OpenCharities

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2024-04-06-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 07 April 2023 Period start date. To 06 April 2024 Period end date. Charity name: Forces Online CIO Charity Registration Number: 1188955 Objectives and Activities

Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document (SORP reference Para 1.17.)

The purpose of the Charity as set out in the governing body is: “The relief of former armed service personnel, and their families and dependents. Former emergency service personnel and their families and dependents, who are in need by reason of age, disability, financial hardship, or disadvantage. In particular but, not exclusively by providing them with help and assistance and by offering them a signposting service to expert support providers for their benefit”. The organisation does include support for the emergency services in the veteran’s directory, but no other formal recognition is show in any of the websites below. This is because a well know veterans grant system indicated that it would be difficult to gain armed forces funding for organisations with emergency services.

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)

Executive Summary

Forces Online has undertaken comprehensive digital infrastructure improvements to enhance service delivery and compliance with COBSEO and other guidelines. This report details our digital presence, operational improvements, and service accessibility across multiple platforms.

Compliance and Brand Standards

In accordance with COBSEO requirements, Forces Online has completed a comprehensive audit and update of all digital assets. Key achievements include:

Digital Infrastructure

Primary Domains The charity maintains two primary domains:

Service Delivery Platforms The charity operates specialised service platforms:

Welfare Support Portal (welfaresupport.net)

Virtual Hub Services (virtualhub.uk)

Resource Management Systems Veterans Directory (veteransdirectory.uk)

This url was changed from veteransdirectory.org.uk to avoid naming confusion.

Hardship Support Management (veteranshardship.uk)

Community Engagement Initiatives

Walk of Life Project (walkoflife.uk)

Quality Assurance

Standardised Features Across Platforms

Monitoring and Evaluation

Data Protection and Compliance

All digital platforms maintain strict adherence to:

Future Development

Planned improvements include:

This report reflects Forces Onlines commitment to digital excellence in service delivery and demonstrates our ongoing dedication to supporting the armed forces community through accessible, efficient, and compliant digital platforms.

Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit (Para 1.18)

Forces Online CIO confirms a further two unrelated trustees joined the service in September 2023. The board of trustees is now 8 listed below have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Additional information (optional)

Policy on grant making (Para 1.38)

Forces Online will continue to look for a suitable outcome to processing grantfunding applications.

Policy on social investment including program related investment (Para 1.38)

Forces Online CIO does not have a policy on social investment including program related investment in its current financial year.

Contribution made by volunteers (Para 1.38)

In this period very little has changed with our volunteer system.

Achievements and Performance

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)

LiveChat Implementation Following an evaluation of internal chat systems, Forces Online has reverted back to Chat Heroes as its primary LiveChat provider. This decision was based on:

Strategic Partnerships Forces Online has expanded its support network through strategic partnerships with key organisations in the armed forces community:

Employment and Skills Development

Digital Inclusion

Financial Support Services

Mental Health Services

Employment Transition Support

This expansion of partnerships demonstrates Forces Onlines commitment to providing comprehensive support services through established and reputable organisations. Each partnership has been selected to address specific needs within our beneficiary community, ensuring a holistic approach to veteran support.

Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period (Para

1.21)

Financial Sustainability and Future Planning

Current Financial Position As Forces Online enters its fourth year of operations supporting armed forces veterans, their families and dependents, the organisation continues to face funding challenges. Key observations include:

Current Funding Sources

Financial Challenges The charity has experienced:

Strategic Financial Development New initiatives for financial sustainability include:

Walk of Life Project

Financial Objectives Priority areas for financial development:

Sustainability Planning The organisation recognises the critical need to:

This challenging financial landscape underscores the importance of the Walk of Life project and other strategic initiatives in securing the organisation's future ability to support its beneficiaries effectively.

Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held (Para 1.21)

Appendix 1 The Forces Online Reserves Policy.

Amount of reserves held (Para 1.41)

Trustee-Approved Financial Framework

Interim Financial Support Arrangement The trustees have established a contingency arrangement whereby:

Risk Management This arrangement highlights:

Financial Governance Recommendations To strengthen financial resilience, consideration should be given to:

[Note: This section demonstrates both proper governance through trustee oversight and highlights the need for developing more sustainable funding models. The personal commitment of the Founder, while commendable, indicates the need for more robust institutional funding sources.]

Legal Notice: This financial arrangement has been properly documented and approved by the board of trustees, demonstrating appropriate governance and transparency in financial management.

Details of fund materially in deficit (Para 1.41) None.

Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern (Para 1.41)

Fundraising Adaptation and Challenges

Post-Pandemic Fundraising Landscape Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Forces Online has identified significant changes in traditional fundraising opportunities:

Current Challenges

Operational Impact These changes have affected:

Strategic Response The organisation is exploring adaptive measures including:

Risk Assessment Key considerations include:

Recommendations To address these challenges, consideration should be given to:

This evolution in the fundraising landscape necessitates a strategic review of Forces Onlines approach to community engagement and donor recruitment, with particular focus on digital transformation while maintaining personal connections with supporters.

Additional Information (optional)

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising (Para1.47)

Donation Channel Diversification

Post-Lockdown Recovery Forces Online has successfully re-established physical fundraising presence while maintaining and expanding digital donation channels:

Physical Fundraising

Digital Donation Platforms The charity utilises multiple online giving channels:

Integrated Financial Management All donation streams are consolidated through:

Benefits of Integrated Approach This multi-channel strategy delivers:

Future Development Areas identified for enhancement:

This integrated approach to donation management demonstrates Forces Onlines commitment to efficient financial administration while maximising income through Gift Aid recovery and diverse giving channels.

Regulatory Compliance and Registration

Funding Regulator Status Forces Online maintains full registration with the Funding Regulator:

Regulatory Adherence This registration demonstrates:

Benefits of Registration provides:

Compliance Framework Forces Online maintains compliance through:

This registration with the Funding Regulator underscores Forces Online's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of fundraising practice and regulatory compliance.

Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted (Para 1.46)

Nothing in this period.

A description of principle risks facing the charity (Para 1.46)

Post-Pandemic Fundraising Environment

Market Saturation Challenges Following the lifting of pandemic restrictions, Forces Online has encountered increased competition in the charitable fundraising sector:

Current Market Conditions

Impact Assessment This increased competition has resulted in:

Market Pressures Key factors affecting fundraising opportunities:

Strategic Implications These challenges necessitate:

Adaptation Strategies Recommended responses include:

This evolving fundraising landscape requires Forces Online to adapt its strategies while maintaining its commitment to effective and efficient fundraising practices.

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of Charities Trusts

Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) Para 1.25

Not Applicable

How is the charity constituted? (e.g. unincorporated association, CIO) Para 1.25 The charity is constituted as a CIO

https://myfol.uk/cioconstitution.pdf

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)

Len (Founder) has now released his trustee recruitment responsibilities to the trustees themselves. Len has a good working relationship where the chair/secretary Philip Ellaway updates the trustees through the organisations email and meeting structure. The organisation is beginning to use Linked -In as a source of advertising for trustees, and following any applications the trustees review each one on their own merit and decide on any potential recruitment processes.

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees (Para 1.51)

Forces Online has now began to look further afield for trustees. Whilst we are happy to recruit trustees from within the volunteer section of the organisation it has been the general opinion that additional skill sets are required for it to develop. The policy of trustees does not restrict them from if they have had no previous connection to the armed forces community.

Forces Online has an online application process, which conducts checks on references and DBSs. People connecting with the organisation are expected to complete a minimum three-month probationary period and sign a confidentiality agreement before any contracts relating to voluntary employment are issued.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity Name – Forces Online CIO

Other Names the Charity Uses – Forces Online

Registered Charity Number 1188955

Charity’s principal address Unit 5 Workshed Carriage Works, London Street, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4GW.

Names of the charity trustees who manage Forces Online CIO

Trustee Name Trustee Name
Trustee Name Office if any Dates acted
if not for the
whole year
Name of
person
(or body
entitled
to
appoint
trustees
Phil Ellaway Chair/Secretary Trustees
David McMullen Trustees Trustees
Sean McCallum Trustee Trustees
Kevin Mann Trustee Trustees
Rebecca Shields Trustee Trustees
David Olugboyega Trustee Trustees
Ian Barlow Trustee 16/09/2023
Commenced		 Trustees
Michael Breen Trustee 28/09/2023
Commenced		 Trustees

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustee report above: Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.

Signature

George Dryburgh - Current Chairman

Signed Off 5th February 2025.

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A
Independent Examiner’s Report		 Section A
Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/
members of
On accounts for the year
ended
Set out on pages		 Charity Name
Forces Online CIO
5 April 2024
Charity no
(if any)
1188955
Pages 1 to 5 (One to Five)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above
charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 05/04/2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report 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 statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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.

Signed:
Name:
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body
(if any):		 Darren Warren
Date:		 25/06/2024
Darren Warren – Paxton Independent Examiners
FMAAT

Page 1 of 5

----- Start of picture text -----
Address: 61a High Street South
Rushden
Northants, NN10 ORA
----- End of picture text -----

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 .

Page 2 of 5

Paxton

Charity Commission SOFA Report as at 31/03/2024

Charity no. 1188955

Forces Online CIO

Forces Online CIO
Charity no. 1188955
Unrestricted
funds		 Restricted
Income funds		 Endowment
funds		 Total funds Prior year
funds
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
Charitable activites
Other trading activities
Investments
Separate material item of
income
Other		 £
114,356
0
-2,253
0
0
0		 £
0
0
0
0
0
0		 £
0
0
0
0
0
0		 £
114,356
0
-2,253
0
0
0		 £
107,164
3,920
5,117
0
0
0
Total 112,102 0 0 112,102 116,201
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
Separate material item of
expense
Other		 79,376
33,138
0
0		 0
0
0
0		 0
0
0
0		 79,376
33,138
0
0		 50,685
58,772
0
0
Total 112,515 0 0 112,515 109,457
Net income/(expenditure)
before investment gains/(losses)
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
Net income/(expenditure)
Extraordinary items
Transfers between funds		 -412
0
-412
0
0		 0
0
0
0
0		 0
0
0
0
0		 -412
0
-412
0
0		 6,744
0
6,744
0
0
Net Movement in Funds -412 0 0 -412 6,744
Reconciliation of Funds
Total funds brought forward		 6,744 0 0 6,744
Total funds carried forward 6,332 0 0 6,332

PP Page 3 of 5

Charity Commission SOFA Details Report

Paxton

Charity no. 1188955

Forces Online CIO

March 2024
S01 Donations and legacies
Donations received
Gift aid tax income
Income
Grants received
Bequests and legacies
S02 Charitable activities (inc.)
Sales
Fees received
S03 Other trading activities
Merchandise Sales (net of costs)
S04 Investments
S05 Separate material item of income
S06 Other (inc.)
S08 Raising funds
Fundraising costs
Goods for resale
Fees for services
S09 Charitable activities
Gifts/grants given
Vehicle costs
Travel expenses
Rent
Insurances
Repairs & maintenance
Printing/photocopying
Postage		 Unrestricted
101,235
2,095
10,422
253
350
114,355
0
0
0
-2,253
-2,253
0
0
0
46,272
74
33,030
79,376
24,467
0
238
396
157
869
176
1,694		 Restricted
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0		 Endowment
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0		 Year Total
101,235
2,095
10,422
253
350
114,355
0
0
0
-2,253
-2,253
0
0
0
46,272
74
33,030
79,376
24,467
0
238
396
157
869
176
1,694		 Last Year
89,816
6,271
9,486
1,591
0
107,164
3,820
100
3,920
5,117
5,117
0
0
0
39,201
3,900
7,584
50,685
7,564
1,240
0
13,884
157
3,436
312
212

Page 4 of 5

Paxton Charity Commission SOFA Details Report

Charity no. 1188955 Forces Online CIO

March 2024
Telephone/broadband
Website
IT costs
Audit & accountancy costs
Other professional fees
S10 Separate material item of expense
S11 Other (exp.)
S14 Net gains/(losses) on investments
S16 Extraordinary items
S17 Transfers between funds
S18 Gains and losses on revaluation of fixe
S19 Other gains/(losses)		 Unrestricted
103
30
3,640
1,368
0
33,138
0
0
0
0
0
0
0		 Restricted
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0		 Endowment
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0		 Year Total
103
30
3,640
1,368
0
33,138
0
0
0
0
0
0
0		 Last Year
131
187
30,284
1,315
50
58,772
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

Page 5 of 5

Charity Accountancy Statement by Keith Shields. Head of finance.

Forces Online CIO is a charity organisation primarily serving as an online resource for veterans and their dependents. Our income is primarily derived from public donations and collections, supplemented by a small number of sales.

At present, the charity is not in a financial position to make substantial expenditures on products. We are committed to ensuring that the funds we receive are used for the purpose of the charity and growth.

A significant portion of our expenditure is allocated to Information Technology (IT). This may appear high at first glance, but it is important to understand that over 90% of our workload and referrals are managed and supported through our IT systems. As such, these expenses are crucial to maintaining our online presence (hub and communication systems) and providing our services effectively. During this reporting period Forces Online have actively reduced IT costs without a reduction in the performance of services provided.

The bulk of the income we receive is used to support our work and services. We do not currently have any salaried staff within the organisation, which allows us to direct more funds towards our charitable activities.

We believe that every penny counts and are committed to ensuring that our funds are used effectively to support our mission.

Keith Shields

Head of Finance & Estates

5[th] February 2024