Charity number: 1180283
Ashford Together CIO
Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 March 2025
Ashford Together CIO Contents Page For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Report of the Trustees | 1 to 3 |
|---|---|
| Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees | 4 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 5 |
| Statement of Financial Position | 6 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 7 to 12 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 13 |
Ashford Together CIO Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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 the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
Ashford Together is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) set up by Churches Together in Ashford to establish a co-operative partnership between local statutory services, the faith community and the Ashford voluntary sector.
The charity's objects are to facilitate or run projects and programmes which address a variety of pressing social and welfare needs in the Ashford community, including:
-
the relief of poverty - the relief of unemployment
-
the advancement and preservation of health
To achieve these objects, Ashford Together aims to act as a single point of contact, with churches as the principal locality agents, to offer the following:
a) Greater access to harder to reach people.
b) Supply of more spaces (venues) and volunteers).
c) Create more meaningful relationships with the community.
d) Facilitate bespoke projects and programmes that benefit community members.
As a CIO we seek to raise funding for churches social action and to employ staff to support this.
Statement on public benefit
The trustees have considered the Charity Commision's guidance on public benefit, including the guidance 'public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
Volunteers
Ashford Together CIO is grateful to the individuals and organisations who have contributed to the overall income and success of projects undertaken.
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Ashford Together CIO Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Significant activities
MakerLife: We were successful in getting ongoing funding for MakerLife from The National Lottery allowing us to continue to support our members in having access to life and work skills workshops including cookery skills; money management; personal wellbeing; IT skills; job searches and CV writing, as well as other creative skills. Members also have access to assessment tools that help to support their wellbeing and career development. The aim is to upskill and connect members with training, jobs and work experience opportunities. However, less individuals attended the second cycle of MakerLife. This seemed to be due to the relaxing of Covid restrictions and other options opening up for them. We therefore focused more on our other activities as follows.
Family, Food and Fun: This programme was borne out of the MakerLife project and continues to be a success. The primary aim is to feed and give children meaningful activities during school holiday, and also acts as a link for the MakerLife project. The number of venues grew from three to five; a total of 522 attended (250 adults and 273 children) at one of the 18 school holiday events throughout the year; all received a hot meal at each event and 184 food parcels were given out. In the Summer we also put a Big Day Out to the Rare Breeds Centre foe 27 adults and 34 children.
Renew Wellbeing: at the beginning of the year we received a Micro Grant from Cinnamon Network to support introducing the Renew Wellbeing programme. This is a form of mental health support by creating quiet shared spaces where it's OK not to be OK. One of our team was trained and applied the learning within MakerLife and supported our partner churches in creating Renew Wellbeing spaces.
Signposting Hubs: linked to the partnerships set up through MakerLife, we placed information boards and literature in each of our Family, Food and Fun partner locations and with other community serving church partners. Team members also supported these with guidance and signposting.
Serving Together: in November 2023 we ran an event for all of our partners to share vision, map local needs, identify programmes that were already running and create partnerships. This resulted in a directory of services and establishing working groups to focus on specific areas of work such as food provision, work with children and families, refugees, homelessness and mental health. An Ashford Together trustee has been appointed to oversee and coordinate each of these areas.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves
The result for the period was a deficit of £1,515, compared to a deficit £6,725 in the previous year. This was in line with expectations as projects continued through their lifecycle. Total income amounted to £22,449 and expenses were £23,964. This compares to the previous year's results of income of £12,018 and expenses of £18,792. Reserves at the end of the financial year amounted to £11,128, compared to £17,902 last year.
The trustees aim for the charity to hold sufficient cash reserves to operate for six months with no income and this is estimated to be around £17,000 in usual times. However, there was a seasonal drop in funding over the second half of the financial year which meant that operations, and inparticular staff costs, were pared back. The trustees are satisfied an appropriate level of reserves will be maintained for the following 12 months taking into account all foreseeable spending and income resources after the financial year has ended, and the intention is to build up the company's reserves in the coming year.
Total cash held at 31 March 2025 amounted to £9,690, compared to £5,600 in the previous year.
Going concern
Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The Trustees are of the view that the level of reserves will support the charity going forward.
Funds in deficit
No funds were in deficit during the year. The trustees use their discretion to make transfers from unrestricted funds to support projects that are ringfenced in their own restricted fund.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
Ashford Together CIO is a registered charity, number 1180283, and is constituted under a trust deed.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
There are no provisions within the constitution for selection of Trustees other than by existing trustees.
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Ashford Together CIO Report of the Trustees Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Name of Charity Ashford Together CIO Charity registration number 1180283 Principal address The Beacon Centre 28 Bank Street Ashford Kent TN23 1BA
Trustees
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Ian Patrick Fowkes Mark Stephen Hirst Richard Mark Lloyd Eason Richard Finlinson MBE Matthew John Eason Jeremy Worthen (Appointed: 05 September 2021) Independent examiners Swift Accountancy Swift Farm, Sandy Lane Ashford Kent TN26 1JN
Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by
............................................................................. 31 July 2025 Richard Mark Lloyd Eason
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Ashford Together CIO Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2025
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiners 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 that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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.
Adam Clegg FCCA MAAT BSc (Hons)
Swift Accountancy Swift Farm, Sandy Lane Ashford Kent TN26 1JN
31 July 2025
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Ashford Together CIO Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Notes | Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income and endowments from: | |||||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 16,406 | 6,043 | 22,449 | 12,018 |
| Total | 16,406 | 6,043 | 22,449 | 12,018 | |
| Expenditure on: | |||||
| Charitable activities | |||||
| General activities | (12,575) | - | (12,575) | (5,957) | |
| Makerlife | - | (6,644) | (6,644) | (7,469) | |
| Family food and fun | - | (4,745) | (4,745) | (5,366) | |
| Total | (12,575) | (11,389) | (23,964) | (18,792) | |
| Transfers between funds | 3 | (702) | 702 | - | - |
| Net movement in funds | 3,129 | (4,644) | (1,515) | (6,774) | |
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||
| Total funds brought forward | 6,484 | 4,644 | 11,128 | 17,902 | |
| Total funds carried forward | - | 9,613 | 11,128 |
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Ashford Together CIO Statement of Financial Position As at 31 March 2025
| Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 8 Current assets 9 Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 10 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Net assets The funds of the charity Restricted income funds 11 Unrestricted income funds 11 Total funds |
£ 2025 - - 643 9,690 10,333 (720) 9,613 9,613 9,613 - 9,613 9,613 |
£ 2024 5,444 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,444 | ||||
| 684 5,600 |
||||
| 6,284 | ||||
| (600) 5,684 |
||||
| 11,128 | ||||
| 11,128 | ||||
| 4,644 6,484 |
||||
| 11,128 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and signed on its behalf by:
Richard Mark Lloyd Eason Trustee 31 July 2025
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Ashford Together CIO Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 31 March 2025
1. Accounting Policies
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, except for investments which are included at market value and the revaluation of certain fixed assets and 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 (FRS 102), and the Charities Act 2011.
Ashford Together CIO meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
Going concern
Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The Trustees are of the view that the level of reserves will support the charity going forward.
Statement of cash flows
The Trustees have taken advantage of the exemption in SORP FRS 102 from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the charity is small.
Funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the Charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Resources expended
Liabilities are recognised as resources expended when there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure:
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets, other than freehold land, are stated at cost or valuation less depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following basis:
Land and Buildings 20% Straight line Computer Equipment 33% Straight line
Debtors
Debtors (including trade debtors and loans receivable) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts or amount advanced by the charity. Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received.
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Ashford Together CIO Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
2. Income from donations and legacies
| Restricted funds Unrestricted funds £ £ Donations received - 1,406 Grants received 6,043 15,000 6,043 16,406 Analysis of grants received Ashford Borough Council Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust Kent Community Foundation Meals and More 4. Net income/(expenditure) for the year This is stated after charging/(crediting): Depreciation of owned fixed assets Accountancy fees Staff pension contributions 5. Staff costs and emoluments Total staff costs for the year ended 31 March 2025 were: Salaries and wages Pension costs Employees |
2025 £ 1,406 21,043 22,449 2025 £ - 15,000 2,000 4,043 21,043 2025 £ 5,444 720 14 2025 £ 7,536 14 7,550 2025 1 1 |
2024 £ 5,157 6,861 |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,018 | |||||
| 2024 £ 3,671 - - 3,190 |
|||||
| 6,861 | |||||
| 2024 £ 5,444 612 - |
|||||
| 2024 £ 2,570 - |
|||||
| 2,570 | |||||
| 2024 1 |
|||||
| 1 |
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Ashford Together CIO Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
7. Comparative for the Statement of Financial Activities
| Restricted funds Unrestricted funds £ £ Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies 3,190 8,828 Total 3,190 8,828 Expenditure on: Charitable activities (5,957) (12,835) Total (12,835) (5,957) 381 Transfers between funds (381) Net movement in funds (10,026) 3,252 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 14,670 3,232 Total funds carried forward 6,484 4,644 8. Tangible fixed assets Computer Equipment Land and Buildings Cost or valuation £ £ 2,801 27,220 At 01 April 2024 At 31 March 2025 27,220 2,801 Depreciation 2,801 21,776 At 01 April 2024 Charge for year - 5,444 2,801 27,220 At 31 March 2025 Net book values At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 - 5,444 - - 9. Debtors 2025 £ Amounts due within one year: Prepayments and accrued income 607 Other debtors 36 643 |
2024 £ 12,018 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 12,018 | ||
| (18,792) | ||
| (18,792) | ||
| - | ||
| (6,774) | ||
| 17,902 | ||
| 11,128 | ||
| Total £ 30,021 |
||
| 30,021 | ||
| 24,577 5,444 |
||
| 30,021 | ||
| - 5,444 |
||
| 2024 £ 684 - 684 |
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Ashford Together CIO Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
10. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Accruals and deferred income Movement in funds Unrestricted Funds Balance at 01/04/2024 r £ General General Unrestricted Funds - Previous year Balance at 01/04/2023 r £ General 3,232 General 3,232 |
Incoming esources r £ Incoming esources r £ 8,828 8,828 |
2025 2024 £ £ 720 600 720 600 Outgoing esources Transfers Balance at 31/03/2025 £ £ £ (12,575) (702) 9,613 (12,575) (702) 9,613 Outgoing esources Transfers Balance at 31/03/2024 £ £ £ (5,957) 381 6,484 (5,957) 381 6,484 |
2025 2024 £ £ 720 600 720 600 Outgoing esources Transfers Balance at 31/03/2025 £ £ £ (12,575) (702) 9,613 (12,575) (702) 9,613 Outgoing esources Transfers Balance at 31/03/2024 £ £ £ (5,957) 381 6,484 (5,957) 381 6,484 |
2024 £ 600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 600 | ||||
| 6,484 |
11. Movement in funds
Purpose of unrestricted Funds
General
General funds are unrestricted amounts received to fulfill the charity's aims.
Restricted Funds
| Balance at | Incoming | Outgoing | Transfers | Balance at | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/04/2024 | resources | resources | 31/03/2025 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Family food and fun | - | 4,043 | (4,745) | 702 | - |
| MakerLife | 4,644 | 2,000 | (6,644) | - | - |
| 4,644 | 6,043 | (11,389) | 702 | - |
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Ashford Together CIO Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
Restricted Funds - Previous year
| Balance at 01/04/2023 Incoming resources r £ £ Family food and fun 4,704 2,160 MakerLife 9,966 1,030 14,670 3,190 |
Outgoing esources Transfers Balance at 31/03/2024 £ £ £ - (5,366) (1,498) 4,644 (7,469) 1,117 (12,835) (381) 4,644 |
Outgoing esources Transfers Balance at 31/03/2024 £ £ £ - (5,366) (1,498) 4,644 (7,469) 1,117 (12,835) (381) 4,644 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,644 |
Purpose of restricted funds
MakerLife
MakerLife Ashford’s Co-Learning: Life and Work Skills programme launched in January 2021. On this programme our members have access to life and work skills workshops including cookery skills; money management; personal wellbeing; IT skills; job searches and CV writing, as well as other creative skills. Members also have access to assessment tools that help to support their wellbeing and career development. The aim is to upskill and connect members with training, jobs and work experience opportunities.
Family food and fun
Family Food & Fun is a holiday club for families with primary school aged children (5-11), where the whole family can come and enjoy food, crafts and a whole lot of fun. The objective is to create a safe and fun environment to meet that need for the families in Ashford.
12. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Tangible | Net current | Net Assets | |
|---|---|---|---|
| fixed assets | assets / | ||
| (liabilities) | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General | |||
| General | - | 9,613 | 9,613 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| - | 9,613 | 9,613 |
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Ashford Together CIO Notes to the Financial Statements Continued For the year ended 31 March 2025
| Previous year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangible | Net current | Net Assets | |
| fixed assets | assets / | ||
| (liabilities) | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| General | |||
| General | 800 | 5,684 | 6,484 |
| Restricted funds | |||
| MakerLife | 4,644 | - | 4,644 |
| 5,444 | 5,684 | 11,128 |
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Ashford Together CIO Detailed Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2025
| INCOME AND ENDOWMENT Donations and legacies Donations Received Grants Receivable Total incoming resources EXPENDITURE Charitable activities Cost Of Direct Charitable Activity (General Activities) Cost Of Direct Charitable Activity (Makerlife) Cost Of Direct Charitable Activity (Family Food And Fun) SUPPORT COSTS Governance costs Governance Costs (General Activities) Total resources expended Net Expenditure |
£ 2025 1,406 21,043 22,449 22,449 (11,658) (6,644) (4,745) (23,047) (917) (917) (23,964) (1,515) |
£ 2024 5,157 6,861 |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,018 | ||||||
| 12,018 (5,345) (7,469) (5,366) |
||||||
| (18,180) (612) |
||||||
| (612) | ||||||
| (18,792) | ||||||
| (6,774) |
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This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements