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2024-09-30-accounts

Eat · Cook · Learn · Belong your culinary community

Contents

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Page
Charity Details

3
Introduction

4
Mission and Vision

5
Objectives and Activities

6
Achievements and Performance

10
Plans for Future Period

18
Financial Review

19
Structure, Governance and Management

20
Independent Examinations

23
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Charity Details

Trustees Catherine Jean Saoulli Fausta Eskenazi Maria Michaela Herberstein Jonathan Derek Willis Founder and Director Evelyne Eskenazi Registered Name Saffron Kitchen Project Charity Registration Number 1195986 Registered Address 22 Clifton Villas W9 2PH London United Kingdom Independent Examiner Independent Examiners Bank Wise Bank Website Address www.saffronkitchenproject.org

3

Introduction

Saffron Kitchen Project is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission under number 1195986.

Now in our third year, we continue to grow as a community-driven organisation, using food as a toolkit for nourishment, training, connection, and opportunity. Our commitment to community outreach, food sustainability, and inclusivity has led to significant achievements and positive impact. This report shares the key milestones, initiatives, and values that shaped our journey over the past year, from serving record-breaking numbers of meals to launching new community services.

The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ending 30 September 2024. As always, the Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the Charity has appropriate systems and controls in place, financial and otherwise. New Trustees are appointed by the currently acting trustees, and have been selected and appointed to ensure that the board has relevant background and skills which are considered important to enable the charity to achieve its charitable objectives.

Saffron Kitchen Project was founded under a Constitution dated 2 April 2021 and formally registered with the Charity Commission on 30 September 2021.

This report covers the financial year from 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024.

4

Mission and Vision

Saffron Kitchen Project (SKP) was started to address a problem; the refugee community and vulnerable people in Athens are facing many obstacles such as lack of food, job opportunities as well as inadequate social inclusion.

Our solution is to create a path to employment through vocational culinary training as well as providing meals and job opportunities, to support displaced and vulnerable people in building a healthy, sustainable livelihood while integrating into the local community.

The Saffron Kitchen Project team is built from chefs hired from the refugee community, admin staff and dedicated volunteers, who work together from our culinary headquarters to ensure the smooth running of the project, upholding our values and solidarity with other actors on the ground.

Our mission is to support displaced and vulnerable people in building healthy, autonomous lives, using food as a toolkit. Now in our third year, the Saffron Kitchen Project is more committed than ever to ensuring this happens! Food fuels nourishment, learning, connection, and empowerment. Through shared meals, culinary training, and community engagement, we create spaces where people go beyond meeting basic needs, using food as a pathway to growth, opportunity, and as a tool to thrive.

5

Objectives and activities

Objectives

The objectives of Saffron Kitchen Project are to provide humanitarian support and aid to displaced and vulnerable people that includes but is not limited to food, education, employment, emergency aid, vocational training.

The above will be carried out through such activities including, but not necessarily limited to, the following:

1) providing cooked meals for vulnerable people, which includes but is not limited to; displaced people, the homeless, low income individuals and those generally facing food insecurity;

2) Providing culinary vocational training to displaced individuals, equipping them with the essential skills needed to access employment in the hospitality sector. As well as the training, participants will receive; employability workshops, CV-building sessions, and one-on-one support from social workers to ensure they’re fully prepared for the job market. Upon completing the program, they’ll also receive support in securing employment opportunities.

3)relieving unemployment among displaced people and the host community for the public benefit by generating job opportunities within our kitchen and operations, and by offering support to access further employment.

For the purpose of this clause ‘displaced people’ means undocumented immigrants, asylum seekers, refugees; ‘vulnerable people’ means homeless or destitute people.

6

Nothing in our constitution shall authorise an application of the property of Saffron Kitchen Project for the purposes which are not charitable in accordance with [section 7 of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005] and [section 2 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008].

Activities

As always, we’re focused on advancing and developing our project and ensuring stability across its three foundational pillars�

�1 Nourish

We provide vulnerable individuals with warm, nutritious, and flavourful meals in a respectful and sustainable way. To extend our reach, we work closely with partner organisations across Athens that support refugees and other at-risk groups. These partners help distribute our meals to the communities they serve, ensuring they reach those who need them most while keeping food waste to a minimum.

This year, we’ve expanded our services by opening a second meal distribution site and introducing a meal collection service at our base.

Our meals are carefully prepared to be healthy and filling, made with care and shared with compassion. For some, it may be the only meal they receive that day, so we make sure it provides the nourishment and energy needed to support their well-being and daily lives.

7

:

8�Train

We offer free culinary education and vocational training in collaboration with IEK Delta, a certified Greek institution, to help prepare our students for careers in the hospitality sector. The program combines practical culinary training with essential soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and time management. Graduates receive an EOPEP-accredited certificate, recognised across Greece and valuable for entering the job market.

In addition, we partner with organisations to provide CV workshops and employability support. These sessions equip graduates with key jobreadiness skills; including communication, time management, interview techniques, and organisational skills. Helping students make a successful transition from training to employment�

5�Employ

We show our commitment to addressing unemployment in Greece by creating job opportunities for both refugees and members of the local community. All of our chefs come directly from the refugee community, and we source our ingredients from local suppliers to support small, independent businesses in our area.

8

As well as these 3 key areas of focus, our activities also included developing the Saffron Kitchen Project online shop and fundraising.

SKP Shop

Our shop serves multiple purposes: it generates income to sustain our project’s activities, supports the local economy by collaborating with small businesses, and helps raise visibility for our work and mission. We collaborate with small, local businesses as much as possible to create our product range. These partnerships allow us to offer unique, handcrafted items while also providing valuable opportunities for local makers to grow and thrive. Additionally, we make a conscious effort to source fabrics locally, supporting Greek businesses and reducing our environmental impact.

Fundraising

Now in our third year of operation, fundraising has become a critical focus to ensure our financial stability and support the continued success of our mission to nourish, train, and employ. To sustain and grow our impact, we run targeted campaigns throughout the year, using various media channels to raise awareness and generate income. Additionally, we collaborate with a grant writer to enhance our ability to secure funding from large foundations, further expanding our resources and supporting our ongoing development.

9

Achievements and Performance

This year, Saffron Kitchen Project navigated a challenging landscape for NGOs in Athens, marked by fewer funding opportunities, rising demand for aid, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Recent studies highlight that Greece is now the fourth most expensive country in Europe for food prices, making access to basic necessities increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities. Despite these obstacles, SKP has continued to grow, adapt, and achieve significant successes across our three pillars: Nourish, Train, and Employ.

We are deeply grateful to the individuals, organisations, and partners who made our work possible this year. Your donations, time, and belief in our mission have allowed us to grow, thrive, and keep showing up for our community in meaningful ways.

Our accomplishments reflect the tangible impact of our efforts on displaced and vulnerable communities, as well as the broader local economy. Below, we highlight our key achievements and their direct impact.

Nourish Meal Distribution Growth

From October 2023 to September 2024, the Saffron Kitchen Project prepared a total of 73,070 meals, demonstrating the scale and impact of our operations. We exceeded our meal distribution targets, achieving an average of 6,643 meals per month, surpassing our goal of 6,000. In July alone, we set a record by providing 9,604 meals. The average number of meals served per month this year increased significantly from 5,293 last year, highlighting the community's growing trust in our services and the ongoing and critical need for meals.

Partnership Expansion

Our network grew from 29 to 34 partner organisations, allowing us to reach more diverse and vulnerable groups, including children, women’s shelters, and street aid initiatives. This expanded collaboration ensures that our meals reach those who need them most, from refugees to homeless individuals.

New Meal Collection Service

Recognising that not all vulnerable individuals in need of food support are connected with our partner organisations, we launched a meal collection service at our Kypseli hub. This initiative ensures that anyone facing food insecurity can access a freshly cooked, healthy, and nutritious meal, five days a week. As the year progressed, demand for the service steadily increased, and we now produce 60-80 portions for this initiative daily. This expansion has allowed us to reach a broader range of vulnerable groups, including people experiencing homelessness, and other difficult circumstances, extending our support to more members of the community.

New Distribution Space at Victoria Community Centre (VCC)

A significant achievement for us this year has been securing a secondary distribution centre at the Victoria Community Centre (VCC). This cafe space enables us to better serve displaced and vulnerable communities by providing a safe and welcoming environment where people of all ages and genders can access essential support services. The VCC is a hub for up to 10 different organisations, offering legal aid, medical assistance, housing support, language courses, and safe spaces for women and children. This collaboration has allowed us to integrate more closely with our partners and enhance our support network.

When One Happy Family, a long-time partner of ours, ceased operations, their cafe space was left vacant. The partners of the VCC needed a team to step in and continue the vital work of meal distribution, and we took on this challenge. By hiring a cafe coordinator and assistant, both from the refugee community, who worked alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, we were able to resume daily operations, providing tea, coffee, juice, and meals every Monday to Friday. This not only expanded our services but also created more job opportunities for displaced people, reinforcing our core pillar of employment. We prepared and served 200 meals three times a week and collaborated with another organisation to collect and distribute food twice weekly.

Taking on this new space has not only increased our capacity but also brought us closer to the communities we support. By being more 'clientfacing, we have gained valuable insights into the needs and preferences of those we serve. This direct interaction allows us to better understand meal demand, identify popular dishes, and gather meaningful feedback. Expanding our team and working hand-in-hand with our partners at the VCC have been crucial steps in enhancing the quality and reach of our services.

Train: Empowering Through Culinary Education

Launch of Advanced Culinary Training Program

Our culinary training program, developed in collaboration with the renowned Greek institution IEK Delta, has continued to flourish throughout 2023-24. By combining IEK Delta’s expertise in lifelong learning with our hands-on experience supporting displaced and vulnerable communities, we’ve crafted a curriculum tailored to meet the unique needs of our students. Participants earn accredited certifications in Culinary Arts while gaining invaluable experience in a professional kitchen environment.

A key milestone this year was the launch of our first Advanced Culinary Training program. This advanced program is designed for individuals who already have some experience in the kitchen and are looking to deepen their skills. This extended, in-depth training builds on existing knowledge to offer more advanced techniques, industry-level standards, and hands-on experience, better equipping participants to pursue stable, long-term employment in the hospitality sector.

Across our Basic and Advanced programs, we collectively trained 49 students, equipping them with industry-recognised certifications and practical skills. The demand for these courses remains overwhelming, underlining their importance in fostering long-term economic independence.

Graduate Support for Employment

To enhance post-graduation support, we have partnered with ECHO100Plus to deliver employability workshops focused on CV development, job market readiness, and navigating employment in Greece. Graduates also receive one-on-one guidance from social workers to support their job search. By equipping our students with both advanced culinary expertise and essential employability skills, we are helping them build successful careers in the hospitality industry while fostering greater integration into Greek society.

Employ

Creating Job Opportunities and Supporting Local Businesses

At Saffron Kitchen Project, we are committed to addressing unemployment in Greece by generating meaningful job opportunities for both refugees and local community members. Through these efforts, we are not only helping refugees integrate into Greek society but also supporting local businesses and tackling unemployment across both communities.

Team Expansion

This year, to support our growing activities, we expanded our core team by hiring a Project Manager to oversee the efficient management of our operations. As a local Athenian, our Project Manager plays a crucial role in strengthening our ties with the local community by bringing in-depth knowledge of the Greek sector and helping us build meaningful connections that enhance our impact. Additionally, we recruited a Cafe Coordinator and Assistant from the refugee community to lead operations at our new distribution space, further strengthening our ability to provide essential services. This added cultural and linguistic diversity within our team helps us communicate more effectively with service users and ensures our support remains accessible, relevant, and compassionate.

Our growing network of volunteers have also continued to play a crucial role, contributing across a wide range of areas, from kitchen support to social media and community outreach. Over the past year alone, we welcomed an incredible 150 volunteers from around the world, whose diverse skills and energy have been instrumental to our work.

Employment of Refugee Chefs

Our kitchen remains a key source of employment for refugees, with all chefs recruited directly from refugee communities. This approach offers meaningful job opportunities alongside practical, on-the-job training that supports long-term careers in Greece’s hospitality sector. This year, we welcomed four new team members who trained and worked under the guidance of our Head Chef, Adel. Originally from Syria, Adel has been a constant presence, providing leadership, stability, and culinary expertise. This experience not only built their skills but also strengthened their CVs, helping them move forward in their careers with confidence while preparing nutritious, communityfocused meals.

Supporting Local Businesses

In line with our commitment to the local economy, we continue to prioritise Greek suppliers for kitchen ingredients and equipment. Additionally, we have continued to cultivate strong, ongoing partnerships with several local artisans who contribute to our shop’s product range, including our long-standing collaboration with ANKAA. This year, we expanded our network to include a Greek ceramicist and other skilled craftspeople, further diversifying our offerings. These collaborations not only support small, independent businesses but also enable us to provide unique, high-quality products. Every sale directly reinvests into our mission, helping to sustain and grow our initiatives while fostering economic resilience within the local community.

Community Key Achievements

Celebrating Cultural Connections Through Food

This year, our talented Sous Chef Mamadou was selected to participate in the Cooking with Refugees initiative, organised by UNHCR Greece. For one memorable night, Mamadou collaborated with renowned chef Alexandros Charalabopoulos to bring the vibrant flavours of Guinean cuisine to To Lokali restaurant in Psyri. Guests, including the SKP team and volunteers, were treated to a feast featuring dishes like fried plantain with creamy avocado sauce, fresh ceviche, and charred chicken yassa. We are incredibly proud of Mamadou for representing Saffron Kitchen Project and showcasing his rich culinary heritage, highlighting the power of food to build cultural bridges.

Mama Sammy’s Kitchen: A Culinary Dream Realised

In June 2024, we proudly celebrated an incredible milestone for one of our culinary training graduates Monica. With the launch of Mama Sammy’s Kitchen, Monica brought her dream to life, opening her very first restaurant in the heart of Athens. We first met Monica during one of our training programmes, where she shared her vision of creating a space that celebrates the bold, vibrant flavours of West African cuisine. With our support and in collaboration with the brilliant team at Be the Ladder, who provide interest free grants to displaced people to help rebuild their lives, Monica turned her vision into a reality. Now officially open just off Victoria Square, Mama Sammy’s Kitchen showcases home-cooked West African dishes lovingly prepared by Monica herself. Her story is a powerful example of what’s possible when passion, perseverance, and community support come together, and reflects our mission to empower displaced individuals in building longterm independence. We are honoured to have been part of her journey and can’t wait to see how her business grows.

Future Plans

As we enter a critical period for NGOs in Athens our primary goal for the coming year is to successfully maintain and strengthen our current programs and activities. Given the ongoing challenges of rising demand for aid and the complex socio-economic landscape, we are focused on ensuring the continued provision of essential services to displaced and vulnerable communities.

By prioritizing the stability and sustainability of our meal distribution, culinary training, and employment initiatives, we aim to meet the growing needs of those we serve while adapting to the changing environment. To support this, we are committed to building a full-time team across both our kitchen and office operations, ensuring we have the capacity to consistently meet demands. We will continue to include members of the Greek community in our daily operations wherever possible, further rooting our work in the local context and strengthening community integration.

To expand our reach and fundraising potential, we also plan to register as a Greek legal entity. This will not only open up vital new opportunities for funding and collaboration within Greece, but also reinforce our commitment to becoming a deeply embedded and trusted presence in the local ecosystem.

Our commitment to supporting both refugees and local communities remains at the heart of our mission. In the year ahead, we will rely on strong partnerships, community engagement, and a dedicated team to continue delivering meaningful, empowering support to those who need it most.

Financial statement

This Trustees’ annual report and financial statements cover the 12-month period ending 30th September 2024.

Over the course of the year, Saffron Kitchen Project generated £182,313 in income through generous donations, grants, and trading activities. Total expenditure for the period reached £240,492, reflecting our ongoing investment in expanding and strengthening our programmes to meet growing community needs.

Reserves Policy

Saffron Kitchen Project has adopted a Reserves Policy to ensure financial resilience and the continuity of its core activities. The policy requires the organisation to maintain a minimum reserve equivalent to three months of operating expenses. Any reserves in excess of three months' operating costs may be allocated to specific project costs at the discretion of the trustees. The reserves are regularly monitored and reported on to ensure compliance, and the policy is reviewed annually for relevance and effectiveness. The next scheduled review is July 2025.

Structure, governance and management

Saffron Kitchen Project is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission on 30th September 2021.

The governing body of the charity is the board of trustees, which comprises 4 members. Trustees who served during the period and up to the date of signing these financial statements are:

Catherine Jean Saoulli Fausta Eskenazi Maria Michaela Herberstein Jonathan Derek Willis

The board of trustees is responsible for overseeing all aspects of governance and risk. Strategy is led by the board of trustees, working closely with the staff team. The staff team, led by Evelyne Eskenazi (Founder and Director), is responsible for the implementation of the strategy and day-to-day operations of the charity. Trustees are appointed by a resolution passed at a meeting of the charity trustees. In selecting new trustees, the trustees consider the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective running of the charity. Prior to appointment, new trustees are provided with a copy of the Constitution and policies and procedures, together with the most up-to-date business plan and financial statements and forecasts.

Staff

At year end, Saffron Kitchen Project had 8 members of staff. We also have an extensive network of 150 volunteers who help with food preparation, office tasks and marketing. We are hugely grateful to them for their time, skills and dedication.

Public Benefit

The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities. The charity’s work continues to be driven by its commitment to delivering clear public benefit, particularly in supporting displaced and vulnerable individuals through food, training, and employment.

Going Concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of this basis can be found in the accounting policies.

SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

TRUSTEES' REPORT (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024

Responsibiities of Trustees

The Charities Act 2022 requires the Board of Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its incoming resources and resources expended for the period. In preparing those financial statements, the Board of Trustees should follow best practice and are

The Board of Trustees is responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2022. They 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 and to provide reasonable assurance that:-

The systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable but not absolute assurance against material misstatement or loss.

7th July 2025 Approved by the Trustees on…...................... .................

Signed on their behalf by Trustee …..............................

Printed Name: Catherine Saoulli

2 2

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024

SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1195986

Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 The Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF

SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024

Page
Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts 25
Statement of Receipts and Payments 26
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 27
Notes to the Accounts 28 to 32

SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024

Report to the trustees/ members of Saffron Kitchen Project on the accounts for the year ended 30th September 2024.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2022 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the 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

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and

  3. · to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting 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

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Donna Leppitt Independent Examiners Ltd Unit 2 The Broadridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham PO18 8NF Date: 17th July 2025

25

SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024

Notes
RECEIPTS
Donations & Legacies
3
TOTAL RECEIPTS
PAYMENTS
Costs of Charitable Activities
4a
Costs of Generating Funds
4b
TOTAL PAYMENTS
NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES
5
Balances Brought Forward
BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS
Prior year adj
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023/24
2022/23
£
£
£
£
182,313
-
182,313
177,466
182,313
-
182,313
177,466
235,550
-
235,550
148,472
4,942
-
4,942
2,325
240,492
-
240,492
150,797
(58,179)
-
(58,179)
26,669
-
-
-
-
(58,179)
-
(58,179)
26,669
100,021
-
100,021
73,363
-
-
-
(11)
41,842
-
41,842
100,021

All of the Charity's operations are classed as continuing operations.

The notes form part of these financial statements, found on pages:28 to 32

26

SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Assets
Notes
Tangible Assets
2
Current Assets
8
7
Total Current Assets
8
5
Liabilities:
Debtors & Prepayments
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors:due within one year
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETSless current liabilities
NET ASSETS
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
TOTAL FUNDS
Creditors: due in more than one year
General Funds
Restricted funds
Independent Examiner's Fee
Unrestricted
Restricted
Fund
Fund
£
£
-
-
Total
Total
30-Sep-24
30-Sep-23
£
£

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
41,842
-
-
-

41,842
100,021
41,842
-
41,842
100,021
-
-
41,842
-
-
-

41,842
100,021
41,842
-
41,842
100,021
-
41,842
-
41,842
100,021
41,842
-
-
-
41,842
100,021

-
-
41,842
-
41,842
100,021
30-Sep-24
30-Sep-23
£
£
1,200
1,140
1,200
1,140

TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Charity Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which comply with the regulations set out in the Charities Act 2022. The Trustees have elected to take advantage of the provisions that apply to small charities and have prepared a Receipts and Payments Account and Statement of Assets and Liabilities which are set out on pages:9 to 13 .

07/ 07 /2025.. Approved by the Trustees on ....... .................... …[.......]

Signed on their behalf by Trustee …..............................

Printed Name: Catherine Saoulli

27

SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year.

Basis of preparation:

The accounts have been prepared under the “Receipts and Payments” basis as prescribed by the Charity Commissioners, and they meet the appropriate legal requirements.

The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.

Assessment of Going Concern

Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Recognition of Incoming Resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:

Incoming Resources with Related expenditure

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.

Grants and Donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts

Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.

Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants

This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services has been delivered.

Gifts in Kind

Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as income receivable.

Volunteer Help

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts and is described in the Report of the Trustees.

Donated Services and Facilities

These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

Investment Income

This is included in the accounts when receivable.

Investment Gains and Losses

This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

28

SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

Expenditure and Liabilities

Liability Recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out

Governance Costs

Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees meetings and cost of any legal advise to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

Grants with Performance Conditions

Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified

Grants Payable without Performance Conditions

These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.

Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees' best estimate of market value.

Pensions

Pension contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities as they become payable.

Fund Accounting

Funds held by the charity are either:

1. Unrestricted funds

These are funds which can be used in accordance with the charity's objectives, at the discretion of the trustees.

2. Restricted funds

These are funds that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity.

3. Designated funds

These funds are funds set aside by the trustees out of unrestricted general funds for specific purposes or projects.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.

Depreciation Expense

Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied are as follows:

Equipment, Fixtures & Fittings 25%

There has been no change to the accounting polices (Variation rules and methods of accounting) since last year.

2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

The Charity held no fixed assets investments during this or the previous financial period.

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

29

SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024

3. INCOMING RESOURCES

Note
4. RESOURCES EXPENDED
Note
b) Cost of Generating Funds
a) Donations & Legacies
Donations
Grant
Discounts/Refunds given
Cashback
a) Charitable Activities
Sundry expenses
Tax
Wages & salaries
Advertising and PR
Bank charges
Cost of Sales
Equipment
Exchange differences & charge
Grant Writing
Operation
Merchandise
Premises
Staff training & welfare/Events
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023/24
2022/23
£
£
£
£
110,924
-
110,924
172,739
70,888
-
70,888
3,781
2
-
2
631
500
-
500
315
182,313
-
182,313
177,466
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
2023/24
2022/23
£
£
£
£
25
-
25
-
164
-
164
67
96,834
-
96,834
59,780
-
-
-
27
1,393
-
1,393
1,271
-
-
-
2,095
5,104
-
5,104
6,963
11,120
-
11,120
4,527
15,684
-
15,684
12,895
3,301
-
3,301
265
-
-
-
3,361
101,924
-
101,924
57,221
235,550
-
235,550
148,472
4,942
-
4,942
2,325
4,942
-
4,942
2,325

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

30

SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024

5. RESTRICTED FUNDS

The Charity held no Restricted Funds during this or the previous financial period.

6. INVESTMENTS

The Charity held no investment assets during this or the previous financial period.

7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND

7. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Wise EUR Current
Wise GBP Current
Wise USD Current
Wise EUR Savings
Wise GBP Savings
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
30-Sep-24
30-Sep-23
£
£
£
£
1,409
-
1,409
19,205
26
-
26
25,791
720
-
720
5,917
686
-
686
108
39,000
-
39,000
49,000
41,842
-
41,842
100,021

8. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS

The Charity held no Debtors during this or the previous financial period.

9. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

The Charity held no Creditors during this or the previous financial period.

10. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS AMOUNTS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR

The Charity held no long term liabilities during this or the previous financial period.

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

31

SAFFRON KITCHEN PROJECT

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024

11. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS

TOTAL
2023/24
£
Gross Wages & Salaries
19,757
Employer's National Insurance Costs
2,369
Employer's Pension Contributions
-
22,127
Average number of employees who were engaged in each of the following activities:
TOTAL
2023/24
Charitable Activities
1
TOTAL
2022/23
£
52,343
750
-
53,093
TOTAL
2022/23
1

The Charity operates a PAYE scheme to pay all employed members of staff and no employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. (2022/23- None)

12. TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES

A payment of 660 euros (£571) was paid to Claudio Tomarchio who is the wife of trustee Jonathan Willis, as a consulting Grant Writer, during this financial period.

No other payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No other material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them. (2022/23- None)

13. RISK ASSESSMENT

The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.

14. RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.

15. PUBLIC BENEFIT

The Charity acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the charity has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

16. PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT

The funds brought forward have been adjusted by -£12 to reflect a true and fair view of the Charity's closing

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

32