ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021
THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
CHARITY REGISTRATION No: 275682
Independent Examiners Ltd
2 Broadbridge Business Centre
Delling Lane Bosham West Sussex PO18 8NF
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Page 3 | Legal and Administrative Information |
| Page 4 | Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees |
| Pages 5 to 6 | Trustees' Report |
| Page 7 | Statement of Financial Activities |
| Page 8 | Balance Sheet |
| Pages 9 to 15 | Notes to the Financial Statements |
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
WORKING NAME Poplars Church CHARITY NUMBER 275682 START OF FINANCIAL YEAR 1st April 2020 END OF FINANCIAL YEAR 31st March 2021 TRUSTEES AT 31ST MARCH 2021 F Malloch (Chair) K Dawson R Evens P Potts E Roper K Russon C Stanford COMMITTEE MEMBERS R Evens (Treasurer) M Prest P Hardy M. Bellingham S. Archer S. Hemsall
All trustees and trust committee members have served in office throughout the year and to the date of this report except where shown.
The Trust Committee direct when it is necessary to appoint new trustees and committee members in accordance with Trust Deed 6V1 and 81V. A process of election takes place drawing candidates from a broad range of suitably qualified church members. Names of proposed trustees/committee members are recommended to a church meeting for consideration.
LEGAL STATUS Unincorporated Charity GOVERNING INSTRUMENT Declaration of Trust Deed 8th May 1978, Deed of Amendment 10th July 1991. OBJECTS To promote the advancement of the Christian religion within the United Kingdom and abroad. CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS The Golden Ball 3 Victoria Square Worksop S80 1DX PRIMARY BANKERS Lloyds TSB Plc 1 Carolgate Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 6BY
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Independent Examiners Ltd 2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham West Sussex PO18 8NF
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS
Report to the trustees/ members of The Poplars Christian Fellowship on the accounts for the year ended 31st March 2021 set out on pages 7 to 15.
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 year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
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 matter has come to my attention
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Keith Richards Independent Examiners Ltd
2 Broadbridge Business Centre Delling Lane Bosham West Sussex PO18 8NF
Date: 28th January, 2022
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
TRUSTEES REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021
Who are we?
Poplars Church is a relatively small but growing, active and influential faith community in Worksop, North Nottinghamshire. The church runs the normal activities of a church in weekly services, bible studies, prayer and other fellowship groups.
Summary of Trust Objectives:
a) To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Beliefs
b) To relieve persons who are in conditions of need or hardship in such parts of the United Kingdom and the world through the provision of homes and hostels and by such other charitable means as the Trustees may from time to time think fit.
What do we do?
The church continues to express its Christian faith by seeking opportunities to serve the community by the provision of a variety of relevant and effective activities:
1. Providing an opportunity for an informal style of Sunday meeting for worship and clear teaching on the essentials of the gospel as we understand it. This now happens predominately in the Golden Ball, which is a former pub now used by the church since purchased a couple of years ago. The refurbishment of the building is now largely complete, though there is still work ongoing.
2. Members are encouraged to get involved as volunteers with many other community organisations both Christian and secular including, for example, the local Food Bank (which is not church based). There is no record of all this involvement, but it is considerable. It provides for the working out of Jesus’ comment that we are salt and light in the world.
3. Regular meetings are held, usually in member’s homes, to provide for fellowship, informal teaching and pastoral care. These change format and times on a frequent basis to ensure that all who care to can attend.
4 . We are pleased to make space in the Golden Ball for other community groups; a choir, a Veterans' group, a drop in for support to those affected by Multiple Sclerosis and a group of refugees learning English have all used the facilities. None of these groups are specifically church groups. This availability is continuing to grow as the church becomes more and more integrated into the community.
Public benefit
There are many distinctives and Unique Selling Points that give credence and validity for the on-going existence and work of Poplars as part of the church in Worksop. This would include:
1. A strong desire to see the whole local Christian community acting as one united team.
2. Acting as a catalyst to mobilize the church as mentioned above, to social action such as; drug and alcohol work, schools and community work, and work with the elderly and marginalized.
3. Bridge-building and partnership work with police, local authority and MP, education and other statutory agencies to build stronger communities; this would include work with the local strategic partnership, the community and voluntary service and community and voluntary sector forums, and this work puts the church at the heart of the community.
4. Resourcing inter-church activities with infra-structure, staff and premises.
5. Providing a working model of a non-institutional, relational approach to the outworking of faith.
- 6 . Encouraging new forums for partnership, co-operation and collaboration within the church in the district.
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
TRUSTEES REPORT (Continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021
Review
The Trust is in a healthy position financially, as can be seen from the attached accounts. Our only income is through the offerings and voluntary gifts, usually from members of the church and we give thanks for the generosity that is shown.
Trustees
We are looking to refresh the trust committee gradually in the coming years, though it is not always easy to find volunteers. Our new trustees will attend an on-line training day and hopefully bring fresh insights to the remaining group.
Chairman’s comments
Poplars church is its people – there is nothing else. Whilst the current economic climate has affected Poplars, leading to careful consideration of income and expenditure, we have by the generosity of many, been able to renovate the pub to a good standard and it provides a delightful facility for us as a church but also for differing community groups.
I am extremely blessed by the quality and enthusiasm of those who give so unstintingly of their time and talents in order to further the work of God’s Kingdom.
As I look forward to the next year, I am confident that, even in uncertain times but with steadfast commitment to the local community, Poplars will continue to bless the people of Worksop and the surrounding area.
Trustees' Responsibilities
The Charities Act 2011 require the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the trust and of the surplus of the trust for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to:
i) Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
ii) Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
iii) Prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the trust will continue in existence.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the trust. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Trustees on,……………………………………………28th January, 2022……………………………………………………………
Signed on their behalf by Trustee ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Printed Name: F Malloch
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021
| Unrestricted | Designated | Restricted | TOTAL | TOTAL | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | Funds | Funds | Funds | 2020/21 | 2019/20 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| INCOMING RESOURCES | ||||||
| Incoming Resources from Generated Funds | ||||||
| Donations & Legacies | 3a | 55,157 | 1,080 | - | 56,237 | 69,565 |
| Charitable Activities | 3b | - | 20 | - | 20 | 4,096 |
| Activities for Generating Funds | 3c | 790 | - | - | 790 | 760 |
| Investment Income | 3d | 379 | - | - | 379 | 679 |
| Other Incoming Resources | 3e | 1,778 | - | - | 1,778 | 660 |
| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 58,104 | 1,100 | - | 59,204 | 75,761 | |
| RESOURCES EXPENDED | ||||||
| Cost of Generating Funds | ||||||
| Costs of Charitable Activities | 4a | 48,794 | 19,410 | - | 68,203 | 89,138 |
| Governance Costs | 4b | 4,020 | - | - | 4,020 | 3,564 |
| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | 52,813 | 19,410 | - | 72,223 | 92,702 | |
| NET INCOMING/ (OUTGOING) RESOURCES | 5,291 | (18,310) | - | (13,019) | (16,941) | |
| Total Funds Brought Forward | 161,301 | 183,651 | - | 344,952 | 361,893 | |
| Transfers Between Funds | (11,563) | 11,563 | - | - | - | |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 155,030 | 176,904 | - | 331,933 | 344,952 |
Movements on all reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above. All of the organisation's operations are classed as continuing.
The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31ST MARCH 2021
| Note Fixed Assets Tangible Assets 2 Current Assets Debtors & Prepayments 9 Cash at Bank and in Hand 8 Total Current Assets Creditors:due within one year 10 NET CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETSless current liabilities NET ASSETS Funds of the Charity General Funds Designated Funds 5 Restricted Funds 6 |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 31-Mar-21 31-Mar-20 £ £ £ £ 274,951 - 274,951 274,951 - - - - 58,182 - 58,182 71,261 |
|---|---|
| 58,182 - 58,182 71,261 |
|
| 1,200 - 1,200 1,260 56,982 - 56,982 70,001 |
|
| 56,982 - 56,982 70,001 |
|
| 331,933 - 331,933 344,952 |
|
| 155,030 - 155,030 161,301 176,904 - 176,904 183,651 - - - - |
|
| 331,933 - 331,933 344,952 |
Approved by the Trustees on,…………………………………………… 28th January, 2022……………………………………………………………
Signed on their behalf by Trustee, …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Printed Name: F Malloch
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2020
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Preparation & Assessment of Going Concern
Basis of Preparation
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP - FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Assessment of Going Concern
Preparation of the accounts is on a going concern basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Incoming Resources
Recognition of Incoming Resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
▪ the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
▪ the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
▪ the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability
Incoming Resources with Related Expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.
Grants and Donations
Grants and Donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Tax Reclaims on Donations and Gifts
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Contractual Income and Performance Related Grants
This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services has been delivered.
Gifts in Kind
Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SOFA as incoming resources when receivable.
Donated Services and Facilities
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.
Volunteer Help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees' annual report.
Investment Income
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
Investment Gains and Losses
This included any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Expenditure and Liabilities
Liability Recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Governance Costs
Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of the trustees' meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Grants with Performance Conditions
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
Grants Payable without Performance Conditions
These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to a grant which remain in control of the charity.
Support Costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of the resources, eg allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capital employed, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
Fixed Assets
Tangible fixed assets for use by the charity, these are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and cost at least £1,500. They are valued at cost or, if gifted, at the value to the charity on receipt.
Investments
Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end. Other investment assets are included at trustees' best estimate of market value.
Change of Accounting Policies and Rules and Methods of Valuation.
There are no changes to the accounting policies (valuation rules and methods of accounting) since last year.
Depreciation Expense
Depreciation is calculated at a rate to write off the cost of tangible fixed assets on a reducing balance over their estimated useful lives. The rates applied per annum are as follows:
Fixtures, Fittings Equipment 25%
No depreciation is charged to freehold property as the property is maintained to such a standard that the estimated residual value is not less than cost.
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost 01-Apr-20 Additions Cost at 31-Mar-21 Depreciation 01-Apr-20 Charge Depreciation at 31-Mar-21 Net Book Value 31-Mar-21 Net Book Value 31-Mar-20 |
Freehold Freehold Fixtures Land & Land & Fittings & Restricted Total Buildings Buildings Equipment Equipment 2020/21 £ £ £ £ £ 207,000 67,951 274,951 - - - - - |
|---|---|
| 207,000 67,951 - - 274,951 |
|
| - - - - - - - |
|
| - - - - - |
|
| 207,000 67,951 - - 274,951 |
|
| 207,000 67,951 - - 274,951 |
The annual commitments under non-cancelling operating leases and capital commitments are as follows:
31st March 2021: None
31st March 2020: None
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021
3. INCOMING RESOURCES
| Note a) Donations & Legacies Gifts, Tithes & Offerings Gift Aid Tax Recoverable b) Charitable Activities Activities & Projects Golden Ball Holiday c) Activities for Generating Funds Hall Hire Yard Sales d) Investment Income Bank Interest e) Other Incoming Resources Sundry Income |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2020/21 2019/20 £ £ £ £ £ 44,967 1,080 - 46,047 47,355 10,190 - - 10,190 22,210 |
|---|---|
| 55,157 1,080 - 56,237 69,565 |
|
| - - - - 20 - 20 2,196 - - - - 1,900 |
|
| - 20 - 20 4,096 |
|
| 790 - - 790 760 - - - - - |
|
| 790 - - 790 760 |
|
| 379 - - 379 679 |
|
| 379 - - 379 679 |
|
| 1,778 - - 1,778 660 |
|
| 1,778 - - 1,778 660 |
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021
4. RESOURCES EXPENDED
| Note a) Costs of Charitable Activities Conference Depreciation Expense Equipment Costs Gifts, Grants & Blessings Golden Ball Costs Office Costs Outreach Rent & Rates Repairs & Maintenance Resources & Fabric Salaries & Wages Staff Expenses Sundry Expenses Telephone & Internet Costs The Children & Youth Utility Costs Yard Sale b) Governance Costs Bank Charges Insurance Costs Independent Examiners Fees Legal & Professional Fees |
Unrestricted Designated Restricted TOTAL TOTAL Funds Funds Funds 2020/21 2019/20 £ £ £ £ £ 819 - - 819 1,756 - - - - 1,152 - - 1,152 3,558 - 12,202 - 12,202 10,831 - 1,889 - 1,889 3,714 647 - - 647 667 - - - - 475 - - - - 921 371 - - 371 516 - 132 - 132 14,117 40,516 - - 40,516 34,501 3,000 - - 3,000 3,314 419 - - 419 2,561 1,848 - - 1,848 3,195 22 440 - 462 1,453 - 4,746 - 4,746 7,560 - - - - - |
|---|---|
| 48,794 19,410 - 68,203 89,138 |
|
| 226 - - 226 219 1,250 - - 1,250 1,235 1,200 - - 1,200 1,260 1,344 - - 1,344 850 |
|
| 4,020 - - 4,020 3,564 |
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021
5. DESIGNATED FUNDS
CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR
| Building Fund - Golden Ball Specific Gifts PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR Building Fund - Golden Ball Specific Gifts |
Balance Balance 01-Apr-20 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Mar-21 £ £ £ £ £ 183,227 20 6,767 - 176,480 - 1,080 12,643 11,563 - |
|---|---|
| 183,227 1,100 19,410 11,563 176,480 |
|
| Balance Balance 01-Apr-19 Income Expenditure Transfers 31-Mar-20 £ £ £ £ £ 207,000 2,196 25,969 - 183,227 (424) 3,335 12,099 9,188 - |
|
| 206,576 5,531 38,068 9,188 183,227 |
The Designated funds are represented by the charity's cash reserves and are to be expended as detailed above.
6. RESTRICTED FUNDS
The Charity held no restricted funds during this or the previous financial year.
7. NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Fixed Assets Net Current Assets |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 31-Mar-21 31-Mar-20 £ £ £ £ 274,951 - 274,951 274,951 56,982 - 56,982 70,001 - |
|---|---|
| 331,933 - 331,933 344,952 |
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021
8. CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
| Cash at Bank & In Hand | Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 31-Mar-21 31-Mar-20 £ £ £ £ 58,182 - 58,182 71,261 |
|---|---|
| 58,182 - 58,182 71,261 |
9. DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS
| Tax Recoverable Sundry Debtors |
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 31-Mar-21 31-Mar-20 £ £ £ £ - - - - - - - - |
|---|---|
| - - - - |
10. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Independent Examiners Fee | Unrestricted Restricted Total Total Funds Funds 31-Mar-21 31-Mar-20 £ £ £ £ 1,200 - 1,200 1,260 |
|---|---|
| 1,200 - 1,200 1,260 |
11. CREDITORS AND ACCRUALS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE IN MORE THAN ONE YEAR
The Charity held no long term liabilities during this or the previous financial year.
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THE POPLARS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2021
12. STAFF COSTS AND NUMBERS
| Gross Wages & Salaries Employer's National Insurance Costs Pension Contributions |
2020/21 £ 40,516 - - 40,516 |
2019/20 £ 34,501 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 34,501 |
Average number of employees who were engaged in each of the following activities:
| Charitable Activities | TOTAL 2020/21 2 2 |
TOTAL 2019/20 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 |
The Charity operates a PAYE scheme to pay all employed members of staff and no employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2019/20: None). The Charity also employs members of staff on a self employed basis.
13. PAYMENTS TO TRUSTEES AND OTHER RELATED PARTIES
No payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial period. No material transaction took place between the organisation and a trustee or any person connected with them.
14. RISK ASSESSMENT
The trustees actively review the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confirm that they have established systems to mitigate the significant risks.
15. RESERVES POLICY
The trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain, appropriate to the charity's needs. This is based on the charity's size and the level of financial commitments held. The trustees aim to ensure the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarily.
16. PUBLIC BENEFIT
The charity acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or ‘aims’ that are for the public benefit. Details of how the charity has achieved this are provided in the Trustees report. The Trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
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