TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT
Y E A R E N D J U L Y 2 0 2 3
CONTENTS
Administrative Details 1 Rooted In Summary 2 Core Values & Strategy 3 Structure, Governance & Management 5 Summary of Activities 6 Future Plans 9 Accounts 10 Independent Examiner’s Report 11 Acknowledgments 12
ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity Name Rooted In Charity Number 1126786 Date Registered 6 November 2008 Registered Office St Peters Vicarage Leytop Lane Allerton Bradford Trustees BD15 7LT Chairman Lucy Atkin Secretary Pamela Kershaw Treasurer Rob Atkin Philippa Slingsby-Lunn Aidan Thompson Independent Examiner Torvell Dent Chartered Accountants Centre of Excellence, Hope Park Trevor Foster Way Bradford BD5 8HH Bankers Lloyds TSB 45 Hustlergate Bradford BD1 1NT ONE
ROOTED IN SUMMARY
The work of Rooted In is the culmination of 20 years of our organisation’s grassroots, volunteer-led, and community-focused vision working in the community of Allerton and Lower Grange on the outskirts of Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Rooted In aims to Build Community, Equip Individuals, and Strengthen Families. We do this by designing and delivering holistic services with the community, working with children, young people, families, and adults.
Rooted In strives to outwork our unique belief that the greatest resource and success of Allerton lies within. All of our work is centred on our model of ‘Growing Big People’. We help individuals uncover their skills and desires whilst providing holistic support, education, and training to help them overcome barriers that hold them back. We grow individuals by instilling a sense of personal identity and for them to understand their inherent value and purpose.
Over the past year, we ran programmes that enabled us to support 314 children, young people, adults, and families. These included after-school children's and youth clubs, community events, holiday activities, sports sessions, young people's volunteering, and mentoring. We partnered with local schools to deliver assemblies and targeted interventions. Working with adults we provided volunteering opportunities, training, work experience, and support into employment. Through the Community Benefit Society - Rooted In Homes we have been working on the long-term plan to secure land and buildings to deliver community services and local homes. In January 2019 we launched our first social enterprise ‘The Sugar Snap Kitchen Coffee Shop’ at Hope Park, followed by our a second site in October 2022 at Christian’s Against Poverty headquarters.
CORE VALUES & STRATEGY
Rooted In is to be known not just for what we do, but how we do it. We are committed to collaborating with the community, listening to their voice and creating a culture which encourages local social responsibility to deliver grassroots transformation.
This approach and the organisations significant professional experience in community leadership, compliance, social enterprises and project development paired with our long-standing involvement in the community, means that we are the right people to spearhead such a significant movement. At Rooted In, our approach of building people creates an inner strength and resilience which empowers all ages to make more positive and constructive choices, rather than building a team and services that solely respond to crisis. To do this we have developed a new strategy, which is driven by our culture, purpose, and beliefs.
This strategy ensures that all our programmes will be centred on developing and building people. As such we structure our team and workload to ensure each person can
take responsibility for training and mentoring local volunteers. This strategy opens up the organisation to a wider range of opportunities that have never been available to most in our community.
Whilst this approach may be slower and harder work, we believe it will have a much deeper and longer-lasting impact on those in our community.
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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
Rooted In was formally established by a constitution dated 6 November 2008 as Kidz Klub Allerton and was subsequently registered as a charity on 19 November 2008, under registration number 1126786. On 20 September 2019 Kidz Klub Allerton changed its name to Rooted In. On 18th July 2019, Rooted In registered a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). We completed a transfer of assets from Rooted In to Rooted In CIO on 21st February 2022. Rooted In are now operating under the new registration number 1184481. The charity registered under number 1126786 shall be closed.
The Charity is managed by the Board of Trustees. Under the requirements of the constitution, in addition to the statutory powers of appointment, a new trustee may be appointed by a resolution of the trustees passed by a majority in a general meeting. Trustee training is carried out on an ongoing basis, making use of the Charity Commission website and other charity publications.
The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities’ issued in March 2005 in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the Charity.
The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis together with controls over key financial systems. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces.
Subsidiaries
Over the years Rooted In has founded a number of associated companies and organisations that relate to the CIO and support the vision and mission of the Charity:
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The Sugar Snap Kitchen at Hope Park CIC - Company Number 11101294 (Founded Dec 2017)
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The Sugar Snap Kitchen at Jubilee House CIC - Company Number 12308979 (Founded Nov 2019)
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Sugar Snap Kitchen Events CIC - Company Number 14634117 (Founded Feb 2023)
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Rooted In Homes Community Land Trust Limited CBS - Company Number RS008718 (Founded Sept 2021)
The three Sugar Snap Kitchen CICs are companies limited by shares, with all shares being owned by Rooted In CIO.
Rooted In Homes CBS is registered with the FCA and is independent from the Charity, with its own Board of Directors. Rooted In CIO Trustees have the right to directly appoint two board members. Currently, the dayto-day running of the CBS is carried out under agreement by the staff of Rooted In CIO.
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FIVE
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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
Objectives and Activities
Rooted In’s principal objectives, as set out in the Constitution, are:
To act as a resource for people of all ages and backgrounds living in Allerton and neighbouring areas by providing advice and assistance and organising programmes of physical, educational and other activities as a means of:
a) Advancing in life and helping by developing their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals.
b) Providing recreational and leisure time activity in the interests of social welfare for people living in the area of benefit who have need by reason of their youth, age, infirmity or disability, poverty or social and economic circumstances with a view to improving the conditions of life of such persons.
Our current and planned work supports children and young people, parents and families from Allerton and Lower Grange. Our aims fully reflect the purposes that the charity was set up, to benefit all children and young people regardless of personal background, faith, gender or personal circumstances.
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SIX
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SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
Champion Kids
Champions groups have become an established part of the activity of the organisation and the life of our community. This year we have built on the success of last year's activities, by developing material that encourages a sense of belonging and explores their purpose and contribution to the community.
Over the year the groups have worked with the local Allotment Association to take on and develop an abandoned plot. We tasked the children with identifying opportunities they could bring about positive change in the community. They decided on three projects: carol singing at the local care home, hosting an afternoon tea for elderly residents, and a community clean-up. This past year we have worked with 135 primary-aged children and created 18 volunteering opportunities.
Young People
Partnering with Urban Saints and St James Church, Thornton we supported the girls' youth programme, and created referral routes between schools, ourselves, and the activities. The girls have been involved in a wide range of well-being and creative activities, supporting them in
navigating the challenges they face post-lockdown, reengaging in education and overcoming negative experiences and traumas. One of the highlights of the year was seeing them have the opportunity to have a break away from Allerton and meet other young people from diverse backgrounds and communities.
We have been able to provide work experience opportunities for young people, through our coffee shops and events, as well as volunteering at community events, and Champion Kids.
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
Shine and Stronger
Our Shine programme has proven highly successful and valued by girls, parents, schools, local professionals and agencies. Over the year we have worked with 32 girls, all whom have experienced a childhood trauma or a significant negative experience of lockdown. We have helped girls who have witnessed/experienced domestic violence, drug misuse, bereavement, parent’s mental health challenges and bullying. Through the project, every girl has reported an improvement in their self-esteem, confidence, mental well-being or engagement in school. A highlight of the year was Alison Lowe OBE - The Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime in West Yorkshire visited Shine. The girls had the opportunity to share their stories and experiences of living in a deprived community and how crime and misogyny impacts their daily lives. Alison shared her experience of racial discrimination and domestic violence and how she has overcome these challenges.
Following on from the success of Shine and the relationships we have built with families and schools, we have designed a project ‘Stronger’. Stronger aims to engage with hard-to-reach and disengaged boys, who have been similarly exposed to and experienced traumas, and harm. The pilot project was run with Beckfoot Allerton, Academy at St James and Ley Top Primary, working with 20 boys.
The objectives of Stronger is to equip boys with the language and confidence to express their emotions and experiences in a healthy way. To explore their character, identity, and contribution to community. This has been a challenging time as we’ve had to quickly develop completely new approaches and techniques to engage and build up traumatised boys.
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
The Sugar Snap Kitchen
Over lockdown, we saw a large number of services transitioned to emergency relief and handout support. At the time, these were much needed and provided great relief to so many vulnerable and at-risk families. Our observations identified a concerning culture shift, paired with a downturn in the local economy. Work has been harder to come by and attitudes towards work have declined. This is being reflected in an increase in unemployment rates, long-term sickness due to mental health concerns, and lack of support in retraining.
Over the year we have seen the real value of The Sugar Snap Kitchen and the supportive work environment we create. To enable us to meet this need in October 2022 we launched our second coffee shop site, in Bradford City Centre. The second site has enabled us to create more volunteer and work experience opportunities and provide a platform for significant future growth.
A Place to Call Home
Last year one of our key objectives was to secure multi-year funding for the core costs and running of the charity. This has been achieved through the generous support of Reaching Communities and Henry Smith Foundation. Whilst we had ambitions to complete on the vicarage and start the renovation process, unfortunately, this has not happened due to challenges around long-term lease agreements and the funding climate. However, coming to the end of the year we are confident in our relationship with the Diocese and the new legal agreement we are working on. We have consulted with children, young people, and the broader community about the use and design of the building. This was led by an architect and is being prepared for a full planning application, business plan and funding proposals.
FUTURE PLANS
As the Trustees and Senior Leadership Team look forward to 2023-24 there are a few key areas of focus for the organisation:
Secure a permanent venue for the Charity
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Develop our youth offering specifically to include teenage boys.
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Develop an in-house family focussed holistic trauma therapy service.
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Expand The Sugar Snap Kitchen enterprise by relaunching The Sugar Snap Bakery.
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Identify and secure a starter development plot for Rooted In Homes.
The report was approved by the Trustees on 8th May 2024. Lucy Atkin - Chair Of The Board
ACCOUNTS
RECEIPTS & PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2023 | 2022 | |
| Income | ||||
| Grants | - | 120562 | 120562 | 132119 |
| Donations & Gift Aid | 7125 | - | 7125 | 5832 |
| Income from Charitable Activities | 7108 | - | 7108 | 3610 |
| Social Enterprises | 33210 | - | 33210 | 34500 |
| Total | 47443 | 120562 | 168005 | 176061 |
| Expenses | ||||
| Staff costs | 22404 | 113051 | 135455 | 124600 |
| Training & Volunteer Costs | 2477 | 1608 | 4085 | 2823 |
| Premises Costs | 2726 | 3451 | 6177 | 2243 |
| Computer & Equipment | 2384 | 1117 | 3501 | 1973 |
| Administration Costs | 1420 | 1056 | 2476 | 1832 |
| Marketing | 241 | 224 | 465 | 519 |
| Professional Fees & Consultancy | - | 642 | 642 | 1502 |
| Charitable Activities | 1065 | 16035 | 17100 | 20705 |
| Donations | 310 | - | 310 | 334 |
| Total | 33027 | 137184 | 170211 | 156531 |
| 14416 | (16622) | (2206) | 19530 | |
| Funds B/Fwd as at 31st July 2022 | 10188 | 117329 | 127517 | 107987 |
| Transfer between Funds | (9472) | 9472 | - | - |
| Total Funds as at 31st July 2023 | 15132 | 110179 | 125311 | 127517 |
| Represented by:- | ||||
| Cash at Bank | 125300 | 127505 | ||
| Cash in hand | 11 | 12 | ||
| 125311 | 127517 |
ELEVEN
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
Report to the trustees of Rooted In on the accounts for the year ended 31 July 2023.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit requirement of Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Chairty Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charities Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention
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Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect the requirements:
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(a) To keep accounting records in accordance with S130 of the 2011 Act; and
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(b) To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
S J Sutcliffe F.C.C.A.
Torevell Dent Limited
Chartered Certified Accountant
1-3 St Ann’s Place
Pellon Lane
Halifax. HX1 5RB
13 February 2024
TWELVE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We want to take this opportunity to reflect and thank all the companies, foundations and individuals who have chosen to commit themselves to support us and our community. All that we do would not be possible without their generosity, thoughtfulness and kindness.
This support has ranged from time, donated equipment and material, pro bono professional services, mentoring and consultancy as well as financial donations to the charity.
Rooted In Volunteers
Daniel Wilkinson - Keystone Finance & St. James’ Place Wealth Management St. James Church Thornton
Pam Kershaw - Urban Saint’s
Allerton Methodist Church St Peter’s Church Allerton Nev & Anne Hilton
Andrew Edmiston - The IM Group/Lions The Bradford Fund Strategic Grant The Rank Foundation
Arnold Clark Community Fund Safer Communities Fund Reaching Communities - The National Lottery Henry Smith Charity JU:MP Community Fund