Trustees’ Annual Report
Charity Name: Taff Ely Foodbank Charity No: 1195468 Period start date: 1/04/2023 Period end date: 31/03/2024
1. Charity Information
Charity’s principal address; Unit 3 Ely Valley Business Park Tylagarw Pontyclun CF729DZ Email info@taffely.foodbank.org.uk Tel 01443 520730
2. Trustees and Governance
The trustees who have served during this period are;
| Name | Position | Dates position held |
| Gareth Saunders | Chair | June 2021 - March 2024 |
| Lorraine Delbridge | Secretary | June 2021 - March 2024 |
| Elizabeth Price | Treasurer | June 2021 - present |
| Mary West | June 2021 - March 2024 | |
| Margaret Rogers | June 2021 - September 2023 |
|
| Michelle Thomas | July 2023 - present | |
| Steve Tompkins | November 2023 - present |
During this period, Margaret Rogers retired as a trustee after the church she represented began working with a food bank that was better located for their community. We are also grateful to Lorraine Delbridge, Gareth Saunders, and Mary West, who completed their terms as trustees in March 2024. Their service has been invaluable in laying the foundations for us as an independent charity.
We are pleased to welcome Michelle Thomas and Steve Tompkins, both of whom were volunteers at the warehouse and expressed interest in becoming trustees.
Our trustees meet every six weeks to discuss governance and propose necessary changes and advancements for the improvement of the charity. Currently, we do not have any additional committees.
The foodbank became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in 2021 and, at that time, also became an affiliated member of the Trussell Trust Foodbank Network, which includes over 1,300 members across the UK. The Trussell Trust operates under a "social franchise" model, providing individual members with operational procedures, data services, and managerial advice and support. Importantly, our charity retains the authority to exercise its powers as outlined in our Constitution.
3. Charities Objectives and Activities
The object of Taff Ely Foodbank as set out in the Constitution is;
The prevention and relief of poverty amongst people in Rhondda Cynon Taff and surrounding areas by providing food, Clothing, essential items, information, practical assistance programmes and other appropriate support.
The primary activity of Taff Ely Foodbank is to provide three-day crisis food parcels to individuals and families in need within Rhondda Cynon Taff (RCT). This vital service is made possible through generous donations from supermarkets, schools, churches, local businesses, and individuals. All collected food is long-life and stored in our warehouse, where we implement a strict stock rotation system to minimise waste.
We have established strong relationships with local agencies, such as social services, probation officers, and health visitors, who act as referrers. These referrers are registered in our database and are authorized to issue E-vouchers for food parcels from our foodbank.
Individuals referred to us can present these vouchers in exchange for food parcels tailored to the size of their household and the ages of the residents. Each parcel provides enough food for approximately 10 meals or up to three days per person. Vouchers can be redeemed at one of our eight distribution centres, all of which are operated in churches. During this reporting period, Salem Church in Tonteg ceased to operate as a distribution centre, as the location of Pontypridd Foodbank better serves their community.
During this report period we provided food for 2141 adults and 1416 children.
In addition to food parcels, we also offer personal hygiene packs with each delivery. These packs include essential items such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toilet paper, shower gel, feminine hygiene products, and shaving cream.
Beyond food support, we employ a Citizens Advice Officer to provide financial advice and a Support Manager to assist with various challenges faced by our clients. This support may
include signposting to additional resources, offering advice, and, in some cases, providing essential household items such as towels, bedding, and microwaves.
4. Achievements
A highlight of the year was receiving the AVIVA Community Fund Award of £20,000. This was awarded for us to address hygiene poverty in RCT. Charities from all over the UK applied which makes us feel even more proud to have won this for our clients. Hygiene poverty is often overlooked but the loss of dignity can have extreme effects on mental health.
We have gathered valuable insights from our beneficiaries regarding the impact of our hygiene packs. A remarkable 96% of recipients reported that the hygiene pack was helpful, highlighting a significant demand for toiletries in general. Among the items distributed, toilet roll emerged as the most needed essential.
Furthermore, 28% of visitors shared that the hygiene products were especially appreciated by their children and teenagers. Many expressed that receiving these items helped restore a sense of dignity, particularly for young people who may feel self-conscious about their hygiene needs.
These testimonials underscore the importance of our initiative, demonstrating that providing hygiene packs not only meets basic needs but also contributes positively to the well-being and self-esteem of our beneficiaries. The feedback reinforces our commitment to continually improving our services and ensuring that we address the specific needs of our community.
In addition to this, we participated in several community events, including the Pontyclun Summer Picnic, the Christmas Fayre, and a Wellbeing Day at a local business. These events provided us with opportunities to raise our profile among donors and connect with individuals who may need our support.
5. Financial Information
Total income for this period was £147,446. This comprises £18,590 from individual donations, £29,276 organisation donations and £99,580 awarded from grants. In addition to our funds at year end we held £14,141.29 of food. All food received at the warehouse is weighed on receipt and distribution. When calculating the value of stock we use Trussell Trust guidance of £2.37 per kg.
Total expenditure for this period was £125,757. Our largest expenses are payroll costs at £72,998 and rent for the warehouse £10,500. During this period we had to purchase a new van as the previous one was becoming unreliable. A van is an essential part of our activities. The cost of this was £10,799 and the general vehicle running costs were £4347.
6. Volunteers and Staff
Our operations are supported by a dedicated team of 50 volunteers, whose skills and experience are vital to the services we provide. The trustees greatly appreciate their commitment and hard work.
We also employ three staff members. Our Project Manager works 37 hours per week, and during this reporting period, his contract transitioned from temporary to permanent. He has been with us since 2018 and is a reliable and driven individual with a strong vision for our future.
Since October 2021, we have employed a Support Worker for 24 hours a week. This role is crucial for signposting clients and addressing the underlying reasons that lead individuals to seek support from a foodbank. Additionally, we have a Warehouse Operative who works 12 hours a week. This role is essential for managing deliveries and collections, ensuring smooth operations alongside our volunteers.
7. Public Benefit Statement for Taff Ely Foodbank
The trustees of Taff Ely Foodbank are committed to ensuring that our activities and services provide clear public benefit to the communities we serve in RCT. Our primary purpose is to alleviate poverty among individuals and families in need.
Key Benefits:
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Food Assistance: We provide three-day crisis food parcels to individuals and families who are facing financial hardship. This support is essential for ensuring that people have access to nutritious food, which contributes to their overall well-being and health.
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Hygiene Support: In addition to food parcels, we distribute personal hygiene packs that include essential toiletries. This initiative addresses hygiene poverty, helping to restore dignity and improve mental health for our beneficiaries.
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Community Engagement: We actively engage with local agencies, including social services and health visitors, to identify those in need and facilitate access to our services. This collaborative approach enhances community support networks and promotes social inclusion.
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Empowerment and Support: We employ a Support Worker and a Citizens Advice Officer who provide guidance and signposting for our clients, addressing the root causes of their challenges. This holistic support empowers individuals to improve their circumstances and fosters long-term resilience.
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Volunteer Opportunities: Our organisation relies on the dedication of volunteers, providing them with meaningful opportunities to contribute to their community. This not only enriches the lives of our volunteers but also strengthens community bonds.
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Impact Measurement: We regularly gather feedback from our beneficiaries to assess the impact of our services. This data informs our practices and ensures we remain responsive to the evolving needs of the community.
Through these initiatives, Taff Ely Foodbank strives to make a significant positive impact on the lives of those we serve, promoting dignity, well-being, and community cohesion. The trustees are dedicated to upholding our values and ensuring that our operations align with the principles of public benefit as outlined by the Charities Act.
8. Compliance Statement
Taff Ely Foodbank is committed to operating in compliance with all relevant laws and regulations governing charitable organisations in the United Kingdom. The trustees ensure that our activities align with the principles set forth by the Charities Act 2011 and other applicable legislation.
9. Declarations
The trustees declare they have approved this report.
Signed on behalf of the trustees
Signature
Full name
Michelle Thomas
Position
Chair
Date
Taff-Ely Foodbank Payments and Receipts Account For the year ended 31st March 2024
Section A Receipts and payments
| A1 Receipts | to the nearest £ 18,590 19,276 24,268 62,134 62,134 6,610 3,847 5,255 945 396 2,464 2,096 10,500 351 2,825 1,724 4 351 805 353 693 397 97 39,713 - - 39,713 22,421 - 35,228 57,649 Unrestricted funds included in vehicle costs |
to the nearest £ 10,000 75,313 85,313 85,313 66,388 500 8,357 75,246 10,799 - 10,799 86,044 - 732 - 30,177 29,445 Restricted funds |
Total funds to the nearest £ 18,590 29,276 99,580 - - - - - 147,446 147,446 72,998 4,347 13,612 945 396 2,464 2,096 10,500 351 2,825 1,724 4 351 805 353 693 397 - 97 114,958 10,799 - 10,799 125,757 21,689 - 65,405 87,094 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donations - Individuals | 18,590 | 10,109 | ||
| Donations - Organisations | 19,276 | 22,836 | ||
| Grants | 24,268 | 65,065 | ||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| Sub total(Gross income) | 62,134 |
98,010 | ||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
||||
| 98,010 | ||||
| Payroll Costs | 6,610 | 44,184 | ||
| Vehicle Costs | 3,847 | 3,056 | ||
| Session Supplies | 5,255 | 7,677 | ||
| Printing | 945 | 1,472 | ||
| Office/General administrative costs | 396 | 684 | ||
| Professional Fees | 2,464 | 2,239 | ||
| Insurance | 2,096 | 1,927 | ||
| Rent or Lease of Buildings | 10,500 | 10,500 | ||
| Bank Charges | 351 | 273 | ||
| Phone Costs | 2,825 | 1,961 | ||
| Utilities | 1,724 | 1,494 | ||
| Travel Costs | 4 | 716 | ||
| Small Equipment | 351 | 513 | ||
| Advertising/Promotional | 805 | 425 | ||
| Computer Costs | 353 | 400 | ||
| Meals and Refreshments | 693 | 484 | ||
| Cleaning and Maintenance | 397 | 247 | ||
| Fuel support donation | included in vehicle costs |
450 | ||
| Misc | 329 | |||
| Gifts | 97 | - | ||
| Sub total | 39,713 | 79,031 | ||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
||||
| Van | - | |||
| - | - | |||
| Sub total | - | - | ||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
||||
| 79,031 | ||||
| 22,421 | - 732 | 21,689 | 18,979 | |
| - | - | - | - | |
| 35,228 | 30,177 | 65,405 | 46,426 | |
| 57,649 | 29,445 | 87,094 | 65,405 |
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B5 Liabilities B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
Details Cash at bank - Main Account Soldo Details Food Stock Details Vehicle - Foodbank Van Details HMRC Payroll liability Signature Total cash funds |
to nearest £ to nearest £ 55,713 29,445 1,937 - - 57,649 29,445 to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - Cost (optional) Unrestricted 10,799 - - Unrestricted 30 - Print Name Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) |
Current value (optional) |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) | |||
| Date of approval | |||
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
| Section A Independent Examiner’s Report |
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report |
|---|---|
| Report to the trustees On accounts for the year ended Set out on pages Responsibilities and basis of report |
Charity Name Charity no (if any) (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended31 MARCH 2024 As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). TAFF ELY FOODBANK 31 March 2024 1195468 1 to 7 |
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’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.
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Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have
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examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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the accounts did 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.
| Signed: Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body |
16/01/2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| BENJAMIN EVANS | ||
| ACCA |
Oct 2018
1
IER
(if any):
Address: 3 HEOL ELAI TONYREFAIL
CF39 8QE
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
Oct 2018
2
IER