2024-12-31-accounts - Latvian Diaspora Representatives Of The United Kingdom

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01/12/2023 Period start date To 31/12/2024 Period end date

Charity name: LATVIAN DIASPORA REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED KINGDOM

Charity registration number: 1206692

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	To promote social inclusion of ethnic Latvian individuals living in the UK, addressing social exclusion linked to their ethnic origin by providing advice, sharing information, cooperating with service-providers; organising citizenship seminars; and offering English-language courses, sports and community activities for the public good. To promote social inclusion further by supporting Latvian cultural integration, including language classes, cultural- awareness events, multicultural gatherings and Latvian cultural events benefiting the wider community. To empower Latvian individuals in the UK who face social exclusion due to their ethnic background by providing access to education, job-placement assistance, career-development support, mentorship and guidance for personal and professional growth.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	The charity acts as an umbrella / resource body and provides advice, information-sharing and sign-posting services to ethnic Latvian individuals in the UK. It organises and provides community- based activities for the benefit of the Latvian diaspora and the wider public, including cultural events, workshops, language and integration-support activities. For example, their website shows a “Latvian Cultural Day” in Birmingham with folk dance, children’s workshops, craft market and an exhibition of Latvian history in the UK.

		It works to promote social inclusion of ethnic Latvian individuals by "co- operation with service providers, organising citizenship seminars, and offering English language courses, sports and community activities for the public good." as set out in the governing document. It also promotes Latvian cultural integration by staging language classes, cultural awareness events, multicultural gatherings, and Latvian cultural events which benefit the wider community (not just Latvian heritage persons). The charity provides empowerment for Latvian-heritage individuals facing social exclusion due to their ethnic origin by providing access to education, job- placement assistance, career development support, mentorship and guidance for personal and professional growth.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit when exercising their powers and duties and in planning the charity’s activities. The trustees are satisfied that the activities carried out during the reporting period have furthered the charity’s purposes and provided identifiable public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference Achievements & Impact • The charity organised culturalcommunity events celebrating
Summary of the main Latvian heritage, including folk Para 1.20
achievements of the charity, dance, live-music, workshops for identifying the difference the children, and inter-community charity’s work has made to gatherings. For example, events the circumstances of its open to the public featured beneficiaries and any wider children’s craft workshops, story- benefits to society as a telling, and performances of whole. traditional Latvian folk songs and dances.
By providing these events, the charity has helped Latvianheritage individuals — especially families and children — maintain connections with their culture and language, strengthening their sense of identity and belonging in the UK.

			• The events also benefit the wider society by promoting cultural awareness, diversity and integration: non-Latvian members of British communities are able to engage with Latvian culture, helping reduce cultural isolation and fostering mutual respect. • Through its role as an umbrella or resource body providing advice, information and sign-posting for people of Latvian ethnic origin in the UK, the charity supports social inclusion, helping individuals overcome isolation, build networks and access community services. • The charity’s governance and registration as a UK-wide charity (operating across England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) positions it to reach a broad diaspora community and to act as a bridge between Latvian heritage individuals and UK society.
			Difference Made • Beneficiaries (Latvian-heritage individuals) have had greater access to culturally-relevant community activities and stronger links to their heritage, helping reduce feelings of isolation and disconnectedness in the UK. • Families and younger generations are given opportunities to engage with their Latvian roots within a UK context — helping with identity formation, language/cultural retention, and social networks. • The wider community gains from increased cultural exchange, a stronger multi-cultural fabric, and better understanding of the Latvian diaspora’s contribution to British society.

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	Charity has accumulated initial start up funds donated by LNPL, as well as received some project grant funding. Some of the projects are ongoing at the time of year end.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	N/A
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	N/A
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	No long term liabilities
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	N/A
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	N/A

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). It is governed by a constitution that sets out the charity’s purposes and the powers and responsibilities of the trustees. The constitution was adopted at the time of registration with the Charity Commission.
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	The charity is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	• Election Process: The charity is a membership organisation. In accordance with Clause 13 of the constitution, the charity trustees are elected by the members at each Annual General Meeting (AGM). • Term of Office: `o` Initial appointments are for a term of one year. `o` Upon re-election, trustees serve for a term of three years. `o` A trustee who has served nine consecutive terms must take a break of at least three years before being eligible for reappointment (Clause 16). • Eligibility: To be eligible for election as a trustee, an individual must be a member of the CIO, or a nominated representative of a corporate member, and must be a

natural person aged 16 or over (Clause 12).
• Vacancies: Any vacancies arising between AGMs may be filled by a decision of the existing charity trustees, and the appointee will retire at the next AGM

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements	where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	The charity trustees are committed to ensuring that all trustees, whether newly appointed or long-standing, are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to fulfil their roles effectively and in compliance with their legal duties. a) Induction Procedures for New Trustees In accordance with Clause 14 of the constitution, the following induction process is adopted for all new charity trustees: • Upon election or appointment, each new trustee is provided with a comprehensive Trustee Induction Pack. This pack includes: `o` A copy of the current CIO Constitution (last amended 14 January 2024). `o` The latest Trustees’ Annual Report and the annual statement of accounts. `o` Guidance booklets from the Charity Commission, notably "The Essential Trustee" (CC3). `o` A list of current trustees, officers, and key volunteers. `o` Copies of key charity policies (e.g., Risk Management, Safeguarding, Conflict of Interest). • New trustees are required to sign an acknowledgement of their acceptance of the office of charity trustee, as stipulated in Clause 12(2)(c). • An induction meeting is arranged with the Chair and/or other senior trustees to discuss the charity’s strategic aims, current projects, and financial position, and to clarify the new trustee’s roles and responsibilities. b) Ongoing Training and Development The trustees recognise the importance of continuous learning and development. Procedures for ongoing training include:

		• Briefing on Key Policies: Trustees are regularly updated on the charity’s key operational policies, including Conflicts of Interest (Clause 7), safeguarding, and financial controls. • Access to External Training: Trustees are encouraged and supported to attend relevant external training courses, webinars, and seminars provided by the Charity Commission, NCVO, or other specialist bodies. • Internal Knowledge Sharing: Updates on charity law, governance best practice, and sector-specific news are agenda items for discussion at regular trustee meetings. c) Review The effectiveness of the induction process and the ongoing training needs of the trustee board are reviewed annually to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	a) Organisational Structure The charity is a membership-based organisation, governed by its Board of Trustees who are elected by and from the membership. The operational structure is as follows: • The Members: The foundation of the CIO, comprising both Individual and Corporate Members as defined in Clause 9 of the constitution. Members hold the ultimate authority at General Meetings. • The Trustee Board: The elected body of charity trustees (between 3 and 9 in number, as per Clause 12) responsible for the overall strategic direction, governance, and financial control of the charity. The Board may appoint a Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary from among its members. • Committees and Volunteers: In accordance with Clause 18, the charity trustees may delegate specific powers or functions to committees. The charity relies significantly on the dedication of volunteers to deliver its activities and events. This structure ensures clear lines of accountability, with the Trustee Board ultimately responsible for all activities and compliance.

		b) Collaborative Networks To effectively deliver its objects and maximise its impact, the charity actively works and collaborates with a wider network of organisations. Key partners and networks include: • The Embassy of Latvia in the United Kingdom - Collaborating on major cultural events and providing consular guidance to the community. • Other UK-based Latvian community groups (e.g., local choirs, dance groups, Saturday schools) - Partnering to promote social and cultural events and share resources. • Local Councils and Community Hubs in areas with high Latvian populations - Working to deliver integration-focused events that involve the wider local community. • National umbrella bodies, such as the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) - Accessing training, resources, and sector- wide best practices. These strategic partnerships are vital for avoiding duplication of services, extending the charity's reach, and ensuring activities are well-attended and beneficial to the Latvian diaspora.
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	The charity's constitution, specifically Clause 6 (Benefits and payments to charity trustees and connected persons) and Clause 7 (Conflicts of interest and conflicts of loyalty), sets out clear rules governing transactions with related parties. a) Definition of Related Parties For this charity, related parties include: • The charity trustees themselves. • Connected persons, as defined in Clause 30 of the constitution, which includes spouses, civil partners, relatives, and business partners of a trustee. • Any organisation in which a trustee or connected person has a significant degree of influence or control. b) Policy on Transactions with Related Parties It is the charity's policy that: • No trustee or connected person may receive any financial benefit from the CIO unless it is expressly permitted by the constitution, authorised by the Charity

	Commission, or by a court.
•	Permissible benefits are strictly
	limited and include, for example:
	`o` Reimbursement of
	reasonable out-of-pocket
	expenses incurred while
	acting on behalf of the CIO
	(Clause 5).
	`o` Payment for goods
	supplied to the CIO,
	provided the transaction is
	conducted at arm's length
	and the trustee is absent
	from all related discussions
	and votes (Clause 6).
	`o` Interest on money lent to
	the CIO at a commercially
	reasonable rate (Clause 6).
•	Any potential conflict of interest
	must be declared immediately. The
	trustee concerned must not
	participate in discussions or vote
	on the matter and must not be
	counted in the quorum for that
	decision (Clause 7).
c) Disclosures for the Reporting Period
During	the financial year ended 31
December 2024:
•	No charity trustees or connected
	persons received any
	remuneration or other financial
	benefits from the charity, with the
	exception of the reimbursement of
	legitimate expenses incurred in
	the performance of their duties.
•	No other related party transactions
	took place.
•	All trustees have confirmed that
	they have complied with their duty
	to declare any potential conflicts
	of interest.

Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	LATVIAN DIASPORA REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
Other name the charity uses	Latviešu pārstāvniecība Apvienotajā Karalistē (LPAK)
Registered charity number	1206692
Charity’s principal address	Catthorpe Manor Estate Lilbourne Lane Lutterworth LE17 6DF

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)
	Vera Antipova	Chair
	Elina Beet	Trustee
	Lita Temistokleusa	Trustee
	Kristine Krauze	Trustee
	Kaspars Miklasevics	Trustee

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity	N/A
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects	N/A
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets	N/A

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date
	Vera Antipova	Elina Beet
	Chair	Treasurer
	31/10/2025
	31/10/2025

Balance Sheet

Latvian Diaspora Representatives in the UK As at 31 December 2024

Balance Sheet Latvian Diaspora Representatives in the UK As at 31 December 2024	Balance Sheet Latvian Diaspora Representatives in the UK As at 31 December 2024
31 DEC 2024
Current Assets
	Cash at bank and in hand
	LPAK Virgin 37,073.80
	Petty Cash 20.00
	Total Cash at bank and in hand 37,093.80
	Accounts Receivable 288.83
Total Current Assets 37,382.63 Creditors: amounts falling due withinone year
Accounts Payable 4,858.61
Total Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 4,858.61
Net Current Assets (Liabilities) 32,524.02
Total Assets less Current Liabilities 32,524.02
Net Assets 32,524.02 Capital and Reserves
Current Year Earnings 10,641.64
Project Funds retained on Year End 17,966.64
Retained Funds - Nozare surplus on Year End 3,915.74
Total Capital and Reserves 32,524.02

31 Oct 2025 Page 1 of 1

Balance Sheet Latvian Diaspora Representatives in the UK

Profit and Loss

Latvian Diaspora Representatives in the UK For the 2 years ended 31 December 2024

Profit and Loss Latvian Diaspora Representatives in the UK For the 2 years ended 31 December 2024
	2023-2024
Turnover
Donations - AK Bernu un Jauniesu koris	2,086.38
Donations - General Donations	12,376.79
Donations - Kulturas Nozare	7,017.76
Interest Income	1.31
Membership fee - Corporate	516.00
Membership fee - Individual	252.00
Other Revenue	850.00
Total Turnover	23,100.24
Cost of Sales
Direct Expenses	271.23
Expenses - AGM	291.56
Expenses - AK Bernu un Jauniesu Koris	2,086.38
Expenses - Kulturas Nozare	1,975.00
Representative Expenses	15.00
Total Cost of Sales	4,639.17
Gross Profit	18,461.07
Administrative Costs
Advertising & Marketing	98.22
Audit & Accountancy fees	94.80
Bank Fees	32.50
IT Software and Consumables	549.85
Postage, Freight & Courier	2.60
Staff Training	106.47
Subscriptions	40.00
Travel - International	765.60
Travel - National	232.00
Total Administrative Costs	1,922.04
Operating Profit	16,539.03
Other Income
1 Project Expenses - Annual Culture Day	(9,435.84)
1 Project Funds - Annual Culture Day	3,855.00
2 Project Expenses - Kulturas Nozare	(1,161.34)
2 Project Funds - Kulturas Nozare	849.42
3 Project Expenses - ELKS 3	(2,113.68)
3 Project Funds - ELKS 3	2,113.68
4 Project Expenses - Izglitibas Nozare	(6,665.35)
4 Project Funds - Izglitibas nozare	6,660.72

Profit and Loss Latvian Diaspora Representatives in the UK

31 Oct 2025 Page 1 of 2

Profit and Loss

	2023-2024

5 Project Expenses - Children and Youth Choir	(2,500.90)
5 Project Funds - Children and Youth Choir	2,500.90
Total Other Income	(5,897.39)
Profit on Ordinary Activities Before Taxation	10,641.64
Profit after Taxation	10,641.64

Profit and Loss Latvian Diaspora Representatives in the UK

31 Oct 2025 Page 2 of 2

The Latvian Diaspora Reprsentatives in the United Kingdom (Latviešu Pārstāvniecība Apvienotā Karalistē (LPAK) is a registered charity with the Charity Commission, operating under the number 1206692.

In my opinion, the financial statements:

December Give a true and fair view of the state of the Charity’s affairs as at 31[st] 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended;
Have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Astrīda Balodis

Independent examiner. FCA registered ADB00021

Additional observations:

It is noted that two trustees of the Charity are also trustees of the Latvian Welfare Trust (LWT). The trustees are reminded that in their dealings with LWT and its connected companies their obligation is to the Charity and all transactions between the Charity and LWT and associated companies should be dealt with at arms length.
Apart from personal expenses incurred by the trustees and their representatives from time to time in their work for the Charity, the trustees should, where possible, avoid making personal payments for services and goods. Rather than subsequently seeking reimbursement, payment for these goods and services where possible should be met directly from the Charity account.