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2025-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From April 2024 Period start date To April 2025 Period end date

Charity name: Baby Bank network Exeter

Charity registration number: 1180848

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 The prevention or relief of poverty in the UK
in particular by providing items and
services to families with young children
and/or to charities or other organisations
who also work to prevent or relieve poverty
amongst families with young children.
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 The Baby Bank collect good quality pre
loved and new baby items donated by
members of our community and then
redistribute them to families in need. This
service is free of charge, via a referral
system through their Midwives, social
workers or support workers.
The results of our service reduce parental
stress, anxiety, reduce financial burden and
depression.
Improved mental health allows parents the
ability to focus on other aspects of home
life, in turn improving living environments
for babies and children, allowing them to
thrive. We are aware that re-using items is
more environmentally friendly than making
new items all the time, so not only are we
redistributing resources from where they
are abundant to where they are lacking, we
are promoting sustainable living by
reducing the volume of items being
disposed.
We work closely with organisations like our
local cloth nappy & Sling library, supporting
the work they do and enabling us to supply
cloth nappies & slings safely in our
bundles. We support other re-use and
recycling projects to ensure best practice
and minimal waste like our local food bank
and charity shops.
We continue to have to buy some items
from new including mattresses, bottle teats,
nappies and toiletries and rely on the
support of our community, businesses and
funding and grants. We also have core
costs to fund to ensure we can continue our
work.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 The board of trustees meet three times a
year and full minutes are recorded. At
these meetings trustees agree the main
strategy and areas of activity for the charity
and review the constitutional objects to
ensure we are successfully benefitting the
public. All trustees give up their time freely
and no trustee remuneration was paid in
the year.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:


SORP reference
Policy on grant making Para 1.38
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment		 Para 1.38
Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38 Baby Bank Exeter is entirely dependent on
the commitment of our volunteers, who
understand the needs of the local
community and who are best placed to
manage the daily organisation of the
charity.
They give their time freely every week, to
ensure the charity responds promptly to the

needs of local families with good quality items. We currently have 18 active volunteers contributing time across the week. Other

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.		 Para 1.20 Now settled into the new work space with
greater access to stock and volunteers, our
time has been focused on continuing to
reach as many families as possible and to
provide them with the essential items
needed to help their children to thrive.
Sadly child poverty is deepening. 4.5
million children in the UK are living in
relative poverty after housing costs, that’s
31% of all children and rising from
4.3million in 2023.
Even with the challenges of rising costs,
funding uncertainty and growing demand
we are proud that we have been able to
accommodate older children much more
this year, now we have the storage we can
cater for children up to 16 years of age.
We have supported 554 children through
crisis in 2024, this is a 21.5% increase in
the number of families we have helped
compared to 2023.
We continue to listen to the needs of our
community and referral partners and run
our projects to align with the changing
needs. Our Christmas appeal continues to
be a big success with 500+ children
receiving gifts in 2024 on top of the
essential bundle packs distributed.
Likewise School uniforms have been a

popular request. The number of professionals registering to use our service has increased by a staggering 24.5%. This year has been important in spreading the word about our charity and building relationships to get recognised for the positive impact we are having. We were finalists in The Exeter Sustainability Awards and The Princesshay Christmas Tree display. This recognition of our work has helped raise awareness and built new connections. This year we have invested in a social media manager as we appreciate that these platforms are our means of communicating with our community, bringing in donations and reaching those that need our help. We have built wonderful partnerships with Ikea and Tesco, who support our work by donating stock and we have become charity of the year for companies with more in the pipeline. Our mission to save waste is a vital part of our work and encouraging recycling has been used as lessons with school students and within extra curricular sessions where we have attended groups and led discussions. As we move forwards are plans are to do our best to keep up with demand so that it does not outpace our capacity. This will be focused around building awareness and seeking secure funding opportunities. We will continue to ease pressure on public - services and drive sustainability through re

use.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against
objectives set		 Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set		 Para 1.41
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41
Other

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 Cash at bank on 04/04/25 was £59,289 in
funds. (£31,444 unrestricted and £27,845
restricted). The main financial risk to the
charity is loss of funding from the local
businesses, grants and reduced donations
to cover our core costs.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 The funds are held to cover 12-18 months
operational costs in the event of a loss of
income and to meet any unforeseen
expenditure that may occur
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22 N/A
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24 N/A
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23 N/A

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)		 The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)		 Para 1.47 We are grateful to the following
organisations for supporting our work this
year with grants and funding:
• Normans Family Charitable Trust
• The Arnold Clarke Community Fund
• John Lewis Community Giving
The Regional Development Fund
• The National Lottery – Awards for All
• SD Solutions
• Stage Coach
• Baby Bank Alliance
• Devon Vintage Cars
• Feed
• Exeter Round Table
• Exeter Maternity and NNU
• Postcode Lottery
We also are thankful to our committed
sponsors who help to cover our charities
overheads:

Emile Et Rose
●Little Ducklings
●Muddy Boots Childcare
●Toddler Sense Exeter
●Munchkins Day Nursery
●Little Ones childcare
●Turtle Tots Exeter
●The Baby Room
●Thrifty Stork
●VWS Exeter
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46

Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Constitution dating back to 26th November
2018. Last reviewed February 2025
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Registered Charity number 1180848
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 There must be at least three charity
trustees. Apart from the first charity
trustees, every trustee must be appointed
for a maximum term of three years by a
resolution passed at a properly convened
meeting of the charity trustees.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:


Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees
Para 1.51
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51
Relationship with any related
parties		 Para 1.51

Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Baby Bank Network Exeter
Other name the charity uses Baby Bank Exeter
Registered charity number 1180848
Charity’s principal address 15 Wiltshire Close, Exeter, Devon, EX4 1LU

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
year		 Nam
e of
pers
on
(or
body
)
entitl
ed to
appo
int
trust
ee (if
any)
Melanie Smith Treasurer
Amanda Fulford Chair
Steve Buckell
Vicki Andrew Secretary

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Description of the assets held in this capacity

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects

Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of
adviser
Name
Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

----- Start of picture text -----
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s) Victoria Andrew
Amanda Fulford
Position (eg Secretary Chair
Secretary, Chair, etc)
Date
28/09/2025
----- End of picture text -----

Baby Bank Network Exeter Baby Bank Network Exeter Baby Bank Network Exeter 1180848 1180848 1180848 CC16a
For the period
from		 Apr-24 To Apr-25
Section A Receipts and payments
A1 Receipts Unrestricted
funds
to the nearest £
4,300
481
4,118
-
117
-
-
-

9,016
-
-
-
9,016
-
974
41
531
320
115
-
890
1,973
869
27
135
5,875
-
-
-
5,875
3,141
-
26,925
30,066		 Restricted
funds
to the nearest £
47,786
-
-
2,080
174
-
-
-
50,040
-
-
-
50,040
2,080
18,226
10
192
534
-
19,908
81
127
247
5,936
47,341
-
-
-
47,341
2,699
-
26,688
29,387		 Endowment
funds
to the nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Total funds
to the nearest £
52,086
481
4,118
2,080
291
-
-
-
59,056
-
-
-
59,056
2,080
19,200
51
723
854
115
-
19,908
971
2,100
1,116
-
27
5,936
135
53,216
-
-
-
53,216
5,840		 Last year
to the nearest £
Grants 4,300 41,890
Fundraising 481 336
Donations 4,118 14,411
Sponsorship - 2,580
Interest 117 242
- -
- -
- -
Sub total(Gross income for
AR)
9,016		 59,459
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
-
- -
~~Sub total~~ - -
Total receipts
A3 Payments
59,459
Mattresses - 202
Rent 974 15,800
BabyEssentials 41 321
Hub costs 531 940
Insurance 320 710
Bundlepackaging 115 244
Storage costs - 264
Salarycosts - 11,290
General expenses 890 842
Marketingand social media 1,973 900
Utilities 869 421
New volunteer costs 357
Project costs - Christmas appeal 27 197
Project costs - Small scale refurb 3,414
Events 135 -
**Sub total ** 5,875 35,374
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
-
-
**Sub total ** - -
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
35,374
3,141 2,699 - 5,840 24,085
- - - - -
26,925 26,688 - 53,613 29,528
30,066 29,387 - 59,453 53,613

CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

06/10/2025

1

Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
Categories
Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
B1 Cash funds
B2 Other monetary assets
B4 Assets retained for the
charity’s own use
B5 Liabilities
B3 Investment assets		 A.Fulford
Signature
V.Andrew
Details
Details
Current account
Savings account
Petty cash
Details
Details
Total cash funds
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
Details		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
to nearest £
30,010
1,542
-
27,845
55
-
30,065
29,387
Agreement Error
OK
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
to nearest £
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Fund to which
liability relates
Amount due
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Print Name
Vicki Andrew
Amanda Fulford		 Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
OK
Endowment
funds
to nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
Current value
(optional)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
When due
(optional)
Date of
approval
V.Andrew Vicki Andrew 28/08/2025
A.Fulford Amanda Fulford 28/08/2025

CCXX R2 accounts (SS)

06/10/2025

2

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WAIES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees BABY BANK NETWORK EXETER On accounts for the ygar ended 31 MARCH 2025 Charity no (if any) 1180848 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'lhe Trust'l for the year ended 3110312025. Responsibilities and basls of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 I"Ihe Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trusl'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(5llb} of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below ') which gives me cause lo believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were nol kepl in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act., or the accounts did not accord wilh the accounting records,. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examinalion. 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 lo be reached. Please d818tg th8 words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signod: Date: 2510912025 Name: Paul Benney IER Oct 2018

Relevant professional qualificatlon(s) or body (if any): Chartered Accountant Address: WR Frost, Tourism House. Pynes Hill. Exeter. EX2 5WS Section B Disclosure Only complete if Ihe examinei needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examinalion of charity accounts.. directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that tha examiner wlshas to dlsclose. IER Oct 2018