Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1[st] July 2024 Period start date To 30[th] June 2025 Period end date
Charity name: Better Together
Charity registration number: 1183516
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | We improve the conditions of life for residents of Smethwick by advancing education and providing facilities for recreation and leisure time occupation. |
| 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 weekly English conversation café has continued for several years, established with due regard to public benefit. Members may attend for longer than an academic year, growing in confidence. Some achieve entry level to enrol in formal study. Friendships are formed over free drinks and snacks. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees confirm they continue this activity as a service or benefit to the public. |
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 | The charity has a limited number of volunteers, without whom this worthwhile activity would not be possible. |
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 | During the time covered by this report 30+ club members enjoyed a spell practising their conversation skills and building their confidence. Some entered the world of work or went on to further study. Because social isolation was reduced the diverse community of Smethwick benefitted. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 |
Trustees have had to recognise factors limiting the growth of the project but against modest objectives we achieved those goals. Numbers attending were maintained and we continue to co- operate with our neighbouring charity. |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | The search for alternative funding had not been successful by the end of the year. |
| 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 | By the summer ’25 lack of new money was a serious concern. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | There is nothing held in reserve. |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | Going into the 2025/26 financial year fundraising is a major concern for two people not previously shouldering that responsibility. |
Additional information (optional)
| Additional information (optional) | Additional information (optional) | Additional information (optional) |
|---|---|---|
| You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: | ||
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | |
| 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 | |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | The charity was set up as a CIO |
| 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 | By invitation of the existing/continuing 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 | Better Together |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charity number | 1183516 |
| Charity’s principal address | Smethwick Baptist Church Regent Street Smethwick B66 3BQ |
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 |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pauline Hylton | Joint Treasurer | |||
| Sandra Monica Robinson |
Secretary | 01/07/2024 to 31/07/2024 |
||
| John CraigJordan | ||||
| Delroy Otis Thomas |
Joint Treasurer | |||
| Paul Adrian Beech | ||||
– 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
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity
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)
Type of Name Address adviser
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.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc)
Date
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