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2020-12-31-accounts

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2020

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

CONTENTS

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

HISTORY

There was a Declaration of Trust, dated 22nd September 1953, when Stella Dowager Marchioness of Reading GBE, gave £1000 to WVS Trustees Ltd to create a fund for charitable purposes and thereby created the WVS Trust.

The Trust as we know it, was signed on 16[th] November 1970 in the sum of Ten Thousand Pounds, with seven trustees. These were Lady Reading GBE, Frances Clode CBE, Lady Margaret Charles OBE, Alice Crawford Johnston CBE, Doreen Harris OBE, Kathleen Halpin CBE and Enid Cubitt MBE.

Following the re-branding of the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service, (or W.R.V.S.) in 2004, it was agreed that the Trust should be known as the WRVS Benevolent Trust.

Charitable Objects

Excerpt taken from the Trust deed:

“To pay or apply the trust at such time or times and in any such manner as the trustees shall in their own absolute discretion think fit for the relief, comfort, support and benefit of such persons who are or who have at any time been members of the organisation now known as Women's Royal Voluntary Service either in Great Britain or elsewhere in the world of limited means who for any reason become in need of financial or some other form of help and assistance”

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

TRUSTEES

There may be no less than three and no more than nine trustees.

The terms of office of trustees were originally 3 years with a further 3 years. After concerns over losing trustees with key skills or abilities it was decided to make the offices (Chair, Treasurer and Secretary) to be in perpetuity and annually re-appointed.

It was further agreed to remove the term limitation and move to annual re-appointments whilst operating a skills matrix to ensure the trust is not hindered by losing key trustees and can also identify skills gaps when trustees retire.

Trustees for the purpose of Charity law for the period ending 31 December 2020 were:

All trustees have confirmed the following:

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

OPERATING INFORMATION

The Trust is operated by the Trustees, all of whom are volunteers and un-paid. There are 3 meetings a year; one of which is also the AGM.

All communication between the trustees occurs via group email, with occasional 1 to 1 communication where needed.

John Fallon acts as the main contact for grant applications; ordinary and youth bursary as well as the main liaison when confirming volunteering with the Royal Voluntary Service.

Reported Information

Operating outside England and Wales: Yes; we receive applications from Scottish residents

Number of volunteers: None Own or lease property: None Regulated by any regulators or registrars: None Received funding from central or local Gov.: None Receive funds from the public: Yes Recognised by HMRC: Yes; for gift aid

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Our charitable purpose is the relief of those in need by reason of age, ill health, disability, financial hardship or other disadvantages.

We remain committed to promoting the availability of grants to past and present volunteers and staff of WVS/WRVS/Royal Voluntary Service. We continued to spread the word about the trust and to maintain the strong links with Royal Voluntary Service.

19 grants were made in 2020 totaling £40,267.90, including one made to RVS to provide support for elderly volunteers during the Covid-19 pandemic. One youth bursary was awarded for £2,000.

Our Youth Bursary scheme continues to support young Royal Voluntary Service volunteers to “Do something amazing” to further their personal or career development by participating in activities and study opportunities both at home and abroad. John Fallon continues to manage all our grant applications, and to provide support to our Youth Bursary recipients.

We were delighted to be able to offer support to elderly or shielding RVS volunteers during 2020 by awarding a grant that was used by RVS to: **

** Statistics up to the end of July 2020

2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone, however the Trust has continued to work as normal, holding our Trustee meetings on Zoom and reviewing and approving grant applications via email. Apart from missing the social interaction of being with my fellow Trustees, everything has worked well.

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

Our social media presence has continued to a high standard, with Emma Read coordinating the content of social media pages. Gwen Deloux is ensuring that our publicity campaign maintains momentum and this will continue during 2021 to ensure we reach the widest possible audience.

The volume of applications remains fairly low, despite many attempts at raising awareness of the Trust, working closely with Royal Voluntary Service and spreading the word as often as we can. An initiative to get short articles in parish and village magazines has resulted in a good response in publication, but to date no evidence of new applications. In 2021 we will continue to make new contacts through all available means of communication to attract more applications.

At the AGM in March 2021, we will be saying a sad farewell to three of our Trustees. Maureen Hudson who has been our Honorary Treasurer and done sterling work in keeping our finances in good order and paying out the grants. Carol Milford, my current Vice-Chair, who was a previous Honorary Treasurer and later rejoined the Trustee Board and Christine Graham who has made presentations to groups about the Trust during her time on the Board. They have all made a significant contribution to the work of the Trust.

I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to them all for their support, friendship and complete commitment to working with the Trust over the years. We will miss them, and their valuable input into our meetings.

On a brighter note, we welcome Dave Stott as our new Honorary Treasurer. Dave works for RVS as the Head of Volunteer Led Services and will be a welcome addition to our team.

We also celebrate Christopher Digby being elected as the new Vice-Chair, Christopher always brings great insight into our discussions and decisions and I’m sure will be a great Vice-Chair.

The Trustee Board will be discussing future recruitment into the remaining vacant Trustee posts to ensure that we seek out people with the skills that we need to keep the Trust moving forward in an efficient and effective way.

Working relationships with Royal Voluntary Service continue to be strong. Gwen Deloux has established strong links with both the communications and volunteer management teams and these have proved very helpful and productive.

Our investment portfolio is being efficiently managed by Rathbones and we have seen continued solid returns in 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. David Blake from Rathbones (our fund manager) and Paul Ross from Landmark (our independent financial advisor) attend each Board meeting with a full report on performance and an overview of market projections. Our Honorary Treasurer works closely with them to ensure all financial matters are compliant.

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

The Trust could not do its work without the commitment and dedication of all the Trustees and I would like to thank them for their continued support.

We are now looking forward to 2021 with renewed optimism and determination, and to continuing to fulfill Lady Reading’s vision of helping WVS/WRVS/Royal Voluntary Service staff and volunteers in their time of need.

Gilli Galloway

……………………………………..

Gilli Galloway Chair, WRVS Benevolent Trust March 2021

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

TREASURERS ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2020

2020 has been a strange year in many ways but despite the difficulties we have managed to make a good number of grants. Some of the applications were quite challenging and one or two had to be declined as they did not meet the criteria, however the people we were able to help were extremely grateful.

The total income for the year was £28,558 which included two donations one of £1,000 in memory of Pamela Poyser and a donation of £50 on behalf of Victor Petty. The income from investments was £27,499 which was less than the previous year by £8,690 but given the financial problems for business during the year it is not surprising.

Grants of £38,268 were made to 18 recipients and ranged between £224 and £3000 plus we also made a special grant of £20,000 to RVS to assist in communication with their volunteers during the first lockdown in 2020. Only one bursary grant was made of £2,000. There were very few trustee expenses as we did not travel to London for our usual meetings.

An overall deficit of £20,945 is recorded for the year.

The value of our investments at 31 December was £1,271,016, we withdrew £12,000 in order to pay the grant to RVS, after taking this into account the fall in value compare to the previous year end was £25,151. Once again, we are indebted to David Blake of Rathbones Investment Management Ltd and Paul Ross of Landmark IFA Ltd., for keeping our investments in good shape during what was a turbulent year in the Stock Market.

The final balance on the accounts were:

Investments £1,271.016
HSBC Current Account £5,038
HSBC Deposit Account £223
TOTAL ASSETS £1,276,277
Financial period start date: 1 January 2020
Financial period end date: 31 January 2020
Next financial period end date: 31 January 2021
Income: £28,557
Spending: £49,502
WRVS Benevolent Trust
Registered charity number 261931
PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY
E-mail:enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk
Website:www.wrvsbt.org.uk

Reviewed financial controls during the year: Always Yes; annually at the AGM and at each meeting

Maureen

…………………………… Maureen E Hudson Hon. Treasurer, WRVS Benevolent Trust DATE

Reference: attached statement of accounts

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

Income and Expenditure to 31 Dec.20
2,020
INCOME
£
£
In memory Pamela Mary Poyser
1,000.00
My donate
Donation (CAF) V.Petty
50.00
Give as you live
Bank interest
8.81
Dividends Rathbones
27,498.75
Total income
28,557.56
EXPENDITURE
Grants - Bursaries
2,000.00
Grants
38,267.90
Trustees Expenses
234.40
Other Expenses
8,989.64
Bank Charges
10.49
49,502.43
Deficit
-20,944.87
Balance Sheet as at 1.1.20
Investment at market value 31/12/20
1,271,016.00
Current Account
5,038.08
Deposit Account
222.67
Deduct Creditors
Add debtors
1,276,276.75
Rathbones Investments @ 1/1/2020
1,308,167.00
Inv. Repaid
-12,000.00
1,296,167.00
Rathbones investments @ 31.12.20(31.12.19)
1,271,016.00
Total (Decrease)increase in valuation of investments
-25,151.00
Balance Sheet as at 1/1/20
1,322,372.62
Deficit/Surplus 2020 (2019 )
-20,944.87
Deduct/Add decrease/increase in value of investments
-25,151.00
1,276,276.75
0.00
Income and Expenditure to 31 Dec.20
2,020
INCOME
£
£
In memory Pamela Mary Poyser
1,000.00
My donate
Donation (CAF) V.Petty
50.00
Give as you live
Bank interest
8.81
Dividends Rathbones
27,498.75
Total income
28,557.56
EXPENDITURE
Grants - Bursaries
2,000.00
Grants
38,267.90
Trustees Expenses
234.40
Other Expenses
8,989.64
Bank Charges
10.49
49,502.43
Deficit
-20,944.87
Balance Sheet as at 1.1.20
Investment at market value 31/12/20
1,271,016.00
Current Account
5,038.08
Deposit Account
222.67
Deduct Creditors
Add debtors
1,276,276.75
Rathbones Investments @ 1/1/2020
1,308,167.00
Inv. Repaid
-12,000.00
1,296,167.00
Rathbones investments @ 31.12.20(31.12.19)
1,271,016.00
Total (Decrease)increase in valuation of investments
-25,151.00
Balance Sheet as at 1/1/20
1,322,372.62
Deficit/Surplus 2020 (2019 )
-20,944.87
Deduct/Add decrease/increase in value of investments
-25,151.00
1,276,276.75
0.00
2,019
£
17.45
36,190.06
36,207.51
6,003.75
21,729.12
2,206.28
13,667.38
13.11
43,619.64
-7,412.13
1,308,167.00
13,464.58
22,245.87
-21,523.83
19.00
1,322,372.62
1,208,695.00
1,208,695.00
1,308,167.00
99,472.00
1,230,312.75
-7,412.13
99,472.00
1,322,372.62
0.00
2,019
£
17.45
36,190.06
36,207.51
6,003.75
21,729.12
2,206.28
13,667.38
13.11
43,619.64
-7,412.13
1,308,167.00
13,464.58
22,245.87
-21,523.83
19.00
1,322,372.62
1,208,695.00
1,208,695.00
1,308,167.00
99,472.00
1,230,312.75
-7,412.13
99,472.00
1,322,372.62
0.00
6,003.75
21,729.12
2,206.28
13,667.38
13.11
1,308,167.00
13,464.58
22,245.87
-21,523.83
19.00
-20,944.87 -7,412.13
1,276,276.75 1,322,372.62
1,308,167.00
-12,000.00
1,208,695.00
1,296,167.00
1,271,016.00
-25,151.00
1,322,372.62
-20,944.87
-25,151.00
1,208,695.00
1,308,167.00
99,472.00
1,230,312.75
-7,412.13
99,472.00
1,276,276.75 1,322,372.62
0.00 0.00

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

INVESTMENT POLICY

The Trustee’s investment policy is to use financial advisers to guide the Trustees on two main investment aims:

The Trustees have identified the need to use a financial adviser to provide safety and recourse on the stewardship of the Trust funds. In doing so, the actual investment strategy is then implemented by the Trust’s advisers in meeting the aims above.

The Trustee’s financial advisers (currently Paul Ross from Landmark Group and David Blake from Rathbones) attend at the beginning of each meeting to provide a financial overview and regularly liaise with the Trustee and Chair.

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

At present the Trustees do not believe there is a need for a formal safeguarding policy.

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

The trustees believe the only real conflict of interests that can arise relate to relationships with applicants. Where a relationship exists, the Trustee is to advise the board and unless extenuating circumstances suggest otherwise, they must refrain from voting or influencing the decision to avoid any potential actual or perceived conflict of interest. This must then also be noted on the minutes as being declared.

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

HANDLING COMPLAINTS POLICY

All complaints to the Trust/Trustees will be acknowledged by the Chair in writing within a reasonable time; ideally within 5 days and advising the complainant that a full response will be issued within 30 days.

The Chair will then investigate the complaint with 2 Trustees and respond with a final response within 30 days.

The formal response should include reference to the Charities Commission.

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

PAYING STAFF POLICY

The Trust does not have any employees. However, we may occasionally enter into services contracts.

At present the Trust engages the services of Emma Read, a virtual assistant who provides support with marketing collateral and social media managements.

Emma Read is self-employed and has a number of other clients. We have a rolling monthly contract with pre-agreed hours and payment.

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

RETENTION OF INCOME POLICY

Given the Objects of this Charity, the Trustees recognise that, from time to time, the income in any one year can exceed the amount of grants that the Charity makes.

Each year the Trustees will consider training and other activities which it feels further supports the Objects in raising awareness of the Grants in a hope that this will continue to encourage applications to the Trust.

It is the Trustees’ intention to review the level of income against grants made on a yearly cycle, and any surplus at the end of that period will be at the Trustees discretion in how they use the surplus; which will normally be a) re-invested b) used for a specific purpose to benefit the Trust or c) given as a donation to a charity of the Trustees choice.

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

GRANT GUIDELINES POLICY

General Applications

Due to the changing landscape of grant giving since the Trust was formed the Trustee Board has decided to adopt this Grant Guideline Policy, as a reference point should there be any disagreement between Trustees on agreeing grant applications. This will help protect the Trust against “precedents” and allow the guidelines to change over time.

It will also help new Trustees get up to speed more quickly and provide existing Trustees with the opportunity to review and shape the guidelines with their own experience.

Excerpt from the Trust document

“in any such manner as the Trustees shall in their own absolute discretion think fit for the relief comfort support and benefit of such persons who are or who have at any time been members of the organisation now known as Women’s Royal Voluntary Service either in Great Britain or elsewhere in the world of limited means who for any reason become in need of financial or some other form of help and assistance.”

Legal Advice

Ongoing legal advice will be sought as and when needed.

Criteria

The following is the main “criteria” that the Trustees have to follow to satisfy themselves when considering the appropriateness of the grant application:

*Guideline on financials Income: £20,000 per annum or less Savings: £16,000 or less

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

Income

However, when considering income we must also look at the expenditure and assess whether the expenditure is warranted and if there is still a net surplus each month we must consider this carefully. Income can be made up of any income whether salary, interest, pension, benefits or benefits in kind etc.

Amounts and Repetition of Grant

We may accept repeat applications to the Trust as each application is decided on its merit. However, the Trustees generally want to see at least 12 months between applications.

Receipts and Invoices

We may accept a claim on submission of a receipt if we would have paid the claim on invoice; i.e. providing the claim was to be accepted then the matter of receipt or invoice is mute. Usual due diligence will apply.

Grants will be considered for items purchased in the previous 12 months.

For audit perspective we have introduced the cheque receipt form for all applicants whether paying the supplier or not. Where automated bank payments are made we have a record of the transfer.

Care Home Costs/Care Home Top Ups

Whilst this is a socially and financially complicated area this does not change the way the Trust should be interpreted.

The Trust should only accept applications for grants where we can pay the Care Home direct. However, the Treasurer will need to make accurate financial forecasts to ensure any long-term payments can be met and that it does not present a problem for the Trust in awarding other grants.

All grants of this nature to be subject to review on an annual basis to ensure recipient is a) still alive; b) still in the same care home and c) still requires the same amount of support.

Payments Overseas

If any payments are made to individuals overseas, specific criteria may be necessary to comply with HMRC guidance for charities sending money overseas.

Taxation Position

In the case of repeated gifts, this may create a tax liability for the recipient and they will be responsible for declaring this to HMRC.

Conflict of Interest

If a Board member is related to, or otherwise has an interest in, a volunteer who has submitted a grant application, then the Board member should not be part of the decision-making process.

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

Grant Application Process

General Grants

Application Form

The claimant will complete the application form and send to the Grant Administrator for processing and initial acknowledgement.

The Grant Administrator will forward the application to all Trustees asking for comments, ideally looking for an agreement in principle subject to any questions raised or information not received.

Confirmed WRVS/WRS/RVS connection

The Grant Administrator will carry out checks to help confirm the connection to the WRVS/WRS/RVS and will request further information from the claimant where necessary.

Supplier quote or estimate

The application form needs to be supported by at least two quotations or estimates for what is being claimed and the Grant Administrator will check these with the providers where appropriate.

Invoice or receipt

The Grant Administrator will request these from the supplier where applicable and confirm their accuracy.

Payment

The Treasurer will make payment as agreed; preferably via bank transfer to that party.

Youth Bursary Grants

This grant area for the Trust was introduced in acknowledgement of generational changes and the wish to continue to fulfil Lady Reading's wishes.

The Trustees consider that by investing in the lives of the young volunteers in this specific way, the long-term commitment to volunteering with RVS is more likely.

Whilst the majority of points can be taken from the General Applications the specific points that relate to the Youth Bursary are as follows:

Marketing

Ahead of the March meeting, when the Trustees consider all Youth Bursary applications, marketing materials will be issued, in conjunction with the RVS, to draw interest and encourage applications. The marketing exercise will start in September each year.

It is at this stage that the content and application forms suggest that the Youth Bursary should be for “ doing something amazing ”; being the only lead we should offer the applicants.

WRVS Benevolent Trust

Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk

The marketing material used, and on the website, will highlight examples of past Bursaries, such as school trips, studying medicine and educational courses. This allows the applicants to be flexible whilst hopefully imbuing the principle of what we are looking for.

Applicants

Youth Bursary

Process

WRVS Benevolent Trust Registered charity number 261931 PO Box 769, Chesterfield, S40 9NY E-mail: enquiry@wrvsbt.org.uk Website: www.wrvsbt.org.uk