CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1191491
Voices For Life
Unaudited Financial Statements
31 March 2021
Sue Carter FCA DChA Make Your Figures Count Limited Chartered Accountants 17 Clan House Sydney Road Bath BA2 6NS
Voices For Life
Financial Statements
Period ended 31 March 2021
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' annual report | 1 |
| Independent examiner's report to the trustees | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Statement of financial position | 7 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 8 |
Voices For Life
Trustees' Annual Report
Period ended 31 March 2021
The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the period ended 31 March 2021.
Incorporation
Voices For Life was incorporated on 28 September 2020 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and these accounts cover the first period of operation to 31 March 2021.
Reference and administrative details
Registered charity name Voices For Life Charity registration number 1191491 Principal office 12a Eastrip Lane Colerne Chippenham SN14 8AX The trustees Mr P Martin (Appointed 13 March 2021) Mrs M Edwards (Appointed 8 November 2020) Mrs N Black (Appointed 28 September 2020) Mrs T Armstrong (Appointed 28 September 2020) Mr S Bowers (Appointed 28 September 2020) Mrs S Hall (Appointed 8 November 2020) Changes in trustees since the period end are as follows: Mrs T Armstrong and Mr S Bowers resigned on 8 October 2021. Mrs S Hall resigned on 19 November 2021. Mr D Groucher was appointed on 8 October 2021. Artistic director Mrs T Armstrong Treasurer Mrs S J Hayward Independent examiner Sue Carter FCA DChA Make Your Figures Count Limited 17 Clan House Sydney Road Bath BA2 6NS
1
Voices For Life
Trustees' Annual Report (continued)
Period ended 31 March 2021
Structure, governance and management
Constitution
Voices for Life is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and is governed by its constitution which was adopted on 28th September 2020.
Organisation of the charity
The board of trustees are responsible for the management of the charity. There are no paid employees. The administrative function is performed by the trustees and other volunteers.
The day to day operation of the charity is delegated by the trustees to the Artistic Director.
Appointment of Trustees
Trustees are appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the board of trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment as a trustee of the charity, the board will take account of the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the charity.
Objectives and activities
The objects of the charity are defined in the Constitution and are:
To act as a resource for primary school children up to the age of 12 living in the UK by providing advice and assistance and organising musical education programmes and other activities as a means of:
(a) advancing in life and helping such children and young people by developing their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as independent, mature and responsible individuals;
(b) advancing education.
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities and projects.
2
Voices For Life
Trustees' Annual Report (continued)
Period ended 31 March 2021
Achievements and performance
During this first period of operation, Voices for Life officially launched with the support of composer John Rutter and commissioned three new choral works.
Projects were delayed due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic but since the period end the charity has designed three new singing and wellbeing programmes, formed ten children's choirs, including a virtual choir during lockdown, delivered over 120 workshops, worked with 280 children and welcomed the Mayor of Bath as patron. Their work takes place in schools in Bath and the surrounding area with the future aim of establishing the programmes on a national level.
Voices for Life runs two projects uniquely designed to develop the confidence and wellbeing of children, both ending in a final concert to demonstrate their learning, making participation truly memorable. These projects are the Stardust oratorio, a major gala performance and the Mission to the Moon project which is shorter and ends with a more local concert in front of parents.
Stardust
As a response to the pandemic, Voices for Life commissioned this unique choral work which is written by Jools Scott and Sue Curtis. The project and music show how children can build on adversity and come out stronger.
In Stardust, the children join our six characters as they travel through the solar system. Their journey is like the one experienced by children in the pandemic as they land on different planets and face new challenges to overcome. Just as our children have adapted to the pandemic so do the characters in the story eventually reaching their destination, Planet Zarg. On reaching Planet Zarg, the children have learned how to overcome the challenges, becoming stronger and more resilient. Together they have supported each other on a journey through space like no other.
During the Stardust workshops, we use the story to talk about the challenges we have all faced and through games, exercises, and singing rehearsals build each other's confidence ready to deliver fantastic performances which are a life changing experience for many of the children.
The Stardust project was due to start in March 2021 but due to Covid-19 was delayed to May 2021 with concerts in September 2021. We will report on the success of the project in next year's financial statements.
Mission to the Moon
The project is a short programme for schools which can be delivered through a one-day workshop and culminate with an additional celebratory performance of the song cycle. It can also run as a short programme of 6 x 1-hour workshops with performance.
It consists of a creative song cycle commissioned by Voices for Life and written by librettist, Sue Curtis, and composer, Jools Scott. The story is all about the children becoming astronauts on an imaginary space mission to be the first children to sing on the moon.
This project was successfully delivered as a summer school in 2021 and will be run again as a one-day workshop during Bath Abbey's Museum of the Moon programme in December 2021.
Financial review
In the six-month period under review, the charity's activities were limited due to Covid-19 restrictions. The charity's website was created and the Stardust oratorio and Mission to the Moon song cycle were commissioned.
Donations received in the period amounted to £26,608, including £16,000 specifically given towards Stardust and Mission to the Moon. At the period end the charity had total reserves of £18,442 of which £11,700 were restricted.
The events described above that have taken place since the period end have utilised those reserves and will be reported in next year's financial review.
3
Voices For Life
Trustees' Annual Report (continued)
Period ended 31 March 2021
Plans for future periods
Following the hugely successful premiere of the charity's 'Stardust' oratorio in Bath Abbey in September 2021, the charity has secured funding to enable it to progress confidently with arranging a further project locally in 2022. Looking beyond 2022, the charity is looking to grow further taking Stardust on tour to London and commissioning new works to keep the charity's offering renewed and relevant.
Mission to the Moon was run in July and December 2021 and there are plans to offer this to local schools in a similar way in 2022.
The charity is looking to achieve sustainable growth, through establishing reliable sources of income and developing its delivery model to enable expansion of its reach both organically and through partnerships with similar organisations such as Bristol Ensemble's Preludes school outreach Programme. After an exciting first period, the charity has gained a huge amount of interest from philanthropists, media and the public and is looking to capitalise on this success into 2022 and beyond.
Due to the rapid expansion of the charity the need to develop the administration and management of the charity is clear. The charity will look to ensure that administration of the charity is recovered through recovery of overhead on projects and through applications for additional funding to directly support the charity in this area.
After the year-end, the charity was able to raise further income through both direct donations and Fundraising and ticket sales to the Stardust Oratorio performance and fees for project delivery.
Whilst it is hoped that existing donors will continue to support the charity it is recognised that for the charity to fully reach its potential further stable sources of income will be required. During 2021 regional and national Arts Council representatives have been engaged to provide advice and support in submitting a series of funding application to support project delivery and development from 2023 onwards. The 2022 work programme includes developing the proposition to the Arts Council, supported by finding specialist to ensure success in the application process.
On an academic year basis, a five-year strategy has been drawn up to lay down our aspirations and the finances required to achieve them. During this time, we intend to expand Stardust and Misson to the Moon and establish a Voices for Life Bath choir. To enable this, we wish to recruit a freelance musical director and choral animateurs to work with the artistic director, Tessa Armstrong. To strengthen our team, we will also invite an educational psychologist to join the board of Trustees.
Independent Examiner
Mrs S A Carter FCA DChA has been re-appointed as independent examiner for the ensuing year.
The trustees' annual report was approved on 7 January 2022 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:
Mr P Martin Trustee
4
Voices For Life
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Voices For Life
Period ended 31 March 2021
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Voices For Life ('the charity') for the period ended 31 March 2021.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
-
the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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.
Sue Carter FCA DChA Independent Examiner
Make Your Figures Count Limited 17 Clan House Sydney Road Bath BA2 6NS
12 January 2022
5
Voices For Life
Statement of Financial Activities
Period ended 31 March 2021
| 2021 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | |||
| funds | funds | Total funds | ||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income and endowments | ||||
| Donations and legacies | 4 | 10,608 | 16,000 | 26,608 |
─────── |
─────── |
─────── |
||
| Total income | 10,608 | 16,000 | 26,608 | |
═══════ |
═══════ |
═══════ |
||
| Expenditure | ||||
| Expenditure on charitable activities | 5,6 | 3,866 | 4,300 | 8,166 |
─────── |
─────── |
─────── |
||
| Total expenditure | 3,866 | 4,300 | 8,166 | |
═══════ |
═══════ |
═══════ |
||
─────── |
─────── |
─────── |
||
| Net income and net movement in funds | 6,742 | 11,700 | 18,442 | |
═══════ |
═══════ |
═══════ |
||
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||
| Total funds brought forward | – | – | – | |
─────── |
─────── |
─────── |
||
| Total funds carried forward | 6,742 | 11,700 | 18,442 | |
═══════ |
═══════ |
═══════ |
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 8 to 11 form part of these financial statements.
6
Voices For Life
Statement of Financial Position
31 March 2021
| 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | |
| Current assets | ||
| Debtors | 10 | 1,754 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 19,773 | |
─────── |
||
| 21,527 | ||
─────── |
||
| Net current assets | 21,527 | |
─────── |
||
| Total assets less current liabilities | 21,527 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year | 11 | 3,085 |
─────── |
||
| Net assets | 18,442 | |
═══════ |
||
| Funds of the charity | ||
| Restricted funds | 11,700 | |
| Unrestricted funds | 6,742 | |
─────── |
||
| Total charity funds | 12 | 18,442 |
═══════ |
These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 7 January 2022 and are signed on behalf of the board by:
Mr P Martin Trustee
The notes on pages 8 to 11 form part of these financial statements.
7
Voices For Life
Notes to the Financial Statements
Period ended 31 March 2021
1. General information
The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation and a public benefit entity and was registered in England and Wales on 28 September 2021. The address of the principal office is 12a Eastrip Lane, Colerne, Chippenham, SN14 8AX.
2. Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.
3. Accounting policies
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis and are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £1.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a "true and fair" view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a "true and fair view". This departure has involved following the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities published on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
Going concern
There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Disclosure exemptions
The entity satisfies the criteria of being a qualifying entity as defined in FRS 102. As such, advantage has been taken of the following disclosure exemptions available under paragraph 1.12 of FRS 102:
(a) No cash flow statement has been presented for the charity.
(b) Disclosures in respect of financial instruments have not been presented.
Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
Fund accounting
General unrestricted income funds comprise those funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in the furtherance of charitable objectives.
Designated unrestricted funds are funds designated for a particular purpose by the trustees.
Restricted funds are funds received for purposes specified by the donors and those funds are expended in accordance with donors' wishes.
8
Voices For Life
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Period ended 31 March 2021
3. Accounting policies (continued)
Income
All income is included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity, it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
-
income from donations or grants is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
-
legacy income is recognised at the earlier of the date on which either: The charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor(s) to the trust that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor's intention to make a distribution.
-
Income tax recoverable on gift aid donations is recognised when the donation is received.
Volunteers and donated services and facilities
The value of services provided by volunteers is not incorporated into these financial statements.
Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates.
Expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further its charitable aims for the benefit of its beneficiaries, including those support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.
Financial instruments
A financial asset or a financial liability is recognised only when the entity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments which are initially recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs.
Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or received and not discounted.
4. Donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations | |||
| Donations | 8,854 | 16,000 | 24,854 |
| Gift Aid | 1,754 | – | 1,754 |
─────── |
─────── |
─────── |
|
| 10,608 | 16,000 | 26,608 | |
═══════ |
═══════ |
═══════ |
9
Voices For Life
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Period ended 31 March 2021
5. Expenditure on charitable activities by fund type
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Wellbeing and Music Programmes | – | 4,300 | 4,300 |
| Support costs | 3,866 | – | 3,866 |
────── |
────── |
────── |
|
| 3,866 | 4,300 | 8,166 | |
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
6. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type
| Wellbeing | and | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| music | Total funds | ||||
| programmes | Support costs | 2021 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Wellbeing and Music Programmes | 4,300 | 3,206 | 7,506 | ||
| Governance costs | – | 660 | 660 | ||
────── |
────── |
────── |
|||
| 4,300 | 3,866 | 8,166 | |||
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
|||
| 7. | Independent examination fees | ||||
| 2021 | |||||
| £ | |||||
| Fees payable to the independent examiner for: | |||||
| Independent examination of the financial statements | 360 | ||||
| Other financial services | 300 | ||||
──── |
|||||
| 660 | |||||
════ |
8. Staff costs
The charity did not employ any staff during the period.
9. Trustee remuneration and expenses
During the period two trustees, Tessa Armstrong and Sean Bowers, provided freelance services to the charity which were connected with the delivery of the charity's wellbeing and music programmes. They were paid at an open market rate and amounted to £1,150 to Tessa Armstrong and £650 to Sean Bowers.
The payments were made in accordance with the requirements of the charity's constitution.
10. Debtors
| 2021 | |
|---|---|
| £ | |
| Gift Aid receivable | 1,754 |
══════ |
10
Voices For Life
Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)
Period ended 31 March 2021
11. Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
| 2021 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | |||||
| Accruals and deferred income | 3,085 | ||||
══════ |
|||||
| 12. | Analysis of charitable funds | ||||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| At | |||||
| At 1 April 2020 | Income | Expenditure | 31 March 2021 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| General funds | – | 10,608 | (3,866) | 6,742 |
|
════ |
═══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
||
| Restricted funds | |||||
| At | |||||
| At 1 April 2020 | Income | Expenditure | 31 March 2021 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Stardust Oratorio | – | 14,250 | (3,000) | 11,250 |
|
| Mission to the Moon | – | 1,750 | (1,300) | 450 |
|
──── |
─────── |
────── |
─────── |
||
| – | 16,000 | (4,300) | 11,700 |
||
════ |
═══════ |
══════ |
═══════ |
The Stardust Oratorio and Mission to the Moon funds are donations received specifically towards the cost of composition and delivery of each project.
13. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2021 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Current assets | 9,227 | 12,300 | 21,527 |
| Creditors less than 1 year | (2,485) | (600) | (3,085) |
────── |
─────── |
─────── |
|
| Net assets | 6,742 | 11,700 | 18,442 |
══════ |
═══════ |
═══════ |
11