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2023-06-30-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01 July 2022 Period start date To 30 June 2023 Period end date

Charity name: Tyneside Welcomes Charity registration number: 1183738

Objectives and Activities

SORP
reference
Summary of the purposes
of the charity as set out in
its governing document		 Para 1.17 Tyneside Welcomes exists for the public benefit of
refugees and their host communities in Northeast
England:-
(1) To relieve poverty and to preserve and protect
the physical and mental health of those granted
refugee status and their dependants particularly by
practical support, advice and assistance with the
provision of housing;
(2) To advance the education and training of those
granted refugee status and their dependents in
need thereof so as to advance them in life and
assist them to adapt within a new community; and
In furtherance of the above 2 purposes the
organisation Tyneside Welcomes sponsors the
integration of refugees and local communities
through practical action and supportive partnerships
with statutory and other agencies.
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 way we achieve 1 and 2 is through the
community sponsorship scheme (the community
version of the UK Resettlement Scheme -UKRS-
utilised by Local Authorities) with the Home Office.
We fundraise for the required 9K per family, identify
housing, develop a resettlement plan covering
ESOL, education, cultural orientation and
integration, support with banking, benefits and
budgeting, volunteering and employment and
accessing health and other relevant services. We
submit applications to the Home Office and when
approved we sign up to a contract to provide
support services to the family.
We have developed a one organisation model
whereby, through a core group of lead sponsors,
we provide lead sponsorship for emerging
community sponsorship groups that establish
‘branches’ of Tyneside Welcomes. To date we have
the original Forest Hall branch plus Amnesty North
East Welcomes (currently working in Gateshead),
Gosforth and North Shields Welcomes branches.
RESET have showcased our work in their publicity.

1

https://resetuk.org/stories/as-the-lead-sponsor-we- https://resetuk.org/stories/as-the-lead-sponsor-we-
are-like-the-trunk-of-a-tree-and-each-group-we-
support-is-like-one-of-the-tree-s-branches
Working on a broader geographical basis means
we have had to build relationships with three Local
Authorities: North Tyneside, Gateshead and
Newcastle. We have been successful in getting
approval to operate community sponsorship in all
three Local Authority areas.
The specific activities we have been involved with
have been.
-
Transition to independence for the first
family in Forest Hall (arrived 1 July 2021).
We have identified a more suitable property
for them via a private landlord in Forest Hall
and they moved in February 2023. Tyneside
Welcomes have taken on the property
management role for the house for the
duration of the 2 years lease. We have also
supported them in getting on Tyne and Wear
Homes register and with application for
Indefinite Leave to Remain/citizenship status
for their young daughter (now over 1 year
old).
-
Supporting new branches to build
membership, submit applications to the
Home Office and support new families
arriving–three new applications have been
approved this financial year and families
arrived on 8 November and 8 December
2022 and 14 June 2023.
-
Post-arrival meetings with RESET were
positive for all families but sadly there has
been family breakdown in the Gateshead
and North Shields families. This has
required complex negotiations with Home
Office and Local Authorities involved and
project management of transition process
whereby Local Authorities take on
community sponsorship contracts. We have
an outstanding situation in Gateshead where
the father has been left in limbo outside any
resettlement scheme and we are working
within our broader charitable remit to offer
support. He has complex physical and
mental health needs and we continue to
advocate for him.
-
The Gosforth branch are successfully
settling a family of 4 in the Ouseburn area
and are providing daily support and advice
and organising social activities.
-
Fundraising efforts have reduced because of
time dedicated to supporting families but

2

donations are still healthy i.e. individual
donations and standing orders.
-
Identifying properties. We have successfully
identified three landlords who are willing to
rent their properties at the housing benefit
allowance cap. In all cases this entails
taking on some property management
responsibilities and in one case we have
had extra expense to cover some void costs
and minor repairs. The property in
Gateshead will not be used in the longer
term because of the family breakdown.
-
We also developed a working partnership
with Hexham and Newcastle Diocese to
source property.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees
have had regard to the
guidance issued by the
Charity Commission on
public benefit		 Para 1.18 The trustees have had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
New Trustees have been sent government
guidance on becoming a trustee and had induction
by zoom on Tyneside Welcomes constitution and
charitable objectives.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charity-
trustee-welcome-pack
We aim to recruit at least one Trustee with
experience of being a refugee in the next year.

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

SORP
reference
Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Tyneside Welcomes does not make grants.
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment		 Para 1.38 n/a
Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38 We have now had over 2 years’ experience in
supporting the original Forest Hall family and
welcomed three further families in this financial
year. Experienced volunteers are mentoring
newer volunteers and providing cross branch
support.
All Tyneside Welcomes activity is volunteer-led.
No member or Trustee has received payment.
Volunteers have given skills and resources to
which they have access – financial, governance
administrative, safeguarding, support, fundraising
and other professional skills, time and effort. This
has put us in the position that we have the
combined skills, expertise and resources to
resettle multiple families.

3

The lead sponsorship support we provide to our
new branches is voluntary and without any
charge. We have also been able to provide pump
prime funding to enable new branches to rapidly
submit applications to the Home Office and
receive families. As described above there have
been challenges this year with family breakdowns
in both Gateshead and North Shields. This has
put a huge amount of pressure on volunteers.
The two associated community sponsorship
contracts have been taken on by Local
Authorities who are best placed to deal with
complex issues of housing when there is family
breakdown.
Other We have sent an evaluation to Pickwell
Foundation related to our successful application
for a grant from the Shapiro Fund last year. This
is administered through Pickwell Foundation
(4.5K) and is aimed at speeding up the
community sponsorship process so new groups
do not have to fund raise the full 9K before they
can re-settle a family.
We have been successful this year in a bid to
Community Foundation for a small grant (£3,700)
to cover training costs and one year membership
of Tyne and Wear Citizens.

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 - we have increased membership and
capacity and were acting as lead sponsor
for four branches rather than one (the
principle is still the same but there is now
no formal lead sponsorship role for
Gateshead and North Shields). RESET
nominated Tyneside Welcomes as a
Principal Sponsor in November 2021. This
has entailed organisational work on
systems and processes. We have revised
how financial information is presented and
can provided a more complex breakdown
by branch and activity.
- we have developed relationships with
Local Authorities and other stake-holders
and provided financial management and
governance within Tyneside Welcomes so
that the three families welcomed this year
are supported to resettle in the UK.
-positive examples of resettlement have
knock on effects; changing attitudes and
promoting inclusivity in local communities.

4

-we have taken an outreach approach to use of social media so interested parties are aware of what we are doing through our blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts whilst avoiding undue publicity on the family themselves and their refugee status.

Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		 Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		 where relevant about:
Achievements against
objectives set		 Para 1.41 We have been successful in getting home
Office approval to welcome 3 families this
financial year, across three Local
Authorities. We have sourced four
properties: across the private sector and
through work with Newcastle and Hexham
Diocese. Because of unforeseen family
breakdowns we have managed the
challenging situations presented and
developed transition plans with Gateshead
and North Tyneside Local Authorities.
Transition plan for father in the Gateshead
family is pending.
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set		 Para 1.41 We have managed our existing
commitments and have sufficient funds to
consolidate our work and start planning
another application to the Home Office.
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41 n/a
Other

5

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 The end of year balance for 2022/2023
was:
Triodos: £15,672.28
Cooperative Bank: £7468.06
Total: £23,140,34
(Please see full financial report added at
end of main report)
The first family is now financially
independent and we have some time
limited financial demand from the two
families now being supported by Local
Authorities. It has been agreed by Trustees
that, within the remit of our broader
charitable objectives, we can provide some
support such as social activities and
accompanying individuals to medical
appointments.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 We have no formal reserves policy at
present time. However, following
recommendations from our external
assessor, we intend to maintain a reserve
of 2K unrestricted funding as a contingency
for unexpected events e.g. covering for
emergency repairs, additional costs
incurred by family breakdown. We do not
employ staff and have very small running
costs so this should be sufficient but we will
keep it under review. We will amend our
financial policy accordingly.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 £2K
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 The main uncertainty is Government Policy
related to the Community Sponsorship
model. Our reliance on volunteers brings
with it the assumption (and associated risk)
that there will be people willing to
undertake the work on an ongoing basis.
We have taken on additional
responsibilities such as property
management (for the Forest Hall and
Gosforth families and are currently winding
down use of property in Gateshead). The
challenges with families in Gateshead and
North Shields have created some anxieties
about the Community Sponsorship model
because of lack of support from the Home
Office.

6

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 Tyneside Welcomes’ principal sources of
funding are through donations (both one off
and standing orders) and fundraising
events. We have received a Community
Foundation grant of £3.700 this year and
the Pickwell Foundation grant from last
year (£4,500) will appear in the budget for
2022-2023.
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46 n/a
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46 We have compiled a Risk Register which is
appended below
Other

7

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)
Para 1.25		 Trust deed
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 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 Appropriate relevant experience at right
level, as decided by existing trustees. Two
trustee references are taken up. We aim to
increase diversity among the Trustees and
attract at least one Trustee with experience
of being a refugee and/or significant
experience supporting refugees/asylum
seekers. We are also encouraging
representation across new branches of
Tyneside Welcomes. A recruitment and
selection process has been implemented
and is overseen by the Finance and
Governance Group.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		 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 Trustees meetings include informal time to
support those new to the role and to
discuss the attendant responsibilities. The
Chair and other Trustees meet individually
with new Trustees to help induct them.
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51 The formal members of the CIO are the
Trustees. All Trustees are also members of
the Co-ordinating Committee (CC) which
has a crucial role in agreeing expectations
and informing and supporting the Trustees.
Trustees maintain a full overview of these
activities. We have reviewed the role of Co-
ordinating Committee and are now meeting
quarterly. Individual branches meet more
regularly and report to Coordinating
Committee and Trustee meetings.
All safeguarding and financial decisions are
taken by Trustees, not the Co-ordinating
Committee, although the Trustees seek the
views of the CC.
Branches with active sponsorship in place
hold monthly informal support events for
volunteers, where issues and questions
can be sensitively explored.
Tyneside Welcomes supports the
integration of refugees and local
communities through practical action and
supportive partnerships with statutory and
other agencies.
We have external links with: RESET/Home
Office, SponsorRefugees, North Tyneside

8

Council, Newcastle City Council,
Gateshead Council, Home Group, North
East Landlords, Newcastle and
Northumbria Universities, and the Diocese
of Hexham and Newcastle. Our volunteers
also volunteer or work with Walking With,
Asylum Matters and West End Refugee
Service. Tyneside Welcomes is currently a
member of Tyne and Wear Citizens, with
the chair of Trustees also on the Citizens’
leadership team so this gives us access to
a broader network of organisations.
Relationship with any
related parties		 Para 1.51 Since our approval in the last year as a
Principal Sponsor we are a member of the
Principal Sponsor Alliance and the Lead
Sponsors Network.
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Tyneside Welcomes
Other name the charity uses @TyneWelcomes on Twitter
Registered charity number 1183738
Charity’s principal address 11 Victoria Avenue
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE12 8AX

9

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
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)
Richard Young Chair From 01 October 2019 -
Term of office extended
to 3 October 2024		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Alasdair Wilson 4 October 2021 – 3
October 2024		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Sally Mitchison Safeguarding Lead From 30 October 2019
To 29 October 2022
(extended to 29 October
2025)		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Jill Bradbury From 30 October 2019 -
term of office extended
until 3 October 2024		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Lindsay Brigham Secretary From 30 October 2019
To 29 October 2022
(extended to 29 October
2025)		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Jane Mary Young From 27 November 2019
To 26 November 2022
(extended to 26
November 2025)		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Judith McSwaine Treasurer From 4 October 2021 – 3
October 2024		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Melissa Schueler From 14 April 2021
To 13 April 2024		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Hellen Giblin
Jowett		 From 19 April 2022 to 18
April 2025		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group

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

10

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

11

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets
held in this capacity		 n/a
Name and objects of the
charity on whose behalf the
assets are held and how this
falls within the custodian
charity’s objects		 n/a
Details of arrangements for
safe custody and
segregation of such assets
from the charity’s own
assets		 n/a

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
Lindsay Brigham

Secretary to Trustees
13 August 2023
13 August 2023

12

Tyneside Welcomes

Risk Register

Issue 2d to be reviewed by 05/02/24 First issue Aug 2020

Impact on the charity or its aims (r): 1 – very low to 5 severe

Likelihood of occurrence (p): 1 – very unlikely to 5 very likely

Aim of mitigation is to reduce likelihood (rm) and/or impact (pm) hence lower product of r and p

Risk Potential
impact
(r)		 Likeli-
hood
(p)		 Impact
factor
r x p		 Mitigation Revised
Impact
rm		 Revised
Likeli-
hood pm		 Revised
impact
factor
rmxpm
Humanitarian
Adverse or retrograde
change in Government
policies		 4 3 12 1) Be aware of potential changes.
2) Be ready to campaign against adverse
change		 3 2 6
Covid 19 (or other)
Pandemic: changes in
travel and other
restrictions due to adverse
changes in virus
5		 3 15 1) Work to maintain enthusiasm of the
group and support members directly
affected.
3) Ensure risk assessments carried out
for all relevant tasks and interactions		 3 2 6

13

behaviour, firstly, to delay
further families arriving,
secondly to difficulties for
effective help being
delivered to families by
our volunteers		 4) Team leaders to enable training of
volunteers to be safe during their duties.
Reputational
A volunteer or trustee is
suspected or proven to
have carried out a crime
or misdemeanour		 5 2 10 1) Ensure robust recruiting process
including DBS checks and references
2) Safe procedures for interacting with
beneficiaries
3) Suitable financial procedures.
4) Whether volunteer or trustee, ensure
safeguarding procedures are both robust
and followed
5) Ensure suitable insurance policy is kept
up to date
3		 1 3
A beneficiary is suspected
or proven to have carried
out a crime or
misdemeanour
*In particular domestic
abuse		 4
5		 2
3		 8
15		 1) Provide mentoring and support either
directly or by working with partners to
minimise need or opportunity for such an
incident
2) Use contacts with RESET, Sponsor
Refugees etc to support TW in managing
the incident and communicate effectively
with the public.
3) May need to provide police statement
4) Depending on nature of suspected
crime or misdemeanour may need to
follow safeguarding procedures
5) Cooperate with local domestic abuse
services – lead sponsor initially.
6) prior to family arrival attempt to
obtain a risk assessment from Home		 3
3		 1
2		 3
?

14

Office/UNHCR
The premises of our family
are shown to be sub-
standard or unsafe
4		 1 4 1) Work with landlord before the family is
settled.
2) Inspect the property
3)Take Police advice re suitability of local
area.
4) TW would need to act in a timely and
appropriate way proportionate to nature of
risk/vulnerability of beneficiaries.
5) In case of issue arising after the family
move in make best efforts to remedy the
problem or find an alternative property
2		 1 2
Financial
Loss of funds from theft or
fraud
5		 3 15 1) Ensure security of banking
2) Suitable procedures for handling cash
and outgoing payments: see Finance
Policy.
3) Check all people handling the finances
are right and proper persons
4) Annual check of finances, governance
and accounting by a suitably qualified and
experienced external monitor (Iain Kitt).
5) Ensure suitable insurance policy is kept
up to date
4		 1 4
Reduction in income
enough to severely
deplete reserves		 4 2 8 Experience shows we can raise significant
funds in a short period		 3 1 3
Economic crash 3 1 3 Bank deposits are protected by the
Government scheme (85£k)
(Note that TW does not hold stocks and
shares)		 1 1 1

15

Unexpected high
expenditure for family		 4 1 4 1) Have fund-raising ideas in the pipeline,
keep aware of possible grants to cover
costs.
2) Review budget and cash flow regularly		 3 1 3
Changes in benefit rules
or their interpretation
leading to large reduction
in family's income		 5 2 10 1) as above
2) continue to develop relationships with
relevant bodies to mitigate effects
3) focus effort on helping adults gain
employment/training		 3 2 6
Organisational
Overwork by volunteers
leading to burnout		 4 2 8 1) Encourage volunteers to communicate
with team leaders
2) Hold regular Support meetings to
mentor vols.
3) Manage expectations of the family		 3 1 3
Dropout of key personnel 4 3 12 1) Maintain openings for new volunteers.
2) Share tasks and have written
procedures for key tasks.
3) Support any dropping out due to Covid
infection/isolation or other serious illness.		 3 2 6
Activities not covered by
approved procedures		 3 2 6 1) Ensure regular review of activities and
their procedures and TW policies
2) Regular Support meetings to mentor
vols		 2 1 2
Not enough volunteers
either for the workload or
specific tasks		 4 3 12 1) Maintain publicity activity
2) Keep up networks
3) Be aware of training opportunities
4) In recruiting from the public we need
clarity about roles/tasks required of
volunteers		 3 1 3

16

Charity No 1183738

Trustees Finance Report 2022-23

Expenditure

18

Income

Other notes

19

20

T neside Welcomes Statement of Accounts ear endin 30 June 2023 y y g

Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023
OpeningBalance
Triodos 30,590.25
Credit Union 4,970.64
Income £ Expenditure £
Interest
70.76 Bank charge 89.60
Donations
3,536.90 DBS 200.00
Donations Regular
3,205.00 Insurance 306.56
Website 291.56
FamilyExpenses repaid
1,532.90 FamilyExpenses 18,055.60 note 2
Interpreting 59.43 Interpreting 4,483.81
Translation 1,009.20
Fundraising 5,595.65 Fundraising
Expenses		 151.35
Tees & Totes
84.15
Home Office Void Costs Note 1 2,724.15 Void cost 6,669.38
Home Office ESOL
6,800.00 ESOL 699.28
Giftaid
2,287.64 Printing 224.05
Grants
8,200.00 Ink & Paper 53.08
Propertyexpenses
1,056.00 Property
Expenses		 9,300.52
Miscellaneous rent subsidy 2,200.00
overpaid rent
183.33 room hire 305.15

21

UC delaysusbsidyrepaid
783.34 UC subsidy 1,116.67
Volunteer Exprepaid
23.62 volunteer
expenses		 2,237.52
training 1,170.02
Total Income
36,142.87
Total expenditure 48,563.35
Add opening
balances

71,703.76
Less expenditure
48,563.35
Balance forward
23,140.41
Internal transfer of
funds

7,133.57
internal transfer of
funds		 7,133.57
Reconciliation
Balance in
bank
N E Credit Union 0.00
Co-operative
Bank		 7,468.06
Triodos Bank 15,672.28

22

Balance
forward		 23,140.34 0.07
Uncleared
cheque		 355.00
Ringfenced 3,700.00
Available
funds		 19,085.34
Notes
1 late payment by Home Office will
appear in 23-24 accounts		 2,076.62
2 family expenses includes utility
payments & council tax		 1,549.84
Prepared by Judith Mc Swaine
Date
Checked by Gareth Rowe
Date

23

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01 July 2022 Period start date To 30 June 2023 Period end date

Charity name: Tyneside Welcomes Charity registration number: 1183738

Objectives and Activities

SORP
reference
Summary of the purposes
of the charity as set out in
its governing document		 Para 1.17 Tyneside Welcomes exists for the public benefit of
refugees and their host communities in Northeast
England:-
(1) To relieve poverty and to preserve and protect
the physical and mental health of those granted
refugee status and their dependants particularly by
practical support, advice and assistance with the
provision of housing;
(2) To advance the education and training of those
granted refugee status and their dependents in
need thereof so as to advance them in life and
assist them to adapt within a new community; and
In furtherance of the above 2 purposes the
organisation Tyneside Welcomes sponsors the
integration of refugees and local communities
through practical action and supportive partnerships
with statutory and other agencies.
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 way we achieve 1 and 2 is through the
community sponsorship scheme (the community
version of the UK Resettlement Scheme -UKRS-
utilised by Local Authorities) with the Home Office.
We fundraise for the required 9K per family, identify
housing, develop a resettlement plan covering
ESOL, education, cultural orientation and
integration, support with banking, benefits and
budgeting, volunteering and employment and
accessing health and other relevant services. We
submit applications to the Home Office and when
approved we sign up to a contract to provide
support services to the family.
We have developed a one organisation model
whereby, through a core group of lead sponsors,
we provide lead sponsorship for emerging
community sponsorship groups that establish
‘branches’ of Tyneside Welcomes. To date we have
the original Forest Hall branch plus Amnesty North
East Welcomes (currently working in Gateshead),
Gosforth and North Shields Welcomes branches.
RESET have showcased our work in their publicity.

1

https://resetuk.org/stories/as-the-lead-sponsor-we- https://resetuk.org/stories/as-the-lead-sponsor-we-
are-like-the-trunk-of-a-tree-and-each-group-we-
support-is-like-one-of-the-tree-s-branches
Working on a broader geographical basis means
we have had to build relationships with three Local
Authorities: North Tyneside, Gateshead and
Newcastle. We have been successful in getting
approval to operate community sponsorship in all
three Local Authority areas.
The specific activities we have been involved with
have been.
-
Transition to independence for the first
family in Forest Hall (arrived 1 July 2021).
We have identified a more suitable property
for them via a private landlord in Forest Hall
and they moved in February 2023. Tyneside
Welcomes have taken on the property
management role for the house for the
duration of the 2 years lease. We have also
supported them in getting on Tyne and Wear
Homes register and with application for
Indefinite Leave to Remain/citizenship status
for their young daughter (now over 1 year
old).
-
Supporting new branches to build
membership, submit applications to the
Home Office and support new families
arriving–three new applications have been
approved this financial year and families
arrived on 8 November and 8 December
2022 and 14 June 2023.
-
Post-arrival meetings with RESET were
positive for all families but sadly there has
been family breakdown in the Gateshead
and North Shields families. This has
required complex negotiations with Home
Office and Local Authorities involved and
project management of transition process
whereby Local Authorities take on
community sponsorship contracts. We have
an outstanding situation in Gateshead where
the father has been left in limbo outside any
resettlement scheme and we are working
within our broader charitable remit to offer
support. He has complex physical and
mental health needs and we continue to
advocate for him.
-
The Gosforth branch are successfully
settling a family of 4 in the Ouseburn area
and are providing daily support and advice
and organising social activities.
-
Fundraising efforts have reduced because of
time dedicated to supporting families but

2

donations are still healthy i.e. individual
donations and standing orders.
-
Identifying properties. We have successfully
identified three landlords who are willing to
rent their properties at the housing benefit
allowance cap. In all cases this entails
taking on some property management
responsibilities and in one case we have
had extra expense to cover some void costs
and minor repairs. The property in
Gateshead will not be used in the longer
term because of the family breakdown.
-
We also developed a working partnership
with Hexham and Newcastle Diocese to
source property.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees
have had regard to the
guidance issued by the
Charity Commission on
public benefit		 Para 1.18 The trustees have had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
New Trustees have been sent government
guidance on becoming a trustee and had induction
by zoom on Tyneside Welcomes constitution and
charitable objectives.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charity-
trustee-welcome-pack
We aim to recruit at least one Trustee with
experience of being a refugee in the next year.

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

SORP
reference
Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Tyneside Welcomes does not make grants.
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment		 Para 1.38 n/a
Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38 We have now had over 2 years’ experience in
supporting the original Forest Hall family and
welcomed three further families in this financial
year. Experienced volunteers are mentoring
newer volunteers and providing cross branch
support.
All Tyneside Welcomes activity is volunteer-led.
No member or Trustee has received payment.
Volunteers have given skills and resources to
which they have access – financial, governance
administrative, safeguarding, support, fundraising
and other professional skills, time and effort. This
has put us in the position that we have the
combined skills, expertise and resources to
resettle multiple families.

3

The lead sponsorship support we provide to our
new branches is voluntary and without any
charge. We have also been able to provide pump
prime funding to enable new branches to rapidly
submit applications to the Home Office and
receive families. As described above there have
been challenges this year with family breakdowns
in both Gateshead and North Shields. This has
put a huge amount of pressure on volunteers.
The two associated community sponsorship
contracts have been taken on by Local
Authorities who are best placed to deal with
complex issues of housing when there is family
breakdown.
Other We have sent an evaluation to Pickwell
Foundation related to our successful application
for a grant from the Shapiro Fund last year. This
is administered through Pickwell Foundation
(4.5K) and is aimed at speeding up the
community sponsorship process so new groups
do not have to fund raise the full 9K before they
can re-settle a family.
We have been successful this year in a bid to
Community Foundation for a small grant (£3,700)
to cover training costs and one year membership
of Tyne and Wear Citizens.

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 - we have increased membership and
capacity and were acting as lead sponsor
for four branches rather than one (the
principle is still the same but there is now
no formal lead sponsorship role for
Gateshead and North Shields). RESET
nominated Tyneside Welcomes as a
Principal Sponsor in November 2021. This
has entailed organisational work on
systems and processes. We have revised
how financial information is presented and
can provided a more complex breakdown
by branch and activity.
- we have developed relationships with
Local Authorities and other stake-holders
and provided financial management and
governance within Tyneside Welcomes so
that the three families welcomed this year
are supported to resettle in the UK.
-positive examples of resettlement have
knock on effects; changing attitudes and
promoting inclusivity in local communities.

4

-we have taken an outreach approach to use of social media so interested parties are aware of what we are doing through our blog, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter posts whilst avoiding undue publicity on the family themselves and their refugee status.

Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		 Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		 where relevant about:
Achievements against
objectives set		 Para 1.41 We have been successful in getting home
Office approval to welcome 3 families this
financial year, across three Local
Authorities. We have sourced four
properties: across the private sector and
through work with Newcastle and Hexham
Diocese. Because of unforeseen family
breakdowns we have managed the
challenging situations presented and
developed transition plans with Gateshead
and North Tyneside Local Authorities.
Transition plan for father in the Gateshead
family is pending.
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set		 Para 1.41 We have managed our existing
commitments and have sufficient funds to
consolidate our work and start planning
another application to the Home Office.
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41 n/a
Other

5

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 The end of year balance for 2022/2023
was:
Triodos: £15,672.28
Cooperative Bank: £7468.06
Total: £23,140,34
(Please see full financial report added at
end of main report)
The first family is now financially
independent and we have some time
limited financial demand from the two
families now being supported by Local
Authorities. It has been agreed by Trustees
that, within the remit of our broader
charitable objectives, we can provide some
support such as social activities and
accompanying individuals to medical
appointments.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 We have no formal reserves policy at
present time. However, following
recommendations from our external
assessor, we intend to maintain a reserve
of 2K unrestricted funding as a contingency
for unexpected events e.g. covering for
emergency repairs, additional costs
incurred by family breakdown. We do not
employ staff and have very small running
costs so this should be sufficient but we will
keep it under review. We will amend our
financial policy accordingly.
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 £2K
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 The main uncertainty is Government Policy
related to the Community Sponsorship
model. Our reliance on volunteers brings
with it the assumption (and associated risk)
that there will be people willing to
undertake the work on an ongoing basis.
We have taken on additional
responsibilities such as property
management (for the Forest Hall and
Gosforth families and are currently winding
down use of property in Gateshead). The
challenges with families in Gateshead and
North Shields have created some anxieties
about the Community Sponsorship model
because of lack of support from the Home
Office.

6

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 Tyneside Welcomes’ principal sources of
funding are through donations (both one off
and standing orders) and fundraising
events. We have received a Community
Foundation grant of £3.700 this year and
the Pickwell Foundation grant from last
year (£4,500) will appear in the budget for
2022-2023.
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46 n/a
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46 We have compiled a Risk Register which is
appended below
Other

7

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)
Para 1.25		 Trust deed
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 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 Appropriate relevant experience at right
level, as decided by existing trustees. Two
trustee references are taken up. We aim to
increase diversity among the Trustees and
attract at least one Trustee with experience
of being a refugee and/or significant
experience supporting refugees/asylum
seekers. We are also encouraging
representation across new branches of
Tyneside Welcomes. A recruitment and
selection process has been implemented
and is overseen by the Finance and
Governance Group.
Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements		 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 Trustees meetings include informal time to
support those new to the role and to
discuss the attendant responsibilities. The
Chair and other Trustees meet individually
with new Trustees to help induct them.
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51 The formal members of the CIO are the
Trustees. All Trustees are also members of
the Co-ordinating Committee (CC) which
has a crucial role in agreeing expectations
and informing and supporting the Trustees.
Trustees maintain a full overview of these
activities. We have reviewed the role of Co-
ordinating Committee and are now meeting
quarterly. Individual branches meet more
regularly and report to Coordinating
Committee and Trustee meetings.
All safeguarding and financial decisions are
taken by Trustees, not the Co-ordinating
Committee, although the Trustees seek the
views of the CC.
Branches with active sponsorship in place
hold monthly informal support events for
volunteers, where issues and questions
can be sensitively explored.
Tyneside Welcomes supports the
integration of refugees and local
communities through practical action and
supportive partnerships with statutory and
other agencies.
We have external links with: RESET/Home
Office, SponsorRefugees, North Tyneside

8

Council, Newcastle City Council,
Gateshead Council, Home Group, North
East Landlords, Newcastle and
Northumbria Universities, and the Diocese
of Hexham and Newcastle. Our volunteers
also volunteer or work with Walking With,
Asylum Matters and West End Refugee
Service. Tyneside Welcomes is currently a
member of Tyne and Wear Citizens, with
the chair of Trustees also on the Citizens’
leadership team so this gives us access to
a broader network of organisations.
Relationship with any
related parties		 Para 1.51 Since our approval in the last year as a
Principal Sponsor we are a member of the
Principal Sponsor Alliance and the Lead
Sponsors Network.
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Tyneside Welcomes
Other name the charity uses @TyneWelcomes on Twitter
Registered charity number 1183738
Charity’s principal address 11 Victoria Avenue
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE12 8AX

9

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
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)
Richard Young Chair From 01 October 2019 -
Term of office extended
to 3 October 2024		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Alasdair Wilson 4 October 2021 – 3
October 2024		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Sally Mitchison Safeguarding Lead From 30 October 2019
To 29 October 2022
(extended to 29 October
2025)		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Jill Bradbury From 30 October 2019 -
term of office extended
until 3 October 2024		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Lindsay Brigham Secretary From 30 October 2019
To 29 October 2022
(extended to 29 October
2025)		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Jane Mary Young From 27 November 2019
To 26 November 2022
(extended to 26
November 2025)		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Judith McSwaine Treasurer From 4 October 2021 – 3
October 2024		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Melissa Schueler From 14 April 2021
To 13 April 2024		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group
Hellen Giblin
Jowett		 From 19 April 2022 to 18
April 2025		 Panel of selected Trustees
overseen by Finance and
Governance Group

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

10

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

11

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets
held in this capacity		 n/a
Name and objects of the
charity on whose behalf the
assets are held and how this
falls within the custodian
charity’s objects		 n/a
Details of arrangements for
safe custody and
segregation of such assets
from the charity’s own
assets		 n/a

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
Lindsay Brigham

Secretary to Trustees
13 August 2023
13 August 2023

12

Tyneside Welcomes

Risk Register

Issue 2d to be reviewed by 05/02/24 First issue Aug 2020

Impact on the charity or its aims (r): 1 – very low to 5 severe

Likelihood of occurrence (p): 1 – very unlikely to 5 very likely

Aim of mitigation is to reduce likelihood (rm) and/or impact (pm) hence lower product of r and p

Risk Potential
impact
(r)		 Likeli-
hood
(p)		 Impact
factor
r x p		 Mitigation Revised
Impact
rm		 Revised
Likeli-
hood pm		 Revised
impact
factor
rmxpm
Humanitarian
Adverse or retrograde
change in Government
policies		 4 3 12 1) Be aware of potential changes.
2) Be ready to campaign against adverse
change		 3 2 6
Covid 19 (or other)
Pandemic: changes in
travel and other
restrictions due to adverse
changes in virus
5		 3 15 1) Work to maintain enthusiasm of the
group and support members directly
affected.
3) Ensure risk assessments carried out
for all relevant tasks and interactions		 3 2 6

13

behaviour, firstly, to delay
further families arriving,
secondly to difficulties for
effective help being
delivered to families by
our volunteers		 4) Team leaders to enable training of
volunteers to be safe during their duties.
Reputational
A volunteer or trustee is
suspected or proven to
have carried out a crime
or misdemeanour		 5 2 10 1) Ensure robust recruiting process
including DBS checks and references
2) Safe procedures for interacting with
beneficiaries
3) Suitable financial procedures.
4) Whether volunteer or trustee, ensure
safeguarding procedures are both robust
and followed
5) Ensure suitable insurance policy is kept
up to date
3		 1 3
A beneficiary is suspected
or proven to have carried
out a crime or
misdemeanour
*In particular domestic
abuse		 4
5		 2
3		 8
15		 1) Provide mentoring and support either
directly or by working with partners to
minimise need or opportunity for such an
incident
2) Use contacts with RESET, Sponsor
Refugees etc to support TW in managing
the incident and communicate effectively
with the public.
3) May need to provide police statement
4) Depending on nature of suspected
crime or misdemeanour may need to
follow safeguarding procedures
5) Cooperate with local domestic abuse
services – lead sponsor initially.
6) prior to family arrival attempt to
obtain a risk assessment from Home		 3
3		 1
2		 3
?

14

Office/UNHCR
The premises of our family
are shown to be sub-
standard or unsafe
4		 1 4 1) Work with landlord before the family is
settled.
2) Inspect the property
3)Take Police advice re suitability of local
area.
4) TW would need to act in a timely and
appropriate way proportionate to nature of
risk/vulnerability of beneficiaries.
5) In case of issue arising after the family
move in make best efforts to remedy the
problem or find an alternative property
2		 1 2
Financial
Loss of funds from theft or
fraud
5		 3 15 1) Ensure security of banking
2) Suitable procedures for handling cash
and outgoing payments: see Finance
Policy.
3) Check all people handling the finances
are right and proper persons
4) Annual check of finances, governance
and accounting by a suitably qualified and
experienced external monitor (Iain Kitt).
5) Ensure suitable insurance policy is kept
up to date
4		 1 4
Reduction in income
enough to severely
deplete reserves		 4 2 8 Experience shows we can raise significant
funds in a short period		 3 1 3
Economic crash 3 1 3 Bank deposits are protected by the
Government scheme (85£k)
(Note that TW does not hold stocks and
shares)		 1 1 1

15

Unexpected high
expenditure for family		 4 1 4 1) Have fund-raising ideas in the pipeline,
keep aware of possible grants to cover
costs.
2) Review budget and cash flow regularly		 3 1 3
Changes in benefit rules
or their interpretation
leading to large reduction
in family's income		 5 2 10 1) as above
2) continue to develop relationships with
relevant bodies to mitigate effects
3) focus effort on helping adults gain
employment/training		 3 2 6
Organisational
Overwork by volunteers
leading to burnout		 4 2 8 1) Encourage volunteers to communicate
with team leaders
2) Hold regular Support meetings to
mentor vols.
3) Manage expectations of the family		 3 1 3
Dropout of key personnel 4 3 12 1) Maintain openings for new volunteers.
2) Share tasks and have written
procedures for key tasks.
3) Support any dropping out due to Covid
infection/isolation or other serious illness.		 3 2 6
Activities not covered by
approved procedures		 3 2 6 1) Ensure regular review of activities and
their procedures and TW policies
2) Regular Support meetings to mentor
vols		 2 1 2
Not enough volunteers
either for the workload or
specific tasks		 4 3 12 1) Maintain publicity activity
2) Keep up networks
3) Be aware of training opportunities
4) In recruiting from the public we need
clarity about roles/tasks required of
volunteers		 3 1 3

16

Charity No 1183738

Trustees Finance Report 2022-23

Expenditure

18

Income

Other notes

19

20

T neside Welcomes Statement of Accounts ear endin 30 June 2023 y y g

Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023 Tyneside Welcomes Statement of Accountsyear ending30 June 2023
OpeningBalance
Triodos 30,590.25
Credit Union 4,970.64
Income £ Expenditure £
Interest
70.76 Bank charge 89.60
Donations
3,536.90 DBS 200.00
Donations Regular
3,205.00 Insurance 306.56
Website 291.56
FamilyExpenses repaid
1,532.90 FamilyExpenses 18,055.60 note 2
Interpreting 59.43 Interpreting 4,483.81
Translation 1,009.20
Fundraising 5,595.65 Fundraising
Expenses		 151.35
Tees & Totes
84.15
Home Office Void Costs Note 1 2,724.15 Void cost 6,669.38
Home Office ESOL
6,800.00 ESOL 699.28
Giftaid
2,287.64 Printing 224.05
Grants
8,200.00 Ink & Paper 53.08
Propertyexpenses
1,056.00 Property
Expenses		 9,300.52
Miscellaneous rent subsidy 2,200.00
overpaid rent
183.33 room hire 305.15

21

UC delaysusbsidyrepaid
783.34 UC subsidy 1,116.67
Volunteer Exprepaid
23.62 volunteer
expenses		 2,237.52
training 1,170.02
Total Income
36,142.87
Total expenditure 48,563.35
Add opening
balances

71,703.76
Less expenditure
48,563.35
Balance forward
23,140.41
Internal transfer of
funds

7,133.57
internal transfer of
funds		 7,133.57
Reconciliation
Balance in
bank
N E Credit Union 0.00
Co-operative
Bank		 7,468.06
Triodos Bank 15,672.28

22

Balance
forward		 23,140.34 0.07
Uncleared
cheque		 355.00
Ringfenced 3,700.00
Available
funds		 19,085.34
Notes
1 late payment by Home Office will
appear in 23-24 accounts		 2,076.62
2 family expenses includes utility
payments & council tax		 1,549.84
Prepared by Judith Mc Swaine
Date
Checked by Gareth Rowe
Date

23

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Tyneside Welcomes on the charity’s accounts for the period 01/07/22 – 30/06/23

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Tyneside Welcomes (TW) for the year ended 30 June 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 Trust’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 that:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or that

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records, and that

  3. the charity's funds are not used in pursuit of the charity’s charitable objectives.

The following points are made not because I have found evidence of anything wrong in the accounts but to point to ways in which accounting procedures could be improved.

Tyneside Welcomes should review the split of income into subheadings to ensure it is accurate and that all the subheadings are necessary.

The organisation should ensure it has a Reserves Policy which for convenience could be incorporated into the Finance Policy.

I confirm that there are no other matters to which your attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Name: Gareth Rowe

Address: 38 Valley Gardens, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE25 9AQ. Date: 12/09/2023