Annual General Meeting (AGM) – 26 February 2024
The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society’ Report for 2023
Dear Members of the Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society,
2023 was another busy and challenging year for our society. Thanks to guidance from the Patrons, help from our Trustees and volunteers, and continued support from our members and partner organisations, we were able to carry on our charitable work and deliver impactful results of which we can be proud.
In 2023 we organised 18 cultural and social events for the members of our community in different formats (in-person, hybrid and online), attended by over 900 visitors.
We launched a series of four talks by prominent speakers on The Geography of Russia, addressing important topics such as Climate change, Arctic Cities, and Economics (many thanks to Olga Tutubalina), talks by scholars and authors of books related to Russian history, arts and diplomacy (many thanks to Ksenia Afonina) and had a very emotional Anti-War poetry evening (thanks to Yelena Karl). We were lucky to have four moving performances and concerts by Ukrainian, British, Russian and Australian performers, all profits from most of them being directed to helping Ukraine and other charitable causes (many thanks to Ekaterina Onatskaia, Yelena Karl and Andrei Bejan). We were also pleased to support Vot Takoi Teatr whose play by Eugene Schwarts “Тень» was successfully performed three times in 2023 and 2024. £1,500 of the ticket collections were donated to humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
Our social events such as the May Day BBQ in Wandlebury Park (attended by over 80), White Nights (over 40), and the Treasure Hunt (about 60), BBQ/Mushroom walk in Thetford Forest (over 60) were very popular and brought together members of our community of diverse nationalities. We were especially pleased to see many Ukrainians joining us at these events. We are very grateful to our volunteers Dima Mevzos, Alexey Komarov, Tatiana Yurasova and Olga Tutubalina for their help in organising them.
Thanks to the kind contributions of our events’ participants and the generosity of the performers, we raised close to £2,000 towards the CamRuSS Hardship Fund which is used for Support for the Ukrainian projects and over £1,300 was donated to other charities providing humanitarian aid to refugees in Ukraine, the Turkey/Syria earthquake, and Ohmatdyt, Ukraine’s National Specialised Children’s Hospital. The key fundraising events were the Piano Recital by Vitaly Pisarenko, the ‘Three Russian Composers, Two pianos’ concert by Peter Hewitt and Jill Morton, ‘ Acoustic Land’ a Harp Guitar Recital by Alexander Samodum and a talk by Dr Louise Hardiman “From Furs to Fabergé: Gifts, Diplomacy and British-Russian Artistic Relations".
We are grateful to Tanya Yurasova and all the teachers who continued to deliver the Residential Russian and Ukrainian Language Summer School in August 2023. This year it brought together over 70 students from across the UK and overseas, learning Ukrainian and Russian.
CamRuSS for the Ukrainians 2023
Our team continued supporting Ukrainian refugees in Cambridgeshire by running ESOL classes over three trimesters; the last one (September-December) accommodated 169 learners. The teaching process was supported by the conversation group sessions after classes.
The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuss) is an independent charity. Registration no. 1183636.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) – 26 February 2024
This wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners: St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire Community Foundation and Cambridgeshire Skills.
We raised £77,553.60 in external grants, where 94% was spent on provision of language courses and the rest for the information/cultural/social events. There were 15 events held in the period, including a bus trip to Norfolk with a visit to Houghton Hall, guided tours of the Scott Polar Museum, social gatherings in Thetford Forest and Wandlebury Park, and graduation ceremonies for the ESOL students. Among the information sessions, the most popular were events addressing topics of Higher Education in the UK, visas and immigration, and grants opportunities in Cambridgeshire.
CamRuSS is most grateful to its volunteers (15 volunteers), ESOL teachers (12 teachers), conversation group leaders (4 leaders), course administrators (Alla Viktorova and Tanya Yurasova) and the group of helpers for making this happen.
Governance
Our Board of Trustees was represented by Sayara Thompson (Acting Chair and GDPR), Ksenia Afonina (Vice-Chair and external/Support for the Ukrainians projects), Alona Gunko (Treasurer), Katia Onatskaia (Events and Membership Officer), Olga Tutubalina (Events and Technical Support), Alla Viktorova (Events and ESOL classes), Alexandra Argunova (Safeguarding Lead), Sayana Namsaraeva (Projects) and Oxana Gerasimova (Secretary).
Honorary Advisers: Janar Davletov, Yelena Karl, Tanya Yurasova
There were monthly meetings of the Board of Trustees and the strategic brainstorming session with the group of our charity’s distinguished Patrons: Sir Tony Brenton, Libby Howie, Prof Anthony Cross, Dr Rachel Polonsky.
We used the Trustees’ WhatApp group for ad-hoc communication and consultation and created an events WhatsApp group for communication related to events.
Finance and Membership
Our main streams of revenue came from Membership fees and ticket sales from events and donations. We are pleased to report that our financial position remains secure with a small surplus of £160 despite multiple donations from CamRuss in 2023.
Our revenue from entrance fees was £5,784, of which £3,300 were donated to the CamRuSS Hardship Fund, other Charitable purposes and Humanitarian Aid. Over £1,000 covered expenses and honoraria for the performers.
The revenue from the membership and the number of members has remained consistent compared to last year. We currently have 148 members (37 of them new members) who brought us a revenue of £1,736. We are grateful to all our members who continued staying with us and we are delighted to welcome the new supporters who joined in 2023.
We are very grateful for all donations (total £1,305) received this year which ranged from £5 to up to over £700 from an individual donor.
Our turnover increased significantly, mostly because of the grants that we received in 2023, some part of which is allocated to cover designated costs in early 2024.
The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuss) is an independent charity. Registration no. 1183636.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) – 26 February 2024
The corporate costs for running the Charity (Administrator, IT, Web hosting, Zoom Licence, Insurance, Fees and Subscription and other expenses) comprised about £7,000 in the period.
Operations and Communications
Communications were delivered by website, regular newsletters (predominantly fortnightly), Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Our website showed an average of 1,000 visits monthly and our Newsletter has 2,712 subscribers to the newsletter. By the end of 2023 the CamRuSS social media accounts grew the number of followers as below: Facebook - 1,900 (1,801 in 2022) and Instagram 392 (318 in 2022).
Our operational activities were supported by the valuable help of the part-time Administrative Assistants: Elena Shampanova - until April 2023 - and Mariia Kashina stepped into this role in May 2023. Elvira Churyumova continued assisting with preparing event recordings and occasional administrative duties.
We are very grateful to our administrators for their hard work, and to Beverley Lott for her help with proofreading.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Members, Patrons, Trustees, Honorary Advisers, team of administrators and volunteers for their amazing work this year. We are also grateful to our partners and collaborators for their support.
We are looking forward to working together in 2024!
Sayara Thompson Acting Chair
The Board of Trustees
The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuSS)
Website: www.camruss.com
Follow us: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRuss) is an independent charity. Registration no. 1183636.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2024 26 February 2024, Trinity Hall, Cambridge
AGM 2023 Agenda
| Agenda item | Speaker | Position | Mins | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | Sayara Thompson | Acting Chair | 1 | |
| Welcome address | Libby Howie | Patron | 10 | |
| Part 1: Reports for 2023 | 11 | |||
| Summary of results | Sayara Thompson | Acting Chair | 8 | |
| CamRuSS for Ukrainians projects | Ksenia Afonina | Vice Chair | 5 | |
| Veterans | Yelena Karl | Adviser | 2 | |
| Membership | Katia Onatskaia | Membership Officer/Events | 2 | |
| Communications | Ksenia Afonina | Vice Chair | 3 | |
| Finances | Varya Veselova | Volunteer (Treasurer) | 3 | |
| Website project update | Sayara Thompson | Acting Chair | 1 | |
| Trustees’ activities | Sayara Thompson | Acting Chair | 1 | |
| Questions/comments | 5 | |||
| Voting for reports approval 2023 | 2 | |||
| Vote of thanks | Sayara Thompson | ActingChair | 32 | |
| Part 2: Plans for 2024 | ||||
| Strategic considerations | Sayara Thompson | Acting Chair | 2 | |
| Objectives | Sayara Thompson | Acting Chair | 2 | |
| Finances and membership fee | Katia Onatskaia | Membership Officer/Events | 2 | |
| Voting: strategic objectives and membership fee | 2 | |||
| Governance: BoT, Advisers update | Sayara Thompson | Acting Chair | 2 | |
| Voting (Board of Trustees, Advisers) | 2 | |||
| Events for 2024 | Sayara Thompson | Acting Chair | 3 | |
| CamRuSS for Ukrainians | Ksenia Afonina | 2 | ||
| Questions/Suggestions/AOB | 5 | |||
| Voting: approval of plans for 2024 | 2 | |||
| AOB and discussion | 10 | |||
| Closure of the meeting | 1 | 38 | ||
| Total | 81 |
PART 1: Reports for 2023
| • | Summary of results for 2023 | - S. Thompson |
|---|---|---|
| • | CamRuSS for Ukrainians | - K. Afonina |
| • | Veterans | - Y. Karl |
| • | Membership 2023 | - E. Onatskaia |
| • | Communications 2023 | - K. Afonina |
| • | Finances 2023 | - V. Veselova |
| • | Trustees’ activities | - S. Thompson |
| • | Questions/comments | |
| • | Voting | |
| • | Vote of thanks |
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 CamRuSS Report 2023
Results for 2023
£1,737 vs £1,774 in 2022 Events: 18 events (6 online), 1000 participants Income: £88,908 vs £32,800 (2022) Grants: £77,553 vs £20,253 (2022) Donations for CamRuSS Hardship Fund and other Charities £3,300 Surplus: 12,050 from which most of the money have been allocated for grants expenses and to the theatre for tickets collections early in 2024 with Net Surplus left £160
Organisation structure 2023
Patrons: Sir Tony Brenton, Libby Howie, Dr Rachel Polonsky, Prof Anthony Cross, Prof Emma Widdis
Board of Trustees:
Sayara Thompson (Acting Chair, GDPR)
Ksenia Afonina (Vice Chair and external/Support for the Ukrainians projects ) Alona Gunko (Treasurer)
Ekaterina Onatskaia (Membership and Events)
Olga Tutubalina (Events and Technical Support)
Alla Viktorova (Events)
Alexandra Argunova (Safeguarding Lead)
Oksana Gerasimova (Secretary) - will be leaving in March 2024 Sayana Namsaraeva (Projects)
Honorary Advisers: John Barber, Janar Davletov, Yelena Karl, Tanya Yurasova Organising Committee (active volunteers):
-
Beverly Lott (proofreading), Natasha Bacon (communications)
-
Dima Mevzos (outdoor BBQ events)
Part-Time Administrator: E. Champanova (till Apr), Mariia Kashina (from May), Elvira Churymova
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 CamRuSS Events 2023
Annual General Meeting 2021-2022
Opening address: Tony Brenton
Date: 16 January 2023 | Key organisers : Ksenia Afonina | Participants : 30 | Format: Hybrid
Speaker: Jenny Antill
“Inconvenient Truths” Talk about her book "Small Acts of Kindness" about Russia in 1825 and the Decembrists
Date: 16 February 2023 | Key organisers : T.Yurasova, S.Thompson | Participants : 30 | Format: In person
Julia Nemirovskaya with 14 poets “Disbelief”, the anthology of Russophone anti-war poetry - Russian Speakers Against War
Date: 24 February 2023 | Key organisers : Yelena Karl | Participants : 73 | Format: Online
Vitaly Pisarenko Piano Recital
Date: 10 March 2023 | Key organisers : Katia Onatskaia| Participants : 66 | Format: In person
Geographies of Russia: Lecture 1 Alexander Chernokulsky “Climate Change in Russia”
Date: 24 March 2023 | Key organisers : Olga Tutubalina| Participants : 41 | Format: online
Geographies of Russia: Lecture 2 Olga Petri
“Places of Tenderness and Heat: The Queer Milieu of Fin-de-Siècle St. Petersburg”
Date: 28 Apr 2023 | Key organisers : Olga Tutubalina| Participants : 41 | Format: Hybrid
Traditional May Day BBQ Wandlebury Country Park
Date: 1 May 2023 | Key organisers : D.Mevzos, O.Tutubalina| Participants : 80 | Format: In person
Geographies of Russia: Lecture 3 Dr Nadezhda Zamyatina
“Arctic cities of Russia: a feat, a mistake, a conditionality?”
Date: 19 May 2023 | Key organisers : Olga Tutubalina| Participants : 56 | Format: online
Peter Hewitt and Jill Morton Piano Recital “Three Russian Composers, Two pianos”
Date: 09 June 2023 | Key organisers : Katia Onatskaia| Participants : 90 | Format: In person
Dr Louise Hardiman Talk : “From Furs to Fabergé: Gifts, Diplomacy and British-Russian Artistic Relations"
Date: 22 June 2023 | Key organisers : Ksenia Afonina| Participants : 54 | Format: Hybrid
White Nights Social gathering with singing
Date: 1 July 2023 | Key organisers : CamRuSS/Mariia Kashina| Participants : 66 | Format: In person
Geographies of Russia: Lecture 4 Dr Natalia Zubarevich
“Russian regions in a new economic reality: economy, social sphere and budgets.”
Date: 15 Sep 2023 | Key organisers : Olga Tutubalina| Participants : 78 | Format: online
Treasure Hunt Social gathering and walking
Date: 17 Sep 2023 | Key organisers : T.Yurasova/S.Thompson| Participants : 66 | Format: In person
Alexander Karpeev and Tama Matheson Concert drama “Prokofiev: The Wandering Tower”
Date: 13 Oct 2023 | Key organisers : Katia Onatskaia| Participants : 64 | Format: In person
Traditional Mushroom Walk & BBQ in Thetford Forest Social gathering
Date: 15 Oct 2023 | Key organisers : D.Mevzos/O.Tutubalina| Participants : 62 | Format: In person
Alexander Samodum
“Acoustic Land” a Harp Guitar Recital
Date: 26 Nov 2023 | Key organisers : A.Bejan/Y.Karl | Participants : 90 | Format: In person
CamRuSS supported
a play “The Shadow”by Vot Takoi Teatr
Date: 9,15 Nov 2023, 21 Jan 24 | Key organisers : Vot Takoi Teatr| Participants : 210 | Format: In person
Christmas gathering
Date: 17 Dec 2023 | Key organisers : M.Barrell, M.Kashina| Participants : 30 | Format: In person
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 CamRuSS for Ukrainians
CamRuSS for the Ukrainians 2023
Overview
-
We delivered 3 ESOL courses (January-April, May-July, September-December) accommodating 159, 156, 169 learners respectively.
-
We held 16 information/cultural/social events for the Ukrainians, where 8 information events were held at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church , online and at Scott Polar Museum .
-
We raised £77,553.60 from 10 grants awarded by 5 different funders .
-
HelpLine
-
Cambridge4UA chat
-
Supported by over 30 volunteers
THANK YOU!
CamRuSS for the Ukrainians 2023
Information/cultural/social events
Information events:
-
Grants for Ukrainians (16.02.23) -51
-
Visas and Immigration advice (16.03.23) - 80
-
Housing information (19.04.23) - 39 4. Guided tour of Scott Polar Museum (25.04.23) -25
-
Higher Education in the UK (23.05.23) - 84 6. Guided tour of Scott Polar Museum (30.05.23) -25
-
Affordable travel in the UK (12.07.23) -22 8. Volunteering opportunities - together with CVS (20.11.23) – 14
Social events (4 joint with CamRuSS programme):
-
Graduation event for the students of ESOL classes (01.04.23) at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church - 80
-
BBQ in Wandlebury Park (01.05.23) -100 (joint with CamRuSS)
-
Trip to Norfolk with the visit to Houghton Hall and picnic (30.06.23) - 47
-
Graduation event for the students of ESOL classes
-
(15.07.23) at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church by groups - 80
-
Cambridge Treasure Hunt (17.09.23) – 25 (joint with CamRuSS)
-
Trip to Thetford Forest (15.10.23) - 61 (joint with CamRuSS)
-
Graduation event for the students of ESOL classes (16.12.23) St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church – 70
-
Christmas gathering – 25 (5) (joint with CamRuSS)
CamRuSS for the Ukrainians 2023
Trip to Norfolk and visit to Houghton Hall (30-06-23)
ESOL classes graduation events April, July, December 2023
CamRuSS ESOL classes at St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church, 2023
CamRuSS for the Ukrainians 2023
Collaborations
-
St Andrew’s Street Baptist Church
-
South Cambridgeshire District Council
-
Cambridge City Council
-
Cambridgeshire Skills
-
Cambridge Ethnic Community Forum
-
The Scott Polar Research Institute
-
UCL
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 Arctic Convoy Veterans project Yelena Karl
Veterans. Donations to charities in the memory of the deceased Timeline:
2015 – Ksenia attended a meeting of the Kennington Arctic convoy club in London. 2012-2024 – Special events to honour Veterans of Russian Arctic convoys 2015-2019 – The annual wreath laying ceremonies at the Soviet War Memorial (SWM) in May and November, in London.
2020-2023 – Cancelled due to COVID and the war in Ukraine.
Greeting cards to veterans every year (from 20+ grew up to 30 people).
•May: VE day cards with a bar of Russian chocolate
•November: Remembrance day (also, to the families of deceased veterans)
•December: Christmas cards with a bar of Russian chocolate
- •Birthday cards, sometimes with flowers or chocolate
In 2023 six veterans ‘crossed the bar’:
Baden Hall, Vic Bashford, Sid Tiffin, Ted Cross, Ernie Kennedy, and Tony Snelling
In 2024 we lost one more: Ned Ruffle .
We donated £100 in 2023: £50 to the Bedford branch of Royal British Legion in the memory of Baden Hall £50 to the Soviet War Memorial Trust (SWMT), London/ in lieu of a wreath
There are five veterans who are still with us:
Eleonora Ivanovna Bulatova, Mr John Wass, Capt Rolfe Montieth, Mr Thomas Ward, and Mr David Kennedy (in a care home; we are staying in touch with his daughters).
Looking ahead:
May 2024 – 5 VE day cards
Nov 2024 – 25 Remembrance day cards(est Dec 2024 – 5 Christmas cards
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 Membership Report Ekaterina Onatskaia
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 Membership report 2023 F•mlly Sta% 2022 2022 2028 2023 Qtrl Qtr2 Qtr3 Qtr4 £342.00 19 members.. S , 14 renewed 7 mb(s: 3 newl4 retumed I member invitatlon 8 members . I ne¥vn returned £3(.(1 É54.eo £18.00 17 members: I new. 16 rened 3 mtrms.. I new12 retumed I membe#.. I new 7 members. I nev416 returned £84. £96. E126.00 IndI¥1dl Stal rl Qtr2 Qtr3 Qtr4 £372.00 £3C.00 32 mefflbeis: S new127 rerumed. IWP 25 ffiettth¥s.. 4 new121 tMed 12 mèmbÈrs.' 8 nÈw14 ietwned. 5 VIP 30 Mernr5.. 11 nÈwl19 rèturned. 6 VIP £372.00 £420. 34 members.. 11 newll3 fetvmed. 3VIP 35 members= 15 new120 returned 10 mÈmbers'. 6 n14 rttumtd. 25 membtrs.. I new/24 returned. £84.(Kl £120. £288.00 £3CIJ.TrJ ¢4U24 fjrnnd T•t*l £456&00 £4716AO 148 m•mb•rd {132 m•mb•rn). S7 n•w195 r•n•w•d. 16 VIP m•mb•Tr IS- n•w)
Membership report 2023
Events, that generated most of the membership renewals and new memberships.
| Date | Event name | Membership |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Jan 2023 | AGM2022 | £143.18 |
| 19 May 2023 | Geographies of Russia Lecture 3. Lecture by Dr Nadezhda Zamyatina |
£116.80 |
| 15 Sep 2023 | Geographies of Russia: Lecture 4 by Prof Natalia Zubarevich |
£87.33 |
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 Communications Report Ksenia Afonina
Communications 2023
Website www.camruss.com
Number of users:
2022 - 12,000 2023 - 14,000
Communications 2023
Newsletters
| Newsletters | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Number of Newsletters |
|||
| 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| Subscribers | 2,625 | 2,595 | 42 | 35 |
| Opening rate | 38%-66% | 41%-70% |
Communications 2023
Social Media
----- Start of picture text -----
Content reach Profile visits
Number of
Followers
2022 2023 2022 2023
1,902 25,639 10,332 2,400 3,584
393 1,877 1,664 561 572
175
----- End of picture text -----
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 1,902 393 Age & gender O Age & gender O fJ O 20V, 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ Women 11 Men Wornen 11 Men
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 New likesand follow$ Facebook Pag• new like$ O N•w In$tagram follow•rs O 42 20.8% 55_ 0.5 11 Apr 28 Oct 9Jul 27 Oct
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 Communications 2023 Followers by countries Topcourrtrie5 Top countries United Kingdom United Kin9dom 67.9% 72% Russia Russia 6% 7.6% United $13tes United Stes •2% Grmany Keny8 France Spain Canada 1 0.9% 1 0.9% Spain 0.9¥ts Switzertand 1 0.8%
Financial Report 2023
Varya Veselova (on behalf of Alona Gunko)
----- Start of picture text -----
INCOME 2023 (£88.909)
Non-
Grants
Income
13%
External
Grants
87%
----- End of picture text -----
CamRuSS Finances 2023
----- Start of picture text -----
EXPENDITURE 2023 (£76,858)
Non-grant
costs
11%
Grant
Expenses
89%
----- End of picture text -----
CamRuSS Finances 2023
NON-GRANT INCOME 2023 (£11,350)
----- Start of picture text -----
Other income
Donations
1%
Membership
12%
15%
Entrance fee
Theatre
21%
Entrance fee
(CamRuuS) NON-GRANT EXPENDITURE (£8,110)
51%
Travel direct cost
Refreshments for the
1%
events
5%
Fees & Subs Guests/performance fee
7% 7%
Web and IT exp
Publicity and
13%
promotion
0%
Other direct cost
7%
Governance cost
2%
Corporate cost (Admin &
other)
58%
----- End of picture text -----
CamRuSS Finances 2023
----- Start of picture text -----
100,000.00
90,000.00
80,000.00
70,000.00
60,000.00
50,000.00
40,000.00
30,000.00
20,000.00
10,000.00
0.00
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Total income Total direct cost Total overheads
Net Surplus / (Deficit) Capital and Reserves
----- End of picture text -----
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total income | 14,645.05 | 14,907.98 | 19,558.36 | 32,799.59 | 88,908.79 |
| Total direct cost | 9185.95 | 1,973.68 | 1257.41 | 2,244.27 | 70,342.70 |
| Total overheads | 16,664.05 | 1,119.28 | 1130.4 | 3,585.63 | 1,636.16 |
| Net Surplus / (Deficit) | 3,869.27 | 9,381.33 | 11,136.86 | 5,365.81 | 12,050.54 |
| Capital and Reserves | 19,510.91 | 28,892.24 | 40,029.10 | 45,396.30 | 57,446.84 |
| CamRuSS Finances 202 | CamRuSS Finances 202 | CamRuSS Finances 202 | CamRuSS Finances 202 | CamRuSS Finances 202 | CamRuSS Finances 202 | CamRuSS Finances 202 | CamRuSS Finances 202 | CamRuSS Finances 202 | CamRuSS Finances 202 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income and Expenditure | ||||||||||
| For theyear ending 31/12/2023 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||
| Income | ||||||||||
| Membership | 1,736.56 | 1,773.53 | 2,298.46 | 1,229.00 | 1,250.45 | 1,768.00 | ||||
| Entrance fee | 8,193.66 | 5,231.19 | 580.94 | 1,472.60 | 4,324.65 | 5,384.82 | ||||
| Ruffle tickets | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 271.21 | 457.16 | ||||
| Donations | 1,304.97 | 2,152.48 | 13,405.18 | 10,900.02 | 3,540.00 | 1,924.00 | ||||
| Sponsorship/External Grants | 77,553.60 | 20,252.80 | 0.00 | 500.00 | 3,990.00 | 3,160.00 | ||||
| E. Marttila Exhibitiongrants | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| Other income | 115.00 | 3,389.59 | 3,273.78 | 805.00 | 1,085.00 | 405.00 | ||||
| Merchandise sale | 5.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 183.50 | 101.20 | ||||
| Bank interest received | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.36 | 0.24 | 0.18 | ||||
| Total income | 88,908.79 | 32,799.59 | 19,558.36 | 14,907.98 | 14,645.05 | 13,200.36 | ||||
| 13% | 9% | #DIV/0! | ||||||||
| Direct Cost | 0.00 | |||||||||
| Rent for the events | 0.00 | 233.78 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 3,272.58 | 1,160.95 | ||||
| Grant Expenses | 68,747.90 | |||||||||
| Refreshments for the events | 423.80 | 150.49 | 100.92 | 198.19 | 691.66 | 848.34 | ||||
| Flowers and souveniers | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 28.60 | 510.03 | 217.43 | ||||
| Travel direct cost | 63.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 134.24 | 1,214.71 | 1,653.80 | ||||
| Guests/performance fee | 536.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 782.50 | 1,186.00 | 785.33 | ||||
| Publicityandpromotion | 37.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 104.00 | 1,825.89 | 923.62 | ||||
| Other direct cost | 535.00 | 1,860.00 | 1,054.10 | 726.15 | 485.08 | 1,804.80 | ||||
| E. Marttila Exhibition costs | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| Previousyears direct cost | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||
| Total direct cost | 70,342.70 | 2,244.27 | 1,257.41 | 1,973.68 | 9,185.95 | 7,394.27 | ||||
| -73% | 24% | #DIV/0! | ||||||||
| Gross Surplus/ (Deficit) | 18,566.09 | 30,555.32 | 18,300.95 | 12,934.30 | 5,459.10 | 5,806.09 | ||||
| -39% | 67% | 41% | 123% | -9% | #DIV/0! | |||||
| Governance cost | 139.19 | 159.75 | 374.22 | 122.20 | 309.50 | 396.79 | ||||
| Corporate cost | 4,740.20 | 21,444.13 | 5,659.47 | 2,311.49 | 897.13 | 242.03 | ||||
| Overheads | ||||||||||
| Web and IT exp | 1,058.16 | 3,191.42 | 919.80 | 969.18 | 104.05 | 189.20 | ||||
| Stationery& Postage | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 4.50 | 132.67 | 169.15 | ||||
| Fees & Subs | 578.00 | 394.21 | 210.60 | 145.60 | 146.48 | 277.36 | ||||
| Total overheads | 1,636.16 | 3,585.63 | 1130.4 | 1,119.28 | 383.20 | 635.71 | ||||
| Net Surplus/ (Deficit) 12,050.54 5,365.81 |
11,136.86 | 9,381.33 | 3,869.27 | 4,531.56 |
CamRuSS Finances 2023
CamRuSS Finances 2023
Balance Sheet
| Balance Sheet | ||
|---|---|---|
| as at Current Assets Bank Current account Bank Deposit account Bank NEW Current account Bank NEW Deposit account PayPal Cash Prepaid Income Current Liabilities Prepaid Expenses Current assets less liabilities Capital & Reserves Reserves Surplus or deficit |
31/12/2023 31/12/2022 31/12/2021 1,389.25 474.56 17,293.15 3342.84 3342.84 3342.84 41,389.34 34,041.24 16,110.34 11,081.15 7,460.40 3,202.28 244.26 77.26 81.88 57,446.84 45,396.30 40,030.49 57,446.84 45,396.30 40,030.49 45,396.30 40,030.49 28,892.24 12,050.54 5,365.81 11,136.86 57,446.84 45,396.30 40,029.10 |
31/12/2020 31/12/2019 31/12/2018 21,145.00 16,834.35 14,974.97 3,342.45 341.33 341.09 1,913.00 0.00 2,307.52 2,016.40 214.67 184.27 318.83 110.91 |
| 28,892.24 19,510.91 15,641.64 |
||
| 28,892.24 19,510.91 15,641.64 |
||
| 19,510.91 15,641.64 11,110.08 9,381.33 3,869.27 4,531.56 |
||
| 28,892.24 19,510.91 15,641.64 |
CamRuSS Website project update
-
Original specification was too complex with a lot of expected functionality which delayed this projects
-
Due to the luck of resources and some problems from developers, it was put on hold for 8 months in 2023
-
Resumed in December 2023
-
A scope was reviewed and simplified, and currently testing
-
Planning to release a new web site by April 2024.
-
In addition to fresh look and feel and a user interface, it will enable CamRuSS members to manage their personal accounts (i.e. update membership and access recordings of past events, etc.).
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 Trustees, report 2023 Trustees, report 2023
Trustees’ report 2023
Trustees are active volunteers
-
Board meetings (2-3 hrs per month)*
-
Board composition (9 people )
-
Specific roles
-
Organised events
-
Hired administrative assistant
-
Recruited more volunteers and trustees
-
Responded to world events
-
Special projects (i.e. new website, CamRuSS for Ukrainians)
-
Prepared and run AGM
-
*The Board met 9 times in 2023, minutes of the meetings are available
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 Q&As and voting Reports approval for 2023
am llss THE CAMBRIDGE USSIAN-SPEAKING SOCIETY F.ST. 1999 Vote of thanks
Communications
Please follow, like, comment, and share:
@camrussuk
CamRuSS1999
@Cam_RuSS
| The Cambridge Russian-SpeakingSociety | The Cambridge Russian-SpeakingSociety | The Cambridge Russian-SpeakingSociety | Charity No | 1183636 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual accounts for theperiod | ||||
| Period start date | 01/01/2023 | To | Period end date |
31/12/2023 |
Section A Statement of financial activities
as per detailed transactions summary
| Recommended categories by activity Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Separate material item of income Other Resources expended Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Separate material item of expense Other Net gains/(losses) on investments Extraordinary items Other gains/(losses) Reconciliation of funds: Total Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Total Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains/(losses) Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Other recognised gains/(losses): Gains and losses on revaluation of fixed assets for the charity’s own use Net movement in funds |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds 2023 £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds 2023 £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds 2023 £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds 2023 £ £ £ £ |
Total funds 2022 £ 24,179 8,621 - - - - 32,800 - 27,434 - - 27,434 5,366 - 5,366 - - - - 5,366 - 5,366 |
Income Membership 1,737 Entrance fee 8,194 Raffle tickets - For the year ending 31/12/2023 |
Income Membership 1,737 Entrance fee 8,194 Raffle tickets - For the year ending 31/12/2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,042 | 77,554 | - | 80,595 | 24,179 | |||
| 8,314 | - | - | 8,314 | 8,621 | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | Donations Sponsorship/External Grants E. Marttila Exhibition grants Other income Merchandise sale Bank interest received |
1,304.97 | |
| - | - | - | - | 77,553.60 | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | 0 | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | 115 | ||
| 11,355 | 77,554 | - | 88,909 | 32,800 | 5 | ||
| 0 | |||||||
| Total income | 88,909 | ||||||
| 37 | - | - | 37 | - | Direct Cost Publicity and promotion Rent for the events Refreshments for the events Flowers and souveniers Travel direct cost Guests/performance fee Other direct cost Grant Expense Previous years direct cost Governance cost Corporate cost Web and IT exp Stationery & Postage Fees & Subs |
37 - 424 - 63 536 535 68,748 - 139 4,740 1,058 - 578 |
|
| 8,073 | 68,748 | - | 76,821 | 27,434 | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| 8,110 | 68,748 | - | 76,858 | 27,434 | |||
| 3,245 | 8,806 | - | 12,051 | 5,366 | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| 3,245 | 8,806 | - | 12,051 | 5,366 | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||
| 3,245 | 8,806 | - | 12,051 | 5,366 | |||
| Total expenditure | 76,858 | ||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | 12,051 | ||
| 3,245 | 8,806 | - | 12,051 | 5,366 |
Section B Balance sheet as at 31/12/2023 The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society
| Fixed assets Intangible assets Tangible assets Heritage assets Investments Total fixed assets Current assets Stocks Debtors Investments Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current assets/(liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after one year Provisions for liabilities Total net assets or liabilities Funds of the Charity Endowment funds Restricted income funds Unrestricted funds Revaluation reserve Total funds Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ £ |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total this year Total last year £ £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| 44,442 | 13,005 | - | 57,447 | 45,396 | |
| 44,442 | 13,005 | - | 57,447 | 45,396 | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| 44,442 | 13,005 | - | 57,447 | 45,396 | |
| 44,442 | 13,005 | - | 57,447 | 45,396 | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| 44,442 | 13,005 | - | 57,447 | 45,396 | |
| - | - | - | |||
| 13,005 | 13,005 | 45,396 | |||
| 44,442 | - | 44,442 | |||
| - | |||||
| 13,005 | 44,442 | - | 57,447 | 45,396 | |
| Name | Position | Date of | |||
| O Starobinskaya | Trustee & Treasurer | 10/04/2024 | |||
| K Afonina | Trustee | 10/04/2024 |
15/10/2024
CC17a (Excel)
1
| Notes to the accounts | funds income funds Total funds £ 1,305 - - 1,305 - - - - - - - - - 77,554 - 77,554 1,737 - - 1,737 5 - - 5 3,047 77,554 - 80,600 - - - - 8,194 - - 8,194 - - - 115 - - 115 8,309 - - 8,309 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11,355 77,554 - 88,909 For the year ending 31 December 2023 |
funds income funds Total funds £ 1,305 - - 1,305 - - - - - - - - - 77,554 - 77,554 1,737 - - 1,737 5 - - 5 3,047 77,554 - 80,600 - - - - 8,194 - - 8,194 - - - 115 - - 115 8,309 - - 8,309 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11,355 77,554 - 88,909 For the year ending 31 December 2023 |
funds income funds Total funds £ 1,305 - - 1,305 - - - - - - - - - 77,554 - 77,554 1,737 - - 1,737 5 - - 5 3,047 77,554 - 80,600 - - - - 8,194 - - 8,194 - - - 115 - - 115 8,309 - - 8,309 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11,355 77,554 - 88,909 For the year ending 31 December 2023 |
funds income funds Total funds £ 1,305 - - 1,305 - - - - - - - - - 77,554 - 77,554 1,737 - - 1,737 5 - - 5 3,047 77,554 - 80,600 - - - - 8,194 - - 8,194 - - - 115 - - 115 8,309 - - 8,309 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 11,355 77,554 - 88,909 For the year ending 31 December 2023 |
for the ye 31/12/2022 Total funds £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other: TOTAL INCOM Note 1 Donations and legacies: Charitable activities: Other trading activities: Income from investments: Separate material item of income: |
Analysis of income Analysis |
|||||
| Donations and gifts | 1,305 | - | - | 1,305 | 2,152 | |
| Gift Aid | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Legacies | - | - | - | - | - | |
| General grants provided by government/other | - | 77,554 | - | 77,554 | 20,253 | |
Membership subscriptions and sponsorships |
1,737 | - | - | 1,737 | 1,774 | |
Other |
5 | - | - | 5 | ||
| Total | 3,047 | 77,554 | - | 80,600 | 24,179 | |
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Entrance fee | 8,194 | - | - | 8,194 | 5,231 | |
| Raffle tickets | - | - | - | - | ||
| Other | 115 | - | - | 115 | 3,390 | |
| Total | 8,309 | - | - | 8,309 | 8,621 | |
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Merchandise sale | - | - | - | - | ||
| Total | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Interest income | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Dividend income | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Rental and leasing income | - | - | - | - | - | |
Other |
- | - | - | - | - | |
| Total | - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Total | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Conversion of endowment funds into income | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Gain on disposal of a tangible fixed asset held | - | - | - | - | - | |
Gain on disposal of a programme related |
- | - | - | - | - | |
Royalties from the exploitation of intellectual |
- | - | - | - | - | |
Other |
- | - | - | - | - | |
| Total E |
- | - | - | - | - | |
| 11,355 | 77,554 | - | 88,909 | 32,800 |
| as per detailed transactions | summary |
|---|---|
| For the year ending 31/12/2023 | |
| Income | |
| Membership | 1,737 |
| Entrance fee | 8,194 |
| Raffle tickets | - |
| Donations | 1,305 |
| Sponsorship/External Grants | 77,554 |
| E. Marttila Exhibition grants | - |
| Other income | 115 |
| Merchandise sale | 5 |
| Bank interest received | - |
| Total income | 88,909 |
15/10/2024
CC17a (Excel)
1
Notes to the accounts
| Notes to the accounts | Notes to the accounts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fudraising agents Merchandise cost Portfolio management costs Cost of obtaining investment advice Investment administration costs Intellectual property licencing costs Rent collection, property repairs and maintenance charges Advertising, marketing, direct mail and publicity Start up costs incurred in generating new source of future ~~i~~Database development costs Note 2 Analysis of expenditure Analysis Expenditure on raising funds: Incurred seeking donations Other trading activities Investment management costs: Incurred seeking legacies Incurred seeking grants Operating membership schemes and social lotteries Staging fundraising events Operating a trading company undertaking non-charitable trading activity TOTAL EXPENDITURE Governance cost Corporate Cost Total other expenditure Other Other direct cost Total expenditure on charitable activities Total Expenditure on charitable activities Rent for the events Grant Expenses Refreshments for the events Separate material item of expense Flowers and souvenirs Travel Direct cost Guest/performance fee Stationery & Postage Web and IT expenses Fees & Subscriptions Total expenditure on raising funds |
Analysis of expenditure Analysis |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds £ - - - - - - - - - - 37 - 37 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 37 - - 37 - - - - 68,748 - 68,748 424 - 424 - - 63 63 536 536 - - 1,058 1,058 578 578 535 - - 535 3,194 68,748 - 71,942 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 139 - - 139 4,740 - - 4,740 - - - - - - - - - - - - 4,879 - - 4,879 8,110 68,748 - 76,858 For the year ending 31 December 2023 |
for the ye 31/12/2022 Total funds £ |
|||
| Incurred seeking donations | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Incurred seeking legacies | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Incurred seeking grants | ||||||
| Operating membership schemes and social lotteries |
||||||
| Staging fundraising events | ||||||
| Fudraising agents | ||||||
| Merchandise cost | - | - | ||||
| Operating a trading company undertaking non-charitable trading activity |
- | - | ||||
| Advertising, marketing, direct mail and publicity |
37 | - | 37 | - | ||
Start up costs incurred in generating new source of future |
- | - | - | - | - | |
| ~~i~~Database development costs | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Other trading activities | - | |||||
| Investment management costs: | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Portfolio management costs | - | - | - | - | - | |
Cost of obtaining investment advice |
- | - | - | - | - | |
| Investment administration costs | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Intellectual property licencing costs |
- | - | - | - | - | |
| Rent collection, property repairs and maintenance charges |
- | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Total expenditure on raising funds |
37 | - |
- | 37 | - | |
| Rent for the events | - | - | - | 234 | ||
| Grant Expenses | - | 68,748 | - | 68,748 | - | |
| Refreshments for the events | 424 | - | 424 | 150 | ||
| Flowers and souvenirs | - | - | 56 | |||
| Travel Direct cost | 63 | 63 | ||||
| Guest/performance fee | 536 | 536 | ||||
| Stationery & Postage | - | - | - | |||
| Web and IT expenses | 1,058 | 1,058 | 3,191 | |||
| Fees & Subscriptions | 578 | 578 | 394 | |||
| Other direct cost | 535 | - | - | 535 | 23,248 | |
| Total expenditure on charitable activities |
3,194 | 68,748 | - | 71,942 | 27,274 | |
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Total | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Governance cost | 139 | - | - | 139 | 160 | |
| Corporate Cost | 4,740 | - | - | 4,740 | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Total other expenditure | 4,879 | - | - | 4,879 | 160 | |
| 8,110 | 68,748 | - | 76,858 | 27,434 |
15/10/2024
CC17a (Excel)
1
10/15/24, 2:32 PM
Gmail - Re: Request to act as an independent examiner for CamRuSS
Sayara Thompson sayarauzb@gmail.com
Re: Request to act as an independent examiner for CamRuSS
1 message
Elizaveta Davletova lizzza@hotmail.co.uk
Thu, Jul 4, 2024 at 8:18 AM
To: Olga oxstarob@yahoo.co.uk
Cc: Sayara Thompson sayarauzb@gmail.com, CamRuSS-google camruss1999@gmail.com, Ksenia Afonina kseniaafonina@yahoo.com, Varya Veselova varina_v@hotmail.com
Dear Trustees,
Thank you for your prompt replies and addi�onal informa�on. I have now conducted my checks, please find a�ached dated and signed report based on my examina�on to be filed with the Commission as part of your annual return.
I am also a�aching my working notes file and the checklist of examina�on ac�vi�es. Please could you add these two files, signed report and the email correspondence to the google link drive? These files will be a part of working papers required to be retained for the next 6 years in case Charity Commission requests copies of reports.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if have any ques�ons
Kind regards
Liza
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=9b60a19290&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f:1803397999869508916%7Cmsg-f:1803632020540430…
1/5
Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of The Cambridge Russian-Speaking Society (CamRus)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Cambridge RussianSpeaking Society (CamRus) for the year ended 31 December 2023
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 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 examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material 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 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records.
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.
Signed:
Name: Elizaveta Davletova
CGMA
Address: 98 Duxford road, Whittlesford, Cambridge, CB22 4NH
Date: 02.07.24
Independent examination of charity accounts checklist (CC32a)
A recommended checklist for examiners
This checklist is not suitable for the examination of voluntary group accounts.
1. Self-assessment checklist
The questions in this checklist are designed to help the examiner to undertake their independent examination in accordance with the legal requirements and good practice recommendations set out in the Commission’s guidance on Independent examination of charity accounts: Directions and guidance for examiners (CC32).
The examiner is recommended to use the checklist alongside the Directions for independent examination. Not all the checks listed will apply in the case of every independent examination and so the checklist is not a substitute to the examiner using their own judgment as to what is necessary.
The prompt ‘step done’ may prompt a ‘yes’ or ‘no’. A ‘no’ answer does not always indicate a problem because it may simply be that the step was either not applicable or found not to be necessary to the examination undertaken in which case the words ‘not applicable’ or ‘not necessary’ might be entered in place of a working paper reference.
Some answers may be ‘no’ because the evidence or information that was needed could not be obtained and this will need to be considered when the examiner makes their report. It is recommended that all the steps for each Direction are completed with a working paper reference added.
It may be that the examiner completes the checklist as they go through the examination or as a completeness check at the end as they bring their examination to a conclusion and prepare their report. There is no legal requirement to use this checklist and examiners may substitute their own checklist or take an alternative approach.
If the checklist is completed it is recommended that this forms part of the formal record of their independent examination undertaken and is kept in the file of examiner’s working papers.
2. Checklist
| The Directions and documentation | Step done? |
Working paper reference |
|---|---|---|
| Direction 1: Check whether the charity is eligible to have an independent examination |
||
| Checked the charity audit threshold applying to the accounts to be reviewed |
YES | Google Drive – accounts & bank statement |
| Checked an audit is not required for anyother reason | YES | Google drive – constitution |
| Confirmed the charityis eligible for independent examination | ||
| Confirmed the amount of the charity’s income to figure shown the accounts (including any branches) and confirmed that income and assets are below the audit threshold or, if applicable, obtained a copy of the letter from the Commission approvingan audit dispensation |
YES | Google Drive – accounts & bank statement |
| If the charity has one or more subsidiaries confirmed that group accounts are not required bylaw |
N/A | |
| If a charitable company checked that the audit exemption statement has been made |
N/A | |
| If applicable, rechecked the threshold calculation during the examination |
N/A | |
| If the charity’s income is more than £250,000 confirmed that the examiner is a member of one of the listed bodies |
N/A | |
| If applicable, informed the trustees that the charity is not eligible for an independent examination |
N/A | |
| If receipts and payments accounts have been prepared, checked that the charity’s gross income is less than £250,000 and that it is not a company |
YES | Google Drive – accounts & bank statement, constitution, AGM |
| If receipts and payments accounts have been prepared, check that there is no requirement to prepare accruals accounts in the charity’sgoverningdocument or for anyother reason |
YES | Google Drive – accounts & bank statement, constitution, AGM |
| If applicable, informed the trustees that the charity is not eligible toprepare receipts andpayments accounts |
N/A | |
| Direction 2: Check for any conflict of interest that prevents the examiner from carrying out their independent examination |
||
| Confirmed that there are no close personal relationships with the trustees that compromise independence |
YES | |
| Confirmed as having no the day to day involvement in the administration of the charity |
YES | |
| If providing other services to the charity then confirmed that all the criteria in Direction 2 necessaryfor independence are met |
N/A | |
| Identified that there are no circumstances in the examiner’s judgment that would reasonably lead to the perception that the examiner is not independent |
YES |
| The Directions and documentation | Ste p don |
Working paper reference |
|---|---|---|
| Considered whether sufficiently skilled to carry out the examination and, where required, confirmed membership of a listed body |
YES | |
| If applicable, informed the trustees that you are not eligible to carryout the independent examination |
N/A | |
| Direction 3: Recordyour independent examination | ||
| File of working papers prepared to document the work undertaken (see the Direction for guidance on key working papers) |
YES | Google drive |
| Evidence of appointment on file | YES | Email from trustees |
| If issued,letter of engagement signed bythe trustees on file | YES | Email from trustees |
| Documentation of steps required byDirection 1 are all done | YES | Google drive |
| Documentation that steps required byDirection 2 are all done | YES | Google drive |
| Analytical review documented | YES | G drive Directions summary doc |
| Areas of concern identified and noted whether these were resolved or if unresolved and significant have included them in the examiner’s report |
YES | No concerns, additional information was provided on request, sample back up provided, ~~l hklit~~ |
| Verification and vouching procedures undertaken and any checks made are on file |
YES | ~~see sampe cecs~~ Google drive |
| Copyof approved accounts on file | YES | Google drive – excel accounts |
| Copyof trustees’ annual report on file | YES | AGM report |
| Copies of information relied upon as part of the examination are on file |
YES | Google drive |
| If applicable,copies of written assurancesgiven | N/A | |
| Recorded the conclusions drawn as an outcome of the independent examination that support the examiner’s report are on file |
YES | G drive Directions summary doc |
| Recorded any matters of material significance about which a report must be made direct to the Commission |
N/A | |
| Recorded whether to exercise discretion and report on relevant matters direct to the Commission |
N/A | |
| Direction 4: Planyour independent examination | ||
| Obtained an understanding of the charity’s constitution, objectives, organisational structure, the funds managed, its activities and accountingrecords and systems |
YES | Google drive |
| Planned specific examination procedures appropriate to the circumstances of the charity |
YES | Google drive |
| Reviewed whether any areas for improvement were advised to the trustees in the previous year’s independent examiner’s report (or audit report and management letter) and looked to see if anyaction taken |
N/A | First year eligible for independent examination due to income thresholds |
| Considered the financial risks identified and, where accruals accounts prepared, considered whether the trustees have evidence that shows that the charityis agoingconcern |
N/A | Although checked for sufficient fuds |
| Noted any implications for the examiner’s report and for separate reportingto the Commission |
N/A |
| The Directions and documentation | Step done? |
Working paper reference |
|---|---|---|
| Direction 5: Check that accounting records are kept to the required standard |
||
| Checked that accounting records have been kept are complete and considered if theyhave been kept to the required standard |
YES | Google drive |
| Asked the trustees about how they ensure the accounting records are complete |
YES | Google drive. Detailed transactions & recs |
| If corrections made or records created during the examination, the trustee approval for these has been sought and obtained |
N/A | |
| Asked the trustees if they carried out a review of the charity’s internal financial controls in theyear reported |
YES | |
| Noted any implications for the examiner’s report and for separate reportingto the Commission |
YES | |
| Direction 6: Check that the accounts are consistent with the accounting records |
||
| Compared the accounts with the underlyingaccountingrecords | YES | Google Drive – accounts & |
| Checked some entries from the listing of transactions of income and expenditure to vouchers such as invoices, bank statements,and receipts. |
YES | Google Drive – samples check file |
| If applicable, confirmed that the trustees have taken the necessary steps to ensure that restricted or endowed funds are correctlyreported in the accounts |
N/A | |
| If additional checks were necessary, the evidence was found that showed the accounting record was complete, voucher present,and both supported the entryin the accounts |
N/A | |
| Direction 7: If the accounts are prepared on an accruals basis and one or more related party transactions took place the examiner must check if these were properly disclosed in the notes to the accounts |
||
| Checked that the disclosures required by the SORP have been made and are complete |
N/A | |
| Considered whether there are any implications for the examiner’s report and reportingto the Commission |
N/A | |
| If receipts and payments accounts prepared and a related party transaction note was provided, then checked the note for anyimplications for the examiner’s report |
N/A | |
| Direction 8: Check the reasonableness of the significant estimates and judgments and accounting policies used in accounting for the types of fund held and in the preparation of the accounts |
||
| Checked with the trustees that the separate funds of the charity have been correctly accounted for and reported correctly in the accounts |
YES | Google Drive, accounts, extra summary on restricted and unrestricted funds |
| Checked the reasonableness of any significant estimates or judgments that have been made inpreparingthe accounts |
YES |
| The Directions and documentation | Step done? |
Working paper reference |
|---|---|---|
| Where accruals accounts are prepared, checked that the accounting policies adopted are consistent with the SORP and are appropriate to the activities of the charity |
N/A | |
| Where accruals accounts are prepared, checked that the accounts wereprepared on agoingconcern basis |
N/A | |
| Noted any implications for the examiner’s report and for separate reportingto the Commission |
N/A | |
| Direction 9: The examiner must check whether the trustees have considered the financial circumstances of the charity at the end of the reporting period and, if the accounts are prepared on an accruals basis, check whether the trustees have made an assessment of the charity’s position as a going concern when approving the accounts |
||
| Asked the trustees whether they expect the charity to be able to settle outstanding invoices, bills and commitments as and when they fall due |
YES | Google drive -reserves summary |
| Asked the trustees about the reserves policy and the adequacy of the level of reserves held |
YES | |
| Where accruals accounts are prepared, checked that the trustees’ have made an assessment of going concern and that their assessment is reasonable given the information available |
N/A | |
| Where accruals accounts are prepared, checked that the SORP’s disclosures about going concern have been made |
N/A | |
| Noted any implications for the examiner’s report and for separate reporting to the Commission |
N/A | |
| Direction 10: Check the form and content of the accounts | ||
| Where receipts and payments accounts have been prepared, checked that the charity can lawfully prepare such accounts, that all the accounting statements are present and that the funds of the charity are correctly identified |
YES | Google Drive – accounts & bank statement |
| Where accruals accounts are prepared, checked that they complywith the SORP and applicable accountingstandard |
N/A | |
| If the charity is a company, checked that the accounts also complywith the applicable companylaw requirements |
N/A | |
| Noted any implications for the examiner’s report and for separate reportingto the Commission |
N/A | |
| Direction 11: Identify items from the analytical review of the accounts that need to be followed up for further explanation or evidence |
||
| Carried out an analytical review | YES | G drive Directions |
| The Directions and documentation | Step done? |
Working paper reference |
|---|---|---|
| Following the analytical review, selected material items in the accounts for further explanation or supportingevidence |
YES | G drive Directions summary doc, samples summary |
| If the accounts could be materially misstated, additional checks were undertaken and the examiner is satisfied that the item(s) identified were satisfactorily explained and correctly included in the accounts |
N/A | checked |
| Noted any implications for the examiner’s report and for separate reportingto the Commission |
N/A | |
| Direction 12: Compare the trustees’ annual report with the accounts |
||
| Checked that any figure for reserves quoted in the trustees’ annual report is not materially inconsistent with the accounts |
YES | Google drive- AGM&general report, accounts&bank cross check |
| Compared the trustees’ annual report with the accounts for any material inconsistency |
YES | Google drive- AGM&general report, accounts&bank cross check |
| Noted any implications for the examiner’s report and for separate reportingto the Commission |
N/A | |
| Direction 13: Write and sign the independent examination report |
||
| Reviewed the conclusions from the independent examination | YES | SummaryCC32 directions |
| Considered whether the examination has identified a matter of concern that should be reported in the examiner’s report |
YES | none |
| Checked that the examiner’s report covers all of the matters required |
YES | Check list and directions |
| If relying on the work of others in undertaking the independent examination, the examiner is fully satisfied with their work and that work has been fullydocumented |
N/A | |
| Signed and dated the examiner’s report | YES | Signed report in two copies |
| Reported matters of material significance direct to the Commission |
N/A | |
| Exercised discretion and reported relevant matters direct to the Commission |
N/A |
Independent examination of CamRuss (The Charity) Accounts FY23, workings notes Author: Elizaveta Davletova, CGMA
Date: 02.07.24
These records along with all back up documentation review to be retained for 6 years from the end of the fin year they relate to.
Working papers should normally be retained by the examiner for six years from the end of the financial year to which they relate, and should provide a sufficient record of what the examiner has done. If the examiner ceases to act and is requested to transfer their records to the new examiner, the new examiner should provide a written assurance that they will retain these records for the requisite 6 years before any records are transferred. This is necessary because in the event the Commission requires copies of the examiner’s records or needs the
examiner to answer questions about the examination the Commission will look to the examiner who signed the independent examination report to provide them.
all back up reports including Examiners checklist saved in Google drives, on the below link
Direction 1
Audit is not required, as the charity income does not exceed threshold as per annual accounts £88.9m Accounts are prepared on cash basis (no accrual accounting is required)
Direction 2
No connections to Cam Rus charity, appointment by trustees is confirmed in the email communication
Direction 3
All necessary information has been provided by the chair I a shared drive CamRuSS Google drive:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WnUsud1huWlU2xu6WyAly3YAAwz8PSyG?usp=sharing
1. Constitution
-
Finance Policy
-
AGM Report for 2023 (slides)
-
General report for 2023 (text)
-
Extract from AGM Report - Finance (slides)
-
Accounts Excel file
-
Link to BoT meetings' minutes:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M_DbkqJks-D_74WNSJhIJHKumLL34GjY?usp=sharing
-
Organisational Chart for 2023 and 2024 (I wasn't sure which one would be relevant to you, probably 2023)
-
NatWest statements summary
Additional information files was requested
-
Bank statements with closing balances as per the finance report and records
-
breakdown of reserves (restricted/unrestricted funds)
The examination is conducted free of charge
Direction 4
the following documentation has been reviewed and cross checked:
-
the charity’s constitution
-
the way the organisation is controlled and managed - org chat, website, general report
-
whether action has been taken on any previous recommendations for improvement - FY23 is the first year after incorporation where an independent examination is required due to exceed £25k income threshold
• the accounting records and systems - the accounts are performed without an accounting system, at detailed transactional level on cash/receipts bases. All records are clear an available for review
• the charity’s structure, its funds and how fund balances changed in the year - finance report and annual accounts
• the charity’s activities in the year and spending and the financial risks the charity faces- detailed records are kept, bank accounts are positive at the year end
Direction 5
The accounting records kept by the charity were:
up to date at the time the accounts are prepared
readily available
included transactional information from which the charity’s financial position can be understood on any selected date and at the end of the reporting period (financial year FY23)
Receipts, invoices and contracts were available on request. Random samoels were chosen (see next Direction)
Direction 6
A comparison of accounts with the underlying accounting records to consider whether the accounts that have been prepared properly, show what income the charity has received and how it has spent its charitable funds, has been performed
The accounting records samples are detailed and fully reconcile to bank statements. All requested details were available
Random samples of transactions have been asked to be provided with extra back up, contracts/ invoices/ receipts and proof of bank transfers to make sure all the funds are spend for the purpose stated in the constitution of the charity
Please see document called 'Samples Request'
Cambridgeshire council sample of Grant was reviewed and checked against receipt and Grantor conditions. Some grands were not enough to cover related expenditure, the funds In these cases were taken from unrestricted funds or other similar grands where there were an underspend. Communication with permission from Grantors to do so was communicated via an email (part of back up)
Direction 7
Not applicable as accounts are not prepared on accruals basis
Trustees preparing receipts and payment accounts are not legally required to include in the accounts a note disclosing related party transactions.
Direction 8
Checks was done to see if separate funds of the charity have been correctly accounted for and reported correctly in the accounts
The accounts clearly state type of income and expenditure and receipts are group accordingly Restricted and Unrestricted income records are identified in the accounts (i.e. grants income is separated)
Direction 9
The trustees appear to have assessed what invoices, bills and commitments remain outstanding at the end of the reporting period and whether the trustees have identified if they can settle these as and when they fall due the reserves have sufficient unrestricted funds (77% of the total reserves amount of £57.4k) as per additional back up split of reserves funds.
Matching bank statements have been provided (main account statement is on doc back up called Transactions-601130-25395637--01-01-2023-31-12-2023) £41.2k
Direction 10
The charity can lawfully prepare accounts , all the accounting statements are present and that the funds of the charity are correctly identified
Opening and closing bank statement amounts matching accounts
payments and receipts records checked against bank statements on sample basis
Direction 11
Analytical review involving comparing the analysis of the cash received and the cash spent in the current year with the previous year to identify any significant changes from year to year has been performed sample material items, like large grants and salary payments were asked to be provided with more details.
The accounts in FY23 had significant increase in income due to receipt of several grants. All the checks appear to confirm they were spend in accordance with primary objective of the charity and grantor conditions Other activities (i.e. mbership fees appear to be in line with prior years)
Increase in Entrance fees income correspond with the amount of organised event in the year checked history for consistency. Crossed checked closing and opening balances. Receipts and transactions descriptions. Checked constitution is in line with expenditure type.
Direction 12
The narrative information and finance section in the trustees’ annual report appear to be in line with the accounts. No material inconsistency between the trustees’ annual report and the accounts has been identified income and expenditure reported in the accounts is cross checked for consistency with the nature and scale of activities described in the trustees’ annual report
The level of reserves stated in the trustees’ annual report is consistent with the accounts (see Direction 9 notes).
Direction 13
Accounts provided are as per point 13.16 Direction 13 signed and approved by the Trustees, confirmation is in The examiner must not sign their report before the trustees have approved and signed the trustees’ annual report and the accounts. Until the trustees have approved and signed the accounts, the accounts are draft and not final
The sighed report is attached in the records
4.2: examiner’s unqualified report (for a non-company charity preparing receipts and payments accounts) with a gross income of £250,000 or less in the relevant financial year