THE COMMUNITY GROUP CHARITY Annual from 02/03/2021 to 01/03/2022. Charity name: THE COMMUNITY GROUP CHARITY Charity registration number: 1189696 ## Objectives & Activities ## General Summary The Community Group is a Volunteer led and run organisation where everyone is welcome. The organisation was set up for the relief of unemployment for the benefit of the public in Bristol and the surrounding area in such ways as may be thought fit, including assistance to find employment. This year, particularly with the impact of COVID 19 and the lockdown, we have focussed our activities on education, training, and community development. We were once again fortunate to collaborate with the University of Bristol, and Burges Salmon and a host of other employers and companies across the Bristol Temple Quarter Zone. Together with these collaborators, we have gained a better understanding of job opportunities and partnerships available in the Temple Quarter Zone. The trustees want to confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. ## Astounding Contributions We were involved in a program that had 20 student volunteers. We had students studying geography, law and philosophy through to mathematics and electrical engineering. Students took part in an extensive training programme to support them to produce their work, and over 8 weeks, students contributed a total of 589 hours to the local community. ## Achievements and Performance The increased pressure on third sector organisations to improve their efficiency and demonstrate their impact at a time of reduced funding and overwhelming uncertainty is incredibly problematic. We have identified that students are in an excellent position to support charities by adding capacity to existing projects and providing expertise to spur new initiatives. Our achievements supported the University of Bristol in developing student’s skills and employability, and increasing their awareness of local social issues. We also invested in the people at Burges Salmon and the BTQEZ, enabling them develop leadership and management skills, increasing awareness of local social issues and supporting staff to volunteer in the community. In return, we have been supported by our partners to add capacity, gain new perspectives and raising awareness of our work. ## Financial Review The charity’s financial position is a cause for concern. Following from the impact of COVID 19, a number of unexpected situations have impacted the future of the charity; most importantly the movement of people who acted as trustees and volunteers for the charity. The charity is however glad that we are not in any form of debt, though fundraising and improving finances will be key to the future of the charity. The charity holds no reserves at present due to unforeseen expenses as a result of the impacts of COVID 19. The charity is currently restructuring with a new board of trustees to be announced this summer and it’s new aims, amongst other changes. ## Structure, Governance and Management ## CIO - ASSOCIATION Registered 28 May 2020 At every annual general meeting of the members of the CIO, one-third of the elected charity trustees retire from office. If the number of elected charity trustees is not three or a multiple of three, then the number nearest to one-third shall retire from office, but if there is only one charity trustee, he or she shall retire. At the next annual general meeting, an entirely new board of trustees shall be appointed. ## Reference and Administrative details Charity name: The Community Group Charity Other name the charity uses: The Society Community Group Registered charity number: 1189696 Charity’s principal address: Backfields House, Upper York Street, BRISTOL, BS2 8QJ Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity: Sarah Barros - 2020 to 2021 Efiom Ene-Obong - 2021 ## Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees: **Obong** Date 08/02/2023