stepping stones • 11 11 11 annual report 2022
table of contents
1
OVERVIEW AND INTRODUCTION FROM OUR CHAIR OF TRUSTEES
2
REPORT FROM OUR TREASURER
3
REPORT FROM OUR OPERATIONS MANAGER
4
EVALUATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
5
overview
Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a charity that provides meaningful and worthwhile activities by listening to, learning from, and working with adults with learning disabilities.
Our weekly programme of activities includes art, drama, dance, and music. People who attend Stepping Stones can learn new skills, share experiences and broaden their horizons.
Activities are delivered at a community centre, but we also work off site in partnership with other organisations in the area.
2022 was our first full year of face to face service delivery since 2019 .
introduction from our chair of trustees
BACK TO THE FUTURE IN 2022 - Stepping Stones was firing on all cylinders
Welcoming our students (both old and new) back for a full twelve months of - in real life - activities felt that the good, old times had finally returned. We rounded off this successful year with a spectacular Christmas Disco, complete with a Strictly-styled talent show and a glitter ball!
Never ones to rest on our laurels, the stars aligned to help us draw breath. Secure funding in 2022 (and confirmed for 2023), together with the additional expertise brought in by the new trustees meant that we could take stock, listen to our students and supporters, and plan for the future based on feedback and evidence. We have a solid base to maintain and grow and we are committed to doing this well.
Many thanks, as always, to our supporters, carers, staff, trustees and most of all, our students. You are our inspiration and I am forever amazed by your zest for life. Watching your dance and music performance; viewing your art work; eating your allotment fruit and vegetables and seeing you prance up a catwalk talent show, dancing to Abba whilst wearing a top hat and a feather boa is pure magic!
Thank you.
Lynn Bransby, Chair of Trustees
report from our treasurer
I am pleased to present the Treasure’s Report for Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure for the fiscal year ending on 31 December 2022. This report and accounts provide a summary of our financial activities over the course of the year and our position at year end.
INCOME
During this fiscal year, our charity received a total income of £100,641 which compares to £65,885 in 2021.
Our primary sources of income as in previous years were:
1. Donations: Generous foundations, charities and businesses provided funding totaling £65,891 to support our work. Of this amount, £30,000 from Terra Firma Charitable Trust was granted in 2022 and is included in this year’s accounts but relates to the provision of services in 2023.
2. Grants: We received £26,250 from Southwark Adult Learning Services during the year. This is based on the number of unique users of our services.
3. Subscriptions: Users of our services pay a nominal fee for attendance and income from this source during the year was £8,458.
EXPENDITURE
Our charity incurred total expenses of £63,943 during the 2022 financial year compared to £54,217 in 2021.
The major expense categories were:
1. Salaries and tutors fees: Our major expenses during the year, at £55,595 relate to the salary for our operational manager and the fees paid to our tutors, all of whom work tirelessly to provide outstanding services to our users.
2. Activity-related expenses: Administrative costs relating to hall hire and other activity-related and office expenses were £8,348 during the year as we returned to a more normal structure of in person classes.
3. Governance Costs : Costs including accountancy fees and insurance were £1,684 for 2022
report from our treasurer
FINANCIAL HEALTH
We are pleased to report that our charity remains financially stable. Our current assets as of 31 December 2022 stand at £126,223 which is held almost entirely in cash at bank and a small amount of accounts receivable.
The trustees continue to monitor our financial position carefully to ensure that, as a charity, we have a secure future ahead of us. We remain prepared for the unexpected through maintaining a healthy reserve fund while ensuring we are meeting our obligations to our funders to make full use of the resources made available to us.
Our accounts are independently examined annually by our accountants, Gibson’s Financial Limited, and their separate report containing more detailed financial information is available and filed on the charity commission website.
We look forward to your continued support as we work to further develop our services during the coming year
Jennifer Walmsley, Treasurer
report from our operations manager
The structure and routine of Stepping Stones weekly activities is the foundation for a community that provides reassurance and facilitates resilience. It is from this secure base that trust is built and where opportunities to broaden horizons emerge .
The return to a full programme of face to face delivery was a significant step in 2022. Over this year as our confidence has grown, we have been able to be together more, to talk, listen and share.
Here are some of the highlights and achievements of 2022
REBUILDING
We have delivered a varied programme including art, music, digital, dance and drama classes at our community centre base. Our weekly timetable is back to pre COVID number of classes. Hours of delivery and number of sessions delivered have all increased, along with the number of people attending each session.
We have been able to further increase our reach through continued partnership work at a local residential home where music sessions are delivered, as well as offsite gardening activities at a community allotment.
ART. DRAMA . DANCE . DIGITAL SKILLS . GARDENING . KEEP-FIT . MUSIC
295 580 90 sessions delivered activity hours service users 16% increase from 2021 40% increase from 2021 50% increase from 2021
RETURN OF THE SUMMER SHOW
We have sorely missed our Summer Shows in the last two years. It was a much anticipated and triumphant return to the stage on Friday 15th July. The day was filled with joy, and fuelled by the determination that had kept us focused throughout lockdowns and restrictions.
We are so grateful to the supportive and enthusiastic audience that came along to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our performers.
ENRICHMENT
Our digital skills group helped to organise two very popular social activities during the year. Both events provided much needed opportunities for socialising, new experiences and fun.
Seaside Outing
Christmas Party
Catriona Finlayson, Operations Manager
evaluation
During this year we are grateful to have achieved increased stability and security. This has given us time to reflect and consider how we are meeting the needs of the people who attend our activities. An accessible survey was conducted in Autumn 2022. 27 surveys were completed, a response rate of 40% of St Faiths class attendees at that time. We also invited carers and families to respond to a separate survey and received 13 responses.
RESPONSES
88% responded that coming to Stepping Stones makes them feel very good or good.
85% said they enjoyed the class, 78% liked seeing their friends and 70% said they liked getting out of the house.
Carer feedback was very positive, highlighting engaging and interactive services that have a positive impact on the well being and happiness of the people who attend our activities.
100% of people who responded thought we provided excellent value for money.
"Its an asset to the community and the people that attend"
"Something to "I really like learning look forward to new things" each week"
“Communication and service is fantastic. A nice sense of community for the people supported”
"Excellent communication skills. Excellent human relationship. Excellent show of love and empathy"
Social activities and more classes at St Faiths were the most common suggestions for new activities from all responders to both surveys.
acknowledgements
We are incredibly grateful for the funding we have received during this year. It has underpinned all of the successes and accomplishments detailed in this report, and it has also opened the doors of opportunity for 2023.
On behalf of everyone at Stepping Stones, we extend huge thanks to The Peter Minet Trust, The Terra Firma Charitable Trust, Southwark Adult Learning Service and the Southwark Neighbourhood Fund.
St Faiths Community Centre and Church have provided support and encouragement throughout the year and we are always so grateful for the warm, welcoming and wonderful space that we get to we call home.
Our tutors, volunteers and trustees have all demonstrated great care and creativity - this has year has had many highlights, underpinned by a lot of hard work and commitment.
Carers, support workers, friends and family - thank you for your invaluable contributions in sessions which help us to build a strong and supportive sense of community.
And to our amazing service users - your strength, resilience, unique talents and skills enrich our community every day.
THANK YOU
Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure St Faiths Community Centre Redpost Hill London SE24 9JQ
07950 612 914 www.steppingstoneslearning.org.uk info@steppingstoneslearning.org.uk
registered charity number: 1174850
STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE
(CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Registered Charity Number 1174850
Gibsons Financial Limited Chartered Accountants Foresters Hall 25-27 Westow Street London SE19 3RY
STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)
YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
CONTENTS
PAGES
| Administrative Information | 2 |
|---|---|
| Executive Committee & Trustees Report | 3 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 |
| Detailed Income and Expenditure | 9 |
1
STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022
| REGISTRATION DETAILS | Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a charitable |
|---|---|
| incorporated organisation (CIO) under charity number | |
| 1174850. | |
| GOVERNING DOCUMENT | Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is governed by the |
| Charities Act 2011 and its constitution. | |
| EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE | Lynn Bransby – Chair |
| Terence Baldwin – Secretary | |
| Gillian Kerr – Vice Chair | |
| Sally Reid - User Representative | |
| Jennifer Walmsley – Treasurer | |
| Susan Height – Member resigned 08/02/2022. | |
| Julia Barbosa – Member | |
| David Keaveney-Sheath – Member appointed 29/09/2022. | |
| Avery Benton – Member appointed 10/05/2022. | |
| Gemela Desouza – Member appointed 10/05/2022. | |
| PRINCIPAL ADDRESS OF CHARITY | St Faith’s Community Centre |
| Red Post Hill | |
| Herne Hill | |
| London | |
| SE24 9JQ | |
| ACCOUNTANTS | Gibsons Financial Limited |
| Chartered Accountants | |
| Foresters Hall | |
| 25-27 Westow Street | |
| London SE19 3RY | |
| BANKERS | Lloyds TSB Plc |
| 12 Croxted Road | |
| London | |
| SE21 8SP |
2
STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND TRUSTEES REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
The Executive Committee of Stepping Stones Leaning and Leisure present their Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2022.
PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY
The principal activity of the charity is to help adults with learning disabilities to help themselves.
In planning our activities for the year we kept in mind the Charity Commissioner’s guidance on public benefit at our trustee meetings.
The focus of our activities is to provide a range of much needed local workshops for adults with learning disabilities, and so enabling an often neglected section of the community to work from a base where they can make new friends and build their skills. The workshops promote health and hygiene; exercise and fitness; and drama and self-development. This benefits our service users by developing their selfconfidence, social skills and life skills.
We welcome all adults with learning disabilities regardless of personal background, faith, gender or personal circumstances and we believe this philosophy of openness to all enriches everyone through the sharing of the skills, aptitudes and life experiences of our service users. The trustees confirm that they have complied with their duties under schedule 3 of The Charities Act 2011 with regard to charity commission’s guidance on public benefit.
ACTIVITIES, DEVELOPMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS
See Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure’s separate Annual Report.
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES
Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Executive Committee to prepare Financial Statements, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its income and expenditure for that period. In preparing these Financial Statements, the Executive Committee are required to:-
-
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable standards and statement of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements; and
-
prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the project will continue in operation.
-
Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS102).
The Executive Committee are responsible for keeping proper records which disclose at any time the financial position of the project. They are also responsible for safe guarding the assets of the organisation and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
…………………………..
Lynn Bransby - Chair
Date 10 October 2023
3
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES AND MEMBERS OF STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 December 2022, which are set out on pages 5 to 10.
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(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
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:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Geoffrey C Gibbs FCA Gibsons Financial Limited Foresters Hall 25/27 Westow Street Upper Norwood London SE19 3RY
10 October 2023
4
STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE
(CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
INCOMING RESOURCES
| Incoming resources from generated funds: Voluntary Income Other Income Total Incoming Resources Cost of Generating Funds Charitable activities Governance costs Total Resources Expended Net Incoming Resources Fund Balances brought forward Fund transfer Fund Balances carried forward |
Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund 2022 Total 2021 Total £ £ £ £ 61,391 30,750 92,141 63,347 8,473 - 8,473 2,538 |
|---|---|
| 69,864 30,750 100,614 65,885 |
|
| - 63,943 63,943 52,365 - 1,684 1,684 1,852 |
|
| - 65,627 65,627 54,217 |
|
| 69,864 (34,877) 34,987 11,668 91,060 176 91,236 79,568 (34,750) 34,750 - - |
|
| 126,174 49 126,223 91,236 |
5
STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022
| Current Assets Cash at Bank Cash in Hand Debtors Current Liabilities Creditors and Accruals Net Current Assets Funds: Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund |
2022 £ 123,567 - 7,250 130,817 4,594 126,223 126,174 49 126,223 |
2021 £ 84,576 - 8,250 |
|---|---|---|
| 92,826 | ||
| 1,590 | ||
| 91,236 | ||
| 91,060 176 |
||
| 91,236 |
The financial statements were approved by Executive Committee and Trustees on 10 October 2023 and Approved on their behalf by:
……………………………… Lynn Bransby - Chair
6
STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
1.1 Basis of preparation of Financial Statements
The Financial Statements are prepared under the historic cost convention and include the results of the Charity’s operations which are described in the Executive Committee’s Report and all of which are continuing.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard 102 “The financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland”; the Statements of Recommended Practice - Charities SORP (FRS102) and; with the Charities Act 2011.
In preparing these financial statements the Trustees have taken advantage of the exemption permitted by FRS 102 in not presenting a Statement of Cash Flows.
These financial statements represent the first time that the Trustees have adopted FRS102 however the policies applied under the previous accounting framework are not materially different to FRS102 the change of reporting framework has not impacted on the charity’s Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2022 or its Balance Sheet position as at that date.
1.2 Incoming Resources
-
1.2.1 Revenue grants are credited to the Statement of Financial Activities on the earlier date of when they are received or when they are receivable, unless they relate to a specific future period, in which case they are included on the Balance Sheet as deferred income to be recognised in the future accounting period.
-
1.2.2 Grants received for specific purposes are accounted for as restricted funds in the Statement of Financial Activities.
1.3 Restricted Funds
Restricted Funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure, which meets these criteria is identified to the fund, together with a fair allocation of management and support costs.
1.4 Unrestricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds are donations and other income received or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and is available for general funds.
7
STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
1.5 Financial Instruments
The charity only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like amounts recoverable on invoices, other debtors, amounts payable to providers of services and other accruals. Debt instruments being amounts owed to and by the charity are accounted for at the amount that is expected to be received or paid by the charity. Debt instruments receivable after more than one year are initially recorded at the present value of future cash flows and subsequently accounted for at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and balances in bank accounts with no notice or less than three months’ notice from inception and are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value
2 TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION, BENEFITS AND EXPENSES
The charity did not pay any remuneration or provide benefits to any of its Trustees during the year under review. None of the charity’s Trustees claimed expenses nor were any Trustees’ expenses met by the charity during the year.
3 TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES
There were no transactions with related parties during the year. Related parties include Trustees, their close family members, their business associates, and any non-natural persons which are controlled by any of these individuals or in which they have a significant interest.
| 4 DEBTORS Trade Debtors 5 CREDITORS & ACCRUALS Accountancy Fees Accruals |
2022 £ 7,250 2022 £ 1,706 2,887 4,594 |
2021 £ 8,250 2021 £ 530 1,060 1,590 |
|---|---|---|
8
STEPPING STONES LEARNING AND LEISURE (CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION)
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
DETAILED INCOME & EXPENDITURE
| Incoming resources from generated funds: Voluntary Income/Grants Southwark Adult Learning Services Peter Minet Donations Terra Firma Charitable Trust Magic Grants Camberwell Neighbourhood Fund Barclays Community Grant Bailey Thomas St Faith’s PCC Other Income Membership Subscriptions Interest Receivable Total Incoming Resources RESOURCES EXPENDED Direct Charitable Expenditure Tutors Salary/HMRC/Pension Hall Hire Office Expenses Activity Expenses Governance costs Accountancy Fees Insurance Training TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED |
Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund 2022 Total 2021 Total £ £ £ £ - 26,250 26,250 17,750 30,000 - 30,000 30,000 1,391 - 1,391 - 30,000 - 30,000 - - 500 500 - - 4,000 4,000 3,138 - - - 2,065 - - - 10,000 - - - 394 |
|---|---|
| 61,391 30,750 92,141 63,347 |
|
| 8,458 15 - - 8,458 15 2,535 3 |
|
| 8,473 - 8,473 2,538 |
|
| 69,864 30,750 100,614 65,885 |
|
| Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund Total 2022 Total 2021 £ £ £ £ - 28,607 28,607 18,423 - 26,988 26,988 28,683 - 3,946 3,946 1,059 - 1,987 1,987 2,027 - 2,415 2,415 2,173 |
|
| - 63,943 63,943 52,365 |
|
| - 651 651 630 - 1,033 1,033 700 - - - 522 |
|
| - 1,684 1,684 1,852 |
|
| - 65,627 65,627 54,217 |
9
Stepping Leisure Ltd 2022 Accounts Signed
Final Audit Report
2023-10-22
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