4URBOND 2023 ANNUAL REPORT fl
TRUSTEE’S REPORT
The trustees present their report with the impact of the work and the financial statements of the charity for the period ended 31[st] December 2023. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE).
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity Number: 1184273
Registered Office: 12 Challenge Enterprise Centre Sharps Close Portsmouth PO3 5RJ
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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing Document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, foundation model constitution, and constitute a Charitable Incorporate Organisation (CIO).
Recruitment and Appointment of a new Trustee
Future Trustees must be appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.
In selecting individuals for appointment as charity Trustees, the charity Trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO.
Upon appointment new trustees will receive a copy of the constitution, a copy of the most recent year impact report and a copy of the charity’s latest report and statements of accounts.
Induction and training of new Trustees
Upon joining the organisation, the new Trustees are inducted through spending time with the chair of trustees and the CEO to have a better understanding of the charity's activities and how it operates. The training provided for Trustees follows Charity Commission training guidelines.
Risk management
The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud, error and volunteers' health and safety when supporting the charity. A risk analysis form is in place and is utilised prior to volunteer involvement in any activities, events, and trips.
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Objective and activities
The Charity was founded with the primary purpose of helping local communities to integrate and support each other in overcoming key issues affecting society. URBOND is working to advance diversity and equality, thereby promoting a community which is strong, cohesive, and inclusive of all beliefs, backgrounds, and ideologies.
There are three distinct programmes the charity delivers as its principal objectives:
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Supporting and developing young people from Portsmouth
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Integrating and increasing engagement and participation of communities across Portsmouth
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Enabling and delivering educational projects in the Republic of Guinea.
URBOND’s Youth Development Programme is designed to support the Charity driving opportunities, wellness and success for the youth and their future under the following objectives:
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To provide a diverse and comprehensive package of positive activities.
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Support young people with personal and social development activities and mentoring.
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Create opportunities for volunteering and social action to broaden life skills
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Offer training and experiences with employers to facilitate pathways to high quality employment, education and training.
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Celebrate achievements and placing young people in the lead.
The charity increased the participation levels at events and activities by 149%.
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Young person signing a job contract with
Richmond Motor Group at just 14 years old.
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Young people celebrating their
achievements at URBOND’s
Youth Awards.
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The Community Integration Programme has been designed to build community cohesion and opportunity for families and community members who are isolated and experience deep inequality. The core objectives of this strand of work are:
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To provide a safe and inclusive environment which is conducive to the development of communities, provide support to families and connect with services.
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To support the community to integrate; bringing people from different backgrounds together to overcome stereotypes, racial injustice and build relationships.
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To deliver a package of community led engaging activities which foster both mental and physical wellbeing.
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To undertake community education support that equips ethnic minority people with confidence, skills and knowledge of how to navigate complex systems.
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To promote activism in the community by mentoring and supporting members to positively contribute via social action and volunteering on specific initiatives/projects.
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Community member spending
time with the Lord Mayor of
Portsmouth
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In conversation with members of
URBOND’s hard talk forum group
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In the Republic of Guinea, the Child Education Programme is achieving its goals by working with partners and the local community to provide educational support and resources to children who would otherwise go without.
To achieve the goal of advancing education, the Charity is working to raise awareness, support, and funds to power the following six campaigns:
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Build a primary school in an area where one is not easily accessible to educate the children.
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Support the recruitment of teachers for schools where there are shortages.
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Work with communities to overcome the barriers (such as gender disparities or financial hardship) which prevent families from sending their children to school.
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Offer vocational training to the locals so they can afford the cost of educating their children.
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Work with partners, teachers and parents to deliver training and equipment to support girls' education.
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Sponsor children and families and give them life changing support.
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URBOND volunteer at girls
education menstruation workshop
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Young boy at URBOND’s
library and computer
room
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Significant Activities
In planning our activities for the year, we have kept in mind the Governing Document and the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and our Trustee's meetings.
The cost-of-living crisis has made it difficult to sustain the charity activities here in the UK and the charity work further afield The Republic of Guinea, as part of the Child Education Programme. Despite this significant challenge and under often challenging circumstances, across the year, URBOND has scheduled a successful rostrum of activities.
Through the Youth Development Programme, the Charity is tackling key issues affecting the young people in the community (such as those relating to crime, unemployment, health risks, etc.) by engaging them in positive behaviours that build their abilities and competencies. Support is delivered to participants through a combination of workshops, mentorship and activities which meet their physical, social, and developmental needs.
In 2023, the programme benefitted 7,956 young participants in the city of Portsmouth and surrounding areas with 156 of those regularly engaging with the Charity's activities and support every single week. 437 youth engagement activities and workshops were also organised in 2023.
The year of 2023 saw the introduction of the Youth Club which now provides a safe space for young people and warm and nutritious meals twice a week. It is a space we utilise to connect with our young people and offer mentoring sessions, arts and crafts activities, games, dance classes and warm nutritious meals. Many of the young people we serve are from underprivileged backgrounds in Portsmouth, and many of their families are affected by the cost-of-living crisis. Providing them with a meal ensures they can remain fit and healthy when they are with us. The youth club now sees around 100 young people weekly and they are building ongoing relationships with each other. The year also saw the introduction of the Youth Ambassadors scheme, a group of sixteen talented and skilled young people across the charity who have displayed leadership qualities were strategically selected to work together on issues affecting young people in our local community and work with the charity to shape the Youth Development Programme. With the addition of Youth Ambassadors in decision-making within the organisation to help create opportunities, wellness, and success for young people, URBOND can remain responsive to the changing needs of the youth.
The work experience scheme, aiming to get young people from underserved communities into the workplace was launched. 2023 saw 14 young people in work experience placements with partner organisations. One of our young people aged 14 secured a part-time employment contract in a car dealership as a Technical Assistant.
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To celebrate young people's achievements within URBOND, we also launched our first-ever Youth Awards, which brought together partners, the local authority our young people and other youth organisations to award the hard work the outstanding youth within Portsmouth have achieved. This offered young people a platform to be recognised for their achievements and aspire to achieve more.
URBOND also continued working in partnership with the local council to deliver Holiday Activities and Food programme (HAF), supporting children who are entitled to Free School Meals whilst school is not in session. Activities included ice skating, gentle fitness, picnic in the park, dance, arts and crafts, games, and music.
Under the Charity's Community Integration Programme, URBOND have succeeded in bringing together a staggering 51,539 people in Portsmouth spanning 82 different nationalities since inception in 2013. In 2023 alone, the charity ran 6 community integration projects, and 180 activities with over 5,738 participants and beneficiaries,
with 86% of participants stating that they would happily recommend friends, family members or colleagues to attend community activities and events.
During this reporting year, URBOND continued its podcast series providing a platform for members of the community to come together and discuss issues of concern and help build a better community for all.
In 2023, podcast episodes had almost 42,000 views across all social media channels with the hope that more people would be sensitised and gain a better understanding of issues affecting integration in communities.
URBOND relaunched its foodbank project for 23 weeks to help support families affected by the Cost-of-Living crisis. During this time 155 people were supported weekly with a weekly shop containing nutritious food and essentials.
Elsewhere, URBOND forum meetings keep going from strength to strength, an extra 15 local groups and associations were introduced in 2023 bringing the total number of members to 30. The local council, NHS, Portsmouth Magistrate, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police are regular attendees at the meetings as special guests and together with these dedicated partners we are addressing health inequality, building relationships between the minority and the police, and working with the local authority to support members affected by the cost-of-living crisis. URBOND also established a working relationship with NIHR to help diversify research data and ensure that the right support is provided to members from minority communities. URBOND has in place community champions who work closely with NIHR staff to engage more people from minority communities in health research and act as beacons of trust.
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In 2023 all the weekly community fitness activities and community fitness events took place, and 4,070 participants attended all the fitness activities.
URBOND Women’s Conference was held to celebrate International Women's Day. Inspirational Women in the Portsmouth area were invited to deliver speeches to an audience of 108 women who attended. The event was successful in creating a platform for women to express themselves, be heard and celebrate the great achievements made by women in the city of Portsmouth.
As for the socio-cultural events, 703 members of our community attended. Among these events was the charity's 10-year anniversary, and the first-ever URBOND conference that brought together partners, trustees, supporters, and businesses to see the work that URBOND has done since inception.
Community workshops and seminars were a great success in 2023, with 702 participants benefitting from the community workshops.
URBOND Child Education Programme had a successful year in terms of growth. The charity established partnerships with fifteen local schools in 2023 to continue delivering menstruation training in Conakry, Coyah and Dubreka (Republic of Guinea). The aim is to prevent young girls from skipping or dropping out of school due to period poverty and a lack of awareness about menstruation. In partnership with the British Embassy in the Republic of Guinea, 8,303 young girls, over 12,000 boys, 246 parents and over 300 teachers were educated on menstruation. Additionally, 4,700 sanitary kits were distributed to young girls to support them during their menstruation.
2023 also saw the introduction of the Training Centre in Dubreka. The centre is in collaboration with Microsoft and works to create job ready trainings for those who attend the URBOND IT classes and gain the necessary skills. We are pleased to be working with Microsoft providing vocational training and opportunities to people from underprivileged communities and responding to the growing job crisis in Guinea which causes child labour.
During October 2023, eight volunteers from Portsmouth, London and Menorca travelled to Dubreka (Republic of Guinea) to continue building URBOND’s school in Koutayah. Building works resumed at our partner school in Dubreka and our multisport centre was renovated due to overuse from the children and locals. During this trip, we launched a Sponsor a Child campaign to ensure children who are academically gifted or those with disabilities have access to education and attend school.
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In the latter stages of the year, URBOND hosted the 4[th] annual charity ball at the Marriot Hotel in Portsmouth to raise funds for the work the charity does in the UK and in the Republic of Guinea. Over 152 guests attended and helped raise over £11,354 through ticket sales, a live charity auction and a raffle.
Overall, the number of activities URBOND has delivered this reporting year has increased and the number of beneficiaries has risen. With the positive trajectory last year presented the momentum of the organisation is set to help more people with the ever-increasing projects. The charity has succeeded in fulfilling the URBOND mission statement and in enhancing the vital work it carries out in the community: for the young, elderly, middleaged, and all in between —both in the UK and abroad.
Recognition and Achievement
The year of 2023 has seen the charity increase its reach within the Portsmouth community. This has been a positive and successful year for URBOND in which the organisation has seen increased attendance at events, and where engagement with the programmes and activities has also grown. URBOND’s delivery of key content across the pillars of the programme activities means the organisation goes from strength to strength in its support for, and its positioning within, the local community.
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URBOND was awarded a Hampshire High Sheriff Award for the work it has carried out in the Portsmouth community.
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URBOND has had praise and much endorsement from the Leaders of Portsmouth City Council.
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The charity has continued to receive support for its community work from local MPs and, also attended the Portsmouth Mayor Making Ceremony of 2023 through invite.
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Notably, in addition, URBOND won Acquisition International Non-Profit Organisation Awards for Most Dedicated Community Organisation in Hampshire in 2023.
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In August, URBOND moved to a bigger office and now looks to hire more staff to accommodate its growing success and reach within the Portsmouth Community.
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Overall, the year has been busy and productive with positive outcomes for the community and the charity in terms of growth. The great work would not have been possible without the people within the community, we believe together with their support and engagement. We are looking forward to more working relationships with our partners to provide more lifechanging opportunities to young people and members of the communities we serve.
Volunteer Contribution
Volunteers are vital to the work of URBOND. Without dedicated volunteers, URBOND's great achievements would have never been possible. The Trustees, project managers and volunteers work tirelessly to make sure day to day running of the Charity is a success here in the UK and the Republic of Guinea.
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URBOND volunteers
helping with the food bank
project in Portsmouth.
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URBOND Child Education
volunteers in the Republic
of Guinea
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Fundraising activities
URBOND had seen an incredible success with its fundraising activities. The charity is currently receiving funds from the National Lottery for some of the Community Integration Programme work and for some of the Youth Development Programme work. Revenue was received from Portsmouth City Council to deliver holiday activities and food to children on free school meals and for the Youth Club and multi-sport activities. Grants from NHS, NIHR, Portsmouth Sport Council. Sponsorship from Richmond Motor Group, NIHR and SLR Marine Recruit.
Funds were raised through members' contributions and volunteers who travelled to the Republic of Guinea in October 2023 also raised a substantial amount which contributed to the building of the school in Koutayah for children in need.
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Future Developments
Throughout 2024 URBOND will be working to expand its reach, with the express goal of engaging with a larger audience both nationally and internationally. In Portsmouth (UK) the Charity is looking to:
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Deepen its impact by offering more opportunities to participate and build its participation.
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Further widen the diversity of participation across the schemes of work.
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Develop an impact framework that enables us to demonstrate our impact beyond our current data sets.
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Expand our presence externally, building a series of partnerships across national, regional and local levels to place URBOND within strategic and influential circles. We also want this to support our diverse programme of delivery.
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Devolve more decision making and empower young people, communities and residents to ensure more ownership and voice is both heard and acted upon.
Under the Youth Development Programme, the charity is aiming to launch a Multi-purpose room for our young people, offering them a study area and safe space they can utilise to socialise and learn with peers. Furthermore, the charity is opening a new music studio in collaboration with a local award-winning music engineer to allow our young people to explore new ways of expressing themselves and being creative.
With the Child Education Programme, URBOND is planning to take eight dedicated volunteers to the Republic of Guinea to carry on building the school in Koutayah, deliver more menstruation workshops, provide clean running water to the school children, and open URBOND’s own manufacturing plant for menstruation kits.
Ongoing revision of URBOND's strategic plan for the Charity will also take place, exploring longer-term sustainability with community/volunteer projects, corporate partnerships with businesses, grant applications, marketing, and awareness campaigns to strengthen the working relationship with the stakeholders in the UK and the Republic of Guinea.
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Financial Review
The Trustees are pleased to report the annual income of £322,719. The increase in income can be attributed to an increase in successful grant applications and fundraising efforts.
Accumulated funds have been invested in equipment and resources to support the regular community fitness activities. Significantly, funds have been invested in coaching courses for volunteers to help improve the level of service provided to the participants which is integral to the ethos of the charity.
Tangible assets have been purchased as per last years' projections and allowing for annual depreciation, have a net book value of £5,927. Total assets, including cash at bank, stand at £181,135. Current liabilities are accrued income from the Lottery, £49,391 and PAYE contributions of £22,534.
Of the Total Reserves, £19,665 are restricted funds for projects spanning 2023-24 activities.
Significant fundraising and investment in the Child Education Programme has resulted in the amazing benefits to the families in Guinea, as detailed above, and plans are in place to raise further funds to build upon achievements to date.
At the close of the Period Under Review, the Trustees report a Retained Surplus of £109,210, and Total Assets for the Charity of £181,134.
Reserves Policy
The trustees have reviewed the reserves to ensure they are maintained at a level to ensure the charity can meet its objectives and obligations. These include providing ongoing support with salaries and expenses associated with the charity. The charity will also provide necessary funds and support to our partner schools in Guinea.
The trustees have decided to maintain reserve funding at a level commensurate with between 4 and 6 months of current operational cost, being the sum of £100,000 which will provide the charity with sufficient financial stability.
SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Full name: Kingsley Digby
Position: Trustee
Signed: Date: 29/05/2024
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Statement of Financial Activities
| Income Grants Received Donations Received Fundraising Revenue Other Income Sponsorship Income Youth Development Programme Non-term time Activities Youth Fitness Youth Club & Events Youth Ambassadors Programme Community Integration Programme Community Fitness Education - Workshops & Seminars Outreach - Work in Community & Food Programme Social Events Women Empowerment Programme Child Education Programme Building a School Girls Education Volunteers Trip Total Receipts Less Expenditure Wages and Salaries Gross Pay Employers NI Pension Contributions Casual Labour* Rent and Rates Marketing Bank Charges Office Equipment Fundraising General Insurance Legal and Professional Fees Printing, Postage and Stationery Telephone and Internet Repairs and Renewals Training and Development |
Dec-23 206,237 12,452 8,900 6,732 4,877 11,133 4,601 150 75 1,372 155 6,160 60 120 49,581 517 9,598 322,719 99,853 -523 1,503 - 9,784 6,503 0 644 5,800 251 3,536 388 941 335 1,728 |
Dec-22 120,857 11,114 2,150 5,664 17,927 3,510 - - - 9,043 0 856 80 915 18,432 - - - |
|---|---|---|
| 190,548 93,141 8,301 1,694 2,792 7,448 4,765 0 3,048 2,394 440 2,086 183 370 46 2,372 |
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| Youth Development Programme Non-term time Activities Youth Fitness Youth Club & Events Youth Ambassadors Programme Community Integration Programme Community Fitness Education - Workshops & Seminars Outreach - Work in Community & Food Programme Social Events Women Empowerment Programme Child Education Programme Building a School Girls Education Volunteers Trip Travel Expenses Licences & Subscriptions Software & IT Website Maintenance Depreciation charge for the year Staff Welfare Other Expenses, incl Uniform & PPE Total Payments Net Income/ (Expenditure) |
13,248 18,182 13,040 1,421 3,566 1,170 9,376 758 623 90,186 6,950 13,949 6,895 50 668 2,529 2,912 1,931 2,032 320,230 2,490 |
965 - - - 13,843 606 3,734 1,787 1,837 49,618 - - - 1,268 89 1,184 112 1,503 2,507 2,249 210,384 |
|---|---|---|
| -19,836 |
* Casual Labour attributed to appropriate YDP activities
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Reserved Funds Tracking Year End December 2023
| Income | |
|---|---|
| The National Lottery Community Fund | 159,024 |
| Richmond Motor Grp | 37,140 |
| Portsmouth City Council | 35,881 |
| HIW ICS Grant | **19,665 |
| Covid Vaccination Prog | 7,290 |
| Portsmouth Mediation Services | 4,991 |
| Energise Me | 4,430 |
| Active Community Network | 3,863 |
| Total Reserved Income | £272,284 |
| Direct Costs | |
| Hall Hire | 18,626 |
| Casual Labour / Coaching | 14,052 |
| Food Bank Project & Activities Refreshment | 22,157 |
| Child Education Programme | 111,085 |
| Fundraising | 5,800 |
| Total Direct Costs | 171,720 |
| Expenses | |
| Staff costs | 100,833 |
| Rent | 9,784 |
| Travel & expenses | 6,895 |
| Office Expenses | 644 |
| Equipment; Sports & Projects | 7,344 |
| Marketing | 6,503 |
| Prof / Specialist Fees | 1,833 |
| Expenses | 2,032 |
| Total Expenses | 135,868 |
| Total Direct Costs & Expenses | 307,588 |
** HIW ICS Grant are restricted funds
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Statement of Assets and Liability
| Current Assets Fixed Assets Office Equipment and IT Accumulated Depreciation Fixtures and Fittings Accumulated Depreciation Total Fixed Assets Cash Funds, Cash at Bank Trade Debtors Youth Development/Community Integration A/C Child Education A/C Reserves as per Policy Total Total Assets Liabilities Amounts falling due within one year Net Current Assets Funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds** |
Dec-23 9,046 -4,268 1,526 -376 5,927 10,125 45,109 19,973 100,000 175,207 181,134 71,925 109,210 89,545 19,665 109,210 |
Dec-22 6,142 -1,717 845 -134 |
|---|---|---|
| 5,136 - 155,800 23,900 - |
||
| 179,700 | ||
| 184,836 78,117 |
||
| 106,720 | ||
| 103,576 3,144 |
||
| 106,720 |
Reconciliation of Funds
| Funds Total Funds Brought Forwards Prior Year Adjustment: Included in Current Period Net Income Total Funds Carried Forwards |
Dec-23 106,720 0 2,490 109,210 |
Dec-22 127,305 -749 |
|---|---|---|
| -19,836 | ||
| 106,720 |
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Notes to the Financial Statements
1. Accounting Policies
The Financial Statements have been prepared on the accrual basis in accordance with the SORP FRS 102 Charity Act 2011
2. Fund Accounting
Unrestricted Funds can only be used in accordance with the Charity objectives at the direction of the Trustees.
Restricted Funds can only be used for particular purposes within the objectives of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or, when funds are raised for a particular restricted purpose.
3. Taxation
The Charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
4. Trustee Expenses
The Trustees settled out of pocket expenses personally. No Trustees were in receipt of remuneration or other benefits arising from employment with URBOND.
5. Related Party Transactions
There have been no related party transactions during the reporting period.
6. Accounting, Independent Examination and Other Financial Service Fees
- £1,703 has been paid for the period under review.
The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an independent examination is required for the year in review. The Trustees have adhered to the General Directions and Advice provided by the Charity Commission to the best of their ability and knowledge.
SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Full name: Kinglsey Digby
Position: Trustee
Signed:
Date: 29/05/2024
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JL URBOND T83 Uttle Tapnage TltrhlkI Lane F¥eh•m HP5th1T• P017 5PQ Balancin the Bookf Indepetmlent Exle$ Report on the Accounts el to Trusl¢e5 ot. WSth Officesat.. (rIty Nwnber: For the Yr Ernlod: l rnport to the TnJstee5 w nry wmIn•OTr ofthe tcow)ts ofthe tso¥e charity 1.tho Trusfl fDr t yearended 3V0712023. As the Charws Trustee5. •re rv5w)Mlble for the of the accOts In a¢cord•nce wlth thp rewlrerynts of the Chlrlibes Act 20111"1 Act"l. I rport in respect of my examlnatlon of thi Tn4Sf'S Cou$ carrltd OLrt thider Secth)fi 145 of thp 2011 Art and in c•rrylry oul m¥ ex•mln•ilon I fo11rye •ll appliuble DirectiDn5 given ty the Charity Comm155kn)n under Sertlon 14515llbl ol the Act. I ha% completed my eKamlnatlon. I th•t no rmterfal m•tters have Con to my attent connettion with the examlI10Th whlch me c•wo to belle that in any materlal respect". Thè •ctountlr rffords wwe not kept In armrdarKe wlth s•¢th 130 01 ACL. or accounts dld not acconl wlth the actountin8 records.. or 4K£Vts dhj Mt compty wilh applcablè requirennts corKernlw fomi •NI cont•nt of acco1$ srt oul In ihe Charlties (Accounts and Report51 Wulallons 2CI)8, oth•f th•n •ny reqrement th•t the accounts give a Vlew whlch Is not • m•llef Co1Ql •$ part olan independent eXti)n. I no concerns and come across no otr m4tters In conrth with the examir)atiDn tt) which attentk>n should be dTrwn kn ihls report In order to nable a proper understaNlin8 of t to be re•ched. knth•n Kemp bAIHonsl. MBCS, MICB Profesn•l body: Member of the Instltuie of Certsfied BoDkkeepers Afflll•tt MÈmber of the AsxK4thM of Charity Independent EYniners redxi knrnw Ctynwnw W•l•s. 7616453.. VIT number 118 555205