BRAINTREE RECREATION CIO
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
2022-23
Registered Charity No: 1193648
Principal Address
Braintree & Bocking Recreation Grounds
John Ray Street
Braintree
Essex CM7 9DZ
Names of trustees & committee
Mr S Dedman – Trustee
Mr S R Thompson – Trustee
Mrs D Farquhar – Trustee
Mr P McQuillan – Trustee
Mr J S Farquhar – Trustee (Appointed 25/04/2022)
Professional Advisor's
Legal Advisor's:
Holmes & Hills Solicitors – Dale Chambers, Bocking End, Braintree, CM7 6AJ
Bankers:
Barclays Bank PLC, Bank Street, Braintree, Essex CM7 1UG
Independent Examiner:
Lisa Greenwood FCCA, Lambert Chapman LLP, Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors, 3 Warners Mill, Silks way, Braintree, Essex CM7 3GB
Governing Document
CIO - FOUNDATION Registered 24 Feb 2021
Management and governance arrangements
For good governance and accountability, a minimum of three trustees are required. Where there is a requirement for new trustees, these would be identified and appointed by resolution at a meeting of trustees at which there is a majority of the Trustees present The trustees annually review the risks that the charity faces. The CIO is currently only shadowing the Braintree & Bocking Recreation Ground Trust until transfer of assets to the CIO can be completed .
Aims and Purposes
To provide public recreation opportunity for the resort and recreation of adults, children and youths. through the provision of buildings, facilities and open space” The trustees of Braintree Recreation CIO seek to follow the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and work with all Local organisations and groups who wish to make use of the facilities. The trustees strive to ensure maximum availability of the facilities and grounds to the widest possible section of general public in the Braintree area. In our activities we aim to promote the advancement of amateur sport and that of community and general health through the provision of recreational space and facilities. The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Summary of the main activities during the year
Braintree Recreation CIO continues the preparation work required to take on the role currently performed by Braintree and Bocking Recreation Ground Trust (BBRG). The BBRG Trustees after much deliberation, concluded that a different vehicle was required to hold the assets invested in the Trust and to take forward the aims and purposes that it had ben set up to achieve and further develop the organisation. It was there conclusion that a CIO was the most suitable vehicle for this purpose.
It was the intent of the CIO to have completed the organisation structure, policies and strategies, within this financial year ready to merge the BBRG Trust into the CIO. However due to external factors that have restricted the availability of the CIO Trustees, this work is not complete and the aim is now to complete the outstanding tasks and effect the merger
of the two charities by the end of the next financial year.
As key members of the team are also the Trustees of the BBRG Trust we have been able to shadow the operations of the Trust which will be beneficial when the final hand over is completed.
Statement on the charity's policy on reserves
Until the assets are transferred from the BBRG trust to the CIO all finance remains with the BBRG Trust who's Trustees’ have reviewed the policy on reserve and in the current financial year, the aim is to maintain a balance of unrestricted funds of no less than 2 months gross payments.
Based on 2021-22 payments the minimum reserve for 2022-23 has been set at £13,317. We believe that this will ensure adequate provision for unforeseen circumstances. To date the Charity’s reserves have remained well in excess of the desired level of funds but this will always remain under continued scrutiny.
Financial Review
The total funds of the BBRG Trust at the year end is £68,289. There are no restricted or designated funds and therefore the available reserves of the Charity is £68,289.
Accounts
As explained above all finance currently resides in the BBRG Trust and has been reported to the Charity Commission under their charity registration number 301262. To date no funds have passed to the CIO.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Mr Robert Thompson – Trustee