Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1[st] April 2024 To 31[st] March 2025
Charity name: Guru Nanak’s Mission
Charity registration number: 1186663
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference |
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|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | Guru Nanak’s Mission (GNM) exists to relieve poverty and financial hardship for the public benefit across Nottingham and the surrounding areas. GNM is built on the foundations of the Sikhi principles of “Langar” (free food kitchen), “Seva” (selfless service)"Vand Ke Chakna" (sharing what you have with others)and stresses the basic right of access to food for all. Our core charitable purpose is fulfilled primarily through the provision of free hot meals to individuals who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or otherwise in need. GNM also supports initiatives that promote mental wellbeing, education, and physical activity among children and young people, chiefly through supplying food at community events. These activities have continued to expand as our community partnerships and outreach work have grown. A central message of the charity is the empowerment of volunteers. We encourage volunteers to use their skills, develop new ones, and take active roles in helping GNM achieve its aims and support its growth. Many volunteers report improved wellbeing, a renewed sense of purpose, and the formation of lasting social connections through their involvement. Overall, our activities promote social responsibility, community cohesion, and collective action, reflecting the values set out in our governing document. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
GNM delivers its charitable aims primarily through the regular distribution of free, freshly cooked vegetarian meals to vulnerable people in Nottingham city centre. These meals are served twice weekly and continue to meet rising demand, with the charity providing around 10,000 meals each year. Meal numbers vary throughout the year in line with community needs, which increased notably during 2024/25. To further support individuals facing hardship, GNM undertakes several complementary activities: ●Supplying food parcels to individuals and partner services: We work alongside a wide range of local organisations, including those supporting people affected by addiction, domestic abuse, and homelessness. As referrals have grown, GNM has broadened its network of partner charities and food banks to extend food provision across the city. ●Holiday food provision for children and families: Through the HAF programme, run in partnership with Nottingham Forest Community Trust, we continue to provide nutritious meals during school holidays. ●Provision of Emergency Food Parcels: GNM provides emergency food parcels on a case- by-case basis to individuals and families living in emergency or supported accommodation. This provision addresses immediate food insecurity for those experiencing acute hardship. During the year, the charity supplied close to 50 emergency parcels, reflecting both the rising need in the community and GNM’s commitment to responding quickly and compassionately to urgent situations. ●Joint initiatives promoting mental and physical wellbeing: The charity continues to work with local groups to advance shared goals around health, resilience, and community support. GNM also supports young people by offering opportunities to complete the volunteering element of their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bronze Award. Students are able to contribute meaningfully to our food distribution and community projects, gaining practical experience, confidence, and a deeper understanding of social responsibility. This partnership helps nurture the next generation of volunteers while strengthening GNM’s capacity to deliver its services. |
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| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The Trustees confirm that Charity Commission guidance has been fully considered and applied in the decision- making and day-to-day management of the charity. Setting up and running a charity: Trustee role and board- detailed information-GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) |
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| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
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| SORP reference |
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| Policy on grant making |
Para 1.38 | At present, the charity does not have a formal grant- making policy in place, and grant applications have historically been made on an ad hoc basis in response to available funding opportunities and operational need. The trustees recognise the importance of developing a more proactive and strategic approach to grant making in order to help secure the charity’s current and future operations. During the year, rising costs associated with fuel and food ingredients have presented a significant challenge, increasing overall operating expenses. In response, the trustees have begun taking steps to strengthen the charity’s approach to funding. These efforts include attending funding and grant application workshops, improving administrative processes, and developing better systems to track operational activity and impact. These improvements are intended to ensure the charity is in a stronger position to identify, apply for, and manage grant funding effectively, supporting the long-term sustainability of its services. |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | n/a |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Volunteers remain central to the success and continued growth of Guru Nanak’s Mission (GNM). Every development made within the organisation is rooted in volunteer feedback, ongoing evaluation, and a commitment to improving both the efficiency and effectiveness of our services. GNM is entirely volunteer-led, with a dedicated group of coordinators overseeing weekly operations, managing logistics, monitoring stock levels, and ensuring service users’ needs are met. Their role has continued to evolve as our activities expand. The wider volunteer team is equally essential, forming the foundation on which all GNM services depend. Our structured registration and onboarding process has been refined this year to better match volunteers to roles and ensure they feel equipped and supported. Volunteers are encouraged to participate in all areas of the charity’s work, enabling them to develop their skills while strengthening the organisation’s capacity. Stakeholder took place to gather volunteer insights, which have directly informed service improvements, adjustments to operational procedures, and the development of new initiatives. Volunteers are kept updated on how their feedback shapes decision-making, reinforcing a culture of shared ownership and continuous improvement. In response to volunteer input and our own operational reviews, we refined our training procedures in 2024 and expanded them further in 2025. This included preparing more volunteers to step into coordinator positions, widening our leadership base and enhancing resilience across the charity. This year, our communications team was expanded with additional volunteers, allowing us to post more regular social media updates and bring fresh ideas and approaches to our communications strategy. This growth has strengthened our ability to share our work, foster transparency, and highlight the impact of our services to the public. |
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| Other | n/a |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference |
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|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | During the reporting period, the charity continued to deliver regular communal meal services, providing free, nutritious meals each week (approx 10,000 per annum) to homeless and vulnerable individuals in and around Nottingham. These meals not only addressed immediate food insecurity but also offered a safe and welcoming space that helped reduce social isolation and promote dignity and wellbeing among beneficiaries. The charity also played a key role in supporting children and families during school holiday periods through the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme. Over school holidays, 640 meals were prepared and either delivered or collected to ensure that children who would otherwise rely on free school meals during term time had continued access to nutritious food alongside holiday activities. In addition, the charity provided targeted seasonal support during the winter period. Over 100 food parcels and over 300 toys were prepared and distributed to vulnerable families across the Nottingham area in the lead-up to Christmas, helping to ease financial pressure and improve family wellbeing at a particularly challenging time. Meals were also prepared and delivered to emergency services staff on Christmas Day, recognising their essential role in supporting the wider community. Collectively, these activities have contributed to reducing food poverty, strengthening community resilience, and delivering wider social benefit across the local area. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | N/A |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | N/A |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | N/A |
| Other | N/A |
Financial Review
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | Total income: £10,979 Total expenditure: £12,059 Net income: £1,080 |
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| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Reserves are maintained to ensure that Guru Nanak’s Mission (GNM) can continue to meet its charitable aims and respond effectively to community needs. They provide flexibility to increase food provision when demand rises and allow the charity to initiate or support new projects that align with its objectives. Although GNM does not currently have a formal reserves policy, the need for financial contingency has become increasingly important, particularly in light of rising operational costs, including higher fuel charges for kitchen use and price increases in ingredients. Reserves would be held to ensure these essential costs can be met and services sustained without disruption. In response to rising fuel costs, a monthly payment of £250 was made to the Gurdwara we’re GNM operates, to cover expenses incurred through our operations. Additionally, reserves were maintained to ensure the organisation could meet further increases in costs, should they arise. |
| Amount of reserves held |
Para 1.22 | n/a |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | n/a |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | n/a |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | n/a |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | The charity’s principal sources of funding are generated through self-led fundraising activities organised by GNM, alongside donations received from members of the public. In addition, the charity receives payments through its involvement in the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in respect of meals provided to children during school holiday periods. This collaboration generates a modest surplus, which is reinvested into the charity’s activities to support its core services and further its charitable objectives. |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | n/a |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | The principal risks facing the charity relate primarily to rising operational costs, including increases in fuel prices, the cost of ingredients, and essential equipment such as biodegradable containers. These factors directly impact the charity’s ability to deliver its core services and maintain sustainability. In addition, the charity occasionally experiences periods where volunteer numbers are insufficient to fully support operations, which can place additional strain on service delivery. Despite these challenges, the charity continues to use biodegradable containers to minimise its environmental impact, reflecting its ongoing commitment to sustainability and responsible resource use. The trustees regularly monitor these risks and take steps to mitigate their effects, including careful budgeting, volunteer recruitment and retention strategies, and exploring funding opportunities to support operational needs. |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
n/a | |
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| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution adopted December 2019 |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIO) |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees of Guru Nanak’s Mission (GNM) are nominated by volunteers, with volunteers able to re-elect trustees at any time. Trustees play a vital role in the governance, strategic direction, and operational oversight of the charity, ensuring that it runs efficiently and continues to meet its charitable objectives. Key responsibilities of trustees include: ●Overseeing day-to-day operations:Trustees supervise all aspects of the charity’s activities, ensuring that projects run smoothly and that volunteers are informed and supported. This involves reviewing operational processes, coordinating with coordinators, and proactively identifying potential challenges before they arise. ●Managing accounts, assets, and resources: Trustees ensure the charity’s financial stability, monitor budgets, authorise expenditure, and safeguard physical and financial assets. They also oversee supply management, ensuring sufficient stock and resources are available to meet service demands. ●Engaging with volunteers:Trustees actively seek the views and feedback of volunteers on activities, projects, and service delivery. This engagement informs improvements and ensures volunteers feel valued, heard, and empowered to take on new roles and responsibilities. ●Safeguarding:Trustees are responsible for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all volunteers and service users. This includes implementing and reviewing safeguarding policies, monitoring compliance, and addressing any concerns promptly and effectively. ●Identifying collaborative opportunities: Trustees continuously explore potential partnerships and community collaborations, using their knowledge and networks to expand the charity’s reach and impact. |
Trustees meet on a monthly basis to review operations, address challenges, and discuss progress, including improvements resulting from previous changes. They continually assess current systems, drawing on their experience and wider skill sets, to identify opportunities to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability. Trustees balance immediate operational needs with longterm planning, ensuring that all decisions support the ongoing growth and stability of GNM. By empowering volunteers and incorporating their feedback, trustees help build organisational resilience, secure the charity’s future, and strengthen its ability to deliver services for the public benefit.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees The trustees have adopted a structured approach to the induction and ongoing training of trustees and coordinators. Induction materials prepared by the trustees include recorded training videos and written documentation covering the charity’s aims, governance arrangements, key policies, safeguarding, health and safety, and operational procedures. In addition, a ‘buddy’ system has been established to support the onboarding of new coordinators, pairing them with experienced trustees or coordinators who can provide practical guidance, mentoring, and continuity. Coordinators, who are volunteers, play a vital role in the daily cooking activities, organising and supporting volunteers, and ensuring services are delivered safely and effectively. These arrangements also provide ongoing support to current coordinators, promoting consistency, shared learning, and effective communication across the organisation. |
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| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | Guru Nanak’s Mission (GNM) is governed by a board of five trustees, who hold ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction, financial oversight, and operational management of the charity. Trustees meet monthly to review performance, make key decisions, address operational challenges, and plan for future projects, ensuring that all activities align with the charity’s objectives and long-term sustainability. Operational management is supported by a dedicated coordinator group, which oversees the organisation and delivery of weekly services, including meal distribution, food parcel provision, and additional projects such as the HAF programme. Coordinators manage logistics, volunteer scheduling, stock, and communication with |
| service users, reporting back to trustees on operational matters and feedback from volunteers. GNM continues to maintain a structured volunteer registration process. This system collects information on volunteers’ skills and experience, provides induction and safeguarding training, and ensures volunteers are supported and empowered to take on roles across the charity. Volunteers play a central role in both operational delivery and in shaping service improvements through feedback and participation in stakeholder events. The charity also works closely with a wider network of partner organisations, including local food banks, community groups, schools, and sports clubs such as Nottingham Forest Community Trust. These collaborations enable GNM to extend its reach, support vulnerable individuals more effectively, and deliver complementary services that align with its charitable objectives. This organisational structure ensures clear lines of accountability, effective communication, and the ability to respond flexibly to the needs of the community, while maintaining a strong focus on volunteer engagement and long-term growth. |
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| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | During the reporting period, GNM established new informal partnerships with Framework, working collaboratively to help provide food and practical support to vulnerable adults within the local community. GNM has also maintained and strengthened its existing partnerships with Nottingham City Homes, continuing to support families experiencing hardship and financial insecurity. In addition, GNM continued to work closely with Nottingham Forest Community Trust and Notts County Foundation Trust to support the provision of meals to children during school holidays.. These partnerships have played a vital role in extending GNM’s reach, improving coordination of services, and ensuring support is delivered effectively to those most in need. |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charityname | Guru Nanak’s Mission |
|---|---|
| Other name the charityuses | GNM |
| Registered charitynumber | 1186663 |
| Charity’s principal address | Blake Landa Accountants 99-101 High Road Nottingham NG9 2LH England |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) |
Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dharminder Singh | n/a | ||
| 2 | Harjit Matharu | n/a | ||
| 3 | Sangita Bhaker | n/a | ||
| 4 | Bal Bansal | 1st August 2023 | ||
| 5 | Harvinder Bhaker | Appointed May2024 | ||
| 6 | Jatinder Hanspal | Resigned 28th Nov 2024 | ||
| 7 | Jean Panagamuwa | Appointed May2024 | ||
Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved -N/A
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity - N/A
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
| Description of the assets held in this capacity |
n/a |
|---|---|
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
n/a |
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
n/a |
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s) Dr Sangita Bhaker
Position (eg Secretary, Secretary Chair, etc)
Date 17th December 2025
GURU NANAK MISSION ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
GURU NANAK MISSION
INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNTS
& ACCUMULATED FUND
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2025
GURU NANAK MISSION ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
INFORMATION
| ADDRESS | Chartered Certfed Accountants |
|---|---|
| 99A High Road | |
| Beeston | |
| Notngham | |
| NG9 2LH | |
| ACCOUNTANTS | Blake Landa & Co Limited |
| Chartered Certfed Accountants | |
| 99A High Road | |
| Beeston | |
| Notngham | |
| NG9 2LH | |
| BANKERS | Barclays Bank UK PLC |
| Notngham High Street Branch | |
| 2 High Street | |
| Notngham | |
| NG1 2EN |
GURU NANAK MISSION
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Statement of Income and Expenditure | 1 |
| Summary of Accumulated Fund | 2 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 3 - 5 |
GURU NANAK MISSION ACCOUNTS
STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Donatons, Member Fees and General Income 1 Other Income Gif Aid Claim Other Interest Received Total Income 2 General Expenses Gas and electricity Insurance Containers Repairs and maintenance Ofce Supplies Printng and statonery Food and grocery purchases Travel Costs Legal and professional fees Cleaning and hygiene Donatons/Subscriptons Bank charges & Interest Sundries Donatons/Subscriptons Kitchen Equipment Bank Charges Gudhwara Usage Donaton Capital Expenditure Building Improvements 3a 3 |
31 March 2025 £ £ £ 10,979 - - 10,979 - - - - 940 2,652 - - 1,511 456 - - 6,028 9,442 223 - - - - - - - - - 357 1,020 - - - - - - 3,000 3,000 (12,059) - - - |
31 March 2025 £ £ £ 10,979 - - 10,979 - - - - 940 2,652 - - 1,511 456 - - 6,028 9,442 223 - - - - - - - - - 357 1,020 - - - - - - 3,000 3,000 (12,059) - - - |
|---|---|---|
| - | ||
Net surplus/(defcit)
(1,080)
Page 2
31 March 2024 £
12,556
12,556
(16,569)
(4,013)
Page 2
GURU NANAK MISSION ACCOUNTS
STATEMENT OF ACCUMULATED FUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| Note Debtors Other Debtors 4 Bank Barclays Bank - Community Account 5 Pety Cash 5 Total Assets Accumulated Fund - B/fwd Net surplus/(defcit) Accumulated Fund - C/fwd 6 |
31 March 2025 £ - 17,765 680 |
|---|---|
| 18,445 | |
| 19,525 (1,080) |
|
| 18,445 | |
| (0) |
We approve these accounts and confirm that we have made available all relevant records and information for their preparation.
for and behalf of Guru Nanak Mission
Date:
Page 3
31 March 2024 £
19,324 201 19,525
23,538
(4,013)
19,525
Page 3
GURU NANAK MISSION ACCOUNTS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 1. Donatons, Member Fees and General Income Donatons Bank interest received Sundry Income Vat Reclaimable 2. Other Income Gif Aid Claim Other Interest Received Total Income |
31 March 31 March 2025 2024 £ £ 10,979 12,556 0 0 0 0 0 0 |
|---|---|
| 10,979 12,556 0 0 - - |
|
| 10,979 12,556 |
Page 4
GURU NANAK MISSION ACCOUNTS
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
| 3. Capital Expenditure 3a. Building Improvements Total Capital Expenditure |
31 March 31 March 2025 2024 £ £ 0 0 |
|---|---|
| 0 0 |
|
| 0 0 |
Page 5
----- Start of picture text -----
GURU NANAK MISSION
ACCOUNTS
SUMMARY BANK ACCOUNT
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025
31 March 31 March
2025 2024
£ £
4. Debtors
Other Debtor - 0
0 0
5. Bank Accounts
Barclays Bank - Community Account 17,765 19,324
Petty Cash/Pleo 680 201
18,445 19,525
6. Accumulated Fund 18,445 19,525
----- End of picture text -----
Page 6
| Guru Nan | aks Mission 24-31 March 2025 Balance Detail Donatons GifAid Claim Other interest received Bank interest received Sundry Income Vat Reclaimable Gas and electricity Insurance Containers & packaging Repairs and maintenance Ofce Supplies Printng and statonery Food and grocery purchases/Parcel Costs Accountancy sofware Legal and professional fees Cleaning and hygiene Kitchen Equipment Donatons/Subscriptons Bank charges & Interest Sundries Gudhwara Usage Donaton Prior Year Adjustment Capital expenditure Building Works Consultants Fees Supense Account Other Debtor GifAid Claimable Current Account Cash/Pleo Account Accumulated Fund Brought Forward suspense |
Current Cash/Pleo A Account Account -10,978.79 0.00 940.20 1,510.83 0.00 6,027.53 223.20 0.00 0.00 357.00 3,000.00 -878.69 -680.13 0.00 478.86 0.00 |
Current Cash/Pleo A Account Account -10,978.79 0.00 940.20 1,510.83 0.00 6,027.53 223.20 0.00 0.00 357.00 3,000.00 -878.69 -680.13 0.00 478.86 0.00 |
ccumulated Fund B/F \a 19,324.00 201.00 -19,525.00 |
Vat/GifAid Bank Blanks Final TB Reclaimable Diferences B/S P&L -10,978.79 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 940.20 0.00 1,510.83 0.00 6,027.53 223.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 357.00 3,000.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 ok ok 17,765.18 ok 679.86 ok -19,525.00 ok |
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| 1 April 20 | ||||||
Final Trial |
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| N/Code | ||||||
| 201.28 | -201.27 | 0.00 | 0.00 0.00 0.00 -1,079.96 1,079.97 |
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| 0.01 |