## **KNUTSFORD TOGETHER**
**Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered 2 December 2021 Charity Registration Number 1196898 Report and Financial Statements for the period ending 31 March 2024**
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## **Trustees**
Chairman David Briggs CVO, MBE, KStJ Appointed 9 September 2021 Treasurer Rayna Jackson MA FCA Appointed 1 March 2023 Sarah Flannery B Soc Sc Appointed 9 September 2021 Dr Paddy Kearns Appointed 9 September 2021 Rosie Longden Appointed 9 September 2021 Piers McLeish Appointed 1 June 2022
## **Registered Address**
Dukenfield Hall, Knutsford Road , Mobberley ,Knutsford , KNUTSFORD , Cheshire , WA16 7PT
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## **Knutsford Together**
## **Report of the Trustees for the period ending 31 March 2024**
The Trustees are pleased to present their annual report together with the financial statements for the period ending 31 March 2024.
The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, and the 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) issued in October 2019.
## **Our purposes and activities**
Set up in 2022 by former Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs, Knutsford Together is a Cheshire-based Charitable Incorporated Organisation that identifies, maps and connects every agency, voluntary organisation and interest group in the WA16 postcode, covering Knutsford Mobberley High Legh Ollerton and surrounding areas.
Our mission is to support local people in need, whether economic or social. Knutsford Together exists to walk alongside them to make a positive change in their lives going forward. We seek to connect Knutsford residents with Government services such as medical, social care, education, welfare benefits, and Council funded services according to their circumstances. We also help to direct them towards suitable services provided by charities and voluntary groups.
This will enable us to provide the infrastructure and practical framework to allow anyone in our area to overcome the disconnection between statutory support, community and voluntary services and activities, and find the support they didn’t even know existed. Our network of Coordinators and Connectors are able to reach and connect everyone in need with everything our Knutsford community has to offer, and where necessary encourage new services to fill any gaps.
By harnessing the power of the community and humankindness we create the opportunity for any individual in Knutsford – regardless of any formal training or qualifications – to help another human being in need: this will not only help the person in need but will also provide great satisfaction to the person offering to help and making the initial connection.
**We aim to effect support for individuals which will reduce the negative social psychological and medical impact of people in need and experiencing “life’s difficulties”.**
## **Achievements and performance**
During this, our first full year of operation, we have recruited a full time Project Manager to support our Chief Officer and begin adding social media connections to help us connect with more residents. This additional staff member has also resulted in our having the time and skill to offer one-to-one help in accessing financial assistance which is often available to people, but which they have not accessed in the past. We have discovered that the main reasons for this are lack of access to and/or understanding of the internet, and the inability to cope with completion of long and difficult forms.
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For example, as a result of our intervention, one client received some £18,000 from a backdated personal independence payment claim.
The biggest source of referrals to our service is Knutsford Medical Partnership (“KMP”), whose social prescribers have an excellent working relationship with our staff.
Attendance at our weekly Talking Café has grown substantially and it is obvious that attendees are making new friendships which lead to community involvement.
In addition to our weekly Talking Café, we now host a weekly ‘Wellbeing’ Walk. This is aimed at those with reduced mobility or in wheelchairs and encourages them to get out into the fresh air, get some exercise, but most importantly, meet new people. This has proved to be extremely popular with a good turn out each week (approx. 8-10 people). People within the group have made friends and are now meeting socially outside of the walk as well.
We have also collaborated with a local business to offer a wellbeing morning. The Wellness Web have donated their time to run a session which includes chair-based yoga, mindfulness and meditation. If this proves to be successful, we hope this might be something we can offer again in the future. We recently had discussions with Peaks and Plains Housing Trust about the possibility of getting some sponsorship from their building contractor for the talking café or for additional wellbeing mornings.
The feedback we've received from clients has been extremely positive. To quote some of their words:
“You gave me the courage to open up and be honest about what’s happening this last 24 months and how bad stuff had come to”
“Just wanted to say it was lovely meeting you and you are a very generous person with your time. I didn’t realise it was so late when you left but thanks for listening to me. I don’t think I’ve actually had anybody like you, even with the therapy that I’ve had, so yes, it was very nice to be able to talk and not have somebody keep looking at their watch”
## **Our Financing**
We are acutely aware of the need for funding to support our activities and ambitions, and are extremely grateful for the grant funding that we have obtained from Cheshire East Council. The climate for grant funding has become much tougher in the current year, and we would like to express our thanks to the very generous private organisations and donors detailed in note 7 to the accounts and in particular Oliver Valves Ltd. For the coming year our fundraising activities will continue to target both private individuals and grant-giving bodies.
In shaping our objectives for the period and planning our activities, the trustees have read and had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
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## **Financial review Review of the period**
Knutsford Together was formed as an entity in December 2021, but did not start operating until March 2022. The attached financial statements cover the period ending on 31 March 2024.
The results for the period and Knutsford Together’s financial position at the end of the period are shown in the attached financial statements
During the period we had income of £67,026, of which £10,000 was restricted, and expenditure of £72,070, of which £10,000 was restricted. There was a deficit of £5,044 which was funded from reserves.
## **Reserves policy**
We have a policy of maintaining reserves sufficient to cover four months running expenses.
## **Plans for future periods**
We will be starting a walking group of particular interest to those people whose health does not permit them to tackle longer distances. We will also commence a befriending group of experienced volunteers for those of our clients who need additional support. We are intending to apply for additional grants in order to recruit additional staff to extend our work further into the Knutsford community.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
Knutsford Together is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation which is governed by a constitution. Its objects are for the public benefit the protection and preservation of good health and wellbeing and the relief of persons who are in need by reason of age, ill-health, bereavement or unemployment or other social disadvantage in such ways and by such charitable means as the Trustees may from time to time decide. The Trustees have agreed that its work will be carried out for the benefit of residents of the WA16 postal area.
New Trustees are appointed by resolution of the existing Trustees. They are selected having regards to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the charity.
Trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role. They are required to have training in safeguarding.
Approved by the Trustees on 17 July 2024 and signed on their behalf by David Briggs, Chairman
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## **KNUTSFORD TOGETHER**
## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES**
For the period ended 31 March 2024
I report on the financial statements of Knutsford Together CIO for the period ended 31 March 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 12.
## **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 period under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
- examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
- to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act), and
- to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
## **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 material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
- the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
- 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 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 22 July 2024 by Peter David Willgoose A.C.I.B.
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## **KNUTSFORD TOGETHER STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES**
For the period ended 31 March 2024
|Notes
Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
**Total**
**2024**
£
**Income from**
Restricted Grants
Unrestricted Grants
Donations
HMRC Giftaid
Bank Interest
**_Total income_**
**Expenditure on**
Charitable activities
Operation of the charity
**_Total_**_e_**_xpenditure_**
**_Net income/(deficit)_**
**_Funds brought_**
**_forward_**
**_Funds carried forward_**
5
6
7
8
52,370
3,001
1,655
57,026
62,070
62,070
______
(5,044)
53,752
______
48,708
10,000
_______
10,000
10,000
10,000
______
-
-
______
___-___
**10,000**
**-**
**52,370**
**3,001**
**1,655**
**67,026**
**72,070**
**72,070**
______
**-5,044**
**53,752**
______
**48,708**|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
**25,000**
**26,000**
**61,045**
**250**
**205**
**112,500**
**58,748**
**58,748**
**______**
**53,752**|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
**25,000**
**26,000**
**61,045**
**250**
**205**
**112,500**
**58,748**
**58,748**
**______**
**53,752**|
|---|---|---|
||||
|||**58,748**|
|||**______**
**53,752**|
||||
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the period. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form an integral part of these accounts.
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## **KNUTSFORD TOGETHER BALANCE SHEET** As at 31 March 2024
|Notes
**Current assets**
Debtors
Cash at bank
**_Total current assets_**
**Liabilities**
Amounts falling due within one
period
**_Net current assets_**
**_Total net assets_**
11
12
13
**Funds of the charity**
Unrestricted income funds
Restricted income funds
**_Total funds_**|£
143
50,330
50,473
(1,765)|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
**48,708**
**48,708**
48,708
__-__
**48,708**|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
3,029
60,754
63,783
(10,031)|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**53,752**
**53,752**
53,752
**53,752**|
The notes on pages 9 to 12 form an integral part of these accounts.
These financial statements were approved by the Board on and are signed on its behalf by David Briggs, Chairman.
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## **KNUTSFORD TOGETHER NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
For the period ended 31 March 2024
## **1 Accounting Policies**
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:
## **2 Basis of accounting**
## **2.1 Basis of preparation**
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with 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 2015) – Charities SORP (FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Knutsford Together CIO meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
## **2.2 Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis**
The charity reported total unrestricted funds at the period end of £48,708 and has already secured a significant amount of funding for the current period. The trustees are of the view that the immediate future of the charity for the next 12 to 18 months is secure and that on this basis the charity is a going concern.
## **3 Income**
## **3.1 Recognition of income**
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the resources, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is more likely than not that the resources will be received and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
## **3.2 Offsetting**
There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by FRS102 SORP or FRS102.
## **3.3 Grants and donations**
Income from grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Income received in advance of the provision of a specified service is deferred until the criteria of income recognition are met.
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## **3.4 Interest receivable**
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity.
## **3.5 Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Restricted funds are grants and donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.
## **4 Expenditure and liabilities**
## **4.1 Liability recognition**
Liabilities are recognised when it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
## **4.2 Charitable activities**
Expenditure on charitable activities includes the costs of work and other activities undertaken to further the purposes of the charity and their associated support costs.
## **4.3 Governance and support costs**
Support costs have been allocated between governance cost and other support. Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice.
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities.
## **4.4 Irrecoverable VAT**
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
## **4.5 Provisions for liabilities**
A liability is measured on recognition at its historical cost and then subsequently measured at the best estimate of the amount required to settle the obligation at the reporting date.
## **Analysis of income**
## **5 Income from restricted grants**
||2024|2023|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|Cheshire East Council|10,000|10,000|
|Total|10,000|10,000|
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## **6 Income from unrestricted grants**
||2024|2023|
|---|---|---|
||£|£|
|Great Places||5,000|
|Knutsford Medical Partnership||16,000|
|Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner||5,000|
|Total|-|26,000|
|**7 Donations**|||
||2024|2023|
||£|£|
|Oliver Valves Ltd|40,000|30,000|
|PasTest Charity||10,000|
|Anonymous|10,000|20,000|
|Other|2,370|1,045|
||52,370|61,045|
## **Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities**
## **8 Charitable activities**
|Unrestricted Restricted
Funds
£
Funds
£
Direct costs
Staff salaries
41,894
10,000
Pension and social security costs
2,106
Talking and other cafes
700
Training
137
Website and IT
14,597
Support costs
Telephone
490
Accountancy
446
Advertising and launch
492
Bank charges
63
Insurance
573
Recruitment
124
Other
448
Governance costs
Legal
_____
_____
62,070
10,000|**Total**
**2024**
**£**
**51,894 **
**2,106**
**700**
**137**
**14,597 **
**490**
**446**
**492**
**63**
**573**
**124**
**448**
**_____**
**72,070**|**Total**
**2023**
**£**
**23,999**
**401**
**181**
**41**
**27,866**
**189**
**224**
**1,592**
**66**
**742**
**1070**
**577**
**1,800**
**58,7**
**48**|
|---|---|---|
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## **9 Analysis of staff costs and numbers**
|Number of full time employees
Salaries
Social security cost
Pension cost - defined contribution scheme|**2024**
**2**
**£51,894 **
**£1,014**
**£1,092**
**£54,000**|**2023**
**1**
**£23,999**
**£205**
**£250**
**£24,454**|
|---|---|---|
## **10 Transactions with trustees**
None of the trustees have been paid any remuneration or received any other benefits from an employment with the charity.
No trustee expenses have been incurred in the period. There have been no related party transactions in the period
## **11 Debtors**
||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|
||**£**|**£**|
|Social security overpayment||2,574|
|Bank interest receivable|143|205|
|HMRC giftaid receivable|____|250|
|Total|143|3,029|
## **12 Cash at bank**
This comprises cash at bank and short term cash investments with less than 96 days maturity date.
## **13 Liabilities falling due within one year**
||||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||**£**|**£**|
|Cheshire East|2023-24|grant received in advance||10,000|
|Accruals|||1,765|31|
|Total|||1,765|10,031|
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