in Athens combined with having a new baby becomes too much to bear and they return to their country of origin. We appreciate how difficult this must be, given the horrors of the journeys they have survived. Squats are no longer the option they were since the general election and change of government as many have been evicted. The lives of those we cannot help motivates us to work harder to house as many as we can help. ## **4.2 What do we have planned?** Last year we reported that we have a hub where we will run classes and psychological support work. Covid restrictions, with the tight controls in Athens, have delayed its opening. We are ready to roll as soon as we can. We invite people who would like to volunteer with us and have relevant skill sets to come to Athens or support us from the UK. We plan to recruit and expand our board and bring in more people of colour. We will continue to deepen and strengthen our relationships with other NGOs and support those just beginning the refugee work journey. We intend to specialise the work of our team in order to make best use of the strengths of those volunteering. Page 14 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **5. OUR PEOPLE** ## **5.1 Directors/Trustees** As of 28 February 2021, the individuals listed below are all directors of the CRIBS International Company (governed by our Memorandum and Articles) and trustees of the CRIBS International charity for the purposes of charity law. Some of us have full time jobs; others are retired from paid work. - **Sally Hyman** - Founder and full-time volunteer - **Fred Cairns** - Company Secretary - **Neil Maybin** - Finance and governance - **Ellie Shember-Critchley** - Media - **Christine Whitehead Lee** - Finance and treasurer - **Petra Davis** - Policies and practical support - **Natalie Luzmore** (From February 2021) - inter NGO liaison, policies and practical work - **Jenny Easton** (From May 2020) – Policy development The following trustees left us during the course of 2020-21: - **Jo Rose** (to May 2020) - Fundraising, Family support, and Safeguarding - **Georgina Ralston** (Form May 2020 to December 2020) - Fundraising Amongst our skills are governance, fundraising, financial planning, media, housing, breastfeeding and childcare. All are deeply committed to justice for refugees. Our Directors/Trustees are all volunteers who have been co-opted into the organisation. No members receive any benefits from the charity. Any expenses claimed are set out within Income and Expenditure in the Financial Report. ## **5.2 Finance and Admin Support team** CRIBS International has four regular UK-based volunteers who manage the book keeping, gift aid and auditing of financial records. ## **5.3 Athens-based Team** In addition to our dedicated UK Team, we also have an Athens-based Team, which grew in 2020 to meet the demands of our work and to ensure the best outcomes. In June 2020, Léna Baraize moved on and we grew the team to meet the increasing needs of our families. We were joined by Daphne Sinani, Silvia d’Olimpio, and Erica Pressiani, who set about strengthening both the support we provide to our families and the processes underlying our operations. In October, Erica moved on and we welcomed Anna Gilberti. The fourth member of our team is Iñaki Goicoechea, who manages the Free Shop and its associated logistics. Page 15 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 Throughout the year, our Athens Team has performed exceptionally, particularly given the challenges that have arisen as a result of the pandemic. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful people as part of the CRIBS family. ## **5.4 Fundraisers** CRIBS is delighted to have a fantastic team of supporters who organise talks, stalls, quiz nights, sponsored events, games sessions and sponsored runs. They apply for grants to keep our families housed. They buy medical items and clothes, and we have some wonderful knitters. Their ages range from eleven to eighty-one and they are all fabulous! Our Auctions team this year surpassed themselves raising an unprecedented £8,186. During 2020 our events programme was curtailed. Nevertheless, our fundraisers still ensured that our income increased by 21% over the previous year: an exemplary outcome. ## **5.5 Communications Team** CRIBS’s communications team keep our profile visible via the website cribsinternational.org, Twitter @cribs_int and on Facebook, and by regular emails to our supporters. If it’s news, it’s there. Page 16 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **6. GOVERNANCE** ## **6.1 Governing Document** CRIBS international Limited is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association as amended on 4th June 2019. ## **6.2 Director/Trustee Meetings and Decisions** The CRIBS Team meets online every month, catching up on what has been happening since we last were together. We discuss family needs, expenditure, fundraising, and hear reports from Greece. Decisions are made after considerable discussion and all views are heard and considered. ## **6.3 Director/Trustee Induction and Training** Just over a third of Directors/Trustees have been part of the organisation during its development and have been closely involved in the evolution of structure, policies and management. Our new Directors/Trustees receive all policies and guidance. They are introduced to the work of the organisation at a practical level through online training and personal interviews with existing Directors/Trustees. ## **6.4 Recruitment and appointment of new Directors/Trustees** As stated in the Articles, the number of directors of the CRIBS International Limited company shall be not less than three but is not subject to any maximum unless the directors pass a resolution to change these numbers. Any person who is willing to act as a director and is permitted by law to do so, may be appointed to be a director by a decision of the directors. All directors of the company CRIBS International Limited are also trustees of the charity CRIBS International Ltd. Director/Trustees are recruited through an open call out process for Trustees, advertising the skills required through a range of accessible channels and networks. Trustees are appointed to the board based on discussions and recommendations offered by Trustees and by external advisors to the organisation. ## **6.5 Athens-based Team** Working overseas can be challenging! However, CRIBS International has the benefit of wonderful, hard-working local representatives, including previous beneficiaries and independent volunteers. They are responsible for regularly visiting families, delivering aid and distributing stipends, managing the Free Shop and monitoring the use of the flats and fuel. All the expenditure is receipted, or where receipts are not available (as is the case in some local markets), it is photographed. Page 17 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **6.6 Monitoring** As a result of the pandemic, we had to suspend our on-site visits to families’ flats until July 2020. However, regular contact was maintained with families using the internet. Additionally, the Athens team and the UK operations team met weekly online and liaised closely via the internet. While the situation has started to ease, there have still been pandemic-related challenges, which we have so far fully overcome. Families have a strong bond with CRIBS workers and we remain in contact with previous beneficiaries who are now relocated. ## **6.7 Serious Incident reporting** In the year 2020-2021 there were no serious incidents. Page 18 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 ## **7. FINANCIAL REPORT** ## **Cribs International Ltd** ## **Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 28 February 2021** The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 28 February 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). ## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT** ## **Governing document** The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. ## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number** 10644387 (England and Wales) **Registered Charity number** 1173021 ## **Registered office** 55 Den Lane Springhead Oldham OL4 4NN ## **Trustees** I F Cairns T C Claridge (appointed 13.7.21) S E Hyman C Lee N J Luzmore (appointed 28.2.21) N W Maybin E H Shember ## **Company Secretary** I F Cairns ## **Independent Examiner** Clarity Accountants 1st Floor 107 Lees Road Oldham United Kingdom Lancashire OL4 1JW Approved by order of the board of trustees on 30 November 2021 and signed on its behalf by: **Sally Hyman (Director and Trustee)** Page 19 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Cribs International Ltd** ## **Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Cribs International Ltd ('the Company')** I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 28 February 2021. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act'). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act. ## **Independent examiner's statement** I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)). I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Joanne M. Elliott FCA BFP FMAAT Clarity Accountants 1st Floor 107 Lees Road Oldham United Kingdom Lancashire OL4 1JW Date: 30 November 2021 Page 20 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 **Cribs International Ltd** ## **Statement of Financial Activities** ## **for the Year Ended 28 February 2021** |Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**
Donations and legacies
16,589
Other trading activities
2
-
**Total**
16,589
**EXPENDITURE ON**
**Charitable activities**
UK Activities
3,798
Activities in Greece
-
**Total**
3,798
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
12,791
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**
**Total funds brought forward**
7,834
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
20,625|Restricted
fund
£
86,777
11,807
98,584
-
107,795
107,795
(9,211)
13,338
4,127|2021
Total
funds
£
103,366
11,807
115,173
3,798
107,795
111,593
3,580
21,172
24,752|2020
Total
funds
£
85,164
9,716| |---|---|---|---| ||||94,880
3,552
81,119| ||||84,671| ||||10,209
10,963| ||||21,172| The notes form part of these financial statements Page 21 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 **Cribs International Ltd** ## **Balance Sheet** ## **28 February 2021** |Unrestricted
Restricted
fund
fund
Notes
£
£
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
6
527
-
Cash at bank
20,848
5,044
21,375
5,044
**CREDITORS**
Amounts falling due within one year
7
(750)
(917)
**NET CURRENT ASSETS**
20,625
4,127
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**
20,625
4,127
**NET ASSETS**
20,625
4,127
**FUNDS**
8
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|2021
2020
Total
Total
funds
funds
£
£
527
388
25,892
20,784
26,419
21,172
(1,667)
-
24,752
21,172
24,752
21,172
24,752
21,172
20,625
7,834
4,127
13,338
24,752
21,172| |---|---| The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 28 February 2021. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 28 February 2021 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for - (a) ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and - (b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime. The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 30[th] November 2021 and were signed on its behalf by: ............................................. Trustee The notes form part of these financial statements Page 22 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 **Cribs International Ltd** **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 28 February 2021** ## **1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES** ## **Basis of preparing the financial statements** The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. ## **Income** All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. ## **Expenditure** Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. ## **Taxation** The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities. ## **Fund accounting** Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. ## **Hire purchase and leasing commitments** Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease. ## **2. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES** |Fundraising auctions, events & sales
**3.**
**NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)**
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
Other operating leases|2021
£
11,807
2021
£
29,902|2020
£
9,716
2020
£
38,169| |---|---|---| continued... Page 23 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 **Cribs International Ltd** **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 28 February 2021** ## **4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS** There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 28 February 2021 nor for the year ended 29 February 2020. ## **Trustees' expenses** There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 28 February 2021 nor for the year ended 29 February 2020. ## **5. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** |||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total| |---|---|---|---|---| |||fund|fund|funds| |||£|£|£| ||**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM**|||| ||Donations and legacies|8,714|76,450|85,164| ||Other trading activities|-|9,716|9,716| ||**Total**|8,714|86,166|94,880| ||**EXPENDITURE ON**|||| ||**Charitable activities**|||| ||UK Activities|3,552|-|3,552| ||Activities in Greece|-|81,119|81,119| ||**Total**|3,552|81,119|84,671| ||**NET INCOME**|5,162|5,047|10,209| ||**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS**|||| ||**Total funds brought forward**|2,672|8,291|10,963| ||**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**|7,834|13,338|21,172| |**6.**|**DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR**|||| ||||2021|2020| ||||£|£| ||Other debtors||527|-| ||Prepayments and accrued income||-|388| ||||527|388| continued... Page 24 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 **Cribs International Ltd** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 28 February 2021** ## **7. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR** |Accruals and deferred income
**8.**
**MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**Comparatives for movement in funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|2021
2020
£
£
1,667
-
Net
movement
At
At 1.3.20
in funds
28.2.21
£
£
£
7,834
12,791
20,625
13,338
(9,211)
4,127
21,172
3,580
24,752
Incoming
Resources Movement
resources
expended
in funds
£
£
£
16,589
(3,798)
12,791
98,584
(107,795)
(9,211)
115,173
(111,593)
3,580
Net
movement
At
At 1.3.19
in funds
29.2.20
£
£
£
2,672
5,162
7,834
8,291
5,047
13,338
10,963
10,209
21,172| |---|---| continued... Page 25 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 **Cribs International Ltd** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 28 February 2021** ## **8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued** Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: ||Incoming|Resources|Movement| |---|---|---|---| ||resources|expended|
in funds| ||£|£|£| |**Unrestricted funds**|||| |General fund|8,714|(3,552)|5,162| |**Restricted funds**|||| |Restricted funds|86,166|(81,119)|5,047| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|94,880|(84,671)|10,209| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined position is as follows: |||Net|| |---|---|---|---| |||movement|At| ||At 1.3.19|in funds|28.2.21| ||£|£|£| |**Unrestricted funds**|||| |General fund|2,672|17,953|20,625| |**Restricted funds**|||| |Restricted funds|8,291|(4,164)|4,127| |**TOTAL FUNDS**|10,963|13,789|24,752| A current year 12 months and prior year 12 months combined net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |**Unrestricted funds**
General fund
**Restricted funds**
Restricted funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**|Incoming
resources
£
25,303
184,750
210,053|Resources Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(7,350)
17,953
(188,914)
(4,164)
(196,264)
13,789| |---|---|---| continued... Page 26 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 **Cribs International Ltd** **Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 28 February 2021** ## **9. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES** There were no related party transactions for the year ended 28 February 2021. Page 27 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387 **Cribs International Ltd** ## **Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 28 February 2021** |**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS**
**Donations and legacies**
Donations and grants
Gift aid
**Other trading activities**
Fundraising auctions, events & sales
**Total incoming resources**
**EXPENDITURE**
**Charitable activities**
Property leases
Rates and water
Light and heat
Sundries
Maintenance & purchases
Family living expenses
Athens operational costs
Contract services
Travel and volunteer expenses
**Support costs**
**Management**
UK operational costs
**Finance**
Bank charges
**Governance costs**
Accountancy and legal fees
Total resources expended
**Net income**|2021
£
97,863
5,503
103,366
11,807
115,173
29,902
3,615
12,791
1,490
9,991
21,236
704
22,917
3,975
106,621
3,048
1,174
750
111,593
3,580|2020
£
77,984
7,180
85,164
9,716
94,880
38,169
-
-
-
7,925
24,364
-
8,802
1,859
81,119
2,876
176
500
84,671
10,209| |---|---|---| This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements Page 28 of 28 CRIBS International Annual Report 2020-21 Registered Charity 1173021 – Registered Company 10644387