Faith Welfare Trust Annual Report 2020-21 FAITH WELFARE TRUST THE OLD VICARAGE + ACKLINGTON + NORTHUMBERLAND • NE65 9BL TEL 01670 760620 E-mail.. fwt.news@gmail.com Web: www.faithwelfaretrust.org Registered Charity number 327557
Faith Welfare Trust Annual Report lor year ending September 30, 2021 Introduction Faith Welfare Trust (Fwf) is constituted by Trust Deed. established in 1987. The objects of the charity are= to promote the welfare of disadvantaged andlor destitute children and young people in the area of benefit (India)., and to support disadvantaged children and young people in the area of benefit in their education and training. To fulfill these objects, it provides support to 2 homes (one for girls, one for boys) for deprived children near Chennai, South India, and Faith School in Raiahmundry (also known as Raiahmahendravaram), Andhra Pradesh slate. India, 350 miles to the North. The trustees have regard to both the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and prevention and relief of povety for the public benefit. 'S work is in accordance with both these guidelines and the main objects set out in the trust deed. Governance The Trustees of Fwf for the year 2020-21 comprised.. Brian Tugwell, Elsie Tugwell, Alistair Coomer, Chris Sayers, Tessa Sayers, John Fisher, Rachel Fisher, Helen Midda. Joanne Hutchison, April ButteNorth, David Shipley (Treasurer, from April 21). Tessa Sayers is the chair of trustees and she and Chris Sayers have the role of "managing irustees" They arrange the twice-yearly trustee meetings and oversee the financial affairs of the charity and contact with supporters. both to acknowledge donations and for information, though much of this work is carried out by other trustees (see below). To date they have kept financial records. ensured that Gift Aid is claimed and prepared the annual accounts for the independent examiner, Ihough these tasks will be carried out by the Treasurer in future. They carry out the annual return for the Charity Commission. The newly elected treasurer, David Shipley, has taken over management of the charity's fi'nancial affairs and record keeping, including Gift Aid claims and preparing the accounts for the independent examiner. He has been added as a signatory to the bank account. His experience working with similar charities in the past and his competence and thoroughness in handling charity finances will be a huge asset to the board. John and Rachel Fisher prepare the once or twice-yearly newsletter to supporters which includes significant events OCCUTring at the projects suppoited by F. the impact of work done at the projects on some of the benficiaries of the projects and articles giving relevant background informalion. They manage the website and update F'S FaceBook account with regular posts. Brian and Elsie Tugwell play a major role in liaising wilh the charity's projects in India as they are based in India for several months each year. although in 20-21 they weren't able to visit due to the coronavirus pandemic. Normally, (hey attend the meetings of Nambikkai Illam Trust whenever possible and are in regular contact with the staff at the childien's homes and Faith School. They keep the other trustees informed of any changes or developments.
Helen Midda's experience and qualifi'cations as a school teacher and her first-hand knowledge of the children's homes and school in India make her advice very relevant to the operation of F. Alistair Coomer has been on the board of trustees from the charity's inception and this long-term view, together with financial and managerial experience, is very beneficial to the governance of . Joanne Hutchison has visited the children's homes and Faith school. She (with David) ensures that online gifts are individually acknowledged and she contributes to the FaceBook page. As a person living with a disability she brings an additional very valuable perspective to board discussions. April Butterworth has experience working wilh and supporting children and families with mental health problems (especially autism). She visited the homes in December 2019. Her knowledge of how the homes operate and supporting young people with mental health issues make her advice very valuable to the board. The trustees meet Iwice a year (spring and autumn). Due to their geographical dispersal In the UK, it is not always practical to meet in person and all meetings in 20-21 were conducted over Zoom. Correspondence is conducted by WhatsApp and email on relevant matters arising between meetings, to inform and consult with trustees. When vacancies on the board of trustees arise or when there is an opportunity to recruit a valuable new board member. potential new trustees ale invited by the existing board. The trust deed does not specify the maximum number of trustees. Each year. some trustees usually visit the school and homes in India to see for themselves how things are and make contact with the staff and trustees of the Nambikkai Illam Trust (NIT), the Indian charity that manages the homes and school. In the year from Oct 2020 to Sept 2021, travel restrictions related to the pandemic prevented any trustees from visits'ng India. Contact with trustees and staff at the homes and school was all by phone and via email and WhatsApp. None of the Trustees received any remuneration for their seNices. The homes are managed locally by the trustees of the Narnbikkai Illam Trust (Nln, based in Chennai, who normally meet approximately every 2 months to deal with strategic and practical issues as they arise, although the pandemic prevented this in 2020-21. The chair of trustees is R Prabakaran, a lawyer, who has been on the board of trustees for over 20 years. He was unwell for a large part of this year but is now much recovered. The other trustees in 2020-21 comprised Dr Esther (a GP), Dr Livingstone (retired teacher at Madras Christian College) and Mrs Sunithy Jeyakaran (runs a local old peole's home). NIT holds a bank account at ICICI bank to which sends funds as necessary to meet the costs of the homes and Faith School. To comply with new government regulations, an account was set up with the State Bank of India in Delhi for the receipt of foreign fLsnds, which are then transferred to the usual ICICI account. Minutes of their meetings are sent to Fwr trustees as well as copies of their bank statements and their audited accounts. The wardens of the homes send a monthly breakdown of income and expenditure to both NIT trustees and trustees as well as regular summaries of what has been happening al the homes.
Faith School is managed locally by Dr Samuel Moses and his wife Kamala. The school's management and finance arrangements are overseen by trustees of Nambikkai Illam Trust who arrange for appropriate funds to be sent from the main Nambikkai Iilam bank account lo the school to pay staff salaries, food for lunches and other overheads. Nambikkai Illam Children's Homes supports 2 children's homes near Sriperumbudur, just outside Chennai, Tamil Nadu State, South India. The accommodation comprises.. Junior and Senior Boys Home at Vengadu village Junior and Senior Girls Home at Navalur village The two homes are less than a mile apart. As schools were closed and the government had mandated that children living in children's homes should return to their natural family if at all possible, there were no children at the homes in September 2020 (since April 2020). In January and February the older children returned to the homes as schools reopened for the senior 4 year groups but they were soon closed again as cases rose. Children began to reiurn to the homes in August 2021 for school in September. Hygiene measures were put in place and the homes passed an inspection by the Child Welfare committee. Several of the children had finished their public exams during the lockdown and didn't return to the homes in autumn, so numbers were down from 38 pre lockdown to 34 in autumn 2021, of whom Most had been with Nambikkai Illam before the pandemic. The children normally attend the local primary school in Vengadu village and secondary schools in Sriperumbudur, where they are taken by bus each day. The older children are found appropriate further education or training if they wish to continue their education beyond school age and. where appropriate, conlinue to live at the homes. Two boys continued to stay with us whilst studying for higher qualifications and 2 girls continued to be supported in their nursing studies in Vellore. In July. when the children were away from Nambikkai Illam with their relations, Chandra and Sumathi visited all families, Iravelling long distances, to give them food, educational materials and some financial support, as well as to see the children and check on their wellbeing. Ruth and Chandrika continued as warden and assistant warden for the girls, home. Chandra Rao is warden of the boys, home and also overall manager, helped by his wife Sumathi who is assistant warden. Chandia and Sumathi have held these posts for around 15 years and in 2021 Chandra gained a masters degree in social work. Members of the Church of God in Pernarnpet normally assist with the spiritual development of the children and visit Ihe Homes regularly. A Sunday service for all the children is held most weeks at the homes or church hall in Navalur. In addition, other Christian activities take place from time to time, such as a weekend "camp" run at the homes by a local Scripture Union group, which is much enjoyed by the children. When trustees visit the homes they also help with talks, activities and singing. Because of the pandemic, none of these activities have taken place in 20-21.
SIPCOT, the development agency, had informed NIT in April 2015 that they would require a plot of land adjacent to the boys, home where the boys currently have small gardens. As last year, there has still been no actlvlty by SIPCOT on this plot of land in the current year and it now seems that the land will not be required. As ever, the situation is being monitored closely, particularly by Mr Prabakaran, the chair of NIT trustees, In order to get maximum notice of any new developments. Faith School, Rajahmundry The Faith Public School opened at the start of the academic year in June 2004, with the aim of providing a free English medium education for poorer students who would not otherwise be able to afford to go to school. Those who can afford it pay the normal fee but they are a small minority. Faith School's classes range from lower kindergarten to 7th standard, providing a high standard of education for children from the ages of 4 (lower kindergarten) to 13 (7th standard). All pupils are provided with a nutritious free lunch every day. The children are mainly from Hindu families, with some Muslim children also attending. They receive some Christian teaching and singing at their assembly every day and the ethos of the school is generally Christian. This year has been severely affeGted by the coronavirus pandemic and in October 2020 the school was still closed, by order of the government. Online teaching was provided by staff where possible and there was a distribution of food stuffs to help the families of school students. The school began to reopen in December 2020 and was taking all classes from the beginning of February 2021 but on 20° April 2021 the school had to close its doors again and return to online teaching. In August 2021 schools were allowed to reopen and Faith School resumed with 100 children initially, rising to 2CtI by October 2021, taking all hygiene precautions such as mask wearing, regular hand sanitising and disinfecting. They passed a government hygiene inspection Fund raising The vast majority of F'S funds continues to be raised through standing orders from individual supporters and one-off donations by individuals (or legacies) and collections from vaTiOUS churches in the United Kingdom and North America, together with boxes in shops, stalls at fetes, sponsored walks and the like. All one- off donations are acknowledged with a personal letter of thanks. Supporters worldwide receive one or 0 copies of the newsletter each year to keep them updated about events at the homes and school, including case studies and more general articles. There is also a website and a Facebook page which are updated regularly with news of activities at Faith School and Nambikkai Illam homes. Online donations are collected using GoldeTrGiving which has comprised an increasing share of the income. W does not operate any individual child sponsorship scheme. Over the year from October 2020 to September 2021, income was £176,204, of which £6838 was a gift aid payment from HMRC, £326 was bank interest and £40328 the balance of a legacy. Outgoings were £55,292, of which £55,000 went directly to India to fund the school and homes and the remainder was spent on administrative costs. Funds in Fwf bank accounts at the end of the financial year 2020-21 total £194,466. Locally, the children's homes have been attracting increasing amounts of support from individuals and businesses - money, gifts (informed by a list of needs
compiled by the manager- for example kitchen equipment, sports equipment), treats for the children (for example a Irip to a local hotel for a Christmas celebration) or labour {foc example, local hotel employees helped to tidy up the compound garden). These are encouraged and greatly appreciated by NIT and trustees. Reserves The policy of the Trustees is to hold adequate reserves of funds to ensure that standing commitments lo support the trust's projects can be met for at least a year. This extended period is because if it were decided to stop funding the homes or school, alternatives would have to be found for all the children currently supported and this could not be done quickly. It is important that a regular flow of funds to the proiects is maintained as a high proportion of the disbursed funds go towards food, salaries, clothing and Inedical costs. After consideration, trustees decided that reseNes sufficient to fund the homes and school in India for a year should be held. If W were unable to ontinue raising funds, this would allow allernative accommodationlschooling to be found for our beneficiaries or alternative funding to be sought. A shorter period would risk leaving vulnerable chtldren without suitable homes or education. The agreed amount was £60.000. This reserve can also act as a contingency fund against major disasters, as the region around the Nambikkai Illam children's homes has been subject to earthquakes on more than one occasion. There Is also a risk of damage during the monsoons, which occur each year. While insurances are maintained, in the event of a natural disaster it would be many months before the homes could be repaired and re-built, so it Is deemed prudent to retain a reserve against this eventuality. In addition, no written guarantee has yet been received from SIPCOT that they will not require some or all of the land currently occupied by the boys, home. although nothing has been heard from them for some years. It is theiefore prudent to keep reserves to at least cushion that eventuaiity until such a guarantee can be obtained. The current balance is substantially higher than the reserve amount, which enable5 longer term plans to be made for the work in India and protects against exchange rate fluctuation. Indian regulations for charities that receive foreign contributions mean that money sent to India has to match very closely with their ongoing expenditure or risks being taxed, so the reserves are held in the UK. Trustees are mindful that money held should be spent appropriately according to F'S charitable objects. Future Developments The events of 2021 continued to be strongly influenced by the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, though by the end of September 2021 the severe disruption was lessening and there was a return to normal operations in both school and homes. The longer lasting effects will continue to be felt for some time and the experience may make Indian staff and trustees consider alternative ways to help vulnerable children, particularly in the homes. Trustees plan to carry out the following development of W's work: Encourage trustees in India to consider alternative models of SLrpport which may enable children to remain with their families - particularly in the light of
iecommendations by a national body that children's homes in Tamil Nadu be closed. Monitor Ihe effectiveness of the Board of trustees of Nambikkai Illam Trust and Ihe advisory committee at Faith School and recommend courses of action to improve. If appropriate. Continue to strengthen online information and giving which is an increasingly important part of Fwf's work with supporters, widening the demographic of Ihe people who can be reached with news of our work. Declaration The trustees declare thal they have approved the annual report above. Signed on behalf of the Trustees.. Signature /1 Full name Tessa Sayers Chris Sayers Position Chair of trustees Trustee Date 10 July 2022
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2021
For
FAITH WELFARE TRUST
FAITH WELFARE TRUST
GENERAL INFORMATION for the Year Ended 30 September 2021
ADDRESS: 18 Field House Close Acklington Morpeth NE65 9PE
ACCOUNTANTS: 60 North Accounts Ltd Hillside Cottage Voe Shetland ZE2 9PT
NOTES:
-
These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with the SORP 2015 Accounting and Reporting by Charities and the Charities Act 2011.
-
All funds received from donors are unrestricted.
FAITH WELFARE TRUST
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Faith Welfare Trust
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2021, which are set out on pages 2 and 3.
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 this year under S144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011
-
to follow the proceedures laid down in the general direction given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5) (b) of the Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 explainations from you as trustees concering any such matters. The proceedures 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 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts in accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 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.
| Rosalind Nicol | 27-Jun | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| R Nicol ACCA | 60 North Accounts Ltd | |
| Hillside Cottage | ||
| Independent Examiner | Voe | |
| Shetland | ||
| ZE2 9PT |
FAITH WELFARE TRUST
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT for the Year Ended 30 September 2021
| GENERAL FUND Income Receipts: From Voluntary Sources Legacy Donations Donations under Gift Aid Gift Aid: Tax Claims From Assets: Deposit Interest TOTAL RECEIPTS Payments: Charitable Activity Direct Expenditure Transfers to Nambikkai Illam Trust Management and Administration Telephone, Fax, Postage & Stationery Travel Accountancy Bank Charges TOTAL PAYMENTS Net Receipts (Payments) Bank Deposit and Current Account Balances at 30 September 2020 Bank Deposit and Current Account Balances at 30 September 2021 |
107328 35552 26160 6839 326 |
2021 | 2020 0 20988 22099 5681 671 49439 53400 106 0 150 50 306 53706 -4267 77821 73555 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 192 0 75 25 |
176205 | ||
| 55000 292 |
|||
| 55292 | |||
| 120912 73555 |
|||
| 194467 |
2
FAITH WELFARE TRUST
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES As at 30 September 2021
| MONETARY ASSETS: Bank Current Account Bank Deposits DEBTOR:Tax on gift aid TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS LIABILITIES: Accountancy Other expenses |
2021 76249 118218 194467 9298 203765 75 0 75 |
2020 1684 71871 |
|---|---|---|
| 73555 6839 |
||
| 80393 | ||
| 75 0 |
||
| 75 |
The statement of accounts are approved by the Board of Trustees
| ) | Chris Sayers | |
|---|---|---|
| ) | ||
| ) Trustees | ||
| ) | ||
| ) | David Shipley | |
| Dated: | 2022 |
3
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2021
For
FAITH WELFARE TRUST
FAITH WELFARE TRUST
GENERAL INFORMATION for the Year Ended 30 September 2021
ADDRESS: 18 Field House Close Acklington Morpeth NE65 9PE
ACCOUNTANTS: 60 North Accounts Ltd Hillside Cottage Voe Shetland ZE2 9PT
NOTES:
-
These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with the SORP 2015 Accounting and Reporting by Charities and the Charities Act 2011.
-
All funds received from donors are unrestricted.
FAITH WELFARE TRUST
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Faith Welfare Trust
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2021, which are set out on pages 2 and 3.
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 this year under S144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011
-
to follow the proceedures laid down in the general direction given by the Charity Commission under section 145 (5) (b) of the Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the 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 explainations from you as trustees concering any such matters. The proceedures 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 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts in accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 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.
| Rosalind Nicol | 27-Jun | 2022 |
|---|---|---|
| R Nicol ACCA | 60 North Accounts Ltd | |
| Hillside Cottage | ||
| Independent Examiner | Voe | |
| Shetland | ||
| ZE2 9PT |
FAITH WELFARE TRUST
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT for the Year Ended 30 September 2021
| GENERAL FUND Income Receipts: From Voluntary Sources Legacy Donations Donations under Gift Aid Gift Aid: Tax Claims From Assets: Deposit Interest TOTAL RECEIPTS Payments: Charitable Activity Direct Expenditure Transfers to Nambikkai Illam Trust Management and Administration Telephone, Fax, Postage & Stationery Travel Accountancy Bank Charges TOTAL PAYMENTS Net Receipts (Payments) Bank Deposit and Current Account Balances at 30 September 2020 Bank Deposit and Current Account Balances at 30 September 2021 |
107328 35552 26160 6839 326 |
2021 | 2020 0 20988 22099 5681 671 49439 53400 106 0 150 50 306 53706 -4267 77821 73555 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 192 0 75 25 |
176205 | ||
| 55000 292 |
|||
| 55292 | |||
| 120912 73555 |
|||
| 194467 |
2
FAITH WELFARE TRUST
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES As at 30 September 2021
| MONETARY ASSETS: Bank Current Account Bank Deposits DEBTOR:Tax on gift aid TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS LIABILITIES: Accountancy Other expenses |
2021 76249 118218 194467 9298 203765 75 0 75 |
2020 1684 71871 |
|---|---|---|
| 73555 6839 |
||
| 80393 | ||
| 75 0 |
||
| 75 |
The statement of accounts are approved by the Board of Trustees
| ) | Chris Sayers | |
|---|---|---|
| ) | ||
| ) Trustees | ||
| ) | ||
| ) | David Shipley | |
| Dated: | 2022 |
3