## OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS Annual Report – 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020 

Prepared by Julie Yelland 



## **OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS** 

## **Annual Report - 2020** 

## **Organisation Name** : 

**Charity No** : 

Okehampton Street Pastors 1181119 

**Principal Address** : 

21 Brandize Park, Okehampton, Devon EX20 1EQ 

## **Financial Year** : 

1[st] January 2020 to 31[st] December 2020 

## **Trustees** : 

Name Office Mrs Julie Yelland Chairman (appointed 27 July 2016) Mrs Juliana Elizabeth Bailey Secretary (appointed 27 July 2016) Mrs Barbara Lynne Fortnam Treasurer (appointed 27 July 2016) Mrs Laura Caroline Bird (appointed 27 July 2016) Ms Susan Ann Eckles (appointed 27 July 2016) Mr Timothy Hooper (appointed 27 July 2016) 

The organisation is controlled by a Board of Trustees who are appointed by a Resolution raised and approved by a majority of the existing Trustees. 

## **Professional Advisers** : 

Bankers: NatWest Bank, Bedford Square, Tavistock, Devon PL19 0AQ 

## **Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31[st] December 2020** 

The Board of Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020. Those who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out above. 

## **History, Objectives and Activities of Okehampton Street Pastors** 

Okehampton Street Pastors was constituted on 27[th] July 2016 and registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in December 2018.  This Annual Report covers the period 1[st] January 2020 to 31[st] December 2020. The Street Pastors are licensed by Ascension Trust, a charity registered in England and Wales, No: 1127204 and company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales, No. 06751712.  Ascension Trust is the registered owner of the Street Pastors Trademark and its trading arm, Ascension Commercial Ltd (ACom) No. 7586400, with the registered address of Alpha House, 158 Garth Road, Morden, Surrey, SM4 4TQ.  Ascension Trust operates as the umbrella organisation to the Street Pastor Movement. 

As a Local Initiative of the Global Street Pastor Movement, our mission is to engage, train and mobilise Christian volunteers from different churches, to be relevant in public life as salt and light addressing issues of vulnerability and social exclusion through the principle of caring, listening and helping people. We work in partnership with the police, local authorities and other voluntary organisations to achieve our goals and attain greater social cohesion in our community in line with our objectives. 

The objectives of Okehampton Street Pastors are for public benefit, in the geographic area of Okehampton, Devon, England and beyond as the Board of Trustees may from time to time determine in accordance with Charity Law in England and Wales, as follows: 

Page | 1 



## **OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS** 

- (1) To advance the Christian Faith in accordance with the Street Pastor Licence Agreement as executed with Ascension Trust in Okehampton as the Board of Trustees may from time to time think fit particularly, but not exclusively, by means of caring, listening and helping people on the streets and at various locations. 

- (2) To develop the capacity and skills of socially disadvantaged groups in our community in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to participate more fully in society; in particular but not exclusively through raising awareness, promoting, sustaining and increasing individual and collective knowledge, skills and expertise, through the practical development of individual capabilities, competences, skills and understanding through formal training, informal talks and capacity building in voluntary services, according to Christian principles and the Street Pastor Urban Trinity principle of church, police and local government working together for the benefit of the community. 

This is being achieved by 

- (i) the provision of public pastoral care services to help people on the streets and other public places; giving guidance, support and signposting which assist in preserving public order, avoiding anti-social behaviour, relieving sickness and preserving health and by 

- (ii) enlightening others about Christianity through raising awareness and understanding of ecclesiastical relevance to community and public life, mobilising the Church ecumenically to unity of worship and to advance the Christian Faith by carrying out the mission and outreach work of the Gospel for the benefit of the public. 

The service offered is available to all regardless of race, gender, disability or religion.  The work is developed with regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and the Board of Trustees ensure that all work undertaken is in line with the Organisation’s charitable objectives and aims. 

Both the initial donation and additional amounts donated since have been under terms which allow the Board of Trustees to either retain the amounts as capital or to spend them.  The governing document gives the Board of Trustees the power to apply the funds in such a manner as they think fit for the benefit of their charitable objective or purpose. 

## **Governance and Management** 

The Governing Document provides for a minimum of 3 Members and a maximum of 9 on the Trustee Board. Where there is a requirement for new Members, these would be identified and appointed by the remaining Members having due regard to ensuring those with the appropriate skills and knowledge are recruited. 

Members of the organisation must subscribe to the mission, goals and values of the Street Pastor Movement, remain active and be willing to participate in and contribute to the work and furtherance of the local Street Pastor initiative. 

Being a professing Christian committed to a local Church is a requirement for being a Street Pastor (as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010).  Eligibility for Membership is subject to the paragraph above and to a two thirds Christian majority being represented as Members. 

The Members are unpaid and details of Member expenses and any related party transactions during the financial year are £0 (2019: £0) 

The Chairman is responsible for the induction of any new Members and will make available to each new Member, on or before their first appointment: 

- (a) A copy of the current version of the Constitution; and 

- (b) A copy of the organisation’s latest Annual Report and statement of accounts; and 

- (c) A copy of the current version of the Ascension Trust Licence Agreement. 

Page | 2 



## **OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS** 

## **Public Benefit** 

Okehampton Street Pastors acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or “aims” that are for the public benefit.  Details of how the organisation has achieved this are provided in this Annual Report.  The Board of Trustees confirm that it has paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the organisation should undertake. 

## **Risk Assessment** 

Okehampton Street Pastors is aware that the activities undertaken are subject to significant risks and therefore review these risks on an on-going basis to ensure adequate systems and procedures are in place. If key objectives are to be achieved, the Trustees accept that the management of risk is inevitable. The risks that have been identified are: 

1. Financial - sufficient funds are available to fulfill the aims of the organization. 

2. Operational - risks to volunteers 

3. Achievement - ensuring our aims and objectives and expectations of supporters are met. 

In reviewing these risks, the Trustees ensure: 

1. Close monitoring of cash flow and adherence to agreed budgets 

2. Regular monitoring of equipment; patrol route; reviewing and implementing training. 

3. Regular assessment to ensure existing and new projects conform to the overall objectives of the charity. 

## **Achievements and performance of Okehampton Street Pastors** 

The ability of Okehampton Street Pastors to deliver a service was significantly curtailed due to the Covid-19 Pandemic.  Decisions of where and when to patrol took into account the national guidelines; level of risk to the volunteers; availability of patrol base and evidence of need.  The risk assessment was updated which was circulated to all volunteers.  Some volunteers had to step back temporarily due to their personal circumstances. 

The first quarter of the year saw business as usual where the teams had plenty of good-natured conversations with both regular and new faces, issued flip flops and picked up broken glass.  The volunteers worked over two teams, patrolling the town centre twice a month between the hours of 10.00pm and 3.00am on a Saturday night and continuing to build up and strengthen the relationships with the pub door staff, mobile food outlets and taxi drivers who recognise the work and value of Okehampton Street Pastors. 

There were two periods of total lockdown during the financial year when patrols ceased altogether.   During the summer and early autumn, when restrictions were eased, patrols were carried out during the day time.  They worked in pairs, with Prayer Pastors operating from their homes and teams maintaining contact by mobile phones. This was a wonderful opportunity to meet new people who weren’t aware of Okehampton Street Pastors and to be able to tell them about the work. 

In October, the team were able to briefly resume night time patrols, albeit finishing much earlier than usual due to the restrictions on pub opening hours.  What was very noticeable was that when the pubs closed at 10.00pm, people were reluctant to go home and wanted to hang around in groups.  Generally, however, the town was quiet by 10:45pm and the team called it a night. 

Throughout the year, one Street Pastor switched role to join the Prayer Pastor team.  During 2020 no new volunteers were recruited, however, all potential volunteer Street Pastors undergo a rigorous recruitment process and are only offered a place once they have been through the interview process; on receipt of two references and a satisfactory check through the Disclosure & Barring Service. 

Page | 3 



## **OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS** 

Training undertaken throughout the year: 

_Module Number of trainees_ Safety on the Streets Refresher Training 5 

There have been 17 patrols during the year. During that time Okehampton Street Pastors spent 233 hours patrolling the streets with Prayer Pastors providing prayer cover.  13 bottles and broken glass have been collected and safely disposed of; 25 lollies; 2 pairs of flip flops and 2 space blankets distributed and help offered to a rough sleeper. While details of conversations held are confidential, examples of the impact the team have when on patrol include: 

- A conversation with someone who had lost a close family member to suicide.  The individual said that he wished an organisation such as Street Pastors had been around to help them. 

- A chat with someone who was finding it difficult to interact with his peers and wanted someone to talk to. 

- • Conversations with people explaining how they were struggling to cope with the restrictions of not being able to see their families. 

- Being able to provide a listening ear to someone caring for a terminally ill partner. 

- Spending time with someone who was extremely anxious about Covid and who had lost a friend to the disease. 

- Talking to someone who was self employed and worried about their financial position as their work had reduced significantly due to Covid. 

The local police and the taxi drivers have specifically commented on the peace and calmness that exist on the streets of Okehampton when the Street Pastors are out on patrol.  The police have reported that calls to places that are known to attract anti-social behaviour have reduced. This continues to be notable due to the fact that the teams do not deploy every week.  The team have had many positive conversations with door staff and members of the public and continue to be warmly welcomed by all. 

During the year, Okehampton Street Pastors have directly helped 30 people, have had a positive impact by attending 2 anti-social incidents and been available to help, care for and listen to 213 people. 

Members of the Trustee Board have spoken at 2 different events to 73 people highlighting the work of Okehampton Street Pastors.  Those who attended expressed considerable interest in gaining an understanding of how the night time economy works and the value that Street Pastors bring in terms of helping; caring and listening to people in a non-judgemental manner. 

Under the terms of our Licence Agreement Ascension Trust provide the licence, basic insurance, legal advice and a website.  This is funded by the local Street Pastor initiative paying a quarterly fee to Ascension Trust and this was allowed for in our budget. 

OSP has its own website: http://streetpastors.org/locations/okehampton/ 

The service that Okehampton Street Pastors provides is available to all who wish to avail themselves of it.  There is a Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy; a General Data Protection Policy; an Equality Policy, a Health & Safety Policy and a Financial Policy together with a Standard Operating Procedure for working with the Police.  All policies are reviewed annually and copies are available on request. 

_Contributions made by volunteers_ – The Organisation is very grateful to all its volunteers who provide their time and expertise.   As of 31[st] December 2020, there are 8 Street Pastors made up of 5 male and 3 female members.  They are ably supported by 6 Prayer Pastors made up of 2 male and 4 female members. 

_Benefit in kind_ – Storage facilities and a Prayer Base very kindly provided by Fairplace Church and a Training Room very kindly provided by Okehampton Baptist Church. 

Page | 4 



## **OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS** 

## **Financial review, investment policy and reserves** 

Okehampton Street Pastors has no permanent endowment or fixed assets.  The net incoming resources for the period 1[st] Jan to 31[st] Dec 2020, after grants and operational expenses of £688 (2019: £816) was -£119 (2019: -£310). Due to the pandemic, it has not been possible to hold fundraising events or receive enough donations to cover our operating costs this year.  Okehampton Street Pastors has free reserves which it has drawn down to meet expenditure not covered by a restricted grant and has exercised extreme prudence in its spending during the financial year. 

Principal sources of funding in 2020: 

1. A restricted grant 

2. Donations 

_Reserves_ - The Trustees have set a reserves policy which requires that reserves be maintained at a level which ensures the organisation's core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty for three months. The reserves are maintained in a readily realisable form.  The calculation of the required level of reserves forms an integral part of the organisation's planning, budget and forecast cycle. 

It takes into account: 

1. Risks associated with each stream of income and expenditure being different from that budgeted 2. Planned activity level 

3. Organisation's commitments 

## **Future plans** 

Okehampton Street Pastors will continue to fundraise to ensure sustainability of the work; recruit and train volunteers together with raising the profile of the work of Street Pastors. 

Annual Report approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by: 

………………………………… 

Mrs Julie Yelland (Chairman) 

………………………………… Date 

Page | 5 



## **OKEHAMPTON STREET PASTORS** 

## **Statement of Financial Activity 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2020** 

||_Unrestricted Funds_<br>_Restricted Funds_<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>£319<br>£250|
|---|---|
|**RECEIPTS**||
|General Donations<br>Restricted Funding<br>**Total Receipts**||
||319<br>250<br>22<br>7<br>97<br>312<br>101<br>0<br>149<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0|
|**EXPENDITURE**||
|Refreshments<br>Patrol Materials<br>Training/DBS Checks/Uniforms<br>Licence & Registration Fees<br>Insurance<br>Post/Stationery/Printing<br>Publicity<br>Room Hire/Gifts<br>Sundry Expenses<br>Equipment<br>**Total Expenditure**<br>**Net incoming (outgoing) Resources**<br>**Opening Balance - 1st Jan 20**<br>**Balance c/f at 31st Dec 2020**<br>**Current Assets:**<br>Cash at Bank<br>**Liabilities:**<br>Amount falling due within one year<br>Amount falling due after one year<br>**Net current assets**||



## **Notes to the Accounts** 

Details of restricted funding received by Okehampton Street Pastors: 

**1. Grant of £250 from Devon County Councillor Localities Budget** 

The purpose of this grant was to go towards the annual Insurance costs not covered by the fee to Ascension Trust and the annual subscription to the Safeguarding body.  This grant was fully expended during the financial year. 

Accounts approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by: 

………………………………… Mrs Julie Yelland (Chairman) 

…………………………………….. …………………………… Mrs Barbara Fortnam (Treasurer) Date 

Page | 6