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2021-11-30-accounts

Charity number: 1185655

ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

CONTENTS
Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Organisation, its Trustees and Advisers 2
Trustees Report 3 - 5
Independent Examiner’s Report 6 - 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9 - 10
Notes to the Financial Statements 11 - 19

Page | 1

ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE ORGANISATION, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

The name of the charity is Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust. The Trust has established a scheme known as Ross Good Neighbours.

Trustees

Dr Simon Lennane Cllr Jane Roberts Cllr Edmund John O'Driscoll Dennis Humble Jane Mainey Christopher Barron Geoffrey Balsom Dr Sarah Aitken

appointed on incorporation appointed on incorporation appointed by Ross Town Council 24[th] Oct 2019 elected by Trustees 16[th] Jan 2020 elected by Trustees 6[th] Aug 2020 elected by Trustees 5th November 2020 elected by Trustees 14[th] January 2021 Elected by AGM 11[th] March 2021; resigned 19[th] September 2021

Charity registered number

1185655

Body corporate

Registered office

Ross-on-Wye Town Council The Corn Exchange 7 High Street Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire HR9 5HL

Principal operating office

Edde Cross House Edde Cross Street Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire HR9 7BZ

Independent examiners

Thorne & Co 1 St Mary's St Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire HR9 5HT

Ross Town Council, as a Corporate Body, has the right to appoint one Trustee. At the time of completion of this report the following were Ross Town Councillors:

Cllr. Chris Bartrum Cllr. Simeon Cole Cllr. Phillip Cutter Cllr. Dan Ciolte Cllr. Katie Fowler Cllr. Ian Gumm Cllr. Winder John Cllr. Rebecca Johnston Cllr. Daniel Lister Cllr. Ed O'Driscoll Cllr. Beverley Pope Cllr. David Ravenscroft Cllr. Jane Roberts Cllr. Michelle Setchfield Cllr. Louis Stark Cllr. Paul Symonds Cllr. Robert Taylor Cllr. Julian Utting

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

Objectives and Activities

Objectives

The objectives of the CIO are promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of charities and the effective use of charitable resources for the benefit of the public in Ross-on-Wye and surrounding parishes by any means as the trustees in their discretion shall determine, provided always that such promotion has the goal of providing charitable services or relief to the residents of Ross-on-Wye and that any private benefit arising is solely incidental.

Activities

Ross Community Development Trust exists to unlock the potential of the community to work together to enhance the quality of life in the town. The charity was established in 2019 to encourage volunteering within the market town of Ross-on-Wye. Huge thanks are due to everyone in the Ross community who has contributed their time or money to the continued success of Ross CDT during 2021.

Ross CDT promotes voluntary action in Ross-on-Wye by:

  1. networking with other charities and groups

  2. working with statutory services to help them work more effectively with voluntary groups

  3. providing advice, training and support to groups

  4. developing projects to meet identified needs

  5. developing the capacity and skills of volunteers.

In the Achievements and Performance section below, the Trustees set out how we have moved forward on these areas of activity during the review period.

Public Benefit

The Trustees seek to ensure that the activities of the CIO meet ‘Public Benefit’ tests in accordance with the Charity Commission guidance. In particular, the Trustees have regard to the Objectives of the CIO, as set out in the Constitution, and how proposed activities will further these. Trustees also judge proposed activities in line with the requirement that they should be beneficial to the public, or a sufficient section of the public.

The Trustees, having reviewed the objectives and activities of the Trust and, having given due consideration to Charity Commission Guidance on public benefit, are satisfied that the Trust’s business is properly conducted for the public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

Networking with other charities and groups

We are currently in contact with 40+ local volunteer organisations. Before the pandemic we had started quarterly networking meetings for these groups, which had been well attended. We hope to recommence these by May 2022. Each group on our list receives a quarterly mailing, with news and info, and also a request for information about their activities which we can advertise on our website, social media and our printed publication ‘Ross Neighbourhood News’. This is delivered by volunteers every three months to 6000 household in Ross, Bridstow and Weston-under-Penyard. As well as

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publicising our own projects and those of other groups, it also encourages volunteering and lists volunteer vacancies in the town. Thus a combination of face-to-face contact through the buddy scheme, printed information through letterboxes, our Helpline, social media (Facebook, Instagram, NextDoor, Twitter) and our website, provides a diverse range of communication channels to connect us, and the wider voluntary sector, to individuals and households.

We work closely with Ross Rotary and Ross Lions to provide volunteers for Covid vaccination clinics in the town.

Working with statutory services to help them work more effectively with voluntary groups

We have been designated a Talk Community Hub by Herefordshire Council. Rather than a physical, walk-in hub, our hub is distributed. Our buddies and our helpline volunteers are trained so that they can act as sign-posters to the help and information needed by the people they are in contact with.

We have been working closely during the year with the Taurus Healthcare Social Prescribing team, as part of the Clover Project (details below).

We have been regular attendees at the Herefordshire Community Partnership meetings, to help to prepare for the introduction of Integrated Care Networks for July 2022, which will offer new opportunities for closer working between the voluntary and community sectors.

Providing advice, training and support to groups

We offer a range of services for other volunteer groups in the Ross area. In January 2021 we were approved as a Disclosure & Barring Service umbrella organisation, which means we can offer free DBS volunteer checks for our member groups (full membership is £24/year but groups can also choose free associate membership if they do not require services such as DBS checks, access to our Zoom room etc.).

We act as an incubator for groups which are in the process of getting started or who lack capacity. The Ross District Community Land Trust has been established as a Ross CDT project, but its steering committee intend to become an independent body on due course. The Ross Town Ambassadors, who welcome visitors to the town, had no way of getting public liability insurance, and so we adopted them, registering all their volunteers as ours so that they would have the necessary cover.

Developing projects to meet identified needs

Our first project, the Ross Good Neighbours (RGN) scheme, which aims to help people across the town in many different ways, is at the heart of our operations. Bristow and Weston-under-Penyard Parishes became the first rural parishes to join the scheme during the year. During the year we completed the re-structuring of the scheme, using 60 volunteers organised into nine teams in neighbourhood patches, so that where possible we can match local volunteers to requests for help in the same patch. These teams provide a range of services for people who are vulnerable and need support, including a home shopping service for those who are isolated, pet care, light DIY or gardening tasks. We also have a 24/7 messaging service which we use as a dedicated Helpline.

A major activity this year has been the Clover Project (www.clover-hr9.org.uk), aiming to create strong connections between social prescribers, voluntary organisations delivering well-being activities, and the community. Clover is funded through the Thriving Communities Fund of the National Academy for Social Prescribing. We are the lead partner in a consortium of six Herefordshire-based organisations which made the bid (ignite CIC, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, Taurus Healthcare, Active Herefordshire & Worcestershire and Rural Media).

Another project has been Ross Money Box, aimed at raising the profile of debt and other money advice services in the HR9 area, funded by Herefordshire Council.

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Developing the capacity and skills of volunteers

During the year we have run online and face-to-face training events for our volunteers and those of other groups, some of them through the Clover Project. Topics include:

Financial Review

Reserves Policy

The Trustees have agreed a policy to establish reserve funds equivalent to 6 months operating costs. Currently this is estimated to be £11,542. Existing unrestricted funds amount to £15,441 and therefore the Trust has adequate operating reserves at the time of this report.

Funding and financial performance

The Trust is grateful to have been in receipt of a number of grants that supported the activities of the Trust. Grant funders are listed on page 18 of this report.

Structure, Governance and Management

Ross CDT is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation. It has a constitution which is available on the website, based on the model Charity Commission constitution for CIOs.

The maximum number of Trustees is eight, seven elected and one appointed by Ross Town Council (Cllr. Ed O’Driscoll).

Seven elected trustees were elected at the first AGM in March 2021. During the year, Dr Sarah Aitken resigned. Caroline Utting was co-opted by the Trustees in January 2022.

At the second AGM, in March 2022, the three longest standing elected trustees (Dennis Humble, Dr Simon Lennane, Jane Roberts) and the co-opted trustee (Caroline Utting) must each step down but will be eligible to stand for re-election by the membership. At subsequent AGMs one third of elected Trustees will retire each time.

This report was approved by the Trustees on 7[th] March 2022 and signed on their behalf by:

Jane Roberts Chair of Trustees

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

Independent Examiner’s Report

To the Trustees of Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust

On the unaudited accounts for the financial year ended 30 November 2020

I report on the accounts of Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust for the financial year ended 30 November 2021, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and the related notes.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner

The charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act)) and that an independent examination is required.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity 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 you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view ' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statements below.

Independent examiners' statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with s386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006; and

    • to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of Sections 394 and 395 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)

Page | 6

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached

Thorne & Co. Accountants 1 St. Mary's Street, Ross-on-Wye HR9 5HT

Date:

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

Note
Income from:
Donations
2
Charitable activities
3
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
4
Total expenditure
Net income
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
2,254
33,349
35,603
38,100
38,100
(2,497)
(2,497)		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
86,798
-
86,798
43,711
43,711
43,087
43,087		 Total
funds
2021
£
89,052
33,349
122,401
81,811
81,811
40,590
40,590		 Total
funds
2020
£
39,254
27,976
67,230
44,635
44,635
22,595
22,595

The notes on pages 11 to 19 form part of these financial statements.

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2021

Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets
9
Current Assets
Stocks
10
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors:amounts falling due within one
year
12
Net current assets
Net assets
Charity Funds
Restricted funds
13
Unrestricted funds
13
Total funds		 £
220
1111
62,624		 2021
£
-
62,885		 £

104
58
22618		 2020
£
-
22,295
63,955
(1,070)		 22,780
(485)
62,885 22,295
48,287
14,598		 5,200
17,095
62,885 22,295

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

BALANCE SHEET (continued) AS AT 30 NOVEMBER 2021

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 24 March 2022and signed on their behalf, by:

J Roberts C Barron Chair Treasurer

The notes on pages 11 to 19 form part of these financial statements.

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

1. Accounting Policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practise applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).

Ross-on-Wye Community Development Trust meets the definition of a public benefit entity.

1.2 Going concern

The Trustees have reviewed the current financial status and operations supported by the Trust and are satisfied that there are no reasons why the Trust cannot continue as a going concern.

1.3 Income

All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Donated goods or services are recognised when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the item by the charity is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably.

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid is recognised at the time of donation.

1.4 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Charitable activities and Governance costs are costs incurred on the charity’s operations including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

All assets costing more than £500 are capitalised.

Fixed assets are deprecated over 3 years on a straight-line basis.

1.6 Stocks

Stocks are valued at resale value. Cost includes all direct costs.

1.7 Debtors

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount.

1.8 Cash at Bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid deposits held in banks and similar accounts.

1.9 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt.

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities that qualify as basic financial instruments.

1.11 Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme, and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the charity to the fund in respect of the year.

1.12 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in order to further the objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds are funds which have been raised for specific purposes. The aim and use of each fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

2. Income from donations

Donations
Total 2020		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
2,254
24,754		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
86,798
14,500		 Total funds
2021
£
89,052
39,254		 Total funds
2020
£
39,254

3. Income from charitable activities

Core activities
Membership
Misc income
Total 2020		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
31,641
1,708
-
33,349
27,976		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
-
-
-
-
-		 Total funds
2021
£
31,641
1,708
-
33,349
27,976		 Total funds
2020
£
27,726
-
250
27,976

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

4. Expenditure on charitable activities

Core
activities
Project:
Glos Rd Wall
Project:
Debt Advice
Project:
Clover
The Mayors
Fund 2020/21
Ross and
District CLT
Total 2020		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
38,100
-
-
-
-
-
38,100
35,335		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
10,203
3,586
2,224
25,396
2,094
208
43,711
9,300		 Total funds
2021
£
49,304
3,586
2,224
25,396
2,094
208
82,811

44,635		 Total funds
2020
£
44,221
414
-
-
-
-
44,635

5. Support costs

Basis of
Allocation
Staff costs
Activity
Office expenses
Activity
Insurance
Activity
Total 2020		 Support
costs
£
26,485
2,026
676
29,187
8,984		 Governance
costs
£
-
-
-
-
-		 Total
2021
£
26,485
2,026
676
29,187
8,984		 Total
2020
£
7,386
1,216
382
8,984

6. Independent Examiner’s remuneration

The fee for Thorne & Co to act as Independent Examiners, for FY 2020/21, was £250+VAT.

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

7. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs		 2021
£
25,601
115
768
26,484		 2020
£
7,107
66
213
7,386

The number of persons employed by the charity during the year was as follows:

2021 2020
No. No.
2 1

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more.

8. Trustees’ remuneration

No remunerations were paid to any trustee.

9. Tangible fixed assets

The trust has no tangible fixed assets. The charity does own two laptops and one mobile phone, all of which have discounted to zero value during the year they were purchased.

10. Stocks

2021 2020
£ £
Stock - Green Sacks 220 104

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

11. Debtors

Accrued income
Prepayments		 2021
£
226
885
1,111		 2020
£
58
-
58

12. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Accruals		 2021
£
35
1,035
1,070		 2020
£
-17
502
485

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

13. Statement of funds

Statement of funds – current year

Unrestricted funds
General funds
Donated Goods and services
Total unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Gloucester Road Wall
Admin & Finance Officer
Talk Community Hub
Debt Advice
Clover
Spaces For Faces
Helpline
Ross Fairtrade Group
The Mayors Fund 2020/21
Ross District CLT
Total restricted funds
Total of funds		 Balance
b/d
1
December
2020
£
17,095
-
17,095
2,586
2,614
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,200
22,295		 Income
£
35,603
35,603
1,000
10,000
2,500
10,000
55,050
4,750
1,000
103
2,094
301
86,798
122,401		 Expenditure
£
38,100
38,100
3,586
7,614
2,500
2,224
25,396
-
89
-
2,094
208
43,711
81,811		 Balance at
30
November
2021
£
14,598
14,598
-
5,000
-
7,776
29,654
4,750
911
103
-
93
48,287
62,885

Ross Fairtrade Group – Holding funds for a currently dormant group whose aims are to promote Fairtrade and local produce in Ross-on-Wye.

The Mayors Fund 2020/21 – Funds were raised and donated in the year to The Basement Youth Trust in Ross-on-Wye who support and provide services to young people 11-18 years.

Ross District CLT – Ross and District Community Land Trust aims to provide affordable housing to local people in need.

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

13. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds – prior year

Unrestricted funds
General funds
Donated Goods and services
Total unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Newsletter
Gloucester Road Wall
Admin & Finance Officer
Face Masks
Total restricted funds
Total of funds		 Income
£
51,260
1,470
52,730
1,100
3,000
10,000
400
14,500
67,230		 Expenditure
£
34,165
1,470
35,635
1,100
414
7,386
400
9,300
44,635		 Balance at
30
November
2020
£
17,095
-
17,095
-
2,586
2,614
-
5,200
22,295

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ROSS-ON-WYE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TRUST

(A Charitable Incorporated Organisation)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 NOVEMBER 2021

14. Grants

During the year the charity received the following grants designated for specific purposes, identified as restricted funds:

Herefordshire Council

£10,000 awarded for a Project to promote awareness of debt and to signpost to debt services. £2,500 awarded for becoming a talk community hub providing signposting to various services. £4,000 match funding towards the Clover project.

National Lottery Awards for All

£10,000 awarded towards the salary of our administration and finance officer.

National Lottery Places called Home £4,750 awarded to create a welcoming outdoor space for people to meet in Ross-on-Wye.

Ross Town Council £1,000 to enable us to complete the rebuilding of the wall on Gloucester Road. £500 match funding towards the Clover project.

Arts Council England – Thriving Communities £45,000 awarded for the Clover project; a social prescribing project.

Taurus Healthcare

£4,000 match funding towards the Clover project.

Co-op Customer Donation Fund £1,000 to cover our helpline costs for one year.

The charity also received a donation from the Masonic Charitable Foundation towards core activities and this has been recognised as unrestricted in the accounts.

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