Charity registration number 1194871
ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees C M McMillan G de Smidt T Mellon L Wang A Hinton S Walker Professor S Dauncey (Appointed 4 August 2023) Dr A Pearl (Appointed 4 August 2023) Z Ni (Appointed 20 September 2023) Charity number 1194871 Principal address 44 Priory Park Road London NW6 7UN Independent examiner Kendall Wadley LLP Granta Lodge 71 Graham Road Malvern Worcestershire WR14 2JS Bankers HSBC Bank Plc Lion House 25 Islington High Street Islington London N1 9LJ
ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 1 - 3 |
| Independent examiner's report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Statement of financial position | 6 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 7 - 14 |
ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 20 June 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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)" (effective 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
The object of the CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) is: the relief of disabled young people and adults in China and East Asia by:
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Advancing the rights of people with disabilities in China and East Asia as set out in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) by supporting and where possible, funding individuals and organisations that raise awareness of disability rights issues and promote good practice in implementing the un convention
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Supporting the development of the voluntary sector/civil society in China and East Asia through engagement with and capacity development of disabled people's organisations, non-government organisations, networks and individuals who advocate for disability rights and provide support and services to people with disabilities
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Supporting individuals and organisations working to empower and enhance the rights of people with disabilities in China and East Asia
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Forming people-to-people links and share experiences to drive practical actions aimed to improving the lives of people with visual and other disabilities
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Sharing information and resources internationally to reduce discrimination and enhance social equality
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
Ability Beyond Borders (ABB) is a new Charitable Incorporated Organisation which aims to continue and expand on much of the work of China Vision, a UK charity set up in 1999, dedicated to supporting educational and other basic rights for disabled people in China. ABB works with partners in East Asia to support and resource disability advocacy initiatives through the provision of funding, training and capacity building.
During the financial year 2022-23, ABB worked with a number of partner organisations in East Asia. We provided capacity building and other support to improve access to justice for persons with disabilities in East Asia. We also assisted China Vision in continuing to provide support for the work of our joint DPO partners in East Asia.
In 2022 ABB agreed to assist the international charity PILnet to facilitate support for a project with our mutual partners in China. The project was planned to run through the 2022-23 financial year. However, due to new financial regulations in China, the partners were unable to receive the funds and these had to be returned to PILnet.
ABB continues to seek safe, legal means to support our partners in the disability field in East Asia, through training, research, capacity building and information exchange. The current geopolitical climate poses many challenges to our work, but after many years of working in the field our team of consultants and trustees is confident that ABB can continue to fulfil its mission.
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
Financial review
The net movement in funds this year amounted to a deficit of £135,556 (2022 - surplus £135,650).
As at the balance sheet date total funds amounted to £94 (2022 - £135,650), which consist of unrestricted funds of £nil (2022 - £nil) and restricted funds of £94 (2022 - £135,650).
After making allowances for tangible fixed assets the free reserves of the charity amounted to £nil (2022 - £nil).
The charity activities are driven by project related income, however, it is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month's expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level has not yet been achieved, the trustees are working towards reaching this level over the coming year.
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Plans for future periods
ABB is currently engaged in a process of strategic planning and development, with the purpose of adapting our work to the post-Covid environment and taking careful account of complex regional and international realities. Since 2022 we have been in discussion with both funders and regional partners to develop new project work over the next 3-5 years. The main focus of this work will be;
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Continuing to work with our long-term DPO and NGO partners working in East Asia, to help strengthen their resilience and long-term sustainability and improve their ability to respond to the needs of disabled people and communities.
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Work closely with the University of Leeds Centre for Disability Studies, to maximize the beneficial impact of the U-Lead East Asia Disability Rights project, share the project’s findings and widen understanding of participatory action research in the disability field.
Structure, governance and management
The charity is a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) established by its constitution dated 21 June 2021.
The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: S W G Hallett OBE (Resigned 31 December 2023) C M McMillan G de Smidt T Mellon L Wang P R Crook (Resigned 29 February 2024) A Hinton S Walker E Bassani (Resigned 29 February 2024) Professor S Dauncey (Appointed 4 August 2023) Dr A Pearl (Appointed 4 August 2023) Z Ni (Appointed 20 September 2023)
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
Trustees are selected by a search and recruitment process, by all Trustees following a regular needs analysis and by reviewing the balance of skills required on the board. Potential Trustees provide a CV which is circulated to the board before selection is approved.
The Trustees delegate responsibility for the day to day operations to members who give their time voluntarily to the running of the organisation, sourcing information and providing facilitation and mentoring to partner organisation. Quarterly Trustees meetings are held to discuss the charity affairs.
The Trustees of this charity also form part of the board of another charity, China Vision.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Professor S Dauncey Trustee
16 April 2024
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Ability Beyond Borders (the charity) for the year ended 20 June 2023.
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 2011 Act).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no 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 2011 Act; or
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2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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3 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 financial statements to be reached.
Sarah Morley ACA
Kendall Wadley LLP
Granta Lodge 71 Graham Road Malvern Worcestershire WR14 2JS
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
Dated: 16 April 2024
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
| Restricted | Total | Restricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | |||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | ||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 78,898 | 78,898 | 208,009 |
| Expenditure on: | ||||
| Charitable activities | 4 | 215,714 | 215,714 | 72,359 |
| Net income/(expenditure) for the year/ | ||||
| Net incoming/(outgoing) resources | (136,816) | (136,816) | 135,650 | |
| Other recognised gains and losses | ||||
| Other gains or losses | 10 | 1,260 | 1,260 | - |
| Net movement in funds | (135,556) | (135,556) | 135,650 | |
| Fund balances at 21 June 2022 | 135,650 | 135,650 | - | |
| 94 | 94 | 135,650 | ||
| Fund balances at 20 June 2023 |
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
AS AT 20 JUNE 2023
| Current assets Notes Trade and other receivables 11 Cash at bank and in hand Current liabilities 12 Net current assets The funds of the charity Restricted income funds 13 |
2023 £ 600 94 694 600 |
£ 94 94 94 |
2022 £ - 136,250 136,250 600 |
£ 135,650 ~~135,650~~ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 16 April 2024
Professor S Dauncey
Trustee
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Ability Beyond Borders is an CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) and is registered in England and Wales. The registered office is 44 Priory Park Road, London, NW6 7UN.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's constitution, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements 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 Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
1.4 Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.5 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.
1.6 Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.
1.7 Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets
Basic financial assets, which include trade and other receivables and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including trade and other payables and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
1 Accounting policies
(Continued)
1.8 Foreign exchange
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation in the period are included in profit or loss.
2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
3 Donations and legacies
| Restricted | Total | Restricted | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations and gifts | 78,898 | 78,898 | 208,009 |
4 Charitable activities
| Restricted funds 2023 £ Amounts returned to funder 67,720 Grant funding of activities (see note 5) 147,115 Share of support costs (see note 6) 279 Share of governance costs (see note 6) 600 215,714 |
Total Restricted Funds 2023 2022 £ £ 67,720 - 147,115 71,729 279 30 600 600 215,714 72,359 |
|---|---|
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
5 Grants payable
Grants to institutions
| Restricted funds 2023 £ 139,450 - 7,665 147,115 |
Total Restricted Funds 2023 2022 £ £ 139,450 67,971 - 3,758 7,665 - 147,115 71,729 |
|---|---|
6 Support costs
| Administration and bookkeeping Bank Charges Accountancy Analysed between Charitable activities |
Support Governance costs costs £ £ 105 - 174 - - 600 279 600 279 600 |
2023 £ 105 174 600 879 879 |
Support Governance costs costs £ £ - - 30 - - 600 30 600 30 600 |
2022 £ - 30 600 630 630 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Governance costs includes payments to the accountants of £600 (2022 - £600) for independent examination fees.
7 Trustees
None of the trustees received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
8 Employees
There were no employees during the year.
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
9 Taxation
The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.
10 Other gains and losses
| 10 | Other gains and losses | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Restricted | ||
| funds | funds | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| Gains/(losses) upon: | £ | £ | |
| Foreign exchange | 1,260 | - | |
| 11 | Trade and other receivables | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| Amounts falling due within one year: | £ | £ | |
| Prepayments and accrued income | 600 | - | |
| 12 | Current liabilities | ||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Accruals and deferred income | 600 | 600 |
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
- 13 Restricted funds
The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.
| be used. | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movement in funds | Movement in funds | |||||||
| Incoming | Resources | Balance at | Incoming | Resources | Transfers | Gains and | Balance at | |
| resources | expended | 21 June 2022 | resources | expended | losses | 20 June 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Grant | 203,914 | (68,601) | 135,313 |
- | (135,942) | 629 | - | - |
| China Vision | 4,095 | (3,758) | 337 |
12,422 | (12,052) | (629) | (1) | 77 |
| PILnet | - | - | - | 66,476 | (67,720) | - | 1,261 | 17 |
| 208,009 | (72,359) | 135,650 |
78,898 | (215,714) | - | 1,260 | 94 |
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
13 Restricted funds
(Continued)
Description on funds
During the year ended 2022 a grant was awarded to the charity to support disability rights in East Asia for the period 2022 - 23 to aid -
PILnet - during the year PILnet awarded the charity a grant. However the amount was returned to the funder because the project was cancelled.
Transfers
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£629 was transferred from the China Vision fund to ABB in the year to cover support and governance costs from 2022.
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ABILITY BEYOND BORDERS
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 20 JUNE 2023
14 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Restricted | |
|---|---|
| funds | |
| 2023 | |
| £ | |
| Fund balances at 20 June 2023 are represented by: | |
| Current assets/(liabilities) | 94 |
| 94 | |
| Restricted | |
| funds | |
| 2022 | |
| £ | |
| Fund balances at 20 June 2022 are represented by: | |
| 135,650 | |
| Current assets/(liabilities) | |
| 135,650 |
15 Related party transactions
The Trustees of this charity also form part of the board of another charity, China Vision.
During the year China Vision advanced Ability Beyond Borders £12,422 to cover project funding (2022 - £4,095) £77 (2022 - £337) remained unspent at the balance sheet date.
During the year £105 (2022 - £nil) was paid to Mrs S. Hallett, the sibling of Mr S. Hallett OBE (chairperson during the year), for administration and bookkeeping services.
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