Docusign EnvelopÈ ID". OE01DC75-F03A46E7-B7Atk7A8BD8591664 Black Trail Runners Charity registration number: 1194094 Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2024
Docusign Envelope ID: 0E01DC75-F03A-46E7-B7AD-7A8BD8591664
Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2024
Contents
| Trustees report | Page 1 |
|---|---|
| Independent examiner's report | Page 7 |
| Receipts and payments accounts | Page 8 |
| Statement of assets and liabilities | Page 9 |
| Notes to the accounts | Page 10 |
Docusign Envelope ID: 0E01DC75-F03A-46E7-B7AD-7A8BD8591664
Page 1
Black Trail Runners
Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2024
Trustees annual report
Section A: Reference and administration details
| Charity registration number | 1194094 | |
|---|---|---|
| Principal address | 7 Bell Yard | |
| London | ||
| WC2A 2JR | ||
| Trustees | Mr Malcolm Allen | Chairman |
| Mrs Sabrina Pace-Humphreys | ||
| Mr Simbarashe Mugomba | Financial Trustee | |
| Mr Phil Young | ||
| Ms Grace Natoli | ||
| Ms Renee McGregor | ||
| Mr Mzukisi Tandathu | ||
| Professional advisors | Baljit Chohan | Legal advisor |
| Kirsty McDonald | Independent examiner |
Section B: Structure, governanace and management
Governing document
Black Trail Runners (“the charity”) is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO), not having share capital. It operates in accordance with a constitution adopted 15 April 2021.
If the charity is wound up, the members have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities.
Management
The trustees make the key decisions about the conduct of the charity. The trustees give their time voluntarily and do not receive any remuneration for acting as trustees to the charity.
The day-to-day management of the charity is carried out by the trustees, supported by a self employed community administrator and a social media manager. In order to deliver on its objectives to encourage the participation of members of the Afro Caribbean community in trail running, the charity enlists the services of four England Athletics qualified run leaders who lead on community social runs on a self employed basis.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
Trustees are appointed in accordance with the charity’s governing document which states that there must be a minimum of five charity trustees. Members and trustees are responsible for the appointment of new trustees.
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Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2024
Trustees annual report (continued)
The trustees have complete control of the application of funds and how the budget is apportioned and spent. Each trustee is made aware of their duties as a trustee upon appointment and accepts their responsibility to keep up to date with changes in statutory requirements that affect the role and responsibilities of trustees. Upon appointment a new trustee will be provided with:
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a copy of the current version of the constitution;
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a copy of the charity’s latest report to the Charity Commission and the statement of accounts; and
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the charity’s business plan
Risk management
Business decisions and the associated risk factors are discussed and considered at monthly meetings. As part of this process the internal controls that are in place are reviewed. Internal control risks are minimised by a clear system of delegated authority and control, and procedures for the authorisation of all financial transactions. The trustees are satisfied that these are currently adequate to manage and reduce the risks identified.
Section C: Objectives and activities
Charity objectives
The object of the CIO is the promotion of community participation in healthy recreation for members of the Afro-Caribbean community by the provision of facilities for trail running.
The charity does this by addressing three critical areas that create barriers to inclusion and participation for our members. These are in the fields of: Access, Skills, and Representation .
Activities undertaken to meet charity objectives
The main activities undertaken during the 2023/2024 financial year which address the charity's objects and critical areas include:
Black to the Trails – On 12th May 2023 Black to the Trails became the United Kingdom’s most ethnically diverse trail running event. The trail running festival - an event concept ideated by Black Trail Runners - is run by the charity for people of colour and white allies who want to see a more ethnically diverse trail running sector and UK outdoors. Black to the Trails is a carnival of trail running featuring four accessible races, food, music and entertainment for the cultures represented. The event brings together not just individuals but communities from across the UK who have - to date - not been catered for in the trail running industry. Black to the Trails sold out months in advance and is a must-attend event in the trail running calendar. The event, held at National Trust Dunstable Downs Estate, attracted 70% ethnically diverse people and 70% female participants. Figures never before seen in UK trail running.
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Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2024
Trustees annual report (continued)
Black Trail Runners Social Runs – We hosted a variety of social runs, led by England Athletics qualified Black Trail Runners ( BTR ) social run leaders. These runs provided opportunities for both existing - and new - members of our community to explore the trails together at various locations. In total , 26 Black Trail Runners social runs were held in London, Birmingham, Sussex, Bristol and Wales.
Partner Races – We benefited from partnerships with various race organisers. Due to our work, we have built relationships with event organisers which mean - as part of a package of initiatives - we were offered discounted and free entries. These spaces were offered to members based on various criteria such as ability, ethnicity or if they have benefited from the scheme in the past.
Infinite Trails – An international mountain trail event and the flagship European trail race funded by Black Trail Runners main sponsor Adidas TERREX. A Black Trail Runners team is invited each year as a guest of TERREX to test the ability of the Black Trail Runners community against elite global talent. In 2023 Black Trail Runners sent an all female male team of 3 members to Austria to take part in this event.
Kit Loan Scheme – The financial resource involved in purchasing trail running kit is a barrier to entry for some of our members. We allocate funding to purchase products that are available for members to loan for trail events. Our kit scheme currently consists of a tent, poles, rucksacks, head torches, compasses etc. This scheme is promoted to members via social channels. The scheme was used during this period.
Race Fund – A race fund is available to members following a simple application process. Due to the financial outlay of participating in some trail events – transportation, kit, registration fees etc – often being high, we offer our members a contribution to partial, or full, costs. We continued to invite applications to be made.
Speaking Engagements – Members and trustees were invited to speak about the objective of the charity, initiatives worked upon , and future plans at a variety of festivals, shows and community events including Kendal Mountain Festival and The Outdoor Connection. LiRF and CiRF Qualifications – Data shows that there is a lack of representation when it comes to Black Run Leaders and Run Coaches . We promoted the opportunity for our members to request financial support to undertake UK Athletics Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) and Coach in Running Fitness (CiRF) qualifications. The aim being to upskill our members to increase representation of Black run leaders within the sector. Once qualified they are also invited to apply to become a Black Trail Runners Social Run Leader (a paid for position) lending their skills to our community members who are looking for expert advice. During 2023/2024 one member qualified as a LiRF, and one as a CiRF.
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Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2024
Trustees annual report (continued)
Black Trail Runners Merchandise – A selection of ‘original’ t-shirts, vests, hoodies, socks and head wraps are available to members to purchase via our website. Also, as part of our partnership with Adidas TERREX, we are also able to offer co-branded Black Trail Runners merchandise via a 3rd party website which is linked to www.blacktrailrunners.run. These branded goods allow our members to further represent the charity when at trail running events and promote the importance of community cohesion and representation.
Public benefit statement
The trustees of the charity have given due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and have taken reasonable steps to ensure that this guidance has been considered in the activities undertaken by the charity to deliver its charitable purposes.
The charity delivers a benefit to the public through the pursuance of its principal objects: To promote the activity of trail running to members of Afro Caribbean descent by working on initiatives that address Access, Skills and Representation barriers.
Financial period
2023/2024 was the charity’s third financial period. Its focus was to continue building its community of members and, through positive promotion of the mission and objectives, to continue to ignite and build relationships with potential funding bodies, sector organisations and private entities who might want to allocate funding to the charity and therefore play an important role in encouraging more people of Afro Caribbean descent to the activity of trail running.
Section D: Achievements and performance
The trustees consider the key achievements to include the following:
Black to the Trails – The charity ideated, planned and managed the delivery of the United Kingdom’s most ethnically diverse trail running event attracting - Black to the Trails. The event attracted 70% people from ethnically diverse communities and 70% female participants - figures never before seen at a UK trail running event. The success of the inaugural event was instrumental in the charity securing funding for the following years’ event that took place in May 2024. Black to the Trails is the charity's highlight annual massparticipation event.
Membership Numbers – To date 975 people are active members of our community and campaigning charity. We continue to see growth year-on-year. This is seen through the increase in registered charity members (as above) and social media followers. In the period 2023/2024 we saw an increase of 35% in registered members of our community and campaigning charity. We also saw continued growth across our social media channels including Instagram, Strava and Facebook.
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Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2024
Trustees annual report (continued)
Access – Through our activities we have enabled members to explore outdoor spaces never visited before due to issues with access, skills and representation. Our two trail taster days gave further opportunity for our members to do this.
BTR Partner Events – We have continued to work with race organisers who have offered gifted/discounted places for our members and, owing to this, members of the Black Trail Runners community have represented at 28 trail and road events such as London Marathon, Infinite Trails, Ultra X Spring Trails, Race to the King, Maverick Races, Great Lakelands 3 Day Event, Keswick Mountain Festival Races and Talks, and Peak Divide to name but a few. This representation, shown in data, shows us that we have inspired people of Afro Caribbean descent both nationally and globally.
Skills – We continue to be led by our members in order to fully understand barriers to participation in trail running when it comes to skills development. During social runs we addressed skills barriers such as kit choice and nutrition. If expertise did not exist within our community then, where possible, we employed the assistance of experts from historically marginalised communities to address these gaps for our members.
Representation – Black Trail Runners continues to generate opportunities to represent. Be it trail events, via speaking opportunities or across traditional and social media. The success of this work is seen in the variety of global brands seeking to partner with us and lend their resources to help us address barriers to participation and inclusion.
Brand partnerships – In 2023/2024 we continued our three year community partnership with global sports brand, Adidas TERREX. Monies from this funding were allocated to core charitable work including project expenses, staff and infrastructure costs. We also received funding from global sports tech company, STRAVA, ring fenced for our 2nd ‘Black to the Trails’ Event and our first ‘Spring into Trail Running’ initiative.
Section E: Financial review
Reserves policy
The trustees regularly monitor and review the level of reserves, conducting at least an annual assessment. The surplus for the year was £17,806 (2023 - £26,510). As of April 2024, the charity’s unrestricted reserves were £37,177 (2023 - £25,145) and restricted reserves were £10,000 (2023 - £4,226).
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Black Trail Runners
Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2024
Trustees annual report (continued)
The current surplus is due to the timing of funding received from our major partner. These reserves will be utilised for staff costs, Black to the Trails 2025 and ongoing Black Trail Runners owned events. Now that a three-year funding agreement with our major donor has been secured, the charity will aim to reduce reserves to a more typical level in the next financial year.
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above.
| Position Signed Print name Malc Allen Chair of Trustees |
Signed Print name Position TRUSTEE Grace Natoli |
|---|---|
2/4/2025
Date
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Black Trail Runners
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of Black Trail Runners
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Charity”) for the year ended 6 April 2024 which are set out on pages 8 to 10.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Charity, 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 Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
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· the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed
2/5/2025 Date
Kirsty McDonald CA 40 Canal Terrace Inverness IV3 8QQ
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Black Trail Runners
Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2024
Receipts and payments accounts
----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total funds Total funds
funds funds
£ £ £ £
A1 Receipts
Donations and legacies 10,546 - 10,546 3,650
Grants and sponsorship 25,000 33,592 58,592 48,525
Entry fees 5,131 - 5,131 2,410
Sub total A1 40,677 33,592 74,269 54,585
A2 Asset and investment sales
Receipts from sale of fixed assets - - - -
Sub total A2 - - - -
Total receipts 40,677 33,592 74,269 54,585
A3 Payments
Cost of events 2,732 19,824 22,556 15,197
Event travel and subsistence costs 4,410 - 4,410 4,927
Marketing expenses 1,278 - 1,278 533
Media (podcasts and video) - - - 294
Software and web costs 1,524 - 1,524 917
Storage costs 1,084 - 1,084 1,389
Subscriptions 924 - 924 715
Training and certifications 200 - 200 710
Wages and remuneration 16,300 7,994 24,294 2,560
Audit and accountancy - - - 550
Sundry expenses 193 - 193 283
Sub total A3 28,645 27,818 56,463 28,075
A4 Asset and investment purchases
Purchase of fixed assets - - - -
Sub total A4 - - - -
Total payments 28,645 27,818 56,463 28,075
Reconciliation of cash balances:
Net of receipts/(payments) 12,032 5,774 17,806 26,510
A6 Cash funds last year end 25,145 4,226 29,371 2,861
Cash funds this year end 37,177 10,000 47,177 29,371
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Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2024
Statement of assets and liabilities
B1 Cash funds
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total current|Total prior|
|Details|
|funds|funds|year|year|
|£|£|£|£|
|Bank current account|37,177|10,000|47,177|29,371|
|Total cash funds|37,177|10,000|47,177|29,371|
|B2 Other monetary assets|
|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total current|Total prior|
|Details|
|funds|funds|year|year|
|£|£|£|£|
|Other debtors|-|-|-|-|
|-|-|-|-|
|Total other monetary assets|
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B3 Investment assets
No investments assets held as at 6 April 2024 or 6 April 2023.
B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use
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|||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Cost current|
|Details|Fund to which asset belongs|Cost prior year|
|year|
|Podcast equipment|Unrestricted funds|2,879|2,879|
|B5 Liabilities|
|Amount due|Amount due|
|Details|Fund to which liability relates|
|current year|prior year|
|Independent examination fee|Unrestricted funds|1,100|550|
|accrual (2 years)|
|Event cost accruals|Unrestricted and restricted|2,666|9,087|
|funds|
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Signed on behalf of all the trustees
Signature
----- Start of picture text -----
|||
|---|---|
|Grace Natoli|2/4/2025|
|Print Name|Date|
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Black Trail Runners Trustees annual report and accounts for the year ended 6 April 2024
Notes to the accounts
C1 Trustees remuneration
One trustee received remuneration of £3,200 in relation to project and event management services provided (prior year - none). No further remuneration was paid to any trustee or any person connected with a trustee during the current or prior period.
C2 Trustees expenses
Expenses totalling £3,797 were reimbursed to 5 trustees during the period (2023 - £3,509 reimbursed to 3 trustees).
C3 Restricted funds breakdown
| Fund Fund description Kit loan scheme SPPED/TSP BTTT SITR An event held for both members and non members aiming to get people together to run as one The charities highlight, mass participation, event of the year. A trail running event taking place in the USA that members of BTR participated in. A kit loan initiative for BTR members to loan trail running kit. |
Opening balance at 6 April 2023 Receipts Payments Closing balance at 6 April 2024 57 - - 57 1,044 - - 1,044 3,125 27,000 (22,154) 7,971 - 6,592 (5,664) 928 4,226 33,592 (27,818) 10,000 |
|---|---|