Trustees, Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2022 Registered Charity in England and Wales: 1177107 sPEAKI¢- UP FOR VAL VICE IUES Naval Fami ies F E D E R A T l O N Championing Royal Nawj & Royal Marines families
INDEX
| Charity information | ................................................................. 3 |
|---|---|
| Report of the trustees | ................................................................. 4 |
| Naval Families Federation strategy 2021 - 2024 | .............................................................. 5-6 |
| Achievements and performance | .............................................................. 7-8 |
| Delivering bespoke projects | ............................................................ 9-11 |
| Informing policy, research and shaping change | .......................................................... 12-13 |
| Engaging with naval families | .......................................................... 14-15 |
| Financial review | ................................................................ 16 |
| Plans for 22/23 and beyond | ................................................................ 17 |
| Statement of trustees’ responsibilities | ................................................................ 18 |
| Independent examiners report | ................................................................ 19 |
| Statement of fnancial activities for the year ended | ................................................................ 20 |
| 31 March 2022 | |
| Balance sheet | ................................................................ 21 |
| Cash fow statement | ................................................................ 22 |
| Notes to the cash fow statement for the year | ................................................................ 23 |
| ended 31 March 2022 | |
| Notes to the fnancial statements for the year ended 31 March 2022 |
........................................................... 24 - 34 |
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 2
CHARITY INFORMATION
| Trustees | Captain Paul Quinn OBE RN (Retd) - Chairman David Evans - Deputy Chairman Jacqueline Curtis-Donnelly Professor Jan Walker OBE Lieutenant Commander Steve Cass RN Bryony Johnson Michelle Mortlock |
|---|---|
| Head offce | Building 25, HMS Excellent Whale island Portsmouth Hampshire PO2 8ER |
| Registered Charity Number | 1177107 |
| Key Management Personnel | Sarah Clewes - Interim Chief Executive Offcer, appointed 4 January 2022 Nicola Thompson - Director of Operations, appointed 7 June 2021 Leavers Anna Wright - Chief Executive Offcer, resigned November 2021 Jane Williams - Director of Operations and Families Engagement, resigned June 2021 Bridget Nicholson - Director of Evidence & Strategy, resigned June 2021 |
| Accounts - Independent Examiners | Gibson Whitter Limited Larch House, Parklands Business Park, Denmead, Hampshire PO7 6XP |
| Bankers | CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Mailing Kent ME19 4JQ |
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 3
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
Responding to the intention to widen the experience of the Trustee Board the NFF recruited four new trustees in the latter half of 2020, some of whom had experience of advocacy at the higher levels of Government cross-departments. Also, those with direct and current experience of the issues facing Naval Service families. The full benefit of these appointments has become evident in the 21/22 year.
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their annual report for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011, together with the accounts for the period ended 31 March 2022. In preparing this Annual Report and financial statement the Trustees have adopted the updated provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS102).
Structure, Governance and Management
The Naval Families Federation (NFF) is established under a constitution as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Foundation charity, registered with the Charity Commission on 12 February 2018 with charity number 1177107.
Governance is exercised by a board of trustees, the members of which are selected and appointed by the charity’s existing trustees having given regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed. Members are appointed by a resolution of the trustees then in post. The trustees meet four times a year.
On appointment, new trustees are provided with a copy of the charity’s constitution, the latest set of accounts, the NFF Strategic Baseline Document and a copy of the Charity Commission’s guidance CC3 (The Essential Trustee). They are offered an Induction Day at Head Office with the NFF team in order to learn about the charity’s activities. All new trustees are offered training, expenses are paid by the charity.
Day-to-day management of the charity is delegated by the trustees to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and her team, whilst trustees remain closely involved in monitoring activities, receiving regular reports, giving guidance and authorising transactions. The CEO is supported by the Director of Operations.
Risks are regularly reviewed by the Board. The current key challenges faced by the NFF are related to ensuring that the public and stakeholders have an accurate understanding of the organisation and its role, in order to manage the expectation of serving members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines (RN & RM) and their families. All staff members contributed to the NFF Strategy, 2021 - 2024; this document is regularly referenced in team meetings to ensure a consistent approach to both internal and external communications. The risk of delayed payment of Grant-in-Aid is mitigated by holding sufficient reserves; this potential risk has informed the Reserves Policy.
Trustees keep under review and ensure practices adopted by the charity are in line with the Charity’s values.
The remuneration of all staff is reviewed and set by the trustees by benchmarking against similar organisations; the ACEVO Pay and Equalities Survey 2021 has informed decision making.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 4
Naval Families Federation Strategy 2021 - 2024
The objects of the charity are:
a. The promotion of social inclusion and military efficiency, for the public benefit, by assisting in the prevention of serving Royal Navy and Royal Marines and their families being disadvantaged through military service, b. Such other charitable purposes for the general benefit of Royal Navy and Royal Marines families as the trustees from time to time think fit.
The Trustees have complied with the duty in s.2 of the Charities Act 2011 in having due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
Images: NFF promotional banners
The Naval Families Federation Strategy 2021 – 2024, includes the following:
Our Mission
What we do: The Naval Families Federation exists to give Royal Navy and Royal Marines families a voice and representation to Ministers, other government departments, the Chain of Command and civilian service providers. It provides support and guidance on matters affecting the daily lives of Naval Service families, acting as an advocate and champion when appropriate to resolve complex issues.
Our Vision
Our vision is for all members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines families to:
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Have their views heard by those in positions of power.
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Feel valued.
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Be treated with fairness and respect.
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Thrive in their communities of choice.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 5
Our Values
The Naval Families Federation is:
• Respectful. We value all family members, whatever their link to the Naval Service, and recognise the important contribution they make by supporting their serving person. We are approachable, inclusive, non-judgemental, and ready to listen.
• Constructive. We work constructively with everyone, recognising the importance of understanding the perspective of others, and seeking to act as a ‘critical friend’ to the Royal Navy and other organisations.
• Trustworthy. We offer a confidential service to people who contact us. We work to build and maintain the trust of everyone we work with and support.
• Empowering. We want all Royal Navy and Royal Marines families to have the best quality of life possible, and to have access to the resources they need to make good choices and to achieve positive outcomes.
• Evidence based. Our advocacy is informed by evidence gathered from the RN & RM Serving community.
- Independent. We are independent of the Royal Navy’s chain of command.
Strategic Objectives for the period 2021 – 2024:
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To drive evidence-based data.
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To increase our reach.
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To be effective advocates and to champion on matters that really impact our families.
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To have and sustain an effective and agile organisation.
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To demonstrate we value our Royal Navy and Royal Marine families.
Images: CSG21 homecomings
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 6
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Response to Covid-19
a. Working practices were adapted and reviewed throughout the period of the pandemic to enable the NFF to continue to engage with RN & RM families and deliver its outputs. As directed by HM Government, staff were required to work from home for the majority of the time. Risk assessments were carried out prior to staff returning to work in the offices. Flexibility around childcare and home-schooling was offered for those staff that required it. Online team meetings three times a week allowed the senior management team to monitor staff morale and judge level of stress due to additional commitments.
b. To be able to work efficiently from home the NFF sought and received £9k funding from RNRMC Emergency Covid Fund to become cloud-based using MS Teams.
c. The NFF adapted in order to support families throughout the pandemic. Initially, there was a great deal of engagement with the Chain of Command on behalf of anxious family members. This allowed the NFF to offer reassurance to families that thorough safety procedures were in place on board HM ships and informed the Chain of Command about the concerns that families had. Casework for 182 individual families affected by Covid-19 and other issues (accommodation, education etc.) was delivered.
d. NFF engagement as below:
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1000
7 26 2 3
Pre-deployment Divisional Officers’ Establishment Commanding Personnel
briefs courses Warrant Officers’ Officers’ Designate reached
Courses courses (approx.)
NFF presentations adapted as required throughout the pandemic
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Adapting to the needs of naval families
e. Several projects were delivered to support the resilience of RN & RM families and recognise the fact that not only were spouses managing without their partner but that they were also managing without extended family for childcare support whilst having to work from home and home-school. Many spouses of serving personnel have key worker status, such as nurses, doctors, and teachers:
The NFF has analysed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health and wellbeing of RN & RM families and offered feedback to Royal Navy Command. This has informed:
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The Headspace App pilot which the NFF delivered in partnership with the RN.
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The RN’s decision to offer families trips to theme parks etc. via Eventbrite in lieu of previous support from the Families Welfare Grant which could not be used during the pandemic due to the inability to hold large events such as homecomings and families’ days.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 7
Recognised as an organisation who actively support the Armed Forces community in their workplace
Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award. We are delighted to have been successful in our bid to become an AF Covenant Gold ERS Award holder; a Ministry of Defence run scheme which encourages employers to support the work of the Ministry of Defence, and inspire others to do the same. The ERS Gold award is the highest award of the scheme.
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Poster: NFF Headspace project
NFF Gold ERS award NFF Resources Trailer
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Launched Naval Families Federation Strategy 2021- 2024
The strategic review of 2021 included an audit of the key branding message and marketing of the NFF and was carried out by Marketing firm, MindWorks. This resulted in a new strapline and focus on ‘Championing RN & RM families’. A full audit of the NFF website has been carried out and adjustments made to improve accessibility. Marketing assets have been aligned with main messages for consistency and to raise awareness of the Charity and include:
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The Resources Trailer: branded vehicle to raise the public profile of the charity and improve interaction with families at Families Days and Homecomings.
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Video Business Cards: a credit card sized video containing a brief explainer film with consistent images and information to demonstrate the breadth of our work.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 8
DELIVERING BESPOKE PROJECTS
Winter Glow was a follow-on project to Brighten Your Day, also funded by Annington Trust (£25K). This project recognised the very challenging ships programming during lockdown over the winter period. It was refined so that several spouse- owned businesses were invited to offer products that would support resilience. This had the effect of supporting both spouse-owned businesses, some of which had struggled due to the pandemic, and also RN & RM families. The project provided 1163 families with resources.
Naval Families Federation ‘‘Hug in a Box’’ , pampering gifts for those experiencing a challenging time, sent as a reminder that we are here for service families. Including a lady that contacted us struggling with anxiety because she’s about to have her third child, her parents don’t live close by, and her husband is deployed for 7 months and so may not make it to the birth. In addition to signposting her to Home-Start, Aggies for support, sending her ‘a NFF Hug in a Box’, whilst not to fix her issues but to recognise her challenges and the compromises she is making in support of the Royal Navy.
Strengthening Families – By Your Side Developed with RNRMC in partnership with the RN, King’s Active Foundation, Home-Start UK and Relate to promote their offer to our families. It has been recognised that, although the aspiration is to reach dispersed families[1] , we may need to establish this provision in the base port areas first so that it is seen and considered to be credible. Then, when dispersed families see it and ask where their provision is we will be able to offer it to them. This project has been severely hampered by Covid, but partners have adapted their provision and the Armed Forces Covenant Fund have been understanding of the need for a variation to the grant provision.
Headspace Working in partnership with the Royal Navy, on World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2021, the NFF began delivering a one-year pilot offering the mindfulness App, Headspace, to RN & RM families. 3000 licences were acquired, 1032 of which had been taken up by the end of the FY. The RN recognised the additional strain that was being experienced by RN & RM families due to the pandemic and were keen to fund a pilot to offer upstream mental health support. The pilot has been judged successful and now rolled out RN-wide.
NFF Book Project Additional funding of £15K was sought from RNRMC to continue to deliver the highly successful NFF Book Project for families. In addition to books to support separation, which was exacerbated by the pandemic for many, children’s books to address bereavement were included. A variation to the grant provision was sought in order to extend the book offer to schools. This has been tremendously successful, more than 700 schools received the books with information about parental separation to help them to support their RN & RM service children.
1Dispersed families: Families not in a port area or by a naval air station.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 9
Time, on my Watch Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The NFF delivered a creative project to address social isolation and invite feedback from RN & RM families in a completely new and untried way. There were just over one hundred submissions of photos, poems, and other artwork to the project. However, it was the accompanying explanations from family members that were incredibly poignant and revealed the experiences of RN & RM families during periods of separation and as a result of the pandemic. The artist commissioned to support this project, Tim Mann, produced a book to submit to partner charity ADOBE’s Annual Graphic Design competition. As a result, the NFF had a wonderful design for a poster to invite families to participate in the Art Project.
Promoting Time, on my Watch was underpinned by a highly effective and far-reaching marketing campaign to launch the project. On Facebook the reading video reached 3532 and had 38 shares, the First Sea Lord book presentation reached 2138 and had 8 shares, and the story behind video reached 914 with 3 shares, further posts on LinkedIn had a reach of 3,500+. Our beautiful book has been well received.
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Artist Tim Mann with the book
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Providing bespoke resources
Separation and Divorce . As evidence pointed to a possible increase in separation and divorce due to the pandemic the NFF created a bespoke Separation/Divorce online resource to provide families with information regarding RN allowances etc. During the period, the resource had 1270 visits and the Separation/Divorce webpages had 749 visits.
Forces Families Jobs. Despite an economic downturn during the pandemic the online partner employment and training platform www.ForcesFamiliesJobs.co.uk has gone from strength to strength:
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59
4748 864
4884
training
family members employers
live jobs providers
registered registered
registered
Data correct as of March 2022
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Thriving Lives Toolkit. The NFF continues to be a key contributor to the work of the stakeholder group, SCiP Alliance (Service Children’s Progression Alliance). This group launched the Thriving Lives Toolkit for schools to enable them to self-assess and ascertain how well they are supporting Service children. It will help schools to understand how they might best use the Service Pupil Premium to offer pastoral support to RM& RM Service children.
Spouse employment courses. Working with Barclays the NFF facilitated two highly successful spouse employment courses to enable spouses gain employment.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 10
Feedback from partners includes:
‘‘
It was empowering and helped me regain confidence in myself to return to work, my CV skills and a better understanding of employers and what they’re looking for and not to be scared of applying for what you want. Also what help is available to us in the military community as families and partners in terms of getting back into the employment market.
’’
‘‘
It has been empowering, emotional, funny, insightful, educational and throughly enjoyable ... I honestly don’t think any of us can stress enough our thanks to you all for all your hard work these last two weeks. And knowing that we have your continued support after all of this is just the icing on the cake!
’’
‘‘
It was fantastic to spend a couple of weeks with a like minded group who were all keen to soak up as much as we could from the course ... there were definitely some useful parts to the course for example CV writing which many of us haven’t had to do for 10-20years, and key skill terminology.
’’
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Spouse employment course (Nov 21) Spouse employment course (Mar 22)
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Spouse employment course (Mar 22)
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Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 11
INFORMING RESEARCH, POLICY AND SHAPING CHANGE
We take every opportunity to shape change, influence policy and to improve support to families as a critical friend and as experts across the naval community. We present both written and oral evidence to our key stakeholders and interlocutors whom include: the Secretary of State for Defence; the Minister for Defence Personnel & Veterans; Ministers in other Government Departments who have the lead for delivering the Armed Forces Covenant; the House of Commons Defence Select Committee; the Devolved Administrations and Local Government.
NFF main areas of business relating to naval families matters include: childcare and education; health and wellbeing; transition from the military to civilian life; housing; non-UK serving personnel; dual service; overseas and spousal employment.
Childcare. Having had more than 2000 respondents to our Childcare Survey, the highest response rate of the three Services, the NFF was pleased to be able to present an interactive online report to the MOD and other stakeholders highlighting the specific challenges faced by RN & RM families around childcare. The MOD confirmed that this would inform delivery of the Governments Manifesto pledge to improve wraparound childcare for Armed Forces families. Trustees were delighted to note the Integrated Review announcement that £1.4B would be allocated to support childcare over the next decade.
NFF evidence informed the DfE to make amendments to the Schools Admission Code to support in-year admissions of Service children.
Covenant into Law. The CEO NFF acted as the Families Federation representative at 3rd sector stakeholder meetings held by the MOD Covenant Team with the aim of informing the development of the Covenant into Law strand of the Armed Forces Act. In addition, the CEO presented written and oral evidence to the House of Commons Defence Select Committee enquiry into the Armed Forces Act.
Response to the Living in Our Shoes Report. The NFF
coordinated a response to the Living in Our Shoes Report from the RN & RM charity sector. More than 40 stakeholders participated providing written or online feedback. The feedback was offered to the MOD and Forces in Mind Trust to inform the initial stocktaking process of what was being delivered by the RN& RM third sector and which charities might be suitable for further focus group work. The NFF was pleased to note that our Parenting Guide and spouse employment project with Barclays in Helensburgh were highlighted in the report.
Impact of Separation and need for review of Harmony guidelines. Feedback from RN & RM families, together with significant research into the impact of separation on family wellbeing showed that the pandemic was exacerbating the impact of separation on RN & RM families. This highlighted the need for a review of the Harmony guidelines and the significant disparity between the three Services.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 12
Evidence submitted to the National Audit Office (NAO) to inform their inquiry into ‘Single Living Accommodation (SLA) for the Armed Forces’; to inform an ongoing inquiry into ‘Women serving in the Armed Forces’, and to the Armed Forces Pay Review Body (AFPRB) to inform their annual recommendations to the government on pay to the Armed Forces.
The UK Armed Forces Families Strategy 2022 to 2032 has
been accepted by Ministers and was expected to be launched in November 2021, actually published in January 2022 and details 9 workstreams with associated action plans; the Families Federations (Naval, Army and RAF) are pleased to have a role as critical friends in the Armed Forces Families and Safeguarding Steering Group (AFFSG) which overseas this work which relates to the recommendations in the Living in our Shoes report.
Delighted to note that the Government pledged an additional £200M to upgrade service family accommodation and single living accommodation as the NFF has offered evidence of need for this over several years. The Future Defence Infrastructure Services (FDIS) is a significant change in family accommodation contracts, with the requirements of families considered and presented by NFF in collaboration with the Army and RAF Families Federation advocates.
The NFF has provided data and advocacy in relation to immigration issues experienced by nonUK and Commonwealth families in order to inform the Home Office and Cabinet Office about issues such as the Minimum Income Threshold.
The NFF worked closely with NHS England to inform and help launch their Armed Forces Families Engagement programme to better understand the health needs of the military community. The NHS awarded £103K to enable the three Families Federations in
a joint project to commission research by Anglia Ruskin University to identify the barriers to healthcare for mobile families and to make robust recommendations about how these barriers might be overcome for families; informed by recommendations made in the Living in our Shoes report and the NHS England Armed Forces Families Engagement Report.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 13
ENGAGING WITH NAVAL FAMILIES
A significant part of the NFF’s role is championing individuals who have come to the end of the road with an unresolved complex and challenging issue. Families presented 364 such cases, many of which involved multi-agency engagement, on behalf of Service Personnel and families, and extended timelines and staff resources to resolve.
The team are pleased to now be able to attend events that allow face to face interaction. We have attended families days, coffee mornings and ships homecomings as well as the Annington sponsored Play Days in Scotland, Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Gosport. Feedback from attendees and indeed their lived experiences inform policy decision and MOD strategic plans but more immediately enable NFF to produce useful guides and credible advice to address a range of relevant issues and include:
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anxiety about partners going away after a lengthy period at home in lockdown
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concerns from young and new recruits who have not yet experienced deployment and support for partners and parents of sailors/marines.
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Over 237,000
Most popular amongst families
page views
50.3% users 23.7 k engagement 70.2K reach
identify as female (+51.7% vs last FY) (+29%)
77% followers 35-44
identify as female top age group
Popular topics Faecbook page data
Homeport magazine,
accommodation,
Followers
Headspace 4k
Mix of families and stakeholders
nff.org.uk insights followers
milestone
Popular tweets
Headspace, World Children's Day
17 Feb 22
Twitter insights
Account set-up
117
total followers <200 Followers backgrounds
new Business development, community
followers and social services, operations,
25-44
military and protective services
top age group
LinkedIn Analytics
Instagram trends
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*All data correct as of 31 March 2022
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 14
Immigration Advice
The NFF became regulated by the Office of the Immigration Services Commission (OISC) in May 2020 with a member of the team qualifying to give Level 1 immigration advice. Providing this niche support for families has enabled us to drive the agenda for non-UK families with a peoplefocused approach, adding a human face to the complexity of immigration. This has saved nonUK and Commonwealth serving personnel and their families a great deal of money and avoided their following an incorrect immigration route. Demand for our expertise regarding visa and immigration advice is growing, with cases increasing in complexity with the prevalence of need to draw on benevolence charities.
‘‘
Pete, thanks again for your help and I look forward to your continued support. You are an invaluable person to the RN and the NFF.
- Serving sailor ’’
‘‘
Our ILR [Indefinite leave to remain ] visa has come through successfully... yayyyyyy 😁😄😆 Thank you very very much for all that you have done for my family.
- Serving family ’’
‘‘
I am pleased to inform you that my visa was approved on Monday! I wanted to thank you very much for all your assistance and time. I really appreciate it all! Very excited to start my new life in the UK! Thanks again!
- Serving family
’’
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 15
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Trustees are pleased to report that despite ongoing challenges relating to the Covid pandemic, with an agile approach, the Charity has a sound financial position for the year ended 31 March 2022.
In close partnership with funders, the Naval Families Federation continues to deliver bespoke projects enabled (by restricted funding) to address new and emerging issues faced by Naval families. We are most grateful to RNRMC, Annington Trust, Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund and the NHS for their continued support.
Income for FY 21/22 was £606,699 comprised Grant in Aid, at £531,119, to enable core activity, as well as other grants amounting to £75,580. The balance carried forward includes Reserves (based on 2 months charitable activity) and ongoing projects to be delivered in the future.
The Trustees policy is that the charity should hold unrestricted reserves equivalent to 2 months Grant in Aid payment to mitigate against the risk of a business continuity failures at Ministry of Defence (Navy). At the balance sheet date, the charity’s unrestricted reserves were £243,961. Remaining reserves covers contingency for wind-up and resources set aside for future projects.
The Ministry of Defence (Navy) agreed 5 years Grant in Aid funding for the period 2018 – 2023 to include a 2% cost of living adjustment year on year. Negotiations are already taking place to ensure that as an Arm’s Length Body (ALB) future funding for 2023 and 5 years following continues to meet the needs of service families. The trustees note here that insufficient headroom for cost of living in the Grant in Aid agreement will lead to service reduction in some manner.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 16
PLANS FOR 22/23 AND BEYOND
The Trustees support the following activity:
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Recruit a substantive CEO; this important role is currently being undertaken by an Interim CEO who joined NFF in January 2022.
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Deliver the Trustees’ Strategy 2021 – 2024.
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As a key stakeholder, continue to contribute to the delivery of the UK Armed Forces Families Strategy 2022- 2032; holding to account the MOD and other government departments.
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Improve our evidence gathering processes, introducing new ways of working having refreshed the NFF database.
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Conduct a review of our Communications Strategy to ensure relevance and value for money.
• In collaboration with the Army and RAF Families Federations continue to contribute to NHS England initiatives, scoping opportunities to share best practice across devolved administrations. Especially single point of contact and family mobility difficulties relating to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
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Develop capacity to support non-UK families with complex and emotional visa and immigration processes.
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Align reporting requirements to demonstrate output, outcomes and impact to RN People Delivery, People & Training Directorate.
• Contribute to a study being undertaken by the research institute RAND Europe, in partnership with the Army Families Federation, with support from the MOD into Improving the Financial Stability of Military Families. The research is funded by the Forces in Mind Trust and has been reviewed and given favourable opinion by the Ministry of Defence Research Ethics Committee (MODREC).
• Advocate on behalf of Naval families on matters including but not limited to: Family life; Service life; Family home; Children’s education; Childcare; Non-UK families; Supporting partners; Health and wellbeing.
- Continued engagement with MOD Fraud Department to reduce Fraud Risk.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 17
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 18
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 19
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 2 - Charitable activities Supporting Naval Families 541,199 Total 541,199 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities 4 Supporting Naval Families 480,319 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) 60,880 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 183,081 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 243,961 |
Restricted funds £ - 65,500 65,500 100,701 (35,201) 50,326 15,125 |
31.3.22 Total funds £ - 606,699 606,699 581,020 25,679 233,407 259,086 |
31.3.21 Total funds £ 12,000 659,205 671,205 608,557 62,648 170,759 233,407 |
|---|---|---|---|
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 20
BALANCE SHEET 31 MARCH 2022
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 21
CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
| Notes Cash flows from operating activities Cash generated from operations 1 Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period |
31.3.22 £ 44,777 44,777 (3,852) (3,852) 40,925 222,903 263,828 |
31.3.21 £ 58,885 58,885 - - 58,885 164,018 222,903 |
|---|---|---|
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 22
NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
| 1. | RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM | OPERATING ACTIVITIES | OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31.3.22 | 31.3.21 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of | |||
| Financial Activities) | 25,679 | 62,648 | |
| Adjustments for: | |||
| Depreciation charges | 13,315 | 12,352 | |
| (Increase)/decrease in debtors | (4,010) | 1,817 | |
| Increase/(decrease) in creditors | 9,793 | (17,932) | |
| Net cash provided by operations | 44,777 | 58,885 |
2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS
| At 1.4.21 | Cash flow | At 31.3.22 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Net cash | |||
| Cash at bank | 222,903 | 40,925 | 263,828 |
| 222,903 | 40,925 | 263,828 | |
| Total | 222,903 | 40,925 | 263,828 |
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 23
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The Naval Families Federation is a registered charity, established as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), in England and Wales. The address of the principal office is given in the charity information of these financial statements and the nature of the charity’s operations and principal activities are detailed in the trustees’ report.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all periods presented unless otherwise stated.
Income
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the Charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
For donations to be recognised the Charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the Charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.
Donated facilities and donated professional services are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably and the Charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the Charity. For example the amount the Charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and services. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure.
Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the Charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 24
Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. It is categorised under the following headings:
-
Costs of raising funds; which includes the costs of organising events and investment management fees
-
Expenditure on charitable activities; which includes grants made to beneficiaries and costs incurred to support those activities
Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where unconditional grants are offered, this is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grant, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the grants. Where grants are conditional relating to performance then the grant is only accrued when any unfulfilled conditions are outside of the control of the Charity.
Support cost allocation
Support costs are those that assist the work of the Charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs, administrative payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the Charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with use of the resources.
The analysis of these costs is included in note 6.
VAT
The Charity is not registered for VAT and is unable to recover VAT incurred. On this basis costs are recorded inclusive of VAT within the SoFA.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Fixtures and fittings - 20% on cost
Computer equipment - 33% on cost
Taxation
The charity is exempt from 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.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 25
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charity’s pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
The Trustees believe there is no material uncertainty over the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 26
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
| 2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Grants Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: Greenwich Hospital 3. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Activity Grants Supporting Naval Families Grant in Aid Supporting Naval Families Grants received, included in the above, are as follows: RNRMC Annington Trust Armed Forces Convenant Fund Trust MOD NHS 4. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Supporting Naval Families |
Direct Costs (see note 5) £ 526,037 |
31.3.22 £ - 31.3.22 £ - 31.3.22 £ 75,580 531,119 606,699 31.3.22 £ 53,000 10,080 500 - 12,000 75,580 Support costs (see note 6) £ 54,983 |
31.3.21 £ 12,000 31.3.21 £ 12,000 31.3.21 £ 138,500 520,705 659,205 31.3.21 £ 34,000 50,000 9,500 45,000 - 138,500 Totals £ 581,020 |
|---|---|---|---|
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 27
5. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| 31.3.22 £ Staff costs 415,921 Book Project 13,166 Forces Family Jobs - Annington Trust Project 7,000 Headspace Project costs - Time, on my watch 3,125 Forces Families awards 1,000 RNRMC Strengthening Families - Communication 69,654 Travel expenses 16,171 526,037 6. SUPPORT COSTS Governance Management costs £ £ Supporting Naval Families 51,967 3,016 Support costs, included in the above, are as follows: Management 31.3.22 Supporting Naval Families £ Insurance 1,826 Office expenses 8,104 Staff training 1,844 Consultancy, HR and legal expenses 3,539 Bank fees 109 Subscriptions 1,998 Accountancy fees 720 Depreciation 13,315 Recruitment costs 1,764 CEO expenses 984 Computer expenses and maintenance 17,524 Internet and website fees 240 51,967 |
31.3.21 £ 405,552 8,539 128 40,639 45,050 3,125 - 25 35,808 2,171 541,037 Totals £ 54,983 31.3.21 Total activities £ 2,103 2,029 348 4,340 125 1,092 10,817 12,352 - - 32,545 440 66,191 |
|---|---|
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 28
6. SUPPORT COSTS - continued Governance costs
| SUPPORT COSTS - continued Governance costs |
||
|---|---|---|
| 31.3.22 | 31.3.21 | |
| Supporting | ||
| Naval | Total | |
| Families | activities | |
| £ | £ | |
| Independent examination fees | 2,160 | 1,200 |
| Trustee training | - | 100 |
| Trustee expenses and meeting and | ||
| meeting costs | 856 | 29 |
| 3,016 | 1,329 |
7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2022 nor for the year ended 31 March 2021.
Trustees' expenses
During the year four (31.3.21: no) trustees were reimbursed expenses by the charity for travel, subsistence and training totalling £857 (31.3.21: £nil)
8. STAFF COSTS
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs |
31.3.22 £ 360,570 28,657 26,694 415,921 |
31.3.21 £ 348,841 28,686 28,025 |
|---|---|---|
| 405,552 |
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
| Charitable activities and management | 31.3.22 13 |
31.3.21 13 |
|---|---|---|
One (31.3.21: One) employee received employee benefits, inclusive of social security costs but excluding pension contributions, in the range £60,000 - £70,000 during the year.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 29
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| 9. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 12,000 - Charitable activities Supporting Naval Families 520,705 138,500 Total 532,705 138,500 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable activities Supporting Naval Families 472,594 135,963 NET INCOME 60,111 2,537 Transfers between funds (34) 34 Net movement in funds 60,077 2,571 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 123,004 47,755 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 183,081 50,326 10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Fixtures and Computer fittings equipment £ £ COST At 1 April 2021 30,748 18,606 Additions - 3,852 At 31 March 2022 30,748 22,458 DEPRECIATION At 1 April 2021 11,966 12,404 Charge for year 6,150 7,165 At 31 March 2022 18,116 19,569 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2022 12,632 2,889 At 31 March 2021 18,782 6,202 |
Total funds £ 12,000 659,205 671,205 608,557 62,648 - 62,648 170,759 233,407 Totals £ 49,354 3,852 53,206 24,370 13,315 37,685 15,521 24,984 |
|---|---|
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 30
| 11. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other debtors Prepayments 12. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors Taxation and social security Other creditors 13. LEASING AGREEMENTS |
31.3.22 £ 1,000 3,010 4,010 31.3.22 £ 2,427 17,541 4,305 24,273 |
31.3.21 £ - - - 31.3.21 £ - 8,324 6,156 14,480 |
|---|---|---|
Minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases fall due as follows:
| Within one year Between one and five years 14. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS Unrestricted funds £ Fixed assets 15,521 Current assets 252,447 Current liabilities (24,007) 243,961 |
Restricted funds £ - 15,391 (266) 15,125 |
31.3.22 £ 1,117 520 1,637 31.3.22 Total funds £ 15,521 267,838 (24,273) 259,086 |
31.3.21 £ 1,117 1,637 2,754 31.3.21 Total funds £ 24,984 222,903 (14,480) 233,407 |
|---|---|---|---|
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 31
15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
| Net movement At 1.4.21 in funds £ £ Unrestricted funds General fund 158,097 74,195 Designated - Fixed assets 24,984 (13,315) 183,081 60,880 Restricted funds Membership Scheme 5,249 (5,249) Information Scheme 22,434 (22,434) RNRMC Book project 5,024 (5,024) Strengthening Families 6,517 (6,517) Annington Trust 4,727 (4,727) Armed Forces Covenant 6,375 (6,375) RNRMC - Mental Health & Immigration Project - 11,971 RNRMC - Books for All - 3,154 50,326 (35,201) TOTAL FUNDS 233,407 25,679 Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
Transfers between funds £ (3,852) 3,852 - - - - - - - - - - - |
At 31.3.22 £ 228,440 15,521 243,961 - - - - - - 11,971 3,154 15,125 259,086 |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated - Fixed assets Restricted funds Membership Scheme Information Scheme RNRMC Book project Strengthening Families Annington Trust Armed Forces Covenant NHS Mobility Project RNRMC - Mental Health & Immigration Project RNRMC - Books for All TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 541,199 - 541,199 - - - - - 500 12,000 38,000 15,000 65,500 606,699 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (467,004) 74,195 (13,315) (13,315) (480,319) 60,880 (5,249) (5,249) (22,434) (22,434) (5,024) (5,024) (6,517) (6,517) (4,727) (4,727) (6,875) (6,375) (12,000) - (26,029) 11,971 (11,846) 3,154 (100,701) (35,201) (581,020) 25,679 |
|---|---|---|
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 32
15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparatives for movement in funds
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated - Fixed assets Restricted funds Membership Scheme Information Scheme RNRMC Book project Strengthening Families Annington Trust IT Migration Armed Forces Covenant TOTAL FUNDS |
At 1.4.20 £ 85,668 37,336 123,004 11,189 36,566 - - - - - 47,755 170,759 |
Net movement in funds £ 72,463 (12,352) 60,111 (5,940) (14,132) 5,024 6,517 4,727 (34) 6,375 2,537 62,648 |
Transfers between funds £ (34) - (34) - - - - - 34 - 34 - |
At 31.3.21 £ 158,097 24,984 183,081 5,249 22,434 5,024 6,517 4,727 - 6,375 50,326 233,407 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Unrestricted funds General fund Designated - Fixed assets Restricted funds Membership Scheme Information Scheme RNRMC Book project Strengthening Families Annington Trust IT Migration Armed Forces Covenant Headspace Project TOTAL FUNDS |
Incoming resources £ 532,705 - 532,705 - - 15,000 10,000 50,000 9,000 9,500 45,000 138,500 671,205 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (460,242) 72,463 (12,352) (12,352) (472,594) 60,111 (5,940) (5,940) (14,132) (14,132) (9,976) 5,024 (3,483) 6,517 (45,273) 4,727 (9,034) (34) (3,125) 6,375 (45,000) - (135,963) 2,537 (608,557) 62,648 |
|---|---|---|
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 33
15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Membership Scheme LIBOR funded project to raise awareness of support to RN/ RM families and create a ‘through-life’ relationship with them. The project will increase awareness of the NFF’s work and encourage participation in surveys. It will help to communicate to families that their contribution is valued. It will provide families with information to support their resourcefulness and resilience. Information scheme LIBOR funded project to develop online e-learning packages to inform National Service providers of the particular needs of the RN/RM community and produce films and printed material highlighting support available to RN and RM families. RNRMC Book Project Funding received from RNRMC to provide books to Royal Navy and Royal Marines families during periods of parental deployment. Funding received from Annington Trust to run the Brighten Annington Trust Your Day and Winter Glow initiatives to provide Royal Navy and Royal Marines families with resources to support resilience, enhance coping strategies and bring a bit of cheer in difficult times. Strengthening Families Funding received from RNRMC to provide a comprehensive support package to service families, looking at the gap between support available to dispersed families to those living on or near base ports, whenever and wherever they need it. IT Migration Funding received from RNRMC to meet the costs of a IT service review and migration to new platforms to enhance the charity’s ability to support its beneficiaries. Armed Forces Covenant Funding received from The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust to capture what Royal Navy and Royal Marines families are doing with their time and what it means to them, through poetry, drawings and photographs, with professional artist Tim Mann to create an exhibition. NHS- Mobility The three Families Federation commissioned the Veterans and Families Institute for Miliary Social Research at Anglia Ruskin University to conduct research and invite families to share their experiences of health care services whilst living a mobile lifestyle due to Service life. A report with recommendations was published.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 34
RNRMC- Mental health
The project was a collaboration between NFF and RNRMC for a one year pilot. It was designed to facilitate co-production of commissioned services by RNRMC and promotion of those services amongst the RN and RM community. It also addressed increased demand for immigration advice due to COVID-19.
RNRMC- Books for all
The funding has been used to supply appropriate books to schools with RN and RM Service children. This has facilitated the establishment of relationships between the NFF and schools/childcare settings to offer ongoing support and resources so that schools and families build resilience for deployment and separation.
16. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
The Charity contributes to defined contribution pension scheme on behalf of its employees. The pension cost is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period it is due. The total amount of contributions charged in the year under review were £26,694 (31.3.21: £28,025). At the balance sheet date £2,145 (31.3.21: £4,456) was due in respect of these contributions.
17. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 March 2022.
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements (21-22) page | 35
Naval Families F E D E R A T l O N Charnpioning Roy31 Navy & Royal Marines families CONTACT US nff.org.uk 02392 654374 contactus@nff.org.uk Building 25, HMS EXCELLENT, Portsmouth, P02 8ER 0000 Naval Families F E D E R A T l O N CHAMPIONING Royal Navy & Royal Marines Families lSitourw41 nff.org Naval Families Registered Charity in England and Wale5'. 1177107