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2024-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1199226

QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY ORGANIISATION FOR PERIOD ENDED 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024

Registered office:

16 Ford End Road Bedford MK404JH

www.qpco.org.uk

Queen’s Park Community Organisation Period Ended 31[st] December 2024

Contents

Section Page
Charity Information 1
Trustee’s Report 2
- History, Objectives and Activities of the Charity 2
- Management and Governance Arrangements 3
Annual Report Summary (January – December 2024) 5
- A Milestone Year for Funding 5
- Current Projects 6
Back to Our Roots 9
Looking Ahead 11
Other Highlights of 2024 13
Finance 14

Queen’s Park Community Organisation Charity Information as at the Period Ended 31[st] December 2024 _____________

Charity Name:

Queen’s Park Community Organisation

Charity Number:

1199226

Registered Address:

16 Ford End Road Bedford Bedfordshire MK42 9GH

Trustees:

Bankers:

The Co-operative Bank Alma Street Luton Bedfordshire LU1 2PL

Independent Examiner:

Mr B.M. Makamba, MSc (FinAcc), BAcc (Hons), CIMA Dip 27 Church Farm Avenue Wilstead Bedford Bedfordshire MK45 3FA

Trustees’ Annual Report for the Year Ended 31st December 2024

History, Objectives, and Activities of the Charity

Queen’s Park Community Organisation (QPCO) evolved from an unincorporated association originally known as Queen’s Park Community Orchard, established in 2013. Its founding purpose was to build bridges between Bedford’s diverse communities. Local mosques, churches, gurdwaras, schools, and grassroots organisations have actively engaged with QPCO to share resources and foster unity.

Through a wide range of volunteer-led initiatives, QPCO seeks to address key social challenges in the borough, including poverty, isolation, prejudice, and racism. We have also launched various sustainability and conservation initiatives across Bedford.

In 2020, we changed our name to Queen’s Park Community Organisation to reflect our broader work, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included:

As a Bedford-based charity, we empower local people to make a difference by building bridges between communities, schools, and organisations through our current programmes: _____________ Advocacy and Outreach Service

We believe everyone should have equal access to the services, funds, and opportunities they are entitled to. Our Intervention Officers (IOs) support individuals in navigating both statutory and non-statutory services, addressing a range of challenges often exacerbated by discrimination, language and literacy barriers, and cultural or religious differences. _____________

Building Capacity and Increasing Community Resilience

We support small and emerging voluntary groups to establish themselves, become effective agents of change within their communities, and work towards becoming self-sufficient and sustainable. _____________

Management and Governance Arrangements

The charity’s constitution requires a minimum of three trustees. When new trustees are needed, they are identified and appointed by the existing trustees, subject to approval at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Chair of Trustees is responsible for inducting new trustees. This induction ensures trustees are familiar with:

Over the past year, the trustees have worked to identify major risks to which the charity is exposed and have established systems to mitigate these risks. This risk assessment process is reviewed and updated annually.

The trustees are responsible for managing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it remains solvent, well-governed, and focused on achieving its charitable objectives. They must ensure the charity complies with charity law, remains true to its governing document and charitable purposes, and acts with integrity, avoiding conflicts of interest or misuse of resources. Trustees also oversee the charity’s financial management, can enter into contracts, appoint and employ staff, and determine terms and conditions of employment.

Trustees meet regularly throughout the year. These meetings provide an opportunity to review responsibilities, stay informed about organisational and legislative developments, and seek training or advice when needed.

Day-to-day management of the charity is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, MarieAnge Comerford-Raillon.

Advisory Panel

Following our transition to charitable status, we established an advisory panel to provide independent perspectives and a “safe space” to test ideas and discuss matters of significant importance.

The role of the advisory panel is to:

We currently have 15 advisors on our panel. For more information, please visit: https://qpco.org.uk/meet-the-team/

Annual Report Summary – January 2024 to December 2024

We work across Bedford, with a focus on the most deprived and diverse areas of the town, including Kingsbrook and Cauldwell, Greyfriars, and Queen’s Park.

_____________ A Milestone Year for Funding Development of our “Building Capacity & Increasing Community Resilience” workstream

QPCO is one of the few organisations in Bedford working with a wide range of communities. We receive daily requests from both statutory and non-statutory organisations seeking to connect with underrepresented, diverse, and disenfranchised groups. Many of these communities are not yet formally organised, and it is often difficult for external bodies to engage with them effectively without strong grassroots relationships.

QPCO has developed a model to support and empower these communities, referred to as primary groups . In 2024, we secured funding to expand this work into 2025. This will allow us to appoint two part-time administrative staff and a part-time Community Engagement Officer, as well as sustain our current staffing levels.

The overarching aim of the project is to establish primary groups that provide safe spaces and foster communication between these communities and both statutory and non-statutory organisations.

Primary groups are characterised by:

The intended social impacts of this project include:

b. Demonstrating care and support for marginalised groups, particularly those in the most deprived areas—especially significant in the aftermath of the 2024 far-right riots that targeted people based on faith, nationality, or ethnicity.

c. Increasing social interaction within communities.

Cadent "Living Well" Fund (via Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation)

We secured 14 months of funding from Cadent through the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF) to deliver the following outcomes:

This funding has enabled us to extend the contract of one of our part-time staff and contribute towards the costs of a part-time administrative role.

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Current Projects
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Intervention Officers (IOs)

We currently employ two part-time Intervention Officers who work directly with individuals struggling to access essential services due to language or cultural barriers, stigma, discrimination, or a lack of information.

Key objectives of the IO role:

Over the last two years, we supported 70 clients, most of whom represent households averaging 3.5 people—impacting an estimated 227 individuals. Notably, 70% of referrals came from individuals or community members, demonstrating the high level of trust QPCO has built within diverse communities.

Most clients identify as either Asian or African. The majority of referrals originate from Queen’s Park, followed by Kingsbrook and Cauldwell—some of Bedford’s most deprived wards.

Top initial reasons for referral:

l:
Reason Cases
Financial difficulties 36
Education 15
Housing 14
Disability 13
Health 14
Domestic Abuse 11
Social Isolation 10
Other 16
Immigration 5
Safeguarding 4

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Building Capacity & Community Resilience

As part of the pilot phase of our primary groups project, QPCO has:

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Reaching Communities – Bespoke Engagement Services

QPCO provides bespoke outreach services for organisations aiming to engage with specific Bedford communities. This is a paid service.

In 2024, we were commissioned by Bedford Borough Parent Carer Forum (BBPCF) to deliver their annual survey to diverse communities. Our support included:

Our involvement resulted in significantly increased participation from diverse backgrounds. We hope to continue this partnership.

Key themes identified from the survey:

Through this work, we also identified several families in need, who are now being supported by our IOs.

Relief of Poverty

QPCO continues to provide small, one-off payments to individuals or households experiencing financial hardship. These grants help with essential items, fuel bills, or emergency needs and are distributed at the discretion of the Trustees.

Fitness Classes

Free fitness classes were introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to address social isolation and support mental and physical wellbeing—especially for those unable to access traditional gyms. These continue to run every Monday at:

This programme is currently funded by Sport England.

Cultural Events in Schools

QPCO delivered cultural activities at Biddenham International School , where faith leaders and the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire attended the school’s first cultural day. Students also fundraised for QPCO to support families in need.

We also hosted a cultural day at St Thomas More School in July 2024.

Back to Our Roots

On 12 May 2024, in collaboration with Access Bedford, we organised Bedford’s first BSL Festival . Our goal was to create a safe and inclusive space where people could come together to learn more about BSL and the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Attendees included members of the D/HoH community and others keen to make Bedford a more inclusive town. More on this project _____________

The Rwandan Community

This part of the project worked closely with Bedford’s Rwandan community to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi . Survivors shared their stories in schools across Bedford, raising awareness and promoting remembrance. We are also working with Bedford Borough Council to explore the possibility of establishing a memorial site for future commemorations.

More on this project _____________

Kenyan Independence Day

We celebrated Kenyan Independence Day (Jamhuri Day) with the Kenyan community on 14 December 2024. Jamhuri Day, observed annually on 12 December, marks Kenya’s transition to independence from the UK in 1963 and its establishment as a republic in 1964.

In 2024, the Kenyan flag was raised in Bedford for the first time—an historic and symbolic moment. The Kenyan community hopes to inspire other African communities to embrace and celebrate their heritage in similarly meaningful ways.

The Rainbow Project

Funded by the Frank Branston Fund, managed by BLCF

The QPCO Rainbow Project ran from May 2023 to June 2024 and included four miniprojects:

Key outcomes:

In addition, 5 women from the Stonewater refuge for domestic abuse survivors participated in a 6-week DIY workshop led by tradeswoman Leesa Tall, with interpreting support from Nasreen Begum (Urdu and Punjabi).

Workshop topics included:

Leesa’s Story:

“Living in a refuge with my children, including one with a disability, was challenging. When we finally secured a home, we had no curtains or lightbulbs. Without a support system, settling in was hard. After weeks of improvising, I taught myself household skills through online resources. That experience inspired me to empower other women in similar situations to feel more confident and self-sufficient.”

More about the domestic abuse support _____________

Looking Ahead

New Staff (January 2025)

We are excited to welcome three new team members:

Their induction and training programme is now underway.

London Marathon 2027

We are delighted to have been selected to participate in the London Marathon on 27 April 2027. We’ll be using this opportunity to raise funds for our Winter Appeal. Learn more about the appeal

Back to Our Roots – Upcoming Events Watch out for two exciting community events this spring:

• St Patrick’s Day Celebration – 16 March 2025 • Brazilian Festival – 15 June 2025 __________ End-of-Year Celebration – December 2024 This was our second annual gathering, bringing together volunteers, trustees, staff, community members, and partners from statutory and non-statutory organisations. Over 60 people attended, and the event is now a valued networking opportunity in our calendar. __________

Other Highlights of 2024

QPCO supported the following events:

Places visited:

Training for Staff, Trustees, and Volunteers

Queen’s Park Community Organisation Financial Reports Period Ended 31[st] December 2024 Contents

2. Charity Information
3. Independent Examiner’s Report
4. Statement of Financial Activities
5. Statement of Financial Position
6. Notes to the Financial Statements

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Queen’s Park Community Organisation Charity Information as at period Ended 31[st] December 2024

Charity name Queen’s Park Community Organisation

Charity number 1199226 Registered address 16 Ford End Road Bedford Bedfordshire MK429GH

Trustees Mr Eric Masih – Chair of Trustees Mrs Aysha Magre – Safeguarding Lead Mrs Jennifer Foley-Policy Lead Mrs Emma Phelan-Financial Lead Mr Julian Polhill- Public relations Lead Director Marie-Ange Comerford-Raillon

Bankers The Co-operative Bank Alma Street Luton Bedfordshire LU1 2PL

Independent examiner Mr BM Makamba, MSc (Finacc), BAcc (Hons), CIMA dip 27 Church farm Avenue Wilstead Bedford Bedfordshire MK45 3FA

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY ORGANISATION for The Year Ending 31[st] December 2024

Report to the Trustees of Queen’s Park Community Organisation on accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2024, Charity number 1199226.

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). 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.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect,

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 to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed:

Mr BM Makamba , MSc (Finacc), BAcc (Hons), CIMA dip 27 Church farm Avenue Wilstead Bedford Bedfordshire MK45 3FA Date: 19/01/2025

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QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY ORGANISATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2024.

Notes
Unrestricted
funds
2024

Incoming Resources
£
Income from generated funds:
Voluntary income:
1c
Donations, grants, and legacies
2
11,635
Income resources: charitable activities
-
Other trading activities
-
Investment income
-
Total Incoming Resources
11,635
Resources expended
1d
Raising funds -
(Costs of generating voluntary income)
-
Charitable activities (projects delivery
costs)
7
8,348
Governance costs
1d
450
Total expended resources
8,798
Net income/(expenditure) before
investment gains/(losses)
2,837
Net gains/(losses) on investments
-
Net income/(expenditure)
2,837
Extraordinary items
-
Other recognised gains/(losses):
Gains and losses on revaluation of fixed
assets for the charity’s own use
-
Other gains/(losses)
-
Net movement in funds
5
2,837
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
8,800

Total funds carried forward
5
11,637
 Restricted
funds
2024
Endowment
funds
2024
£
£
113,904
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
113,904
-
-
-
93,788
-
-
93,788
-
20,116
-
-
-
20,116
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
20,116
-
39,979
-
60,095
-		 Total
funds
2024
Prior year
funds 2023
£
£
125,539
114,790
-
-
-
-
-
-
125,539
114,790
-
-
102,136
101,123
450
400
102,586
101,523
22,953
13,267
-
-
22,953
13,267
-
-
-
-
-
-
22,953 13,267
48,779
35,512
71,732
48,779

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

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QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY ORGANISATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31[ST] DECEMBER 2024.

Notes
Non-CURRENT ASSETS
Tangible assets
1e,6
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at Bank
Others
Total current assets
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors
1d
Net Current assets
NET ASSETS
1e
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Endowment Funds
Unrestricted funds
1b,7
Designated funds
Revaluation funds
Reserve funds
General funds
Restricted funds
1b,7
TOTAL FUNDS		 71,733
-		 2024
Total Funds
£
993
71,733
-
71,733
48,779
-		 2023
Total Funds
£
859
48,779
-
48,779
-
-
2,304
10,326

-
-
859
8,800
71,798 49,638
-
12,630
60,095		 -
9,659
39,979

72,726 49,638

The financial statements summarise the transactions of the entity and disclose the net assets at the disposal of the Trustees. These accounts are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part VII of the Companies Act 1985 relating to small entities.

These financial statements were approved by Trustees on 21 February 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

E. Masih – Chair of Trustees

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QUEEN’S PARK COMMUNITY ORGANISATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2024. 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and in the preceding year.

(a) Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

(b) Fund accounting

(c) Incoming resources

(d) Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates:

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(e) Fixed assets

Fixed assets (excluding investments) are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. The costs of minor additions or those costing below £100 are not capitalised. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its expected useful life, which in all cases is estimated at 4 years (25% straightline method). Impairment reviews are carried out as and when evidence comes to light that that the recoverable amount of a functional fixed asset is below its net book value due to damage, obsolescence, or other relevant factors.

Investments held as fixed assets are revalued at mid-market value at the balance sheet date and the gain or loss taken to the Statement of Financial Activities.

2. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM GENERATED FUNDS

2024 2024 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
INCOMING RESOURCES
Voluntary income
Square - HUTHO 0 0 0 519
BED BC RE Biddenham Secondary 9,78 0 978 0
Sport England - Fitness class 0 2,344 2,344 0
Hear Me Out Music 90 0 90 0
Gale Family Trust - Overheads 2,000 0 2,000 0
BBPCF 16 0 6,827 6,827 0
BBC: Warm space 0 0 0 500
BBC: Winter appeal 0 0 0 600
BBC - Overheads 1,700 0 1,700 1,700
BB- Capacity Building 0 49 49 0
Khush Hall: Capacity Building 0 0 0 540
BCA: Capacity Building 0 0 0 36
The co-op: Capacity Building 0 0 0 1,217
BLCF- staff cost and overheads 1,867 18,133 20,000 0
BLCF: Rainbow Project 0 4,999 4,999 5,000
Bedfordshire Police OPCC (DV) 0 0 0 5,000
Bedford Lion: Fitness 0 0 0 217
BBC Children In Need (Youth Program) 0 0 0 9,000
Heart Academy 0 0 0 500
ITV Community Fund 0 0 0 10,000
Tudor Trust- Database 0 3,000 3,000 0
Unison: back to our roots 0 0 0 500
Tudor Trust- staff costs 0 10,000 10,000 45,000
National Lottery 5,000 20,142 25,142 0
Harpur Trust: Staff Costs 0 48,411 48,411 29,411
Wixamtree Trust 0 0 0 5,000
Total grants 11,634.51 113,904 125,539 114,740
Income: Others 0 0 0 50
Total Income 11,635 113,904 125,539 114,790

3. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no Trustees remuneration or benefits for the year ended 31st December 2024 (2023: Nill, 2022: Nill) and no related party transactions to report (2023: Nill, 2022: Nill).

4. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS -RESTRICTED FUNDS

This balance is comprised of the unspent balances of on-going projects. The figures are restricted for use only on their designated projects.

5. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Funds: Restricted and Unrestricted
Bank
TOTAL FUNDS		 At 01-
01-
2024
£
48,779

48,779		 Cash
Inflow
Cash
Outflow
Net
Movement
in Funds
£
£
£
125,579 102,625
22,954
125,579 102,625
22,954		 At 31-
12-
2024
£
71,733
71,733

6. NON-CURRENT ASSET SCHEDULE

Accumulated Book Value
Non-current Depreciation At
assets Cost Depreciation 31/12/2024 31/12/2024
Laptops Yr4 1197 299 1197 0
Galaxy Tablets Yr4 1234 308 1234 0
Monitors Yr4 237 59 237 0
PHONES Yr4 336 84 336 0
wireless combo Yr4 30 8 30 0
Laptop Yr2 130 33 66 64
Laptop Yr1 419 105 105 314
Laptop Yr1 819 205 205 614
4403 1100 3410 993

*Depreciation at 25% per year, straight-line method

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7. Charitable Activities (Projects delivery costs)

2024 2024 2024 2023
£ £ £ £
RESOURCES EXPENDED Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
Costs of generating voluntary income Restricted
Funds
Domestic violence 2022 2,954 2,954 2,478
Domestic violence rainbow 2,064 2,064 1,901
Fitness 600 600 840
Interpreting 668 668 2,369
Green Project 0 0 50
London Marathon 480 480 0
Sport England 794 794 0
BBPCF 16 4,989 4,989 0
Database 2,470 2,470 0
Capacity Building 4,979 4,979 2,934
Winter Appeal 630 630 1,163
Youth Program 0 0 9,175
Warm Space 416 416 511
OPCC Extra 0 0 3,827
HUTHO 0 0 685
B2UR 6,268 6,268 5,346
Staff costs 66,477 66,477 65,385
Total Restricted Funds Expended 93,788 96,665
Unrestricted Funds - Overheads
Insurance - Zurich 451 451 -
Office equipment 154 154 295
IT support 2,726 2,726 -
Donations 140 140 861
Telephone expenses 400 400 360
Payroll and staff admin expenses 499 499 42
General subscription 122 122 -
Transport expenses 140 140 784
General expenses (utilities) 1,285 1,285 -
Staff training 615 615 1,129
Administration expenses 1,461 1,461 3,545
Stationery 4 4 85
Software subscriptions 390 390 223
7,324
Total Cost before governance fees 8,386 102,174 103,989
Professional fees - governance 450 - 450 400
Total Resources Expended 8,836 93,788 102,624 104,389

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8. EMPLOYEE COSTS

Tax
Pension
£
£
£8,176
£4,649
£8,176
£4,649		 Salaries
and
wages
Total
Employee
Cost
£
£
£53,652
£66,477
£53,652
£66,477		 Salaries
and
wages
Total
Employee
Cost
£
£
£53,652
£66,477
£53,652
£66,477
£66,477

No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000. The average number of employees during the year, calculated based on full-time equivalents, was as follows: 2024 -3 employees, 2023 - 3 employees. The charity does not operate any pension scheme for its employees but does administer contributions to a stakeholder pension scheme for 3 staff (2022 – 3). The charity makes a 5% contribution to this scheme.

….end/….

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