## **Share Skipton**
## **Trustees’ Annual Report 2023/24**
This report covers the period from Share Skipton’s registration as a charity on 16 August 2023 to 31 March 2024.
## **Objectives and Activities**
Share Skipton is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with registered charity number 1204371
## _**Charitable Objects**_
The charitable objects of Share Skipton, as set out in its constitution, are:
(1) To promote for the public benefit in Skipton and the surrounding area the protection and preservation of the environment by working for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, raw material use, and manufacturing waste through the provision and support of community resource sharing, re-use and repair initiatives; and
(2) to advance the education of the public in sustainable living and a circular or
‘regenerative’ economy in Skipton and the surrounding area through the provision of communications, events and information.
## _**Vision, Misson and Values**_
Share Skipton’s vision is to create a sharing, sustainable Skipton.
Our mission is to:
- establish and run a library of things, which lends items to our communities at an affordable cost.
- establish and run initiatives to share, repair and create.
- encourage and enable our communities to share resources, reduce waste, repair and reuse more, and promote a circular economy.
Our values are built around three themes:
- environment – reducing waste and tackling climate change
- equality and inclusion – enabling everyone to access the things they need
- community – creating a stronger, kinder, more sustainable Skipton
Share Skipton is committed to acting ethically wherever possible.
1
## _**Background**_
Share Skipton was born following a public meeting held on 30 January 2023, organised by a local resident with support from the (then) Craven District Council Climate Emergency Officer. Members of the local community were invited to the meeting via social media and email networks, and 27 people attended. Those at the meeting gave an enthusiastic response to the idea of setting up a library of things in Skipton, which was supported by positive comments on social media.
A number of people present at the public meeting volunteered to be part of a steering group. At its first meeting, on 20 February 2023, the steering group agreed a charitable constitution, appointed officers, and decided to adopt the name **Share Skipton** , which would potentially enable a range of sharing initiatives to be developed over time, in addition to the library of things.
Later that year, the trustees decided to convert the small charity into a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which was registered by the Charity Commission on 16 August 2023.
## _**Library of Things**_
Share Skipton’s main activity during this period has been the development of a library of things, to serve the communities of Skipton and surrounding areas.
A library of things is a place where people can borrow a wide range of items for short periods. They give people access to the things they need whilst saving money, saving on storage, and reducing the use of resources, waste and C02 emissions that go with the production and consumption of new things.
Through donating, sharing and volunteering, they can promote a greater sense of community, and they can help raise awareness of the costs of overconsumption and the benefits of a circular economy. So, libraries of things are good for individuals, good for communities and good for the planet.
The first library of things established in the UK was Share Frome in 2015. There are now over 60 across the UK and many more globally. In addition, there are many other sharing projects such as tool libraries, toy libraries, and repair cafes. It is a thriving and growing movement.
2
## _**Main Activities Undertaken for the Public Benefit in Pursuit of the Objectives**_
To develop and establish a library of things during this period, we have:
- registered the charity as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).
- opened a bank account.
- recruited and trained a board of trustees.
- carried out research into setting up a library of things and repair café.
- developed a logo, brand guidelines and website.
- engaged with our local communities.
- carried out fundraising.
- conducted a recruitment process.
- developed and established appropriate governance arrangements.
- searched for suitable premises.
In planning its activities, the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
## _**Volunteers**_
Most of the activity during this period has been carried out by volunteers who have contributed as steering group members, trustees, in brand and website development, and communications support.
Share Skipton is hugely grateful to all the volunteers who have given their time, expertise and enthusiasm to support the development of Share Skipton and the library of things.
## **Achievements and Performance**
## _**Governance**_
Successfully registering Share Skipton as a CIO enabled us to open a bank account. This was an important step forward as it enabled us to start fundraising.
We also developed and approved a raft of policies and procedures to enable us to operate legally and safely (see Structure, Governance and Management below).
## _**Communications and Engagement**_
Our first grant of £250 from i2Comply enabled us to purchase design software and a website domain (shareskipton.org), which in turn enabled our highly skilled volunteer, Anna Hillyard, to develop our logo, brand guidelines and website. This, combined with our social media presence, created a fantastic platform for us to engage with our local communities, raise awareness, and build support.
Over the summer of 2023, we designed and carried out a community survey to raise awareness within our local communities and also to gather data on opinions and at udes around libraries of things, including views on borrowing, lending, donating, sharing, volunteering. We promoted the survey at a range of community events and locations, including Environment Day, Skipton Pride, Skipton Eco Day, and in Skipton library.
3
We received over 140 responses, and people told us they think a Skipton library of things is a great idea. Here’s some of the data from that survey:
- 100% of those responding were positive about a Skipton library of things.
- 58% said they would be interested in volunteering.
- 70% said they would be willing to make a financial donation to make it happen.
- 75% asked us to keep in touch.
- Over 120 different items were mentioned as things people would be interested in borrowing. The most popular items included carpet cleaner, pressure washer, ladders, and drill.
- Dozens of different items were potentially offered for donation or loan to the library of things.
- 64% thought they might borrow every couple of months or more, and 33% once or twice a year. Only 2% thought they would never borrow.
- 85% expressed interest in repair cafes, 72% in skill-sharing workshops, and 57% in produce-sharing. And there were other suggestions made too, such as an electric car club, toy library, makerspace and a sharing festival.
We have steadily increased our digital communications and engagement with our local communities. At the end of March, we had around 350 followers on Facebook and 180 on Instagram, and around 130 subscribers to our email newsletters.
## _**Fundraising**_
In September 2023, we learnt we had been successful with our funding bid to the Beyondly Fund for Change and received £20,667 to support our first-year start-up costs for the library of things.
This enabled us to start a recruitment process for a Development Officer and enter into negotiations for premises.
We were also successful in securing a £700 North Yorkshire Council Locality Grant (via Cllr David Noland) to cover our insurance costs, and a further £400 Locality Grant (via Cllr Andy Solloway) to purchase two items for the library.
4
## _**Recruitment of a Development Officer**_
We carried out a recruitment process over the end of 2023/start of 2024, and on 23 January 2024 were joined by Sam Healey, our parttime Development Officer. This increased our development capacity and helped us move more quickly with our start-up plans.
## _**Premises**_
After several months of negotiations, we were finally successful in securing the lease on premises at 48 Newmarket Street, Skipton. This former charity shop, owned by North Yorkshire Council, provides us with a shop, storeroom, garage for storage and private parking. However, the premises were in poor condition and requiring refurbishment, which we agreed to undertake in return for a rent-free period.
Heads of terms were agreed on a 5-year lease with a 3-year break clause, and we started fundraising for funds to undertake the refurbishment works.
Our achievements during this period laid the foundations for Share Skipton to open a library of things in the summer of 2024.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
## _**Charity Trusts**_
Share Skipton is governed by a constitution, which was adopted on 16 August 2023.
It is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), whose only voting members are its charity trustees (‘Foundation’ model constitution) **.**
## _**Trustees**_
The minimum number of trustees is 3 and the maximum is 12. Individuals must be aged at least 16 to be appointed as a trustee.
Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.
5
The first charity trustees appointed on 16 August 2023 were:
- Angela Monaghan (Chair) for 4 years
- Fiona Protheroe (Secretary) for 4 years
- Joanna Powell for 3 years
- Lorna Winstanley for 3 years
- Melanie Fryer for 2 years (resigned 31 January 2024)
- Clare Danek for 2 years (resigned 31 March 2024)
Appointment terms for the first trustees were varied to avoid all trustees retiring at the same time.
## Further appointments:
- Mary Dootson (Treasurer) was appointed as a trustee on 20 November 2023
In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. On appointment, trustees are given a copy of the constitution, Charity Commission guidance on being a trustee, access to trustee training by Community First Yorkshire, and an induction to the role from the Chair.
## _**Policies and Procedures**_
During this period, Share Skipton developed and adopted the following policies and procedures:
- Conflicts of Interest Policy
- Data Protection Policy
- Disciplinary Procedure
- Employee Expenses Policy
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- Financial Procedures
- Grievance Procedure
- Health and Safety at Work Policy
- Privacy Notice
- Recruitment Policy
- Risk Management Policy and Procedure
- Safeguarding Policy
- Sickness Absence Policy and Procedure
- Staff Handbook
- Volunteer Policy
6
## _**Risk Management**_
The trustees have adopted a risk management policy and procedure. The key risks and mitigations for this period were set out in the business plan, as follows:
||**Risk**|**Mitigation**|
|---|---|---|
|1.|That we will not gain local
acceptance and support|a. Build awareness and recognition locally through
effective communications and engagement
plan, with diverse range of channels.
b. Provide opportunities for feedback.
c. Recruit expert social media support.|
|2.|That we will fail to secure the
income (fees, grants and
donations) required to operate
successfully.|a. Research varied library of things pricing models
and seek to optimise membership and fee
income, whilst maintaining access for all.
b. Research grant giving bodies aligned to our
mission and draw up shortlist of priority targets.
c. Train trustees in fundraising.
d. Build partnerships with supportive local
businesses.
e. Develop positive relationships with funders and
communicate with them effectively.|
|3.|That we will not recruit and/or
retain sufficient volunteers to
operate successfully.|a. Build awareness and recognition locally through
effective communications and engagement
plan, with diverse range of channels.
b. Create a culture that people want to be part of -
fun, lively, colourful, engaging, inclusive.
c. Create strong volunteer offer with effective
recruitment, induction, training, support,
communication and expenses.
d. Ensure key policies and procedures are in place,
including: volunteering; recruitment; equality,
diversity and inclusion; safeguarding; health and
safety|
|4.|That we will be unable to find
and secure suitable premises at
an affordable cost.|a. Research vacant commercial and public sector
premises in Skipton and make relevant
organisations aware of our needs, including
North Yorkshire Council.
b. Discuss sharing premises with potential partner
organisations in Skipton, including SELFA (Ings
School) and Skipton Step Into Action.
c. Identifyspecialist/expert advice and support.|
## _**Staff**_
Share Skipton employees one part-time (16 hours per week) member of staff:
• Sam Healey – Development Officer
Sam was appointed on a 12-month contract from 23 January 2024.
7
## **Financial review**
## _**Annual Accounts**_
In the period 1.4.2023 to 31.3.2024, Share Skipton received income of £22,172 and spent £4,247, leaving a cash balance at the end of the period of £17,925.
The main source of funds was a grant of £20,667 from Beyondly under their Fund for Change programme, which was given to support Share Skipton’s first 12-months’ running costs and the start-up of a library of things. This enabled us to recruit a part-time Development Officer (16 hours a week) from January 2024, secure a lease on suitable premises for the library of things, create our brand, design our website, develop policies and procedures, and promote our work. By the end of the period, we were in a strong position to move towards opening a library of things.
We also received two locality grants totalling £1,100 from North Yorkshire Council, to fund our insurance costs and purchase two items for the library of things, and a donation of £250 from i2Comply.
Share Skipton wishes to thank all the organisations and individuals who have supported the organisation financially during this period.
## _**Reserves Policy**_
Share Skipton maintains free unrestricted reserves:
- to provide a level of working capital that protects the continuity of our core work.
- to provide a level of funding for unexpected opportunities.
- to provide cover for risks such as unforeseen expenditure or unanticipated loss of income.
The board of trustees will review the above criteria with reference to Share Skipton’s strategy and Annual Plan and determine the target level of free reserves to meet these. The board of trustees will at times designate funds from free reserves for significant project costs or replacement of major assets.
At the end of the period, Share Skipton was holding reserves of £17,925.
## _**Going Concern**_
The trustees have prepared forecasts of income and expenditure for the period to 31st March 2025 which shows that they have sufficient reserves to be able to continue for the foreseeable future. Furthermore, the trustees have not identified any material uncertainties which in their view cast a significant doubt over the going concern of the charity, and therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis of preparation for these financial statements.
## **Future Plans**
Share Skipton’s main priority for the forthcoming period is to open, grow and develop the library of things. Other plans include setting up repair cafes, promoting borrowing, reuse and
8
repair, and exploring the development of other sharing initiatives for Skipton and surrounding areas.
To do this, Share Skipton will need to:
- refurbish and fit out the premises identified.
- recruit, train and support a large group of volunteers to act as librarians, DIY technicians, PAT testers, digital technicians, and communications and marketing support.
- launch our website and build a strong brand.
- develop our marketing and communications, including social media.
- attract donations of things for the library.
- recruit members and persuade people to ‘borrow not buy’.
- build partnerships with other organisations.
- raise funds.
Most of this work will be carried out by volunteers, but the charity plans to continue to employ a Development Officer to assist the trustees.
## **Reference and Administrative Details**
## _**Contact Details**_
- _**Business Address:**_
- 91 Raikes Road, Skipton BD23 1LS
- _**Library of Things:**_
- 48 Newmarket Street, Skipton BD23 2JB
- **Website:** www.shareskipton.org
- **Email:** hello@shareskipton.org
## _**Bank**_
The Co-operative Bank, PO Box 101, 1 Balloon Street, Manchester M60 4EP
## **Declaration**
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.
|**Signature:**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Full name:**|Angela Monaghan|Mary Dootson|
|**Position:**|Chair|Treasurer|
|**Date:**|5 November 2024|5 November 2024|
9
||**Share Skipton**|**Share Skipton**|**Share Skipton**|**Share Skipton**|**CC16a**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**For the period**
**from**|01/04/2023|**To**|||
|||||||
|**Section A Receipts and payments**||||||
|**A1 Receipts**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**
**405**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**405**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**405**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**169**
**-**
**50**
**-**
**-**
**219**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**219**
**186**
**-**
**-**
**186**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**
**21,767**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**21,767**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**21,767**
**469**
**2,531**
**699**
**294**
**-**
**35**
**-**
**-**
**4,028**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**4,028**
**17,739**
**-**
**-**
**17,739**|**Endowment**
**funds**
**to the nearest £**|**Total funds**
**to the nearest £**
**405**
**21,767**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**22,172**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**22,172**
**-**
**469**
**2,531**
**699**
**463**
**-**
**85**
**-**
**-**
**4,247**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**4,247**
**17,925**|**Last year**
**to the nearest £**|
|Donations|**405**||**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**||**-**|
|Grants|**-**||||**-**|
||**-**||||**-**|
||**-**||||**-**|
||**-**||||**-**|
||**-**||||**-**|
||**-**||||**-**|
||**-**||||**-**|
|**_Sub total_**_(Gross income for_
_AR)_|
**405**||||**-**|
|||||||
|**A2 Asset and investment sales,**
**(see table).**||||||
||**-**||**-**
**-**
**-**|||
||**-**||||**-**|
|**_Sub total_**|**-**||||**-**|
|**_Total receipts_**
**A3 Payments**||||||
||||**-**||**-**|
|||||||
|
**Charitable Activities**|**-**||**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**||**-**|
|Libraryitems|**-**||||**-**|
|Wages|**-**||||**-**|
|Insurance|**-**||||**-**|
|Admin|**169**||||**-**|
||**-**||||**-**|
|Governance|**50**||||**-**|
||**-**||||**-**|
||**-**||||**-**|
|**_Sub total_ **|**219**||||**-**|
|||||||
|**A4 Asset and investment**
**purchases (see table)**||||||
|**,**|**-**||**-**
**-**
**-**|||
||**-**|||||
|**_Sub total_ **|**-**||||**-**|
|**_Total payments_**
**_Net of receipts/(payments)_**
**A5 Transfers between funds**
**A6 Cash funds last year end**
**_Cash funds this year end_**||||||
||||**-**||**-**|
|||||||
||**186**||**-**||**-**|
||**-**||**-**
**-**|**-**
**-**|**-**|
||**-**||||**-**|
||**186**||**-**|**17,925**|**-**|
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
21/10/2024
1
## **Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period**
|**Categories**
Signed by one or two trustees on
behalf of all the trustees
**B5 Liabilities**
**B3 Investment assets**
**B2 Other monetary assets**
**B4 Assets retained for the**
**charity’s own use**
**B1 Cash funds**|**Details**
**Details**
**_Total cash funds_**
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s))
Bank Account
**Details**
**Details**
**Details**
Signature|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**65**
**17,739**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**186**
**17,739**
OK
OK
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Cost (optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Cost (optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**liability relates**
**Amount due**
**(optional)**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
#
Print Name
Angela Monaghan
Mary Dootson|**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|
|---|---|---|---|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**
|
||||OK|
||||**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**Current value**
**(optional)**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**Current value**
**(optional)**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**-**|
||||**When due**
**(optional)**|
|||||
|||||
|||||
|||||
|||||
|||||
||||Date of
approval|
|||Angela Monaghan||
|||Mary Dootson||
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
21/10/2024
2