Charity no. 1192169
My Bridge International UK Report and Unaudited Statements
5 April 2022
My Bridge
Reference and administrative details
For the year ended 5 April 2022
Charity number 1192169 Registered office My Bridge internatio nal UK 85 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7LT
Trustees
The trustees are who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:
| Rev Jean-Michel TCHAMBA Chair 01 July 2019 |
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| MAGDALENE NAHBILA DAKOBA Trustee 04 October 2020 |
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| NABILA GLORY BANGURA Trustee 04 October 2020 |
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| MBATANG TITANG FON Treasurer 04 October 2020 |
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Bankers
Independent Tax Claim Rebate Ltd examiners
85 Great Portland Street London W1W 7LT
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My Bridge International UK
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 5 April 2022
Introduction
Over the past year My Bridge has continued to use a human rights approach to achieve social justice aims. We promote safe, respectful maternity care that protects all women’s fundamental rights to dignity, autonomy, privacy, non-discrimination and equality, at one of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
Thanks to continued support from our donors, alongside many valued volunteers, partners and members, we have grown our small staff team, reached hundreds of vulnerable people, built key partnerships with the voluntary and private sector and researched, evaluated and developed our approach and plans for the future.
A key focus for 2021-2022 has been the launch our outreach program that now sits at the heart of our work: supporting those who live in poverty and disadvantage in the UK and across Africa, building on the potential of a human rights approach and working with others to reach out to those who are hardest to access.
Vulnerable young people and women face significant barriers to education, housing, education, and health care, impacting on their physical and mental health.
My Bridge believes that a collaborative, rights-based approach can add power and value to the efforts of those seeking to improve the wellbeing of c h i l d r e n , a n d p o o r e r p e o p l e with complex needs and their families. To harness that power we are now working with innovative organisations, such as House of Mercy, schools and other private and public sector organisations to deliver positivelyevaluated interventions to specific vulnerable groups. We want to add value to their work, empower their staff, uplift their service and learn from their expertise; strengthening each other’s efforts through joint research to improve the evidence base and collaborating on policy work. As ever, when necessary, we will continue to use our legal expertise to bring challenges to systems that infringe vulnerable and poorer young people and women’s basic rights.
As this report shows, 2021-2022 has seen my Bridge broaden and deepen our activities, have greater impact and reach more beneficiaries than ever before. We thank all our staff, volunteers, funders and champions for the tireless support that propels our work. And we look forward to continuing to make progress in understanding and improving women’s stories at this transformative time in their lives.
Jean Michel Tchamba (Chair)
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My Bridge International UK
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 5 April 2022
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 5 April 2022.
Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Constitution and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2015).
Structure, governance and management
My Bridge International is a charitable incorporated organisation and is registered with the Charity Commission with charity number 1191169
The method of recruitment and appointment of trustees is set out in its governing document: the constitution.
Two trustees resigned between 6 April 2022 and the date this report was approved and we thank them for all their support.
The current trustees comprise, Pastors, teachers, health Care workers, Social Workers, consultant midwives, a finance and business expert, a consultant specialising in human rights and equality and a writer with a background in the Civil Service.
The trustees are responsible for making decisions on the management of all the affairs of My Bridge International including deciding on how the funds of the charity are to be spent. The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.
The full Board of trustees met four times during the year with an average level of attendance (in person or by phone) of 66%.
Objectives and activities
About
My Bridge International UK launched in January 2019. We are a UK based rganisation dedicated to alleviating poverty. We believe that people are entitled to a minimum standard of living and we undertake activities that promote human right, health, education and practical support to support those living in poverty.
We provide free, accurate and accessible information and advice and support individuals and organization working to alleviate poverty across the UK and Africa.
Achievements and performance
Advice and Resources
Enquiries to the Birthrights' advice service grew to 178 enquiries in 2021, an increase of 80% from 2020, as we continue to provide free, accurate advice on a range project, organizations and funding streams that help alleviate poverty. W e h a v e a l s o s u p p o r t e d t w o s c h o o l s i n C a m e r o o n a n d p a i d t h e s a l a r y o f t w o t e a c h e r i n a r e m o t e v i l l a g e t o a l l o w c h i l d r e n t o h a v e a c c e s s t o g o o d e d u c a t i o n w h i c h r e s u l t e d i n 1 0 0 % s u c c e s s i n t h e i r p r i m a r y s c h o o l c e r t i f i c a t e s u c c e s s r a t e i n 2 0 2 2 .
Developing this advice service and increasing staff capacity to respond to enquiries and escalate them
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My Bridge International UK
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 5 April 2022
appropriately through the different areas of impact within the organisation has formed a significant part of our 2022-20214strategic plan and subsequent funding applications.
In June 2021 we undertook a cross continent outreach program and, to reach a wider audience of beneficiaries, we partnered with the parenting private organization, medical technology companies, educational institutions and the private sector to support our beneficiaries across the UK and beyond.
Policy
Throughout the year my Bridge International staff and trustees have developed relationships with key local and national policymakers, formulate poverty reduction strategies.
Achievements include:
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Set up free Saturday school and after school support for children from poorer household.
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We have set up free music schools for vulnerable children and those from poorer families to help them improve their musical talents
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We have worked with schools across Africa to improve two school buildings in Bangante and Douala
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We worked with two schools in West Cameroon to support the school to pay for teachers.
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We attended various international trade show to build networking with private sector donors which resulted in a huge fundraising success.
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We linked up with training providers to develop free training and education support resources accessible online.
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We donated 30 Computers and laptops to schools in Southwest Cameroon to support learning.
Developing an evidence base, discovering barriers to change and shining a light on hidden areas has become a key priority for my Bridge this year.
Organisational growth (from staffing to budgeting) has been planned through to 2022 and, to pre- empt the needs of a larger workforce, consultancy support has been sought to build a human resources and resilience section of our business plan supported by a staff handbook alongside investment in staff and volunteer policies and development.
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My Bridge International UK
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 5 April 2022
Financial review
2021/22 has seen a significant growth in our unrestricted income (from £nil in 2020/21 to £83,000 in 2021/22) and stability in restricted (£33,000 in 2020/21 and £33,000 in 2021/22) funds. Total expenditure was £72,000. Of the £44,000 surplus.
This income growth has been driven by an increase in funded projects and related work, and more donors and revenue generating training than in previous years. It has allowed us to grow My Bridge’’ activities and invest in our organisation.
We continue to proactively generate revenue through our training courses and speaking events and plan to extend this work in future years. We have also grown our individual donations income stream, have had ongoing financial support from a major individual.
The trustees have worked to develop strategic and business plans, with a supporting budget, that will continue to support the organisation’s growth and activities in an ambitious but sustainable and prudent manner.
Reserves policy
At the end of 2021/22, we hold £11,00 in unrestricted reserves. This is increased slightly from 2020/21 where we held £3,000. Our current policy is to hold reserves to cover a minimum of 4 months of operating costs, with an aim to build up the reserves to cover six months.
We believe that this is the appropriate balance for my Bridge: it gives us the ability to wind up the charity in a legally compliant and orderly manner if all our funding were to be lost suddenly and unexpectedly; but does not hamper our ability to deliver on our charitable aims and activities by tying up too much of our funds in our reserves.
Our intention is to conduct a review of the reserves policy during 2021/2022 given the growth of the charity in the last 18 months and the recent changes in our leadership.
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My Bridge International UK
Report of the trustees
For the year ended 5 April 2022
Statement of responsibilities of the trustees
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees are to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the net income or expenditure, of the charity for the year. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
prepare the-financial-statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of.the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
The trustees are members of the charity but this entitles them only to voting rights. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity.
Independent examiners
Godfrey Wilson Limited were appointed as independent examiners to the charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.
Approved by the trustees on 13 June 2022 and signed on their behalf by
Jean Michel Tchamba - Chair
MBATANG TITANG FON Treasurer
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Independent examiner's report
To the trustees of
My Bridge International UK
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of My Bridge Internal UK for the year ended 5 April 2022 which are set out on pages 6.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 CIO'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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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(2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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(3) the accounts 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.
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Birthrights
Statement of financial activities
For the year ended 5 April 2022
| Income from: Note Donations 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure 5 Net income / (expenditure) and net movement in funds 6 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Restricted Unrestricted £ £ 18,340 83,327 14,160- - - - 32,500 83,327 7,221 4,013 23,324 37,470 30.545 41,483 1,995 41,844 21,643- 23,598 41,844 |
2022 Total 2021 Total £ £ 101,667 30,365 14,160 2,750 - 14 115,827 33,129 11,234 4,905 60,794 43,451 72,028 48,356 43,799 (15,227) 21,643 36,870 65,442 21,643 |
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All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds are disclosed in note 13 to the accounts.
The prior year comparatives have been restated to recognise gifts in kind as unrestricted funds (note 2). This has no net effect on funds.
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| Birthrights Balance sheet As at 5 April2022 Note £ Current assets Debtors 9 1,526 Cash at bank and in hand 67,362 68,888 Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year 10 (3,446) Net assets 11 Funds 13 Restricted funds Unrestrictedfunds Total charity funds Approved by the trustees on 13 June 2022 and signed on their behalf by |
2021 £ 22,123 22,123 (480) 21,643 21,643 21,643 |
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| 2022 £ 65,442 23,598 41,844 65,442 |
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Jean Michel Tchamba - Chair - MBATANG TITANG FON Treasurer
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My Bridge International UK
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 5 April 2022
1. Accounting policies
a) Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Birthrights meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
b) Going concern basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
c) Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from the government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
Income received in advance of provision of training is deferred until criteria for income recognition are met.
d) Donated services and facilities
Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item, is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), general volunteer time is not recognised.
On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.
e) Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
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My Bridge International UK
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 5 April 2022
f) Funds accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.
g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
h) Allocation of support and governance costs
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs are associated with constitutional and statutory requirements. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on the basis of staff time:
Raising funds 87% Charitable activities 13%
i) Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
j) Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
k) Creditors
Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
l) Financial instruments
The trust only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently recognised at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
m) Pension costs
The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme for its employees. There are no further liabilities other than that already recognised in the SOFA.
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My Bridge International UK
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 5 April 2022
2. Prior period comparatives - restated
| 2. Prior period comparatives - restated |
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| Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investments Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) and net movement in funds 3. Income from donations Donations > £5,000 Medical firm Triade organisations Grants < £5,000 Gifts in kind Total income from donations Gifts in kind relate to consultancy advice Legal advice Training fees |
Restricted £ 30,000 49,758 3,569 - 83,327 and training: |
Restricted £ - - - - - 29,710 29,710 (29,710) Unrestricted £ - - 13,090 5,250 18,340 |
Unrestricted £ 30,365 2,750 14 33,129 4,905 13,741 18,646 14,483 2022 Total £ 30,000 49,758 16,659 5,250 101,667 2,000 3,250 5,250 |
2021 Total £ 30,365 2,750 14 33,129 4,905 43,451 48,356 (15,227) |
| 2021 Total £ - - 21,365 9,000 |
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| 30,365 | ||||
| 6,000 3,000 |
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| 9,000 |
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My Bridge International UK
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 5 April 2022
4. Income from charitable activities
| Conference / study days 5. Total expenditure Staff costs (note 7) Fundraising expenses Travel and subsistence Conference and event costs Equipment and software Advertising Insurance Accountancy Legal and professional fees Miscellaneous costs Sub-total Allocation of support and governance costs Total expenditure |
Raising funds £ 6,095 - - - 1,013 - - - 3,000 - 10,108 1,126 11,234 |
Restricted £ - Charitable activities £ 41,879 - 1,811 - - - - - 9,369 - 53,059 7,735 60,794 |
Unrestricted £ 14,160 Support and governance £ 6,459 - 392 - 850 - 280 420 - 460 8,861 (8,861) - |
2022 Total £ 14,160 2022 Total £ 54,433 - 2,203 - 1,863 - 280 420 12,369 460 72,028 - 72,028 |
2021 Total £ 2,750 |
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| 2021 Total £ 25,022 405 1,524 1,269 2,447 3,103 210 240 13,826 310 48,356 - 48,356 |
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My Bridge International UK
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 5 April 2022
6. Net movement in funds
This is stated after charging:
| Trustees' remuneration Trustees' reimbursed expenses Independent examiners' remuneration: ▪ Independent examination (including VAT) |
2022 2021 £ £ Nil Nil Nil 407 660 240 |
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No trustees received reimbursed expenses in 2022. In the prior year, 2 trustees were reimbursed for travel costs.
7. Staff costs and numbers
Staff costs were as follows:
| Salaries and wages Social security costs Other osts |
2022 2021 £ £ 53,309 25,022 943 - 181 - 54,433 25,022 |
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No employee earned more than £60,000 during the year.
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees, Admin Officer, and Programmes Managers. The total employee benefits of the key management personnel were £43,465 (2017: £25,022).
| Average head count | 2022 2021 No. No. 4.00 2.00 |
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8. Taxation
The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.
9. Debtors
Prepayments
2022 2021 £ - 1,526
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My Bridge International UK
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 5 April 2022
10. Creditors : amounts due within 1 year
| Accruals Other creditors |
2022 £ 2021 £ 900 480 2,546 - 3,446 480 |
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11. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Analysis of net assets between funds | |||
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| Current assets Current liabilities Net assets at 5 April 2022 Prior year comparative Current assets Current liabilities Net assets at 5 April 2022 |
Restricted funds £ 27,044 (3,446) - 23,598 Restricted funds £ - - - |
Unrestricted funds £ 41,844 41,844 Unrestricted funds £ 22,123 (480) 21,643 |
Total funds £ 68,888 (3,446) 65,442 |
| Total funds £ 22,123 (480) 21,643 |
12. Related party transactions
Pro bono services were provided by the trustees during the year of £3,250 (2017: £3,000) in relation to fees for training sessions waived.
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My Bridge International UK
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 5 April 2022
| 13. Movements in funds Restricted funds Unrestricted Fund Medical Firm Trade programme Total unrestricted funds Restricted funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds |
At 6 April 2021 £ - - - - 21,643 21,643 21,643 |
Income £ 49,758 30,000 3,569 83,327 32,500 32,500 115,827 |
Expenditure £ (32,294) (6,077) (3,112) (41,483) (30,545) (30,545) (72,028) |
At 5 April 2022 £ 17,464 23,923 457 41,844 23,598 23,598 65,442 |
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