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2023-10-31-accounts

HILLEL BRIGHT FUTURES TRUST

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS For the year ended 31[st] October 2023

Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation 1191049

Hillel Bright Futures Trust

Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31[st] October 2023

Index of Contents
Aims and Objectives of the Trust
Review of Activities and Achievements
Future Plans
Finances
Trust Ethos, Strategies and Policies
Access Policy
Other Policies on Assistance
Promoting High Academic Standards
Structure, Governance and Management
Trustees and Charity Trustees
Financial Statements
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Hillel Bright Futures Trust

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] October 2023

The Trustees of Hillel Bright Futures Trust present the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31[st] October 2023 and confirm that they comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011, the trust deed and the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

Charitable Objects:

THE OBJECT OF THE CIO IS: TO ACT AS A RESOURCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO THE AGE OF 18 LIVING IN CROYDON AND THE SURROUNDING LONDON BOROUGHS BY PROVIDING ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE AND ORGANISING PROGRAMMES OF PHYSICAL, EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER ACTIVITIES AS A MEANS

OF:

OUR AIMS

The Trust operates under a Declaration of Trust dated 11[th] June 2020 and a scheme which was sealed by the Charity Commissioners for England and Wales on 27[th] August 2020, which included the regulations for appointment of trustees. The objects of the Trust are the advancement of education (including social and physical training) of boys and girls, and in or near Croydon.

The Trust aims to provide a first-class education to boys and girls from the ages of 4 to 18. It seeks to provide a structured educational environment that develops our pupils’ capabilities, competences and skills. It promotes the academic, moral and physical development of pupils through the academic curriculum, pastoral care, sporting and other activities. It provides an educational environment where each student can develop and fulfil his or her potential, building their self-confidence and inculcating a desire to contribute to the wider community. In doing so, it prepares students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE TRUST

The Trust’s objectives are set out to reflect its educational aims and its ethos. It is important to maintain and enhance the academic success of the Trust’s work.

This objective is however set in the context of the broader goals set for the Trust and its students.

In setting these objectives and planning our activities, the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commissioner’s public benefit guidance.

Our key objectives are:

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The Trust has worked in partnership with an associated not-for-profit organisation Bright Futures 4 All, to focus on supporting the educational needs of vulnerable young people and their families in Croydon and the surrounding boroughs in south London. This has ranged from tuition provided in maths, science, English and creative writing; guidance on a successful transition for students to secondary school; spiritual development to deepen awareness of identity and faith and the confidence to articulate it; exploring arts and cultures in a series of away-days, and understanding the present through learning about history.

Science and Nutrition

In support of Bright Futures 4 All, a science-themed programme providing nutritional activities combined with sporting enrichment was delivered by the HAF Christmas Club in December 2022 at Grace Tabernacle Church for all families in Croydon. This was sponsored by Kiwanis, Morrisons, Imperial College London, White Label, the Mayor of London and Croydon Borough Council.

Outreach to parents and carers followed this in January 2023, to identify homeschooling needs and develop effective solutions to address and enhance the quality of learning and opportunities created as a result.

Parents NHS Winter Engagement

In January 2023, Karen Bryson represented HBFT to deliver a parents’ health awareness event partnered with NHS South West London to focus on health and medical support. Of particular importance was remedying isolation and supporting parents with neurodiverse children.

STEM Mastery, Arts and Crafts with Fitness

An Easter Club was delivered in early April 2023, focusing on memorable and enjoyable ways to learn and practice science, technology and engineering skills through handson tests. Aerobics, table tennis and soccer gave opportunities to relax and absorb lots of new learning, while face painting and board games provided lots of opportunities to solve challenges and express artistic talents. Priority was given to SEND pupils and students and those receiving free school meals, as a response to the new business environment. Feedback was strongly positive, and many instructive lessons have been drawn from the experience. Following this, an after-school SEND Club has been started. This is run by neurodiverse students for their peers and primary-aged children, and has proved to be very popular.

Summer Science Club

Charis House was chosen again as the venue for the Summer Club during July 2023, in which many great memories were made learning about science and crafts while enjoying the fine weather. This programme had a focus on SEND pupils and students, as well as those receiving Free School Meals. Students took part in activities including Art, English, Maths and Science including building a vegetable garden to ignite their curiosity and stimulate a love for knowledge. Each day began with invigorating outdoor exercise and short kinaesthetic tasks to consolidate skills in Maths and English. Supported by a team of tutors, students thrived and embraced the opportunities to expand their horizons.

Homeschooling Hub and Cultural Enrichment

In recognition of the demand for home schooling (approaching 90,000 in the UK), since May 2023 Bright Futures 4 All has refined and relaunched its Home Schooling service to parents needing support with schooling at home. As part of this effort, students have been assisted with research by making cultural trips into the life and accomplishments of the composer and activist Samuel Coleridge-Taylor alongside other famous black Victorians. The Black Cultural Archives kindly assisted with this, providing in-depth lessons while the Talawa Theatre Company performed Samuel CT’s ‘Recognition’ to ground their musical appreciation for his work.

Black History Month and the first SEND After-School Club in Croydon

During Black History Month, the focus was shifted to showcase black history so that pupils and students were empowered to celebrate black voices, stories and contributions with the aim of creating an inclusive and diverse learning environment. This has helped to recognise black achievements and maintain a commitment towards a more equitable future.

FUTURE PLANS

The Trust is excited to share its future plans aimed at expanding its impact and helping more children in need. Its main objectives include increasing the number of children accessing free tuition during the day (home schoolers – a new initiative) and after-school; and running holiday clubs that support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

To ensure equal educational opportunities, the Trust will explore avenues to expand its funding to support more students with free tuition. By seeking additional financial resources, it aims to provide personalised academic support to a larger number of children from disadvantaged backgrounds and with disadvantaged disabilities, enabling them to excel academically and overcome barriers to education.

Recognising the challenges faced by families with SEND children during school breaks, the Trust wishes to organise more holiday clubs that provide a safe and inclusive environment. Through partnerships with local organisations and trained professionals, these clubs will cater to the unique needs of SEND children to foster their social skills and create memorable experiences.

With the support of our generous donors, volunteers and dedicated staff the Trust is committed to building a brighter future for these children. Together we can make a lasting impact by providing them with the resources, support and opportunities that they deserve.

FINANCES

The financial statements show net outgoing resources for the year on school activities of £904 (2022 net outgoing resources £72). The principal source of income is fees, accounting for 99% of the Trust’s income.

The Trustees are continuing their strategy of deploying all net incoming resources to investing in the educational purposes and fabric of our Junior and Senior schools.

As a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) the parents of pupils have the assurance that all the income of the Trust must be applied for educational purposes. As an educational CIO the Trust enjoys tax exemption on its educational activities and on its investment income and gains, provided that these are applied for charitable aims. As a CIO, the Trust is also entitled to an 80% reduction on its business rates on the property it occupies for its charitable purposes. The

financial benefits received by the Trust from these tax exemptions are all applied for educational purposes and indirectly help to maintain our bursary policies and ‘teaching link’ programme.

However, as an educational CIO the Trust is unable to reclaim VAT input tax on its costs as it is exempt for VAT purposes. It also pays tax as an employer through the National Insurance contributions it makes.

In addition to the very substantial benefits that the Trust brings to its pupils, the local community and society through the education it offers, its bursary programme and the ‘teaching link’ programme create a social asset without cost to the Exchequer.

Developments and Maintenance

The Trust has continued to use temporary premises in Charis House, home of Grace Tabernacle Church. It has a dedicated office / classroom space and hires additional space as and when required.

Reserves and Financial Health

The Trust has identified the need to build up a free reserve. In view of its balance sheet position, cash flows and the need of the Trust to establish itself having been incorporated recently there is a need to develop access to working banking facilities including online banking.

Investment Policy and Performance

Any future investment activities will be managed in line with the requirements of the Trustee Act 2000.

TRUST ETHOS, STRATEGIES AND POLICIES

The Trustees are responsible for setting a strategy for achieving the objectives which they have set. The focus of the Trust’s strategy is on the development of its pupils and students, their continued high levels of academic and cocurricular achievement and to further widen access to the education our community organisation (Bright Futures 4 All C.I.C - BF4A ) provides. In taking forward this strategy, the Trust commits to the following:

Our ethos: a caring Trust serving our local community and society

HBFT is a charitable trust which seeks to benefit the public through the pursuit of its stated aims. Our community organisation ( BF4A c.i.c. ) fees are set at a level to ensure the financial viability of and at a level that is consistent with the aim of providing a first-class education to boys and girls.

The Trust aims to welcome pupils and students from all backgrounds. To admit a prospective pupil, we need to be satisfied that our community organisation ( BF4A c.i.c. )will be able to educate and develop a prospective pupil to the best of their potential and in line with the general standards achieved by their peers. Entrance interviews and assessments are undertaken to satisfy Trustees and pupils’ parents that prospective pupils can cope with the pace of learning and benefit from the education to be provided. An individual’s economic status, gender, ethnicity, religion or disability do not form part of the assessment processes.

HBFT is an equal opportunities organisation and is committed to a working environment that is free from any form of discrimination on the grounds of colour, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation or disability. We will make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of staff or pupils who are or become disabled.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its pupils and students, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Parents are given regular information about their children’s social and academic progress through parent meetings and reports. Regular contact is maintained with parents throughout the year through informal contacts and through our newsletter. Older and high risk pupils will have a mentor responsible for pastoral care and academic development.

The Trust also has a system of student champions involved in assisting senior staff in enforcing its vigorous no-bullying policy.

ACCESS POLICY

It is important to HBFT that access to the education which our community organisation ( BF4A c.i.c. ) provides is not restricted to those who can afford our fees. It believes that pupils and students benefit from learning within a diverse community. A great deal of learning occurs through social interaction, conversation and shared experiences which helps pupils and students to develop an understanding of other people that will be vital in their adult lives.

Bursary policy

The Trustees view our bursary awards as important in helping to ensure that children from families who would otherwise not be able to afford the fees can access the education which HBFT offers. The aim is to have bursary awards available (from 2024-25) to all who meet our general entry requirements and are made solely on the basis of parental means or to relieve hardship where a pupil’s education and future prospects would otherwise be at risk, for example in the case of parental redundancy and missing school due to poor health.

In assessing means a number of factors are taken into consideration, including: family income, investments and savings and family circumstances – for example dependent relatives and the number of siblings. However, as our community organisation ( BF4A c.i.c. ) do not have a large endowment and in funding awards the Trust is mindful of the need to ensure a balance between fee-paying parents, many of whom make considerable personal sacrifices to fund their child’s education, and those benefiting from the awards.

The Trust will also establish a hardship fund that supplements bursary awards to pay for co-curricular activities, equipment and school trips. Information about fee assistance through bursaries will be provided to all applying to the our community organisations ( BF4A c.i.c ) in 2024-25. It will also advertise the awards each summer in local press and at local libraries. Further details of HBFT’s bursary policy and how to apply will be available on our website in due course.

OTHER POLICIES ON ASSISTANCE

Financial planning policy

Timely financial planning is often the key for many parents who hope to educate their children in Croydon, and a school fees plan is available to help those who wish to fund educational costs through regular contributions. The Trust’s Family discount policy underlines the value it places on continuity for families, by offering discounts where parents have more than one child attending our community organisation ( BF4A c.i.c. ).

PROMOTING HIGH ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Scholarship policy

The purpose of our scholarship awards is to recognise high academic potential or the ability to excel in the Trust’s cocurricular activities. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of the individual’s academic potential or evidence of exceptional abilities which will contribute to those co-curricular activities. In addition, awards may be subject to conditions imposed by the original donor.

Assistance for our staff

As part of HBFT’s emphasis on attracting and retaining high calibre staff, it offers a discount scheme where staff members may choose to educate their children at the Trust’s community organisation ( BF4A c.i.c. ).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Trustees are responsible for the overall management and control of HBFT and meet nine times a year. The work of implementing most policies is carried out by the members of the Board of Trustees, who normally meet monthly. The business administrator is responsible for co-ordinating the work of the Trustees, preparation of papers and management accounts and the review of matters arising.

All trustees give of their time freely and no remuneration of expenses was paid in the year. No Trustee or person connected with a Trustee received any benefit from either means-tested bursaries or scholarships awarded to our pupils.

Key management personnel

The Trustees consider that they, together with the Chief Executive, comprise the Key Management Personnel (see page 14). The Trustees give of their time freely and the pay and remuneration of the Head and senior staff is set by the Board of Trustees, and is kept under annual review. A number of criteria are used in setting pay:

In recent years, flexible pay in the voluntary and community sector has affected the ease of recruitment to certain roles. HBFT intends to be in the median quartile for pay for senior roles in the independent school sector.

The Trustees have given delegated authority to the Chief Executive to pay higher salaries for exceptional candidates where this would be in the interest of the Trust.

Organisational Management

The Trustees determine the general policy of the Trust. The day-to-day running of HBFT is delegated to the Chief Executive, supported by senior staff. The Chief Executive undertakes the key leadership role overseeing educational, pastoral and administrative functions in consultation with the senior staff. The day-to-day administration of the Trust is undertaken within the policies and procedures approved by the Trustees, which provides for only significant expenditure decisions and major capital projects to be referred to the Trustees for prior approval.

The Chief Executive oversees the recruitment of all educational staff, and under delegated authority oversees the recruitment of administration and non-teaching support staff. The Chief Executive is invited to attend Trustees’ meetings.

Other Relationships

The Chief Executive is a member of the Christian School Trust and TISCA (forthcoming membership of the Head Masters’ and Mistresses’ Conference – HMMC). She has attended conferences which provide opportunities to share expertise, knowledge and experience across the independent school sector.

N.B. HMMC membership also permits appropriate representation to Government and regulators of the views of the sector.

Risk Management

The Trustees are responsible for overseeing the risks faced by our community organisation ( BF4A c.i.c. ). Risks are identified, assessed and controls established throughout the year. A formal review of the Trust’s risk management process is undertaken annually. Risk is managed under the headings of financial sustainability, school safety, student welfare, employment, school trips and events and community access.

The main risks that the Trustees have identified, for which plans have been developed to manage those risks are:

Through the risk management processes established for the Trust, the Trustees are satisfied that the major risks identified have been adequately mitigated where necessary. It is recognised that the systems can only provide reasonable but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately managed.

Trustee Recruitment and Training

The Board of Trustees requires breadth and depth of experience to carry out its duties effectively and efficiently. When recruiting new trustees, the important attribute is a passion for the work of the Trust and an understanding of education as a holistic and rounded experience of personal growth. We advertise locally for new trustees and through our newsletter to parents. We also invite senior local business people to consider joining our Board. Where possible the Trustees consider that the skills and experience of the Board should comprise the following:

At least one female Trustee and at least one male Trustee

One Trustee may have one or more of these skills.

TRUSTEES AND CHARITY TRUSTEES

The Trustees are the charity trustees of HBFT. New trustees are appointed by the existing Board of Trustees. All Trustees have served throughout the year except where stated.

Trustees

K Bryson Appointed 1 June 2020 P Clarke Appointed 1 June 2020 B Myers-Reid Appointed 1 June 2020 A Neal Appointed 1 June 2020

Chief Executive K Bryson

CONTACT DETAILS

Address: Charis House 195a Sydenham Road Croydon CR0 2ET Website www.hillelbrightfuturestrust.com

Contact enquiries@hillelbrightfuturestrust.com

Registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. 1191049

PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS

Bankers: Lloyds Bank plc 137 North End Croydon CR0 1TN Solicitors: To be appointed Auditor: To be appointed Investment Advisor: To be appointed Surveyor: To be appointed Investment Broker: To be appointed

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2023

Statement of Financial Activities

Statement of Financial Activities
Total
Restricted
Funds
Income
£
Charitable Activities
0
Fees / Funding
0
Other
0
Total Income
0
Expenditure
Fundraising
0
Charitable activities
0
Total Expenditure
0
Net income / (expenditure) for the year
0
Reconciliation of funds
Total fund balance brought forward
0
Total fund balance carried forward
0
Total
Total
Unrestricted
Funds
Funds
2023
£
£
0
0
9,350
0
175
0
9,525
0
0
0
10,429
0
10,429
0
(904)
0
899
899
(5)
(5)
Total
Funds
2022
£
0
24,845
375
25,220
0
25,292
25,292
(72)

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 17 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2023

Balance Sheet

Fixed Assets
Land
Buildings
Equipment
Fixtures and fittings
Total fixed assets
Current Assets
Prepayments
Cash at bank and in hand
Debtors
Total current assets
Current Liabilities
Creditors: Sums due within one year
Net Current Assets
Total Net Assets
Charitable Funds
Restricted Funds
Unrestricted Funds
Total Charitable Funds
2023
£
0
0
0
0
2,395
74
0
2,395
£
0
2,469
74
74
£
0
(5)
(5)
2022
£
0
0
0
0
2,395
899
0
2,395
£
0
3,294
899
899
£
0
899
899

The Financial Statements were confirmed by the Trustees on 31 August 2023.

BRIDGET MYERS-REID Trustee

KAREN BRYSON Chief Executive

The notes on pages 17 to 22 form part of these financial statements.

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements

1. Accounting Policies

a. Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) published on 1 January 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern.

b. Statement of Cash Flows

The Trustees have opted to take advantage of the amendment to Charities SORP FRS 102, where only larger charities are required to prepare a Statement of Cash Flow.

c. Income

Income represents the amount derived from the Trust’s ordinary activities. Income is recognised in the period in which the Trust is entitled to receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. No income is stated net of any associated expenditure.

d. Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accrual basis. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Trust in the delivery of its activities and services to beneficiaries. Governance costs include costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Trust and are part of its activities. Expenditure is allocated to expense headings on a direct cost basis.

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements

2.
3.
Income from Others
Total Unrestricted 2023 Total Unrestricted 2022
£
£
Fundraising
0
0
Photography commission
0
0
Sponsored Walk
0
0
Easter Fair income
0
0
Christmas Hamper
0
0
Uniform sales
0
0
School outing collections
0
0
Other fundraising
175
375
Expenditure on Fundraising
Total Unrestricted 2023 Total Unrestricted 2022
£
£
Fundraising
0
0

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements

4. Expenditure on Charitable Activities
Total Unrestricted 2023 Total Unrestricted 2022
£
£
Staff costs
0
0
Training costs
0
0
Other staff costs
0
0
Payroll service
0
0
Materials and activity supplies
0
0
New equipment decking
0
0
New equipment and books
0
0
EYPP expenditure
0
0
Refreshments
0
0
Deprivation
0
0
Disability Living Allowance
0
0
Rent
10,350
25,150
Utility costs
0
0
Waste disposal
0
0
Cleaning
0
0
Repairs and maintenance
0
0
Other school running costs
0
0
Repographics, stationery and postage
0
0
Telephone and internet
79
0
Insurance and registration fees
0
0
Accountancy
0
0
Hospitality
0
128
Bank charges
0
(49)
Training materials
0
63
Committee expenses
0
0
Entertainment costs
0
0
10,429
25,292

Financial Statements for the year ended 31 October 2023

Notes to the Financial Statements

5. Staff Costs

No remuneration was paid to any of the Trustees in the year, nor were any expenses reimbursed.

2023 2022
£ £
Salaries and wages 0 0
Employers pension 0 0
0 0

The average number of Trustees during the year was 4.0 (2022: 4.0) No member of staff earned more than £60,000.

The key management personnel of the Trust comprise the Trustees who give their time freely.

6. Debtors and Prepayments

Prepayments
Debtors
7. Creditors
Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Accruals
8. Accumulated Funds
Balance at
Income
Expenditure
31 October
2022
£
£
Restricted funds
0
0
Unrestricted funds 899
9,525
9. Statement of Related Party Transactions
2023
2022
£
£
2,395 2,395
0 0
2,395 2,395
2023
2022
£
£
2,395 2,395
0 0
79 0
2,474 2,395
Balance at
31 October
2023
£
£
0
0
10,429
(5)
Name of Related
Party
Nature of
Relationship
Type of Transaction Value of
Transactions(£)
Nature of
Transactions
Bright Futures 4 All Provision of venue
financing
Revenue 9,350 Financial

No balances were outstanding with related parties at the accounting date and no provision for doubtful debts has become necessary. No sums have been written off during the accounting period.