e Links, . Incor TN nked in Friendship. C(H)nected in Servre London (UK) Chapter LONDON (UK) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS, INCORPORATED A company limited by guarantee Trustee Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 30 April 2024 Charity Number: 1185612 Company Number: 11928227 ## TABLE OF CONTENTS |TABLE OFCONTENTS|| |---|---| |**Reference and administrative details**|**2**| |**Structure, governance and management**|**3**| |**Objectives and activities**|**5**| |Achievements against objectives set|6| |**Financial Review**|**7**| |**Statement of financial activities for year ended 30 April 2024**|**9**| |**Balance sheet as at 30 April 2024**|**10**| |**Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024**|**11**| |**Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024**|**12**| |**Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024 **|**13**| 1 Reference and administrative details The Officers present the trustee’s report and reviewed financial statements for the year ended 30 April 2024. |**Charity Name:**|**London (UK) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated**|**London (UK) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated**| |---|---|---| |**Charity registration number:**|**1185612**|| |**Company registration**|**11928227**|| |**number:**||| |**Registered Office:**|**71-75 Shelton Street,**|| ||**Covent Garden,**|| ||**London,**|| ||**United Kingdom,**|| ||**WC2H 9JQ**|| |**DIRECTORS**
**DIRECTOR RESIGNATIONS**||| |**Ms D Mitchell**|**Chair**|**N/A**| |**Ms M Cammett**|**Treasurer**|| |**Ms D Ayeko**||| |**Ms H Jikiemi**||| |**Ms D Burwell**||| ## **COMPANY SECRETARY** **Ms L Sierra** **Accountant -** Tockan & Co, 289 Brettenham Road, London, N18 2HF 2 ## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT ## **GOVERNING DOCUMENT** The London (UK) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 5 April 2019 and registered as a charity on 3 October 2019. The company was established under a memorandum of association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10. ## **RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE** Under the requirements of the Articles of Association the directors are appointed through ordinary resolution by members of the charity. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the charity. All expenses reclaimed from the charity are set out in note 3a to the accounts. ## **Appointment procedure** The directors and trustees of the Company by Limited Guarantee (the “Company”) and Registered Charity (“Charity”) of the London (UK) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated must be Active Members of the organisation, appointed simultaneously with the election of officers every two (2) years by general meeting. The directors and trustees shall be identical across the Company and the Charity. In accordance with Charity Commission for England and Wales (“Charity Commission”) guidance, the directors and trustees shall be those individuals occupying offices which execute duties that ensure the Company and Charity are compliant with regulations and fulfil the charitable objectives as filed with the Charity Commission and included in the Articles of Association filed with Companies House (as defined by the Charity Commission). The minimum number of directors and trustees at any given time is three. 3 ## **TRUSTEE INDUCTION AND TRAINING** All trustees are familiarised with the charitable objectives and activities of the Charity through a formal induction process upon joining the organisation. In addition, trustees receive a membership pack which contains the Articles of Association of the charity as well as required reading and guidance from the Charity Commission ‘The Essentials of the Charity Trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do’. All trustees are required to complete 48 service hours within the financial year. As part of the roles and responsibilities of each of the trustees within the charity, they are provided training as they pertain to their executive duties and access to ongoing trustee education through NCVO. ## **ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE** The London (UK) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is run day to day by its directors and trustees with the support of volunteers serving in a variety of operational roles. The trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity fulfils its objectives as outlined in the articles of association filed with the Charity Commission in 2019. The trustees review and approve all policies and programmes on at least an annual basis. The Trustees, appointed by virtue of office serve in the operating capacities of - President (Chair of Trustees) - Vice President (Chair of Membership) - Treasurer (Chair of Finance) and - Parliamentarian (Bylaws Chair), and - Immediate Past President The main operating roles and committees within the charity include: - **Programming:** In charge of developing and implementing charitable service programming - **Internal Audit:** Ensuring financial records are accurate and conform with requirements. 4 - **Ethics and Standards:** Oversees ethical issues and compliance with guidelines - **Fund Development:** Oversees fundraising activities and contact with corporate sponsors - **Communications and Archives:** Oversees external communications and long-term records of charitable activities ## **RELATED PARTIES** London (UK) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated is an affiliate of The Links, Incorporated, non-governmental organisation (NGO). ## **FUNDS HELD AS A CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF OTHERS** We do not act as custodian trustee or hold funds on behalf of others. ## OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES ## **PURPOSES** Our charity’s purposes as set out in the objects contained in the company’s articles of association are to: 1. To advance education and relieve unemployment, in particular, but not exclusively amongst persons of African ancestry living in the UK in such ways as the trustees think fit including: providing mentoring, assisting with access to further education or the workplace, providing workshops, seminars, work placements, providing and assisting in the provision of arts and language study opportunities and the provision of grants and bursaries. 2. To promote good physical and mental health, in particular, but not exclusively amongst persons of African ancestry living in the UK in such ways as the trustees think fit including through the provision of information, advice, access to sporting activities and other support including financial support. 3. The relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability or financial hardship in particular but not exclusively amongst persons of African ancestry living in the UK in such ways as the trustees think fit. 5 4. To advance such other charitable purposes (according to the law of England and Wales) as the trustees see fit from time to time. ## **MAIN ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN TO FURTHER OUR PURPOSES** Black University students in the UK are on average less prepared for entry to university, have lower graduation and attainment rates and have fewer post-graduate opportunities versus their White British counterparts. This results in continued and systematic harm to their long-term wealth-building potential and social mobility. In 2023/2024 the London (UK) Chapter sought to address the lower attainment and progression of Black university students of London by partnering with Queen Mary University of London, Spelman College, and The Prosper Network to provide their students with mentorship and career education and financial support. These partnerships helped to provide practical support and life skills education to better prepare students for life after graduation and relieve some of the stressors that can detract from their educational achievement. 2023/2024 was the third year of our signature LEAP programme, through which the London (UK) Chapter sought to address the needs of the Black student population at QMUL. The University was chosen due to its large population of Black students and the University’s demonstrated contributions to social mobility for students. In addition, QMUL places a strong emphasis on study abroad opportunities for their students, and has particular demand for short-term exchanges such as the one offered by the chapter to encourage greater participation by underprivileged students. The exchange programme focuses on providing a young person with a unique educational opportunity and cultural experience. During 2023/2024, the chapter strengthened its relationship with the Prosper Network and established a relationship with Amos Bursary, both key partners in the LEAP Programme providing opportunities for the chapter to reach its target student population. The Prosper Network aims to empower 18-21 year olds through personalised mentorship and knowledge enrichment. The Network serves as a support and resource hub, nurturing both the interpersonal and foundational skills that are essential for success and self-discovery. The Amos Bursary offers a five-year program to students of African and Caribbean heritage focused on academic excellence and professional development, motivation and mindset, opportunities and experiences, support, guidance and community spirit. 6 In 2023/2024 the chapter conducted the following activities to support the programme: - Developed curricula, selection process, and promotional strategy for the cross-cultural exchange program and selected three students to participate from Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) and Spelman College to be sponsored by the chapter during summer 2024. - Sponsored one student from QMUL to travel to Spelman in August 2025, including by paying all international travel and accommodation expenses. - Delivered £2,500 in bursary funding to the Prosper Network to be used for operational support, service delivery and educational workshops. - Established a relationship with Amos Bursary and held a fireside chat with 15 female students centered around emotional intelligence and navigating academic, professional, and other life challenges. The chapter also continued to partner with Dress for Success Greater London, hosting our third annual clothing drive which yielded 515 clothing items worth an estimated £19,675. This was the chapter’s most successful clothing drive to date. These donations will be used to support over 100 vulnerable and disadvantaged women seeking to enter or return into the workforce. ## **HOW OUR ACTIVITIES FURTHER OUR PURPOSES AND BENEFIT THE PUBLIC** The above activities align with our purpose to provide education and relieve current or potential unemployment for women and students from disadvantaged communities. It is our aim to close the gap for these populations in attainment and progression post-graduation, as well as support re-entry into the workforce for those already unemployed. During 2023/2024 the chapter laid the foundations for several impactful initiatives to be implemented in 2024/2025 and beyond. ## **PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS** Having developed relationships with our strategic partners over the programme year, the chapter plans to continue working with these partners to deliver our services to university students and recent graduates. The first Summer exchange of QMUL and Spelman students took place in 2024/2025 and is expected to continue annually. 7 For the Prosper Network and Amos Bursary, the London (UK) Chapter will continue to fund bursaries and organize workshops and fireside chats aimed at enhancing students’ self–confidence, life skills, and employability. The chapter will also continue its partnership with Dress for Success of Greater London, providing essential items for women entering the workforce. ## FINANCIAL REVIEW Our work is reliant on donations from our members, the public, and corporate sponsors. During the period, we received donations of over £22,000. ## **PRINCIPAL FUNDING SOURCES** Our principal funding source is donations from our members, in the form of membership dues. Membership dues are calibrated to cover our operational expenses. In addition we received a £12,000 corporate donation from FGS Global, the fourth year they have chosen to support us, and allocated these funds toward the QMUL-Spelman exchange program. Finally, we conducted a fundraiser (which concluded in 2024/2025) which attracted donations from community members to support our programming. Throughout the year we made use of the in person, hybrid, and online capabilities to continue to fundraise through the members of the public. ## **PERFORMANCE OF FUNDRAISING ACTIVITIES AGAINST OBJECTIVES SET** To nurture and expand awareness of the London (UK) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the organisation ensures that it has adequate resources to support its strategic priorities at all levels. The bulk of our individual donations were obtained through volunteer contributions. We are also extremely grateful to our corporate sponsor for the calendar year 2024, who contributed a donation of £12,000, which was received in January 2024. ## **RESERVES POLICY** The charity’s trustees have considered the necessity of reserves for the charity. In light of the risks to the London (UK) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated, the trustees agreed that 8 reserves must be kept to ensure we can continue to meet our charitable objectives during times of fluctuating income. Since operating expenses are largely covered by membership dues, which are paid annually, the trustees based the reserve need on 12 months of operating expenditure in a scenario where there are fewer members. The trustees consider that the ideal level of reserves carried over is £42,411, covering the next 12 months of operating expenses and service delivery.[1] This level will enable the charity to continue our activities in the event of a significant drop in funding. In the event that the financial year ends in surplus, the funds carried forward will be transferred to the reserves for the following financial year. Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the balance sheet and of incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees should follow best practice and: - Select suitable account policies and then apply them consistently; - Make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and - Prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is not appropriate to assume that the company will continue on that basis. The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. The Management Committee is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 1 As per the chapter’s 2024/2025 operating and programming budgets. 9 The trustees declare that they have approved the trustee’s report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees **…………………………………………….. ……………………………………………..** **Denise Mitchell Mena Cammett Chair Treasurer** **Chair** Date 28/02/2025 10 ## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL ## 2024 11 ## BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 APRIL 2024 Approved by the Board of Directors and signed on its behalf Ms Mena Cammett Treasurer The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements. 12 ## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 13 ## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2024 14 15 Chw LONDON (UK) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS INCORPORATED Statement of financial activities for Year Ended 30 April 2024 UnrestTKted Regtrka4d FuThls Funds TOTAL TOTAL Fl￿D$ 2D24 FVNDS 2Q24 Voliiniary fftGonpe Total IncomiThg reJou¥c65 .467 30.487 30,497 30,467 34,230 34,230 Rwourc8axpBndod o￿an15?trOns OpeRlinVAc￿ffts 40.909 40 909 .871 384 otherffesources?Kpen￿d 40.￿9 40.909 34.255 Motlficornlnglloutyothgl rqsourcos loVen￿tOffuntt5 110.4421 110.4421 P4•trnowm•*ttth fvnd5 110.4421 Tot*fun¢s b￿ught1￿￿&rd * l May 2023 655 655 Totsl fvnd• ¢•Ythd foA¥•rrt*130 Aprf12Q24 85$ LONDON (UK) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS INCORPRATED Balance Sheet as at 30 April 2024 2024 2023 Fix¥d assèts Tangible assets Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and In hand 59.913 59.913 43,657 43.657 43,002 655 ¢r9ditors." amounts falling du8 within one y8ar Not current assets -69.700 -9.787 -9.787 TOtsI assets Ioss CLbrront 118bllrtits 655 NET ASSETS Funds RostrlGt•d fund -9.787 655 UnYo8tri¢ted lund8 -9.787 655 -9,787 655 LONDON (UK) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS INCORPRATED Notes to the financial statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2024 2. tlonatlon$ SJnreslricled Restricted Funds Funds TOTAL TOTAL FUNDS 2024 FUNDS 2023 Voluntary incomp DoN>8tions 30.467 30.467 34.230 Total Incoming ￿oUrCeS 30.467 30.4fj7 34.230 3. Resourcos expended Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds TOTAL TOTAL FUNOS 2024 FUNDS 2023 0ry8nis8tion's running expenses Donaiions & other chariiable attiviiies 8.709 385 15,882 13.500 169 8.709 385 15.882 13.500 169 8.181 383 21.425 Equipment rep2Irs & maintenance Sub$¢riptions. li￿nceS & insurance Educational sponsorships, Seminars & workshops Sundry axpenses Publications & ether Infomi81ion 1.064 1.200 40.909 2.680 1200 Accountancy 1,200 40,909 33 871 Other resoufces expended Bank charges Depreciation 27 383 Notes #VALUEI Total resources expended 40,9Dg 40.909 27,064 67,742 LONDON (UK) CHAPTER OF THE LINKS INCORPRATED Notes to the financial statements for the Year Ended 30 April 2024 4.Analysi5 of net a5set5 by fund Unresidded Funds RostridÉd Funds Total Funds 2024 Total Funds 2023 Total assets 59.913 59.913 169.7001 43.657 Cutreni liabilrt￿s 169,7WI 143,0021 Long lemi liabilitie5 19.7871 19.787} 655 5.Statement of ftjnds Transfgrs. other gains and10sses Bolb Incon B¥1 ej 01-May-23 3￿A￿.23 UthroStYl¢tsd Funds Bank Interest received DoTratK)ns & granis r8celve 922 30,467 30,467 140.909? 140.9091 19.5201 19.5201 922 Rvtsictéd Fund8 Totsi lunds 922 30,467 140.9991 19.5201 ## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts** **Section A Independent Examiner’s Report** |**Report to the trustees/**
**members of**
**On accounts for the year**
**ended**
**Set out on pages**
**Responsibilities and basis**
**of report**|Charity Name
London (U K) Chapter of the Links Incorporated.|Charity Name
London (U K) Chapter of the Links Incorporated.|Charity Name
London (U K) Chapter of the Links Incorporated.| |---|---|---|---| ||||| ||30thApril, 2024|**Charity no**
**(if any)**|1185612| ||||| ||1,2,3,4, 5 & 6
(remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)||| ||I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 30thApril, 2020.
As the charity's trustees, 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** [The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to **statement** undertake the examination by being a qualified member of [insert name of applicable listed body]]. _Delete_ [ ] _if not applicable._ I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: - the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or - the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or  the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any - requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. * _Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply._ **Signed:** _YTockan (signed)_ **Date:** 24[th] January, 2025 **Name:** Yusufu Tockan FCCA **Relevant professional** Chartered Certified Accountant **Oct 2018** **IER** 1 ## **qualification(s) or body (if any):** **Address:** Tockan & Co., Chartered Certified Accountants 289 Brettenham Road, Edmonton LONDON N18 2HF. ## **Section B Disclosure** Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). **Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose** . **Oct 2018** **IER** 2